The Boston Red Sox didn't add a first baseman at the trade deadline. They'll stick with the Abraham Toro/Romy Gonzalez platoon that has worked so far, and they'll need to pursue other options for next season.
Boston may already have a potential first baseman in its system. Top prospect outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia has begun preparing to play some first base, according to Katie Morrison-O'Day of MassLive. Garcia has reportedly played at the corner before during spring training, but he hasn't appeared in the infield at all during the minor league season.
Garcia is undeniably a bat-first player, but he's a solid outfielder. He's made four errors in 708.1 innings in the outfield, split between all three positions. He spends most of his time in center field, with 571.1 innings there this season.
The 22-year-old has been knocking on the major leagues' door ever since his promotion to Triple-A on May 20, but there's no place for him in Boston's stacked outfield. A potential move to first base could be his path to the major leagues, where the Red Sox could definitely use the jolt of power he provides.
Red Sox No. 2 prospect Jhostynxon Garcia taking reps at first base to find path to the big leagues
Jhostynxon Garcia has hit a home run in 3 consecutive games 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/Xt71tOr95e
— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) August 3, 2025
Since his promotion, Garcia has turned heads at the plate. He's slashing .312/.380/.596 with a .976 OPS, 11 doubles, three triples and 15 homers in 55 games with the WooSox. He's been especially hot lately, fresh off International League Player of the Week honors, with three homers and a triple since the start of August, good for a .526/.571/1.263 slash line in his last four games. He's caught the attention of scouts and national media after making it onto a few top 100 prospects lists and into trade conversations at the deadline, but the Red Sox couldn't get a deal done and ended up keeping him in the system.
Boston clearly sees a future in the major leagues for Garcia, hence his potential position change. He may still end up traded, however, as the Red Sox could be active in the trade market this offseason. Sox fans hope a trade for Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan could be possible, and doing so without trading Garcia would be the best possible outcome.
The WooSox haven't announced a date for Garcia's debut at first base in game action, and it could still be a ways away, given that he has no experience there in his professional career. If Garcia takes to first base, he could be the solution to Boston's corner infield woes. If not, he could be a solid temporary option until Triston Casas can return to action or until the Red Sox sign an experienced first baseman.