Report: Phillies agree to 1-year, $10M deal with Adolis García
The Philadelphia Phillies have added some pop to their outfield, agreeing to a one-year, $10-million contract with two-time All-Star Adolis García, sources told journalist Francys Romero.
García became a free agent in November when he was non-tendered by the Texas Rangers.
The 32-year-old is coming off a second straight down year at the plate in Texas. García slashed a career-low .227/.271/.394 with 19 homers, 75 RBIs, and 13 steals over 135 games. He did continue to excel defensively, where his 16 defensive runs saved were the most among qualified right fielders. García's powerful throwing arm also ranked in the 92nd percentile of arm strength.
Philadelphia is hoping a move to cozy Citizens Bank Park can revitalize his powerful bat. García is only two years removed from a career-best 2023 season that saw him hit 39 homers with an .836 OPS, plus another eight long balls in the playoffs during Texas' World Series championship run. García was named 2023 ALCS MVP and hit a walk-off homer in Game 1 of that year's Fall Classic.
He'll presumably serve as the Phillies' everyday right fielder in 2026. García also allows Brandon Marsh to move from center field to left, potentially opening the door for top prospect Justin Crawford to man center.
García's signing also essentially ensures the Phillies will part ways with Nick Castellanos. The veteran outfielder, who's owed $20 million in the final year of his contract next season, is coming off a career-worst campaign on both sides of the ball and repeatedly clashed with manager Rob Thomson.
The Phillies are actively trying to trade Castellanos and are open to paying a significant portion of his salary to make that happen. However, he's still garnered almost no interest in trade talks, sources told Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Castellanos will be released if a deal doesn't materialize before spring training, Zolecki adds.
Originally signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017 after defecting from his native Cuba, García debuted in the majors a year later. It wasn't until 2021 - two years after Texas acquired him for cash considerations - that he finally broke out to hit 31 homers and finish fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting.
García is a lifetime .237/.293/.441 hitter with 141 homers, 459 RBIs, and 74 stolen bases across 766 games. He won a Gold Glove in 2023 and was a finalist again this past season.