In professional sports, exceptional talent rarely goes unnoticed for long. The spotlight naturally gravitates towards athletes delivering standout performances, yet there are always those who operate just under the radar, consistently contributing at an elite level without the fanfare they deserve. This piece highlights a compilation of under-the-radar talents, carefully curated to exclude the 2024 All-Stars.
The Unsung Heroes
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. One such player is catcher Austin Wells. With 280 plate appearances, Austin Wells ranks third among catchers with an impressive 114 OPS+. His performance is further validated by a noteworthy 3.0 WAR per FanGraphs, tying him for second place among his peers. Despite these stellar statistics, Wells continues to operate outside the limelight of the major leagues.
Meanwhile, Mark Vientos, who was recalled on April 27, has quietly carved out an exceptional season. With a .277/.338/.551 slash line and 19 home runs in 302 plate appearances, Vientos has proven to be a consistently valuable asset. His lack of public recognition does not mirror his on-field contributions, which speak volumes of his capabilities.
Pitching Prowess
Bailey Ober's performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular. With a 3.49 ERA and 140 strikeouts in 134 innings, Ober has shown he can deliver when it counts. Over the past two years, spanning approximately 250 innings, Ober maintains a 3.46 ERA, solidifying his status as a reliable pitcher. However, much like Wells and Vientos, Ober's efforts have largely flown under the radar.
Michael King further exemplifies underappreciated excellence. With a 2.44 ERA and 100 strikeouts over his last 14 starts covering 81 innings, King has showcased his ability to consistently dominate from the mound. His four 10-strikeout games place him in elite company, trailing only Garrett Crochet, Tyler Glasnow, and Chris Sale in this category. Yet these remarkable feats have not catapulted him into the mainstream limelight, underscoring the sometimes inexplicable nature of sports recognition.
Hitting Their Stride
Mark Vientos is joined by Michael Busch, whose overall hitting performance of .258/.345/.455 with 16 home runs underscores his significant contribution this season. Busch's 122 OPS+ ranks him seventh among full-time first basemen with a minimum of 400 plate appearances. Additionally, a 3.1 WAR only adds to his credentials, yet Busch remains one of the many underrated athletes quietly excelling in major league baseball.
Brent Rooker continues this trend of under-the-radar excellence. With a .292/.366/.576 line and 29 home runs, Rooker ranks fifth among qualified hitters in adjusted OPS. Last season, he slashed .249/.329/.488 with 30 homers, displaying consistent power and hitting prowess. Despite these standout metrics, Rooker's performance remains unfortunately underemphasized in broader sports discussions.
Final Thoughts
While the 2024 All-Stars bask in their well-earned recognition, these athletes epitomize the enduring spirit of those who quietly deliver excellence. "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." Our compilation emphasizes that greatness doesn't always come with the loudest applause, but it certainly contributes to the heart and soul of professional sports.