WS hero García, Heim non-tendered by Rangers, become free agents

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers are parting ways with two key members from the 2023 World Series-winning team. The club non-tendered outfielder Adolis García and catcher Jonah Heim ahead of Friday’s deadline, making them free agents.

The Rangers also non-tendered right-handed relievers Josh Sborz and Jacob Webb, leaving the front office to almost fully rebuild the bullpen once again.

According to sources, the Rangers spent the week following the GM Meetings shopping Heim and García in order to try to get something in return on the trade market. As Texas looks to get younger and less expensive this offseason, these moves felt like a foregone conclusion as both are on the other side of 30 and in their final year of arbitration eligibility.

Both Heim (30) and García (32) were American League All-Star starters and Gold Glove Award winners in 2023, when the Rangers won the World Series, but neither has reached those heights since then. Over the past two seasons, García’s .675 OPS ranks 117th among 123 qualified hitters. Heim was not a qualified hitter, but he posted a .602 OPS in 924 plate appearances over the past two seasons.

García especially was a postseason hero in 2023, when he slashed .323/.382/.726 in 15 games, including a walk-off home run in Game 1 of the World Series following an AL Championship Series MVP finish.

Sborz -- who threw the final pitch of the 2023 World Series -- did not pitch in the Majors in 2025 while recovering from right shoulder surgery, though there were multiple ramp-up attempts. He pitched in four seasons for Texas from 2021-24, posting a 4.86 ERA.

In the postseason in 2023, Sborz allowed just one run over 12 innings (an 0.75 ERA).

"I'd like to express the club's sincere appreciation for the efforts of each of the four players included in today's announcement,” said president of baseball operations Chris Young. “Regardless of what happens moving forward, Adolis, Jonah and Josh will always be remembered for their contributions to the first World Series title in franchise history. Those memories will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Rangers fans. We are grateful for their time in Texas and the mark they have left on this franchise."

Additionally, Texas agreed to terms with outfielder Sam Haggerty on a one-year contract, covering the 2026 season and avoiding arbitration.

The Rangers have four remaining arbitration-eligible players: first baseman Jake Burger, third baseman Josh Jung, utilityman Josh Smith and infielder Ezequiel Duran.

The Rangers could certainly use another outfield bat now. But they are covered nicely with Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter, Alejandro Osuna and Haggerty, as well as Smith and Duran as utilitymen.

The outlook at catcher is a bit more puzzling. Kyle Higashioka is the only veteran catcher on the big league roster, though Texas claimed Willie MacIver off waivers on Nov. 4, adding to the catching depth in the organization.

But there’s no help coming from the top levels of the Minors. Malcolm Moore -- the club’s No. 11 prospect, per MLB Pipeline -- is the only catcher ranked in Texas’ Top 30.