Key players identified for MLB playoffs wild card series
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 28, 2026, 10:08 AM
Last updated Sep 28, 2026
The MLB playoffs are set to begin with eight teams in the wild-card round starting Tuesday. Significant players across teams are under the spotlight, such as Alex Bregman of the Chicago Cubs, who returns from injury, and Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros, a frontrunner for the AL MVP. The San Diego Padres' pitching will rely heavily on Michael King, while the Philadelphia Phillies are counting on Jesus Luzardo in a crucial role. The performance of these key players could determine the postseason success for their respective teams during this pivotal series.
- •Wild-card round begins Tuesday with eight MLB teams.
- •Alex Bregman returns from injury, boosting Cubs offense.
- •Yordan Alvarez is a leading AL MVP candidate for Astros.
- •Michael King is crucial for Padres' pitching success.
- •Phillies depend on Jesus Luzardo for rotation depth.
- 10:08 AMYahoo Sports — From Bregman to Luzardo, 8 players who will decide MLB playoffs wild card series
"Here's one player on every team in the MLB wild card series who will make or break the contest.
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