Nationals' Griffin joining Wood, Abrams at All-Star Game

WASHINGTON – Foster Griffin’s comeback season continued with him being named to the 2026 All-Star Game.

The 30-year-old southpaw has excelled in his return to the Major Leagues after pitching the past three seasons in Japan. Griffin is 10-2 with a 2.77 ERA in 19 starts across 110 1/3 innings.

“It’s a huge honor,” Griffin said. “I’m super proud, super happy. I appreciate all the support from everybody – from my teammates, sports staff, front office.”

Griffin ranks third in the NL in wins and winning percentage (.883), sixth in innings and opponents’ batting average (.210), seventh in walks per nine innings (2.12), ninth in ERA and 10th in strikeouts (109).

In his past seven starts, Griffin is 4-0 with a league-leading 1.25 ERA since June 5.

“We would be nowhere near where we are without Foster Griffin on this team,” manager Blake Butera said of the 48-48 Nationals. “And I couldn’t be happier for him.”

After appearing in just seven Major League games between 2020-22, Griffin went overseas in 2023. He became an All-Star with the Yomiuri Giants and caught the attention of big league clubs.

Griffin was Paul Toboni’s first free-agent signing as Nationals president of baseball operations. In December, Griffin inked a one-year contract worth $5.5 million and up to $1 million in incentives.

“I’m later in my career, and it happened now,” Griffin said. “I’m super grateful for that and super proud of that. Just looking back at all the time and effort and work I’ve put in, it’s a huge honor and I’m excited for it.”

Not only has Griffin become the Nationals’ most dependable pitcher, he is also a leader.

“There's been several other pitchers that have said they've learned a ton from Foster and the way he prepares, the way he attacks hitters and sequences and everything,” Butera said. “I think we look at what he's doing on the mound for us, but what he's doing in here for the rest of the guys is just as important.”

The Nationals have three All-Stars or more for the first time since 2021, when Max Scherzer, Kyle Schwarber, Juan Soto and Trea Turner were selected. Griffin joins shortstop CJ Abrams and outfielder James Wood representing the Nationals at the All-Star Game. Abrams is the first Nationals player to start in the Midsummer Classic since Bryce Harper in 2018.