It was announced on Monday that free agent outfielder Adolis García had agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. The deal is worth $10 million, the same one-year prove-it deal Dave Dombrowski handed Max Kepler last offseason. This move has the potential to be a lot bigger for the Phillies, and it could be just what they needed.
García is a 33-year-old right fielder who has spent the last six seasons playing for the Texas Rangers. He had his ups and downs during his tenure with the Rangers, but his highs were certainly memorable. He was crowned ALCS MVP in 2023, the same season he won a gold glove and finished top 15 in MVP voting.
García is not that player anymore, however, as he has seen a drastic drop in every offensive metric. The Phillies did not sign him, expecting 40 home runs and 100 RBIs though. They signed him, expecting a right-handed bat with some pop in the middle of the lineup. If he can do that, Philadelphia is already in much better shape than last season.
García is expected to slot somewhere from four to seven in the Phillies lineup this season, depending on other moves made. Re-signing JT Realmuto could send him lower in the order, but trading Alec Bohm could see García jump a few spots and bat behind Bryce Harper.
Phillies prospect Justin Crawford is expected to be on the opening day roster, so with the addition of García, Philadelphia has already reshaped 2/3 of their outfield. Center field is still open for the taking, so there is a realistic chance the Phillies open next season with an entirely new trio in the outfield grass.
Harrison Bader has been a name the Phillies have remained interested in throughout the winter meetings. Bringing him back would give Philadelphia an exciting and elite defensive outfield. Another option in CF is Luis Robert Jr. The Chicago White Sox are once again rumored to be shopping him, with the Phillies remaining interested. These rumors were reported prior to the García signing, so it’s unknown if they are still interested.
Re-signing Realmuto has become the biggest priority for Dombrowski after re-signing MVP candidate Kyle Schwarber. The catcher market is very bleak, so locking down the veteran backstop is extremely important. Other options for catchers primarily come from the trade front, with young prospects being the best bet. Something a competing team would likely want to avoid.
Nick Castellanos is all but gone from Philadelphia at this point. All indications point towards a departure at some point this offseason. A change of scenery might not come easy for the Phillies, however, and they may have to eat the entirety of his $20 million contract to get rid of him.
Signing Garcia is a much bigger deal than many realize. Although nobody expects him to return to his peak form, there is still potential for him to make a real impact. This move is very exciting for any Phillies fan who was hoping they would not run it back, as the outfield has now seen a major turnaround.
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