MLB: Unveiling the All-Underrated team of the decade
2010s MLB All-Underrated Team
Right Field: Nick Markakis
Stats for the decade: .284/.354/.405, 111 HRs, 735 runs, 14.9 WAR
Right field is a position defined by power in the 2010s. Players like Giancarlo Stanton, Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper, and Jose Bautista embodied the explosion of offensive productivity at this position. Thus, there were plenty of great players that slipped through the cracks of the public eye.
Because of the surplus of talent in right field throughout the decade, it was a difficult call, as there were many underrated players who could be deserving of a spot on this squad. One popular choice here is Josh Reddick. The 32-year-old has been consistently underrated throughout his career, despite excellent play for some good teams. He has been a valuable asset to the Astros throughout their years of dominance but enjoyed his best year on the Athletics in 2012. He broke out for 32 home runs and won a gold glove in right field. However, while he has been a useful asset to good teams, he has never replicated his excellence that year.
Thus, consistency is key when crowning the most underrated right fielder of the 2010s. That is why Nick Markakis deserves the nod over the rest of the candidates. Markakis has been remarkably durable and consistent throughout his career and is still playing at a high level at 35. Since 2010, he has played over 155 games eight times. His 1,491 total games and 6,520 at-bats are second to none by a wide margin over that same timespan.
Furthermore, he has been one of the best contact hitters in the entire league this decade. His 12.5 strikeout rate is the lowest among active right fielders. He has quietly amassed 2,355 career hits, and he does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Lastly, he has been one of the best defenders of the decade as well. Since 2011, he has taken home three gold glove awards in right field.
Markakis seems content with letting others take the spotlight. The baseball community came together to reward Markakis with his underrated play in 2018 by granting him his first all-star game appearance. Markakis has perhaps built the quietest hall of fame case of any player in recent history, and a few more productive years could grant him legitimate consideration.