With fall just around the corner, the 2017 MLB playoff picture is slowly forming into shape. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals have their divisions wrapped up swiftly. The Chicago Cubs seem to be returning to their championship form of 2016 as they play down the stretch. The Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Milwaukee Brewers are all in the wildcard mix too. Aside from the Cubs’ slow start, the National League has been pretty predictable this year.
As the season inches closer to October, players are being slotted into roles by the day. This makes it a great time to take a look at some players who could be X-factors in the 2017 playoffs. These are guys who are not household names by any stretch, but after October, they might be.
National League West Champion: Los Angeles Dodgers
X-Factor: Hyun-Jin Ryu-SP
The Dodgers are on pace to break the MLB wins record of 116 set by the Seattle Mariners in ’01. Clayton Kershaw and Yu Darvish are arguably the best 1-2 punch in any rotation, but many have not been talking about Ryu. In six second half starts, Ryu is 2-0 with a 1.54 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 31 strikeouts in 35 Innings pitched. Ryu has struggled with injuries since singing with the Dodgers in 2012, but when he is healthy, he is very good. A career 3.29 ERA with the club, Ryu could be the coveted third starter the Dodgers have needed in October. If healthy and dominating down the stretch, look for Ryu to be an X-factor for the Dodgers.
National League Central Champion: Chicago Cubs
X-Factor: Tommy La Stella-UTL
Rarely do we see role players like La Stella on lists like this, but here we are. Could you tell who is leading the Cubs in batting average right now? Bryant, Rizzo, Russell, or Zobrist? Nope. It is La Stella, and he has been a big contributor this year for the Cubs. In limited at-bats this season, his versatility and timely hits have gotten him to a team-best .291 average. Manager Joe Maddon loves to shake up his lineup, making La Stella’s skill set valuable in the postseason. Look for La Stella to be an X-factor in October.
National League East Champion: Washington Nationals
X-Factor: Adam Lind 1B
In his first National League campaign, Lind has been a lightning rod of the bench for the Nats. In a team leading 36 pinch hit at-bats, Lind is slashing a monster line of .361/.410/.639 with a .291 BA overall. Lind carries a .410 OBP as a pinch hitter and ranks second in the NL in RBI in the role (10). Depth is such a key piece to winning in the postseason, and having a PH bat like Lind’s is huge. Lind could also serve as a strong DH in a potential World Series. A series can change with one swing, and Lind could surprise some people and provide that swing for the Nats in October.
Wild Card #1: Arizona Diamondbacks
X-Factor: Patrick Corbin
Similar to the Dodgers, the Arizona Diamondbacks have a dynamic duo atop the rotation, but question marks following. Zack Greinke and Robbie Ray are both all-star’s, but Corbin could be a major piece to a potential postseason run for the snakes. Corbin has been dynamite in the second half, and he will need to keep the run going into October. Corbin leads Arizona in innings thrown in the second half (50.2) and sports a 2.84 ERA and 5-2 record. He has really come into his own down the stretch. Having a strong third starter is a big boost to any team playing into October. Look for Corbin to be an X-factor against the Dodgers if Arizona survives the wild card game.
Wild Card #2: Colorado Rockies
X- Factor: Jon Gray
As you read through this list, you can see how important pitching depth is to winning playoff baseball games. Very rarely does a top of the rotation starter count as an x-factor, but Gray there may be an exception. The Rockies do not really have a number one starter, but still find themselves in a playoff spot. Colorado is notoriously the best hitter’s park in baseball due to the altitude in Denver, but Gray’s home ERA of 3.00 is actually better than his road ERA of 5.71. The former third overall pick will have to rack up the strikeouts and keep the ball in the yard. If the Rockies and their prolific offense have any shot at making a run, Gray will need to step up in October.
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