The calendar flipped to July, meaning the countdown to the 2026 Trade Deadline is on. There were two trades on the 1st of the month, highlighted by a trade between the two Beltway teams.

Trades

The Orioles and Nationals made a trade between one another, believe it or not. Washington acquired reliever Kyle Nicolas in exchange for Minor League Randal Diaz.

Nicolas bounced around between Triple-A and the Majors this season. The 27-year-old started the year with Cincinnati, was shipped to Baltimore for cash in June, and then ultimately traded again on July 1.

Diaz was a fifth-round pick by the Washington organization in 2024. The 23-year-old slashed .253/.363/.406 with 14 stolen bases and 15 extra-base hits for High-A Wilmington.

Additionally, the Athletics sent infielder Brett Harris to the Red Sox for A-ball reliever Ben Hansen.

Recalls & options

Alec Gamboa (Red Sox), Randy Dobnak (Royals), Jonathan Clase (Blue Jays), Cameron Weston (Orioles), Charlie Barnes (Dodgers), Josh Smith (Rangers), Cam Sanders (Pirates), Beau Brieske, Gabriel Hughes (Rockies), and Christian Koss (Giants) were recalled.

Trey Gibson (Orioles), Josh Walker (Orioles), Brandon Bidois (Pirates), Wyatt Mills (Dodgers), Eric Cerantola (Royals), and Tyler Schweitzer (White Sox) were optioned to the Minors.

Other notes

The Royals selected the contract of pitcher Jose Cuas from Triple-A Omaha.

John Brebbia (Rockies), Dom Keegan (Orioles), and Tommy Kahnle (Red Sox) were designated for assignment.

Jarred Kelenic was outrighted to Triple-A by the Rangers. Texas did the same with pitcher Joe Ross. Both elected free agency.

Eduarniel Nunez (Cubs) and Simeon Woods Richardson (Blue Jays) were outrighted, as well.

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