In a move that shores up their pitching depth for the 2025 season, the Houston Astros have agreed to a one-year, $1.875 million contract with right-hander Luis Garcia. The deal allows the two sides to avoid an arbitration hearing, ensuring the 28-year-old will remain a key part of Houston’s staff as they pursue another championship.
Garcia, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2023, made a pair of minor league rehab appearances last season but struggled to regain his pre-injury form. Now nearly two years removed from the procedure, the Astros are betting that the talented pitcher will return to the level that saw him post a 3.61 ERA across 69 appearances from 2020-23.
The Road to Recovery
Returning from Tommy John surgery is never easy, with pitchers often needing 18-24 months to fully regain their velocity and command. Garcia showed glimpses of his potential in those two rehab outings last summer but will face a much tougher test against major league hitters. Still, the Astros clearly believe in his ability to contribute meaningful innings this season.
“We’re excited to have Luis back in the fold for 2025,” said Astros general manager Dana Brown. “He’s worked incredibly hard to get back to this point, and we believe he has the talent and determination to be a real asset for our club.”
A Pivotal Season Ahead
For Garcia, the 2025 campaign represents a critical juncture in his career. A strong comeback could position him for a lucrative multi-year deal in the future, while struggles might raise doubts about his long-term outlook. The Venezuelan hurler will be out to prove that his pre-surgery form was no fluke.
- 2020-21: 21-11, 3.25 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 252 K
- 2022: 6-4, 3.72 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 95 K
- 2023: 1-4, 5.32 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 32 K
Avoiding Arbitration
By agreeing to terms before the arbitration filing deadline, Garcia and the Astros steer clear of what can often be a contentious process. With his 2025 salary now set, the righty can focus solely on his on-field performance and proving his value to the organization.
“I’m grateful to the Astros for their faith in me,” Garcia said in a statement. “I can’t wait to get back out there and compete. I’m ready to show everyone what I can do.”
Houston’s Arbitration Outlook
While Garcia’s deal is done, the Astros still have seven players poised to exchange arbitration figures, including standouts like Framber Valdez and Jeremy Pena. How the club navigates those negotiations could have a major bearing on their financial flexibility both now and in the years to come.
| Player | Service Time | 2024 Salary |
| Framber Valdez | 4.125 | $6.8 million |
| Bryan Abreu | 3.063 | $1.8 million |
| Jeremy Pena | 2.137 | $1.3 million |
For now, though, the focus is squarely on Garcia and his quest to recapture the form that made him one of the AL’s top young starters. If he can stay healthy and perform up to his potential, this one-year pact could prove a shrewd investment for a Houston team with its sights firmly set on another World Series run.
