MLB: Unveiling the All-Underrated team of the decade

2010s MLB All-Underrated Team

Shortstop: Elvis Andrus

Stats for the decade: .275/.331/.373, 810 runs, 281 2Bs, 296 SBs, 25.2 WAR

The 2010s saw a transformation at the shortstop position. Historically, shortstops were not known for their ability to drive in runs and hit the ball out of the park. However, players like Troy Tulowitzki, Francisco Lindor, and many others have changed that narrative. Now, the shortstop position is loaded with talented hitters and perennial MVP candidates.

However, there were still players who fit the traditional, defense-first mold in the 2010s. Andrelton Simmons is the first player that pops into everyone’s mind. Simmons has won four gold gloves at shortstop since 2013 and is widely considered one of the best infielder in the league. Because of this, it is hard to consider Simmons “underrated.”

Thus, another name rises to the top. That would be long-time Texas Ranger Elvis Andrus. Andrus epitomizes what it means to be underrated in the MLB. He spent most of his career as the sidekick to future Hall of Famer Adrian Beltre on the left side of the Rangers’ infield. He has never been remotely close to the type of hitter Beltre was, and thus has lived under his shadow.

However, Andrus was more important to the Rangers’ early decade success than most give him credit for. First, he has been remarkably steady and healthy throughout his career, and leads all shortstops in games played, plate appearances, runs scored, and stolen bases. That’s a lot of categories to lead in. As a result of his longevity, he has only played under 140 games one season in his career, and that was in 2018.

Furthermore, showed that he is capable of driving in runs during his breakout offensive campaign in 2017, where he bashed 20 home runs with 88 RBIs.

Still, at only 30 years old, Andrus has shown no signs of slowing down. In a Rangers organization that has experienced a lot of ups and downs in the 2010s, Andrus has been the one constant in their organization. He will look to lead the next generation into the 2020s, and hopefully help them raise up their first-ever World Series trophy. Maybe then will people stop underrated Elvis Andrus.