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Former Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle is among the numerous former Colorado players participating on playoff rosters as the MLB Postseason and Division Series get into full swing, with fans discussing their favorite old friends still competing for a championship.
Following the Philadelphia Phillies' early Wild Card elimination by the Atlanta Braves, Bryce Harper admitted the team fell short of expectations and expects significant roster changes for 2027. Harper faced criticism for a costly base-running blunder in Game 3's 6-2 loss, where he failed to run on a wild third strike. Harper, signed through 2031, emphasized that the team must regroup after missing the World Series once again, while interim manager Don Mattingly exited his post on Friday.
Los Angeles Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto is lined up to start Game 3 of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, following Game 1 starter Tarik Skubal and projected Game 2 starter Blake Snell. Yamamoto was the only pitcher to stay healthy in L.A.'s rotation all season and could also serve in relief if a Game 5 occurs. Coming off a 2024 postseason where he posted a 1.45 ERA, Yamamoto threw live BP Wednesday on normal rest.
The San Diego Padres will start Robbie Ray in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday. With Michael King and Nick Pivetta making starts in the Padres' wild-card series victory over the Cubs, Ray was selected to take the mound in the series opener. Ray struggled in nine starts after landing in San Diego at the trade deadline, holding a 5.02 ERA and a 33:27 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 43 frames during the regular season.
Rookie left-hander Hagen Smith is scheduled to take the mound as the starting pitcher for the Chicago White Sox in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians. Smith threw three scoreless innings in the Wild Card series against Houston, allowing two hits and striking out one. Selected fifth overall in the 2024 draft out of Arkansas, Smith pitched to a 1.29 ERA in 18 regular-season appearances after making his MLB debut following an August callup.
Jared Jones was awarded National League Pitcher of the Month for September after closing out the season with a stellar 3-0 record, 0.93 ERA, and 40 strikeouts over 29 innings across five starts. The 25-year-old right-hander allowed only three earned runs while holding opponents to a .133 batting average, successfully recovering from internal brace surgery to deliver the best month of his career and solidify his role as a rotation anchor for the Pirates in 2027.
Mason Montgomery earned National League Reliever of the Month honors after a dominant stretch as the Pittsburgh Pirates' closer. The flamethrowing righty recorded 16 strikeouts in 13 games with a 2.08 ERA, converting 11 saves while allowing just three earned runs. He finished his first season with the Pirates with a 2.88 ERA and 105 strikeouts across 68.2 innings, establishing himself as a key bullpen anchor heading into the 2027 season alongside Jared Jones.
Heading into the NLDS, Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia is reflecting on his six-year tenure with the team as he approaches free agency this winter. Following the tragic loss of his newborn daughter last Fall Classic, Vesia noted his postseason motivation is deeply personal. The 30-year-old left-hander posted a 2.64 ERA with 74 strikeouts over 58 innings this season, issuing only one walk across 11 September appearances.
Colorado Rockies outfielder Jordan Beck logged a difficult 2026 campaign, hitting .200/.261/.291 with one home run and a -0.9 rWAR across 63 games. After a left hamstring strain in May and a Triple-A stint, Beck returned in August in a platoon role, hitting .295 against lefties but just .091 against right-handers. Beck's chase rate jumped to 38.0% and his strikeout rate rose to 31.7%, leaving his future with Colorado uncertain heading into 2027.
Boston Red Sox first baseman and catcher Mickey Gasper has successfully undergone a surgical procedure to repair his right biceps tendon. The injury occurred after Gasper was forced to leave the team's regular-season finale, ultimately preventing him from making any appearances during the Red Sox's postseason run. He will spend the upcoming recovery period working his way back to full health ahead of the next major league campaign.
Drew Rasmussen will take the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays against Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the AL Division Series. Rasmussen went 16-5 with a 2.67 ERA for the Rays this season, earning his second straight All-Star nod. The right-hander carries a strong 5-2 record and 1.81 ERA in his career against the Yankees, anchoring a top-seeded Tampa Bay pitching staff looking to capture their first postseason series victory since 2020.
The New York Yankees officially named veteran ace Gerrit Cole as their Game 1 starter for the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays. Returning from Tommy John surgery, Cole logged a 10-9 record with a 3.61 ERA in 22 starts, including a 2.50 ERA over three regular-season outings against Tampa Bay. Holding a 2.77 career postseason ERA, Cole was selected over Carlos Rodon after New York swept the Red Sox in the wild-card series and could potentially pitch Game 4 on regular rest.
Following the Philadelphia Phillies' early postseason exit, analysts have begun evaluating the roster and speculating whether moving on from veteran sluggers like Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper makes sense. Ultimately, experts conclude that blockbuster trades involving these core pieces would not help Philadelphia in the short term or the long term, as the team looks to regroup after falling short of their ultimate championship objectives.
Alex Bregman captured the 2026 Rizzo Award following the closest finish in the 13-year history of the Chicago Cubs fan-voted honor. Bregman narrowly edged out teammate Pete Crow-Armstrong after a thrilling regular-season conclusion, marking the most impactful performance among free agents acquired by the club. His stellar on-field contributions helped anchor the Cubs' lineup throughout a competitive campaign that culminated in a memorable and dramatic finish.
Texas Rangers top prospect Sebastian Walcott will participate in the Arizona Fall League with the Surprise Saguaros, making up for development time lost due to February elbow surgery that limited him primarily to DH duties in 2026. Ranked #8 on the MLB Pipeline top 100 list, Walcott logged 187 plate appearances with AA Frisco, slashing .325/.401/.590. His defensive positioning during AFL play could offer hints about the Rangers' plans for his potential 2027 major league arrival.
Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews finished his 2026 campaign with a .223 average, 13 home runs, 44 RBI, and 12 stolen bases over 225 big league games across three seasons. Despite a Triple-A stint, flashes of patience in July, and September power surges, his struggles against right-handed pitching leave his 2027 starting role uncertain. The front office views him as a key piece, but decisions loom regarding everyday at-bats, a platoon role, or a potential offseason trade.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jameson Taillon is scheduled to undergo elbow surgery next week. Despite having undergone Tommy John surgery twice previously, Taillon stated there is a good chance he can manage this procedure with an internal brace. Entering free agency this upcoming off-season, the veteran right-hander is unlikely to secure the $18 million salary he earned last year, raising questions about his market value and future team role.
The 21-year-old outfielder Josue De Paula is strongly positioned to make the Los Angeles Dodgers' postseason roster as a left-handed bat off the bench for the upcoming NLDS against the Atlanta Braves. Manager Dave Roberts praised De Paula as a special hitter whose unique skill set fits the postseason stage, noting that no moment will be too big for the young slugger.
As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for an NLDS rematch against the Atlanta Braves, veteran infielder Miguel Rojas has used the first-round bye to study for his U.S. citizenship test and reflect on what could be his final postseason run. Rojas stated he feels he wouldn't play for another team outside of the Dodgers organization, keeping his future closely tied to the team's upcoming plans.
Eduardo Valencia secured a 2027 roster spot after a blistering finish, posting a 182 wRC+ and hitting .341 with 8 homers over 42 games. While his 35.3% chase rate and poor arm strength present long-term concerns, his powerful bat and defensive improvements in framing and blocking make him a viable part-time catcher and DH option behind Dillon Dingler for the Detroit Tigers next season.
