BALTIMORE -- For the first time since the Nationals arrived in Washington in 2005, the club has completed a trade with its closest geographical MLB counterpart.
On Wednesday, the Orioles sent right-hander Kyle Nicolas to the Nats in exchange for Minor League infielder Randal Diaz. Nicolas was optioned to Triple-A Rochester following the transaction, while Diaz was assigned to High-A Frederick.
The Battle of the Beltway rivals have played 110 games against each other over the past 22 seasons. Baltimore leads the all-time series, 60-50. However, Washington went 4-2 this year, winning both the series from May 15-17 at Nationals Park and this past weekend at Camden Yards.
And now, the O's and Nationals have successfully swung exactly one trade. (Prior to the 2025 season, the two franchises also jointly announced the final resolution of all issues related to the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network dispute.)
Nicolas had a 6.23 ERA in six appearances for Triple-A Norfolk in the Orioles' system. The 27-year-old, who was designated for assignment last Saturday, has a 4.96 ERA in 93 career MLB relief outings. His big league experience came with the Pirates (2023-25) and Reds ('26).
Earlier this season, Nicolas recorded an 8.59 ERA over seven appearances for Cincinnati.
Diaz, 23, has not played above the High-A level. The 2024 fifth-round Draft pick was hitting .253 with nine doubles, one triple, five home runs, 31 RBIs and a .766 OPS for High-A Wilmington this year.