As the MLB offseason rolls on, the Chicago White Sox remain active in the rumor mill, continuing their search for roster upgrades-particularly in the outfield. The club has already been linked to a few names across free agency, including infielder Ryan O’Hearn and right-hander Pete Fairbanks, and they’ve reportedly been exploring both the outfield and starting pitching markets.

One name that made a lot of sense on paper? Former Rangers slugger Adolis García.

But that door just closed.

García, who turns 33 by Opening Day, was viewed by many as a strong fit for the White Sox-a veteran bat with power, defensive chops in right field, and the kind of presence that can help guide a young, rebuilding clubhouse. MLB.com even pegged him as the “perfect free-agent match” for Chicago.

But that potential pairing never gained traction. Instead, García is headed to Philadelphia, where he’s reportedly signed a deal with the Phillies, leaving the White Sox still searching for answers in the outfield corners.

Let’s be clear: García would’ve checked a lot of boxes for the South Siders. Over the last five seasons, he crushed 141 home runs with the Rangers, including a 2023 campaign that saw him go deep 39 times and drive in 107 runs as Texas marched to a World Series title. That was peak García-explosive at the plate, dangerous in the clutch, and a force in the middle of the order.

Since then, his offensive numbers have dipped, which ultimately led to Texas non-tendering him in November. But even with the bat cooling off a bit, his defense in right field remained solid, and the power hasn’t disappeared. García still brings that game-changing pop-something the White Sox lineup could use in a big way.

He also fit the mold of a classic short-term, prove-it deal candidate: a veteran looking to bounce back, contribute early, and potentially become a trade chip at the deadline. For a rebuilding club like Chicago, that’s often the play-sign a guy with upside, let him produce, then flip him for future assets.

But that model only works if the player doesn’t have a better option. And in García’s case, he did.

Philadelphia offers something Chicago can’t right now-a legitimate shot at contending. With Kyle Schwarber returning and some uncertainty surrounding veterans like J.T.

Realmuto and Ranger Suárez, the Phillies are reshaping their roster. Nick Castellanos hasn’t been the same player of late, and García gives them a more consistent power bat and stronger glove in right field.

Slotting him alongside Schwarber, likely as the designated hitter, gives the Phillies a more balanced lineup heading into a pivotal season.

García will earn $10 million this year in Philly. Whether the White Sox were in on him at that price point is unclear.

But even if they were, the decision for García seems pretty straightforward-take a one-year deal with a contender, rebuild your value, and chase another postseason run. That’s a tough offer to beat, especially for a player looking to prove he’s still got something left in the tank.

So where does that leave the White Sox?

With García off the board, the outfield market isn’t exactly bursting with star power, but there are still some solid veteran options out there. Names like Austin Hays, Max Kepler, Harrison Bader, and even a reunion with Mike Tauchman could be on the table. All bring varying degrees of experience, defense, and offensive upside, and any of them could help round out the outfield while the front office continues to evaluate the young core.

What’s clear is that the White Sox still have work to do-and not just in the outfield. With spring training just two months away, the roster still has multiple holes, and how they choose to fill them will say a lot about how aggressive-or patient-this rebuild is going to be under new GM Chris Getz.

Don’t expect Chicago to spend at the top of the market, but they’ll need to make moves that give this roster a better balance of veteran leadership and upside. Losing out on García stings, especially given the fit, but the offseason is far from over.

The White Sox still have time to find the right pieces. The question now is: who’s next?