The Philadelphia Phillies were gifted a new toy just before the holidays. After being non-tendered by the Texas Rangers in November and becoming a free agent, Adolis García has reportedly signed a one-year deal with the Phillies.
The Phillies had been searching for a right-handed power bat in the outfield, which is at a premium around the league, and they got just that with García. The veteran projects to bring much-needed thump in the lineup in an outfield that is expected to feature Brandon Marsh and top prospect Justin Crawford, both of whom are left-handed hitters.
Grading Phillies’ one-year gamble on Adolis García
García has had success with the Rangers since his rookie year in 2021, and he looked to be on his way to becoming a superstar. He was named to the All-Star Game during his first full year in the majors and finished fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
García has never been a player to hit for a high average, but he’s proven to be a power threat. He has 141 home runs over the last five seasons, including a career-high 39 home runs in 2023.
The Phillies are taking a gamble on García rebounding in 2026 rather than declining with age. He’s hit .227 or lower in each of the last two seasons and had career lows in home runs (19) and RBIs (75) in 2025.
Phillies’ Adolis García contract grade: B
Many Phillies fans had their eyes set on either Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger this offseason to upgrade the outfield. Although both players are still available, the Phillies got an outfielder with elite skills at a much more affordable price.
García not only brings power to the lineup, but he also brings elite defense in right field. He was awarded a Gold Glove in 2023 and owns a career .985 fielding percentage in the outfield, including an AL-leading .993 fielding percentage in 2025 among qualified right fielders.
He may not have blazing speed on the base paths, but he stole a career-high 25 bases in 2022 and has had double-digit steals in four of his five full major league seasons.
The Phillies are hoping to get the player who was a key piece to the Rangers’ World Series run in 2023. García slashed .245/.328/.508 with an .836 OPS, 29 doubles, 39 home runs and 107 RBIs in 148 games during the regular season in 2023 and had an unforgettable postseason. He hit .323 with a 1.108 OPS, eight home runs and 22 RBIs in 15 games during the 2023 playoffs and was named the ALCS MVP.
It seems like a no-brainer decision by the Phillies, but it’s risky because of García’s decline over the last two years. Not only has his production dipped, but he’s also dealt with multiple injuries, albeit nothing serious.
The other risk factor is a repeat of what happened last year. The Phillies signed Max Kepler to a similar one-year deal, hoping to boost the outfield’s production, but it ended up being a failed experiment.
At the very least, García provides the Phillies with elite defense in right field and 20-plus home run power in a hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park. He should also benefit from hitting in a lineup with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.