Amidst a clubhouse filled with future Hall of Famers, extraordinary annual salaries, and enough star power to electrify the baseball world, Dave Roberts understood the essence of success. During his division-clinching, playoff-preparation speech in Cincinnati, Roberts didn’t center his focus on stars like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, or Mookie Betts. Instead, he spoke to those in the shadows.
“To finish this season strong, to win 11 games in October, you never know who is going to be the guy … who that moment is going to fall to … and many people have lived it in this clubhouse,” he expressed to a group poised to celebrate with champagne. “My ask is, be ready to be that guy.”
The unheralded hero emerges from obscurity to deliver crucial hits, pitch-holding displays, or game-defining catches that secure titles. Last season, the Dodgers needed such heroes. They survived Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays with dramatic help from unexpected players.
Miguel Rojas hit his first home run in over a month to tie the game in the ninth inning. Andy Pages, who had been benched after hitting poorly during the postseason, preserved the tie with a spectacular catch. Moments like these define the Dodgers’ legacy, where lesser-known players often shine.
The history of Dodger postseason play is filled with instances of remarkable contributions from unexpected individuals. Hernández, for example, delivered a pivotal home run in the 2024 division series against the San Diego Padres. Austin Barnes drove in a run through both a sacrifice bunt and home run in a single World Series game in 2020. Historical contributions like these have shaped the team’s storied success.
Still seeking the key contributors for 2026, here are the top candidates:
Josue De Paula
Right fielder Josue De Paula drew attention after stepping in as a temporary replacement for none other than Ohtani. The 21-year-old showed remarkable composure, hitting well in limited appearances. With a swagger and style reminiscent of Soto, his performances have captivated fans, setting the stage for potential October heroics.
Kyle Tucker
Despite criticism and high expectations, Tucker turned a corner this season, becoming an essential player in clutch moments. With a .969 OPS in September, six home runs, and 13 RBIs, he’s positioned for redemption. Though his salary is notable, his renewed performance might deem him worthy of That Guy status.
Edwin Díaz
Díaz, grappling with injuries and difficulties, finally had a positive rehab outing. While struggles have defined his season, his legacy as one of baseball’s top closers endures. His postseason appearances have often been successful, hinting at impactful opportunities to come.
Emmet Sheehan
Sheehan may become crucial during October, especially if a regular starter experiences health issues. He demonstrated potential with standout September performances, making him a viable candidate for significant relief innings.
Hunter Feduccia
Feduccia’s grit became evident when he played through illness. His proficiency with ABS challenges further highlights his unique capabilities as a backup catcher. Possessing needed qualities for clutch playoff moments, he could finalize an unexpected yet crucial outcome.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stressed the importance of readiness. Lurking in the shadows this fall will be a successor to the legacy of unexpected heroes. As the Dodgers aim for a three-peat, the identity of the next crucial contributor remains unknown but crucial.
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