In the world of professional sports, exceptional talent rarely stays hidden for long. The spotlight tends to find those athletes who deliver standout performances. Yet, among the galaxy of stars, there are those who quietly contribute at an elite level, consistently hitting marks that many fail to recognize. This compilation does not include the 2024 All-Stars; instead, it focuses on the unsung heroes flying under the radar.
Catcher: Austin Wells
Austin Wells has stepped into the spotlight with 280 plate appearances, showing exceptional prowess behind and at the plate. Ranking third among catchers with a 114 OPS+, Wells demonstrates a remarkable blend of power and discipline. His impressive 3.0 WAR per FanGraphs ties him for second place among his peers, a testament to his all-around capabilities. This makes one thing clear: Wells is an elite performer deserving of greater recognition.
Infielder: Mark Vientos
Since being recalled on April 27, Mark Vientos has illustrated why he should be a household name. Sporting a .277/.338/.551 slash line with 19 home runs in 302 plate appearances, Vientos showcases power and precision. His consistent performance indicates a player adept at capitalizing on opportunities, contributing significantly to his team’s offense.
Pitcher: Bailey Ober
Bailey Ober continues to impress with a 3.49 ERA and 140 strikeouts in 134 innings this season. Over approximately 250 innings in the past two years, Ober maintains a 3.46 ERA, proving his reliability and skill on the mound. His ability to sustain this level of performance underscores his place as one of the more dependable and effective pitchers in the league.
First Baseman: Michael Busch
Michael Busch’s overall hitting performance of .258/.345/.455 with 16 home runs tells a story of consistency and power. With a 122 OPS+, Busch ranks seventh among full-time first basemen with a minimum of 400 plate appearances. His 3.1 WAR further solidifies his value on both offense and defense, positioning him as a key player who merits more recognition.
Outfielder: Brent Rooker
Brent Rooker has been a revelation this season with a .292/.366/.576 line and 29 home runs. Ranking fifth among qualified hitters in adjusted OPS as of last Sunday's play, Rooker’s numbers reflect a top-tier offensive talent. His ability to replicate and even surpass his previous season's performance of .249/.329/.488 with 30 homers underscores his consistent excellence.
Pitcher: Michael King
Michael King's recent form places him in elite company. Over his last 14 starts covering 81 innings, King has posted a 2.44 ERA and amassed 100 strikeouts. His ability to deliver four 10-strikeout games puts him alongside the likes of Garrett Crochet, Tyler Glasnow, and Chris Sale. This level of performance cements King’s status as a premier strikeout artist in the league.
"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," says the author. These athletes exemplify outstanding achievements that, while perhaps lacking the fanfare of bigger names, certainly command respect and admiration. Their contributions often go unheralded, yet they are the backbone of their teams, delivering performances that elevate them to elite status.
"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," notes the author, highlighting the distinction between household names and those who toil in comparative obscurity yet perform at an equally high level.
In celebrating the under-the-radar talents, we acknowledge the essence of sports: excellence does not always coincide with fame. These athletes demonstrate that consistent, high-level performance is often found in unexpected places, offering a reminder of the depth of talent in the world of professional sports.