Nats in the playoffs! Well former Nats at least...

Potential Nats related rooting interests in the opening round...

 

Philadelphia vs Atlanta

Ok so not a real "Nats friendly" series here to start with given it's two NL East rivals. 

The Phillies have Bryce who did nothing wrong but fans still dislike for being a bit weird and going to a rival.  They also have Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner and former Nats prospect Jesus Luzardo AND Derek Hill who played 13 games for the Nats in 2023. It's Nats-tastic!  

The Braves have Dom Smith and Lane Thomas who is currently hurt.  Also Sandy Leon and Reynaldo Lopez both played for them this year if you want to see those guys get rings. 

Seems like if this matters to you the Phillies are the choice.  

 

White Sox vs Astros 

White Sox have old friend Erick Fedde while Lucas Sims, surely you remember ol Lucas it was just last year, and Derek Hill(? yep traded to PHI) played for them this year. 

Astros are Nats-free.  

BOOO! Just another reason to pull for the Sox. The GOOD Sox. The REAL Sox

 

Boston vs New York 

Traded Curtis Mead is still out for the Red Sox and Joe La Sorsa and I guess we gotta throw in Connolly Early played on the team this year. Weak sauce

Just a solid player Luis Garcia is the obvious one, traded to them this year. Useful Amed Rosario is also there. In the same Early sense both Yovanny Cruz and Jake Bird pitched for the Yankees in 2026. And don't forget they have Nats hero Trent Grisham. 

In honor of John Sterling... theeeeee Yankees WIN!

 

Cubs vs Padres

Cubs only had "Hurtin'" Hunter Harvey pitch for them this year. 

Padres only had "Hurtin'" Lucas Giolito pitch for them this year (nickname doesn't sound as good) but do have both Robbie Ray and Nick Pivetta on the team 

Looks like you should go with the Pads.