Clutch in the MLB postseason: Game-changing moments (2016-2022)
Clutch, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary, holds many meanings. It can be a verb, like clutching something in your hands, or a noun, like someone’s clutch. In this case, we will look at the word clutch through its definition as an adjective: successful in a crucial situation (such as the MLB postseason).
The MLB postseason is rife with clutch performances. October baseball provides a tense atmosphere and high stakes, which allows players to really show the world what they are made of.
Here are some of the most clutch MLB performances in recent postseasons (2016-2022), ranging from the Wild Card games to the big dance.
There are no broad guidelines here. These are just moments, performances, or even players that I think changed the tide in favor of a team’s performance in the postseason. I do realize that I won’t be able to include all the big October moments, so I’m bound to miss a few. These, however, are just some of my favorites.
2022
The most recent postseason was one of the most surprising I’ve seen in recent years. From the Jays blowing an 8-1 lead to the Mariners in the Wild Card to the Padres finally beating their Goliath in the Dodgers, it is hard to find one particular moment that truly encapsulates the “clutch” energy.
The AL Wild Card race saw the Guardians’ Oscar Hernandez dinger in the 15th inning effectively crushing Tampa’s playoff ambitions. Brandon Marsh’s three-run home run in Game 4 of the NLDS began the rally which eventually sent Philly to the NLCS. Should I be a little silly and perhaps talk about the legendary playoff goose as the most clutch player? Should I take a cheap shot at a division rival by choosing Joe Musgrove’s performance in the Wild Card? Perhaps not. This is why my pick for the “most clutch” is not going to be a moment, per se, but rather a person: Jeremy Peña.
It almost feels like a no-brainer (or a cop out) picking him. The wunderkind accounted for 22 percent of runs scored by the Astros during the World Series, a distinction he shares with his teammate, former regular season MVP Jose Altuve. His postseason batting average was .345. His walk-off 18th-inning home run sent Houston to the ALCS. He brought the ‘Stros from a three-run deficit in Game 4 of the ALCS, which Houston eventually won, sweeping the Yankees. It’s astounding to think about these accomplishments, especially when you remember this was his rookie season. I hate to admit it, but, as the cool kids say, Jeremy Peña is him. AL West, brace yourselves. Y’all got a lot to fear in the coming years.
Anti-Clutch: Chris Bassitt (NL Wild Card Game 3). In a Wild Card elimination game, it does well not to give up three runs in four innings. Stat line: 3H 3ER 3BB 2SO | 6.75 ERA