Nationals trading 2.68 ERA left-hander called 'inevitable' by MLB execs

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The Washington Nationals are currently 51-51 on the regular season, 8.0 games back in the NL East, and only 1.5 games out of the NL Wild Card.

But, this team is not expected to be all-in buyers, nor all-out sellers. Instead, they're more likely to sell a few pieces who are on expiring deals, but keep CJ Abrams-type players under control. With that in mind, one trade candidate comes to mind as likely to move.

Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that rival MLB executives believe that the Nationals trading away 2.68 ERA left-hander Foster Griffin is "inevitable" this summer.

Forster Griffin is 'inevitable' to be traded by Nationals

"Some rival executives believe a Foster Griffin trade is inevitable," Rosenthal and Sammon write. "The Washington Nationals, however, are still assessing whether to deal, extend or keep the starting pitcher through the end of the season, according to people familiar with the club's thinking who were granted anonymity to speak freely."

Griffin, the 30-year-old left-hander who is about to turn 31 years old on July 27, is one of the more intriguing trade options of the 2026 MLB trade deadline.

He spent the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons playing overseas in Japan, and in his first season back in the States, he's been incredible.

Through 20 starts in 2026, Griffin has a 2.68 ERA with an 11-2 record and 3.7 bWAR. Griffin earned an All-Star nod and is likely now one of the hottest commodities on the trade market.

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Even though he's a rental, the Nationals should be able to bring back a fairly strong return for Griffin if they decide to trade him, which some rival executives believe is "inevitable."

Griffin is making just $5.5 million this season, which makes him very affordable for contenders that have limited payroll to work with in trades this summer.

The left-hander is one of the biggest breakout stars of the 2026 season, and he'd be a high-quality pickup for any team with a need in their starting rotation.

With the August 3 trade deadline approaching, the Nationals are going to have to make a decision whether to trade away Griffin or not.

Some executives believe a deal is "inevitable," but if the Nationals can work out an extension, then Griffin might stick in Washington.