Rangers Non-Tendered: Garcia, Heim Lead Arbitration Exits

The Texas Rangers just made a bold move that’s turning heads across Major League Baseball. World Series heroes Adolis García and Jonah Heim are now free agents after being non-tendered.

This decision comes only two years after the duo helped deliver the Rangers’ historic 2023 championship. It’s a move that reflects their recent offensive struggles and the front office’s changing financial priorities.

Sixty-six MLB players in total were non-tendered in this offseason shake-up.

Texas Parts Ways With Key World Series Contributors

García and Heim leaving signals a big shift in how the Rangers are building their roster. García, who snagged the 2023 American League Championship Series MVP, was electric that postseason with a 1.108 OPS.

Since then, though, his numbers have dipped. In the 2025 season, García hit just .227 and added 19 home runs, but his OPS dropped below .700, which is under league average.

He earned over $9 million, but the team didn’t see enough to justify what he’d cost in arbitration.

Jonah Heim’s Decline at the Plate

Heim’s bat cooled off, too. In 2025, he managed a .213 batting average, hit 11 homers, and finished with a .602 OPS.

With his $4.57 million salary set to climb in arbitration, the Rangers decided to move on. Heim’s defense and work with pitchers still got respect, but the front office cared more about keeping their finances flexible than holding onto those intangibles.

Josh Sborz Joins the List of Departures

The Rangers also let go of right-hander Josh Sborz, another piece of their championship puzzle. Sborz’s exit really drives home how the team wants to trim payroll and retool for the future.

Chris Young, the president of baseball operations, said all three players deserve huge credit for helping deliver the Rangers’ first-ever World Series title. Honestly, they’ll be tough to forget.

Cost-Cutting and Roster Reconfiguration

Non-tendering García, Heim, and Sborz fits a bigger MLB pattern—teams are weighing player performance against rising arbitration costs. The Rangers might use the freed-up money to chase younger, cheaper talent or free agents who fit Bruce Bochy’s style better.

Other Notable Non-Tendered Players Around MLB

This winter, several familiar names hit the market after being let go by their teams. The list includes:

• Alek Manoah – Former Blue Jays All-Star pitcher
• Nathaniel Lowe – Ex-Rangers first baseman with strong on-base skills
• Reese McGuire – Veteran catcher known for defensive consistency
• Sam Hentges – Reliable left-handed reliever
• Mike Tauchman – Versatile outfielder
• Jason Foley – Hard-throwing bullpen arm
• Evan Phillips – A key setup man for the Dodgers
• Christopher Morel – Power-hitting infielder/outfielder

The Arbitration Landscape

The rest of MLB’s arbitration-eligible players got tendered contracts. Now, their 2026 salaries will get sorted out either through negotiations or arbitration hearings later this offseason.

This stage of roster management always feels tense, as teams try to balance performance with what each player could earn next year.

Impact on the Rangers Going Forward

For the Rangers, losing García and Heim isn’t just about changing the lineup. It shakes up the clubhouse, too.

García’s energy and Heim’s connection with pitchers brought something special. Honestly, replacing that vibe won’t be easy.

Still, this retooling hints at a bigger plan—finding players who can deliver on both sides of the ball while keeping the payroll in check. It’s a tricky balance, but maybe it’s the right call for the long haul.

Potential Market Suitors

The free-agent market’s going to be lively for García, Heim, and Sborz. García brings a power bat and that postseason edge, which could tempt contenders craving an offensive spark.

Heim stands out for his defensive chops and his knack for game-calling. Teams needing stability behind the plate might keep a close eye on him.

Sborz has been through plenty of high-pressure innings. You’d think another bullpen would snap him up pretty quickly.

As the offseason gets rolling, fans, analysts, and rival front offices are bound to scrutinize the Rangers’ unconventional move. It’s a bold call, and Texas is hoping these tough decisions now will lead to real, lasting success down the line.

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