Why Nationals' Foster Griffin merits Rookie of Year consideration

Since returning from Japan and signing with the Washington Nationals in the offseason, left-hander Foster Griffin has been worth every penny.

The 30-year-old joined Washington on a one-year, $5.5 million contract after spending three seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball. While Griffin is no stranger to the majors — he had a short stint with the Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays from 2020 to 2022 before heading overseas — his success since returning has been remarkable.

In fact, Griffin may deserve strong consideration for the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

Experts don't give Foster Griffin enough credit

Griffin isn't a big name or someone who will blow hitters away with his fastball (his four-seamer hovers near 91 mph). But he gets outs and uses his arsenal effectively. 

In a recent MLB.com poll of 32 baseball experts on who will win the NL Rookie of the Year, Griffin didn't finish in the top five. St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt was the front-runner (120 points and 13 first-place votes), while New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean (third) was the only pitcher to place in the top five. 

Both are deserving of their place, but Griffin merits more consideration over McLean's teammate, OF Carson Benge, who placed fifth.

Among qualified rookie pitchers through Monday's games, Griffin leads in WHIP (1.11), wins (seven) and is tied with McLean in starts (13). Griffin is second to McLean in batting average against (McLean .202, Griffin .216), innings (McLean 72 1/3, Griffin 72) and strikeouts (McLean 82, Griffin 69). 

Foster Griffin's five-pitch arsenal is effective

A seven-pitch pitcher, Griffin has primarily relied on five offerings this season, and all have been effective. His cutter and sweeper have been his most hittable pitches, with opponents batting .256 and .268 against them, respectively.

Those pitches also carry his highest slugging percentages allowed at .512 and .488. His curve, meanwhile, has been dominant. Hitters are batting just .120 with a .240 slugging percentage against the pitch.

Griffin's changeup and splitter have been nearly as effective, limiting batters to .154 and .200 averages and .192 and .280 slugging percentages, respectively.

While Griffin is unlikely to overtake Wetherholt and other leading candidates for the award, his deep arsenal and ability to generate weak contact should keep him firmly in the Rookie of the Year conversation if he maintains his current form.