Robel Estiwal García Rodriguez is a talented professional baseball infielder who has made significant strides in his career since signing with the Cleveland Indians as an international free agent in 2010. After four seasons in the minor leagues, he faced a pivotal moment when he was released by the Indians on his twenty-first birthday. Undeterred, García relocated to Italy, where he began playing independent baseball and quickly made a name for himself in the Italian Baseball League, showcasing his skills with teams like Redskins Imola and Fortitudo Bologna.
In 2018, García’s performance caught the attention of scouts during an exhibition series, leading to a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs. He began the 2019 season with the Double-A Tennessee Smokies and demonstrated his potential by earning a promotion to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. His hard work culminated in a major league debut on July 3, 2019, where he made an immediate impact by hitting a triple for his first MLB hit the following day.
García’s journey continued as he was claimed off waivers by several teams, including the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Mets. He faced challenges during the pandemic-shortened season but remained resilient, contributing to the Dominican Republic’s national team in the 2021 Caribbean Series. His versatility as a second baseman and pinch hitter has been a valuable asset throughout his career.
In 2022, García returned to the Cubs before signing with the LG Twins in the KBO League, where he continued to refine his skills. Most recently, he joined the Leones de Yucatán in the Mexican League and later returned to UnipolSai Bologna. As a free agent, García’s journey reflects his determination and adaptability in the competitive world of professional baseball, making him a player to watch in the future.