Despite the Nationals missing the playoffs yet again, there are some familiar faces for Nats fans to watch this October. With the Wild Card series wrapped up, I wanted to check in and see how some former
Nats are playing. While the heavy hitters on the Phillies have not played yet, some former Nats have made big impacts.
Amed Rosario Took Center Stage:
In the series between the Yankees and the Red Sox, Amed Rosario played a weirdly big role, not only on the field but in the discourse. Aaron Boone played Rosario at second base over Jazz Chisholm Jr. in game one due to his big numbers against Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet.
Rosario went 0/3 and Yankees fans were outraged by Boone’s decision to bench his 30/30 second baseman. The decision led to a big conversation about platooning and analytics. Nats fans know that Rosario hammers left-handed pitching, but in that game the decision back-fired.
In game 3, Boone went back to Rosario with a lefty on the mound. However, he played him at third base this time so Chisholm could get into the lineup. Boone’s decision paid off this time, as Rosario delivered in the 4th inning. His RBI single opened the scoring and was the opening salvo of what became a big inning for the Yankees.
Amed Rosario was a good Nat who is very good at a specific role. He also got the club Clayton Beeter, who became one of the Nats best relievers in the second half. As the playoffs go on, Rosario will continue to get looks against lefties. Good luck to Amed!
Lowe Caps Off a Miserable Season:
2025 was just not Nathaniel Lowe’s year. This offseason, Lowe was the Nats big acquisition. For years, he had been one of the most consistent first baseman in the game. His on base skills and defense made up for mediocre power for the position. That is why the Nats traded Robert Garcia for the veteran.
However, Lowe’s production tanked this season. He was so bad in DC that Mike DeBartolo was unable to trade him. The defense and plate discipline both fell off a cliff for Lowe. In August, the Nats cut bait with Lowe, designating him for assignment.
Needing a first baseman, the Red Sox picked him up after he was released by the Nationals. In the regular season, Lowe provided a spark for the Red Sox, hitting .280 for them.
However, he had a post-season to forget. At the plate, he went 1-7, including making the final out that sent the Red Sox home. In the field, Lowe made a critical error that cost the Red Sox two runs.
After the performances Lowe provided for the Nats, I can’t say I am too heartbroken about him struggling. He did not exactly endear himself to Nats fans with his effort this season. Lowe will hope to bounce back in 2026.
Finnegan’s Magical Run Continues:
On a more positive note, Kyle Finnegan’s lights out run in Detroit has continued into the playoffs. He pitched in the final two games of the series against the Guardians and gave the Tigers exactly what they needed. Finnegan got 5 outs in game 2, before the Tigers bullpen collapsed after he left.
In game 3, the long-time closer came in during the 5th inning after Jack Flaherty issued a walk. He got out of that inning and then fired a scoreless frame in the 6th. After the Tigers exploded in the top of the 7th, Finnegan actually picked up the win.
Finnegan is one of the Tigers big guns in the bullpen alongside Will Vest and Tyler Holton. Those three relievers were a massive part of how the Tigers advanced to the ALDS.
Given his heavy workload over the years with the Nats, Finnegan is ready to be relied on heavily in the playoffs. Other than Tarik Skubal, the Tigers tend to have a quick hook with starters. That means Finnegan will play a big role in the Tigers run. He will face off against Victor Robles and the Mariners in the ALDS.
Others of Note:
Those three former Nats have made the biggest impression so far, but there are a few others still in the playoffs. Of course, the Philly trio of Harper, Turner and Schwarber will take centerstage. Those guys provide the real star power of this group.
They will be facing a Dodgers team that has a former Nats fan favorite in Alex Call. While Call only had one at bat in the Wild Card series, he could play a big role in the NLDS with the Phillies left handed starters. It has been a while, but once upon a time Blake Treinen was also a Nat.
For the Cubs, Michael Soroka was only called upon once in the Wild Card round. He fired 0.2 scoreless frames. As the big guns in the Cubs bullpen get tired, Soroka might need to step up in a big spot. He will be facing the Brewers, who have a resurgent Erick Fedde. Fedde had a rough season, but has found a role as a multi-inning reliever for the Brewers.
As mentioned, Victor Robles is also going to be a part of the Mariners squad. He has had a lot of memorable moments for them and has become a bit of a cult hero out in the Pacific Northwest.
While the Nats are not in the playoffs, there are still a lot of familiar faces to watch. Regardless of who wins the World Series at this point, at least one former Nat will be getting a ring. I am excited to keep following this as we get deeper in the playoffs.
