When the Washington Nationals won the World Series back in 2019, Luis Garcia Jr. was the third-ranked prospect in the organization. Now in 2025, Garcia Jr. is the starting second baseman and a productive hitter for the Nats. Heading into a contract season in 2026, the Nats have to decide what their next course of action with Garcia Jr. will be.
Garcia Jr. brings the most value to the team at the plate, where he's hitting .263 with 13 home runs and 61 RBI. His OPS is at .721, and he has stolen 13 bases. While his statistics are down from last season, in his previous 30 games, he's slugged five home runs and 16 RBI while posting an OPS of .791. Garcia Jr.'s knack at the plate is that he's too aggressive, drawing just 26 walks in 435 at-bats this season.
The major problem with Garcia Jr. is on the defensive side; he's struggled at second base this season to the tune of seven errors. While seven errors might not scream a "problem", Garcia Jr. has failed to make the routine play on multiple occasions, costing the Nats runs. Winning teams make the routine plays every time, and the Nats haven't been able to do that this season.
How does Garcia Jr. fit in the Nats' 2026 plans? It's hard to predict how players will be evaluated by the eventual President of Baseball Operations. Garcia Jr. can hit, no question about that, and that's what brings value in today's form of baseball. Considering what the Nats have at their disposal, Garcia Jr. should play a key role in the lineup in the 2026 season. Should he play second base? It's hard to justify his negative impact on the position, but there aren't many options to replace him. Nasim Nunez is an option, but he's seen very little opportunity for the Nats in his two-year stint with the team. Could the Nats try Garcia Jr. at first base? While unlikely, we've seen crazier things happen.
The most likely outcome for Garcia Jr. is to be traded before the 2026 season. Given the ownership history of the Nats, it would be shocking to see Garcia Jr. sign a contract extension. Keibert Ruiz, currently on the injured list with a second concussion, was the last player signed to a lucrative extension. Given how that signing has worked out, it doesn't seem likely the Lerners will sign a player with a career OPS of .714 to a new deal. While Nats fans have grown tired of seeing their players traded at the end of their deals, I wouldn't think Garcia Jr. moves the needle much. He's had great moments as a Nat, but overall has been streaky at the plate.