The Philadelphia Phillies announced Tuesday that they have added Cuban outfielder Adolis Garcia to their roster, bringing a player known for a powerful arm and a breakout 2021 season.
A New Signing for the Phillies
In the morning of Tuesday, the Phillies officially welcomed Garcia, a former Cardinals and Rangers outfielder. The move comes as the team looks to bolster its lineup with a player who has proven himself in both the American and National Leagues.
Family Roots in Baseball
Garcia’s baseball journey is intertwined with his older brother, Adonis. Adonis was signed by the Yankees in 2012 and later by the Atlanta Braves in 2015. He reached the majors with the Braves, playing three seasons before his release in early 2018. The two brothers joined forces on the field in 2019 while playing for the Gigantes of the Dominican Winter League.
A Cannon in the Outfield
Garcia is celebrated for his exceptional throwing arm. His average throw measures 91.9 mph, placing him among the best in Major League Baseball. According to MLB Savant, he recorded a plus‑1 Outs Against Average in 2025, tying for 12th among 36 qualified right fielders. For comparison, Nick Castellanos ranked 35th with a minus‑12.
From Cardinals to Rangers to the Phillies
Garcia’s early career began with the St. Louis Cardinals. He produced limited results for the Cardinals, leading to a trade to the Texas Rangers in the 2019 offseason for straight cash—no players or prospects exchanged. After spending most of 2020 at the Rangers’ training site, Garcia burst onto the scene in 2021, hitting 31 home runs, earning an All‑Star selection, and finishing fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
The Nickname “El Bombi”
Fans affectionately call Garcia “El Bombi,” a nickname that originates from the Spanish word “bombilla,” meaning light bulb. A neighborhood kid in Cuba gave him the name because he thought Garcia’s head resembled a light bulb.
Home Run Derby Appearances
Garcia has participated twice in the Home Run Derby during the All‑Star festivities. In 2023, he hit 17 home runs in the first round at T‑Mobile Park in Seattle. Unfortunately, Tampa’s Randy Arozarena surpassed him with 24 homers on his way to the finals. In 2024, at Globe Life Park, Garcia improved his first run with 18 home runs but again did not advance past the opening round.
Watching the World Series
Garcia didn’t watch a World Series game on television until he was 23 years old. In Cuba, state‑run programming limited his access to live baseball broadcasts. After defecting in 2016, he became a citizen of the Dominican Republic, where he could watch the Cubs and Guardians in the Fall Classic—seven years before he helped the Rangers win the Series.
Key Takeaways
- The Phillies have signed Cuban outfielder Adolis Garcia.
- Garcia’s arm averages 91.9 mph, ranking among MLB’s best.
- He was traded from the Cardinals to the Rangers for cash in 2019.
- Garcia has appeared twice in the Home Run Derby, with 17 and 18 homers in the first rounds.
- He didn’t see a World Series on TV until age 23, after defecting in 2016.
The addition of Garcia adds depth and power to the Phillies’ lineup, and fans can look forward to seeing how his experience will translate into the National League.
