Fansided

MLB playoffs 2015: 9 biggest stars of the postseason

By Josh Criswell

Jul 11, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (49) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 11, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (49) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) hits an rbi single during the seventh inning of the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) hits an rbi single during the seventh inning of the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh Donaldson, Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays made a flurry of deals at the 2015 MLB trade deadline, but perhaps the most important move came before the season even started.

The Blue Jays acquired All-Star third baseman Josh Donaldson from the Oakland Athletics last November, and although the deal cost Toronto some young talent, it has certainly paid off.

Donaldson has emerged as a serious American League MVP candidate, with only Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels standing in his way of winning the prestigious honor. He leads the American League in runs scored with 122 and RBIs with 123, in addition to having the highest wins above replacement (WAR) of all position players participating in the 2015 MLB playoffs.

The Blue Jays have been the hottest team in baseball since the All-Star break, winning 48 of their final 71 games, with Donaldson being a focal point of this streak of dominance. He has recorded 20 home runs, 63 RBIs and 57 runs scored in the the second half of the season, in addition to hitting .302 with a .396 on-base percentage during this stretch.

Toronto gets its postseason underway on Thursday against the Texas Rangers, providing an excellent matchup for Donaldson to exploit. The Rangers’ pitching staff ranks in the bottom third of the MLB in ERA and batting average allowed, and a big series from the Blue Jays’ MVP candidate could be in the works.

Next: David Price, Toronto Blue Jays

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