The 2025 MLB Trade Deadline is now officially in full swing, and with the clock expiring in less than 24 hours, the Washington Nationals struck for the second time. After trading utilityman Amed Rosario to the New York Yankees over the weekend, they made another deal on Wednesday afternoon with another American League hopeful.
This time, the Nationals made a deal with the Los Angeles Angels for a pair of relievers who have not even been with the team for the entire season. The first, Andrew Chafin, did not even appear in a game with the organization until his debut with the Nationals on May 3rd, and pitched to a 2.70 ERA and 2.60 WHIP over 26 appearances.
Combined with Chafin in the package to the Angels was fellow reliever Luis Garcia, who had only been with the team since July 8th. Garcia pitched to an impressive 0.90 ERA and 0.70 WHIP in 10 games, and is now being turned into a piece of a trade package to a potential contender. The fact that the Nationals were able to turn a pair of relievers who spent a combined 4 months on the club into a somewhat enticing return is a job well done by interim GM Mike DeBartolo.
So what did the Nationals actually receive in return? The main piece in the return is minor league lefty Jake Eder, who has been pitching primarily out of the bullpen for the Angels this season, but had been starting in the minors. The numbers are unspectacular at first glance, but when you look at his former prospect pedigree, you can understand why DeBartolo might have wanted to trade for him.
Eder, a 6'4" lefty and former 4th-round pick of the Miami Marlins back in 2020 out of Vanderbilt, was once a highly-ranked prospect in the Miami organization, peaking as high as the #5 prospect in MLB Pipeline's 2023 rankings. He was graded with a 60-grade fastball and slider to go with a 50-grade changeup, control, and overall rating. For a team that has a need for younger and controllable arms, being able to get a high-upside dart throw is solid value for DeBartolo and company.
Also headed to the Nationals in the deal is minor league first baseman Sam Brown, who was a 12th-rounder of the Angels back in 2023 out of Washington State University. His numbers this season are nothing special, with a .244/.350/.358 slash line in 92 games for the Angels' AA affiliate. He has hit 5 homers this year with 40 RBIs, but has drawn an impressive 46 walks compared to just 64 strikeouts in 363 plate appearances.
The inclusion of Brown is yet another example of the Nationals prioritizing guys with a high hit tool, and it will be interesting to see how the 23-year-old progresses through the system. With fellow first base prospects like Ethan Petry, Hunter Hines, and Jordan Walsh entering the system as well.
What do you think of the return for Andrew Chafin and Luis Garcia? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.