Five Underrated Players Across MLB in 2025<\/h2>\nVinnie Pasquantino \u2014 1B, Kansas City Royals<\/strong><\/h3>\nVinnie Pasquantino<\/a> did not generate many national headlines in 2025, but his numbers paint the picture of an elite, middle-of-the-order presence. He produced one of the more complete offensive seasons in the league, highlighted by a staggering 13 sacrifice flies, the most by any player since 2016. Despite battling an early-season injury, he still mashed 15 homers, 14 doubles, and 56 RBI before the All-Star break, finishing the season with 32 homers, 113 RBI, a .264 batting average, and only striking out 107 times. The man puts the ball in play. He will continue to be a key piece for these rising Kansas City Royals.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/USATSI_26526031_168400885_lowres-300x200.jpg\")
Jun 24, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) singles in a run in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHunter Brown \u2014 SP, Houston Astros<\/strong><\/h3>\nWhile the Astros have long been defined by their star power, Hunter Brown<\/a> emerged in 2025 as one of the club\u2019s most valuable arms<\/a>\u2014and perhaps one of the league\u2019s most overlooked. Brown delivered a true breakout, finishing with a career-best ERA of 2.43 and 206 strikeouts, numbers that placed him among the American League\u2019s most efficient and dominant starters. Even though he put up remarkable numbers, due to the best southpaws in baseball claiming first and second place, Brown’s outstanding season garnered him a third-place finish on the AL Cy Young Award ballot.<\/p>\nBrown\u2019s ability to limit walks, induce soft contact, and generate swings-and-misses translated into elite peripherals, including a low WHIP (1.025) and strong FIP (3.14) that validated his performance beyond surface stats. His composure under pressure stood out, too, particularly for a young starter navigating deep playoff pushes. Though he earned his first All-Star appearance, Brown\u2019s season deserved even more acclaim. If 2025 is a sign of what\u2019s ahead, the Astros may have found their next long-term rotation anchor.<\/p>\n
Maikel Garcia \u2014 3B, Kansas City Royals<\/strong><\/h3>\nIn a league bursting with superstar third basemen, Maikel Garcia<\/a> quietly put together the best season of his career\u2014one that would have drawn far more praise in a larger market. Garcia slashed .289\/.353\/.457, showcasing a balanced offensive profile built on improved discipline, quick hands, and an uptick in power bat at 3rd and multiple other positions throughout the diamond for Kansas City. He has yet to catch…yet.<\/p>\n\nGold for Garcia!<\/p>\n
Maikel Garcia brings home his first Gold Glove Award! pic.twitter.com\/3sskjxgEue<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 Kansas City Royals (@Royals) November 3, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Vinnie Pasquantino<\/a> did not generate many national headlines in 2025, but his numbers paint the picture of an elite, middle-of-the-order presence. He produced one of the more complete offensive seasons in the league, highlighted by a staggering 13 sacrifice flies, the most by any player since 2016. Despite battling an early-season injury, he still mashed 15 homers, 14 doubles, and 56 RBI before the All-Star break, finishing the season with 32 homers, 113 RBI, a .264 batting average, and only striking out 107 times. The man puts the ball in play. He will continue to be a key piece for these rising Kansas City Royals.<\/p>\n While the Astros have long been defined by their star power, Hunter Brown<\/a> emerged in 2025 as one of the club\u2019s most valuable arms<\/a>\u2014and perhaps one of the league\u2019s most overlooked. Brown delivered a true breakout, finishing with a career-best ERA of 2.43 and 206 strikeouts, numbers that placed him among the American League\u2019s most efficient and dominant starters. Even though he put up remarkable numbers, due to the best southpaws in baseball claiming first and second place, Brown’s outstanding season garnered him a third-place finish on the AL Cy Young Award ballot.<\/p>\n Brown\u2019s ability to limit walks, induce soft contact, and generate swings-and-misses translated into elite peripherals, including a low WHIP (1.025) and strong FIP (3.14) that validated his performance beyond surface stats. His composure under pressure stood out, too, particularly for a young starter navigating deep playoff pushes. Though he earned his first All-Star appearance, Brown\u2019s season deserved even more acclaim. If 2025 is a sign of what\u2019s ahead, the Astros may have found their next long-term rotation anchor.<\/p>\n In a league bursting with superstar third basemen, Maikel Garcia<\/a> quietly put together the best season of his career\u2014one that would have drawn far more praise in a larger market. Garcia slashed .289\/.353\/.457, showcasing a balanced offensive profile built on improved discipline, quick hands, and an uptick in power bat at 3rd and multiple other positions throughout the diamond for Kansas City. He has yet to catch…yet.<\/p>\n Gold for Garcia!<\/p>\n Maikel Garcia brings home his first Gold Glove Award! pic.twitter.com\/3sskjxgEue<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Kansas City Royals (@Royals) November 3, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nHunter Brown \u2014 SP, Houston Astros<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Maikel Garcia \u2014 3B, Kansas City Royals<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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