Adolis García Shockingly Non-Tendered: Why the Rangers Cut Their 2023 Playoff Hero

Adolis García has been non-tendered by the Texas Rangers, ending his run with the team after two straight difficult seasons. The move immediately makes the 2023 ALCS MVP a free agent. It also marks a surprising shift for a franchise that once watched García power them to a World Series title.

The Rangers confirmed the non-tender decision on Friday. It leaves García without a contract for 2026 and allows him to sign with any team. The club tendered only one of its five arbitration-eligible players. The choice signals a financial reset after two years of injuries, regression, and declining performance.

Texas Moves On After García’s Decline

García was projected to earn around $12.1 million through arbitration. That figure was reported by MLB Trade Rumors and widely discussed by national outlets including Reuters and AP. The Rangers decided the price no longer matched the production. García slashed .225/.278/.397 across 2024 and 2025, far below his All-Star levels from earlier years.

His 2025 line showed similar struggles. He hit .227 with 19 home runs, 13 steals, and a .665 OPS in 507 at-bats. His swing-and-miss issues increased. His power dipped. His defensive impact declined with age. Texas has dealt with injuries across the roster for two straight seasons. Letting García go appears to be part of a broader retooling effort.

But the move does not erase his legacy. García became a Texas star immediately after joining the team in 2021. He earned All-Star honors as a rookie and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting. His true rise came in 2023, when he hit a career-high 39 home runs and won a Gold Glove. That season set the stage for a historic postseason run.

García’s ALCS performance against the Houston Astros remains one of the most dominant series in modern playoff history. He hit home runs in four straight games. He delivered two homers in Game 7. He racked up 15 RBI in the ALCS alone. In the World Series, he added another homer in Game 1 and finished the postseason with a record 22 RBI. His bat defined that October run.

Texas has not been back to the postseason since. Injuries, age, and regression hit the lineup and pitching staff. García was part of that downturn. Now, the Rangers appear ready to move forward without one of their biggest October heroes.

What García’s Exit Means for Texas and the Market

The Rangers lose a powerful clubhouse voice and a fan favorite. They also lose a hitter who, even in decline, still offered above-average power. His departure could open the door for a younger, cheaper outfielder to take over in 2026.

For García, this is a reset. He will draw interest from teams searching for power, athleticism, and postseason experience. His playoff résumé remains unmatched among active outfielders. The question now is which team believes it can help him regain his 2023 form.

In the end, the Rangers’ decision reflects both financial caution and competitive urgency. Adolis García leaves Texas as a franchise legend, and his non-tender marks the start of a new chapter for both sides.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did the Rangers non-tender Adolis García?

The team felt his projected $12.1 million salary did not match his recent production. His offensive numbers declined for two straight seasons.

Q2: Is Adolis García now a free agent?

Yes. The non-tender gives him immediate free-agent status, and he can sign with any team.

Q3: How good was García in the 2023 postseason?

He set a postseason RBI record with 22. He also hit eight home runs. His ALCS performance remains one of the best in Rangers history.

Q4: Could García regain his All-Star form?

Teams may believe so. He still has strong power and athletic traits. A fresh environment could help unlock his swing again.

Q5: What will the Rangers do now?

They may explore cheaper outfield options. They could also shift roster priorities as they regroup for 2026.