In the realm of professional sports, exceptional talent and standout performances often dominate headlines. Yet, there are those athletes whose consistent contributions at elite levels sometimes fly under the radar. This piece aims to shine a light on such under-the-radar talents of the 2024 season, carefully excluding the All-Stars to maintain a focus on those who may not yet have received the recognition they deserve.
Austin Wells: The Underrated Catcher
Catcher Austin Wells has quietly become one of the most consistent performers. With 280 plate appearances this season, Wells ranks third among catchers with a 114 OPS+ (on-base plus slugging percentage adjusted). His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively has been pivotal, earning him an impressive 3.0 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) per FanGraphs, tying him for second place among his peers. Despite these remarkable numbers, Wells remains overlooked in many discussions surrounding top catchers.
Mark Vientos: A Power Surge
Recalled on April 27, Mark Vientos has delivered a powerful performance at the plate. His .277/.338/.551 slash line, complete with 19 home runs in just 302 plate appearances, speaks volumes of his capabilities. Vientos’ ability to drive the ball and get on base has made him an essential part of his team's offensive strategy. Yet, his contributions have largely remained in the background, overshadowed by flashier stars.
Bailey Ober: A Model of Consistency
Pitcher Bailey Ober has been a cornerstone in his team's rotation. Sporting a 3.49 ERA and 140 strikeouts in 134 innings this season, Ober has proven his mettle time and again. His consistency is further highlighted by his 3.46 ERA over approximately 250 innings in the past two years. While these numbers might suggest a pitcher worthy of greater accolades, Ober continues to ply his trade without the fanfare surrounding some of his counterparts.
Michael Busch: A Reliable First Baseman
Michael Busch has demonstrated his value with a solid overall hitting performance. Boasting a .258/.345/.455 slash line with 16 home runs, Busch ranks seventh among full-time first basemen with a minimum of 400 plate appearances, earning an impressive 122 OPS+. His 3.1 WAR further attests to his balanced skill set. Despite these impressive stats, Busch often flies under the radar in discussions surrounding top first basemen.
Brent Rooker: A Powerhouse at the Plate
Brent Rooker’s offensive skills have been on full display this season. With a .292/.366/.576 line and 29 home runs, Rooker has been a driving force in his team's lineup. As of last Sunday's play, he ranked fifth among qualified hitters in adjusted OPS. This performance builds on last year’s success when he slashed .249/.329/.488 with 30 home runs. Despite his continued excellence, Rooker remains underappreciated in broader conversations about top hitters.
Michael King: An Elite Strikeout Specialist
Michael King has emerged as a strikeout specialist, recording a 2.44 ERA and 100 strikeouts over his last 14 starts, covering 81 innings. His consistency in delivering four 10-strikeout games places him in exclusive company, trailing only elite pitchers like Garrett Crochet, Tyler Glasnow, and Chris Sale in this category. King's performances have been instrumental to his team, yet he remains a somewhat overlooked figure in the pitching community.
The numbers and the eye test both speak volumes for these athletes. As the author poignantly notes, "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." Indeed, despite their significant contributions and impressive statistics, these athletes often miss out on the recognition that All-Stars receive.
These players continue to elevate their teams with remarkable consistency and skill, proving that exceptional talent doesn't always come with a spotlight. As fans and analysts alike, it’s crucial to extend recognition beyond the obvious stars to those who consistently deliver stellar performances.