Foster Griffin Faces Trade-Deadline Uncertainty

Washington Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin started the Friday night game at Truist Park against the Atlanta Braves. He lasted five innings, allowing six runs on nine hits, two walks and two strikeouts in a 6–2 loss. The outing was his worst performance since May 19 against the New York Mets. Griffin’s contract is a one-year, $5.5 million deal, and the trade deadline is only a few days away, leaving his future with the Nationals in doubt.

Foster Griffin struggles in what could be final Nationals start

Griffin was signed by Washington after a season in Japan, where he proved he could be a starter. Since joining the Nationals, he has become the team’s most reliable starter and earned an All-Star selection. His steady presence has helped a young pitching staff develop, and his leadership has been noted by teammates and coaches alike.

Foster Griffin struggles in what could be final Nationals start

• Game vs. Braves: 5 IP, 6 R, 9 H, 2 BB, 2 K.

Foster Griffin struggles in what could be final Nationals start

• Most runs allowed: Since May 19 (vs. Mets).

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• Contract: 1-year, $5.5 million.

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• Recent performance: Prior to the Braves game, Griffin had allowed only two runs through the first inning, showing the contrast between his typical efficiency and the Friday result.

Foster Griffin struggles in what could be final Nationals start

• Blake Butera, Nationals manager, praised Griffin’s effort despite the loss, noting his low pitch count and the mental strain of trade-rumor speculation.

Foster Griffin struggles in what could be final Nationals start

• Paul Toboni, the club’s president of baseball operations, acknowledged that trading Griffin at his current market value would be “the prudent course” for a franchise still building toward a competitive window, while also recognizing the potential clubhouse impact of moving a key starter.

Foster Griffin struggles in what could be final Nationals start

• Luis García Jr. and CJ Abrams were also mentioned in trade discussions; García said he “blocks out the noise,” and Abrams emphasized staying present, drawing on his experience from the Juan Soto trade.

Foster Griffin struggles in what could be final Nationals start

• “There’s only so much he can relay,” — Foster Griffin, pitcher, Washington Nationals

Foster Griffin struggles in what could be final Nationals start

• “My teammates, they’ve accepted me from day one,” — Foster Griffin, pitcher, Washington Nationals

Foster Griffin struggles in what could be final Nationals start

• “It’s not even about pitching; it’s about the camaraderie in this clubhouse that we’ve created,” — Foster Griffin, pitcher, Washington Nationals

Foster Griffin struggles in what could be final Nationals start

The Nationals must decide whether to retain their leading starter or capitalize on his market value before the deadline.

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