In the world of baseball, every team boasts star players, but often, it is the unsung heroes — the players who fly under the radar — that make a significant impact on a team’s success during the playoff run. These players possess unique intangibles that may not always be recognized by the general public, especially with the spotlight typically shining on the superstars. This year, as I have done in previous seasons, I reached out to front-office executives and managers across Major League Baseball to uncover those key players who are often overlooked yet play an indispensable role in their respective teams. Below is a list of the most underrated but crucial players from each of the viable postseason contenders, ordered by their postseason seeding as of Tuesday, including those teams that are just outside the playoff picture.
American League
1. New York Yankees: Austin Wells, C
After a rocky start to the season, with a batting average of .196 in March and April and .213 in May, Austin Wells has transformed into a pivotal player for the Yankees. His performance improved significantly over the next three months, hitting .238 in June, .277 in July, and a stellar .325 in August. As he moved up the batting order, Wells emerged as the Yankees’ third-best position player, behind stars Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. His power surged in July and August, where he hit nine of his 13 home runs. Defensively, he has been exceptional, ranking in the 95th percentile for fielding run value among all major league catchers. Additionally, he excels in pitch framing, blocking, and caught stealing rates.
Manager Aaron Boone: “Wells has been a star player for us on both sides of the ball. He’s a middle-of-the-order impact bat, calls a great game, and is solid defensively. His contributions have been game-changing for our team.”
2. Cleveland Guardians: Set-up Relievers Hunter Gaddis, Tim Herrin, and Cade Smith
Identifying a single indispensable player for the Guardians is challenging, given the remarkable performance of their entire set-up-reliever group. Their bullpen boasts the best ERA in the majors at 2.65 and an impressive .202 batting average against. Emmanuel Clase stands out as the league’s best closer, but Gaddis, Herrin, and Smith have been nearly as dominant. Hunter Gaddis has a 1.44 ERA over 72 appearances, Tim Herrin holds a 1.96 ERA in 69 games, and Cade Smith has a 2.00 ERA in 71 outings. Their collective efforts have been invaluable to the team’s success.
President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti: “Our setup guys — Hunter Gaddis, Cade Smith, and Tim Herrin — have been crucial. It’s hard to pick just one, as they have all played instrumental roles in our success.”
3. Houston Astros: Mauricio Dubón, INF/OF
The Astros’ depth has been tested this season due to injuries, yet Mauricio Dubón has filled in admirably. He has played all four infield positions and all three outfield spots, batting .269 with 23 doubles, 44 runs scored, and 45 RBIs in 127 games. Dubón’s defensive metrics are impressive, ranking in the 84th percentile for fielding run value and the 94th percentile in range.
General Manager Dana Brown: “Mauricio can do so many things on the baseball field! He plays multiple positions exceptionally well, has good speed, delivers clutch hits, and is a beloved teammate.”
4. Baltimore Orioles: Albert Suárez, RHP
With significant injuries to their rotation, including season-ending elbow issues for Kyle Bradish and John Means, Albert Suárez has emerged as a surprise savior for the Orioles. Having not pitched in the majors since 2017, Suárez has made a splash by going 8-5 with a 3.39 ERA over 21 starts and eight relief appearances. His standout month was August, where he recorded a 2-0 record with a 1.97 ERA across six appearances.
General Manager Mike Elias: “Our pro scouting department quietly signed him out of the KBO last fall, and our minor-league coaches helped him add velocity. Along with Corbin Burnes, he has held our pitching staff together and should be a candidate for Comeback Player of the Year.”
5. Kansas City Royals: Lucas Erceg, RHP
Since joining the Royals, Lucas Erceg has been a game-changer in the closer role. He was acquired at the trade deadline and has since converted eight of ten save opportunities. After his trade on July 30, Erceg has posted a 3.10 ERA, showcasing his ability to excel under pressure with 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings and only 0.9 walks per nine. His fastball, averaging nearly 99 mph, has been particularly effective, limiting opposing batters to a .224 average.
General Manager J.J. Picollo: “Lucas taking over the high-leverage role has allowed others to define their roles. He can face the heart of the lineup in crucial situations and get the job done. We don’t know where we’d be without him.”
6. Minnesota Twins: Pablo López, RHP
While the Twins have struggled recently, Pablo López has remained a consistent performer. Over the past month, he has been a standout, going 4-0 with a 1.11 ERA across his last six starts. His leadership and work ethic have made him a crucial figure in the rotation, especially for younger pitchers.
President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey: “Pablo López has been huge for us. His work ethic and leadership make him someone everyone looks up to. He sets the tone for our staff and is the glue that keeps that group together.”
7. Detroit Tigers: Zach McKinstry, INF/OF
As the Tigers find themselves in the playoff race, Zach McKinstry has emerged as a surprising contributor. With the ability to play multiple positions, including second base, shortstop, and the outfield, McKinstry has posted an .830 OPS since August 1, while also providing solid defensive play and base running, with eight successful steals in eight attempts.
General Manager Jeff Greenberg: “Zach made significant adjustments in the second half and has played a crucial role for us. His versatility allows him to impact the game in various ways every day.”
8. Seattle Mariners: Collin Snider, RHP
Collin Snider has been a revelation for the Mariners as a set-up reliever, boasting a 1.45 ERA and 1.098 WHIP over 38 appearances. His evolution from a sinker/slider pitcher to utilizing a sweeper/slider/four-seamer mix has greatly enhanced his effectiveness. Opponents are struggling against his fastball and sweeper, with batting averages of .149 and .237, respectively.
President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto: “I’m not sure anyone outside our team recognizes how impactful Collin Snider has been for us. With our injury troubles, we desperately needed someone to step up, and he has exceeded those expectations.”
9. Boston Red Sox: Justin Slaten, RHP
Justin Slaten has proven to be an integral part of the Red Sox bullpen with a 3.16 ERA and 0.994 WHIP over 40 appearances. He has averaged 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings while minimizing walks. Slaten ranks in the 89th percentile for fastball run value, making him a reliable option in high-pressure situations.
Manager Alex Cora: “Justin is an absolute strike-throwing machine with exceptional stuff. He induces weak contact and gets left-handed hitters out. He has been invaluable to our team down the stretch.”
National League
1. Philadelphia Phillies: Matt Strahm, LHP
Matt Strahm is having a career year, with a remarkable 2.06 ERA and 0.794 WHIP in a career-high 60 appearances. Strahm has struck out 69 batters while walking only 11 in 56 2/3 innings. His fastball has been particularly effective, as opposing batters are hitting just .169 against it. He has excelled in high-leverage situations, especially in the closing stretch of the season.
General Manager Sam Fuld: “Strahm is that guy for us. Though he was an All-Star, I believe he’s an underappreciated player who can handle any situation. His competitiveness is unmatched.”
2. Los Angeles Dodgers: Tommy Edman, CF
Since his acquisition from the Cardinals, Tommy Edman has quickly adapted and become a key player for the Dodgers. Over his last 14 games, Edman has slashed .315/.362/.648 with five home runs and 12 RBIs. His defensive versatility has allowed him to play both center field and shortstop effectively, enhancing the Dodgers’ lineup depth.
General Manager Brandon Gomes: “Edman’s ability to transition between center field and shortstop while providing speed and consistent batting has been integral to our recent successes.”
3. Milwaukee Brewers: Brice Turang, 2B
Brice Turang has emerged as one of the premier defensive second basemen in the league, ranking in the 89th percentile for range. He sports a respectable .261 batting average and has become a significant threat on the basepaths with 44 stolen bases in 50 attempts. Turang’s positive energy is palpable, both on and off the field, making him a vital part of the Brewers’ lineup.
General Manager Matt Arnold: “Brice has been a dynamic force for us defensively, providing competitive at-bats and game-changing speed on the bases.”
4. San Diego Padres: Donovan Solano, INF
Donovan Solano has been a versatile asset for the Padres this season, playing in various roles across the infield and outfield. He has maintained a .287 batting average with 12 doubles and six home runs. Solano’s experience and knowledge of the game make him a valuable leader and contributor coming off the bench.
Manager Mike Shildt: “Solano is a consummate professional who always takes quality at-bats. His high baseball IQ and leadership qualities are invaluable to our team.”
5. Arizona Diamondbacks: Jake McCarthy, CF
Jake McCarthy has established himself as a dynamic center fielder, posting a .288/.354/.412 batting line with 21 stolen bases. He ranks in the 87th percentile for batting run value and shows impressive speed, sitting in the 97th percentile for sprint speed. His defensive skills and ability to pressure opposing defenses on the basepaths make him a critical asset for the Diamondbacks.
General Manager Mike Hazen: “Jake has taken over center field for us and played exceptionally well defensively. His speed and athleticism create a lot of offensive opportunities for our team.”
6. New York Mets: Mark Vientos, 3B
Mark Vientos has been a reliable presence in the Mets’ lineup, boasting a solid .291/.347/.549 batting line in the first half and a .250/.309/.495 line in the second half. He ranks in the 86th percentile for batting run value and has shown improvement defensively. His ability to make adjustments has contributed significantly to the team’s performance this season.
Manager Carlos Mendoza: “I’m proud of him; he has worked hard. His solid performance on both sides of the game has been crucial to our team’s success.”
7. Atlanta Braves: Raisel Iglesias, RHP
Raisel Iglesias has been the backbone of the Braves’ bullpen, successfully converting 31 of 34 save opportunities with a stellar 1.87 ERA. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations has been critical, especially with the loss of key players. Iglesias ranks in the 96th percentile for hard-hit rate and barrel percentage, showcasing his effectiveness in tight games.
President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos: “Raisel has anchored our bullpen this season, consistently performing in multi-inning high-leverage scenarios while being a consummate professional and teammate.”
(Top image: Tommy Edman: Katelyn Mulcahy / Getty Images; Albert Suárez: Nick Wass / Associated Press)
