The Giants traded left-handed reliever Reiver Sanmartin to the Nationals for minor league right-hander Robert Cranz. Sanmartin offers a ground-ball-heavy profile and Triple-A experience, while Cranz is a near-ready arm with strikeout potential but significant command concerns.

By the Numbers
  • Sanmartin, 30, posted a 4.22 ERA and a 63.8% ground-ball rate in 21⅓ innings with San Francisco in 2026.
  • Across five major league seasons, he has a 5.37 ERA in 105⅔ innings.
  • Cranz, 23, has struck out more than 32% of pro hitters but walked 12.6%; at Triple-A in 2026, he walked 20% and struck out 13.8%.
  • Sanmartin has four years of team control remaining and no minor league options.
Yes, But

Sanmartin’s ground-ball rate and strong minor league command offer reasons for optimism, but his major league results have been uneven. Cranz has missed bats throughout the minors, yet his control problems were exposed at Triple-A.

State of Play
  • Sanmartin must make Washington’s major league roster next spring or be designated for assignment.
  • Cranz struggled in his brief Triple-A debut but could compete for San Francisco’s bullpen in 2027 if he improves his command.
  • The Giants made the move while clearing 40-man roster space for players returning from the injured list.
Bottom Line

Washington is betting Sanmartin’s ground-ball skill can steady its bullpen; San Francisco is swapping a roster squeeze for a younger arm whose upside depends on finding the strike zone.