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Writer's pictureRiley Zayas

4 players to watch during the 2018 MLB wild card games

Over the next two days, four teams will prepare for battle in two single elimination games, which are always full of excitement and great baseball. On Tuesday, the Cubs play take on the Rockies at Wrigley Field, while Aaron Judge and the Yankees play Khris Davis and the A's on Wednesday. Here's 4 players (1 for each team) to watch over the next few days.


1. Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs- Although he's not the most notable player on this star-studded team, he's definitely one of the most reliable. He's had a breakout year in 2018, batting .290 with 34 HRs and 21 stolen bases. In a wild card game when a win is vital, look for Baez to lead the Cubs' offensive attack.

2. Charlie Blackmon, Colorado Rockies- This bearded, left-handed hitting, 3x all star should terrorize Chicago pitchers if he gets his bat going. Just two days ago, he hit for the cycle in the season finale against the Washington Nationals and yesterday, in the NL West tiebreaker, Blackmon went 2 for 3. Expect the solid hitting to continue in Wrigley, after all, he's played in 3 different cities in 3 days!

3. Miguel Andujar, New York Yankees- Although he's just a rookie, Miguel Andujar has been part of a young slugging offense this season, which includes big names like Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge. Andujar recently tied the AL rookie doubles record of 47 set by Fred Lynn in 1975. Just the day before, he broke Joltin' Joe Dimaggio's franchise rookie doubles record! To put his accomplishments in perspective; Joe Dimaggio still holds the record for most consecutive games with a hit, and both Judge and Lynn won rookie of the year and finished in the top 2 of the MVP voting that year. Being compared to these players, Andujar is absolutely someone to keep an eye on.

4. Matt Chapman, Oakland A's- He's one of Oakland's top sluggers along with Khris Davis and Stephen Piscotty, which should be a challenge for any New York pitcher. He's also one of just 6 players in the majors to score 100+ runs while hitting 40+ doubles and 20+ home runs. In a game which could turn out as an offensive duel, hot bats will be very important if Oakland wants to advance.


TV coverage

Cubs v.s Rockies- 7pm, ESPN

Yankees v.s Athletics- 7pm, TBS

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