The Nationals were officially eliminated from playoff contention on September 13th, marking the sixth consecutive season that the D.C. club would not be playing October baseball. However, even though these current Nationals players will not be playing for championships, several former Nationals are making impacts on prospective playoff teams.
The Philadelphia Trio
Three of the four most notable former Nationals on this list are pivotal pieces in the Phillies lineup. Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber are all looking to push Philadelphia to October success.
Former Nationals first-round pick and phenom Bryce Harper, now playing first base, is having another great season in Philadelphia. With two MVPs and 54.1 career Wins Above Replacement, Harper is now a lock for the Hall of Fame, but he still does not have a World Series ring.
Trea Turner is having one of the best seasons of his career. He has not needed a standing ovation this season to propel his success in Philadelphia. This year, Turner is leading the National League in batting average at .305, has slugged 15 home runs and has stolen 36 bases. Furthermore, after being a below- average defensive shortstop for most of his career, Turner has taken a leap forward this year. He is in the 99th percentile of shortstops for Statcast’s Outs Above Average statistic. Turner, though, sustained a grade one hamstring strain on September 7th, but the Phillies expect him back in the lineup for their last homestand of the season.
Kyle Schwarber’s stint with the Nationals was brief, but it was impactful. The hulking lefty hit 25 home runs in just 72 games with the Nationals. Schwarber has replicated that production over a full season with the Phillies. This year, he leads the National League with 53 home runs, and he is in the MVP conversation despite having limited value as a designated hitter.
Juan Soto
The Mets are hanging on to the last Wild Card spot in the National League, and the Nationals could be a thorn in their side during their playoff push, but Juan Soto has, once again, been phenomenal this season. Soto has 41 home runs and a .922 On Base Plus Slugging Percentage (OPS) this season. Moreover, despite being a slower runner, he has added a stolen base element to his game. He has swiped 33 bases this season. He joined Barry Bonds and Jeff Bagwell as the only three players to have 40 home runs, 30 steals and 110 walks in a season.
Max Scherzer
The legendary Nationals righty is still pitching effectively in his age 41 season. In 15 starts, Scherzer is 5–3 with a 4.31 Earned Run Average (ERA). Scherzer is not the same pitcher that he was with the Nationals, but he is still getting outs as he vies for his third World Series ring.
Kyle Finnegan
Since being traded to the Detroit Tigers, Kyle Finnegan has been elite. In 14 and a third innings pitched, Finnegan has four saves and zero earned runs allowed. The reliever missed some time with a groin injury but is now back and providing crucial outs at the back end of the Tigers’ bullpen.
Alex Call
The corner outfielder has played well for the Dodgers. He has a .718 OPS in 76 plate appearances. The star-studded Dodgers will not rely on Call as they march towards the playoffs, but he is a useful piece for them.
Amed Rosario
Amed Rosario, since being traded to the Yankees, has not played much for the Yankees and has missed time with a shoulder injury. Still, as New York’s intended starting shortstop, Anthony Volpe, their current starter, has struggled throughout the year, which may result in Rosario seeing increased playing time.
Nathaniel Lowe
Nathaniel Lowe has played much better with Boston since he was designated for assignment by the Nationals. The first baseman has a .774 OPS with Boston and is helping the Red Sox make up for the production they lost at the position since trading Rafael Devers.
Mike Soroka
Mike Soroka has made minimal impact with the Cubs since being traded there. Soroka pitched just 2 and a third innings in his Cubs debut before leaving with a shoulder strain. Chicago just activated him from the injured list and plans to use him as a reliever.
Erick Fedde
This has been a chaotic season for 2014 Nationals first round pick Erick Fedde. After pitching ineffectively with both the Cardinals and Braves this year, Fedde has signed with the Brewers, where he has a 1.93 ERA in 9 and a third innings out of the bullpen. Fedde will not play a crucial role on the elite Brewers pitching staff, but he is showing that he is effective right now.