Ranking Guardians' Foster Griffin Landing Spots Entering Offseason

After reaching the American League Championship Series this past year, the Cleveland Guardians have some work to do this coming offseason.

Cleveland has a few key free agents entering the market this offseason, including left-hander Foster Griffin. Griffin was the big trade deadline acquisition for the Guardians this year, but he didn't perform up to par.

Before coming to Cleveland, Griffin had a 3.06 ERA over 22 starts with the Washington Nationals. But with the Guardians, the left-hander posted a 5.19 ERA over nine starts.

As he hits free agency, it will be interesting to see which teams could go after his services for 2027 and beyond. Griffin was supposed to work out well for the Guardians after the big deadline trade, but the left-hander didn't pan out for this team.

Here are three of the top landing spots for the Guardians left-hander entering into his upcoming free agency:

1. Cleveland Guardians

While Griffin didn't have the greatest numbers with the Guardians, the two sides could come together on a new deal. Cleveland liked having Griffin as a middle starter behind Gavin Williams and Parker Messick, and the lefty could give them a boost next season.

The big question around the Guardians is how much the front office would be willing to spend to keep Griffin. The All-Star could get a decent offer on the open market, which then may take the Guardians out of the picture.

2. Milwaukee Brewers

The reigning World Series champions don't necessarily need another starting pitcher, but the team may elect to add one. Griffin could be a nice addition to the roster, giving their starting staff more depth to work with.

The left-hander would likely be interested in joining the Brewers, especially to help them defend the title. But the question for Milwaukee is the same as the Guardians: what does the price tag look like for Griffin?

3. Washington Nationals

Despite the Nationals trading Griffin to Cleveland at the deadline, the two sides could explore a reunion this offseason. Before the trade went down, the Nationals were interested in extending the left-hander, so this could be a good landing spot for the pitcher.

Washington is trying to get back to the playoffs next year, and Griffin did find a lot of success with them last season. If anything, the Nationals could be a player in the free agency sweepstakes for the left-hander.