Phillies Shock MLB by Signing Adolis García to One-Year, $10M Deal—Why the 2023 ALCS MVP Could Be Philly’s X-Factor in 2026

PHILADELPHIA—In a move that reshapes the Phillies’ outfield and lineup depth for 2026, the club is finalizing a one-year, $10 million contract with power-hitting outfielder Adolis García, according to multiple reports. The agreement is pending a physical and gives Philadelphia a proven run producer just weeks after the Rangers non-tendered the 2023 ALCS MVP. García, 32, blasted 39 home runs for Texas in 2023 and added 93 RBI for the defending champions in 2024 before wrist and oblique issues limited him in 2025. Even with the downturn, the Cuban slugger still posted a .754 OPS and 17 homers across 104 games, showcasing the raw power and strong arm that first made him an All-Star. For the Phillies, the deal represents a low-risk, high-upside swing at a middle-of-the-order bat. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has emphasized adding right-handed thump to balance Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Bryson Stott—an area García addresses immediately. His presence could also allow manager Rob Thomson to platoon Johan Rojas in center while rotating García through right or left field, where Citizens Bank Park’s shallow power alleys should amplify his pull-side pop. García’s path to Philadelphia marks a swift turnaround from uncertainty. Texas, tight on payroll and roster flexibility, allowed him to hit free agency after a 1.6-WAR season that didn’t align with the projected $12 million arbitration figure. The Phillies pounced, reportedly securing García for less than that cost while retaining long-term financial flexibility for potential extensions with Zack Wheeler or J.T. Realmuto. Defensively, García brings a cannon arm (95.3 mph average throw velocity in 2025) and plus range metrics when healthy. Scouts caution that his chase-heavy approach—he swung at 40 percent of pitches outside the zone last season—can create cold spells. Still, his 13 postseason homers since 2022 highlight an ability to rise under pressure, a trait the Phillies covet after back-to-back pennant-chase heartbreaks. Assuming the physical clears, García is expected to be introduced at Citizens Bank Park later this week. With spring training two months away, Philadelphia’s lineup now projects: Trea Turner SS, Bryce Harper 1B, Adolis García RF, Kyle Schwarber DH, Alec Bohm 3B, Bryson Stott 2B, Brandon Marsh LF, J.T. Realmuto C, Johan Rojas CF. If García regains even a portion of his 2023 form, the Phillies’ already potent offense could surge into the National League’s elite—just in time for another October run down Broad Street.