5 AL East Players Currently Flying Under The Radar
With the American League East being full of big names such as Aaron Judge or Rafael Devers, it is easy for some players to slip through the cracks and fly under the radar. In what has become arguably the most competitive division in baseball, it’s important to have players perform at a high level. These five players are having underrated seasons and are definitely players to keep an eye on going into the second half of the year.
5. Anthony Rizzo- New York Yankees 1B
Courtesy of Sam Navarro (USA TODAY Sports)
Aside from Aaron Judge, Anthony Rizzo has been the best player offensively in the Yankees’ lineup. Rizzo is currently batting .270 with 11 home runs and 37 runs batted in. This .270 batting average is a big improvement for last year as he only batted .224. Rizzo leads many offensive categories for New York. This slugging first baseman leads the team in batting average, hits, doubles, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage. Look for Anthony Rizzo to continue being a focal point in this team’s offense going into the second half of the season.
4. Erik Swanson- Toronto Blue Jays RP
Courtesy of Blue Jays Twitter (@BlueJays) (Getty Images)
With most of the focus being on the dynamic duo of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, Erik Swanson is quietly becoming one of the best bullpen arms for Toronto. Pitching 35 innings in 35 appearances, Swanson currently has a 2.57 ERA along with 42 strikeouts. His WHIP is currently under 1.00, sitting at 0.89. Look for Swanson to continue his great season as he is the perfect arm to set up Toronto’s star closer, Jordan Romano.
3. Austin Hays- Baltimore Orioles LF
Courtesy of Mitchell Layton (Getty Images)
Baltimore has one of the most complete lineups in the league so it’s no surprise that some players get overlooked from time to time. Austin Hays is having a phenomenal season for the Orioles with a batting average of .323, fourth best in the entire league. Hays currently has eight home runs, 31 runs batted in, and an on-base percentage of .362. He leads Baltimore in many offensive categories such as batting average, runs, hits, slugging percentage, and doubles. The young core in Baltimore has the potential to make some waves in the postseason this year, so don’t be surprised to see Hays at the forefront of Baltimore’s success.
2. Jarren Duran- Boston Red Sox CF
Courtesy of Mitchell Leff (Getty Images)
After spending the first two seasons of his young career bouncing back and forth between the Majors and Triple-A, Jarren Duran is having a breakout season for Boston. Duran has emerged as a key player in the Red Sox lineup this season. With a batting average of .300, 26 runs batted in, and an on-base percentage of .360, Duran looks to fill that final spot in Boston’s outfield alongside Alex Verdugo and Matsaka Yoshida. He is currently Boston’s stolen base leader with 11. Duran has also showcased his speed by hitting 21 doubles so far. In what could finish as the tightest division race in baseball, look of Jarren Duran to provide a spark in Boston’s lineup for the second half of the year.
Isaac Paredes- Tampa Bay Rays 3B
Courtesy of Douglas R. Clifford (Tampa Bay Times)
Being on what is currently the best team in baseball, Isaac Paredes and his outstanding season seem to be overlooked. With American League CY Young favorite Shane McClanahan and possible All-Star Game selections in Randy Arozarena, Yandy Diaz, and Wander Franco, Tampa Bay has a lot of star power. Paredes belongs with this list of guys who have allowed the Rays to amass the best record in the league. Isaac Paredes sits at 13 home runs and 49 runs batted in on the year, both good enough for second amongst the Rays. He has an on-base percentage of .366 and a slugging percentage of .495. Although he is not currently leading any offensive categories for Tampa Bay, his name can continuously be found towards the top of each list. If Isaac Paredes can continue putting up numbers at the plate, watch out for the Rays come October.
