In the world of Major League Baseball, certain players often achieve remarkable careers yet remain overshadowed by their more celebrated counterparts. This article shines a spotlight on some of the most underrated players in MLB history, highlighting those whose exceptional contributions and achievements deserve greater recognition.
From power hitters and defensive maestros to versatile all-rounders, these athletes have left an indelible mark on the game despite receiving less acclaim than they deserve.
13. Scott Rolen: The Defensive Maestro at Third Base
Scott Rolen, a seven-time All-Star, is often overlooked despite his impressive career. He won eight Gold Glove Awards, the fourth-most among third basemen, and had a career .281 batting average with 316 home runs and 1,287 RBIs. His defensive excellence, combined with strong offense, led to his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2023.
12. Keith Hernandez: The Consistent First Baseman with Unrecognized Excellence
Keith Hernandez, a five-time All-Star, played 17 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and Cleveland Indians. He boasted a .296 batting average, 2,182 hits, 162 home runs, and 1,071 RBIs. Hernandez won 11 Gold Glove awards, 1 MVP award, and 2 World Series titles, showcasing his defensive prowess and consistent offensive production.
11. Omar Vizquel: The Premier Defensive Shortstop of His Generation
Omar Vizquel, known as “Little O,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive shortstops in MLB history. With 11 Gold Glove Awards and a .9847 fielding percentage, he set numerous records, including most games played and double plays turned at shortstop. His defensive prowess overshadowed his batting, which, despite 2,877 hits, remained below average with an OPS+ of 82.
10. Sal Bando: The Key to the Oakland A’s World Series Success
Sal Bando was the captain and cornerstone of the Oakland Athletics dynasty that won three consecutive World Series championships from 1972 to 1974. A four-time All-Star, Bando averaged 23 home runs and 90 RBIs over an eight-year span, often overshadowed by teammate Reggie Jackson and Brooks Robinson. His leadership and consistent performance were crucial to the A’s success.
9. Bobby Grich: The Second Baseman with Elite Defense and On-Base Skills
Bobby Grich, a 6-time All-Star and 4-time Gold Glove winner, is one of MLB’s most underrated players. With a career .266 batting average, 224 home runs, and a .371 on-base percentage, Grich excelled both offensively and defensively. His 71 career WAR surpasses many Hall of Famers, making his exclusion from Cooperstown puzzling.
8. Tim Salmon: The Rookie of the Year and All-Time Angels Legend
Tim Salmon, known as “Mr. Angel” and “Kingfish,” is one of the most underrated players in MLB history. He won the Rookie of the Year Award in 1993 with 31 home runs and 95 RBIs, becoming the first Angels player to receive this honor. Throughout his career, Salmon consistently delivered strong performances, leading the Angels in home runs, strikeouts, and walks. He was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame in 2015, a testament to his enduring legacy. Despite his impressive achievements, Salmon often flies under the radar, making him an underrated gem in MLB history.
7. Jimmy Wynn: The Underrated Power Hitter and Defensive Specialist
Jimmy Wynn, known as “The Toy Cannon,” was a power-hitting outfielder with exceptional defensive skills. Over 15 seasons, he compiled a .250 batting average with 291 home runs and 964 RBIs. His career WAR of 55.8 ranks third among players with a batting average of .250 or lower. Despite playing in the cavernous Astrodome, Wynn’s raw power and patience at the plate made him a standout player. His combination of tape-measure home runs, strong throwing arm, and solid work in center field has made him a stathead favorite.
6. Tommy Herr: The Undrafted Free Agent with Exceptional Fielding and Consistency
Tommy Herr, an undrafted free agent signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1974, exemplified exceptional fielding and consistency. He played a crucial role in three pennant-winning teams, including the 1982 World Series champions. Herr’s best season came in 1985, where he earned an All-Star selection with a .302 batting average, 97 runs, 180 hits, and 110 RBIs.
5. Bobby Abreu: The Multi-Talented Outfielder with Underappreciated Contributions
Bobby Abreu was a versatile outfielder known for his exceptional plate discipline, power, and speed. Over 18 seasons, he achieved 288 home runs, 1,363 RBIs, and 400 stolen bases, with a career .291 batting average and .395 on-base percentage. Despite his impressive statistics, including being one of only seven players to record at least 900 career extra-base hits and steal at least 400 bases, Abreu was surprisingly only a two-time All-Star.
4. Andruw Jones: The Defensive Genius and Home Run Threat
Andruw Jones is often overlooked despite his impressive career. He played 17 seasons, hitting 434 home runs and winning 10 Gold Glove awards, making him arguably the best defensive center fielder in baseball history. His .254 batting average and 1,289 RBIs further solidify his case for Hall of Fame consideration.
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3. Carlos Delgado: The Power Hitter Lost in the Steroid Era
Carlos Delgado, a Puerto Rican slugger, is often overlooked despite his impressive career statistics. With 473 home runs and 1,512 RBIs over 17 seasons, Delgado holds the MLB record for career home runs by a Puerto Rican player. His consistent performance and lack of steroid controversy make him one of the best “clean” power hitters of the Steroid Era. Despite his achievements, Delgado’s career was overshadowed by contemporaries with inflated numbers, leaving him underappreciated in discussions of MLB’s greatest hitters.
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2. Shoeless Joe Jackson: The Career .356 Hitter Shrouded in Controversy
Shoeless Joe Jackson, a career .356 hitter, remains one of the most underrated players in MLB history. With 1,772 hits and 54 home runs in 4,981 at-bats, his impressive stats are often overshadowed by the Black Sox Scandal of 1919. Despite his controversial career, Jackson’s on-field achievements are undeniable.
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1. Bobby Bonds: The Versatile Player with Impressive All-Around Stats
Bobby Bonds was a dynamic player known for his versatility and impressive all-around stats. He played 14 seasons for 8 teams, achieving a .268 batting average, 1,886 hits, 332 home runs, 1,024 RBIs, and 1,258 runs. His career was marked by exceptional speed and power, earning him two Gold Glove awards and a reputation as one of the most dynamic hitters of his time.
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