The Rangers de Texas announced on Wednesday that they have said the young gardener Adolis García for assignment. His spot on the 40-man roster goes to right-handed Mike Foltynewicz, whose previously reported one-year contract is now official. Garcia, 27, went 6-0 with one walk and four strikeouts in seven at bats for Texas in 2020.
That was his first and now perhaps his only season with the organization. The Rangers bought it for cash from the St. Louis Cardinals in December 2019.
Garcia has only 24 games to his name in the Major League, and he hasn’t done much with it. He was an accomplished hitter in the Cuban National Series before defecting and eventually landing with the Cardinals, for whom he spent a lot of time with Triple-A.
Garcia’s free swing forms have resulted in a negligible OBP, but his strength is evident. In 1110 at bats with Triple-A Memphis, he hit .260 / .299 / .505 with 57 home runs, 58 doubles and a dozen triples. In total, he has 69 home runs in three years in affiliates.
Garcia has some speed at 1.85 meters and 92 kilos, as evidenced by those 3 and 26 stolen bases. However, it is also not particularly efficient on basic paths; He has been imprisoned 14 times.
Texas has a week to trade it, release it, or try to release it through absolute exemptions. 27-year-old Garcia has a minor league option left, so it is possible for a club that needs the outfield to use its right-handed strength despite a lack of discipline on the plate.
Despite his age, he is still considered a rookie in the Major Leagues, due to his few at-bats.