After a breakout 2023 season, when Adolis Garcia registered a .836 OPS with 39 home runs and was a playoff hero for the Texas Rangers on their way to being crowned World Series champions, the 32-year-old was non-tendered on Friday, immediately making him a free agent.

The Cleveland Guardians need all the help in their lineup they can get, and Garcia has the track record, making him an intriguing target. 

With that said, should the Guardians be reaching out to Garcia’s camp and offering him a contract for 2026?

Garcia Can’t Take Away At-Bats From Chase DeLauter or George Valera

Garcia has an All-Star track record, but at this point in his career, we've already seen his ceiling. The Guardians need to give as many bats to Chase DeLauter and Geroge Valera as possible. 

If Garcia is looking for an everyday role, Cleveland may not be the best fit. But if he is open to a platoon role, the Guardians could definitely use the power-hitter. 

Guardians Do Need More Offense

Even in what was considered a disappointing season for Garcia, he still hit 19 home runs, 28 doubles, and ended up with a .665 OPS. 

If we’re comparing that with other Guardians players, Garcia would’ve ranked third on the roster in home runs, third in doubles, and fourth on the roster in OPS.

There’s a case to be made that he would’ve been the best hitter, not named Jose Ramirez or Steven Kwan, to wear a Guardians uniform in 2025.

Because Cleveland needs offense that badly, they should at least be exploring what it would take to get Garcia on the roster for next year. 

Cleveland Needs Right-Handed Hitters

At 32 years old, coming off a down season, Garcia may not get the opportunity to be an everyday player, no matter where he lands. That said, the Guardians should be just fine with him being a platoon partner in the outfield.

Cleveland needs more right-handed hitters on the roster. Lane Thomas is a free agent, David Fry didn’t look the same after surgery, and Jhonkensy Noel and Johnathan Rodriguez haven’t been overly impressive in extended looks.

Garcia could provide some much-needed depth in that department. 

Even in an underwhelming season, Garcia could be Cleveland’s best option as a right-handed-hitting outfielder.

If the Guardians are able to sign Garcia to a team-friendly contract and use him as a platoon partner for DeLauter and Valera, offering him a one-year deal could definitely help Cleveland have a more complete roster for 2026.