Every former Pirates player who has a chance to make impact in 2025 postseason

While the players currently on the Pittsburgh Pirates will be enjoying the postseason from the comfort of their home this year, a number of former players will be taking the field in hopes of October glory. Here’s a complete rundown of every player who has appeared with the Pirates that may be competing in the 2025 MLB postseason, broken down by matchup.

NL First-Round Bye: Brewers, Phillies

Pittsburgh fans will have to wait Saturday to catch these players in action, as Milwaukee and Philadelphia earned a pass straight through to the National League Division Series. The sole player who could possibly suit up for the intrastate-rival Phillies is lefty reliever Tim Mayza. The Pennsburg, PA, native appeared in just seven games for the Pirates this season before being released at the end of August. Mayza, though, seems unlikely to make the cut in the Phillies’ bullpen.

The Pirates organization didn’t make the postseason this year, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be familiar faces.

The Brewers, on the other hand, have collected a handful of players from the Pirates. Most notably, Quinn Priester, who was once hailed as the next great Pirates pitcher, is finally starting to fulfill his promise, much to Pirates fans’ chagrin. He and fellow former Buc Jose Quintana will likely secure two of the three slots in the NLDS starting rotation. Relievers Nick Mears and Rob Zastryzny are likely to appear out of the bullpen.

AL First-Round Bye: Blue Jays, Mariners

While reliever Caleb Ferguson, who was dealt to the Mariners at the deadline for prospect Jeter Martinez, is the only Seattle player with Pittsburgh ties, the Blue Jays’ roster has quite a few familiar names. Eric Lauer has been a leader among Toronto’s rotation of aging stars, and his work out of the bullpen in September was a key factor in the Blue Jays’ run to the AL East title. Reliever Justin Bruihl, on the other hand, won’t find a spot in the Jays’ bullpen in the ALDS. Among position players, Tyler Heineman has had the best season of his career and will draw the backup catcher role behind Alejandro Kirk, while Isiah Kiner-Falefa has the potential to make the roster, thanks to his utility skills and Bo Bichette’s injury.

AL Wild Card: Guardians vs. Tigers

The first postseason game to get underway will likely feature the fewest former Pirates. Reliever Tanner Rainey, now with the Tigers, didn't make the cut for the Wild Card roster, and has only made his way into two big-league games since signing with Detroit in July. Catcher Austin Hedges, though, could feature heavily in the matchup, particularly if Cleveland wants to lean more heavily on his defensive skills.

NL Wild Card: Padres vs. Cubs

If Pirates fans can bear watching the division-rival Cubs, this may be the series with the most nostalgia. Former Bucs catcher Elias Díaz seemed in line to get the Game 1 start for the Padres as Nick Pivetta’s personal catcher, but an injury has called that into question. Cubs starter Jameson Taillon will likely pull a start in either Game 2 or (if necessary) Game 3. Backup catcher Reese McGuire may have to fight off Miguel Amaya, who is returning from injury, to secure his spot on the roster. Journeyman Carlos Santana, though, seems unlikely to make the roster.

AL Wild Card: Yankees vs. Red Sox

The biggest names will appear in this battle between hated foes. Aroldis Chapman and David Bednar could make the difference as high-leverage bullpen arms for the Red Sox and Yankees, respectively. Likewise, Justin Wilson could be a valuable lefty specialist against New York’s left-handed-heavy lineup. Yankees reliever Yerry De Los Santos hasn’t been in the big-league picture for the past month and has little chance of making the Wild Card roster.

NL Wild Card: Reds vs. Dodgers

The late-night series may be worth the lost sleep. Pirates fans will have the bittersweet opportunity to watch former Pittsburgh wunderkinds Ke’Bryan Hayes (Reds third baseman) and Tyler Glasnow (Dodgers pitcher who could come out of the ‘pen) duke it out in Hollywood. Outfielder Miguel Andújar has found his swing and produced awe-inspiring drives for the Reds down the stretch. The Dodgers’ shaky bullpen could be anchored by Anthony Banda.

Regardless of which series Pirates fans tune into this fall, they can take comfort in two things: there are at least former players to cheer on into the crisp autumn nights, and there’s always next year.