Rangers Non-Tender Adolis García and Jonah Heim Amid Offensive Shift
The Texas Rangers stunned fans and analysts alike on November 21, 2025, when they non-tendered Adolis García, 32, and Jonah Heim, 30 — instantly turning two key figures from their 2023 World Series run into free agents. The move, confirmed just before the 5:00 p.m. ET arbitration deadline, also included relief pitchers Josh Sborz and Jacob Webb, marking a decisive pivot by the Rangers’ front office away from the high-risk, high-reward offense that once carried them to glory. García, the Cuban-born slugger from Ciego de Ávila, was the emotional heart of that championship team. Now, he’s a free agent with a .227 batting average in 2025 and a $12.1 million arbitration projection the team refused to pay.
From Hero to Liability
In 2023, Adolis García was untouchable. He smashed eight home runs and drove in 22 runs during the postseason — an MLB record — while posting a 1.108 OPS that earned him ALCS MVP honors. His regular season? 39 homers, 107 RBIs, a Gold Glove in right field, and a .836 OPS. Fans in Arlington chanted his name. He was the face of a new era.But the tide turned fast. In 2024, his OPS dropped to .684. In 2025? It sank to .665. He struck out nearly 30% of the time. His on-base percentage across his last 1,200 plate appearances? A paltry .278. The power never fully vanished — he still hit 19 home runs last season — but the discipline, the patience, the consistency? Gone. He became the epitome of what the Rangers now call "boom-or-bust" baseball: spectacular when it worked, painfully inefficient when it didn’t.
The Front Office’s Calculated Bet
The Rangers’ decision wasn’t impulsive. According to multiple reports, General Manager Chris Young and his team had been signaling this shift since the end of the 2025 season. "They’ve openly voiced a desire to change," noted CBS Sports, "and García was emblematic of the approach they wanted to move beyond."At $9.25 million in 2025, García was already expensive for his production. A projected $12.1 million salary for 2026 — based on arbitration math — felt like a gamble the front office refused to take. Same went for Jonah Heim, the backup catcher who earned $4.57 million last year but hit just .213 with an OPS under .610. His projected arbitration salary? $6 million. The math didn’t add up.
"Clearly, no takers manifested at their arbitration prices," wrote MLB Trade Rumors, suggesting both players had been shopped quietly during the offseason — and found no buyers willing to meet those numbers. So the Rangers cut bait. It wasn’t just about money. It was about identity.
A Broader League Trend
García and Heim weren’t alone. On November 21, 2025, a total of 66 arbitration-eligible players across MLB became free agents after their teams declined to offer contracts. The Rangers were among the most aggressive, shedding nearly $25 million in projected salaries from four players alone. Teams like the Marlins, Reds, and Orioles also made bold cuts, signaling a league-wide recalibration after a season of inflated payrolls and inconsistent returns.The Rangers’ move reflects a growing trend: clubs are prioritizing plate discipline, on-base skills, and defensive versatility over pure power. Look at the Astros, the Guardians, the Rays — they’re winning with patient hitters, not just home run hitters. García’s 2023 heroics were a flash in the pan. His 2025 line? A warning sign.
What’s Next for García?
Don’t count him out. Baseball Reference still projects García for 23 home runs and 75 RBIs in 2026 — numbers that would make him a valuable bench bat or platoon option for any team chasing power. "He’s still a threat to change a game with one swing," said one National League scout. "And at a fraction of his arbitration price? He’s a bargain."Speculation already points to the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, and even the Pittsburgh Pirates as potential landing spots. The Pirates, in particular, are rebuilding with youth but lack left-handed power — García’s sweet spot. He’s also likely to attract interest from Japanese teams, where his charisma and track record could translate into a lucrative deal.
For now, García’s future is wide open. He’ll be 33 by Opening Day 2026. He’s no longer the MVP candidate he was. But in baseball, one swing can change everything — and García still has that in his bat.
Why This Matters Beyond Arlington
This isn’t just about one player’s decline. It’s about what the Rangers — a franchise that just won its first World Series — are willing to abandon to build something more sustainable. They’re trading legacy for logic. Emotion for efficiency. The 2023 title gave them a moment. Now they’re trying to build a lasting model.For fans, it’s bittersweet. García gave them unforgettable memories. But in the cold calculus of front-office decisions, memories don’t pay salaries. And in today’s game, teams are learning that consistency beats spectacle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Rangers non-tender Adolis García despite his 2023 success?
The Rangers non-tendered García because his performance cratered in 2024 and 2025, with his OPS dropping from .836 to .665 and his on-base percentage falling to .278 over his last 1,200 plate appearances. With a projected $12.1 million arbitration salary for 2026 — nearly 30% higher than his 2025 pay — the team decided his declining production didn’t justify the cost, especially as they shifted toward a more disciplined offensive approach.
How does this affect the Rangers’ 2026 roster plans?
The Rangers are clearing nearly $25 million in projected salaries by non-tendering García, Heim, Sborz, and Webb. They’re likely to replace García with younger, cheaper options like Josh Smith or internal candidates, while prioritizing on-base skills over pure power. The move signals a full pivot away from the "boom-or-bust" style that defined their 2023 title run, favoring patient hitters and defensive flexibility instead.
Could Adolis García still be a productive player in 2026?
Yes — and that’s why he’ll attract interest. Despite his recent slump, Baseball Reference projects him for 23 home runs and 75 RBIs in 2026, numbers that would make him a valuable platoon bat or designated hitter for a team needing power. His postseason pedigree and charisma also make him a locker-room asset. Teams like the Giants, Padres, or Pirates may see him as a low-risk, high-reward signing.
What does this say about the future of power hitters in MLB?
It shows a growing divide: pure power hitters without plate discipline are becoming less valuable. Teams are increasingly favoring players who get on base, control the strike zone, and contribute defensively. García’s decline mirrors a league-wide trend — even elite sluggers like Aaron Judge and Pete Alonso are being asked to improve their walk rates. The era of the one-dimensional slugger is fading, replaced by all-around offensive contributors.
Is Jonah Heim’s non-tender surprising?
Not really. Heim was a solid backup in 2023 but struggled badly in 2025, hitting just .213 with a .602 OPS. He’s not a starter-caliber catcher anymore, and with the Rangers likely promoting younger options like Sam Huff, paying him $6 million via arbitration didn’t make sense. His non-tender was a low-risk move — and one that was almost inevitable given his performance.
What’s the long-term impact on Rangers fans?
For many, it’s heartbreaking. García was the emotional centerpiece of their first World Series win — the guy who carried them through October. But for the long-term health of the franchise, this move is necessary. The Rangers are trying to avoid repeating the mistakes of past champions who overpaid for fading stars. Fans may miss the fireworks, but they’ll thank the front office if this leads to sustained success.
- Nov, 22 2025
- Maxwell Kingsdale
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Written by Maxwell Kingsdale
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