To win a World Series requires a complete team effort. The Philadelphia Phillies have a talented roster on paper, but which under-the-radar players could help pick up the slack if someone with a larger role struggles in the postseason?
Philadelphia is one of the best teams in the National League. However, as with every playoff-bound team, the Phillies have some concerns entering October. How will Trea Turner perform after not playing for most of the final month of the regular season? Will relievers Orion Kerkering and David Robertson be able to put their September struggles behind them?
If Philly is going to win the Fall Classic, the core players will need to execute. However, a championship-winning ball club also has bench players who rise to the occasion. Who could be an unexpected difference-maker for the Phillies this postseason?
4 under-the-radar players who can help Phillies make a long run through 2025 MLB playoffs
Otto Kemp, UTL
Otto Kemp looks to be in the mix for his first experience playing postseason baseball. He has a tremendous opportunity to make a name for himself if he makes the roster for the National League Divisional Series.
Kemp finished with a .246/.329/.522 slash line and an .851 OPS in September. From Sept. 9-13, the utility player had two hits in four of five contests during that stretch. He also had seven RBIs, a home run, and three doubles.
Kemp has value defensively, as Phillies manager Rob Thomson can utilize him at multiple positions, including left field and throughout the infield except shortstop. If there is an injury or a starting position player is struggling, the 26-year-old Fullerton, California, native would see some playing time if he makes the playoff roster.
Otto Kemp is raking!
— MLB (@MLB) September 12, 2025
He ties the ballgame with his 3rd RBI of the night 💪 pic.twitter.com/eOkX7OmP9e
Lou Trivino, RHP
Lou Trivino spent time with the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers this season before signing a minor league contract with the Phillies on Aug. 4. The 33-year-old has been on the Phillies roster since Aug. 26.
He has some playoff experience, having made a total of five relief appearances in 2018 and 2020 with the Oakland Athletics. The right-hander also appeared in four postseason contests with the New York Yankees in the 2022 playoffs and carries a career 0.96 ERA in the playoffs.
Between his time with the Giants, Dodgers, and Phillies, he has had the most success with Philly despite not having a large role in the bullpen. He finished with a 2.00 ERA in nine innings with the Phillies. Fellow relievers David Robertson and Orion Kerkering did not pitch well in September. If one or both pitchers can't shake off their recent struggles in the NLDS, Thomson should give Trivino more opportunities.
Walker Buehler, RHP
Walker Buehler could be a significant late-season addition for Philadelphia if they win the World Series. He clinched the Dodgers' championship win last season, pitching in relief. The Lexington, Kentucky, native did not pitch well with the Boston Red Sox earlier this year. However, a fresh start with the Phillies looks to have rejuvenated him.
Buehler is competing with Taijuan Walker for a relief role in the playoffs and should have the edge with three solid appearances during September. He has allowed one earned run and surrendered six walks in 13 2/3 innings. His previous postseason experience with the Dodgers will come in handy for a Phillies team looking to win a championship this year.
Tim Mayza, LHP
Tim Mayza could appear during games more frequently because he is a left-handed reliever. Lefties Matt Strahm and Tanner Banks have bigger roles in the bullpen. Mayza will still have a role due to José Alvarado being unavailable in the postseason due to his PED suspension.
Mayza should be used as a lefty specialist, thanks to his solid numbers versus left-handed hitters. In a small sample this season, left-handed batters have a .499 OPS against him, a slash line of .200/.259/.240, one double and zero RBIs in seven innings of work. Right-handed hitters have more success, including a .874 OPS and a .293/.362/.512 line with 12 hits, nine RBIs, three doubles and two home runs in 9 2/3 innings this year.