The 2021 MLB All-Star Game is here, and like always, both rosters are loaded with talent.
Despite many star players deciding to sit out of this year’s Midsummer Classic, both the American League and National League squads boast some extremely exciting players.
Among this year’s group of NL All-Stars, there are a handful of very underrated guys.
For many young stars, getting to the All-Star Game is the first step toward becoming a household name, and two studs in particular are going to have a chance to do so in this year’s event.
Fans should be on the lookout for these two underrated NL players in this year’s All-Star Game.
2. Bryan Reynolds
Many MLB fans are likely not familiar with Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds, but that might not be the case for much longer.
In 2019, Reynolds made some waves during his rookie season.
He batted .314 with an .880 OPS en route to a fourth-place Rookie of the Year finish.
But even with the strong rookie campaign, Reynolds went largely unnoticed into the 2020 season, and the fact that he struggled in 2020 didn’t help his case much.
He limped to a .189 batting average and .632 OPS over 55 games last season and finished with a negative offensive WAR.
It felt like the 26-year-old’s trajectory took a major hit, but he is proving that theory wrong this season.
Over 87 games in 2021, Reynolds is slashing .302/.387/.519 with 16 home runs and an OPS+ of 147.
He has already racked up a WAR of 3.2, putting him on pace for a fantastic 6.0 mark by the end of the year.
The future is bright.
Bryan Reynolds making no bones about his future: "I want to be here. I want to be a Pirate. I like Pittsburgh."
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) July 12, 2021
Fans should be on the lookout for Reynolds in Tuesday’s All-Star Game, because it will be his first real chance to play on a major stage.
1. Trevor Rogers
Miami Marlins lefty Trevor Rogers has come out of absolutely nowhere this season.
The 23-year-old made his MLB debut during the 2020 season, and the results were rather discouraging.
Over seven starts, he got shelled to the tune of a 6.11 ERA, 4.33 FIP, and 1.61 WHIP.
As a small consolation, he didn’t exceed rookie limits, meaning that the current 2021 campaign is considered his rookie season.
That’s going to be key information down the road, because Rogers will almost certainly be one of the top vote-getters in the NL Rookie of the Year race.
He has been dominant this season.
Over 18 starts, he has managed a 2.31 ERA, 2.49 FIP, and 1.07 WHIP while striking out 122 batters in 101.1 innings.
He has an outstanding ERA+ of 176 and a WAR of 3.0.
Perhaps the most impressive note on Rogers is that he has allowed three runs or fewer in all of his outings this year.
That’s all you can ask of your starting pitcher—that he keeps you in ballgames.
Marlins rookie Trevor Rogers participates in his first MLB #AllStarGame tonight pic.twitter.com/1tHYwvqSBn
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) July 13, 2021
The sky is the limit for the youngster, and if he gets into the All-Star Game on Tuesday night, fans will likely be impressed with what they see.
Wrap-Up
Understandably, the focus tonight is primarily on some of the game’s rising superstars, like Shohei Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
But fans shouldn’t overlook the other young stars, either.
Players like Reynolds and Rogers may very well steal the show tonight if they’re given the opportunity.
