Halloween Costumes: Nationals Lineup Edition

I think of myself as a confident guy who does not like to flip-flop. For better or for worse, I usually have my mind set when I make a decision; and it is very difficult to change my mind when I project a take. 

Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving have always been the most special holidays to me, with Halloween sliding down the power rankings almost in direct correlation with the calendar turning each year as I have gotten older. But, just like Luis García Jr finally breaking out in 2024, I feel the juice for Halloween this year. 

This leads my wacky brain into writing this article on what every Nationals starter should dress up as for Halloween, along with the off-season drive not even being turned on yet. 

I will create this list leveraging their characteristics, and also doing a dive and seeing if I can pick up on something in their personal lives. 

Enjoy? And maybe even debate? My takes on the Nationals Halloween:

C Keibert Ruiz - Teddy Bear

Playing on the first name along with the Nationals giveaway, Keibert Ruiz would best be suited as a teddy bear. Not only the name but also the lack of discipline and free-swinging nature remind me of the wide variety of a bear's diet. 

1B Andres Chaparro - The Bull

Chaparro did not do me any favors with the Instagram page. Although I appreciate the dedication to his craft, only posting baseball-related photos, it’s hard to have a costume fit his personality, especially because him being new to the organization. Chaparro reminds me most of a bull by the aggressive leg kick and elegant power. 

2B Luis García Jr - Maverick from Top Gun

The young second baseman gets one of the top costume choices of the year: Tom Crews as Maverick in TopGun. The hot-shot young second baseman deserves this by his consistency throughout last season, with always a smile on his face. Garcia finally broke through last season, as Maverick did in the second Top Gun movie.

3B Jose Tena - Spider-Man

This one was simple. Tena gave me a layup with the spider next to his name in his Instagram bio. The infielder with quick hands in the box and in the field allows him to make a good Spider-Man, with his left-handed stroke reminding me of the Spider-Man shooting out his webs from building to building throughout New York City.

SS CJ Abrams - Alien

I will do my best to restrain myself not make a gambling joke, and focus on my favorite version of CJ Abrams: the All-Star. CJ rocks the alien chain and brings out-of-the-world-like skills to the batters box and basepaths when he’s at his best. A combination of power and speed that is truly rare in today's game. If he plays his cards right, Abrams could cash in and win the whole pot for an alien costume at this year's Halloween function. 

LF James Wood - Shino (character in Naruto) 

Let me make one thing clear: I am not an anime guy. But according to my inside sources, James Wood is indeed a big anime guy. A character that reminds me of Wood is Shino, a character who is relatively shy but is mature beyond his years and rarely displays his emotions. Whatever makes James Wood happy, makes me happy, so I may have to start watching Naruto and really see what Shino is all about.

CF Jacob Young - Jackrabbit

This one is a slam dunk. The fastest man in baseball, and the best defender in baseball, all suit a jackrabbit the best. His ability to get jumps on balls along with his elite stolen base skulls fit a jackrabbit the best. 

RF Dylan Crews - Tiger 

I try not to overcomplicate things, so the former LSU standout and National champion Dylan Crews best fits a Tiger. His power and speed emulate a Tiger, in addition to his natural flow and unique ability to cover ground on the basepaths and in the field. 

DH Juan Yepez - Brennan Huff (Step Brothers)

Juan Yepez just reminds me of Will Ferrell from Step Brothers. I wish I could hit you with some hard-hitting analysis as to why so, but I got nothing. Yepez seemed to increase the vibes on the roster when replacing Joey Meneses, and Yepez liked to dance on second base like Brennan Huff would. Maybe if I come up with a better reason as to why Yepez reminds me of a Stepbrother I can pitch him in the next movie.