Way-too-early look at role players who could define MLB postseason

With the MLB postseason looming on Oct. 1, expect stars Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees to dominate headlines. But the role players often make the difference in the postseason.

Here’s a way-too-early look at potential X factors from six first-place teams who could swing this year’s playoffs. (All statistics are through Thursday games.)

New York Yankees

Their postseason hopes rest on more than star OF Judge and right-hander Gerrit Cole. Oswaldo Cabrera and Anthony Volpe could also be critical.

Cabrera’s ability to play multiple positions has proved pivotal this season — so far, he has played catcher, center field and even pitched .

Volpe, though inconsistent offensively, is capable of game-changing defensive plays. He is +10 in Run Value, according to Baseball Savant . ( Run Value is the run impact of an event based on the runners on base, outs and ball-and-strike count.)

Milwaukee Brewers

Pitching is their strength, but they’ll need contributions from their depth among position players to go far in October. Look for Gary Sanchez and Joey Ortiz to play key roles.

Sanchez has plenty of playoff experience from his time with the Yankees (seven home runs in 31 career postseason games). At the same time, Ortiz’s defensive consistency at third base has helped solidify the infield.
According to Baseball Savant , Ortiz is +8 on the season in Run Value.

Houston Astros

The Astros are perennial contenders, and much of their success stems from contributions up and down the roster, so Victor Caratini and Mauricio Dubon bear watching.

Caratini has provided clutch hits and stellar defense as a backup catcher. His framing is in the 76th percentile, according to Baseball Savant . Outs are a premium in the postseason and Caratini can create them with his glove.

Utilityman Dubon’s ability to play multiple positions makes him potentially invaluable in the postseason. His Whiff and K percentages rank in Baseball Savant's upper percentiles , making him a tough out at the plate, too.

Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians do not have the firepower of some contenders, with their success hinging on depth and pitching. Players such as utilityman Daniel Schneemann and OF Will Brennan could be pivotal in October.

Schneemann, whose defensive versatility provides flexibility, has a positive dWAR overall, according to Baseball Reference .

Brennan's left-handed bat has shown flashes of clutch potential late in the season. FanGraphs has him just below "above average" at +0.41 ("average" is 0.0) in 2024. ( Clutch measures how well a player performed in high-leverage situations.)

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are powered by stars Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, but 3B Max Muncy and SS Miguel Rojas could be key in the postseason.

Muncy has delivered power and energy (14 home runs in only 234 plate appearances). Rojas’ superb defense and leadership have provided stability. He has an 11.3 dWAR, according to FanGraphs .

Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia has star power with 1B Bryce Harper and OF/DH Kyle Schwarber, but its depth may be the determining factor in another deep run.

Infielder Weston Wilson is a good contact hitter (.313 batting average), while infielder Bryson Stott’s versatility makes him an invaluable postseason player. Stott has a 1.3 dWAR split between shortstop and second base, according to Baseball Reference and FanGraphs . ( dWAR is a defensive measure of WAR, with 0.0 being "average.")