At 25 years old, Luis García Jr. He is the player with the longest tenure in the Nationals. Entering his seventh season in the Major Leagues, the Dominican has room for improvement and potential for a bounce-back campaign.
Garcia has had up-and-down years in Washington since his debut in 2020.
After posting his best offensive numbers in 2024, his performance declined in 2025, with a .252/.289/.412 batting line, 16 home runs (including his first three-homer game), 66 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. His bWAR last season was 0.4, compared to 2.2 the year before.
“I think he has a very interesting offensive profile,” said Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni. “The curious thing about Luis is that sometimes he gives me the impression that he is older than he is, because he has a fairly mature style of play. But in reality, he is still very young.
“I think he has the potential to develop more, especially defensively. So, I’m excited and looking forward to working with him.”
At second base, Garcia’s Outs Above Average rate dropped from 5 in 2024 to -7 in 2025. This ranked him 42nd among the 46 eligible second basemen. Last season, he recorded 2 OAA (Outs Above Average) going to first base, but -7 OAA going to third base.
The Nationals need a first baseman, and Garcia could be the solution. García practiced at first base this year and debuted in that position on September 23. In two games as a starter, García had a perfect performance, 16-for-16 in out opportunities at first base.
The Nationals have talked about the possibility of García playing first base while playing for the Cibao Gigantes in the Dominican Winter League. This change could open up more playing opportunities for him in the infield.
“More than anything, I just believe — and this is exactly the conversation we’ve had with him — that versatility is a very positive thing,” Toboni said. “If you can have that ability, great, you’ll have a better chance of being in the lineup.
“Also, and I don’t want to say this is going to happen, but if it happens, you can find ways to get other bench players into the game. So, whether it’s [el quisqueyano Nasim Núñez] or another player, there are ways for our good players to participate in games regularly.”
In addition to the phone calls, García is already meeting the Nationals’ new coaching staff in person. Third base and infield coach, Víctor Estévez, is also participating in the winter league as manager of the Toros del Este. The two met on a day off, and Estevez paid close attention to Garcia when their teams faced off.
