Nationals part ways with Foster Griffin in trade with Guardians

Foster Griffin. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Nationals part ways with ace Foster Griffin in trade with Guardians

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 3, 2026 6:24 PM ET

The Washington Nationals were not expecting a breakout season from left-hander Foster Griffin when they inked him to a one-year deal ahead of the 2026 season.

However, a breakout season is exactly what they got, and with the two sides far apart in contract negotiations, Washington capitalized on Griffin's success and shipped him away just ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

Foster Griffin heads to Cleveland

According to ESPN's MLB insider Jeff Passan, the Nationals sent Griffin to the Cleveland Guardians for a hefty prospect package.

The return includes three pitchers in Will Dion, Josh Hartle, Kendeglys Virguez and outfielder Nick Mitchell.

The Foster Griffin trade return:

Josh Hartle
No. 25 prospect in CLE system
6-foot-6 RHP in AA
88K in 93 IP

Will Dion
LHP reliever
Pithed 12 times in majors this year
25K in 19 IP at MLB level this year
91 MPH FB ... IVB is good
Throws 4FB, CB, CH

Kendeglys Virguez
22yo…
— Grant Paulsen (@GrantPaulsen) August 3, 2026

Foster Griffin is having a stellar season

Griffin returned to MLB this season after spending three seasons in Japan, and what a year it's been for the 31-year-old left-hander.

Griffin is 12-3 with a 3.06 ERA across 22 starts and 129 1/3 innings pitched this season. His 12 wins are tied for the fourth most in baseball, and his ERA ranks 12th best.

He will now join a stellar rotation that includes Parker Messick and Gavin Williams, two of the top pitchers in the AL this season.

Cleveland is gearing up to make a run at the White Sox

Cleveland entered Monday trailing the Chicago White Sox by three games for first place in the AL Central.

The Guardians acquired Griffin, outfielder Jo Adell and infielder Nathaniel Lowe ahead of Monday's trade deadline.

It'll be intriguing to see if those moves are enough to help Cleveland secure a third straight division crown.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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