The Texas Rangers made headlines recently by not tendering contracts for the upcoming season to several significant contributors from their 2023 squad. Notably, slugging outfielder Adolis García, switch-hitting catcher Jonah Heim, and right-handed reliever Josh Sborz have all become free agents.
Rangers Move on from Important Players
On the decision to release these players, Chris Young, the team’s president of baseball operations, expressed gratitude for their contributions. He acknowledged that García, Heim, and Sborz would be remembered for their pivotal roles in the franchise’s inaugural World Series championship two years ago.
Key Player Statistics
- Adolis García:
- 2023 Statistics: .245 batting average, 39 home runs, 107 RBIs.
- 2024 Performance: .227 average, 19 home runs, 75 RBIs.
- Notable Achievement: Five consecutive homers in the 2023 postseason; AL Championship Series MVP with a record 15 RBIs.
- Jonah Heim:
- 2023 Statistics: .213 batting average, 11 home runs, 43 RBIs.
- Comparison: 2022 Statistics – .258 average, 18 home runs, 95 RBIs.
- Josh Sborz:
- Contributed final outs in the World Series-clinching game.
- Struggled in 2024 with 16.1 innings pitched due to shoulder injuries.
Other Contract Decisions by the Rangers
In addition to releasing García, Heim, and Sborz, the Rangers also declined to offer a contract to reliever Jacob Webb. However, the team secured a one-year deal with switch-hitting outfielder Sam Haggerty, mitigating potential salary arbitration.
Pitching and Performance Details
- Jacob Webb: Finished the season with a record of 5-4, one save, and a 3.00 ERA over 55 relief appearances.
- Sam Haggerty: Played 64 games, with a batting average of .253, and started at all three outfield positions.
As the Rangers move forward, they still have four players eligible for salary arbitration: first baseman Jake Burger, infielder Ezequiel Duran, third baseman Josh Jung, and utility player Josh Smith.
