García brings energy, aims for resurgent 2026 with Phils originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Eight homers, an electrifying walk-off blast in the Fall Classic and a championship ring with Texas to show for it. Adolis García made his mark in the 2023 postseason, emerging as a playoff hero.
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Now, as the newest slugger in Philadelphia enters his age-33 season, García understands that the “focus is not to be a hero,” he said through Phillies assistant general manager Jorge Velandia at his introductory press conference Tuesday.
Three seasons ago marked the peak of García’s career. He clubbed 39 home runs, drove in more than 100 RBIs for a second straight year and posted an .836 OPS. The last two seasons, however, told a different story — and injuries played a significant role.
In 2024, García played through a patellar tendon strain that required eight weeks of rehab the following offseason. He finished that year with a career-low .684 OPS. Leading into 2025, he dealt with an oblique strain, then sprained his left ankle and later suffered a Grade 2 right quad strain upon his return. He still appeared in 135 games but posted another career-worst OPS, this time at .665.
The ineffectiveness in those two seasons ultimately led to his departure from Texas, as the Rangers non-tendered the outfielder on Nov. 21.
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“I did everything that I could while I was there, and I have great memories in Texas,” García told reporters. “Unfortunately, things happen. Everything happens for a reason.”
The Phillies — who signed García to a one-year, $10 million deal on Monday — acknowledge the 32-year-old’s recent struggles but believe the two-time All-Star can still produce at a high level offensively.
“Even though some things were down, there are still positives,” President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. “One thing we talked to Adolis about is being more under control with his swing. We don’t need him trying to hit the ball out of the park every swing.”
“We believe this is more about approach than ability,” Dombrowski continued. “The tools are still there. The bat speed is still there. The ball still jumps off his bat.”
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Getting García back on track is a clear organizational priority. While the move is low-risk both financially and in years, the Phillies want to maximize his offensive profile. Manager Rob Thomson said assistant hitting coach Edwar Gonzalez will travel to Tampa soon to begin working with García as he prepares for the season.
While Thomson is unsure where García may slot into the lineup, he shares Dombrowski’s optimism, with the understanding that adjustments will be necessary.
“If Adolis is himself, he’s one of those guys who can protect the left-handed bats,” the Phillies skipper said. “Getting back to basics, controlling the strike zone, using the whole field … his power plays everywhere.”
Regardless, García’s defense gives the club confidence in its outfield alignment, presumably with Brandon Marsh in left field and Justin Crawford in center.
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For the 6-foot, 205-pound García — built more like an NFL running back — defense has long been central to his identity.
“It’s something I take a lot of pride in. You may not get an RBI, but you can stop an RBI in the outfield. If you can take a run away, I’m willing to do that at any time,” the 2023 Gold Glove winner said.
Taking away runs is something García has consistently done. Since becoming an everyday player in 2021, he has totaled +36 defensive runs saved (DRS), per FanGraphs — the second-most among all outfielders in that span.
His arm plays a major role. In 2025, he averaged 91.9 mph, and in Outfield Arm Runs Saved (rARM), García ranks first with 24 over the past five seasons, doubling Cleveland’s Steven Kwan, who is second with 12.
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“That’s part of what I bring every day. I concentrate a lot on defense in the offseason so I can be at my best in the outfield at all times,” García said.
For context, the defensive contrast is stark. Over that same span, Nick Castellanos posted -51 DRS and -12 rARM — both second-worst marks among all players in baseball.
Offensively, the gap may not be as wide. García and Castellanos are two of just eight outfielders to record five consecutive seasons with at least 200 total bases.
But “El Bombi” brings something else to the field: energy. From emphatic bat flips to memorable home run trots, García has never shied away from showing emotion.
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“That’s in my blood,” García said. “Emotion is great. That’s one of the reasons I play this game.”
With the energy the Philadelphia fanbase routinely brings to Citizens Bank Park, García’s personality could make him a quick fan favorite.
“The energy I bring is how I give everything I have to the fans.”
