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Unearthing Every MLB Team's Hidden Gem of the 2024 Season

Joel Reuter

Every MLB team has uncovered at least one hidden gem as the 2024 season has unfolded, whether it's a position player seizing his opportunity in the starting lineup, a depth piece stepping up to fill a void in the starting rotation or a rising reliever exceeding expectations.

So what makes a player a hidden gem?

The focus here was on players who were projected for less than 1.0 WAR heading into the season, with the Depth Charts projections at FanGraphs used as our preseason prediction of choice due to their focus on both production and expected playing time.

Players who entered the season as Top 100 prospects on the Baseball America preseason list were also excluded from consideration, since they entered the league with no shortage of hype and don't fit the bill as a hidden gem.

With those parameters established, let's shine a light on some standout performers who have blown past expectations.

Arizona Diamondbacks: OF Jake McCarthy

Norm Hall/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.2

Actual WAR: 3.0

Not to kick the Chicago White Sox while they're down, but let's revisit this nugget from the offseason:

"The White Sox had their choice between outfielder Jake McCarthy or Dominic Fletcher for Diamondbacks pitching prospect Cristian Mena, before taking Fletcher. Certainly, they relied heavily on the advice of assistant GM Josh Barfield, who was the D-backs' former farm director," wrote Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Here's a quick look at how that has played out:

McCarthy saw regular playing time early with Alek Thomas sidelined, and he has not looked back, returning to the form he showed in 2022 when he finished fourth in NL Rookie of the Year balloting.

Atlanta Braves: SP Spencer Schwellenbach

Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.0

Actual WAR: 2.0

The battle for the No. 5 starter job in the Atlanta Braves rotation this spring was between free agent signing Reynaldo López and incumbents Bryce Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver, and while López was the clear winner, the team's depth was put to the test early when Spencer Strider was lost for the year.

After cycling through several ineffective options trying to plug Strider's spot on the staff, Spencer Schwellenbach got his chance on May 29 when he made his MLB debut, and he has been a staple in the rotation ever since.

The 24-year-old had not pitched above the High-A level prior to this season, and he jumped straight from Double-A to the majors when he was called up. Over 17 starts, he has a 3.78 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and a 107-to-19 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 97.2 innings.

Baltimore Orioles: SP Albert Suárez

Jack Gorman/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.0

Actual WAR: 1.8

Originally signed by the Tampa Bay Rays out of Venezuela all the way back in 2006, Albert Suárez made his MLB debut a decade later with the San Francisco Giants, posting a 4.29 ERA over 84 innings of work.

He made a handful of relief appearances the following season and then spent 2018 at the Triple-A level in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization before spending the next five years pitching in the Japanese League and the KBO.

The Orioles signed him to a minor league deal in December that was little more than a line item on MLB Trade Rumors, but he has emerged as a key arm for one of baseball's best teams.

In fact, his 119.1 innings rank second on the Orioles staff, and he has pitched to a 3.39 ERA and 1.29 WHIP while spinning six quality starts.

Boston Red Sox: IF David Hamilton

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Projected WAR: 0.0

Actual WAR: 1.6

After hitting .121/.256/.182 over 39 plate appearances in his MLB debut last season, little was expected of David Hamilton heading into the 2024 season.

However, an injury to Trevor Story and early ineffectiveness from Vaughn Grissom created a void at the middle infield spots, and he has emerged as a solid contributor while splitting his time between shortstop (433.0 innings) and second base (266.2 innings).

The 26-year-old rookie is hitting a respectable .248/.303/.395 for a 92 OPS+ in 317 plate appearances, and he has made a legitimate impact with his speed (33 SB) and defensive versatility.

Chicago Cubs: RP Porter Hodge

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Projected WAR: 0.0

Actual WAR: 0.9

A 13th-round pick in 2019 and the No. 22 prospect in the Chicago Cubs system heading into the year, Porter Hodge has emerged as a consistent late-inning option in a bullpen filled with question marks.

The 23-year-old has a pristine 1.66 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 10.9 K/9 in 34 appearances since making his MLB debut on May 22, and he has steadily earned more high-leverage opportunities as the season has unfolded.

He took over as the team's closer on Aug. 20 after veteran Héctor Neris was released, and he has tossed 8.2 scoreless innings while notching a pair of wins and converting each of his four save opportunities in that role.

Chicago White Sox: SP Jonathan Cannon

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Projected WAR: 0.0

Actual WAR: 1.0

Only five Chicago White Sox players have recorded at least 1.0 WAR this season, and two of them—Erick Fedde and Paul DeJong—were traded in July.

All-Star Garrett Crochet (3.9) and workhorse Chris Flexen (1.1) have also reached that mark, but it's an unexpected contributor to the starting rotation who gets the nod as this year's hidden gem.

Right-hander Jonathan Cannon entered the year as the team's No. 8 prospect, and while his numbers don't jump off the page, he has tallied six quality starts en route to logging a 4.56 ERA and 91 ERA+ in 106.2 innings.

Cincinnati Reds: RP Fernando Cruz

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Projected WAR: 0.4

Actual WAR: 1.2

Here is a quick look at the leaderboard for strikeout rate among qualified relievers:

1. Mason Miller: 41.4%
2. Edwin Diaz: 38.0%
3. Josh Hader: 37.6%
4. Jeremiah Estrada: 37.3%
5. Aroldis Chapman: 36.8%
6. Kirby Yates: 36.7%
7. Fernando Cruz: 35.6%
8. David Robertson: 35.3%
9. A.J. Puk: 35.0%
10. Cade Smith: 34.4%

With a 4.99 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 66 appearances, Cruz might seem like an odd addition to that group, but he has outperformed his surface-level numbers with 23 holds and a 3.29 FIP as one of Cincinnati's primary setup options.

The 34-year-old generates a staggering 58.7 percent whiff rate with his splitter.

Cleveland Guardians: C/1B/OF David Fry

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Projected WAR: 0.3

Actual WAR: 1.6

Was there a more unlikely All-Star this year than David Fry?

The 28-year-old hit .238/.319/.416 over 113 plate appearances as a 27-year-old rookie last season, and his defensive versatility earned him a spot on the Opening Day roster, but he blew past expectations during a fantastic first half.

He posted an .854 OPS with 12 doubles, eight home runs and 33 RBI in 246 plate appearances prior to the All-Star break, earning a reserve spot on the AL squad.

His production has leveled off in the second half, but he has still been a productive piece of the puzzle for a playoff-bound Guardians team.

Colorado Rockies: OF Brenton Doyle

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.5

Actual WAR: 3.8

Brenton Doyle would be a strong contender for NL Breakout Player of the Year, if that were an actual award.

The 26-year-old hit just .203/.250/.343 in 431 plate appearances during his rookie season, but he won NL Gold Glove honors in center field thanks to elite defensive metrics (19 DRS, 24.0 UZR/150), and that was enough to earn him the starting center field job heading into 2024.

His offensive game has completely transformed this year, with a major uptick in his batted-ball metrics leading to a breakout campaign where he has hit .266/.326/.460 for a 110 OPS+ with 24 doubles, 22 home runs, 67 RBI and 27 stolen bases.

His 3.8 WAR ranks 15th among all NL position players, and he looks like a long-term building block for a Rockies team lacking in that area.

Detroit Tigers: IF/OF Matt Vierling

Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.8

Actual WAR: 2.3

The Detroit Tigers acquired Matt Vierling from the Philadelphia Phillies prior to the 2023 season in a five-player deal that sent All-Star reliever Gregory Soto the other way, and he posted a 98 OPS+ and 1.5 WAR in 134 games in his first year with the team.

The 27-year-old has provided more pop this season, hitting .261/.308/.438 for a 108 OPS+ with 26 doubles, five triples, 16 home runs, 54 RBI and 72 runs scored in 129 games while serving in a super-utility role.

He has started at least 20 games at three different positions, splitting his time between third base, center field and right field, and he has filled a prominent spot in the top third of the batting order during Detroit's surge back into the wild-card picture.

Houston Astros: SP Ronel Blanco

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Projected WAR: 0.4

Actual WAR: 1.8

Right-hander Ronel Blanco only found his way into the Houston Astros rotation as an injury replacement for Justin Verlander to open the year, but it's hard to imagine where the pitching staff would be without him.

The 31-year-old had just 58.1 innings and seven career starts under his belt heading into the year, but he tossed a no-hitter in his season debut, followed by six scoreless innings of one-hit ball in his second outing.

He has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 21 of his 26 starts, going 10-6 with a 2.99 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 149 strikeouts in 150.1 innings.

His 1.8 WAR trails only Framber Valdez (3.4) and Hunter Brown (3.0) among all Astros pitchers, and they might not be where they are right now without his unexpected production this season.

Kansas City Royals: SP Alec Marsh

Ed Zurga/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.7

Actual WAR: 1.2

Veteran Seth Lugo has blown past expectations in the first season of his two-year, $30 million deal with the Kansas City Royals, with his 4.4 WAR more than doubling his 1.8 WAR projection prior to the season.

However, it's fellow rotation member Alec Marsh who has been the team's hidden gem after he beat out veteran Jordan Lyles for the No. 5 starter job during spring training.

The 26-year-old has a 4.66 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 105 strikeouts in 116 innings, which represents a significant improvement over the 5.69 ERA and 1.56 WHIP he logged in 74.1 innings as a rookie last season.

The Royals are 14-8 in his 22 starts.

Los Angeles Angels: SP José Soriano

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Projected WAR: 0.4

Actual WAR: 1.8

José Soriano showed swing-and-miss stuff out of the Los Angeles Angels bullpen as a rookie in 2023, posting a 3.64 ERA and 12.0 K/9 with 15 holds in 38 appearances.

The Angels stretched him out as a starter during spring training, and after a few relief appearances to start the year, he moved into the rotation and became a staple on the starting staff.

The 24-year-old has a 3.42 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 97 strikeouts in 113 innings, and while he has been sidelined since the middle of August with arm fatigue, he is still tied for the team lead among pitchers with 1.8 WAR.

With club control through 2028, he has a chance to be a long-term rotation piece.

Los Angeles Dodgers: SP Gavin Stone

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Projected WAR: 0.8

Actual WAR: 2.0

Who would have guessed Gavin Stone would lead the Los Angeles Dodgers in innings pitched?

The 25-year-old won the No. 5 starter job during spring training, claiming a spot on a banged up staff that was without Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin and Emmet Sheehan to begin the year.

The 25-year-old has tossed 140.1 innings this year, going 11-5 with a 3.53 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 116 strikeouts, and his 2.0 WAR trails only Paul Skenes (3.6), Shota Imanaga (2.7), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (2.6), Luis Gil (2.5) and Mitchell Parker (2.2) among rookie starting pitchers.

He is currently sidelined with shoulder inflammation, leaving his status for October up in the air.

Miami Marlins: RP Calvin Faucher

Rich Storry/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.0

Actual WAR: 1.3

Not all pitchers find a magical new level of success after joining the Tampa Bay Rays.

Right-hander Calvin Fulcher was traded from Minnesota to Tampa Bay along with Nelson Cruz in exchange for Joe Ryan at the 2021 trade deadline, but in two years with the Rays he struggled to a 6.32 ERA and 1.68 WHIP in 39 appearances.

He was traded again this past offseason along with former top prospect Vidal Bruján for a trio of prospects as part of a 40-man roster crunch, and he has emerged as one of the best pitchers on the Miami roster this year.

The 28-year-old has a 3.19 ERA and 10.6 K/9 with six saves and 11 holds in 53 appearances, and his 1.3 WAR is tied with fellow reliever Declan Cronin for the highest mark among Marlins pitchers this season.

Milwaukee Brewers: SP Tobias Myers

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Projected WAR: 0.0

Actual WAR: 1.7

Prior to the 2024 season, Tobias Myers was best known as the player who the Tampa Bay Rays traded to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for an 18-year-old prospect named Junior Caminero on Nov. 19, 2021.

The 26-year-old spent time in the Guardians, Giants and White Sox organizations before joining the Milwaukee Brewers as a minor league free agent prior to the 2023 season, and he spent all of last year in the upper levels of the minors.

He started the season in the minors once again this year, but made his MLB debut on April 23 and has been a staple in the Milwaukee rotation ever since, helping to ease the losses of Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff.

In 22 starts and one relief appearance, he has a 2.93 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 112 strikeouts in 120 innings, and he has been the team's best starter outside of Freddy Peralta. There is a good chance he will be part of the team's postseason rotation.

Minnesota Twins: OF Trevor Larnach

Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.2

Actual WAR: 1.3

Trevor Larnach was the No. 20 overall pick in the 2018 draft, and he was a Top 50 prospect in baseball prior to the 2020 (No. 45) and 2021 (No. 39) seasons thanks to his polished offensive game.

However, he struggled to find his footing in the big leagues while also dealing with injuries, hitting a combined .222/.315/.385 for a 94 OPS+ with 1.2 WAR in 188 games heading into the 2024 season.

The 27-year-old has made an impact at the plate this year for a contending Minnesota Twins team, hitting .253/.331/.446 for a 116 OPS+ with 16 doubles, 15 home runs and 48 RBI in 101 games.

New York Mets: 3B Mark Vientos

Evan Bernstein/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.6

Actual WAR: 2.7

Mark Vientos hit just .211 with a 69 OPS+ in 233 plate appearances as a rookie last season, but a closer look at his batted-ball numbers provided some reason for optimism, as he logged a terrific 51.0 percent hard-hit rate.

He started the season in the minors with Brett Baty and Joey Wendle breaking camp as the primary options at third base, but he was recalled from the minors on May 15 when a struggling Wendle was designated for assignment.

In 96 games, he has hit .276/.335/.537 for a 145 OPS+ with 20 doubles, 24 home runs and 62 RBI, emerging as a legitimate middle-of-the-order slugger and halting what has been a revolving door at third base since David Wright was in his prime.

Tip of the cap to veteran José Iglesias, who has also made a much bigger impact than expected.

New York Yankees: SP Luis Gil

Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.9

Actual WAR: 2.5

The New York Yankees turned to Luis Gil to fill a void in the starting rotation after Gerrit Cole landed on the injured list with right elbow inflammation, with the former top prospect posting a 2.87 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 15.2 innings during spring training.

The 26-year-old showed flashes during a brief MLB debut in 2021, but he spent most of the 2022 and 2023 seasons on the sidelines recovering from Tommy John surgery.

In 26 starts, he has gone 13-6 with a 3.18 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 156 strikeouts in 135.2 innings, pitching around a MLB-high 70 walks to emerge as a reliable option in the Yankees starting rotation.

Teammate Austin Wells and Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser are his biggest competition in a wide open AL Rookie of the Year race.

Oakland Athletics: OF Lawrence Butler

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.4

Actual WAR: 3.2

Outfielder Lawrence Butler has been a Top 10 prospect in the Oakland farm system to begin each of the last three seasons, and he was No. 6 on the organizational list to begin the 2024 campaign, but he has far exceeded expectations.

The 24-year-old hit .211/.240/.341 with 35 strikeouts in 129 plate appearances last season, and while he earned a spot on Oakland's Opening Day roster, he was optioned back to the minors on May 13 after hitting .179/.281/.274 over 121 plate appearances to open the year.

The A's recalled him on June 18, and he has caught fire since the beginning of July, hitting .323/.361/.668 with 16 doubles, 19 home runs and 46 RBI in 241 plate appearances.

He now looks like a legitimate franchise cornerstone and potential face of the franchise level talent.

Philadelphia Phillies: RP Jeff Hoffman

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Projected WAR: 0.8

Actual WAR: 2.0

The Philadelphia Phillies bullpen has emerged as a legitimate strength this season thanks in large part to the emergence of Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering as lights out options in the late innings.

Here's what was projected of those players heading into the season:

Here's what they have actually produced:

Any of the three could have been the choice of the hidden gem for the Phillies this season, but Hoffman has been the most valuable of the bunch, and he has set himself up for a massive payday in free agency this winter.

Pittsburgh Pirates: C Joey Bart

Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.0

Actual WAR: 1.4

Joey Bart was viewed as a future franchise cornerstone and the heir apparent to Buster Posey when the San Francisco Giants selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft following a stellar college career at Georgia Tech.

However, his stalled development coupled with the emergence of Patrick Bailey pushed him out of the Giants plans this season, and he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor league reliever Austin Strickland on April 2.

The 27-year-old has seemingly benefited greatly from the change of scenery, hitting .267/.343/.495 for a 131 OPS+ with 13 home runs and 42 RBI in just 236 plate appearances in Pittsburgh.

Suddenly the Pirates have a potential long-term answer behind the plate, with Bart carrying club control through 2027.

San Diego Padres: OF Jurickson Profar

Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.4

Actual WAR: 3.9

In terms of expectations vs. production, there might not be any player with a wider positive gap this season than Jurickson Profar.

All 30 teams had a chance to sign him this past offseason, and he sat on the open market until Feb. 24 when he rejoined the San Diego Padres on a one-year, $1 million deal to compete for the starting left field job.

Seven months later, he is likely headed for a Top 10 finish in NL MVP balloting.

The 31-year-old was once the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball, and while he never lived up to the lofty expectations that came with that level of hype, he has put together a solid 11-year career in the big leagues.

The 2024 season is proving to be his peak, as he is hitting .279/.381/.458 with 26 doubles, 22 home runs, 82 RBI and 83 runs scored in 144 games. It will be interesting to see what type of interest he generates this offseason, and if he will consider leaving San Diego where he has been at his most productive in multiple stints with the team.

San Francisco Giants: SS Tyler Fitzgerald

Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.1

Actual WAR: 3.2

Tyler Fitzgerald was little more than an afterthought in the spring training battle between veteran Nick Ahmed and top prospect Marco Luciano for the starting shortstop job, but as the 2024 season winds down, the numbers speak for themselves.

The 26-year-old was not ranked among the team's Top 30 prospects at the start of the season, and he only appeared on that list once during his time in the minors, checking in at No. 28 prior to the 2020 season.

There are some regression red flags in his batted-ball data, but he has earned a shot at the team's everyday shortstop job in 2025 and beyond, and could show up behind Jackson Merrill and Paul Skenes on more than a few NL Rookie of the Year ballots.

Seattle Mariners: OF Victor Robles

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.9

Actual WAR: 2.3

Once upon a time, Victor Robles had as much hype as any prospect in baseball.

"From his athleticism to his immense physical tools and his baseball savvy, Robles has the makings of becoming a true franchise player for the Nationals, one who has the upside of a perennial All-Star and possibly an MVP candidate," wrote MLB.com prior to the 2018 season.

He had a 4.4-WAR season as a rookie in 2019 while helping the Washington Nationals win a World Series title, but in the four years that followed he logged a 73 OPS+ and 1.3 WAR over 327 games.

After a slow start to the 2024 season, the Nationals finally decided to cut ties, and he was released on June 1. A few days later, he signed with the Seattle Mariners, and he has enjoyed a quiet career renaissance.

In 63 games since joining the Mariners, he is hitting .313/.382/.456 with 18 extra-base hits, 20 steals and 2.3 WAR, and he was rewarded with a new two-year, $9.75 million extension in August.

St. Louis Cardinals: OF Michael Siani

Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.0

Actual WAR: 1.2

Seemingly overnight, the St. Louis Cardinals went from having an outfield logjam to not knowing who was going to man center field.

With Tommy Edman missing significant time to injury and top prospect Victor Scott II struggling offensively to start the year, Michael Siani got an extended look, and the 2023 waiver claim has made his case for a regular role in 2025.

The 25-year-old is hitting a modest .246/.286/.308 with 10 extra-base hits and 17 steals in 287 plate appearances, but he has been fantastic defensively, posting elite metrics (8 DRS, 16.8 UZR/150) to help drive his overall value.

Tampa Bay Rays: RP Edwin Uceta

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Projected WAR: 0.0

Actual WAR: 1.4

Right-hander Edwin Uceta made three appearances on the Los Angeles Dodgers top prospect list, but he never climbed any higher than No. 17 in those rankings, and he struggled in his MLB debut in 2021 with a 6.64 ERA in 20.1 innings.

From there, he bounced around the waiver wire for the next couple years, making stops with the D-backs, Tigers, Pirates, Mets and Cubs before finally landing with the Rays on a minor league deal in December.

The 26-year-old has been lights out since the All-Star break, pitching his way into a late-inning role while posting a 1.49 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and a 51-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 36.1 innings while tallying two saves and five holds in 25 appearances.

With Pete Fairbanks looking like a potential offseason trade candidate, Uceta could open 2025 in the closer's role.

Texas Rangers: IF Josh Smith

Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.3

Actual WAR: 3.2

The Texas Rangers acquired Josh Smith in the 2021 deadline deal that sent Joey Gallo to the New York Yankees, and he was essentially a non-factor on last year's World Series winning team.

He hit .185/.304/.328 with 15 extra-base hits in 232 plate appearances, and was a 0.9 WAR player largely on the strength of his valuable defensive versatility.

An injury to Josh Jung opened the door for him to see regular playing time at third base early in the year, and he has responded with a breakout season offensively.

The 27-year-old is hitting .265/.350/.407 for a 117 OPS+ with 27 doubles, 12 home runs, 56 RBI and 59 runs scored in a career-high 525 plate appearances.

Toronto Blue Jays: IF Spencer Horwitz

Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.1

Actual WAR: 1.9

Who would have guessed Spencer Horwitz and Ernie Clement would be two of the most productive players on the Toronto Blue Jays roster?

This seems like another prime candidate for a side-by-side comparison of their preseason projections and actual stats to date, so here's how they were predicted to perform:

Here is how they have actually performed:

If the Blue Jays decide to lean into a full-scale retooling during the offseason, they could factor into the club's 2025 plans in a major way.

Washington Nationals: OF Jacob Young

Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Projected WAR: 0.1

Actual WAR: 2.8

Last season, Brenton Doyle provided limited offensive production for the Colorado Rockies, but held onto an everyday job thanks to his elite defense en route to winning NL Gold Glove honors.

This year, Jacob Young might follow a similar path.

The 25-year-old rookie is hitting .255/.315/.336 for an 87 OPS+ with 27 extra-base hits and 31 steals in 134 games, but he is tied for the team lead with 2.8 WAR thanks to his elite defensive metrics (14 DRS, 9.3 UZR/150) in center field.

Rookie pitcher Mitchell Parker also deserves a mention, as he has produced 2.2 WAR on a 0.2 WAR projection and looks like a potential long-term piece in the rotation.

   

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