4 most surprising former Cubs players in the 2025 MLB playoffs

The 2025 MLB postseason is officially underway - and Chicago Cubs fans couldn't be more excited about the return of playoff baseball on the North Side.

We talk a lot about all things Cubs - but for just a second, I'd love to look around the league at some of the most surprising former Cubs suiting up for other teams in the 2025 MLB playoffs, digging a little deeper on our comprehensive list that highlights 16 former Cubs playing in October.

Here are 4 that have a shot to win a ring with their new teams that you probably forgot ever suited up for Chicago.

4 former Cubs in the playoffs you totally forgot about

Tommy Nance RP, Toronto Blue Jays

Tommy Nance had a quick cup of coffee with the Cubs in 2021, and it was quite a failed tenure. Nance posted a 7.22 ERA across 27 appearances. His blow-up performances came shortly after MLB cracked down on foreign substances for pitchers.

Now, in 2025, Nance has posted a 1.99 ERA across 30 appearances for the Blue Jays. He has 32 strikeouts compared to just seven walks, a big fix compared to his 30 strikeouts and 13 walks with Chicago.

Zack McKinstry INF, Detroit Tigers

Zach McKinstry spent a half-season with the Cubs in 2022 after being traded over from the Los Angeles Dodgers. He managed just a .206 average in 47 at-bats and was not brought back for the 2023 season.

He has since moved on to the Detroit Tigers and has flourished in his new role. McKinstry was selected as an All-Star for the first time this season and his .259/.333/.438 slash line was the best season of his career.

Jeremiah Estrada RP, San Diego Padres

Jeremiah Estrada is much like Nance in the way that his time in Chicago was a major disappointment, and he has now performed much better in a different role.

A 5.51 ERA in just 17 appearances with the Cubs caused the front office to move on from Estrada and he made his way to San Diego. He's been much better there, with a 3.22 ERA across 139 appearances. He's hit a career-high in strikeouts and innings pitched this season and is a major part of a dominant Padres bullpen.

Mark Leiter Jr. RP, New York Yankees

Mark Leiter Jr. made a name for himself in 2 1/2 seasons with Chicago, posting a 3.85 ERA and collecting 203 strikeouts across 143 appearances and 168 1/3 innings pitched.

He was traded to the New York Yankees last season, and his tenure in the Bronx has not gone quite to plan. Leiter has posted a 4.89 ERA in 80 appearances for the Yankees. His once dominant splitter has become more hittable during his time in New York, costing him the ability to get timely strikeouts like he was once able to do.