"Garkow, 28, signed with the Blue Jays out of independent ball during the 2024 season. He has spent the last year and a half steadily climbing the minor-league ranks, reaching Double-A in 2025. A three-pitch pitcher, Garkow is revered for his changeup, which has received positive grades across the board. His other offerings (a low-90s fastball and a slider) aren't quite as big-league ready, but that hasn't stopped him from dominating the minors."
"Though he only completed 24 innings in 2024 after signing, he surrendered a scant 1.88 ERA (2.74 FIP). He struck out opposing hitters 36.6% of the time, which was more than good enough to mitigate the traffic on the basepaths created by his 11.8% walk rate. He began last year in High-A Vancouver and continued to do his thing, amassing a ridiculous 17.28 K/9. After a mid-season promotion to New Hampshire, the right-hander ended the 2025 campaign with a 38.7% strikeout rate."
The Blue Jays added right-handed reliever Nate Garkow to their non-roster invitees for spring training. Garkow signed from independent ball in 2024 and advanced to Double-A by 2025. He throws three pitches with a standout changeup and a low-90s fastball and slider that are less refined. Garkow produced exceptional strikeout numbers in the minors, posting 36.6% and 38.7% strikeout rates and very high K/9 figures while recording a 1.88 ERA in limited 2024 innings. Control deteriorated as he climbed levels, with walk rates spiking up to 14.0%, raising concerns about command against major-league hitters.
Read at Jays Journal
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