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Nationals Weigh Extension for 2.5 ERA Pitcher Griffin

7/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Washington Nationals are weighing an extension for pitcher Griffin before the trade deadline.
Griffin posted a 2.50 ERA over 371 1/3 innings with the Yomiuri Giants and earned 2025 All-Star honors.
His contract pays $10 million per year, leaving about $1.8 million for the current season.
Team officials argue the cheap, reliable arm fits the clubhouse culture and could become more valuable during a winning stretch.

History

Historical Context

When Hideo Nomo used a contract loophole to join the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995, his 2.54 ERA and Rookie-of-Year award sparked a wave of Japanese talent heading to MLB, prompting the 1998 posting system. That precedent now frames the Washington Nationals’ deliberation over extending pitcher Griffin, whose success in Japan echoes Nomo’s early impact on U.S. scouting.

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Story summary

The Washington Nationals are weighing an extension for pitcher Griffin before the trade deadline.
Griffin posted a 2.50 ERA over 371 1/3 innings with the Yomiuri Giants and earned 2025 All-Star honors.
His contract pays $10 million per year, leaving about $1.8 million for the current season.
Team officials argue the cheap, reliable arm fits the clubhouse culture and could become more valuable during a winning stretch.

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