The Texas Rangers stunned baseball on Friday, November 21, 2025, by non-tendering Adolis Garcia, the 2023 American League Championship Series MVP who carried them to their first World Series title just two seasons ago. The move, confirmed by MLB.com and ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, makes the 32-year-old outfielder an immediate free agent — no waivers, no waiting. It’s a brutal turn for a player who once embodied the heart of the franchise, and it signals a decisive pivot by Texas Rangers president Chris Young away from the boom-or-bust offense that defined their 2023 run.
A Fall From Glory
Garcia’s 2023 season was the stuff of legend. He smashed 39 home runs, drove in 107 runs, and posted an .836 OPS during the regular season. Then came the playoffs: 8 homers, 22 RBIs, and a record 15 RBIs in the ALCS against the Houston Astros — a performance so electric, it turned him into a folk hero in Arlington. Fans still replay his walk-off grand slam in Game 3. He signed a two-year, $14 million extension after that miracle run, a bargain at the time.But 2025? It was a shadow of that. Garcia hit .227 with a .271 on-base percentage and a .665 OPS — career lows across the board. His OPS+ dropped to 93, below league average. He still hit 19 homers, sure. But he struck out 189 times in 135 games. He swung at pitches outside the zone like a man chasing fireflies. The Rangers, who once praised his fearless approach, now openly call it undisciplined.
The Roster Purge
Garcia wasn’t alone. The Rangers also non-tendered catcher Jonah Heim (30), reliever Josh Sborz, and reliever Jacob Webb. All were arbitration-eligible for the final time. Heim, the Gold Glove-caliber catcher who hit .258 with 18 homers in 2023, posted a .642 OPS in 2025. The message was clear: the 2023 championship roster is officially dismantled.It’s not just about performance — it’s philosophy. Since the World Series win, Young and general manager Chris Young (yes, same name, different person — the GM is Chris Young, the president is also Chris Young — a quirk of Rangers front office structure) have talked about wanting more plate discipline, more walks, less swing-and-miss. Garcia, for all his power, became the symbol of what they wanted to move past. His .293 career OBP? That’s not sustainable for a team aiming to be a consistent contender.
Who’s Left Standing?
The Rangers did tender one contract: outfielder Sam Haggerty, who’ll earn a one-year deal to avoid arbitration. He’s a speed guy, a defensive specialist — the antithesis of Garcia. That contrast says everything.Garcia’s departure leaves a gaping hole in the outfield market. He’s not a center fielder — he’s a corner guy, and that limits his appeal. But he’s still a proven power bat with elite defensive range. His 2025 defense? MLB.com called it “slightly above average.” That’s valuable in today’s game, where defensive metrics matter more than ever.
Potential Landing Spots
The Cleveland Guardians, who finished second-to-last in AL Central OPS (.670) in 2025, are a logical fit. They need pop, and Garcia’s power could rejuvenate their lineup. The Los Angeles Angels, reeling after trading Taylor Ward, could use a right-handed bat with upside. And then there’s the Los Angeles Dodgers.Dodgers Nation suggests Garcia as a short-term fix for Michael Conforto’s departure. His defense would be a massive upgrade over Conforto and Teoscar Hernandez. But here’s the catch: the Dodgers want to move Andy Pages to the corner. Garcia can’t play center. So unless they’re betting on him as a DH/occasional corner guy, he’s not a perfect fit. Still — with a $10 million salary expected on the open market, he’s a low-risk, high-reward gamble.
What This Means for the Future
The Rangers’ decision is a gamble on youth and process over legacy. They’re banking on players like Elier Hernandez and Josh Smith to fill the gaps. It’s a cold, business-like move — and in today’s MLB, it’s becoming the norm. Teams don’t romanticize past glory anymore. They look at OPS+, WAR, and swing percentages.But in Arlington? Fans still remember Garcia’s bat crack echoing through Globe Life Field in October 2023. They remember the way he celebrated with his family after the final out. He wasn’t just a player. He was the face of a new era.
Now, he’s a free agent at 33, with seven MLB seasons behind him and a .237 career average. He’s not a Hall of Famer. But he’s the kind of player who makes baseball beautiful — unpredictable, fiery, unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Rangers non-tender Adolis Garcia after his 2023 MVP season?
Despite Garcia’s legendary 2023 postseason, his 2025 regular season stats plummeted to career lows: .227 batting average, .271 OBP, and .665 OPS. The Rangers, under president Chris Young, are shifting toward disciplined hitters with higher on-base skills. Garcia’s high strikeout rate and declining plate discipline made him a liability under their new offensive philosophy, even with his power and defense.
How does Garcia’s 2025 performance compare to his 2023 season?
In 2023, Garcia hit .245/.328/.508 with 39 homers and a .836 OPS during the regular season, then exploded in the playoffs with 8 homers and 22 RBIs — including a record 15 RBIs in the ALCS. In 2025, he hit .227/.271/.394 with 19 homers and a .665 OPS. His OPS+ fell from 127 to 93, indicating he was below league average, while his strikeout rate climbed to 31.4% — the highest of his career.
Who else did the Rangers non-tender alongside Garcia?
Alongside Garcia, the Rangers non-tendered catcher Jonah Heim, reliever Josh Sborz, and reliever Jacob Webb — all arbitration-eligible for the final time. Heim, who hit .258 with 18 homers in 2023, saw his OPS drop to .642 in 2025. The move signals a full reset of the 2023 championship core, with only Sam Haggerty receiving a tender to avoid arbitration.
Which teams are likely to sign Adolis Garcia in free agency?
The Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Angels are top contenders, both needing power and having poor 2025 offensive outputs. The Los Angeles Dodgers may also explore a short-term deal, valuing Garcia’s defense over his offensive inconsistency — but only if they plan to use him strictly as a corner outfielder or DH, since he doesn’t play center field. His market is thin, but his power and glove make him a low-risk, high-upside option.
Is Adolis Garcia still a valuable defensive player?
Yes. Despite his offensive struggles, MLB.com noted Garcia remained “slightly above-average on defense” in 2025. His arm strength, range, and instincts in right field still rank among the best in baseball. In an era where defensive metrics heavily influence roster decisions, that makes him more attractive than his batting average suggests — especially for teams prioritizing overall fielding value.
What does Garcia’s non-tender say about the future of the Texas Rangers?
It signals a deliberate break from the emotional, high-risk identity of the 2023 team. The Rangers are now prioritizing on-base skills, plate discipline, and youth development. Players like Garcia, who thrived in the chaos of a championship run, don’t fit the new mold. Expect more trades and non-tenders of veteran stars as the organization rebuilds around prospects and analytically driven players — even if it means letting go of franchise legends.