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.)
