Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia and catcher Jonah Heim are among 66 MLB players who won’t get contracts for the upcoming season. This means they’ve become free agents and can sign with any team, even the ones that just released them.
Garcia, who is 32, and Heim, 30, played key roles in the Rangers’ World Series win in 2023. However, their last two seasons have been tougher. Garcia earned the MVP title in the American League Championship Series that year, boasting a strong 1.108 OPS in the postseason. But his performance declined afterward, dropping to an OPS below .700 for two consecutive years. In 2025, he ended the season hitting just .227 with 19 home runs, all while making over $9 million.
Heim also faced challenges last season, finishing with a .213 batting average and 11 home runs, earning $4.57 million. Due to their less-than-stellar performance, the cost-conscious Rangers decided not to offer them contracts to avoid salary increases through arbitration.
Other players who were also non-tendered include notable names like Alek Manoah from the Atlanta Braves and Nathaniel Lowe from the Boston Red Sox. The list includes pitchers and position players across multiple teams, with a total of 66 players finding themselves looking for new opportunities.
Chris Young, the president of baseball operations for the Rangers, emphasized their importance, stating, “Adolis, Jonah, and Josh will always be remembered for their contributions to the first World Series title in franchise history.”
This rule allows teams to cut ties with players without committing to compensation if they decide to release them. Most other arbitration-eligible players were extended offers, securing their positions for the next season. Salary negotiations will follow, either through discussions or, if needed, arbitration.
As the offseason progresses, analyzing player stats and team strategies remains essential for fans and teams alike. Free agency is an opportunity for players to find new homes and for teams to reshape their rosters for the future.
