Fansided

5 rookies who could impact the MLB playoff race

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 24, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) looses his helmet on the way to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) looses his helmet on the way to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The MLB playoff race is heating up. Here are five rookies that could make the biggest difference.

Last fall, MLB fans were treated to a historic postseason in terms of rookie production. Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber and Jorge Soler of the Chicago Cubs combined to break the previous record for rookie home runs in a single postseason, with 10 between them. That’s not even including the blasts chipped in by Carlos Correa, who became the youngest player to bat third in a postseason game since Mickey Mantle, Michael Conforto and Stephen Piscotty. In just two series of playoff baseball, Schwarber became the all-time leader in postseason home runs for the Cubs franchise.

It wasn’t just the rookie hitters getting the job done in October. Lance McCullers struck out seven in a fine start against the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS. For the National League champion New York Mets, Noah Syndergaard struck out 26 in only 19.0 innings. Fellow rookie Metropolitan Steven Matz also pitched well.

This year looks set to be no different. As the pool of contenders is winnowed down to roughly half the league (thanks second wild card!), rookies will play a big part in deciding who plays deep into October this year. In no particular order, here are the five rookies (and a few bonus picks) who will play the most important roles in the 2016 MLB pennant race and postseason.

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