Cosgrove’s most recent major league appearances came with the Chicago Cubs last season, where he pitched in two games and allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk across four innings, recording three strikeouts. He became a free agent after being outrighted by Chicago and subsequently signed a minor-league deal with the Houston Astros. He did not reach the majors with Houston before being traded to the Nationals for cash on July 3.
Drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 12th round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of Manhattan College, Cosgrove made his major league debut with San Diego in 2023. That rookie season was successful, as he posted a 1.75 ERA with 44 strikeouts and 19 walks over 51 1/3 innings. However, his 2024 campaign was challenging, with an 11.66 ERA across 14 2/3 innings and limited appearances largely spent in the Padres’ Triple-A system.
At the start of 2025, Cosgrove opened the season with the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate before being designated for assignment on April 6. Four days later, San Diego traded him to the Cubs for cash considerations.
Current Nationals standings show a competitive season as they approach the goal of contending in the National League. They recently defeated the Houston Astros to complete a 2-1 series win and will face the Yankees in a home matchup. Washington enters the series with a solid record, yet they remain in contention for a Wild Card spot, trailing the Miami Marlins by a few games and sitting behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East standings.
Meanwhile, the Cubs have been navigating their own stretch, having recently dropped a 3-2 decision to the Baltimore Orioles but winning the first two games of that series. Chicago sits atop the NL Wild Card standings with a strong record and is set to begin a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.
As the Nationals integrate Cosgrove into their bullpen plans, the move adds depth for a team looking to bolster its pitching options down the stretch of a pivotal season. Fans will be watching to see how Cosgrove’s left-handed arm shapes up in the late innings and whether he can recapture the early-career form that showcased his potential as a reliever.
