In the realm of professional sports, where talent and skill are the currency of the realm, exceptional prowess rarely escapes notice for long. Athletes who consistently deliver standout performances tend to draw the spotlight. Yet, amidst the dazzling luminaries, there exists a cadre of players whose contributions, while equally substantial, often go overlooked.
These under-the-radar talents, who are not part of the 2024 All-Star roster, deserve a closer look. Their stats tell a compelling story, shedding light on their unsung excellence.
Austin Wells: Catching Excellence
Among catchers, Austin Wells has quietly amassed 280 plate appearances this season and has been instrumental in his role. With a 114 OPS+ (On-base Plus Slugging adjusted to the league), he ranks third among his peers. Moreover, Wells boasts an impressive 3.0 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) according to FanGraphs, tying him for second place among catchers. These numbers indicate an elite level of performance that hasn’t necessarily translated to widespread recognition.
Mark Vientos: Consistency at the Plate
Recalled on April 27, Mark Vientos has certainly made the most of his opportunities. Through 302 plate appearances, he has achieved a .277/.338/.551 slash line, with 19 home runs to his credit. Vientos' consistent hitting and power make him a valuable asset, highlighting his capability to deliver under pressure without the hype that surrounds many of his peers.
Bailey Ober: Dominance on the Mound
From the mound, Bailey Ober has been nothing short of spectacular this season. Posting a 3.49 ERA and racking up 140 strikeouts over 134 innings showcases his formidable pitching skills. His performance over the past two years, maintaining a 3.46 ERA over approximately 250 innings, underscores his reliability and durability as a starting pitcher. Such stats should place him in the conversation among the game’s elite, yet he remains underappreciated.
Michael Busch: Power and Precision
First baseman Michael Busch has put together a notable season with an overall hitting performance of .258/.345/.455, including 16 home runs. His 122 OPS+ is the seventh best among full-time first basemen with a minimum of 400 plate appearances, indicating his offensive prowess. Busch’s contributions are further validated by his 3.1 WAR, a metric that places him among the game's most valuable players.
Brent Rooker: An Emerging Powerhouse
Brent Rooker’s offensive consistency is nothing short of impressive. With a .292/.366/.576 line and 29 home runs, Rooker ranks fifth among qualified hitters in adjusted OPS as of last Sunday’s play. His previous season's performance, where he slashed .249/.329/.488 with 30 homers, illustrates a continuation of his upward trajectory. Such consistent power hitting merits greater acclaim than it has received.
Michael King: Strikeout Specialist
Reliever Michael King has transitioned into a starting role with remarkable success. Over his last 14 starts, King has managed a 2.44 ERA and 100 strikeouts across 81 innings. Even more striking is his ability to deliver four 10-strikeout games this season, placing him in elite company alongside pitchers like Garrett Crochet, Tyler Glasnow, and Chris Sale. His performance has been stellar, even if it hasn’t garnered the attention it warrants.
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."
This circle of under-the-radar talents highlights the depth of skill in professional sports that extends beyond the All-Star rosters. Each player discussed here has not only demonstrated elite performance but has done so consistently, making a strong case for greater recognition. "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 players embody the essence of unsung heroes, whose contributions significantly shape the competitive landscape.