Exploring the Discussion Table: The Hunt for the Most Underrated Player
Throughout the season, MLB experts at CBS Sports will bring you a weekly roundtable of discussions, covering virtually any topic. Breaking news, historical issues, reflections on the future of baseball, all kinds of topics. Last week we discussed whether Matt Olson will hit 60 home runs. This week we’re going to talk about the most underrated players in baseball.
Who is the most underrated player in baseball?
It’s a difficult question to answer because “underrated” is such a slippery concept. Does that mean the best player who wasn’t selected to the All-Star Game or didn’t get real awards consideration? Does it mean the player whose contributions are still underappreciated, even though they receive those accolades? Austin Riley made two consecutive All-Star Games and was in the top 10 in MVP voting in consecutive years. On that basis, I’d find it hard to describe it as underrated. But, at the same time, do people realize he’s been in the top five for Wins Above Replacement since the start of the 2021 season? I doubt it a bit.
Consider the abundance of stars in that Braves roster, and perhaps an argument can be constructed that Riley is underrated or overlooked. (Less than that, my answer would be Ha-Seong Kim. Great defender whose heartbeat flourished beyond my expectations.)
Dayn Perry: I feel like Logan Webb doesn’t get enough attention as a Giants ace. He has an ERA+ of 135 over the past three seasons and this season he leads the NL in K to BB ratio. He doesn’t have great speed, which might explain why he’s a bit overlooked, but few combine his excellent control with his strong tendencies to produce ground rebounds. He has yet to make an All-Star Game, which shouldn’t be the case given his performance in recent history.
Mike Axisa: Yes, Kim is a good answer, although I mentioned this last week and I’m not sure how underrated it is yet. I will go with George Kirby. He’s been an All-Star this season, which maybe takes him out of the “underrated” conversation, but I still think he doesn’t get enough attention. Kirby has pitched at ace level — true top of the rotation — since making his big league debut with the Mariners last season and I rate him as one of the top 10 pitchers in the game. It’s outstanding. I’m also a fan of Bryson Stott. He’s not a star or anything like that, but he’s a good production in a center position and consistently puts in good batting.
Matt Snyder: I’d like to stay in the same context as when we were saying Mike Trout was underrated, due to the idea that he actually should have been more widely praised, and say Mookie Betts. I know he’s a superstar and I know so many people talk about him and treat him like a superstar, but I also feel like there’s a level of devaluation here. Not only does Mookie do everything he’s supposed to do at an elite level, but he even does things he’s not supposed to do. Notably, the six-time Gold Glove-winning right footer in right field is now an excellent defensive shortstop and even usable as a shortstop. He’s amazing. People will start debating whether Matt Olson or Freddie Freeman can win the NL MVP over Ronald Acuña Jr., but Mookie might have the better argument.
If we want a less obvious player, we choose Nico Hoerner. He doesn’t walk as many bases or power hits at high levels, but he hits for average and is an outstanding fielder and first class runner who is approaching 6 WAR and will be among the league leaders despite a good average OPS. Contact skills and important strikes play a role. Going into the week, he is averaging .339 / .424 / .446 in high pressure situations and .343 / .400 / .448 in high pressure situations. There is also the “feel”. Whenever it’s a big moment and he shows up, it just seems like he’s going to hit a good bat.
2023-08-26 06:19:37
#Misunderstood #Player
