Avisail Garcia Expected To Miss 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, $53MM 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 $12MM salary this year and will be paid a $5MM option buyout at season’s end. Sandy Alcantara’s $17MM 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.