Every MLB team needs its stars to lead the way if it wants a chance at securing a playoff spot. But the clubs that make it are often lifted to the postseason by a star turn from an unheralded source.

Here are nine players on contending teams who have performed at an unexpectedly high level. You should know more about them just in case they keep shining into October.

All stats updated through Thursday.

Isaac Collins , OF, Brewers

It feels like this list could honestly be nothing but Brewers, a team of self-proclaimed "average Joes" that nobody knows and the first club to 70 wins this season. Collins stands 5-foot-8, possesses mediocre speed and power, and is a former Rule 5 pick who was claimed off waivers in 2022. But there have been few better position players in the sport ov

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