MILWAUKEE -- In the immediate aftermath of a stellar performance by the Nationals’ bullpen in Saturday’s 6-5 comeback win over the Brewers, Washington shipped out one of its top relievers.

The Nationals traded right-hander Hunter Harvey to the Royals on Saturday night. In return for Harvey, Washington received third baseman Cayden Wallace -- a highly regarded prospect in Kansas City’s farm system -- and a compensation round pick in Sunday's 2024 MLB Draft, No. 39 overall.

TRADE DETAILS
Nationals receive: 3B Cayden Wallace (Royals’ No. 2 prospect), No. 39 pick in 2024 MLB Draft
Royals receive: RHP Hunter Harvey

“It was a rollercoaster of emotions yesterday, especially with the bullpen,” manager Dave Martinez said before Sunday afternoon’s game. “Those guys did so well in the game, and then we had to break the news to them that one of their brothers is leaving us. They all get it and understand what the reality is in this game. Those things happen.”

Harvey’s presence will be missed in the clubhouse and on the field, Martinez said.

“I wish nothing but the best for Hunter. He’s a big part of the Nats family,” the manager said. “I’ll miss him. We’ll all miss him. You build these relationships with guys, and it’s tough when they go away. Now, somebody else will have to step up and replace him.”

Harvey has an especially close friendship with closer Kyle Finnegan, who tried his best to take the news in stride.

“We hung out here in the clubhouse for hours after the game and spent time together and talked about his plans for getting out there,” Finnegan said. “I was really just there to support him because I’m sure it’s a hectic time for him. Just hanging out and laughing and enjoying our time in the clubhouse and wishing him well. We understand that it’s a business. It’s tough to lose a friend. It’s not just a teammate, it’s a friend. You just wish him well.”

Finnegan said the team can’t be distracted about other possible trades on the horizon.

“You deal with it when it happens,” he said. “I didn’t show up to the park today wondering where people will end up. We’re focused on winning the game today.”

The Royals selected Wallace in the second round (49th overall) in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Arkansas. The 22-year-old reached Double-A for the first time last season, when he was promoted to Northwest Arkansas in Kansas City’s farm system on Aug. 8.

In 41 games this season, Wallace has a .280/.348/.406 slash line with nine doubles, three homers and 18 RBIs. He started the season with Northwest Arkansas and slashed .282/.350/.427 with three homers and 16 RBIs in 34 games before he landed on the 7-day injured list on May 22 with a right oblique strain.

Wallace began a rehab assignment on June 27 in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League and played in seven games. He fractured a rib after getting hit by a pitch on July 6, a setback that was expected to delay his return to Double-A by a few weeks.

Last season, Wallace played in 130 games between High-A Quad Cities and Northwest Arkansas, slashing .254/.331/.414 with 27 doubles, seven triples, 13 homers and 84 RBIs. His 47 extra-base hits led Royals Minor Leaguers.

The pick the Nationals received for Sunday’s MLB Draft is the final selection in Competitive Balance Round A. It falls between Washington’s first- and second-round picks (Nos. 10 and 44).

Harvey, who was not among the five relievers who pitched in Saturday’s win, was a key member of the Nationals’ bullpen the past three seasons. Washington claimed him off waivers from the Giants on March 22, 2022. He emerged as a setup man for Finnegan and an occasional closer.

In parts of three seasons with the Nats, Harvey posted a 3.17 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP in 145 innings over 138 appearances, with 10 saves in 15 opportunities. He posted a 2.52 ERA in ‘22 (38 appearances) and a 2.82 ERA in ‘23 (57 appearances).

Harvey had a 4.20 ERA with the Nats this season, but his 43 appearances were third most among Washington relievers. His departure leaves a key hole in their bullpen.