Minor trade between Orioles and Nationals
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July 01, 2026 8:43 pm
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The Orioles and Nationals finally consummated a trade for the first time since baseball came back to D.C. in 2005.
Infielder Randal Diaz, 23, goes to the Orioles in exchange for right-hander Kyle Nicolas. Both teams announced the deal tonight.
Diaz was a fifth-round draft pick in 2024 out of Indiana State. The native of Puerto Rico rose to High-A Wilmington this season and batted .253/.360/.406 with nine doubles, a triple, five homers and 31 RBIs in 52 games. He hit .266/.319/.280 last season in 114 games with Class A Fredericksburg.
Diaz batted .322 with a .950 OPS in three college seasons. He can play everywhere in the infield, as well as the outfield corners.
The Orioles have assigned Diaz to High-A Frederick, according to the minor league page.
The Nationals assigned Nicolas to Triple-A Rochester. The Orioles designated him for assignment on Saturday while claiming catcher Dom Keegan.
Coincidentally, Keegan was designated for assignment this morning to make room for starter Dean Kremer on the 40-man roster.
Tough business.
The Reds designated Nicolas for assignment and traded him to the Orioles on June 4 for cash considerations. He was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.
Nicolas, who pitched for Team Italy in the WBC, made six relief appearances with the Tides and allowed three runs with eight walks in 4 1/3 innings.
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