In the competitive arena of professional sports, exceptional talent rarely goes unnoticed for long. The spotlight naturally gravitates towards athletes delivering standout performances, and while stars often bask in the limelight, there are those who fly under the radar, consistently contributing at an elite level without the fanfare they deserve. Today, we shine a light on those unsung heroes, excluding the celebrated 2024 All-Stars, who have made remarkable contributions on the field.
Standout Catcher: Austin Wells
Catcher Austin Wells, with 280 plate appearances this season, has quietly been a powerhouse behind the plate. Wells ranks third among catchers with a notable 114 OPS+ and holds an impressive 3.0 WAR per FanGraphs, tying him for second place among his peers. His consistent performance undoubtedly makes him a key player, even if the broader fanbase hasn’t fully caught on yet.
The Versatile Mark Vientos
Mark Vientos, recalled on April 27, has been a versatile asset. With a .277/.338/.551 slash line and 19 home runs in 302 plate appearances, Vientos has showcased both power and precision. His ability to deliver under pressure should not be underestimated as he continues to prove his worth on the field.
Pitching Excellence: Bailey Ober
Bailey Ober, with a 3.49 ERA and 140 strikeouts in 134 innings this season, is another name deserving recognition. Over approximately 250 innings in the past two years, he has maintained a 3.46 ERA, underscoring his consistency and skill. Ober’s performance has been pivotal in anchoring his team’s pitching staff.
Michael Busch: A Triple Threat
First baseman Michael Busch, with an impressive overall hitting performance of .258/.345/.455 and 16 home runs, has earned a 122 OPS+, making him the seventh best among full-time first basemen with a minimum of 400 plate appearances. With a 3.1 WAR, Busch’s contributions are integral to his team's success, even if accolades have yet to pour in his direction.
Power Hitter: Brent Rooker
Brent Rooker has been nothing short of a powerhouse with a .292/.366/.576 line and 29 home runs. Ranked fifth among qualified hitters in adjusted OPS as of last Sunday’s play, Rooker’s impact is undeniable. His previous season saw him slashing .249/.329/.488 with 30 homers, indicating a continuing upward trajectory in his performance.
Michael King’s Precision Pitching
Michael King has emerged as a precision pitcher with a 2.44 ERA and 100 strikeouts over his last 14 starts, covering 81 innings. King has delivered four 10-strikeout games, placing him in elite company, trailing only Garrett Crochet, Tyler Glasnow, and Chris Sale in this category. His outstanding ability to strike out batters consistently makes him an invaluable asset to his team.
"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," a wise observation from the article’s author encapsulates the essence of this piece. The real challenge lies in acknowledging these athletes who, despite their stellar performances, often remain overshadowed by more celebrated peers.
"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," says the author, highlighting the clear distinction between the celebrated stars and those equally deserving but not yet recognized.
In the realm of professional sports, sometimes the players who are not grabbing headlines are the ones making the most significant impact on their teams. Athletes like Austin Wells, Mark Vientos, Bailey Ober, Michael Busch, Brent Rooker, and Michael King exemplify dedication, skill, and consistency. It’s about time they receive the recognition they rightfully deserve.