The Washington Nationals are actively seeking to enhance their first base position after a disappointing 2024 season, where their corner infielders combined for a mere 0.4 WAR. With limited options remaining in free agency, the team faces challenges in securing a reliable starter.

Recent signings, including Carlos Santana returning to the Cleveland Guardians and other players linked to the Nationals signing elsewhere, have further complicated their search. General manager Mike Rizzo may need to consider significant investments or trades to find a suitable upgrade.

In a surprising turn in the Giants-Dodgers rivalry, Buster Posey steps in as the new president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants, replacing Farhan Zaidi. This change comes after Zaidi's tenure failed to yield postseason success despite a winning record.

Posey, a franchise icon and three-time World Series champion, aims to revitalize the team, having already played a role in key player negotiations. The Giants face a tough NL West, with strong competition from the Dodgers and Padres.

The San Francisco Giants secured a thrilling 6-5 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, setting them up for a chance to finish the season at .500 for the first time since 2022.

Rookie pitcher Hayden Birdsong will take the mound for the Giants, looking to build on his recent success against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Meanwhile, the Cardinals will counter with rookie Michael McGreevy, who is also seeking to make a mark in his third career start.

Both teams are out of playoff contention, making this final game of the season a chance for players to showcase their skills heading into the offseason.

Farhan Zaidi, the President of Baseball Operations for the San Francisco Giants, is facing job insecurity amid criticism over his management of young players. In a recent radio interview, he expressed regret about not providing more opportunities for emerging talents like Marco Luciano and Luis Matos, which he believes has contributed to the team's struggles.

Zaidi acknowledged that while some young players have thrived, such as Patrick Bailey and Tyler Fitzgerald, others have been stifled by inconsistent playing time. He emphasized the importance of allowing young players to 'sink or swim' to foster their development, a strategy he admits he hasn't fully implemented.

Elly De La Cruz showcased his talent with a three-run homer, contributing to the Cincinnati Reds' 7-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking him as only the third player in Reds history to achieve 25 homers and 65 stolen bases in a season.

Rookie Rhett Lowder delivered an impressive start, allowing just one earned run in his five innings on the mound.

In other games, the Washington Nationals broke a five-game losing streak with a win against the Cubs, highlighted by a solid pitching performance from MacKenzie Gore.

The Detroit Tigers pulled closer in the wild-card race by edging the Orioles in extra innings, while the Tampa Bay Rays downed the Blue Jays, thanks to Jonathan Aranda's continued strong hitting.

The New York Mets overcame the Philadelphia Phillies, preventing them from clinching the NL East title, and the Atlanta Braves kept pace with a win over the Marlins.

The San Francisco Giants dominated the Kansas City Royals, and the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Milwaukee Brewers to stay ahead in the NL wild-card standings.

In a tightly contested match, the St. Louis Cardinals outlasted the Cleveland Guardians, who had clinched the AL Central earlier in the day.