{"id":166823,"date":"2025-08-22T15:46:15","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T15:46:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/166823\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T15:46:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T15:46:15","slug":"who-is-each-mlb-playoff-contenders-most-indispensable-under-the-radar-player","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/166823\/","title":{"rendered":"Who is each MLB playoff contender\u2019s most indispensable \u2018under-the-radar\u2019 player?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every contending team has star players, but they also have those special players who often fly under the radar yet are indispensable to a team\u2019s success during a playoff run. These players have intangibles that aren\u2019t always seen by the public, and with the focus mostly on stars, they often get overlooked, particularly outside their local market.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s time to give them the national recognition they deserve.<\/p>\n

As I\u2019ve done in recent seasons, I touched base with front-office executives and managers across MLB to hear their thoughts on these key players. I focused on the 16 teams that as of this morning have the best chance of making the playoffs. So, who is the most underrated, yet indispensable player on each of these viable postseason contenders?<\/p>\n

(Teams are ordered by their postseason seeding entering Friday, including those outside each league\u2019s six-team playoff field.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

American League1. Detroit Tigers: Gleyber Torres, 2B<\/strong><\/p>\n

After signing a one-year, $15 million contract in the offseason, Torres has delivered for the Tigers exactly as they hoped, getting on base, hitting for power and moving the chains. He\u2019s posted a 110 OPS+ and been worth 2.1 WAR, according to Baseball Reference. He doesn\u2019t chase out of the strike zone, ranking in the 98th percentile in that category. He\u2019s also in the 90th percentile or better in xwOBA, xBA, squared-up percentage and walk rate. The Tigers needed to increase the traffic for the middle of their order; Torres and his team-leading .359 on-base percentage have helped with that.<\/p>\n

President of baseball operations Scott Harris:<\/strong> \u201cGleyber sets the tone for our lineup every night. His at-bat quality has become contagious on this team.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. Toronto Blue Jays: Alejandro Kirk, C<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kirk has been consistent at the plate, reaching base at a 35 percent clip while hovering around a .300 batting average for most of the season and producing average power. He has slashed .354\/.384\/.456 over 86 plate appearances in high-leverage situations. Defensively, he ranks among the best catchers in baseball in both blocking and framing to go along with an average pop time and an above-average arm. The Blue Jays also laud his leadership with their pitching staff.<\/p>\n

President and CEO Mark Shapiro:<\/strong> \u201cAlejandro quietly has become one of the best defensive catchers in the major leagues. At the plate with the game on the line, against the nasty slider down and away, he finds a way to get a hit. He has a slow pulse and doesn\u2019t speed it up in critical situations. There is not a moment too big for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Mauricio Dub\u00f3n has helped the Astros weather their injuries, playing seven different positions. (Chris Coduto \/ Getty Images)3. Houston Astros: Mauricio Dub\u00f3n, UTIL<\/strong><\/p>\n

The versatile Dub\u00f3n has been indispensable for the Astros, who have dealt with injuries all over the field. This season, he\u2019s played 34 games at second base, 22 at shortstop, 22 at third base, 13 in left field, six in center field, two in right field and three at first base. At the plate, he\u2019s hit 18 doubles and seven home runs. Overall, he\u2019s been worth 2.1 WAR. He\u2019s been key coming off their bench.<\/p>\n

GM Dana Brown:<\/strong> \u201cWith all our injuries, I\u2019m almost certain that he has started at seven of the nine positions (except pitcher and catcher). Unbelievable talent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Manager Joe Espada:<\/strong> \u201cHis versatility is unbelievable and unmatched. He can spell anyone and provide quality at-bats.\u201d<\/p>\n

4. New York Yankees: Trent Grisham, CF<\/strong><\/p>\n

Grisham won Gold Glove awards with the Padres in 2020 and 2022, and although he won\u2019t win one this year, he remains an above-average defender in center most of the time, though some metrics view him less favorably this season. However, at the plate, he\u2019s reached base (.349 OBP), trailing only Aaron Judge on the Yankees in walks, and hit for power with a career-high 23 homers. He has a 126 OPS+ and 2.9 WAR. He\u2019s been indispensable for the Yankees, who have dealt with injuries and some mixing and matching with other outfielders. An impending free agent<\/a>, Grisham has been a solid contributor on both sides of the ball in his second season with New York.<\/p>\n

Manager Aaron Boone:<\/strong> \u201cHe\u2019s played like an All-Star all season. Good in center and good at-bats with power every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

5. Boston Red Sox: Garrett Whitlock, RHP<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whitlock was a quality starter for Boston for stretches over the past three seasons, including posting a 1.96 ERA in four starts last year before a season-ending elbow injury. He underwent internal brace surgery on his right elbow last May and in September told manager Alex Cora that he wanted to become a full-time reliever to lengthen his career. The move has been a success as this season he\u2019s posted a 2.76 ERA with 69 strikeouts over 58 2\/3 innings out of the pen. He has not allowed an earned run in 42 of 50 appearances, and has allowed only one earned run in 19 appearances since July 6. He\u2019s thriving as a setup reliever for the Sox.<\/p>\n

Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow:<\/strong> \u201cComing off the injury, Whitlock has settled into a bullpen role. He has held a number of leads and been a reliable bridge to Chappy (Aroldis Chapman, their closer).\u201d<\/p>\n

6. Seattle Mariners: Gabe Speier, LHP<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speier has been a bright spot for the Mariners, averaging 11.7 strikeouts per nine innings and just 1.9 walks per nine. He has struck out 62 in 47 2\/3 innings while logging a 2.27 ERA and 0.90 WHIP. He ranks in the 99th percentile in xERA and in the 98th percentile in chase rate. Batters are hitting .157 against his four-seamer and .152 against his slider. Speier dominates left-handed hitters, who are hitting just .159 against him with a .280 slugging percentage. However, he gets righties out too, as they are batting .220 against him.<\/p>\n

President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto:<\/strong> \u201cAmong (our under-the-radar players) who get very little fanfare is Speier, who deserves to be noticed. He\u2019s been awesome from day one, lives in high leverage and has been incredibly consistent, and until very recently, was doing it as the lone lefty in the pen.\u201d<\/p>\n

7. Kansas City Royals: Maikel Garcia, 3B<\/strong><\/p>\n

He\u2019s not under the radar in Kansas City and he did make the AL All-Star team, but Garcia hasn\u2019t gotten enough national acclaim, so I decided to give him the love he deserves. He is slashing .299\/.362\/.466 with 12 home runs, a 130 OPS+ and 4.2 WAR. He played all over the field for the Royals this season before becoming their everyday third baseman. Defensively, he ranks in the 97th percentile in outs above average (range) and in 78th percentile in arm strength. Offensively, he is in the 92nd percentile in xBA and in the 97th percentile in squared-up rate. He rarely chases out of the strike zone, makes consistent sweet-spot contact, creates traffic and moves the chains. To me, Garcia is one of the most underrated players in the sport.<\/p>\n

Manager Matt Quatraro:<\/strong> \u201cSince he was an All-Star, he shouldn\u2019t be under the radar, but he has been. He\u2019s been moved around \u2014 from second base to shortstop to third base to center field to left field, before finally settling in as our everyday third baseman. He also has been moved up and down the lineup. All these changes and movements have never affected his performance, as he\u2019s hovered around .300 all year while playing above-average defense.\u201d<\/p>\n

8. Cleveland Guardians: Daniel Schneemann, UTIL<\/strong><\/p>\n

Schneemann has been a key cog for the Guardians, playing 60 games at second base, 15 at third base, 11 in center field, nine at shortstop, seven in right field and three in left field. He\u2019s made only two errors all season, both at second base. Overall, he ranks in the 92nd percentile in outs above average and in the 84th percentile in fielding run value. Offensively, he\u2019s provided some pop with 15 doubles and 10 homers in 335 plate appearances, along with eight stolen bases (80th percentile in baserunning run value). He provides value all over the field and on the bases.<\/p>\n

GM Mike Chernoff:<\/strong> \u201cHe can play any position on the field, including in the middle of the diamond, and play them all well. He has been an important part of our offense, building on his breakout season last year.\u201d<\/p>\n

National League1. Milwaukee Brewers: Joey Ortiz, SS<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Brewers acquired Ortiz along with pitcher DL Hall from the Orioles in the 2024 trade for Corbin Burnes. Although Ortiz has not yet lived up to expectations offensively, he has thrived in other aspects, in particular his defense and difference-making intangibles. Ortiz is batting .233 with a .612 OPS, but he ranks in the 97th percentile among shortstops in outs above average and overall is in the 92nd percentile in fielding run value. Replacing Willy Adames as the Brewers\u2019 shortstop wasn\u2019t easy, but Ortiz has provided value defensively while also chipping in offensively with seven homers and 11 steals along with plenty of positive energy.<\/p>\n

GM Matt Arnold:<\/strong> \u201cHe has quietly been one of the best defenders in the league and one of the best teammates I\u2019ve ever been around. Always shows up with a positive attitude. He\u2019s been a difference-maker for us, especially on the defensive side of the ball.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. Philadelphia Phillies: Tanner Banks, LHP<\/strong><\/p>\n

Banks has been the most underrated arm in the Phillies\u2019 bullpen, logging a 2.98 ERA and 0.94 WHIP over 54 appearances. The southpaw has shut down lefty hitters, who are batting .163 against him (13-for-80). The Phillies used Banks in more important spots during Jos\u00e9 Alvarado\u2019s 80-game PED suspension. Overall, batters are hitting .214 against his slider, .200 against his sweeper and .182 against his four-seamer. He also ranks in the 99th percentile in walk rate.<\/p>\n

GM Preston Mattingly:<\/strong> \u201cTanner has been a stabilizer in our pen. His ability to pitch in multiple roles has allowed us to deploy our bullpen in different ways. He continues to dominate left-handed hitters at an elite clip.\u201d<\/p>\n

3. Los Angeles Dodgers: Jack Dreyer, RHP<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Dodgers have had to withstand a slew of injuries in the bullpen and still have numerous relievers on the shelf, including Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech, Brock Stewart, Michael Grove and Brusdar Graterol. (Scott and Yates should return soon.) Somehow, they are still in first place. Dreyer, 26, has been crucial for the makeshift pen as it has tried to weather the injuries. He has posted a 3.03 ERA over 52 games. He ranks in the 97th percentile in xERA and in 94th percentile in barrel rate. Batters are hitting .189 against his four-seamer and .214 against his slider.<\/p>\n

GM Brandon Gomes:<\/strong> \u201cDreyer has done everything, from being an opener to closing out games for us. He shows the professionalism of a longtime veteran in just his first year in the big leagues.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

After starting the year on a minor-league deal, Brad Keller is having his best season and has become a key reliever for the Cubs. (Patrick McDermott \/ Getty Images)4. Chicago Cubs: Brad Keller, RHP<\/strong><\/p>\n

Keller couldn\u2019t land a major-league job in free agency, so he signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs. Entering this season, he\u2019d spent much of his seven-year career as either a starter or part-time reliever, but Chicago decided to make. him a full-time reliever, a decision that\u2019s paid off. Keller has appeared in a career-high 53 games, posting a 2.41 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and the best strikeout-to-walk ratio of his career (3.22). He ranks in the 95th percentile in average exit velocity, hard-hit rate and ground-ball rate. The 30-year-old appears to have finally found his niche.<\/p>\n

GM Carter Hawkins:<\/strong> \u201cHe\u2019s taken the ball and excelled in high-leverage spots. Pretty impressive year for a guy who came into camp on a minor-league deal.<\/p>\n

5. San Diego Padres: Jeremiah Estrada, RHP<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Padres have arguably the best bullpen in baseball, led by All-Star closers Robert Suarez and Mason Miller and All-Star set-up relievers Jason Adam and Adrian Morejon. However, don\u2019t forget about another impressive set-up man, Jeremiah Estrada, who has been lights-out this season. Estrada has recorded a 2.48 ERA over 60 appearances, with 82 strikeouts in 58 innings. Batters are hitting .235 against his 98 mph fastball, a stunning .109 against his nasty split-finger and .207 against his disappearing slider.<\/p>\n

Manager Mike Shildt:<\/strong> \u201cJeremiah is an unsung hero not only in our bullpen, but also on our team. He is valuable because he is good at getting out of an inning with traffic and equally effective regardless of (whether he\u2019s facing a) left- or right-handed hitter.\u201d<\/p>\n

6. New York Mets: David Peterson, LHP<\/strong><\/p>\n

Peterson has been the Mets\u2019 most reliable starter this season, posting a 3.18 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. He made his first All-Star team in July. He\u2019s allowed two earned runs or fewer in 17 of his 24 starts. His ground-ball rate is in the 95th percentile and his extension is in the 96th percentile.<\/p>\n

President of baseball operations David Stearns:<\/strong> \u201cDavid has been a real steadying force in our rotation. Consistently gets us deeper into games and has given us big starts when we needed them.\u201d<\/p>\n

7. Cincinnati Reds: Jose Trevino, C<\/strong><\/p>\n

Acquiring Trevino from the Yankees for reliever Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson was one of the best trades the Reds made in the offseason. Trevino doesn\u2019t provide much offense (82 OPS+), but he does work the count and grind his at-bats. And on the defensive side of the game, he is special, leading the Reds\u2019 young pitching staff and stealing strikes for them with his above-average framing ability. The 2022 AL Platinum Glove winner also does an excellent job of making in-game adjustments.<\/p>\n

GM Nick Krall:<\/strong> \u201cJose has been a leader on this team for both the pitching staff and position player group. He has teamed well with (fellow catcher) Tyler Stephenson. He is extremely prepared in working with our pitching staff and is a grinder at the plate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Manager Terry Francona:<\/strong> \u201cJose is always prepared. A pro. A leader. Always ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

8. St. Louis Cardinals: Alec Burleson, DH\/1B\/OF<\/strong><\/p>\n

Burleson is putting together his best season, slashing .285\/.337\/.449 with 20 doubles, 15 home runs, 59 RBIs and a 120 OPS+. He ranks in the 95th percentile in squared-up rate and in the 91st percentile in K%. He\u2019s hitting .273 against fastballs, .283 against breaking balls and .319 against off-speed pitches. At 26 years old, Burleson is coming into his own as a major-league hitter.<\/p>\n

Manager Oliver Marmol:<\/strong> \u201cHe continues to develop as a solid big-league hitter. He has improved his defense, which has allowed for more at bats in left field and at first base. His ability to post everyday has made him a key part of this lineup.\u201d<\/p>\n

(Illustration: Kelsea Petersen \/ The Athletic; Photos: Rob Leiter, Mark Blinch \/ Getty Images)\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Every contending team has star players, but they also have those special players who often fly under the…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":166824,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[1281,1271,5048,1282,1885,2382,1284,2502,4247,1266,1305,2228,2083,1306,1288,62,3692,1290,67,132,68],"class_list":{"0":"post-166823","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-mlb","8":"tag-boston-red-sox","9":"tag-chicago-cubs","10":"tag-cincinnati-reds","11":"tag-cleveland-guardians","12":"tag-detroit-tigers","13":"tag-houston-astros","14":"tag-kansas-city-royals","15":"tag-los-angeles-dodgers","16":"tag-milwaukee-brewers","17":"tag-mlb","18":"tag-new-york-mets","19":"tag-new-york-yankees","20":"tag-philadelphia-phillies","21":"tag-san-diego-padres","22":"tag-seattle-mariners","23":"tag-sports","24":"tag-st-louis-cardinals","25":"tag-toronto-blue-jays","26":"tag-united-states","27":"tag-unitedstates","28":"tag-us"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115073200157683310","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/166823","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=166823"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/166823\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/166824"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=166823"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=166823"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=166823"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}