OF Avisail Garcia has been assigned by the Marlins
Struggles and Injuries
García’s time with the Marlins has been far from what the team had hoped for. His first season saw him limited to 98 games due to injuries, during which he posted a .224 batting average with eight home runs and 35 RBIs. The following year, his production dipped even further as he managed just three homers in 37 games. This season, García appeared in only 18 games, often in a platoon role, before suffering another injury setback with a left hamstring strain.
“Since I’ve been here, Avi’s been really great to me,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker commented. “A good teammate. Unfortunately, he had a lot of injuries. He was on the IL more than he played.”
Fan Discontent and Financial Implications
The challenges faced by García extended beyond the field. During the Marlins’ opening homestand this season, he became the target of repeated jeers from frustrated fans, highlighting their growing discontent with his performance.
Financially, the Marlins are still on the hook for García’s remaining contract, which includes payments for the rest of this season and $12 million for 2025. Additionally, there is a buyout clause exceeding $5 million for 2026. Despite these obligations, the team decided that moving on from García was the best course of action.
Before joining the Marlins, García enjoyed a standout season with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2021, where he hit 29 home runs and drove in 86 runs, both career highs. His performance that year was a stark contrast to his struggles in Miami. Over his 13-year career, García also made the AL All-Star team in 2017 as a member of the Chicago White Sox, underscoring his potential and past successes.
“He’s done a lot in the game. Not a lot of guys can say that,” Schumaker acknowledged, reflecting on García’s achievements throughout his career.
With García designated for assignment, the Marlins will need to look for solutions within their roster or explore external options to fill the void. The move signifies a willingness to make tough decisions to improve the team’s overall performance and address areas of concern.
For García, this juncture presents an opportunity to regroup and potentially find a new team where he can contribute and perhaps recapture the form that once made him a valuable player. As the Marlins continue their season, the focus will be on maintaining competitiveness and making strategic moves to enhance their roster.