Avisail Garcia’s road to redemption in MLB has hit another roadblock. The former All-Star outfielder, once known to be a threat on the mound, will not play, at least, this 2025 season because of a lingering back issue. Francys Romero updated everyone that Garcia is still recovering from his surgery in October 2024. “Avisail Garcia is still recovering from his back injury and is not expected to play in the 2025 season until winter ball in Venezuela. Avisail underwent surgery on his lower back in October 2024.”

This is a tough time for the 33-year-old, struggling for years to get back to his original form. Garcia signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Miami Marlins in 2021. But it was nothing less than a disaster. He just managed 153 games in two seasons and slashed only a sad .217/.260/.322. The Marlins simply had no choice!

So, Miami decided to cut ties last June itself. Even in 2024’s brief season, Avisail Garcia only managed to hit .240 over 18 games. These aren’t redemption numbers now, are they? However, even though he is off the roster, the team is still about to pay him around $12 million this season. Wait, there’s more!

Miami Marlins needs to pay a $5 million buyout at the year’s end. It’s easily one of the biggest financial misfires in the history of the franchise. However, that doesn’t discount the fact that when non-injured, Avisail Garcia has been a bliss for MLB. He was a solid hitter and earned an all-star nod with the White Sox in 2017. Then in 2019, he smashed 20 homers, and in 2021, he reached a career high of 29 with the Brewers. But that version has kinda become a memory now.

With back surgery correcting a fracture plus a disc issue, the question is not how great he can be when he returns. But rather, if his days are now simply done. Avisail Garcia is going to be 34, and anyway, players in their 30s show a decline. And add in injuries; it’s a bad recipe from a player’s standpoint. His best bet would be a minor league deal or a non-roster invite into spring training. But with back-to-back injuries, it’s hard to imagine teams lining up for his services.

On a different note though, do these injuries and redemption remind you of another MLB star?

Is MLB’s star Mike Trout ready for his redemption?

When it comes to injuries, Mike Trout has sadly become an unfortunate study. The Los Angeles Angels superstar was once the face of MLB because of his sheer dominance. But from the past few seasons, he is battling not an MLB rival—but rather his own body. Now, as per most sources and through his socials, he looks better, rejuvenated, and ready for the next season. But can he remain healthy as such?

Trout’s 2024 season was an absolute nightmare. He played just 29 games because of a torn meniscus. For a player who was considered the best in baseball, these injuries have cast a shadow over his legacy. So even though he has three MVP titles, 11 All-Star appearances, and a resume ready for the Hall of Fame, questions are coming in. He is now 33 after all, and constant injuries might signal that these are his final years in the major leagues.

Hence, the Los Angeles Angels are not sitting around. They have revved up their lineup heavily. They have signed the former Braves slugger Jorge Soler, along with Kyle Hendricks, Travis d’Arnaud, Yusei Kikuchi, and Kevin Newman. On paper, it looks like a complete team. But the reality is that much of the success hinges on Mike Trout’s speed and his defensive brilliance. Because no matter what talent comes in, replacing a generational player is almost impossible. Don’t you agree?

But yes, baseball isn’t only about skill but also durability. Trout’s biggest battle is now against time. Do you think he can remain healthy for the entire season this time? Let’s speculate!