3 Trade Landing Spots For Nationals' All-Star Foster Griffin

Foster Griffin has been one of the best stories in baseball this season, and that success has made him a coveted trade chip ahead of the August 3 deadline.

The Washington Nationals signed the left-hander to a one-year, $5.5 million deal in December after three strong seasons in Japan, and he has vastly exceeded expectations, earning a National League All-Star selection while posting a 2.68 ERA with 111 strikeouts and just 27 walks across 117.1 innings.

ESPN gave Griffin a 55 percent chance of being traded before the deadline.

The complication is that Washington has surprisingly hovered around .500 and remained in the Wild Card mix, forcing president of baseball operations Paul Toboni into a tough buy-or-sell decision. 

If the Nats sell the pending free agent, here are three fits.

Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians make a lot of sense as a landing spot.

Cleveland has been the only team in baseball to use the same five starters all season and could use rotation depth for a postseason push, and Griffin's cheap one-year contract means their only concern would be 2026.

His seven-pitch mix, elite walk rate, and strong fastball run value would fit seamlessly into Cleveland's plans, giving them a reliable arm without a long-term commitment.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have been ravaged by rotation injuries and are an obvious fit.

Chicago has lost multiple starters and desperately needs pitching for a playoff run, and Griffin is exactly the kind of controllable, affordable rental that could stabilize the staff.

The Cubs have the farm system depth to meet what will be a steep asking price, given the premium on left-handed starting pitching.

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox have surged into contention and could look to bolster their rotation.

Boston's youthful staff has dealt with injuries, and Griffin would provide a veteran, All-Star-caliber presence for the stretch run.

His ability to eat innings and limit walks would be a valuable addition for a team trying to sustain its climb back into the AL playoff picture.

The asking price will be astronomical given the premium on lefty starting pitching, and Washington may ultimately decide Griffin is part of its future rather than a trade chip, but if the Nationals sell, he will be one of the most coveted arms available.