The Boston Red Sox’s 14-game win streak has them back in the postseason race, and in a position to buy at the trade deadline.
The team could use a right-handed bat, but any type of added offense would help. Even though Luis García Jr. of the Washington Nationals plays first base, he could be a solid addition for the Red Sox. He would have to serve as a designated hitter since the Red Sox have Willson Contreras, but that may not be the worst thing.
If García is the designated hitter, Masataka Yoshida could see more starts in the outfield, sending Jarren Duran to the bench. Duran has had a terrible year at the plate, and getting him out of the starting lineup could be a good thing for the Red Sox. Yoshida is not a great defender, but he is a better hitter than Duran.
The real problem for the Red Sox in acquiring García would be if Roman Anthony returns. Then they would have to find a way to get García in the lineup regularly. Anthony would take over left field, meaning Yoshida and García would be fighting for the designated hitter role.
García does have experience playing shortstop and second base as well. The team could try him at either one of those spots if Trevor Story and Marcelo Mayer continue to struggle after they return from the injured list. Even though García would be another lefty in the lineup, his .853 OPS is enough to overlook which side of the plate he hits from.
He is having a career year and has 20 home runs this year. The Nationals are in the middle of a rebuild, and their record is not good enough to justify buying this year. Garcia will be a free agent after next season, and the Nationals would be wise to deal him while the value is high.
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