Miami Marlins' oft-injured outfielder and former All-Star Avisaíl García is closing a career filled with both achievements and the disappointed jeers of Fish fans.
Avisaíl García is retiring after 13 seasons in major-league baseball, the last three with the Miami Marlins.
The former All Star and veteran right fielder made the announcement in an Instagram post Monday, saying, "Baseball gave me far more than I could have dreamed: achievements, experiences, and values I will carry with me always. I close this chapter with pride and gratitude, ready for new chapters in life."
Avisaíl García, here during the 2022 season, played in 98 games his first year in Miami. The oft-injured former All-Star outfielder appeared in 36 games in 2023 and 18 in 2024 before the Marlins released him that June. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)García, the 2012 Minor League Player of the Year, debuted that year with the Detroit Tigers and played in Detroit through 2013. The Venezuela native went on to play with the Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers, before signing a four-year, $53 million free-agent contract with the Marlins in 2021.
The $48 million contract contained a club option to extend García for the 2026 season or a $5 million buyout.
Marlins' then-CEO and part-owner Derek Jeter saw the García signing as part of the Marlins' push to contend for a World Series championship.
"It makes us feel good, makes us feel as though we're taking steps in the right direction," Jeter said at the signing. "We couldn't be more excited to have Avi as part of our organization."
The Hall of Famer and New York Yankees great parted ways with the Marlins in February 2022, citing a difference in vision for the franchise's future.
That season, García played in 98 games for the Marlins, hitting eight home runs and 35 RBI in 357 at-bats. He played 37 games in 2023, then 18 in 2024, before the team designated him for assignment.
Released by the Marlins on June 9, 2024, García was 32 and still owed $24.6 million by the team for the remainder of the outfielder’s contract.
The Marlins' then manager, Skip Schumaker, told reporters at the time that García "had a lot of injuries. He was on the IL more than he played."
His last appearance with the Marlins was April 27, 2024. García, who will turn 35 in June, endured multiple injuries while on the Marlins roster, including a left hamstring strain in April 2024 that landed him on injured reserve before the team released him in June.
García underwent back surgery in October 2024 for what was described as a fracture and a disc issue in his lower back; he was out for the 2025 season.
He made the American League All-Star team in 2017, while playing with Chicago White Sox. During his two-year stint in Milwaukee, García in 2012 hit 29 home runs and totaled 86 RBI -- both career highs.
ㅤ
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!