By Rob Butcher
Cincinnati Reds’ Publicity

CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations, General Manager Dick Williams on Saturday announced the signing of international free agent shortstop Jose Israel Garcia to a minor league contract.
“Right away Jose stood out because of his 6-foot, 3-inch live, athletic body. During the 18U Pan Am gold medal game, I thought this kid would fit right in with the USA team’s middle infielders who were going to be some of the best young kids available for the 2017 draft,” Director of International Scouting Tony Arias said of the Havana, Cuba native.
“He is a super athletic player who hits line drives using the whole field, showed his ability to run and showed great instincts.”
Garcia, 19, will report to the club’s Dominican Summer League affiliate.
In the U18 World Cup in Osaka, Japan, Garcia hit .382/.432/.500 with 4 doubles in 34 at bats.
Garcia was signed by the Reds after recommendations from Arias, Vice President of Amateur Scouting Chris Buckley, Assistant Director of International Scouting Miguel Machado, international scouting cross checker Bob Engle, area supervisor Hector Otero and Director of Baseball Operations Eric Lee.