4 hitters from Astros-White Sox Wild Card Series who could determine Guardians’ ALDS opponent

Tomorrow afternoon the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros will kick off their Wild Card Series that will determine which team the Guardians are going to face off against in the American League Division Series. 

The White Sox earned their postseason berth thanks to one of the best turnarounds in MLB history, while the Astros earned theirs by “beating” the Rangers in the American League West in one of the most depressing division races in MLB history. 

Still, we’re at a point in the season where it’s time to throw out records and try to prepare for anything to happen. 

With that in mind, here are four hitters from the Astros and White Sox who could be X-factors in the Wild Card Series between the two teams. 

The Astros and White Sox have plenty of hitters who could get hot in the Wild Card Series ahead of their ALDS matchup against the Guardians

DH Yordan Alvarez, Astros
.316/.432/.601, 42 HR, 106 RBI 

While the Astros may have backed into the postseason, they have the likely American League MVP in Alvarez, who put together yet another strong season in the batter’s box. 

He may have come up short for the batting triple crown, but he won the batting title by 10 points while becoming the third player since 1970 to win the AL batting title while also hitting 40 home runs (along with Miguel Cabrera and Aaron Judge). 

The Astros may not be a super intimidating team, but Alvarez has the chance to change any game with one swing. He’s made a habit of showing up in the postseason too, as evidenced by his career .944 OPS in 60 postseason games. 

3B Miguel Vargas, White Sox
.250/.363/.474, 33 HR, 93 RBI 

One of the biggest reasons the White Sox pulled off their dramatic turnaround this season has been Vargas’ turnaround in his second season in Chicago. 

The White Sox acquired him at the deadline in 2024 as part of their return for Michael Kopech, and he fully introduced himself to White Sox’s fans last year with a league average 100 OPS+ in 138 games this season. 

But he’s reached a new level this season thanks to a breakout season that should earn him some MVP votes. 

Although Vargas was a top prospect during his time with the Dodgers, it initially looked like his trade was going to be another transactional afterthought that was going to set the White Sox back even further. But now he’s a key part of their lineup who could dictate how deep Chicago goes in the postseason. 

He posted a .989 OPS in 13 regular season games against the Guardians in the regular season, and could become a Clevland villain if Chicago makes it to the ALDS. 

OF Randal Grichuk, Chicago White Sox
.299/.328/.598, 15 HR, 44 RBI with White Sox

Earlier this year, it looked like Grichuk’s career could be on life support after the Yankees designated him for assignment after just 15 games. 

But then he latched on with the White Sox and blossomed into one of the game’s best hitters against left-handed pitching. 

Among hitters who have recorded at least 100 plate appearances against left-handed pitching, Grichuk ranks fourth in wRC+, second in OPS and is tied for ninth in home runs. 

The Astros may be able to negate some of Grichuk’s potency by throwing bullpen games, but he’d be in the White Sox lineup in the ALDS in whatever game the Guardians use Parker Messick. 

OF Lucas Spance, Houston Astros
.218/.317/.509, 4 HR, 12 RBI 

While Spence has only appeared in 19 games for the Astros, he thrust himself into the Astros’ postseason plans over the weekend when he slugged three home runs in one game against the Athletics to help push Houston toward the postseason. 

He became the third player in MLB history to hit the first three homers of their career in one game, and was only on the Astros’ big league roster due to an injury to trade deadline acquisition Daulton Varsho. 

The Astros may have some big names at the top of their lineup in the form of Alvarez and shortstop Jeremy Peña, but they’re going to need more from players like Spence if they want to keep up with the White Sox.

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