The rumors are flying with just two weeks until the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline. Now expected to be buyers after winning 18 of their last 20 games, the Boston Red Sox have been linked to big bats who can give their offense a much-needed boost for the stretch run.
Washington Nationals first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. has emerged as a potential trade target for Boston. The following excerpts from The Athletic sparked the Garcia-to-Red Sox conversation:
“Multiple teams are expressing interest in acquiring García in a trade, said people familiar with the situation who were granted anonymity in exchange for candor. …
“The resurgent Boston Red Sox were once thought of as potential sellers, but after a torrid run, they profile as a fit for García, who has played mostly first base this season but also has experience playing second base.”
So, what does Garcia bring to the table? And is he the type of player Boston should be willing to splurge for this summer? Let’s find out…
A big left-handed bat
The Red Sox have been rumored to be prioritizing right-handed bats, but Garcia’s possible availability could change things. He has 20 homers (career-high) and 68 RBI with an .857 OPS through 92 games this season. It’s been a breakout campaign for the 26-year-old, who previously topped out at 18 HR, 70 RBI, and a .762 OPS. He could fit nicely as a pull-happy left-handed hitter at Fenway Park.
Garcia torches right-handed pitching but struggles mightily vs. southpaws. Against lefties this season, he’s hitting .225/.244/.375 with two homers.
If Garcia joined the Red Sox today, he’d rank second on the team in homers behind Willson Contreras (22).
Where does he fit?
Boston would immediately insert Garcia into the middle of its lineup, but his roster fit isn’t perfect.
Contreras is the full-time first baseman, so Garcia would have to move to second base or become the club’s primary DH. He’s been below-average with the glove wherever he has played so far in his seven-year career.
Contract situation
Garcia is making $6.875 million this season and is arbitration-eligible next year. He’s set to hit free agency after the 2027 season.
What would he cost?
If he’s available, Garcia will be one of the biggest bats on the trade market this summer. It’ll cost at least one top prospect to pry him from the Nationals.
Washington is likely looking for young pitching. That means Boston could send someone like 2025 first-rounder Kyson Witherspoon, who could reach the majors as soon as next season, in such a deal. That’s a hefty price tag, but the Red Sox have the organizational pitching depth to soften the blow.
Verdict
Pass (sort of)…
If it’s going to take a top 100 prospect to acquire Garcia, it isn’t worth the risk. The Red Sox should shoot higher for a more well-rounded hitter who wouldn’t have to switch positions upon joining the club. Garcia’s power surge has coincided with his full-time move to first base, and he’d have to change positions again in Boston.
That said, if Boston can land Garcia for a more reasonable price, such as a package of less-highly touted prospects, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow should consider the move. This club desperately needs power added to the middle of the lineup, and adding Garcia certainly beats striking out at the deadline.
