BALTIMORE -- The Nationals acquired infielder Jorbit Vivas from the Yankees in exchange for Washington’s No. 27 prospect, right-hander Sean Paul Liñan, the team announced on Sunday.
Hailing from Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, the 25-year-old Vivas debuted for the Yankees last May and slashed .161/.266/.250 with one homer over 66 plate appearances. He had joined the organization in 2023, when he was acquired from the Dodgers as part of a deal for shortstop Trey Sweeney. Over seven Minor League seasons, Vivas hit .271 with 52 homers, 94 steals and a .782 OPS.
Vivas, who is out of Minor League options, is expected to serve as a backup at second and third base, likely taking the Opening Day roster spot of infielder José Tena -- who also is out of options and would need to be placed on waivers.
TRADE DETAILS
Nationals get: INF Jorbit Vivas
Yankees get: RHP Sean Paul Liñan (was WSH's No. 27 prospect, now NYY's No. 23 prospect)
Many aspects of Tena and Vivas’ makeups are nearly identical; both are left-handed bats with a defensive focus at second and third base -- the two positions where the Nationals needed a No. 2 defender.
Tena had previously been the frontrunner for the utility infield role, however he underperformed offensively during Grapefruit League action, slashing .176/.349/.265 with one homer in 18 games, while Vivas -- who reportedly is more defensive-minded than Tena, which adds to his intrigue -- slashed .227/.370/.273 in 18 spring games with the Yankees.
Liñan joined the Nats with pitcher Eriq Swan last summer in the trade that sent outfielder Alex Call to the Dodgers. Possessing one of the best changeups in the Minors, the 21-year-old Colombian righty struck out 106 batters over 77 1/3 innings across four levels in 2025.