Overview
- The Orioles traded right-hander Kyle Nicolas to the Nationals for infielder Randal Diaz in a deal completed Wednesday, and Washington optioned Nicolas to Triple-A Rochester while Baltimore assigned Diaz to High-A Frederick.
- Nicolas, 27, had been designated for assignment after recent struggles in Triple-A and carries a 4.96 ERA in 93 career major-league relief appearances.
- Diaz is a 23-year-old fifth-round pick from 2024 who has not played above High-A and was hitting roughly .253 with five homers for Wilmington this season.
- Coverage frames the move mainly for its symbolic value because it is the first trade between the two clubs since the Nationals relocated in 2005 rather than for immediate on-field impact.
- The deal follows steps that eased relations between the teams — including the Orioles’ 2024 ownership change and a resolution of MASN broadcast disputes — and could make future minor transactions between the clubs more likely.