Adolis Garcia's Impact on Phillies, Nick Castellanos Trade Rumors After Contract
The Philadelphia Phillies entered the winter needing to find some protection for Bryce Harper in the middle of the lineup. They may have found their guy.
Philadelphia announced on Tuesday that it signed former Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis García.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan and BBWA member Francys Romero, the deal is for one year and $10 million.
Two of the Phillies' biggest goals this offseason were to add more right-handed power to the lineup and to improve the outfield. The hope will be that García scratches each itch.
With this signing, the Phillies expect their outfield to be set now:
The two-time All-Star and one-time Gold Glover hit at least 25 home runs and 85 RBI per season between the 2021-24 campaigns. The 2025 season was a struggle, however, as he hit just .227 with 19 homers, 75 RBI, 58 runs, 13 stolen bases and a .665 OPS. That led to the Rangers to non-tender him this offseason.
The Phillies are banking on a bounce-back season, and even if 2025 was his new baseline it still won't be a downgrade from what Nick Castellanos (.250 with 17 homers, 72 RBI, 72 runs and a .694 OPS) offered at the plate.
Add in the fact that García is a far superior defender, and it's easy enough to see why the Phillies took a one-year gamble on the former Ranger and are reportedly "begging someone" to take Castellanos off their hands in a trade, per The Athletic's Jim Bowden.
The Phillies still have some questions in the outfield, namely in center field. Brandon Marsh is better suited defensively to left field, though the same could be said for prospect Justin Crawford, who is inexperienced in center but appears to be ready for an everyday role in the Majors. The Phillies could also choose to re-sign Harrison Bader, depending on the asking price, though that would potentially mean either trading Marsh to clear playing time for Crawford or a platoon in center between Bader and either Marsh or Crawford.
But at this point, right field appears to be settled with the addition of García and the looming departure of Castellanos.
