The MLB playoffs have been full of upsets.
The NLCS features the last two seeds to get into the playoffs.
But, the ALCS is featuring the two teams most people expected.
The Houston Astros and New York Yankees will square off with a bid to the World Series on the line.
These two teams had the best records in the AL during the regular season, with both teams full of stars.
Without further ado, here are three players to watch for in the ALCS.
Justin Verlander, Houston Astros
The favorite for AL Cy Young this year is Astros starter, Justin Verlander.
Justin Verlander's 1.75 ERA was the lowest among qualified MLB pitchers this season.
It's the lowest ERA posted by an AL pitcher in a 162-game season since Pedro Martínez had a 1.74 ERA in his Cy Young season of 2000 for the Red Sox. pic.twitter.com/UJ7WX26emf
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 6, 2022
But, in his first playoff start in the ALDS he struggled against the Mariners.
Verlander threw 4.0 innings, giving up 10 hits and six earned runs in a no-decision.
Having home-field advantage the Astros do not want to slip up and lose one of the first two games.
With Verlander set to go in game one, he will need to be much better this time out.
Giancarlo Stanton, New York Yankees
When you think of the Yankees, Aaron Judge is the first name that comes to mind.
But, the Astros know he is the one player they will not let beat them.
That means slugger, Giancarlo Stanton, will need to have a big series.
The all-star game MVP hit 31 home runs during the regular season and added two more in the ALDS.
With Judge going to be pitched around, all the pressure will be on Stanton to be the primary run producer in this series.
Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros
The best hitter on the Houston Astros is Yordan Alvarez.
He was crucial in their ALDS series win over the Mariners and he will need a similar output this series.
Alvarez hit two home runs in the NLDS and drove in seven including a walk-off homer.
YORDAN ALVAREZ WALK-OFF HR TO WIN GAME 1 OF THE ALDS‼️ 🚀
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/h8U1q6eSWH
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 11, 2022
Facing the Yankees, Alvarez will get plenty of opportunities against right-handed pitchers.
He hit a .299 with 27 of his 37 home runs against righties.
Look for Alvarez to have a huge impact in trying to get the Astros back to the World Series.
NEXT: The Padres Aren't Making Changes For The NLCS