Every year in baseball, various undervalued players blow past expectations and lead their teams to success. While many players still struggle to garner recognition, some gain the benefit of being selected to the Mid-Summer Classic. After two weeks in the 2015 season, MLB has seen the usual headlines – stars struggle, veterans dominate, and you guessed it, a relative nobody dominates the league. Here are five undervalued MLB players who, if they keep up their current performance, can make the trip to Cincinnati this July.
Trevor Bauer
Further development from Trevor Bauer could lead to an All-Star appearance for the young right hander in 2015. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)
Once a highly touted prospect, Trevor Bauer hasn’t quite lived up to lofty expectations bestowed upon him before arriving to the majors. During his first full Major League season in 2014, Bauer finished with a 4.18 ERA and described it as “frustrating”. With breakout seasons from reigning AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco, Bauer seemed to be the forgotten man in Cleveland’s rotation heading into 2015.
The former Bruin will need to show improvement in his command to make significant strides towards reaching his potential in 2015. Still only 24, Bauer is finally piecing things together for the Tribe this season to the tune of a 0.95 ERA and a 2.02 FIP through his first three starts of the year. If Bauer can manage to maintain at least 75% of his early season performance, he should have a first class ticket to the Queen City come July.
Jose Iglesias
Slick-fielding Jose Iglesias is out to prove his bat is up to par with his glove in 2015. (Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)
The lack of offensive talent at the shortstop position has been well documented over the past few seasons – but that narrative looks to be changing with the rise of Jose Iglesias, Xander Bogaerts, and the continued dominance from a healthy Troy Tulowitzki. Throughout his young career, Jose Iglesias has been touted for his wizardry on the diamond, but has frustrated with his ability to consistently hit for average.
However, that’s not the case this season. Through 41 at-bats, Iglesias is managing a slash line of .439/.489/.537 with a ridiculous .462 BABIP. While there’s no chance the slick-fielding shortstop can maintain that BABIP this season, Iglesias’ improved bat speed can help him hit well enough to at least stay in the .250 range. That, coupled with his stellar defense and a weak crop of American League shortstops, Iglesias seems to be on the fast track to Cincinnati this July.
Shane Greene
Shane Greene can vault himself to the top of the Tigers rotation if his torrid start continues. (Rick Osentoski, USA Today Sports)
After a solid rookie season in New York where he managed a 3.78 ERA in 14 starts, Shane Greene was traded to the Detroit Tigers in a move that the right hander felt was unwarranted. Now pitching with a chip on his shoulder, Greene has absolutely dominated during his short time in Detroit. Through three starts, Greene has managed a 0.39 ERA (!) and a 2.72 FIP without giving up a home run.
The Tigers will need Greene to stay solid the rest of the season as Justin Verlander is dealing with strained triceps and Max Scherzer is pitching down in the nation’s capital. If Greene can pitch to what his FIP says, he’ll be a solid No. 2 behind David Price in the Tigers rotation – and possibly the All-Star Game.
Lucas Duda
Slugger Lucas Duda is out to prove he’s able to make contact against right and left handed pitchers in 2015. (Paul J. Bereswill)
Last season for the Mets, first baseman Lucas Duda mashed 30 home runs to go along with a .253/.349/.481 slash line. Many wondered whether Duda is an everyday player due to his struggles against left-handed pitching, but this season, the 29-year old has dominated. Through 49 at-bats, Duda is hitting .347 with a .947 OPS and 7 doubles, despite only one home run.
Don’t fret about the power too much, though, as his 7 doubles and .551 slugging percentage should translate to a high home-run count once again. With the Mets on the rise, Duda has only stepped up his game – and looks ready to represent New York in the Mid-Summer classic.
There’s even a chance Duda can make it to the Home-Run Derby with shots like this.
Every season, players seemingly come out of nowhere to establish themselves as quality major leaguers. In 2015, it looks as if the All-Star Game will have plenty of fresh faces ready to become stars.
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