The Washington Nationals have made a significant move by signing left-handed pitcher Foster Griffin to a one-year contract valued at $5.5 million. The deal includes an additional $1 million in performance incentives. This signing comes after Griffin spent the last three seasons playing in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball for the Yomiuri Giants.
Nationals Secure Deal with Pitcher Foster Griffin
Griffin, now 30 years old, has a brief history in Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2020 and has since appeared in seven games with both the Kansas City Royals and the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite his limited appearances, Griffin returns to the United States with impressive statistics from his time overseas.
Japanese League Success
While playing for the Yomiuri Giants, Griffin pitched a total of 315 2/3 innings over three seasons. His earned run average (ERA) during this period was a commendable 2.57. Key statistics from his stint in Japan include:
- Strikeout Rate: 25.1% of batters faced
- Walk Rate: 5.1% of opponents
- Ground Ball Rate: Approximately 50%
In 2025, a leg injury limited Griffin to just 78 innings, yet he recorded his best season in terms of run prevention, posting a 1.62 ERA along with a 25.1% strikeout rate and a 5.9% walk rate. His ability to induce ground balls was marked at 48.9% that season.
Potential Challenges
Although Griffin has demonstrated solid performance in Japan, questions linger about how his pitching style will transition to MLB. His fastball typically hovers in the low 90s, which is considered on the softer side by current standards. However, his diverse pitching repertoire, which includes a slider, cutter, changeup, splitter, curveball, and two-seamer, has showcased versatility that may prove effective in North America.
Opportunity in Washington
The Nationals are in a phase of rebuilding, having undergone significant changes in their front office and coaching staff. With a shaky rotation, Griffin may find ample opportunity to secure a spot on the team. Current rotation candidates include:
- MacKenzie Gore
- Cade Cavalli
- Josiah Gray
- Brad Lord
- Griff McGarry
- Jake Irvin
- Mitchell Parker
This environment could allow Griffin to establish himself. If he performs well, he may become a valuable trade asset for the Nationals. Alternatively, if he fails to meet expectations, the financial risk for the team remains relatively minimal, given the nature of his contract.
The Nationals’ commitment to long-term goals under President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni positions Griffin as an intriguing addition as they seek to bolster their roster.
