On Monday, The Athletic released the 2024 MLB player poll to the public. Writers spent two months interviewing more than 100 players across 18 teams with the goal of answering 12 questions relating to their fellow players and the organizations that comprise Major League Baseball.
Most of the questions were harmless in nature, asking players which organizations they would play for or what player they would want on their team. while there were some that clearly were aimed at striking a chord amongst those interviewed.
One question in particular, while simple, was certain to cause a ripple effect amongst players and fans. The players polled were asked ‘Who Is The Most Overrated Player In Baseball?’.
It appears that MLBbro.com is doing what it was intended to do. It’s blowing up the Black and brown talent in the game and putting a spotlight on them. It appears to be a spotlight that some players don’t like.
Jazz Chisholm Jr – 20.3%
Three of the top five players to make the list were MLBbros, and Jazz received the most votes from the 59 players that chose to answer the question. According to the Athletic, most players declined to go into detail, but one player did ask (obviously being sarcastic) “How did he get the cover of MLB The Show?”
Indeed, the league has made every attempt to push Chisholm as a fresh, young face in America’s pastime. From his hair to his gloves, Jazz has been everywhere. Unfortunately, his production on the field has yet to match the hype he receives off it.
Chisholm’s marketability has never been in question, but as Miami continues to regress with him as a centerpiece Jazz will need to finally put it all together on the field for people to truly appreciate what he brings to the game.
Tim Anderson – 5%
Anderson gaining multiple votes seems like salt in the wound at this point. Once suggested as the next face of baseball after his “Field of Dream” game heroics, Tim Anderson’s drop off is one that still mystifies most baseball fans.
Anderson has gone from arguably the best contact hitter in the game to an automatic out, slashing .188/.221/.206 over 165 at bats this season before being placed on the bereavement list. TA has been open about how off the field issues have taken his focus away from the game he loves, but many thought Miami would be the fresh start he needed.
Now, we have to wonder if a Triple-A trip to recalibrate is in his future.
Jack Flaherty – 5%
Of all the bros to make this list, ‘Black’ Jack Flaherty is the most surprising. Two injury plagued seasons left many wondering gif Flaherty would ever live up to the potential his pitching arsenal gave him. Despite pitching over 100 innings for the first time since 2019 last season, Jack struggled to regain his 2019 form that saw him post a 2.75 ERA and 231 strikeouts.
As 2024 unfolds, it seems like Jack may be the only MLBbro to beat the overrated allegations. Despite a dip in fastball velocity Flaherty has sat hitters down at an elite level this season. In 72.2 innings pitched he has struck out 94 betters, a 33.5% K rate that ranks in the 94th percentile.
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