New York Yankees Could Have a Shocking Plan at Third Base

When the New York Yankees acquired Luis Garcia Jr. from the Washington Nationals back at the MLB trade deadline, many wondered exactly where he would play.

Ultimately, he ended up essentially serving as the full-time starting first baseman while Ben Rice shifted to the designated hitter role. Paul Goldschmidt would then spell Garcia against left-handed pitching.

But where will Garcia play in 2027?

Giancarlo Stanton is still on the roster, and while he probably isn't an everyday player anymore, you would have to assume the Yankees would want him getting reps at DH, where he could alternate with Rice.

Could that mean Garcia could actually move back to second base, where he spent a lot of time in Washington?

That probably isn't the best idea, considering Garcia was a horrific second baseman for the Nationals, and the Yankees clearly need to value defense more.

But what about third base?

Manager Aaron Boone did not rule out the possibility of trying Garcia at a different infield position next spring, and the hot corner could be the answer.

Currently, New York is employing Ryan McMahon as its starting third baseman. Jose Caballero fills in sometimes, and Anthony Volpe could be an option next season, as well. Amed Rosario will probably be gone.

Third base is not as athletically demanding as second base, and while I won't go as far to say that Garcia would excel there, he can probably handle that position a bit better.

That would allow Rice to return to his first base role, and the Yankees could then swap between Rice, Stanton and Aaron Judge at DH, depending on the day.

And if Stanton isn't on the roster next season? Then you can just go with Rice and Judge.

It would be best to move Judge out of a full-time defensive role anyway to preserve his health, and while we know Rice isn't the best defender at third base, Judge's longevity is the more important variable.

Of course, the problem would be potentially awful infield defense at the corners, but who knows? Maybe Garcia could manage?

The Yankees would then need to figure out what to do at second base. It should not be Garcia, who posted minus-17 defensive runs saved at second in 2025.

Would New York splurge on Luis Arraez or Brandon Lowe, either of whom would provide the Yanks with a much-needed bat up the middle? Or would the Yankees simply install Volpe at that spot?

Then there is the outside chance that the Yankees actually trade Garcia, who has only one year of club control remaining and just posted far better numbers than he ever has at any point of his career. So selling high on the 26-year-old could be a thing.

But assuming New York keeps Garcia, trying him out at third base may not be the worst idea in the world.