The Washington Nationals have traded left-handed starter Foster Griffin to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for four promising players: left-handers Will Dion and Josh Hartle, right-hander Kendeglys Virguez, and outfielder Nick Mitchell.
The deal underscores first-year president of baseball operations Paul Toboni’s strategy of balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term roster building.
Trade Details: What Washington Gave Up
Foster Griffin, 31, emerged as one of the most coveted trade assets in baseball this season after signing a one-year, $5.5 million contract with Washington in December—the first major move under Toboni’s leadership.
Griffin’s 2026 campaign has been nothing short of remarkable:
Record: 12–3
ERA: 3.06 over 22 starts
Opponent Batting Average: .226
Innings Pitched: 129⅓
All-Star Selection: Yes
NL Rookie of the Year Contender: Yes
From June 5 through July 19, Griffin delivered eight consecutive starts allowing no more than one earned run, solidifying his status as a top trade candidate.
Who the Nationals Received
Will Dion – Left-Handed Pitcher
Age: 26
2026 MLB Stats: 25 K, 3 BB in 19.2 IP across 12 games
MLB Debut: May 26 vs. Washington (3.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 3 K)
Minor League Track Record: 10.08 K/9, 27–21 record, 3.39 ERA over six seasons
Background: 2021 ninth-round pick out of McNeese State; transitioned from starter to reliever in 2026
Josh Hartle – Left-Handed Pitcher
Age: 23
Prospect Ranking: No. 25 in Cleveland’s system (MLBPipeline.com)
2026 Double-A Stats: 4–4, 3.86 ERA, 88 K in 19 starts
2025 Highlights: Led Guardians system in ERA (2.54) and WHIP; .208 opponent average
Background: 2024 third-round pick out of Wake Forest; 14–7, 3.24 ERA, 197 K in 208.1 IP over three minor league seasons
Nick Mitchell – Outfielder
Age: 22
2026 Double-A Stats: .240 AVG, 14 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 39 RBI, 48 BB, 19 SB, 51 R in 75 games
Positional Versatility: CF (32 G), LF (18 G), RF (16 G)
Background: 2024 fourth-round pick by Toronto; acquired by Cleveland on Feb. 10, 2024
Kendeglys Virguez – Right-Handed Pitcher
Age: 22
2026 Stats (High-A/Double-A): 14.29 K/9, 4–1 record, 2 saves, 4.13 ERA, 45 K in 28.1 IP
Career Highlights: 182 K, 11 HR allowed in 137.1 IP over five professional seasons
Background: International free agent signed March 26, 2022
Why This Trade Matters
By moving Griffin who was a pending free agent and trade deadline darling, Washington adds depth to its pitching pipeline and outfield prospects while maintaining flexibility under Toboni’s “buy and sell” approach.
Griffin’s departure creates rotation opportunities for younger arms and signals a continued focus on developing homegrown talent alongside strategic acquisitions.