Orioles and Nationals complete first trade between franchises

Randal Diaz. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Beltway rivals Orioles and Nationals complete first trade between franchises

By David Hill | Last updated Jul 1, 2026 9:37 PM ET

The Washington Nationals had yet to make a trade with the Baltimore Orioles since leaving Montreal. That changed on Wednesday.

Roch Kubatko of MASNsports reported that the Orioles traded reliever Kyle Nicholas to the Nationals. In exchange, the Orioles received minor league infielder Randal Diaz.

Nicholas never appeared in a major league game with the Orioles. He was traded from the Pirates to the Reds during spring training for utility man Tyler Callihan. He made seven major league appearances for the Reds, allowing seven runs on eight hits and 13 walks over his 7.1 innings, striking out seven.

The Orioles purchased Nicholas from the Reds on June 4 and assigned him to Triple-A. He is likely to remain in the minors with the Nationals and serve as a depth option for a bullpen that has been battered by injuries.

#orioles acquired minor league INF Randal Diaz from the Washington Nationals in exchange for RHP Kyle Nicolas.
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) July 2, 2026

Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles break trade embargo

In exchange, the Nationals sent Diaz to Baltimore. A fifth-round selection in the 2024 MLB Draft, Diaz was not ranked on any of the Nationals' top prospect lists, despite having an intriguing mix of power and speed as a middle infielder. He has spent the 2026 season in High-A ball, posting a .253/.360/.406 batting line with five homers and nine doubles in his 200 plate appearances while stealing 13 bases.

While this is not exactly a blockbuster deal, it is a continuation of the thawing relationship between the two teams since David Rubenstein purchased the Orioles in 2024. The two teams had battled over broadcasting rights since the Nationals relocated to Washington. The Nationals cut ties with MASN in January and allowed the league to take over their in-market broadcasts, further alleviating tension between the two organizations.

The Nationals and Orioles made their first trade since relocation. It may be a sign that the two sides are ready to coexist.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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