3 players Dodgers fans were losing faith in but could now become playoff X-factors

As the Los Angeles Dodgers begin their quest to defend their 2024 World Series title, all eyes will be on their stars.

Of course, the Dodgers will lean on the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts to lead their team to glory. But they also have some more under-the-radar pieces on their roster who could be X-factors during the postseason.

Three players in particular embody the Dodgers' October unknowns. If all three hit their ceiling at the same time, Los Angeles could be unstoppable. But if they struggle to reach their floor, it could mean an early exit for the defending champs.

3 Dodgers who weren't on fans' radar in March but could become playoff X-factors

Max Muncy

Max Muncy has missed significant time with two separate stints on the injured list this season, but if he stays healthy, he can be a game-changing presence for the Dodgers.

Muncy’s offensive value comes in bursts. When he’s locked in, he can change entire games with one swing, deepening the lineup behind stars like Betts and Freeman. His ability to run into timely home runs can swing a playoff series, especially in lower-scoring October games.

Unfortunately, Muncy's strikeouts and cold spells mean he’s not a consistent force. But if he’s hot at the right time, he’s the type of hitter who can deliver the defining moment of a series. The Dodgers don't need Muncy to carry the offense, but if he's producing, their lineup is arguably the deepest in the league.

Clayton Kershaw

Coming off shoulder surgery and in the twilight of his career, 37-year-old Clayton Kershaw isn’t the ace he once was. However, he has defied Father Time this season and shown that he still knows how to pitch in big moments. His ability to give the Dodgers quality innings – whether as a starter or multi-inning reliever – adds a layer of stability to their October pitching staff.

Health and durability are always going to be major question marks with Kershaw. But if he’s sharp, the Dodgers have a veteran with unmatched playoff experience at their disposal to complement younger arms. Kershaw doesn’t need to dominate, but one strong outing from him could be enough to tilt a series in the Dodgers' favor.

Blake Snell

Admittedly, the only reason fans weren't high on Blake Snell earlier in the season was because of the shoulder inflammation that sidelined him for four months. But generally speaking, it's kind of a given that a $182 million free agent signing is expected to be a difference-maker – especially in the playoffs.

Snell has Cy Young stuff, capable of shutting down any lineup when he’s on. For the Dodgers, that means he can neutralize another contender’s ace in a head-to-head matchup. That said, his inconsistency – short outings, walks, and pitch count struggles – make him a volatile October weapon.

Basically, Snell could either dominate for five innings, or he could exit early and strain the bullpen. As long as he does the former, the Dodgers' rotation will be practically unhittable in October.

More Dodgers content from Dodgers Way