The Texas Rangers will face a tough decision in the offseason. 2023 ALCS MVP Adolis Garcia will be entering arbitration 3 before becoming a free agent in 2027. They avoided arbitration in 2024 when they handed out a two year, 14 million contract to him.
He hasn’t been able to recapture that form as he has struggled with his numbers and injuries. That leads the Rangers to the crossroads of retaining him or letting him walk.
Case to let him walk
This is the most likely option as he has regressed over the past couple years. He has hit .224 and .227 over the past two years with 43 homers over that time compared to his 2023 where he had a .245 batting average and hit 39 home runs.
He has burnt a hole in the cleanup spot and continues to have issues with strikeouts as he leaves guys in scoring position. The Rangers also have a handful of youngsters like Dustin Harris, Michael Helman, and Cody Freeman that can play the corner outfield.
He has also lost playing time to them. They were a big part of the reason that the Rangers were in the playoff race down the stretch. They are also a fraction of the cost of Garcia.
Case to keep him
He is a Rangers hero and had encompassed himself as many fans’ favorite player. Due to his down years that could drive his price down and make him more affordable. His defense has still been incredible as he has not lost a step and still ranks above average in all categories.
Outlook
It will be an interesting choice for the Rangers to make with Garcia and how that determines the future of the team. They come bring him back and see if they make get the magic to work again or if this will be a changing of the guard for them.
Tags: Adolis Garcia Texas Rangers
Categorized: The Ranger Report