Former Miami Marlins outfielder Avisaíl García has hung up his cleats.
Here is García’s full retirement announcement, which was posted to his Instagram account on Monday:
Today I formally announce the end of my career in Major League Baseball after 12 seasons of dedication and hard work.
Thank you to God for the blessing of fulfilling my childhood dream—of playing baseball at its highest level.
To my family: my eternal gratitude for your unconditional love, constant support, and sacrifices that made every step of this journey possible.
To my agent, Gene Mato, and the Mato Sports Management team: thank you for your professional guidance, loyalty, and unwavering support throughout my career.
To my teammates, coaches, and staff: thank you for the brotherhood, respect, and shared lessons day in and day out. These good memories will stay in my heart forever…
To the teams that trusted me and gave me the opportunity to compete at the highest level… Thank you…
Baseball gave me far more than I could have dreamed: achievements, experiences, and values I will carry with me always. I close this chapter with pride and gratitude, ready for new chapters in life.
With respect and appreciation,
Avisail Garcia
The 34-year-old native of Anaco, Venezuela, played for the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers prior to joining the Fish. With the 2021 Brewers, he set new career-highs in home runs (29) and walks (38). Starved for offense, Miami signed García to a four-year, $53 million free agent contract during the ensuing offseason, which would account for the majority of his career earnings as it turned out.
Almost immediately, the signing looked regrettable. Limited to 153 Marlins games due to injuries, García slashed .217/.260/.322 with 13 home runs, six stolen bases and a 59 wRC+. His -1.4 fWAR is tied with Tim Anderson for the worst mark among all Marlins hitters since 2022.
The Marlins released García on June 9, 2024. He underwent lower back surgery in October of that year in an attempt to extend his career, but never played another professional game.
May the next chapter of García’s life bring him fulfillment and success.