Baseball’s Most Underrated Players: Hidden Gems of the MLB

22 August 2025

Let’s get real — baseball has its glam squad. We all know the big names. Aaron Judge? Absolutely crushing it. Shohei Ohtani? A walking cheat code. But beneath the bright lights and MVP chatter exists a group of low-key legends. These guys are grinding day in and day out, quietly making magic happen while barely getting a nod from the media’s highlight reel.

So, it’s time we pull back the curtain and give these unsung heroes the love they deserve. This isn’t about the flashy stats. It’s about the grinders, the glue guys, and the consistent performers flying under the radar.

Ready to meet the hidden gems of Major League Baseball? Buckle up — this is gonna be good.

Why Are Some Players Underrated in MLB?

Before we spill the tea on who the real gems are, let’s unpack what makes a player “underrated” in the first place.

You see, in the age of social media, hot takes, and endless highlight reels, the spotlight often shines on home runs, strikeouts, and walk-off moments. But baseball isn’t just about the boom — it’s about consistency, grit, hustle, and doing the little things right game after game.

Sometimes players get overshadowed because:
- They play in small-market teams
- They don’t have flashy highlight clips
- They aren’t media darlings
- Their WAR doesn’t scream “superstar” (even though it should)

Basically, being underrated isn’t a lack of talent — it’s a lack of buzz.

1. Brandon Nimmo – The On-Base Machine Nobody Talks About

Yeah, Brandon Nimmo might not be trending on Twitter during every Mets game, but let’s talk about what matters: this dude gets on base like it’s his full-time job.

He’s not out here trying to be flashy — he just works counts, draws walks, and hustles like crazy. Nimmo has consistently posted high OBP (on-base percentage) numbers, frequently finding ways to score or set the table for the heavy hitters.

And let’s not forget the defense. Nimmo’s out there robbing hits and covering center field like a New York guardian angel.

📌 Why He’s Underrated: He isn’t belting 40 homers a year, but his value is in his sneaky consistency and elite plate discipline.

2. Tommy Edman – Mr. Versatility in St. Louis

If you like players who can do it all, get comfy — Tommy Edman is your guy.

Utility players rarely get the credit they deserve, and Edman is the Swiss Army knife of the Cardinals. Put him at shortstop? He’s solid. Second base? No problem. Outfield? Handled. And guess what? He brings a good bat and sneaky speed to the table too.

Not only does he swipe bags like a thief in the night, but he comes through in the clutch more often than not.

📌 Why He’s Underrated: Utility players tend to be overshadowed by sluggers, but Edman’s versatility is MVP-caliber glue for his team.

3. Austin Riley – Quietly Power-Packed in Atlanta

Let me make this loud and clear: Austin Riley is a beast. He hits for power, drives in runs, and commands third base like a linebacker in cleats.

But because he shares a clubhouse with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson, he doesn’t always get props for his part in the Braves’ powerhouse lineup. Riley has been consistently racking up extra-base hits and keeping his OPS (on-base plus slugging) right up there with the big dogs.

📌 Why He’s Underrated: He’s stuck in a star-studded lineup and still thrives. That should scream star potential, but somehow… silence from the spotlight.

4. Nestor Cortés – The Mullet Maestro of the Mound

Stop sleeping on Nestor Cortés. This lefty pitcher — and his signature mustache/mullet combo — is more than just a vibe. He’s been quietly shoving against elite hitters, keeping ERAs low and confidence high.

Cortés doesn’t throw 100 MPH heaters. Nope. He bamboozles hitters with changing arm angles, pitch sequences, and pure artistry. It’s like watching a magician work his tricks on the mound.

📌 Why He’s Underrated: Because he’s not flashy. But his performance? Chef’s kiss!

5. Jeff McNeil – Contact King Without the Clout

Meet Jeff McNeil, the type of hitter people swear doesn’t exist anymore. While everyone else is swinging for the fences, McNeil is putting the ball in play, spraying hits to all fields, and hitting for average like it’s 1999.

The guy flat-out rakes. Slumps? Nah, he doesn’t know her. McNeil brings that old-school, grind-it-out mentality that makes him an absolute gem in the lineup.

📌 Why He’s Underrated: Batting average isn’t glamorous anymore, but McNeil makes it look like an art form.

6. Bryan Reynolds – Pittsburgh’s Precious Secret

Let’s talk Pirates. Yeah, they’re not exactly a playoff lock these days, but Bryan Reynolds? He’s a freakin’ stud.

This outfielder brings it all — power, speed, defense, and serious plate discipline. He’s a switch-hitter who can ruin a pitcher’s night from either side of the plate. If he played in a bigger market, his jersey would already be flying off the shelves.

📌 Why He’s Underrated: Small-market syndrome. If Reynolds were a Yankee or Dodger, everyone would know his name.

7. Jon Berti – The Speed Demon You Forgot About

Speed kills, and Jon Berti is lethal on the basepaths. Leading the league in stolen bases? Check. Being a utility player that fills defensive holes like Flex Seal? Double check.

Berti is the kind of player you want when things start to get gritty. He makes things happen. Opposing pitchers hate him. Catchers dread seeing him take a lead. He’s got that sneaky chaos energy every team needs.

📌 Why He’s Underrated: He’s quietly explosive — and unless he’s stealing four bases in one game, the media forgets he exists.

8. Ryan Mountcastle – Power in the Shadows

If Ryan Mountcastle played in a team with more media exposure, fans would already be arguing about his Hall of Fame potential. Okay, maybe not quite yet — but you get the picture.

Mountcastle’s got serious pop in his bat. He’s one of the Orioles' core pieces who brings steady power numbers and doesn’t flinch under pressure. He’s also improved his defense big-time, and frankly, he's one of those guys you count on when the lineup needs a jolt.

📌 Why He’s Underrated: Because the Orioles haven’t had much spotlight — until recently. Mountcastle’s been a cornerstone quietly holding it down.

9. Thairo Estrada – Giants’ Best-Kept Secret

When you think “Giants,” your mind probably wanders to legends like Buster Posey or recent buzz around young prospects — but Thairo Estrada deserves a chunk of that mental real estate.

Estrada's stats won’t scream superstar, but he gets timely hits, flashes some leather, and always shows up. This guy doesn’t need hype — he just needs respect.

📌 Why He’s Underrated: He’s not flashy, not loud, and doesn’t chase headlines — just wins at-bats and keeps showing up.

10. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. – Dripping Swag & Silent Production

Let’s give some love to style AND substance. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. oozes swagger — but don’t let that distract you from how reliable his bat has become.

He’s not a league leader in homers or batting average, but he’s that solid middle-of-the-lineup hitter who delivers extra-base hits, takes smart at-bats, and plays heads-up defense. Oh, and he looks cool doing it.

📌 Why He’s Underrated: Because he’s quietly consistent in a league obsessed with extremes.

The Truth About MLB’s Hidden Gems

The reality is simple: baseball is a long season. Flashy moments grab headlines, but it's the hidden gems — the underappreciated workhorses — that make teams tick. These are the guys you want in your foxhole. They show up, do the dirty work, and help their teams win in ways the stat sheet doesn’t always capture.

So next time you watch an MLB game, keep an eye on the players who don’t get the loudest ovation. The ones grinding out singles, stretching doubles, and making that slick defensive play look effortless — those are your hidden gems.

Don’t Let the Spotlight Fool You

We get it. It’s easy to swoon over the superstars. But there’s a whole world of overlooked magic happening every night in the major leagues. Trust me — when you start watching these underrated players more closely, the game takes on a whole new flavor.

So next time someone says “who’s that?” during a game, hit them with a fun fact about Brandon Nimmo’s OBP or Jon Berti’s stolen base numbers. Flex your baseball smarts and show some love for the underdog. They’re the true soul of the sport.