Avisaíl García designated for assignment by Miami Marlins

[Kevin Barral]

The Marlins cut their losses with one of the most expensive free agent signings in franchise history.

When the Miami Marlins signed Avisaíl García to a four-year deal worth $53M, they were expecting him to be a productive bat in the middle of their lineup. Unfortunately, García performed far below his career averages in each of his three seasons in Miami. The Marlins have seen enough. The prized free agent signing was designated for assignment on Tuesday, as first reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

“Avisail has been a consummate professional during his time with the Marlins,” said Peter Bendix, Marlins president of baseball operations. “He was always working hard and was a great teammate along the way. We wish him and his family the best.”

García was a Derek Jeter acquisition, the last and most expensive free agent signing of his tenure as Marlins CEO. In 2021, García was coming off a season with the Brewers where he slashed .262/.330/.490/.820 with 29 home runs, 86 RBIs and a 115 wRC+. Rightfully so, Miami was attracted to a veteran who could improve their low-scoring offense. However, many believed that a four-year guaranteed deal was an overpay given his inconsistent track record. Beginning in 2017, his odd-numbered seasons would be his strongest, producing a wRC+ over 100, but in even-numbered years, García struggled, posting below league-average numbers.

Entering his first season, García was noticeably overweight and his first spring training as a Marlin was shortened by a lockout. He played 98 games and slashed .224/.266/.317/.582 with eight home runs, 35 RBIs and a 63 wRC+. The Venezuelan posted a strikeout percentage higher than his 2021 season, walked three percent less and posted the lowest on-base percentage of his career up to that point.

There was hope that García could bounce back in 2023 to look like his 2021 self, but that just wasn't the case. He got into better shape. However, that did not improve his plate discipline or his durability. One of his "hottest" stretches with Miami happened during a road trip in late April when he homered twice and drove in seven runs during a seven-game span. Soon after that, he landed on the injured list with left back tightness and missed the next three months. Limited to only 37 total games, almost all of his numbers went down compared to the 2022 season and he made no impact on a team that reached the playoffs.

This season, Garcia only played in 18 games before going down with a left hamstring strain. García slashed .240/.255/.380/.635 with two home runs, two RBIs and a 78 wRC+. He was hitting ground balls at the highest rate of his career, grounding into four double plays in that small sample. The only positive to take away from García was solid defense (0 DRS and 1 OAA).

When García was placed on the IL, the Marlins recalled Dane Myers from Triple-A Jacksonville to take over his platoon role. Myers has had more success than García at the Major League level recently and has been the lead-off man against left-handed pitching.

In total, García played 153 games for the Marlins, slashing .217/.260/.322/.582 with a 61 wRC+. He was worse than a replacement-level player (-1.3 fWAR).

García is still entitled to the rest of his contract, including approximately $7.5M through the end of this season, $12M in 2025 and a $5M buyout of his 2026 club option. Upon clearing waivers, he is expected to be released and enter free agency.

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[One Regend]

We not only were paying a man $53 million for 4 years to be below replacement level in every aspect. We were paying him to dog plays with zero hustle. Miguel Rojas got on Jazz for his work ethic, but no one dared question Avisail Garcia? Just what is going on in that clubhouse, exactly?

Good riddance, all around.

[One Regend]

This was one of the last plays Avi made before being DFA'd. We paid $53 million for this crap.

I think there's a chance Misner still would've been at 3rd base, but any good outfielder who actually hustles, instead of jogging, like what Avi did here, would've maybe kept Misner at 2nd base. And even if they didn't, they certainly would've tried.

This is just sad to watch.

[jlgarsh]

I nominate Avi for series MVP since he’s an addition by subtraction.