MLB players who will be X-factors in the postseason

Anderson was acquired from Miami at the trade deadline and has been a revelation as Tampa Bay's setup man. He has a 2.11 ERA and 41/2 K/BB in 21.1 innings, showing true dominance in limited time. 

Arraez wasn't mentioned on many prospect lists prior to this season because of his lack of power or speed, but his approach at the plate makes him quite valuable. The rookie has hit .344 with 36/29 BB/K in 357 plate appearances, resulting in a tremendous .409 on-base percentage. He's forced his way into the lineup between second base, left field and shortstop and could be a tough at-bat for playoff power pitchers.

It looked like Cabrera's career was drawing to a close when he struggled early in the year with Texas, but he's turned his season around in Washington. Working with hitting coach Kevin Long, Cabrera has hit .305-5-35 with a .904 OPS in 35 games as the Nats regular second baseman. He can provide an unexpected boost in the playoffs.

With Michael Pineda's suspension and Jake Odorizzi's hamstring injury in the final week of the season, Minnesota needs all the pitching help tit can get. Dobnak has made a surprising late-season contribution with a 1.59 ERA in 28.1 innings, including four starts. The right-handed control artist was similarly effective in the minors this season and figures to play an important role in the playoffs.

Duffey has shown major inconsistency since his arrival to the majors in 2015, but he's finally put it all together in the Twins pen this year. He has a 2.22 ERA and 80 strikeouts in only 56.2 innings this season, showing an ability to dominate batters on both sides of the plate. He will play a key role as a setup man.

Edman has been a key player for the Cardinals offensively and defensively with Matt Carpenter struggling to get on track. He's played multiple positions but has gotten most of his work at third base, hitting .299-11-33 with 14 steals over his first 89 games. It's clear Edman will continue to see regular playing time in October.

Foltynewicz clearly wasn't quite right early in the season, but he's made up for lost time lately. Over four starts in September, he's 4-0 with a 0.69 ERA. Foltynewicz is starting to regain the form he showed when he was Atlanta's ace last season and could crack the team's playoff rotation as a result.

Multiple minor league veterans have played key roles for the Yankees this season, and Ford is the most recent example. He might have played himself onto the playoff roster after hitting 11 home runs and posting an .874 OPS in 154 plate appearances late in the year. While regular playing time will be hard to come by after Giancarlo Stanton's return, Ford has a chance to be a key bench bat.

Gallegos has been the Cardinals best relief pitcher this season, even if he's not closing out games. He has a 2.25 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 72 innings, leading one of MLB's best bullpens. Gallegos' ability to bridge the gap between the starters and the Andrew Miller/Carlos Martinez closer duo could determine how far the Cardinals can go in the playoffs.

Hamilton has never been much of a hitter, but that's not why he would make Atlanta's playoff roster. Simply put, he's a weapon on the base paths and defensively in the outfield. He's appeared in 22 games since the Braves acquired him and could be a valuable pinch-running weapon late in games.

Hill has been through multiple injuries this season at age 39, yet he's been effective when on the mound with a 2.59 ERA through his first 12 starts. The lefty is still building up stamina after a knee injury, and his role in the playoffs remains to be seen. Regardless, he could see high-pressure innings in the playoffs.

Hudson was an under-the-radar addition at the trade deadline from Toronto, but he's exceeded all expectations. Splitting time between setup work and closing, Hudson had a 1.57 ERA through 22 appearances and a 2.54 ERA for the season. Washington's bullpen has been its biggest weakness this season, so Hudson will be relied upon to keep up the recent performance.

Kendrick hasn't had a regular position this season, but that hasn't stopped him from hitting. The veteran has hit a sizzling .345-17-62 in only 366 plate appearances, seeing significant playing time in three infield positions. The 36-year-old should benefit from the playoff schedule with additional off days if the Nats advance past the wild-card game.

Lux was one of the most hyped prospects in the game this year and for good reason. The former first-round pick hit .347-26-76 in 523 plate appearances between Double- and Triple-A, and has done more than enough in September to earn a playoff roster spot. The 21-year-old brings huge upside at second base.

The starting rotation has been an issue for Milwaukee this season, but Lyles has been a surprising fix over the final two months. He has a 2.35 ERA in his first 10 starts since being acquired from Pittsburgh. There are signs in his advanced metrics that the performance is a fluke, but the Brewers very well could put Lyles at the head of their playoff rotation.

Manaea had major shoulder surgery late last season but has returned like nothing even happened. The lefty allowed only three runs, all on solo home runs, through his first four starts spanning 23.2 innings. Oakland has lacked a top-end starter for much of the year, but Manaea could be the answer in the playoffs.

Ottavino came home to his native New York on a three-year, $27 million contract in the offseason, and has earned his salary in the first season of the deal. The right-hander has struggled with his control, as usual, but has a 1.79 ERA in 72 appearances. He will continue to play a key role as a setup man, especially after the Yankees will continue to be without Dellin Betances.

At this point, it's unclear if Riley will even crack the Braves NLDS roster. That's a shock given how the rookie started out of the gate, hitting 14 home runs in his first 43 games. He's slumped and gone through injury over the last three months but still shows huge upside if he can get back on track. Riley's bat has the potential to carry his team at some point in October if he can figure things out.

Houston is thrilled to have Pressly back after a late-season injury. The setup man has been almost untouchable since the Astros acquired him in 2018, with a combined 1.90 ERA and 102/15 K/BB in 75.2 innings with Houston. Alongside Will Harris, the Astros have two outstanding setup men before getting to closer Roberto Osuna.

Smith didn't make his first major league appearance this season until July 14 due to a ruptured Achilles, but he's made up for lost time. The sidearming right-hander has found his form again as an elite reliever, with a 1.16 ERA in 26 appearances. He will be a key short reliever for Houston in the playoffs.

One of the top prospects in the game, Tucker didn't get promoted by the Astros until September. He's made up for lost time with a hot month that should buy him an opportunity in the playoffs, hitting .304-3-10 with five stolen bases over 18 games. Even if Tucker doesn't get an opportunity to start, his speed and power should be valuable late in games.

Urias has pitched in a variety of roles for the Dodgers this season, as they've tried to limit his workload, and the young lefty has been dominant in most of them. He's been particularly good in relief with a 2.05 ERA in 48.1 innings, and that's likely the role the Dodgers will exercise him in during October. Even with their great depth, Urias will be key in the Dodgers bullpen.

Wade Miley's late-season struggles could necessitate a new fourth starter for the Astros, and Urquidy is the top candidate. The rookie's peripherals outweigh his early results, with a tremendous 9.8 K/9 and 1.5 BB/9 this season over 35 innings. He's found his footing in September with a 2.25 ERA over 12 innings.

Wade's minor league stats show a limited offensive player, but he's always been willing to draw a walk. That's shown in September when he's received an opportunity to replace the injured Byron Buxton in center field, with a .411 on-base percentage in 56 plate appearances. Wade has done more than enough to make the playoff roster and perhaps get starts in the outfield.