Free-agent OF Avisail Garcia expected to miss entire 2025 season

Free agent outfielder Avisaíl García is expected to miss the entire season, reports Francys Romero. The veteran underwent surgery in October that repaired a fracture and a disc injury in his lower back. While there was no initial timetable, Romero suggests that García is targeting a return in winter ball in his native Venezuela next offseason.

García signed a four-year, $53M free agent deal with the Marlins over the 2021-22 offseason. That was a complete misfire on the part of Miami’s front office. García hit .217/.260/.322 in 153 games over two and a half seasons. Miami released him last June, a little more than halfway through the contract. He had hit .240/.255/.380 over 18 games in 2024.

The Marlins still owe García a decent chunk of money. He’ll collect a $12M salary this year and will be paid a $5M option buyout at season’s end. Sandy Alcantara’s $17M salary is Miami’s only bigger commitment. García would have been limited to minor league offers if he were healthy. If his recovery goes as planned, he could pursue a non-roster invite to Spring Training in 2026. He’d be entering his age-35 season.