The Atlanta Braves outfield is clearly locked into place with Jurickson Profar, Michael Harris, and Ronald Acuña Jr. expected to be the starting trio. Atlanta further solidified this by bringing back veteran outfielder Eli White as the current 4th option. However, there is no question that there are still bargain opportunities to reinforce this group, with one potentially surprising fit emerging over the last week, one of which involved the Texas Rangers choosing to move on from veteran slugger Adolis Garcia.
While Garcia doesn't hit for average, the outfielder has 83 homers in the last three seasons and offers a consistent power threat. The Braves could opt to sign the veteran as a platoon option for the DH spot and outfield depth. Atlanta is already expected to spend on the rotation and at the shortstop positions. With this in mind, it makes sense to bring in Garcia if the outfielder's market is as limited as expected.
You're bringing in a big power threat that can easily be benched when he isn't meeting expectations. It adds great outfield depth, as well as giving you an option at the designated hitter slot. This is only a potential move if Garcia's market is as limited as it appears to be.
Braves Could Find Surprise Outfield and Lineup Depth in Free Agent Slugger Adolis Garcia
Texas opting not to tender Garcia a contract is telling of where the outfielder currently sits in the market. Garcia has an impressive history with the franchise, having won ALCS MVP in the Rangers' 2023 World Series run. Opting to move away from such a previously pivotal piece speaks to the frustration with the inconsistency.
Garcia couldn't manage to hit .230 in the 2025 season and simply wasn't the middle-of-the-lineup hitter the Rangers badly needed. For the Braves, this isn't the expectation you're bringing in the outfielder as a cheap depth piece, hoping to get a power boost and provide a solid pinch-hitter as well as a potential option at DH.
Outfield is far from the highest priority for the Braves, with the team lacking a starting shortstop and needing pitching reinforcements in both the rotation and bullpen. Still, you consider adding Garcia, understanding the potential bargain the veteran could be.
This is especially the case if you're planning to keep Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin in the lineup. If your answer to the DH slot is keeping three catchers on the active roster, bringing in Garcia takes some pressure off Murphy. You have two right-handed slugging options and can better keep both Baldwin and Murphy healthy. It is at least worth an early offseason phone call for a team that needs to be exploring every possible avenue to improve.