In the world of professional sports, exceptional talent rarely goes unnoticed for long. The spotlight naturally gravitates towards athletes delivering standout performances. Yet, there are always those who fly under the radar, consistently contributing at an elite level without the fanfare they deserve. This compilation of under-the-radar talents excludes the 2024 All-Stars.
Unheralded Catcher: Austin Wells
Catcher Austin Wells is a classic example of an underrated player in the league. With 280 plate appearances, Wells ranks third among catchers with an impressive 114 OPS+. Beyond that, he boasts a 3.0 WAR per FanGraphs, tying him for second place among his peers. Consistency and skill are hallmarks of Wells’ game, yet he performs without the widespread recognition often bestowed upon his counterparts.
Powerhouse Slugger: Mark Vientos
Recalled on April 27, Mark Vientos has shown the prowess of a seasoned veteran. In 302 plate appearances, Vientos has put up a remarkable .277/.338/.551 slash line with 19 home runs. His ability to deliver powerful hits and maintain a high batting average makes him a valuable asset to his team, even if he doesn’t always dominate the headlines.
Steady Pitcher: Bailey Ober
Bailey Ober has once again proven his worth on the mound. This season, Ober has maintained a 3.49 ERA with 140 strikeouts in 134 innings. Over approximately 250 innings in the past two years, he boasts a consistent 3.46 ERA. Ober’s reliability as a pitcher is undeniable, contributing heavily to his team’s success without commanding the spotlight.
Emerging Talent: Michael Busch
Michael Busch is making waves with his overall hitting performance. Slashing .258/.345/.455 with 16 home runs, Busch ranks seventh among full-time first basemen with a minimum of 400 plate appearances with a 122 OPS+. With a 3.1 WAR, his contributions are significant, yet he remains one of the sport’s best-kept secrets.
Power Hitter: Brent Rooker
Brent Rooker is having a phenomenal season, evidenced by his .292/.366/.576 line with 29 home runs. According to the statistics, Rooker ranked fifth among qualified hitters in adjusted OPS as of last Sunday's play. Last season, he slashed .249/.329/.488 with 30 homers, underscoring his consistent power at the plate.
Dominant Pitcher: Michael King
Michael King’s recent performance has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over his last 14 starts, covering 81 innings, King has maintained a 2.44 ERA with 100 strikeouts. He has delivered four 10-strikeout games, placing him in elite company, trailing only Garrett Crochet, Tyler Glasnow, and Chris Sale in this impressive category.
As our eyes and a mountain of stats tell us who's having a great year, we try to thread the needle between overlooked and great. Sorry, you're not overlooked. You are the opposite of overlooked. You have been recognized by the fans and/or your peers for your great season. Tough luck, 2024 All-Stars.
These athletes exemplify the blend of skill, perseverance, and quiet professionalism that often goes unnoticed in the larger narrative of sports. While they may not always grace the front pages or receive constant media attention, their contributions to their respective teams are invaluable and their performances, stellar. For a true sports aficionado, these under-the-radar talents are a delight to watch, offering a refreshing break from the usual marquee names dominating the headlines.