Nationals Deadline Grades: Pitching Depth Wins Amid Mixed Returns
Facing a rough stretch and shrinking playoff odds, the Nationals sold at the trade deadline, grading three deals: Curtis Mead to the Red Sox for Connelly Early (A-), Luis Garcia Jr. to the Yankees for Yovanny Cruz, Jack Cebert, Ben Grable and Jake Bird (B), and Foster Griffin to the Astros for Josh Hartle, Will Dion, Kendeglys Virguez and Nick Mitchell (D). Overall, the grade is C+. Early provides a needed mid-rotation arm, Garcia’s package is solid but not flashy, and Griffin’s return lacks upside. Dion offers a usable bullpen piece, Abimelec Ortiz is a promising replacement, and Toboni’s emphasis on pitching depth paid off to an extent, though upside was left on the table and CJ Abrams was not moved.
