"Rangers won WS because of him"; "A liability" - Fans divided over Texas' decision to non-tender Adolis Garcia

Texas Rangers' patience with Adolis Garcia finally ran out as he was non-tendered by the team, as he was headed for his third year of arbitration in 2026. Garcia was one of the key pieces in their 2023 World Series-winning campaign.

The decision not to offer Garcia a contract for 2026, where he was projected to make $12 million, came after he hit .227 with a 93 OPS+ in 135 games in 2025. He had a poor .271 on-base percentage, personified by his rash swing, inducing a high strikeout rate.

However, fans on social media were divided over the decision, with one side noting Garcia's inability, while the other felt that the Rangers could have stayed loyal to their 2023 playoffs hero for another year.

"Sad to see but the guy was a liability at the plate the last 2 years. Hopefully a change of scenery wakes him up," a fan wrote. "He's been subpar the last two seasons and he's on the wrong side of 30, guessing he should still be able to sign a vet min or minor league with a team desperate for corner outfield help," another fan wrote. "The Rangers non-tendering Adolis García is basically them saying, “Thanks for the World Series memories, but we’ve seen enough strikeouts to last us a lifetime ... please collect your bat speed on the way out,"" a fan stated. "Rangers fans told me he was a HOF," a fan trolled.

Here are other reactions:

"Rangers got to the World Series and won cause of him," a fan said. "Rangers fans better give this man an ovation when he returns, huge part of that WS," another fan said. "Imagine letting a World Series champ walk," a fan added.

Garcia batted with a .675 OPS in the last two seasons, which ranked him 117th among 123 qualified batters. But managing 19 home runs and 75 RBIs in 2025 could create a list of a few suitors for the 32-year-old.

Moreover, Garcia seems to have the pedigree, considering he is a two-time All-Star. He is two seasons removed from an All-Star and Gold Glove-winning campaign at right field, where he hit at .245 with 39 home runs and 107 RBIs.

MLB insider predicts four teams to be in contention for Adolis Garcia

According to MLB insider and former Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals General Manager, Jim Bowden, four teams - Philadelphia Philies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Guardians, and the Los Angeles Angels - are expected to engage with Adolis Garcia's team in free agency.

"The Rangers have non-tendered RF Adolis Garcia who becomes an unrestricted free agent," Bowden said. "Watch the Phillies, Pirates, Guardians, Angels as possible landing spots."

The Phillies are definitely best suited, as they aren't bound by payroll constraints as much as the other teams. But the Guardians are only looking to get better, while the Angels and Pirates hope for a quick rebuild.

Edited by R. Nikhil Parshy