The Washington Nationals have dealt prized pitcher Foster Griffin to the Cleveland Guardians, one of two trade deadline deals
The Washington Nationals have completed two trades ahead of the deadline, including a final resolution for star pitcher Foster Griffin.
After weeks of back and forth, the Nationals are sending Foster Griffin to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for LHP Will Dion, LHP Josh Hartle, RHP Kendeglys Virguez and outfielder Nick Mitchell.
The news comes after the Nationals were reportedly eyeing an extension before talks fizzled, leading to speculation about whether a deal would ultimately materialize ahead of the deadline. Griffin ends his time as a National as undoubtedly the ace of the rotation where his 12 wins not only comfortably led the team, but also ranked tied for fourth-most across baseball.
Griffin's move narrowly marked the second trade of the day. One month after completing the first-ever trade with the Baltimore Orioles, the Nationals have completed a second trade with the local rival on Monday afternoon after sending outfielder Christian Franklin in exchange for right handed pitcher Joe Glassey.
Virguez and Glassey became the fifth and sixth fifth right handed pitchers that the Nationals have acquired since the weekend after adding Ben Grable, Yovanny Cruz, Jack Cebert and Jake Bird from the New York Yankees on Sunday.
Glassey arrives as another option who could contribute to the Nationals' bullpen in time. A former undrafted free agent out of Illinois, the 25 year old right hander began his career with the Orioles where he owned a 1.17 ERA in his first stint in Single A in 2024. After bouncing between Single and High A in 2025, Glassey once again shined in Single A to begin the 2026 season where he owns a 2-0 record paired with 50 strikeouts, eight walks, a 2.86 ERA and 1.13 WHIP.
After 22 relief appearances in Single A, Glassey was also among the players who was promoted to High A just last week by Baltimore after proving to be consistent across his 28.1 innings pitched this season.
Franklin was among the final batch of roster moves ahead of Opening Day after he posted a .240 batting average with one RBI and 12 strikeouts across 18 appearances and 32 plate appearances. Franklin has spent the 2026 season in Triple A Rochester where he owns a .249 batting average and .735 OPS with six home runs and 39 RBIs across 350 at bats. Franklin arrived in Washington ahead of the 2025 trade deadline as one of two prospects in exchange for infielder Ronny Cruz headed to the Chicago Cubs.
