5 MLB players who went from zero to hero in 2024 ft. postseason Giancarlo Stanton 

During the 2024 MLB season, fans were treated to unexpected performances from players who seemingly came out of nowhere to help their teams succeed. It was a year to remember for several reasons, however, watching players defy their critics while performing in clutch situations is one of the reasons why we love baseball.

From aging superstars who turned back the clock to underperforming players who stepped up at the right time, the 2024 MLB season saw a number of polarizing figures play the hero. As Brad Pitt said in the hit movie Moneyball, "How can you not be romantic about baseball?"

Here's a closer look at five MLB players who went from zero to hero during the 2024 postseason

5 MLB players who went from zero to hero during the 2024 season

#1. Giancarlo Stanton

New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton has more than his share of critics. Thanks to his sizable contract, injury struggles and inconsistent play, Stanton has become a polarizing figure among fans. Well, the former MVP turned back the clock and became a monster in the postseason, crushing seven home runs and earning the ALCS MVP Award in the process.

#2. Pete Alonso

Another slugger who silenced his critics with one swing of the bat was Pete Alonso of the New York Mets. During Game 3 of the NL Wild Card, Alonso had his true iconic moment for the team. With the season on the line, the All-Star first baseman smashed a three-run home run off Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams to help the Mets advance to the NLDS. Alonso was a New York hero, if only for a night.

#3. Luke Weaver

The second Yankees member, Luke Weaver came out of nowhere to become elite for the Bronx Bombers. Coming off a 2023 season which saw him post a 6.40 ERA, Weaver emerged as a true lockdown closer for the Yankees in the postseason, stepping up for the team when Clay Holmes struggled.

#4. Walker Buehler

Injuries have sapped Walker Buehler of some of his prime MLB seasons, however, the struggling pitcher stepped up right when his team needed him the most. Buehler was less than impressive all season for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, however, the two-time All-Star played hero in the World Series, recording the final outs en route to a title.

#5. Lane Thomas

One of the most notable moves of the 2024 MLB season for the Cleveland Guardians was the acquisition of Lane Thomas from the Washington Nationals. The talented outfielder struggled mightily for the Guardians following the trade, continually finding himself fall in the batting order.

It looked like the trade was going to be a bust for Cleveland, however, Thomas took matters into his own hands in the postseason. The veteran silence all of his critics in Game 5 of the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers, crushing a grand slam off Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal to help the team advance to the ALCS.