3 MLB Players Who'll Get Paid from Huge Playoff Performances

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Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE

The MLB postseason is the special time when upcoming free agents can make a statement in a good one to three-week stretch while attempting to carry their team to a possible World Series title.

These players are potential game-changers that can push a team who narrowly missed the playoffs, like the Tampa Bay Rays or Los Angeles Angels, into a postseason berth the following year.

1B/C/DH Mike Napoli

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Over his last six games, Mike Napoli has totaled four home runs and driven in 10 runs.

This kind of production is something any team will be looking to add to its lineup.

Sure, Napoli could take the easy route and decide to stay with the Rangers, but there are other teams that would be willing to pay him top dollar to play everyday.

For instance, the Red Sox need a first baseman and could also use Napoli to give David Ortiz a breather once a week.

He may be hitting only .230 in 2012, but a postseason run like he had in 2011 would help him earn every penny of a multi-year contract.

CF Michael Bourn

Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

Earlier in 2012, Michael Bourn was one of those players that could get on base and hit for a high average. But now, he has come down to earth.

With 40 pilfered bags, The 29-year-old is still a threat to steal, but he has also been caught 13 times. He plays a stellar center field, but really needs to produce on the offensive side of the ball to get that big payday that is coming this offseason.

He does not hit for power—with only nine homers all season—but he can be a difference-maker at the top of any lineup.

RP Mike Adams

Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

Mike Adams is one of those key bullpen pieces that any playoff contender needs. He throws strikes and gets the job done no matter what the situation calls for.

The 34-year-old may have posted a career-high 3.27 ERA in 2012, but a strong postseason performance or a key outing in the wild-card game against the Baltimore Orioles could mean some extra money for the right-handed reliever.

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