Rangers Non-Tender Playoff Hero Adolis Garcia After Two Rough Seasons

The Texas Rangers just made a gutsy roster move, parting ways with one of their postseason legends. Outfielder Adolis García, the guy whose 2023 playoff heroics helped bring Texas a World Series title, is now a free agent after getting non-tendered.

This comes after two seasons where García’s production really dipped, even though his past is packed with big moments. At 32, he’s suddenly facing a lot of questions about what’s next.

Texas Rangers Move On from a Postseason Icon

Most fans probably didn’t see this coming: the Rangers declined to offer García a contract for next season. His projected arbitration salary was $12.1 million, which the team decided was just too much given his recent struggles at the plate.

From 2024 to 2025, García hit only .225, with a .278 on-base percentage and a .397 slugging mark. That’s a far cry from his best years.

This move is just one part of a bigger roster shake-up in Texas. Out of five players eligible for arbitration, the Rangers gave a deal to just one — outfielder Sam Haggerty.

Catcher Jonah Heim, relievers Josh Sborz and Jacob Webb, and García all hit free agency together. That’s a lot of turnover in one go.

Financial Concerns Meet On-Field Decline

García’s postseason heroics are still legendary, but the regular season numbers haven’t kept up. The Rangers want to retool after some up-and-down seasons since the title run.

Spending over $12 million on a veteran outfielder whose stats have dropped off just didn’t fit the front office’s vision. It’s a tough call, but probably the right one for their long-term plans.

For García, this is a chance to see what else is out there. Teams know he can deliver in big moments, but his recent stats might make them pause.

From DFA to Stardom — García’s Texas Tale

García’s journey with the Rangers has been wild. He landed in Arlington after being designated for assignment twice — first by the Cardinals, then by Texas itself.

Then, in 2021, he broke out, making the All-Star team as a rookie and locking down a spot in the lineup. He seemed like he’d always be a Ranger after that.

His best moment? That’s gotta be 2023. García hit .245, smashed 39 homers, made another All-Star team, got MVP votes, and picked up a Gold Glove.

That postseason, he was unstoppable in the ALCS against Houston, homering in four straight games and blasting two in Game 7. He set a record with 22 RBIs in one postseason, helping Texas finally win it all.

The Emotional Weight of His Departure

Not many players have made such a mark on Rangers fans so fast. García’s heroics weren’t just stats — they were moments that felt bigger than baseball.

Letting him go will seem cold to some folks, while others will say it’s just business. Either way, it’s a reminder of how quickly things change in this game.

What’s Next for García and the Rangers?

García now hits free agency with some intriguing possibilities ahead. His power-hitting and proven playoff chops will catch the eye of teams hoping for a deep October run.

He could easily become that veteran bat a contender wants for big games. It’s not hard to imagine him coming up clutch somewhere else.

For the Rangers, this is a real gamble. They’re hoping that spending García’s salary on younger, steadier players will pay off.

It feels like they’re shifting away from aging vets and betting on the future. Maybe it’s the right move, maybe not. Time will tell.

Key Takeaways

• Adolis García is now a free agent after the Rangers non-tendered him. He struggled in the last two seasons.
• The Rangers thought his projected $12.1 million arbitration salary was just too much.
• García’s 2023 playoff run still stands out as one of the best in Rangers history.
• Jonah Heim, Josh Sborz, and Jacob Webb are also hitting free agency. Sam Haggerty, though, is staying with Texas.
• Texas clearly wants to shake up the roster and find a new path forward.

The Rangers let García walk, which just shows how quickly things can change in baseball. Even after his postseason heroics, he’s got something to prove—and honestly, wherever he lands next will be worth watching.

 
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