Addressing the outfield was always going to be a top priority for the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason. The organization took a high-risk, high-reward approach by signing former All-Star and playoff hero Adolis Garcia to a one-year deal for the 2026 season.
At the height of Garcia’s career in 2023, he hit 39 home runs, had an OPS of .836, and was one of the most feared hitters in a World Series-winning lineup.
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Even though that was only three years ago, Garcia, now 32, is no longer the same player. Even though is would be great if the right-handed bat returned to this elite form, the Phillies aren’t expecting that type of production from him, and that’s okay.
Dave Dombrowski recently spoke about Garcia’s addition, saying, “We don’t need him to hit the ball out of the ballpark on every swing or every at-bat.” (Quote via MLB.com.)
Aug 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Phillies already have plenty of power threats in their lineup, such as Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. What Philadelphia really needs from Garcia is consistency and just be an overall impact bat in the lineup.
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“We think he can do that. And our hitting coaches … that’s one of the things that they do very well working with individuals,” continued the Phillies executive.
In order to help Garcia return to being a productive big-league hitter, Dombrowski feels, “For me, it’s a matter of … not trying to do too much.”
“The tools are there. The ball jumps off his bat. The bat speed’s still there. The exit velocity’s still very good. So those are things that we feel encouraged about.”
Garcia owns a career OPS+ of 105. However, over the last two seasons, that number has been below league average. From 2024-2025, Garcia had a .225/.278./397 slash line with a .675 OPS. Still, in 2025, he had an average exit velocity of 92.1 mph, ranking in the 89th percentile.
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The Phillies aren’t expecting Garcia to be the best hitter in their lineup. And with that pressure off him, that could be exactly what the 32-year-old needs to find some more consistency at the plate.