MLB Free Agency: Phillies Sign 2-Time All-Star, 30-HR Slugger

The Philadelphia Phillies are making changes in their outfield. Nick Castellanos is undoubtedly on the way out, and today, they've signed free agent Adolis Garcia, who was cut loose by the Texas Rangers earlier this offseason.

The Phillies and Adolis Garcia are finalizing a 1-year, $10 million deal, per @francysromeroFR. pic.twitter.com/YxsTY2HrFv
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 15, 2025

It'll be a one-year, $10 million deal for Garcia, who will try to recapture his former glory. The 32-year-old Cuban outfielder has two All-Star seasons in the last five years, and both times, blasted over 30 home runs. Just two years ago, he raked to the tune of 39 dingers and 107 RBIs, with an .836 OPS. He also won a Gold Glove for his work in right field. Two years earlier, he finished 4th in AL Rookie of the Year balloting after swatting 31 long balls.

New Phillis OF Adolis Garcia has worst OBP mark in baseball in past two years

But it's been a steep, precipitous decline for Garcia. In 2024, he hit just .224 with a .684 OPS, a drop of 170 points. This past season was even worse, as he hit just 19 homers and had a .665 OPS. The Rangers non-tendered him last month.

Nevertheless, this deal with the Phillies actually gives him a slight raise on the $9.25 million salary he had in 2025.

The Phillies will hope they can help Garcia get back to the slugger he once was, and he will slot into right field, with Castellanos expected to be either traded or released.

There are some warning signs for the Phils here, in addition to the obvious. Garcia's bat speed has slowed in recent years, he'll be 33 on Opening Day, and he was dead last among all qualified hitters in the major leagues in on-base pct. over the past two seasons (.278).

But Garcia's backers (including his agent) will point to the way he stepped up big-time in the postseason in 2023, helping lead Texas to the World Series championship, blasting eight homers and driving in 22 runs in 15 games, with a .323 average and 1.108 OPS.

Both Garcia and the Phillies hope he'll get a chance to prove himself on the big stage of October once again in 2026.