​CHICAGO — After the Yankees won another low-scoring game, 2-1 on Sunday at Wrigley Field, they went through their handshake line, headed through the visiting dugout and up a flight of steep stairs and into the clubhouse.That’s when they found out about the big trade news.About 26 hours before Monday’s 6 p.m. ET trade deadline, general manager Brian Cashman improved a roster that badly needed more offensive firepower with Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger on the injured list and possibly not returning until September.The Yankees completed a deal with the Washington Nationals for Luis Garcia Jr., a left-handed first baseman having an outstanding season.Check out these numbers:In 104 games, Garcia is hitting .283 with 23 homers and 75 RBI, all career-bests over his six MLB seasons.Yankees third baseman Amed Rosario loved the trade. He played with the Nats for part of last season and had a locker next to Garcia.“Really good player,” Rosario told NJ.com. “What’s he bringing to the team? A lot of things. He’s a good hitter. A lot of power. Really nice guy, too. Quiet. Yeah, this trade is really good for us!”The Nationals’ return for Garcia was four pitchers. They’re getting rookie reliever Yovanny Cruz, a right-hander with a 101-mph fastball, who was just recalled from Triple-A on Saturday, plus three minor leaguers: Triple-A reliever Jake Bird, Double-A starter Jack Cebert and Double-A reliever Ben Grable.Bird was acquired from the Rockies on July 31, 2025 – last season’s trade deadline – and posted a 7.32 ERA in 39 outings for the Yankees over the last two seasons. The other two pitchers are organizational top-30 prospects, per MLB Pipeline, with Cebert ranked No. 14 and Grable No. 25.When Yankees manager Aaron Boone met with reporters, the trade hadn’t been announced yet, so he wouldn’t address Garcia other than offering a one-liner on what stands out: “He can rake!”The over/under is set at 7.5 total runs on BetMGM for Monday night’s series opener featuring the Yankees and the Cardinals. Our complete BetMGM Sportsbook review provides a helpful guide on how to use their app.Later, the Yankees’ official trade release included more Boone comments in an audio file taped by the club’s media relations.“I’m really excited,” Boone said. “He’s really come of age this year. He’s been one of the best left-on-right hitters in the National League this year. We think he fits our ballpark very well. He should help hopefully give a little jolt to our offense, which has obviously scuffled here a little bit over an extended period.“I hear great things about him and I can’t wait to see him impact our lineup.”Garcia will likely start at first base against right-handed starting pitchers while Paul Goldschmidt will play first against lefties.Garcia has 20 homers against right-handed pitching — tied for ninth most in the majors — with a .295 batting average and .918 OPS in 297 plate appearances. Goldschmidt’s