The Philadelphia Phillies made a quiet but impactful move on Monday, Dec. 15, signing free-agent slugger Adolis Garcia to a one-year, $10 million contract. Garcia, 32, spent his first five seasons with the Texas Rangers, where he helped lead the team to a World Series title in 2023.
Though Garcia is coming off his least productive season, in which he hit 19 home runs and drove in 75 RBIs with a .227 average and a .665 OPS, his power potential remains significant. If he can return to his form from 2021 to 2023, when he hit 97 homers for the Rangers, this deal could prove to be a bargain.
Garcia was a key player for the Rangers during their 2023 World Series championship run, slugging eight home runs and driving in 22 RBIs, with a .323 batting average and a remarkable 1.108 OPS over 15 games. He was named the ALCS MVP and demonstrated a knack for coming through in big moments. With the Phillies’ World Series aspirations and a roster capable of competing, Garcia’s performance in clutch situations could be a significant asset in 2026.
Garcia’s Addition Could Signal End of Castellanos Era
The signing of Garcia likely signals the end of Nick Castellanos’ tenure in Philadelphia. Speculation surrounding a rift between the player and the team has been growing, and this move suggests the Phillies are leaning toward moving on from Castellanos before the 2026 season begins.
While Castellanos has been a more consistent hitter over his career, Garcia’s ceiling appears higher, especially based on his recent production with the Rangers. Garcia also offers a substantial upgrade in the field. He finished 2025 with 16 defensive runs saved (DRS), ranking 11th in the MLB, while Castellanos posted a -11 DRS, ranking among the worst in the league.
Castellanos is under contract for 2026 at $20 million, but Garcia’s deal is half that price. Reports indicate that Castellanos could be traded or released before Spring Training.
Phillies Looking to Maximize World Series Potential
With one of the most well-rounded rosters in the league, second only to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Phillies are aiming to capitalize on their window to win a World Series. However, despite their talent, they’ve faced early exits in recent seasons.
To strengthen their lineup, the Phillies re-signed Kyle Schwarber, who earned a hefty deal worth $30 million per year for the next five seasons following his impressive 56-home-run season. The team is also focusing on retaining key free agents, including catcher J.T. Realmuto and pitcher Ranger Suarez, who are both currently on the market. These signings and moves will likely be the primary focus for the Phillies in the rest of the offseason.