MLB insider compares Nationals’ $5.5 million ‘offseason steal’ to Max Fried, Cristopher Sanchez originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The best signing of the past Major League Baseball offseason may be a player the casual fan has never heard of.
He is a left-handed starting pitcher who spent the previous two seasons in Japan with Nippon Professional Baseball’s Yomiuri Giants.
The Washington Nationals were smart enough to sign the 30-year-old to a one-year, $5.5 million contract during the offseason. So far, the move is paying off.
“[Foster] Griffin, 31 in July, has posted a 2.12 ERA in eight starts, and there are multiple ways the Nationals (20-22) can go about this,” wrote FanSided’s Robert Murray. “He could be a potential trade candidate ahead of the deadline, or he could be an extension candidate, though sources say there have been no conversations about a long-term pact as of yet.”
Griffin would be a very attractive target for contending teams if the Nationals fall out of the postseason race over the next few months. Or, as Murray details, they could decide to keep him in the rotation long-term.
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“Among the top left-handed arms to cash in recently include Jesus Luzardo, Cristopher Sanchez, Max Fried, Ranger Suarez, Framber Valdez, and Carlos Rodon,” Murray added. “And Griffin, in his first year since coming back to the Majors from Japan, could join that list this winter if he maintains this pace.”
Dozens of clubs could have used an arm like Griffin’s in their rotation. The Nationals were smart enough to strike while the iron was hot.
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