Insiders Explain Why Trading for Max Scherzer Could Be the Cardinals’ Most Logical Play This Offseason.NL

Adolis García on the Trade Block? Rangers Weigh Future as Guardians Eye Power Bat

The Texas Rangers are reportedly exploring the trade market for two key names ahead of Friday’s non-tender deadline: catcher Jonah Heim and outfielder Adolis García. If no deal materializes, both could find themselves non-tendered – a surprising turn, especially for García, who not long ago looked like a cornerstone in Texas.

Let’s start with the obvious: García’s potential departure is a major pivot for a franchise that once leaned heavily on his bat. Just two seasons ago, he was the heart of the Rangers’ October run, blasting eight home runs and driving in 22 runs during the 2023 postseason – both marks that etched his name into MLB history.

The eight homers tied for second-most in a single postseason, while the 22 RBIs remain the all-time record for one October. That wasn’t just a hot streak – it was a power surge that helped Texas raise a championship banner.

But baseball moves fast, and in García’s case, the pendulum has swung hard in the other direction.

Over the past two seasons, his production has dipped. In 2024, he posted a .224 average with 25 home runs.

This past season, he hit .227 with 19 homers – the first time in his career he’s failed to crack the 20-homer mark in a full season. The power is still there, but the consistency?

Not so much.

Still, there’s a reason teams like the Cleveland Guardians are reportedly keeping tabs. Even in a down year, García’s 19 home runs would’ve ranked third on the Guardians’ roster in 2025, trailing only José Ramírez and Kyle Manzardo. That kind of pop doesn’t grow on trees – especially not for a team that’s been searching for middle-of-the-order thump.

Dig a little deeper into the metrics, and García remains intriguing. He finished last season in the 89th percentile for average exit velocity (92.1 mph), which tells you the ball is still jumping off his bat. But he also struck out at a 24.7% clip – the fourth-highest among right fielders – a stat that speaks to the volatility in his game.

In short: he’s still dangerous, but he’s not cheap.

García is projected to earn $12.1 million in arbitration this offseason, a number that’s reportedly giving the Rangers pause as they look to trim payroll. That’s part of why Texas is considering moving on – not necessarily because García can’t contribute, but because the cost might outweigh the benefit for a team reshuffling its financial deck.

If he’s non-tendered, García could hit the open market and potentially take a smaller deal – but he won’t come at a bargain-bin price. Teams looking to add a veteran power bat will still have to pay up, and that’s where Cleveland comes into the picture.

The Guardians have a pair of promising young outfielders in Chase DeLauter and George Valera, but adding García would bring a veteran presence and a proven power threat. Unlike previous swings the Guardians have taken on aging bats – think Carlos González or Domingo Santana – García still has something left in the tank.

And with DeLauter and Valera waiting in the wings, Cleveland wouldn’t need to lean on him as an everyday savior. He’d be a complementary piece – and potentially a game-changing one.

As for Texas, it’s a tough call. García has been a fan favorite and a postseason hero. But baseball is a business, and the Rangers are weighing whether his current production – and price tag – still fit their long-term plans.

One thing’s for sure: if García does hit the market, he won’t be out there long. Power like his doesn’t stay unsigned for very long – especially for teams looking to make a leap in 2026.