Yankees Weigh Moving Garcia Back to Second Base
New York is split internally on whether Luis Garcia Jr. should return to second base to replace the outgoing Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Baseball
The Yankees have an internal split over whether to move Luis Garcia Jr. back to second base, with some in the organization favoring the switch and others preferring he stay at first base. The move could fill the gap left by the outgoing Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Why it matters
Garcia has not played second base since 2025, when he committed seven errors and posted a -17 Defensive Runs Saved rating there, so the decision carries defensive risk. The choice also affects how New York's infield is configured heading into the season.
Garcia batted .272 with 30 homers, 92 RBI and an .831 OPS across Nationals and Yankees play last year, but his 2025 work at second base produced seven errors and a -17 Defensive Runs Saved rating over 123 starts. Whether he can handle the position again after a season away from it has not been determined.
The players
Luis Garcia Jr.
Garcia is an infielder whose possible move between first and second base is central to the Yankees' infield planning.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Chisholm is an infielder who is outgoing from the Yankees, leaving second base open for reassignment.
Brandon Lowe
Lowe is a veteran second baseman who recently received a qualifying offer from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The details
Some within the Yankees want to shift Garcia back to second base, which would open first base for Ben Rice, while others want him to remain at first. Moving Garcia would fill the spot vacated by the outgoing Jazz Chisholm Jr., and the club would likely need to attach a draft pick to acquire Brandon Lowe, who recently received a qualifying offer from Pittsburgh.
Timeline
2025: Garcia last played second base, committing seven errors there.
Last year: Garcia batted .272 with 30 homers and 92 RBI between Washington and New York.
Toward the end of last year: Volpe adjusted well defensively at second base.
2027: The Yankees must settle Garcia's role before the season begins.
Season Trajectory
Garcia's 2025 defensive numbers at second base, with seven errors and a -17 DRS over 123 starts, set the baseline against which any return to the position will be judged. The outcome will shape the Yankees' infield alignment and their approach to replacing departing infielders this offseason.
The decision determines whether Ben Rice moves to first base and whether Garcia's bat stays in the lineup at a new position. Fantasy managers tracking Garcia's eligibility at second base should watch the Yankees' final alignment before the season.
The takeaway
Position changes for power hitters often hinge on defensive value rather than offensive output, and Garcia's 2025 numbers make that trade-off central here. Readers should watch whether the Yankees prioritize his bat at first base or accept the defensive risk at second.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, see Baseball coverage across New York City.
