Rangers Part Ways with World Series Heroes Garcia and Heim

A Texas Baseball Era Ends as Legends Depart

In a stunning move signaling a major roster overhaul, the Texas Rangers have non-tendered contracts to outfielder Adolis García and catcher Jonah Heim—two cornerstones of their historic 2023 World Series championship team. The decision, announced ahead of MLB's deadline, transforms the ALCS MVP and Gold Glove catcher into unrestricted free agents, marking the end of an unforgettable chapter in Rangers history.

Heroes of the 2023 Championship Run

García and Heim weren't just stars—they were icons during Texas' first-ever World Series triumph. García delivered legendary postseason performances, including a walk-off home run in Game 1 of the Fall Classic and an ALCS MVP award after slashing .323/.382/.726 with 22 RBIs in 15 playoff games. Heim complemented him with elite defense (29.3% caught-stealing rate) and surprising power (18 HRs), earning All-Star and Gold Glove honors. Together, they embodied the championship spirit that electrified Arlington.

Declining Performance Forces Tough Choices

Since their peak season, both players struggled significantly. García's OPS plummeted from .836 in 2023 to .675 over the past two seasons, ranking 117th among 123 qualified hitters. His chase rate surged to 35.1%, contributing to a .665 OPS in 2025. Heim's offensive collapse was even starker, batting just .217/.269/.334 with declining defensive metrics (13.7% caught-stealing rate, slower pop times). As Rangers President Chris Young noted, despite their heroics, "...neither has reached those heights since then."

Rebuild Rationale: Youth and Cost Efficiency

The moves align with the Rangers' stated offseason goal of getting younger and more cost-effective. Both were in their final year of arbitration eligibility, with projected salaries of $12.1M (García) and $6M (Heim). Attempts to trade them earlier in the offseason yielded no offers, leaving non-tendering as the pragmatic path. The club also parted with relievers Josh Sborz (shoulder surgery) and Jacob Webb, as Texas "...looks to almost fully rebuild the bullpen once again."

"Regardless of what happens moving forward, Adolis, Jonah and Josh will always be remembered for their contributions to the first World Series title in franchise history."

— Chris Young, President of Baseball Operations

What's Next for Texas?

The outfield appears stabilized with Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter, and newly signed Sam Haggerty. However, the catching situation is precarious. Kyle Higashioka is the only veteran backstop, with top prospect Malcolm Moore (No. 11 overall) the only ranked catcher in the system. The Rangers may now prioritize adding a defensive-minded catcher via free agency or trade.

Free Agency Beckons for Legends

García and Heim now enter a new market. Despite recent struggles, García remains a power threat (73rd percentile barrel rate) and postseason performer, likely landing a one-year deal in the $8-10M range. Heim's defensive reputation could earn him a backup role, though his offensive regression may limit opportunities. Teams like the Angels, Pirates, or Astros could be suitors, per fan discussions.

Conclusion: A Necessary Parting of Ways

While gut-wrenching for fans, these decisions reflect baseball's cyclical nature. García's walk-off and Heim's glove work remain etched in Rangers lore, but the club's pivot toward youth and financial flexibility signals a new era. As free agents, these heroes now seek new chapters, while Texas rebuilds around emerging stars. The echoes of 2023 will linger, but the team's future takes priority.