Six MLB athletes emerge as fantasy X factors in the final sprint: Anthony Volpe anchors the Yankees, Shohei Ohtani retools as a postseason pitcher for the Dodgers, Orion Kerkering powers Philadelphia’s bullpen, Riley Greene drives Detroit’s lineup with power, Dylan Cease seeks a Padres revival, and Andrew Vaughn fuels Milwaukee’s finish. Each player carries a clear path to impact in October, from lineup leverage to bullpen depth and rotation order.

Volpe’s continued development, Ohtani’s two way capability, Kerkering’s late inning upside, Greene’s explosive bursts, Cease’s command shifts, and Vaughn’s swing balance will shape rosters, rotations, and playoff seeding. The final ~30 games could redefine fantasy value for these six and the teams chasing byes and division titles.

These six players are framed as catalysts whose performances may tilt rosters and fantasy standings as the postseason approaches, with Dodgers, Yankees, Phillies, Tigers, Padres, and Brewers all weighing heavily on their contributions.