#3- Adolis Garcia near-arbitration case
The Texas Rangers are different than some MLB franchises in that they try to avoid arbitration cases. They have not been in an arbitration hearing room since 2000 when they couldn't agree with Lee Stevens. That streak nearly came to an end this offseason with Adolis Garcia. They offered the first-year arbitration player Garcia $5 million and his representation countered with $6.9 million. It was the widest gap between player and team in this arbitration cycle.
Arbitration cases started on January 29th and there was still no agreement. Deadlines make deals and Garcia's arbitration case was scheduled for February 8th. Texas and Garcia finally agreed that morning before entering the hearing room on a 2-year $14 million contract that avoids arbitration in 2024 and 2025. Texas can avoid a hearing and Garcia gets his money. It was a win-win for both sides.
The focus can now shift to on-field matters and that is where Garcia shines. The right-fielder continues to improve every year. In 2023 Garcia set a career-high in home runs with 39 and RBIs with 107, and his OBP at .328, and walks with 65. Now that the off-field business is settled he can focus on trying to become one of the best right-fielders in the game as he enters his age 31 season.