Adolis García and the Philadelphia Phillies are finalizing a one-year, $10 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday, landing the veteran with a team that needed outfield help less than a month after being non-tendered.
The 32-year-old García, whose blistering postseason helped lead Texas to the 2023 World Series title, was non-tendered by Rangers in late November following two sub-standard seasons.
He is expected to take over in right field, paving the way for the exit of Nick Castellanos, who has spent the winter on the trade block and carries a $20 million salary into next season.
For the second consecutive season, the Phillies are betting on a lower-cost, corner-outfield signing to inject offense. Max Kepler, also signed for $10 million, hit 18 home runs for Philadelphia but was a below-average offensive player. Philadelphia also returns Brandon Marsh, who can play center or left field, and top prospect Justin Crawford is expected to receive a chance to win a full-time job in spring training.
García, a two-time All-Star, struggled this year with a .227/.271/.394 line, hitting 19 home runs and driving in 75 while striking out 135 times and walking just 28. While patience never has been a hallmark of García's, he has hit 141 home runs over the last five seasons, tied for 17th most in the major leagues.
He was named American League Championship Series MVP in 2023, compiling a 1.108 OPS in the postseason that October, but followed that with back-to-back years with an OPS below .700.
García broke into the majors in 2018, playing 21 games for the Cardinals. After joining the Rangers organization, he became a full-time player in 2021. In parts of seven seasons, he has batted .237/.294/.442 with 459 RBIs and won a Gold Glove in 2023.
The deal between García and the Phillies was first reported by Francys Romero.