MLB Playoff Contenders’ Most Indispensable Under-the-Radar Players

When the postseason spotlight shows up, it usually lands on superstars and their wild stat lines. But honestly, every team with a shot at the title leans on those underappreciated guys who just keep everything running.

This year, a handful of underrated contributors are proving you don’t need a big name to matter. Defensive specialists, bullpen rocks, and surprise power bats are all shaping October in ways that don’t always make headlines.

Detroit’s Gleyber Torres: Setting the Offensive Tone

Gleyber Torres has kept Detroit’s offense humming, quietly putting up a .359 on-base percentage and a 110 OPS+. His plate discipline stands out—he extends at-bats, draws walks, and frustrates pitchers into mistakes.

Discipline and Consistency Define His Game

Torres isn’t the flashiest hitter in the lineup, but he’s exactly what you want in October: reliable. He works counts and gives the hitters behind him a real chance to drive in runs.

Toronto’s Alejandro Kirk: Defense Meets Clutch Hitting

Most catchers these days focus on offense and let defense slide, but Alejandro Kirk brings both to the table. He’s got a steady bat and plays top-tier defense, which has made him a leader in Toronto’s clubhouse when it matters most.

Excelling in High-Leverage Moments

Kirk just seems to deliver when the pressure’s on. He handles the pitching staff well and controls the running game, giving the Blue Jays an edge that’s tough for opponents to overcome.

Houston’s Mauricio Dubón: Master of Versatility

Mauricio Dubón has turned into Houston’s Swiss Army knife, covering seven different positions and chipping in with timely hits. His flexibility lets the Astros handle injuries and late-game moves without missing a beat.

A True Plug-and-Play Asset

Not many players can bounce between infield and outfield and still hit. Dubón’s adaptability has helped Houston get through some tough roster situations.

New York’s Trent Grisham: Defense Plus Power

Trent Grisham built his rep with his glove, but in New York, he’s added a career-high 23 homers to his resume. His defense in center field has really steadied a Yankees outfield that’s been hit hard by injuries.

Boston’s Garrett Whitlock: Post-Surgery Resurgence

Garrett Whitlock bounced back from surgery and turned into a bullpen weapon, racking up a 2.76 ERA. His late-inning work has been critical for Boston’s recent surge.

Seattle’s Gabe Speier: Reliever Dominance

Gabe Speier has quietly become one of the most reliable relievers in baseball this year. He’s rocking a 2.27 ERA and striking out nearly 12 hitters per nine innings, shutting down both lefties and righties.

Kansas City’s Maikel Garcia: The Overlooked All-Star

Maikel Garcia got an All-Star spot, but not much national attention. He’s batting .299, has piled up 4.2 WAR, and plays elite defense at third—honestly, he might be one of the most complete players out there.

Defensive Anchors Around the League

Some of the biggest contributions don’t show up in the box score. Gabriel Schneemann in Cleveland and Joey Ortiz in Milwaukee have been rock-solid gloves, moving around the field and saving runs with their defense.

Other Under-the-Radar Contributors

This postseason run has plenty of lesser-known players stepping up:

• Philadelphia’s Tanner Banks – Steady bullpen depth
• Dodgers’ rookie Dreyer – Handles tough relief spots
• Cubs’ Brad Keller – Versatile pitching arm
• Padres’ Jeremiah Estrada – Strikeout threat in relief
• Mets’ David Peterson – Eats innings and stabilizes the rotation
• Reds’ Jose Trevino – Guides a young staff with real poise
• Cardinals’ Alec Burleson – Comes through with clutch pinch hits

The Value of Unsung Heroes in October Baseball

People remember the postseason for grand slams and walk-off moments. But honestly, it’s built day by day on the steady work of players like these.

They fill gaps and stabilize shaky positions. Sometimes, they deliver when the stars just can’t carry the load.

When October arrives, these high-value, low-profile performers often make those subtle plays that keep championship hopes alive. Their names might not flash in neon lights, but they’re every bit as vital to a playoff run as the MVP candidates beside them.

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Here is the source article for this story: Who is each MLB playoff contender’s most indispensable ‘under-the-radar’ player?