The Texas Rangers are currently 3.5 games behind the final American League Wild Card spot, and they could become sellers at this year’s MLB trade deadline.
If that happens, they have multiple players who could draw interest from other teams—most notably outfielder, the 2023 ALCS MVP. Several teams, including the New York Mets, are in the market for an outfield upgrade.
García’s power would be a valuable addition to the Mets’ lineup, and according to Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, the cost to trade for him might not be very high.
Mets Need Outfield Reinforcements
After pinpointing Adolis García as a potential trade target for the New York Mets, Joel Reuter highlighted the recent offensive struggles in the Mets’ outfield.
“With Tyrone Taylor struggling at the plate and Jose Siri out due to a fractured shin, the Mets have resorted to using Jeff McNeil in center field,” Reuter noted. “Meanwhile, Ronny Mauricio continues to strike out at a 30.1 percent rate as the everyday second baseman. Bringing in another viable bat should be a priority.”
Juan Soto is the lone Mets outfielder currently producing at a high level, hitting .344 with six home runs and 10 RBIs over his last 10 games. But as is well known, a single star isn’t enough to carry a contending roster. Acquiring García would give New York a powerful trio in the heart of the order with Soto and Pete Alonso.
However, García’s offensive output has notably declined in recent seasons.
“After belting 97 home runs and posting 12.1 WAR across his first three full years with Texas, his numbers dipped last season, finishing with a .224/.284/.400 slash line and a 97 OPS+, despite hitting 25 home runs,” Reuter wrote.
“This season has seen further decline, as he’s slashing .222/.269/.377 with an 86 OPS+, ranking 136th out of 158 qualified hitters. Still, his defensive value (10 Defensive Runs Saved) has helped him remain a 1.3-WAR player.”
Mets’ Potential Trade Package for Garcia
Considering Garcia’s recent struggles at the plate, the New York Mets might not have to give up multiple top prospects to acquire the 32-year-old outfielder.
Reuter noted, “The Rangers are primarily motivated to trade Garcia to shed the remaining \$9.25 million on his contract, so they likely won’t demand a large prospect haul, but they should still get at least one valuable asset in return.”
One prospect mentioned is reliever Anthony Nunez, who boasts a 1.47 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and 14.4 strikeouts per nine innings over 24 appearances this season across High-A and Double-A, just a year after signing with the Mets as an amateur free agent from the University of Tampa.
By adding Garcia, the Mets would gain a corner outfielder who can also fill in as a designated hitter. Garcia, originally from Cuba, and Amed Rosario (or Soto, depending on context) could alternate at DH, allowing both to rest from playing the field. Garcia is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season.
The Mets have also been linked to Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox, who has a similar style of play to Garcia but with considerably more speed.
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