The most important, yet overlooked player for every MLB Wild Card team

Every MLB Wild Card team has its stars. Every team has its players who will be in the spotlight. But for every Yordan Alvarez or Bryce Harper, there is a player who will not be as noticed yet could play a key role in a team advancing into the next round of the postseason or being eliminated.

Here is a look at one player for each of the eight Wild Card teams who may not get the notoriety but still will play a big role in the games that begin on Tuesday.

Overlooked but important players in the American League Wild Card round

Boston Red Sox — Payton Tolle

With 26 starts under his belt this season, Tolle will get the call in the first game in the Bronx. The rookie southpaw has quickly become one of the most beloved Red Sox thanks to some of his mannerisms and antics. Now he gets the chance to endear himself even more to the Boston faithful.

In 13.0 innings this season, Tolle posted a 0.69 ERA against the Yankees and held them to a .093 batting average. However, both games were in Boston and not in the postseason, so how he fares inside Yankee Stadium will determine just how well Boston starts the series.

Chicago White Sox — Chase Meidroth

The 25-year-old middle infielder is coming off a sore hamstring that limited him to pinch-hitting duties on Saturday and kept him out of Sunday's regular-season finale. However, he's expected to return for the Wild Card round and make an impact as he has done all season.

His 4.5 bWAR is second on the White Sox, but he's largely been a secret outside of the South Side. The postseason may be his national coming-out party.

Houston Astros — Peter Lambert

Lambert has been a surprise in South Texas this season, posting a 3.82 ERA in 29 starts. He started on Sunday as the Astros were trying to claim the AL West title, but lasted just 2.0 innings pitching on short rest.

Houston's rotation is a question mark heading into the Wild Card round, and Game 1 could be a bullpen game. Lambert may not be available for that game, but will likely factor in later in the series, even if he's pitching on short rest again.

New York Yankees — Brent Headrick

All of the talk in the Bronx may be about the offense and if the Yankees can score enough to beat the Red Sox. However, if they can get a lead, expect Headrick to play a major role in whether they can keep that advantage or not.

Headrick has thrown 78.1 innings over 81 games this year, and there are concerns about how much more he can give. His ERA in the second half has shot up to 3.09 after pitching to a 1.55 ERA before the All-Star Game. However, expect manager Aaron Boone to lean on him when needed against Boston.

Overlooked but important players in the National League Wild Card round

Atlanta Braves — Didier Fuentes

At 21, Fuentes has established himself as one of the key bullpen weapons in Atlanta. His 2.45 ERA in 73.1 innings has established him as a go-to option for manager Walt Weiss. 

He's been especially good in home games, posting a 1.25 ERA and 0.889 WHIP in 36.0 innings inside Truist Park.

Chicago Cubs — Jacob Webb

The 33-year-old right-hander has had some issues during the season, and his numbers of late haven't been great (16 hits and 11 runs surrendered over his last 19.1 innings). Still, the reliever will be a part of the high-leverage plans against the Padres. Whether he can hold the lead or not could determine how much of a chance Chicago stands against the red-hot Padres.

Philadelphia Phillies — Andrew Painter

According to reports, Painter could come out of the bullpen in Game 1 against Atlanta after Jesus Luzardo finishes his outing. With Luzardo just coming off the injured list, Painter could be asked to eat innings against the Braves. 

Much has been expected of Painter this season, and he's posted a 5.40 ERA in 126.2 innings. Will he be able to contain the Braves if called upon?

San Diego Padres — Ty France

For all of the big contracts and big names in the San Diego lineup, France is definitely a name to watch. Signed to a minor league deal in the offseason, France has posted 4.5 bWAR to pace the Padres in 2026.