3 dream trades to complete Pirates' offseason ahead of spring training

Adolis García

Stop me if you've heard this before, but the Pirates still need a right fielder. Although 2024 was García's worst full season in MLB, he still comes with an impressive track record and would be a substantial upgrade to the Pirates' outfield.

García slashed just .224/.284/.400 for the Rangers last year, as much of Texas' offense took a step back after winning the World Series in 2023. Despite his struggles, García still managed to post his fourth consecutive season with at least 25 home runs and 85 runs batted in. The Pirates desperately could use that kind of power.

García isn't the most well-rounded hitter; over his four full seasons, he has just a .299 on-base percentage and a 28.6% strikeout rate. Yet over that same span, he's still an above-average hitter (107 wRC+) and is averaging 30 homers per year.

Adding the 2023 version of Adolis García would be a complete game-changer. That year, he hit 39 home runs, was in the 93rd percentile or better in expected slugging percentage and barrel rate, and was tied for 11th in batting run value out of 300 qualified hitters. He then went on an absolute tear in the playoffs en route to a championship. He homered in each round, including five in the Rangers' thrilling ALCS victory over the Astros, where García was named series MVP.

García also took a step back defensively in 2024, but he has a strong track record in the outfield grass as well. He split his time between all three outfield spots in 2021, posting 16 defensive runs saved in total, but played at an absurd 35 DRS-per-year pace in his 51 games in right field. He posted positive marks again in 2022 in both right and center field, and proceeded to win a Gold Glove in 2023 after finally sticking in right field full-time. His arm strength landed in the 94th percentile or better in each season from 2021-2023 and was still in the 84th percentile last season.

Like Fairbanks, García previously agreed to a multi-year deal to avoid arbitration. He'll make $9.25 million in 2025 and has one more season of arbitration eligibility after that. That's a fair price to pay for a 25-homer bat with a laser for an arm in right field. That would be a serious bargain for the version of Adolis García that's pushing 40 homers, playing Gold Glove defense, and slugging .726 in the playoffs.

The Rangers have three MLB-caliber outfielders in addition to García, and still could stand to upgrade their bullpen even after trading another one of their everyday bats (Nathaniel Lowe) for a reliever. Should he become available, the Pirates would be wise to seriously consider pulling the trigger on a deal. García provides a much, much higher ceiling than any of the outfield options still available in free agency.