Few people are going to remember Friday’s trade between the San Francisco Giants and Washington Nationals as the move that transformed either franchise.

The Giants sent left-handed reliever Reiver Sanmartín to Washington in exchange for minor league right-hander Robert Cranz, turning a roster casualty into an actual return.

It was what some might call a modest piece of business, the sort that gets buried beneath free-agent rumors and winter meetings chatter.

The #SFGiants and Nationals completed a trade today with RHP Robert Cranz joining the Giants organization in exchange for LHP Reiver Sanmartín.

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) November 6, 2026

Considering where the Giants stood earlier in the week, however, it counts as a small win.

A Little Something for a Player on His Way Out

San Francisco Giants pitcher Reiver Sanmartin. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Giants designated Sanmartín for assignment Monday while sorting through a crowded 40-man roster.…