The Philadelphia Phillies have lost right-handed pitcher Griff McGarry to the Washington Nationals in the 2025 MLB Rule 5 Draft. McGarry, a promising arm in the Phillies’ system, now gets a direct path to the majors with the Nationals, who must keep him on their 26‑man roster for the 2026 season or offer him back to Philadelphia.
In 2025, McGarry showed real promise across the Phillies’ minor‑league system. Over 83.2 innings pitched in 21 starts, he posted a 3.44 ERA, struck out 124 batters and maintained a 1.22 WHIP.
He also picked up multiple accolades, including two Eastern League Pitcher of the Week honors, and demonstrated a mid-90s fastball with a sharp breaking ball — the kind of strikeout ability and stuff that made him a tempting target in the Rule 5 Draft.
The Rule 5 Draft exists to prevent teams from hoarding minor league talent. Players who have spent a certain number of years in the minors and are not on a club’s 40‑man roster become eligible. If selected, the new team must keep the player on their major league roster for the entire season (or offer him back to the original club).Â