Eight young players could reshape October for fantasy, four from the American League and four from the National League. They blend elite bat speed, power and velo with room to grow in playoff roles. Addison Barger, Dominic Canzone, Connelly Early, and Cam Schlittler headline the AL group; Chase Burns, Caleb Durbin, Daniel Palencia, and Emmet Sheehan anchor the NL pack.

Look for October breakout triggers in elevated plate appearances, late-inning chances and bullpen leverage who can convert raw tools into late-season fantasy gains. These names offer upside if they log meaningful playoff reps and deliver in clutch spots.

Cincinnati hosts Pittsburgh in a potential low-scoring showdown centered on Paul Skenes against Hunter Greene. Skenes has dismantled Cincinnati this season, 4-0 with a minuscule 0.39 ERA over 23 innings and 33 strikeouts. Greene, fresh off a complete-game shutout of the Cubs, battles a Pirates team that has gone 7-1 against him for his career and has logged 24 runs vs Reds in those meetings. With both teams within a game of the Mets for the NL’s final wild-card, this one carries postseason weight.

Bottom line for fantasy and bets: expect a tight game leaning under, given Skenes’ dominance over Cincinnati and Greene’s floor from last start, but be wary of Pirates’ ability to break through. Cincinnati’s wild-card chase adds urgency to every at-bat and rotation decision.