Fansided

25 most important stars for MLB playoffs

By Joshua Sadlock

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 21: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees follows through on a sixth inning home run against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on September 21, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 21: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees follows through on a sixth inning home run against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on September 21, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 24: Trea Turner #7 of the Washington Nationals runs to first base against the Philadelphia Phillies during game one of a doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 24: Trea Turner #7 of the Washington Nationals runs to first base against the Philadelphia Phillies during game one of a doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

18. Trea Turner

Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto are rightfully the MVP candidates for the Washington Nationals, but shortstop Trea Turner is the straw that stirs the drink for the dark horse World Series contender. When Turner is wreaking havoc from the top of the order, the Nats are almost impossible for opposing pitchers to stop. The 26-year-old has long been viewed as a future All-Star but remains underrated.

Injuries have played a part in keeping Turner from realizing his full potential, and he missed 40 games this year. He has still played over 150 games once in his career, but boy were his 122 games this year solid. Turner hit .298/.353/.497 with 37 doubles, five triples, 19 home runs and 35 stolen bases. He was only caught stealing five times and now has a career success rate of 84 percent when attempting to steal.

Turner’s numbers aren’t incredibly eye-popping in this era of inflated offensive statistics, but he is still one of the most productive old-schoolish leadoff men in the game. His ability to impact a game with his legs will be important in a one-game playoff where finding a way to steal as many runs as possible will be a key to coming out on top.

With 40-homer mashers like George Springer and Ronald Acuna moving into the leadoff role, Turner will probably always be overshadowed when it comes to the best leadoff hitters in the game, but his value to the Nationals cannot be overlooked. If the Nats are finally able to go on a deep playoff run, Turner will play a key role in more than one extended offensive rally.

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