It appears the New York Yankees are acquiring Washington Nationals star first baseman Luis García Jr.
The New York Post’s Joel Sherman wrote on X: “Sources: The Yankees are trying to complete a trade for Nationals first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. AA starter Jack Cebert has been discussed prominently.”
The Athletic’s Spencer Nusbaum wrote on X: “Nothing finalized between Luis García Jr. and the Yankees but it is trending that way, per source. He just went into the tunnel. ”
Update: The deal is officially happening, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Passan wrote on X: “BREAKING: The New York Yankees are acquiring infielder Luis García Jr. from the Washington Nationals, sources tell ESPN. Garcia, 26, leads the National League in slugging percentage and is hitting .283/.313/.560 with 23 home runs. He’s under club control through end of 2027.”
Nusbaum wrote on X: “The Nationals return, per source: RHP Ben Grable, RHP Yovanny Cruz, RHP Jack Cebert, RHP Jake Bird”
New York Yankees Acquire Luis García Jr. in Trade with Nationals
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 30: Luis García Jr. #2 of the Washington Nationals reacts as he rounds third base after hitting a solo homer in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
García, 26, is easily having the best season of his career. In 104 games, the first baseman has posted 2.3 bWAR and a .283/.313/.560 slash line with 23 home runs, 20 doubles, five triples and 76 RBI.
With the Yankees, García will likely become the primary first baseman against right-handers while Ben Rice serves as the designated hitter. Meanwhile, Paul Goldschmidt will likely only play against left-handers.
Looking at Luis García Jr.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 30: Luis García Jr. #2 of the Washington Nationals bats in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
García made his MLB debut with the Nationals in 2020. He had a slow start to his career, with below-average seasons at the plate in 2020, 2021 and 2023. He had an okay 101 OPS+ in 2022.
García had a breakout season in 2024, posting 2.2 bWAR with a .282/.318/.444 slash line, 18 home runs, 25 doubles and 70 RBI.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 30: Luis García Jr. #2 of the Washington Nationals reacts on third base after hitting a RBI triple in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
He took a step back last season, posting 0.4 bWAR and a .701 OPS in 139 games before emerging as one of the league’s best sluggers this year. García’s .560 slugging percentage in 2026 is the highest in the National League.
García has also played second base and shortstop in the past, but it’s doubtful he will play those positions for the Yankees much at all. He hasn’t played shortstop since 2022, and he recorded -17 Defensive Runs Saved at second base last year.
Looking at Jack Cebert
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 19: A New York Yankees hat is shown before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on June 19, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Cebert, who appears to be the top prospect who will be included in the García trade, is the Yankees’ No. 14 overall prospect per MLB Pipeline.
Cebert, 24, throws a mid-90s fastball, a low-80s slider and a low-90s cutter.
Between Double-A and High-A this year, Cebert, a right-hander, has posted a 4.03 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP and 96 strikeouts in 82 2/3 innings across 16 appearances (14 starts).
TRADE: New York Yankees Trade for Nationals Star First Baseman