Marlins snag Avisail Garcia after Brewers opt against qualifying offer
By Mark Powell
The Marlins needed a replacement in the lineup for Starling Marte, and they got one in former Brewers outfielder Avisail Garcia.
Garcia was a legitimate contributor in the lineup for a playoff team in the Brewers last season, slashing .262/.330/.490, but that wasn’t enough for Milwaukee to consider re-signing him or even giving him a qualifying offer.
Instead, the Brewers lost Garcia for nothing, as he signed with the Miami Marlins on Sunday afternoon in a mad dash to do so by many free agents before a potential work stoppage.
FanSided’s own Robert Murray had the initial report.
Free-agent outfielder Avisail Garcia is close to a deal with the Miami Marlins, according to sources familiar with the situation.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) November 28, 2021
The Marlins lost Starling Marte to the New York Mets earlier this holiday week, meaning they needed a replacement. Garcia has the potential to do just that.
Marlins cash in on Avisail Garcia
The Marlins gave Garcia a four-year contract, per Craig Mish.
Per sources the Miami Marlins are nearing an agreement with Free Agent Outfielder Avisail García on a four year contract. First of many big moves on the horizon for the Marlins.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) November 28, 2021
Garcia and Marte are of similar ages, and have similar potential in terms of run production, so it’s a curious decision by Miami to punt on the requests of the latter in favor of the former.
Nonetheless, expect the Marlins to make several moves in the lead-up to a potential lockout later this week. Miami is in the market for upgrades at several positions, and Garcia is just the beginning.
Outfielder Avisail Garcia and the Miami Marlins are in agreement on a four-year, $53 million, a source tells ESPN. @CraigMish was on top of it.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 28, 2021
Marlins are another team with some money to spend, and they shore up an outfield that has been a big deficit in recent seasons.
Given Garcia’s contract, which will pay him about $13.5 million per season, the Brewers decision not to give him a one-year qualifying offer is an interesting one. The Brewers offer would have been for over $18 million, but for just one season.
Had Garcia declined it and signed elsewhere, the Brewers would’ve received a compensatory draft pick. However, without an offer extended, they lose Garcia for nothing.
That’s the risk.
Next. Texas Rangers close to deal with free agent Marcus Semien. dark