In a clubhouse surrounded by future Hall of Famers, massive annual salaries, and star power that could illuminate the baseball universe, Dave Roberts made a strategic decision. During his division-clinching, playoff-preparation speech in Cincinnati, Roberts focused not on the stars like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, or Mookie Betts. Instead, he emphasized the role of the overlooked players.
“To finish this season strong, to win 11 games in October, you never know who is going to be the guy who steps up,” he spoke to his team, preparing to celebrate. “My request is simple: be ready to be that guy.”
Roberts’ message was clear. He wanted players ready to become the unsung heroes emerging from the dugout to make the crucial play, pitch, or catch, and secure the team’s triumph.
Take the example of Dodger Andy Pages, who caught the fly ball while colliding with teammate Kiké Hernández to end the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
Last season, the Dodgers survived Game 7 against Toronto with unexpected performances from lesser-known players. Miguel Rojas hit his first home run in 44 days to tie the game in the ninth inning. Andy Pages, who struggled during the postseason, maintained the tie with a remarkable catch.
“This legacy will be remembered forever,” Rojas stated.
Such victories crafted by previously anonymous players define the Dodgers’ legacy. It isn’t always about superstars but often about one-hit wonders.
Dodger postseason history is filled with these moments. Hernández was a hero, with his home run in Game 5 of the 2024 division series against the San Diego Padres. Austin Barnes drove in runs through both a sacrifice bunt and a homer in the 2020 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. José Lima pitched a complete-game shutout in the 2004 division series. Jay Johnstone and Chuck Essegian’s pinch-hit home runs are etched in Dodgers history.
If the Dodgers aim for three consecutive championships, they need such heroes.
Candidates for ‘That Guy’ in 2026
Potential candidates to become ‘That Guy’ are plentiful. Here are the players most likely to emerge as unlikely heroes:
Josue De Paula
Dodgers right fielder Josue De Paula is often seen as ‘That Guy.’ He brings charisma, style, and determination. As a 21-year-old promoted from double A to temporarily replace Ohtani, he showed impressive performance with 10 hits, one homer, and seven RBI over 11 games. He may once again shine during a crucial October game.
“We provided him an opportunity, and he exceeded expectations,” praised manager Dave Roberts.
Kyle Tucker
Can an athlete with a $60 million salary be ‘That Guy’? Kyle Tucker had experienced a challenging season. Fans were critical, but September saw him achieve a .969 OPS with six homers. Tucker is poised for redemption.
Edwin Díaz
Despite being plagued by injuries and underperformance, Edwin Díaz’s past as a top closer still resonates. His postseason records offer hope. The Dodgers may require his well-known October prowess.
Emmet Sheehan
Reliability bolstered by recent performance, Sheehan’s impressive September statistics—1 run allowed, 24 strikeouts—show he’s prepared for an important relief role.
Hunter Feduccia
The backup catcher has shown resilience. His accuracy in ABS challenges and toughness on the field suggest readiness to make pivotal plays.
With unknowns looming this fall, the Dodgers know the importance of the unexpected hero. The identity of ‘That Guy’ might be uncertain, yet history shows their essential role in a potential three-peat.
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