As the MLB offseason charges ahead toward the holidays, the Philadelphia Phillies kept busy with their first move since the Winter Meetings. On Monday morning, they surprised everyone by reportedly signing right fielder Adolis García.
With some big free agent outfielders still left on the market, the Phillies instead chose to gamble on a rebound from García's bat. The move is a direct solution to their desire to move on from Nick Castellanos in right field this offseason.
We know that Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski had to make some deals eventually. He and the front office are attempting to make enough significant changes to the roster and rebuild the outfield this winter in hopes of being World Series contenders in 2026.
So where does the García signing leave Dombrowski and the Phillies as they stare down the rest of the offseason? There's still moves to be made. Here's who we think is off the table and who's still in play.
2 free agents the Phillies are out on after Adolis García signing
Kyle Tucker, OF
If last week's Kyle Schwarber signing didn't seal the Phillies' fate in terms of the biggest free agent bat, then this García move does. Kyle Tucker is going to sign the biggest free agent contract this offseason, with some projections reaching 10 years and perhaps near $400 million.
While it was wishful thinking to begin with at the outset, there was always hope among the fans that the Phillies might splurge on a permanent solution, like Tucker, in right field. Schwarber's $150 million contract started to close the door on fans' hopes, while adding García on a one-year, $10 million deal slams it shut.
García won't provide the same five-tool skill set that makes Tucker so valuable. However, the soon-to-be 33-year-old brings some power from the right side. He hit 19 home runs in 135 games in 2025 and blasted 91 in 458 games from 2022 through 2024.
Cody Bellinger, OF
Another, slightly more likely option for a big outfield signing was Cody Bellinger. Notice the past tense there. The Phillies, with their move to give García a shot, have indicated that they're not big-game hunting in the outfield.
They were rumored to have been lurking around Bellinger's free agency, even if they weren't serious contenders. With Bellinger predicted to get five years and upwards of $135 million, the annual salary of more than $25 million feels too rich, even if he would solve the void in center field for the foreseeable future.
3 free agents who are still in play for the Phillies after the Adolis García signing
Harrison Bader, OF
Even with García in the fold, the Phillies still need a center fielder and Harrison Bader has been floating around the Phillies' offseason since it began. Both sides have said they are interested in a reunion, it's just a matter of finding an agreeable term and value.
Bader made everyone in Philadelphia fall in love with him during his short stint after the trade deadline. Even if he hit over his head in his 50 games here, batting .305 with an .824 OPS, his stellar defense in center and infectious personality would be more than enough.
Rumors are that Bader is seeking a three-year deal, which might be hard for the Phillies to bite on. He'll still be considerably cheaper than Bellinger, that's for sure.
J.T. Realmuto, C
García's contract shouldn't affect the Phillies' desire to re-sign J.T. Realmuto. Losing the veteran catcher would leave a massive hole behind the plate, especially considering what's available on the free agent market.
The Phillies have an offer out to his camp, everyone's just in a holding pattern right now waiting on Realmuto to decide. His predicted deal of $15-16 million per season should have already been baked into the Phillies' offseason plans. Giving García $10 million for one year in right field shouldn't affect those plans at all.
Tatsuya Imai, RHP
Phillies managing partner John Middleton will have to agree to stretch his payroll commitment to bring in Japanese free agent right-hander Tatsuya Imai. The Phillies have been yearning to get a piece of the action from Japan. However, ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projects that Imai could sign a contract for over six years and around $157 million (including the posting fee to the Seibu Lions.)
If Middleton and Dombrowski want to gamble on signing their first Japanese player directly from the NPB, Imai would be a great one to start with. The 27-year-old has a 2.18 ERA since 2022 and had a 1.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts in 163 2/3 innings in 2025.
Also, unlike every other Japanese player, Imai doesn't want to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers or with other players from his home country. With many experts believing that he's willing to play on the East Coast, it's time for the Phillies to pounce.