In the high-stakes realm of professional sports, exceptional talent often doesn’t stay hidden for long. The spotlight naturally gravitates towards those athletes who deliver standout performances season after season. Yet, amidst the fanfare and accolades, some players manage to fly under the radar, consistently contributing at an elite level without receiving the widespread recognition they deserve.
This piece shines the light on a select group of athletes whose stellar performances have gone largely unnoticed. Notably, this compilation excludes the 2024 All-Stars, as recognition by fans and peers places them outside the realm of the overlooked.
Catchers: Austin Wells
One such talent is catcher Austin Wells. With 280 plate appearances this season, Wells has quietly made his mark. Wells ranks third among catchers with a 114 OPS+, highlighting his offensive efficiency and superior hitting ability. His all-around game is further validated by his 3.0 WAR per FanGraphs, tying him for second place among catchers.
Slugging Talent: Mark Vientos
Recalled on April 27, Mark Vientos has demonstrated considerable power and consistency at the plate. Vientos boasts a solid .277/.338/.551 slash line and has blasted 19 home runs in 302 plate appearances. His prowess with the bat firmly places him as a formidable force, deserving of more attention.
Pitching Phenomenon: Bailey Ober
Bailey Ober is another under-the-radar player who has been delivering consistently on the mound. With a 3.49 ERA and 140 strikeouts over 134 innings this season, Ober’s statistical performance points to his reliability and skill. Over approximately 250 innings in the past two years, Ober maintains a 3.46 ERA, underscoring his sustained excellence as a starting pitcher.
First Baseman: Michael Busch
Michael Busch is quietly having an outstanding season. His hitting performance, reflected in a .258/.345/.455 slash line with 16 home runs, is commendable. Busch’s 122 OPS+ ranks seventh among full-time first basemen with a minimum of 400 plate appearances. Additionally, with a 3.1 WAR, Busch’s contribution on the field extends beyond just hitting, solidifying his role as a key player on his team.
Breakout Batter: Brent Rooker
Brent Rooker has displayed exceptional batting skills, with an impressive .292/.366/.576 line and 29 home runs. Rooker ranks fifth among qualified hitters in adjusted OPS as of last Sunday's play. This isn’t a one-season wonder either; he slashed .249/.329/.488 with 30 homers in the previous season, proving his consistency.
Strikeout Specialist: Michael King
Michael King has been a revelation with a 2.44 ERA and 100 strikeouts over his last 14 starts spanning 81 innings. His ability to deliver four 10-strikeout games places him in elite company, trailing only Garrett Crochet, Tyler Glasnow, and Chris Sale in this category. King's performance makes a compelling case for greater acknowledgment.
As the author aptly puts it, "Our eyes and a mountain of stats tell us who's having a great year. We'll try to thread the needle between overlooked and great." By excluding the 2024 All-Stars, who have been duly recognized by fans and peers, this compilation aims to shine a light on those who continue to excel without the widespread applause they merit.
"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," emphasizes the author, underscoring the intention behind highlighting these unsung heroes of the season.
In the ever-evolving world of sports, where new stars emerge and established ones solidify their legacies, it's crucial to acknowledge and celebrate those athletes who consistently perform at an elite level, even if they don’t always make the headlines. This selection of under-the-radar talents tells stories of dedication, skill, and remarkable achievements that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.