The Phillies entered this offseason with a checklist, and right near the top-just under bringing Kyle Schwarber back-was figuring out the outfield. With Nick Castellanos expected to be off the roster by Opening Day, there’s a clear vacancy in right field. And now, it looks like Philadelphia is making its first big move to fill it.
Per multiple reports, the Phillies are finalizing a one-year, $10 million deal with former ALCS MVP Adolis García. The deal is pending a physical, but if it goes through, it’s a bold and intriguing swing by a team that’s been unafraid to make aggressive offseason plays in recent years.
Let’s break it down.
Why García Makes Sense for Philly
First, the need is obvious. Castellanos’ departure leaves a hole in right field and takes away a right-handed power bat.
The Phillies have internal options-Brandon Marsh, Justin Crawford, Otto Kemp-but none profile as middle-of-the-order righty sluggers. García, even after a down year, brings that potential in spades.
Yes, his 2025 numbers were underwhelming: a .227 average and a .665 OPS, with just 19 home runs. But this is a guy who, not long ago, was one of the most dangerous bats in October.
In 2023, García was a postseason wrecking ball, slashing .323 with a 1.108 OPS, eight homers, and 22 RBIs in just 15 playoff games. That October run helped carry the Rangers to a World Series title and earned him ALCS MVP honors.
And during that 2023 regular season? He hit 39 home runs, drove in 107, and posted an .836 OPS.
That’s elite production, and while the last two seasons have seen a dip-25 homers in 2024, then 19 in 2025-the power is still there. The question is whether he can tap back into it.
A Bounce-Back Bet in a Loaded Lineup
At 32, García isn’t a long-term solution, but that’s the beauty of a one-year deal. For $10 million, the Phillies are betting on upside.
If he returns to anything close to his 2023 form, it’s an absolute bargain. And if not?
It’s a manageable risk, especially for a team with postseason ambitions and a deep, veteran core.
Philadelphia’s lineup is stacked enough to give García protection and opportunities. He won’t be asked to carry the offense-just to be a threat. And in a hitter-friendly park like Citizens Bank, that power stroke could find new life.
What It Means for the Outfield Picture
This move also helps clarify the Phillies’ outfield rotation. Marsh is likely to hold down center, with García penciled into right. That leaves left field and fourth outfielder duties for younger pieces like Crawford and Kemp, who can now be eased into larger roles rather than thrown into the fire.
It’s the kind of depth-building move that good teams make-adding a proven veteran with upside while still leaving room for internal development.
Bottom Line
Adolis García isn’t coming off his best season, but the track record is there, and the fit in Philly makes a lot of sense. For a team looking to stay in the thick of the National League race, this is a calculated gamble with real potential rewards.
If García can rediscover even a fraction of his 2023 postseason magic, the Phillies may have just pulled off one of the sneakiest value signings of the winter.
