The Phillies made their move, and they did so with purpose. Adolis García will be the club’s new right fielder and, in effect, the direct replacement for Nick Castellanos, a transition that had been in the works in Philadelphia for months.
The agreement between the organization and the Cuban player is finalized, pending a physical examination. It will be a one-year contract worth $10 million for the 2026 season. There is no official announcement yet, but within the organization, it’s considered a done deal.
García, 32, arrives at a crucial point in his career. He’s coming off two offensively underwhelming seasons with the Rangers, to the point that he was non-tendered in November and subsequently released by Texas. In 2025, he batted .227 with 19 home runs, 75 RBIs, and a .665 OPS, numbers below expectations for a power hitter. However, Philadelphia is looking beyond last year’s statistics.
Between 2021 and 2023, Adolis was a different player. Consistent production, impact in big games, two All-Star appearances, and a Championship Series MVP award that still stands out on his resume. The Phillies are betting that, in a different environment and with less accumulated pressure, that player will reappear.
There are no doubts about his defense, however. García remains a reliable outfielder, with good range, a strong arm, and excellent instincts. In 2025, he finished with 16 DRS in right field, ranking among the best at his position. Castellanos, on the other hand, finished the year at the bottom of that ranking. The defensive difference was one of the determining factors in accelerating the acquisition of García.
Updated List of Cuban Free Agents MLB and MiLB free agency is still underway, and several Cuban players are looking to determine their next destination for 2026. These are the players currently available on the market:
MLB Free Agents:
🔹 Néstor Cortés (recently underwent surgery)
🔹 José Iglesias
🔹 Cionel Pérez
🔹 Andy Ibañez
Minor League Free Agents:
🔹 Malcom Nuñez
🔹 Oscar Colás
🔹 Randy Labaut
🔹 Orlando Martínez
🔹 Denny Larrondo
🔹 Yordys Valdez
🔹 Pedro Santos