MLB Teams Highlight Key Players to Watch in September Stretch Run
As the regular season enters its final month, each MLB club has a player identified as crucial for the stretch run, ranging from established stars to emerging prospects.
September marks the final stretch of the regular season, with teams either vying for playoff positioning or looking ahead to future rebuilding. Sports Illustrated identified one player from each of the 30 clubs whose performance could be pivotal in the next few weeks.
For the Milwaukee Brewers, veteran outfielder Christian Yelich has shown a recent surge, hitting .356 with two homers in his last 13 games after a month-long groin injury. The Los Angeles Dodgers rely on Shohei Ohtani, whose health concerns could limit his pitching, while his .906 OPS remains below his career norm. Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. has struggled since the All-Star break, posting a .669 OPS over his last 33 games, a factor the Braves need to reverse to stay competitive in the NL East.
The Tampa Bay Rays hope Jonathan Aranda regains his first-half production after his OPS fell to .595 in the second half. Chicago’s new ace Clay Holmes has delivered 17 strikeouts in four starts since joining the Cubs. Aaron Judge’s anticipated return is expected to boost the New York Yankees’ offense, which has faltered in his absence.
Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler has posted a 6.27 ERA in his last seven starts, and the San Diego Padres look to 20-year-old catcher Ethan Salas, the youngest behind the plate since 1991, for offensive stability. Boston’s Roman Anthony, returning from injury, has recorded multiple hits in each of his first four games back. Arizona’s Ketel Marte remains a key bat for a team fighting for a wild-card spot.
Houston relies on right-hander AJ Blubaugh, who has lowered his ERA to 2.22 over his last 48 appearances. Chicago White Sox left-hander Sean Newcomb has been used both as a reliever and opener amid a struggling rotation. Cleveland’s Jo Adell, acquired at the trade deadline, leads the Guardians with four homers in 25 games.
Miami’s Otto Lopez, once the league’s batting-average leader, has seen his OPS drop to .565 since the All-Star break. Baltimore’s Samuel Basallo, filling in for Adley Rutschman, posted a .440 OPS in 14 games after returning from injury. Seattle’s Lazaro Montes, promoted after a strong Triple-A showing, debuted with a home run for the Mariners.
Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continues to post a second-half OPS of .608, below his career average, while Pittsburgh’s rookie Konnor Griffin returns from injury after a .310 slash line earlier in the season. St. Louis outfielder Joshua Báez, after a three-homer debut, seeks consistency as the Cardinals evaluate young talent.
Texas’ Wyatt Langford, a recent first-round pick, aims to combine power and plate discipline to aid the Rangers’ offensive woes. Detroit’s Jackson Jobe, returning from Tommy John surgery, posted a 4.63 ERA in five starts. Minnesota’s Luke Keaschall has hit .331 with a 170 wRC+ since July 1, providing a spark for the Twins.
Cincinnati’s Matt McLain continues his recovery from a shoulder injury, while Washington’s left-hander Jackson Kent, a top prospect, receives his first major-league starts as the Nationals fall out of contention. Kansas City’s Vinnie Pasquantino has rebounded with a .298 average since the All-Star break, and New York’s Carson Benge, a rookie, is on track for a potential 20-20 season.
San Francisco’s Bryce Eldridge, a former first-round pick, posted a .263 slash line with 15 homers, positioning himself as a future cornerstone. Oakland’s Denzel Clarke, returning from injury, posted a .353 slash line in Triple-A but has yet to translate that success to the majors. Los Angeles Angels prospect Christian Moore, a recent draftee, seeks to improve after a difficult start at the big-league level. Colorado’s Adael Amador, recalled in September, has posted a .389 average with two homers in seven games, offering a possible bright spot for the Rockies.