The Washington Nationals have the opportunity to have a huge stamp on this year's MLB Trade Deadline. In fact, the deal they already struck over the weekend, getting lefty Connelly Early from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for infielder Curtis Mead is already setting the table for what could end up being a deadline full of huge deals.
While getting a young and controllable lefty in Early was a huge get for the new guys in charge in the Nationals front office, what they decide to do with a couple other of their notable assets could end up dictating the entire deadline. CJ Abrams appears unlikely to be moved, but what about one of his fellow Nationals All-Stars?
Nationals' Foster Griffin's latest start was scouted by pair of contenders
As for the biggest and most notable trade chip that the Nationals have in lefty Foster Griffin, it appears as if his market might be beginning to take shape ahead of next weekend's deadline. After yet again turning in another fantastic performance for the Nationals over this weekend against the Arizona Diamondbacks, we are now finding out more intel about teams that might be interested in him.
This year has been a tremendous one for Griffin, and as such, the 2026 All-Star has a golden opportunity to be one of the most coveted rental pieces on this year on the market, if the Nationals decide to trade him. During his start this weekend in which he completed 6.2 innings, allowed 6 hits, and 3 earned runs while earning his 12th victory of the season, the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies both sent scouts to the game to watch him in-person.
Both of these teams present interesting cases, as the Phillies are in an obvious win-now mode with an aging core, but they are also only 2 games ahead of the Nationals in the Wild Card chase, in which the Nationals are just a game back themselves of the final spot. The Rays are one of the best teams in the league, and they have a solid farm system that could allow them to make a move for Griffin.
Plus, given that the Rays are not only in the division, but also in the American League, it would make more sense for the Nationals to look to send their best pitcher outside of the division while still trying to chase a playoff appearance themselves. We will likely continue to learn more about Griffin's status as a trade piece throughout this week, but for now, it appears as if the Phillies and Rays might be leading the charge to acquire him.
Who do you think the Nationals will deal Foster Griffin to during this trade deadline season? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.
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