The Cleveland Guardians acquire left-hander Foster Griffin from the Washington Nationals in a trade that sends four minor league players to Washington, according to multiple reports. Griffin, an All-Star this season for the Nationals, moves to Cleveland as the Guardians look to strengthen their pitching rotation. The Nationals receive a package that includes Josh Hartle and Will Dion among the prospects named in the deal. Reports characterize the return as relatively modest compared with Griffin’s recent impact with Washington. The Nationals are described as not having anticipated a breakout season when they signed Griffin to a one-year deal ahead of the 2026 season.
All outlets agree on the core terms: Griffin is traded from Washington to Cleveland, and the Nationals receive four players in return. The agreement is framed as Cleveland’s effort to add a rotation piece while Washington repositions its talent and player-development pipeline with the incoming prospects.
