The Washington Nationals have an opportunity to evaluate the trade market for several players, but it might now be unlikely star pitcher Foster Griffin is moved
All eyes are on what direction the Washington Nationals will go in the trade market ahead of the Aug. 3 deadline less than two weeks away. As the Nationals continue to hover around .500 while remaining in the wild card race with just one game separating them from a three-way tie for the final spot, president of baseball operations Paul Toboni has been transparent that the front office is expected to stay patient for as long as possible before making a decision one way or another.
While Toboni highlighted other potential avenues for the Nationals to make moves to remain competitive at the deadline, the attention has remained centered around what the moves will be for the team's stars.
Yet the chance to hang onto key pieces remain a realistic possibility after The Athletic reported that the Nationals are likely hanging onto "their most valuable assets" which includes both Cade Cavalli and Foster Griffin along with "the members of their MLB-best lineup."
While the prospect of trading Cavalli was not viewed as a likely possibility, what would ultimately come to fruition for Griffin proved to be a growing a question mark through the regular season after the 30 year old left hander proved his return to the MLB was the bounceback season he envisioned. Griffin is also fresh off his first MLB All Star selection and second in his career after also drawing the honor during his three year stint in Japan.
Griffin's 2.68 ERA ranks tenth across all MLB pitchers and his 11 wins ranks tied for second-most, while his latest start marked his eighth straight allowing one run or fewer to set a new franchise record. While proving to be one of the best free agent signings of the offseason, the question materialized into whether the Nationals will cash in on his trade value. With signs now pointing to Griffin staying with Washington at least through 2026, the next question will be whether year two in Washington materializes.
While first baseman Luis García Jr. was another National who also drew trade interest, he may be one of a handful after The Athletic noted the Nationals could "move a veteran starter like Zack Littell or Miles Mikolas at the buzzer."
Littell sits second across baseball with 25 home runs allowed this season while owning a 5.34 ERA and 7-7 record, while Mikolas hasn't fared much better in his first season with the organization. After signing with the Nationals shortly after trading away MacKenzie Gore, the veteran arrived with a chance to serve as the inning eater, though he also ranks tied for tenth with 20 home runs allowed with a 5.53 ERA across 94.1 innings. What type of return Washington could command from either struggling starter would add intrigue to the possibility of shaking up a struggling rotation, but for now, that will include Griffin alongside Cavalli.
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