The Washington Nationals have just 3 final games remaining in the 2026 season at the major league level, and it has been a season filled with tons of ups and downs. They have battled a ton of difficult changes throughout, but have ended this year on a much higher note than any other season since their magical 2019 run.
Heading into the final weekend, the Nationals might not have anything specifically to play for outside of a few player milestones, but that doesn't mean that it's over for the rest of the organization. Over the next few days, the Nationals' AAA affiliate will be taking on either the Los Angeles Dodgers' AAA affiliate or the Athletics' AAA team to bring home some minor league hardware.
Nationals' AAA affiliate punches ticket to championship game in Las Vegas
The Nationals' affiliate, the Rochester Red Wings, defeated the Memphis Redbirds 3-2 in last night's game, and 2-1 in the series overall to punch their ticket to the championship series, where they will take on the winner of the Dodgers' and Athletics' affiliate for ultimate AAA bragging rights.
Led by Top 100 prospect Seaver King, who many thought would have a chance to debut in the big leagues at some point this season, the Red Wings clinched the International League Championship for just the first time in almost 30 years. It is a real sign of improvement for Paul Toboni and the new front office of the Nationals, who will be entering their second offseason at the helm in just a few days.
The Rochester Red Wings just won the International League Championship Series for the first time since 1997, with Eddy Yean closing out a 3-2 victory in Memphis. They'll now face either Oklahoma City or Las Vegas on Saturday night for the Triple-A Championship.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) September 25, 2026
The Red Wings had been an affiliate that had struggled mightily over the last few years, and due to the changes in overall infrastructure and player personnel from Toboni and company, they are moving in the right direction overall.
King hasn't done it all by himself, as veterans and former highly-regarded prospects like Cayden Wallace, Trey Lipscomb, and Andrew Pinckney have all contributed in a major way to the success of the Red Wings. Of course, guys who are with the Nationals currently like Abimelec Ortiz and Yohandy Morales were also massive parts of the lineup as well.
It remains to be seen whether the Nationals will take on the affiliate of the Dodgers or Athletics, as they will play the final game of their series tonight. Whether or not the Red Wings win, it is a promising development and opportunity for a lot of young players to get to play in meaningful games later on in the season.
Do you think the Rochester Red Wings can bring home the hardware? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.
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