Yankees close in on trade for interesting slugger

Garcia is not necessarily the flashy name Yankees fans might have been hoping for. He does, however, represent an upgrade on most of their infield. The 26-year-old leads the National League with a .560 slugging percentage thanks to 23 home runs, 20 doubles, and five triples so far on the season.

Garcia has largely played at first base for the Nationals this season, though he has played second in the past. It remains to be seen where the Yankees will slot him in, as first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has not been the offense’s biggest problem for a while. Brendan Kuty of The Athletic suggested Garcia would likely start against right-handed pitchers, with Goldschmidt shifting to a specialist role against left-handers.

The Yankees seemingly zeroed in on Garcia on Saturday and made him a major target in trade talks. Their lineup has been in need of some added punch since Aaron Judge’s injury, and with his return date still uncertain, a move like this was essential.