LOS ANGELES – Take a moment to overlook the star-studded rosters that could brighten up all of Southern California and New York. The players who might clinch the World Series for their teams could be those who aren’t as well-known, positioned in the background of their rosters.

It would certainly be fitting for the first World Series matchup between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers since 1981 to be determined by some of the prestigious former MVPs and Hall of Fame hopefuls. However, both teams are so evenly matched that the deciding factor is likely to be players lower down the lineup.

With that in mind, here are five players to keep an eye on as Game 1 kicks off this Friday night at Dodger Stadium:

Luke Weaver, Yankees

There has been a remarkable transformation for both the Yankees and their previously criticized bullpen, which had fans unhappy as closer Clay Holmes struggled during the latter half of the season.

Who could have predicted that a 183-pound journeyman would become essential in closing out games for a franchise with high championship ambitions?

Yet Luke Weaver, known for his lighter frame, stepped up into the closer role with unexpected poise, saving the Yankees’ initial four playoff victories and contributing two scoreless innings to secure their ALCS clincher against Cleveland in a 10-inning thriller.

In 10 postseason innings, he has permitted just eight baserunners while fanning 12 and the Yankees’ bullpen has maintained a 2.56 ERA throughout nine playoff games.

Bullpens often rely on their back-end pitchers, and the Yankees have taken cues from their quirky new closer.

“He’s quirky, confident, and always joking around, never taking things too seriously,” reflects Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt about Weaver, whose humor can be as dry as a fine Chablis.

This mindset suits a player in the ninth inning, who indeed carried a “failed starter” label during his earlier seasons with St. Louis and Arizona. After being acquired by the Yankees through a few waiver wire moves, he showcased enough talent in 2023 to earn a contract for this season.

Now, he’s adapted to optimize his performance each night, whether featuring a powerful fastball or a deceptive changeup that has become his go-to pitch this postseason.

“Every day requires an assessment of what I have,” he explains. “That’s a skill I’ve developed over this season.”

“If something isn’t effective, I won’t rely on it. There are critical moments in a game where I might shy away from a pitch due to the risk of something undesirable occurring.”

For example, he allowed a game-tying two-run homer to Jhonkensy Noel during the ninth inning of ALCS Game 4. Nevertheless, the positives have far outweighed the negatives this October. The Yankees remain optimistic that this trend will persist for Weaver and others like Holmes, who have effectively found their roles as the postseason progressed.

“Having players who have made adjustments is invaluable,” says Schmidt. “It’s fantastic to have guys performing at such a high level. They’re really excelling at their game right now.”

Gleyber Torres, Yankees

As another key free agent in the Yankees lineup, Gleyber Torres has emerged as their standout offensive force during this World Series journey.

Even though he often gets overshadowed by bigger names like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.

Torres became an All-Star at just 21 and earned a second consecutive selection in 2019. However, his career has been marred by inconsistencies since then, until this season’s second half.

His first-half struggles showed a .231 batting average and a .654 OPS, but he rebounded to a .293 average and .780 OPS in the second half, setting the stage for a postseason where he has been a consistent on-base presence. By August, he reclaimed the leadoff position he initially lost during his slow start, now holding a .400 OBP in the playoffs, getting on base 18 times in nine games and setting the stage for power hitters Juan Soto and Aaron Judge behind him.

“I always thought this is a player in the prime of his career that consistently hits,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone states. “It’s like water finds its level. He was bound to deliver during the lengthy 162-game season.”

“He has truly been a spark plug for us and a significant factor in why we’re in this position right now.”

Torres, who will turn 28 in December, has also positively reshaped his free agent profile. While attention will be on Soto’s impending free agency, Torres presents a compelling scenario for the Yankees to evaluate. Although he feels grateful for his strong performance in his walk year, Torres hopes to remain with the Yankees, ideally alongside a championship ring.

“I don’t view those guys as just teammates,” he notes. “To me, they’re family; the entire organization feels like family.”

Kiké Hernandez, Dodgers

Perhaps his energy isn’t sustainable over a full 162-game season. Maybe his lively spirit, his tendency to motivate teammates through texts, and his habit of dropping casual f-bombs on live TV don’t translate well into a long, six-month grind.“`html

Could it be that Kiké Hernandez thrives in the postseason?

The Dodgers have always recognized the value that the 5-11, 195-pound versatile player brings to the team. A player capable of playing both shortstop and center field with skill is incredibly valuable. However, Hernandez has a career batting average of .238, with an OPS that is slightly below league average at 92.

But when October arrives, he transforms into a powerhouse.

Over the years, Hernandez has participated in nine postseason tournaments, showing outstanding performance each time. He has hit 15 postseason home runs, a tally that places him among elite players like Aaron Judge. His lifetime postseason stats showcase a .356 on-base percentage and an .889 OPS over 81 playoff games.

This impressive track record precedes his standout moments.

Recall the three-homer game that secured the 2017 pennant at Wrigley Field or the crucial solo home run in Game 7 of the 2020 NLCS that helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series championship.

This October, he contributed a pivotal homer that ignited the Dodgers’ Game 5 victory against San Diego in the NLDS.

Hernandez attributes his postseason triumphs to a philosophy that sounds more like motivational speaking than baseball fundamentals: “The power of the mind,” he states.

Some might suggest regular season pressures create self-doubt for Hernandez, a type of imposter syndrome. However, his postseason achievements provide the confidence needed to reinforce that he truly belongs.

“The mind tends to question more than it believes,” Hernandez explains. “Even when things are going well and you start noticing outside commentary, you might wonder if it was just luck. But with each reminder of success, you build credibility and belief in yourself.

“Mindset is crucial.”

That makes sense.

Hernandez has been navigating this postseason landscape for nearly ten years. He spent a significant portion of three seasons in Boston, notably hitting five home runs during their only postseason run. At 33, he remains an unstoppable force.

“One thing I’ve always done and will continue to do,” he emphasizes, “is stay true to myself.”

And in October, he exemplifies the best version of that self.

Evan Phillips, Dodgers

The finish line is in sight for Evan Phillips. However, he understands that the Dodgers may face challenges in their pursuit of it.

The Dodgers’ bullpen has been stellar this postseason, helping to keep their season alive with an impressive performance from eight relievers during Game 4 of the NLDS against San Diego. Phillips earned the win in that game, and his postseason stats are remarkable: 6 2/3 innings pitched without allowing a run, and five appearances exceeding one inning.

However, Phillips admits the team may be “playing with fire” by pushing him and the rest of the bullpen to their limits.

Nevertheless, that’s the reality for relievers in playoff scenarios, especially with four more victories necessary for success.

“It’s a lengthy season, and we each face our own physical challenges, some more significant than others. Yet, we’re all striving to be at our best,” Phillips shares.

It will be intriguing to see if they can navigate these challenges against the formidable Yankees. The Dodgers boast a strong trio in their starting rotation—Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty, and Walker Buehler—but both Yamamoto and Buehler have encountered injury issues this season.

Besides Flaherty’s stellar seven-inning performance in Game 1 of the NLCS, the rotation has left plenty of opportunities untapped, with multiple outings limited to five innings or less.

This, combined with two recent bullpen games, has been a lot for the team to manage.

“Our entire bullpen takes great pride in being versatile in any situation,” says Phillips. “What makes this group unique is our collective willingness to do whatever it takes to win, and we are prepared to replicate that in this series.

“This is a constantly changing situation; we’ll have to assess as we go and the coaching staff will communicate the game plan.”

“But ultimately, it’s the playoffs and leading into the World Series—everyone will be ready from pitch one.”

Phillips stands out as one of the Dodgers’ success stories, having made his mark in L.A. after previous stints with Tampa Bay and Baltimore. Over the last two seasons, he has recorded 42 saves, though the bullpen faced a rough patch midseason.

The acquisition of Flaherty and reliever Michael Kopech during the midseason reignited the bullpen’s spirit. Now, they aim for four more wins, and Phillips is determined to maintain his perfect postseason record.

“He’s been fantastic. He rises to any challenge,” Kopech reflects on Phillips. “He has become a crucial part of our bullpen here with the Dodgers, and witnessing his professionalism alongside players like Daniel Hudson, Alex Vesia, and Blake Treinen—this group is filled with true professionals.

“Everyone is ready to take the ball and contribute, which simplifies things for the next player. That’s been my experience since I arrived.”

Tommy Edman, Dodgers

Getting traded can feel strange, even more so when joining a team full of superstars, and it becomes awkward if you’re injured at the time. That’s the context Tommy Edman faced when he and Kopech were traded to L.A. during a three-team transaction at the trade deadline.

Edman was recovering from wrist surgery, which left him behind with a small group of players nursing injuries while the Dodgers hit the road.

“We arrived at Dodger Stadium at 11:30 AM, with nobody in the stands, just a few players working on their recovery,” recalls shortstop Miguel Rojas, who himself was dealing with an adductor injury. “It’s a behind-the-scenes moment that goes unnoticed, especially during this critical stage where focus is on our current performance.”

We need to remember the steps we must take to integrate him into our team, discussing our processes to make him feel welcomed. I’m glad I could make him feel at ease from the start.

“He’s crucial to what we are working on right now.”

Edman enters this World Series with impressive achievements: he set a franchise record with 13 RBIs, earning the NLCS MVP title, and racked up 11 hits over six games.

This situation was unexpected: Edman, standing at 5-11 and weighing 193 pounds, batting fourth in the formidable Dodgers lineup—and making quite an impact.

“We have so many strong hitters in the lineup that it feels like there’s always someone on base,” Edman shares. “I try to do my part too by ensuring I’m on base for the great hitters coming up after me.”

With Rojas and first baseman Freddie Freeman ready to play in the World Series, Edman will take on whatever responsibilities the team requires. He’s filled in roles similar to those handled by Hernandez, Cody Bellinger, and Chris Taylor in previous Dodgers teams, demonstrating his versatility.

Rojas is not surprised by Edman’s performance. During his time with the Marlins, he observed Edman while both shared a spring training complex in Florida and now appreciates his skills firsthand in high-stakes games.

“I noticed how he can play multiple positions and prioritize the team’s success,” Rojas remarks. “He is always willing to do whatever it takes to contribute to the team’s improvement.”

“He’s an ideal teammate because he fits in perfectly. He doesn’t seek the spotlight; he’s focused solely on playing and supporting the team.”