Adolis García etched his name into Texas Rangers history with his memorable contributions during their 2023 World Series campaign. However, he is now seeking new employment opportunities.
The Rangers opted not to extend a contract to the 32-year-old outfielder, thus granting him immediate free agency status. Out of their five arbitration-eligible players, the team extended a contract to only one, outfielder Sam Haggerty. Additionally, former All-Star catcher Jonah Heim, along with relievers Josh Sborz and Jacob Webb, are now free agents as well.
Had the Rangers presented García with a contract, estimations from MLB Trade Rumors suggested a potential salary commitment of $12.1 million. Despite García’s previous accomplishments, his performance has noticeably declined in the two seasons following the World Series championship.
Between 2024 and 2025 (his age-31 and -32 seasons), his batting line was .225/.278/.397. Given these offensive statistics, the Rangers apparently determined that retaining him for another season would be too expensive.
This decision does not diminish García’s contributions to the franchise. He initially joined Texas after being designated for assignment by the St. Louis Cardinals. He faced another DFA situation with Texas in 2021 but subsequently returned to the roster, making an immediate impact as a rookie that year. He earned All-Star recognition and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.
García achieved true stardom in 2023, posting a .245/.328/.508 slash line with a career-best 39 home runs. He once again received All-Star honors that year, along with MVP votes and a Gold Glove. That regular season proved to be a prelude to his outstanding playoff performance.
During the ALCS against the Houston Astros, a team the Rangers shared a state with and therefore considered a rival, García was named series MVP, hitting home runs in four consecutive games, including two in the decisive Game 7. He became a nemesis for Houston, igniting a benches-clearing incident in Game 5 after celebrating a home run with a leisurely trot, and a beloved figure for the DFW area. The series served as a form of release for a franchise that had witnessed Houston dominate the division for several years, a victory that would not have been possible without García’s exceptional performance.
García proceeded to hit another home run in Game 1 of the World Series. He concluded the postseason with a record-breaking 22 RBI, in addition to eight home runs. Five of those home runs and 15 of the RBI were against the Astros.
The Rangers have not returned to the postseason since that successful run, as age, injuries, and performance decline have taken their toll over the past two seasons. Now, it appears they will be without one of their most impactful past players should they qualify for the playoffs next year.
