The Texas Rangers are treading water, sitting at 38–41 and fourth in the American League West. They’re not out of the playoff race, but far from dominant.
Injuries, inconsistency, and a shaky rotation have stalled their momentum. Adolis Garcia, the emotional cornerstone of the Rangers’ 2023 title run, is heating up again. After a sluggish start to the season, he’s caught fire in June, slashing .233/.285/.401 with nine home runs.
But his resurgence has opened the door to a major front-office question: is now the time to trade him?
Rangers’ Outlook If They Move Adolis Garcia
Garcia turns 33 next spring and is heading into his final year of arbitration. He’ll likely command $14 million or more in 2026 — a steep number for a player on the wrong side of 30, especially with rising stars Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford already patrolling the outfield. Texas doesn’t need to rebuild, but they may need to readjust to how much the league has caught up. And García could be the piece that unlocks that.
What makes him so valuable isn’t just his current form — it’s his track record. He emerged as a postseason MVP candidate in 2023, crushing eight home runs and delivering clutch moments during the Rangers’ World Series run. He’s not a rental, and that team control through 2026 gives contenders extra incentive to offer real value.
A Huge Trade Target, Significant Return
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan floated the Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Guardians, San Diego Padres and San Francisco as the best landing spots — teams built to win now and searching for another impact bat with playoff pedigree. Garcia’s swagger, two-way skillset, and October résumé make him more than a deadline flier.
“Garcia averaged 30 homers in 2021 through 2024, but he has fallen off since his 2023 career year. It’s worth noting that per xwOBA, he has been the 17th-most unlucky hitter in the big leagues this year, and he has another year of team control, so some teams could see a trade as a good value opportunity.”
In return, the Rangers could target a controllable mid-rotation starter, a plug-and-play infielder, or a top-100 prospect ready for the majors.
This wouldn’t be a teardown. Texas still has Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Josh Jung, Langford, and Carter. Their window is open — just not with the same shape as last year.
Moving Garcia would be about flexibility and sustainability. The Rangers have poured resources into their payroll and farm system. Now they need to keep that window open without relying too heavily on aging players or patchwork depth.
Of course, keeping Garcia is still a viable path. He’s not blocking anyone. He’s producing again. And his leadership matters, especially for the young outfielders who watched him dominate last October. But with calls expected to come in before the trade deadline, general manager Chris Young has to listen.
Garcia is surging again — and in doing so, could become the most valuable outfield bat available at the deadline. Whether he stays or goes, his performance may shape the Rangers’ future and a contender’s October.
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