Welcome back to a tour of each team’s X-Factor, underappreciated (potential) superstars that make or break the performance of a team. This is a weekly installment where we give these players their due time in the spotlight.
As a quick reminder, this list contains no players returning from serious injury or any players who have a strong possibility of being traded.
This week, we look at the American League East. See the AL West X-factors here.
Tampa Bay Rays X-Factor: Second baseman Brandon Lowe
In typical Rays fashion, Brandon Lowe has quietly emerged as a top second baseman not only in the AL but in the whole league. Lowe has hit 70(!) home run over the past three years, which is equivalent to about two full seasons of games. For a second baseman, that is already the cream of the crop and it’s difficult to remember that he is only 27 years old.
There is one Achilles heel, however. In 29 postseason games across three seasons, Lowe is 13-for-113. That’s a .110 batting average to go along with a .144 OBP and .232 SLG with 47 strikeouts.
If Lowe can translate the offensive regular-season success to when it matters most, it will alleviate so much pressure off Kevin Cash and help Tampa Bay get its elusive title. Lowe has been the X-Factor for the Rays in the regular season, but can he do it when the lights are just a little bit brighter?