The 2025 offseason opened with a stark moment for Adolis García: the Texas Rangers declined to tender him a contract, making the 32‑year‑old right fielder a free agent.García’s fall from grace has been swift — once a core piece in Texas, he now finds himself fighting to stay relevant in big‑league lineups. But according to longtime scout‑turned‑analyst Bernie Pleskoff, joining the Guardians might just make sense — perhaps more than it appears on paper.
A Career of Power, Defense — and Big Upside
García’s résumé remains impressive: he debuted with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018, then found his stride with the Rangers, becoming a two‑time All‑Star and a 2023 Gold Glove winner. That same 2023 campaign — capped by postseason heroics — produced 39 home runs and 107 RBIs, making him one of the most feared hitters in the American League.
Despite a down 2024 and 2025 (.224/.284/.400 in 2024; .227/.271/.394 in 2025), the raw tools remain. García’s exit velocity and hard‑hit rates have stayed high, and his capacity to launch home runs hasn’t vanished — it’s simply become more inconsistent. For a team like the Guardians, which has often leaned heavily on left-handed bats, his right-handed power could provide much-needed balance. As Pleskoff argues, the risk might be worth the potential reward.
Why the Guardians Could Be the Perfect Fit
The Guardians recently finished among the lowest in the league in runs per game — a statistic that underscores how badly they need more consistent offensive production. Their current outfield mix skews heavily toward left-handed hitters, leaving them vulnerable against left-handed pitching.
García could slot in as a right-handed power option in the outfield or as a designated hitter against tough lefties — giving the Guardians platoon flexibility and the occasional slugger they’ve lacked. In 2025, his 19 home runs and 75 RBIs would have ranked among the better outputs on Cleveland’s roster. Furthermore, his presence could alleviate pressure on corner-infield and outfield prospects still trying to adjust, allowing younger players more time to develop.
The Trade‑Offs: Decline, Cost, and Consistency
Still, the concerns around García aren’t trivial. His slump has been real — his batting averages and on-base numbers have fallen, his swing-and-miss rate has risen, and both his offensive consistency and strike-zone discipline appear diminished. What once looked like a sure‑thing bat is now more of a boom‑or‑bust gamble.
Financially, any team signing him would likely take on a one-year “prove-it” deal — potentially north of $10 million according to market projections. For a franchise like Cleveland, historically mindful about payroll, that’s a significant investment — though perhaps one more palatable than a multi‑year commitment. Pleskoff argues it could still be justifiable given the upside.
Moreover, integrating García into the roster will require roster maneuvering. Cleveland already has several outfielders and DH candidates, creating competition for playing time, especially if García can’t recapture his 2023 form.
Final Verdict: A Calculated Gamble That Could Pay Off
For the Guardians, signing Adolis García represents a calculated gamble — one with clear upside but also tangible risk. If he can recapture even a fraction of his 2023 power and stay healthy, he might provide the right‑handed punch and veteran presence the lineup currently lacks. On the other hand, if his downward trajectory continues, the investment might be little more than a forgotten offseason footnote.
In the end, it comes down to this: Cleveland must decide whether they believe García’s 2025 slump was just a blip — or the start of a decline. If they trust the former, history suggests he could deliver value. If not, they may be better off exploring younger, cheaper options.
Leave a Reply