The New York Yankees have acquired infielder Luis García Jr. from the Washington Nationals in a trade aimed at strengthening their offense before the upcoming deadline. The Yankees sent four pitching prospects—Jake Bird, Ben Grable, Yovanny Cruz, and Jack Cebert—to the Nationals in the deal.
García, 26, provides a left-handed bat to a Yankees lineup that has been struggling, with the team currently navigating absences from key players like Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton. Entering Sunday, García was batting .283 with a .873 OPS and 23 home runs in 104 games for the Nationals. His .560 slugging percentage led the National League.
This season, García has primarily played first base, but his positional versatility could allow him to see time at first base or designated hitter, particularly against right-handed pitching. He has team control through the 2027 season. In 2025, he recorded a minus-17 Defensive Runs Saved at second base, which was the worst among players at that position. The Yankees may utilize him as a DH or first baseman against righties, a role previously filled by Amed Rosario and often occupied by Paul Goldschmidt.
García was removed from Friday's game with knee soreness but returned to the lineup Saturday. He was scratched from Sunday's game, likely due to the ongoing trade discussions.