Could Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Adolis Garcia really do this in 2026?
The Philadelphia Phillies didn't really do a whole lot outside of re-signing Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto this offseason.
In fact, signing outfielder Adolis Garcia to a one-year, $10 million contract was actually their most significant move.
Garcia is expected to start in right field for the Phillies this year, which is definitely concerning considering he slashed just .227/.271/.394 over 547 plate appearances with the Texas Rangers in 2025 and has posted sub-.700 OPSes the last two seasons.
But is it possible that Garcia can turn things around in Philadelphia?
Fangraphs seems to believe so, as the site's ZiPS projections for 2026 have Garcia slashing .245/.300/.451 with 25 home runs and 85 RBI.
While those numbers are far from Schwarber-esque, they would still be fantastic for a player who managed a .665 OPS last year. In fact, that .751 OPS would be above his career average of .734.
Adolis Garcia. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.We know that Garcia is capable of being a force at the plate. Back in 2023, he smashed 39 homers to go along with 107 RBI, posting an .836 OPS en route to an All-Star appearance. He also bashed eight long balls in the playoffs that year, helping the Rangers win a World Series.
However, Garcia's career at the plate has mostly been defined by inconsistency and poor plate discipline, as evidenced by his lifetime .293 OBP and 28.1 percent strikeout rate.
In a very strong lineup, that isn't as big of a deal, especially considering Garcia's ability to leave the yard. But with the Phillies genuinely lacking elite power bats alongside of Schwarber and Bryce Harper, Garcia becomes a concern.
But if he can somehow manage a .751 OPS while also playing his usual impressive outfield defense, Philadelphia may end up being very happy with the addition.
One thing is for sure: he would certainly comprise a major upgrade over Nick Castellanos, who was released by the Phillies earlier this week.
Chances are, Philadelphia will have to make another addition somewhere between now and the trade deadline, but if Garcia's ZiPS projections end up being correct, perhaps the lineup will be much more palatable than many are anticipating.
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