The New York Yankees are reportedly weighing the possibility of trading first baseman Anthony García as they seek greater roster flexibility ahead of the upcoming MLB season. García, a left-handed hitter with one year remaining on his contract before free agency, is viewed as a productive offensive player but presents challenges in the context of the Yankees’ payroll and infield configuration moving forward.
With the increasing importance of athleticism and defense in the modern game, the Yankees face questions about how to optimally deploy García and first baseman Josh Rice. Reports suggest that García may spend some time at second base this offseason to enhance his versatility, though questions remain about the long-term practicality of pairing García and Rice regularly in the infield. Additionally, the team is cautious about accumulating too many players primarily suited to first base and designated hitter roles, given the evolving strategic demands.
Several potential trade partners for García have emerged. The Arizona Diamondbacks, who previously showed interest during the trade deadline and struggled offensively at first base in 2023, could represent a natural fit. Other clubs reportedly in need of a power bat and first baseman include the New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Tampa Bay Rays.
In return, the Yankees could target players who address other roster needs, such as bolstering their bullpen with a late-inning reliever like Juan Morillo or acquiring outfielders capable of playing center field, such as Cleveland Guardians prospect Steven Kwan. Kwan, entering his walk year and earning a comparable salary to García, could fulfill the Yankees’ desire for contact hitting and center-field defense. Cleveland, in turn, might benefit from acquiring García to add power and fill a need at first base, especially considering their left-handed-hitting prospect Ralphy Velazquez could be ready next year.
The Yankees also face decisions regarding potential replacements for García at first base. Veteran Paul Goldschmidt remains an option; although he is 39, he has continued to perform well against left-handed pitching and is regarded as a strong defensive asset. Other possibilities include free agents such as Ty France, noted for his defense and solid offensive output at age 31, and Imedaro Vargas, who has defensive versatility and showed promising offensive numbers against left-handed pitchers in limited action last season.
If the Yankees choose to keep García alongside Rice, they believe the lineup would be manageable, particularly if Giancarlo Stanton’s availability remains limited due to injuries. Nonetheless, the organization is assessing whether leveraging García in a trade could provide a more balanced roster to address broader team needs as they prepare for the 2024 season.