On Monday, the Philadelphia Phillies finalized a one‑year, $10 million deal with former Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis García, signaling a new direction in right‑handed power.
Phillies Seek Right‑Handed Impact
All offseason long, the Phillies have made it clear they want more right‑handed impact. The move to sign García reflects that priority. The contract is for one year and worth $10 million. This agreement positions the team to add a veteran presence in right field.
Adolis García: A World‑Series Champion
García, 32, spent six seasons with Texas after breaking into the majors with St. Louis in 2018. Over five full seasons with the Rangers (excluding 2020), he hit 141 home runs and posted a .234/.298/.443 line, averaging 3.0 WAR per season. He was a key contributor in Texas’ victorious 2023 World Series run. That season also included an All‑Star nod and a Gold Glove.
Recent Performance and Contract History
During the postseason, García produced a 1.108 OPS with eight homers. He earned ALCS MVP honors after going deep five times against Houston. His biggest moment came in Game 1 of the Fall Classic when he slugged a dramatic walk‑off homer in the bottom of the 11th inning. The Rangers won that game 6‑5 over the Diamondbacks.
Rangers Non‑Tender and Arbitration
The Rangers non‑tendered García on Nov. 21, as he was projected to make north of $10 million in his final year of arbitration. The move comes after two down years at the plate. García has a .675 OPS in that span and has reached base at a .278 clip. In 2025 he produced a .665 OPS with a .227 average, 19 homers and 75 RBIs.
Defensive Strength and Arm Power
Defensively, García remains an asset. Across 128 games in right field last season, he graded above league average in Outs Above Average (OAA). He logged a 91.9‑mph arm, placing him in the top eight percent of MLB. His 2025 Statcast profile reflected the swing‑and‑miss: a 35.7% chase rate, 30.3% whiff rate and 5.1% walk rate.
Replacement for Nick Castellanos
This move comes as a likely, direct replacement for Nick Castellanos. García is the stronger defensive outfielder—he posted 1 OAA in 2025 compared to Castellanos’ –12. While it remains difficult to envision another club absorbing Castellanos’ $20 million salary, the Phillies clearly wanted a reset in right field.
Team Dynamics and Offseason Strategy
García fits as a buy‑low swing with real upside. The underlying power is still there, his arm and defense remain strong and the one‑year deal limits risk. If the Phillies can get even a partial return to form, they’ve added right‑handed protection for Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber without a long‑term commitment financially.
What This Means for the Phillies
Team dynamics will shift as García joins a lineup that has struggled in right‑handed power. The Phillies’ offseason strategy includes balancing veteran experience with younger talent. By adding García, the team gains a player who can contribute immediately while keeping future flexibility.
Key Takeaways
- One‑year, $10 million deal brings veteran right‑handed power and defense.
- García’s World‑Series experience and postseason performance add clutch potential.
- Replacement for Castellanos restores defensive stability in right field.
With the one‑year, $10 million contract, the Phillies have secured a former World‑Series hero who can bolster their right‑handed offense and defense. The move underscores the organization’s focus on immediate impact while preserving long‑term financial prudence.
