What happened: DeRo named Jose Altuve, Grant Taylor and George Lombard Jr. as AL Wild Card round difference-makers. He flagged Lombard Jr.'s series matchup as particularly favorable.
Why it matters: AL Wild Card advancement is decided in a short series where one matchup swings survival. That setup puts added weight on targeted picks rather than season-long production.
By the numbers: Altuve hit his 16th home run Sept. 20.
What to watch: AL Wild Card Game 1s open the 2026 Postseason slate.