Six Former LSU Players Will Compete in 2026 MLB Playoffs

The 2026 Major League Baseball postseason kicks off on September 30, featuring six athletes from Louisiana State University.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Baseball

Six Former LSU Players Will Compete in 2026 MLB Playoffs

Live Poll

Does your local community feel more connected to professional teams that recruit former local college players?

Six former Louisiana State University players are set to participate in the 2026 Major League Baseball playoffs beginning September 30. This group joins a legacy of 46 former LSU athletes who have reached the postseason since 1990.

Why it matters

The presence of these players highlights the ongoing pipeline between the university baseball program and professional ranks. Their performance continues a trend that has seen 16 former LSU stars secure World Series titles over the past several decades.

Former LSU stars enter the postseason with notable season metrics, including Aaron Nola's 177 strikeouts and Grant Taylor's 10 recorded saves. Paul Gervase also enters with a 2.35 ERA in relief appearances.

The players

Alex Bregman

The veteran infielder is a former LSU standout currently playing for the Chicago Cubs.

Aaron Nola

A prominent starting pitcher, Nola represents the Philadelphia Phillies in the postseason.

Kevin Gausman

Gausman is a professional pitcher who plays for the Chicago Cubs.

Hunter Feduccia

He is a catcher currently contributing to the Los Angeles Dodgers playoff roster.

Grant Taylor

Taylor is a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox who recorded 10 saves this season.

The details

The postseason journey begins with the best-of-three Wild Card series, where Alex Bregman and Kevin Gausman of the Chicago Cubs visit San Diego, while Aaron Nola and the Philadelphia Phillies travel to Atlanta. Additionally, Grant Taylor and the Chicago White Sox are scheduled for a series in Houston, and Hunter Feduccia and Paul Gervase with the Los Angeles Dodgers await their Divisional Series debut on October 3.

September 29, 2026: Philadelphia Phillies open postseason play at Atlanta.
September 30, 2026: The Major League Baseball playoffs officially begin.
October 3, 2026: The Los Angeles Dodgers start their best-of-seven Divisional Series.

Season Trajectory

The participation of these six players impacts the broader playoff landscape by bolstering the rosters of key contending franchises. This movement reflects the continued success of the university baseball program in supplying elite talent to the major league level.

Fans tracking fantasy implications should note Aaron Nola's 177-strikeout season and Grant Taylor's role as a late-inning save specialist. The bracket math dictates that the Dodgers benefit from a first-round bye, setting them up for a rest advantage in the Divisional Series.

The takeaway

Following former collegiate stars in the postseason provides a unique way to gauge the effectiveness of national recruitment pipelines. Keeping track of specific pitching metrics like saves and strikeouts can help viewers better understand the depth of talent transitioning to the pros.