MLB playoffs: The 2020 ALCS and NLCS MVP’s are making history

Seager’s solo shot yesterday puts him in good company for most home runs in a single MLB playoffs

Corey Seager had hit six home runs prior to game two of the World Series in the 2020 postseason. The record for most home runs in a single postseason is eight dingers, and there is a three way tie for first place. Barry Bonds, Nelson Cruz, and Carlos Beltran are tied with eight.

The controversial Bonds took the lone lead in 2002, where the San Francisco Giants battled the Anaheim Angels in the World Series. The series came down to game seven and the Angels finished on top.

Bonds did not hold the record for too long because Beltran tied his record in 2004 when he was with the Houston Astros. Beltran’s record tying performance is a little more impressive because the Astros did not make it past the NLCS. Bonds played in 17 games in the 2002 MLB playoffs, while Beltran played in only 11 games. Beltran had a five game home run streak, where he hit six in that stretch.

Cruz was the latest to join Bonds and Beltran when he was with the Texas Rangers in 2011. The 2011 Rangers lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, so Cruz had an ample opportunity like Bonds. Cruz played in 17 games as Bonds did.

Now in 2020, the Dodgers shortstop is just one home run away from joining these three sluggers. It is important to consider that Seager does have more game opportunities because of the extended playoffs, but it still does not change the history books if Seager does hit another home run this postseason.

Seager has played in 14 games thus far and could play in 19 games if the World Series goes to game seven. Since the Dodgers made quick work in the first two playoff series, Seager would only have two more games than Bonds and Cruz if the World Series goes to game seven.

While Seager seeks to join good company or potentially pass them and take the sole lead, he broke the single postseason home run record among all shortstops. There is an ongoing list of players who have hit six home runs in a single postseason. But, there are not any shortstops who have hit more than six home runs, and Corey Seager finally did it.

Seager was tied with Carlos Correa, Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr., Jim Thome, and many others until game two. Seager is now tied with six others at the seven home run mark. What is even more surprising is that Randy Arozarena has also hit seven home runs this postseason.

So, there is a possibility that both the ALCS and NLCS MVP’s in 2020 could tie for first in single postseason home runs, or surpass the Bonds, Cruz, and Beltran trio.

Seager is also on the brink of rising up to the top of some other single postseason records. The NLCS MVP drove in his 16th run with his solo dinger yesterday. The current lead for most RBI’s in a single postseason is held by his former teammate David Freese who had 21 in 2011. Since it is only two games into the World Series, Seager has a chance to get higher on the list. If Seager passes 18 RBI’s this season, he would be the leading shortstop with most RBI’s in a postseason.

Seager has 15 runs and hits now after game two which is not too far off from the records. The most runs in a single postseason is held by Beltran again with 21. Seager would need six more runs in the World Series to tie the outfielder, which seems a little unlikely. The most hits in a single postseason are even further out because Pablo Sandoval leads with 26 hits. But you never know what Seager might pull out of the hat because he is red hot and the series is still young.

And to top it off, Seager made his mark at Globe Life Field.