Christian Yelich, J.T. Realmuto named to 2017 All-Underrated Team

If Christian Yelich and J.T. Realmuto perform this upcoming season the way they did the last, it won’t take long for either to be recognized nationally.

Yelich is a Gold Glove winner, and Realmuto has handled a young and ever-changing Marlins pitching staff well. Because the Marlins, with last season proving to be an exception, haven’t been consistent, neither Yelich nor Realmuto received much attention. As a result, both were named to Sports On Earth’s 2017 All-Underrated Team.

The case for Yelich is notable because he plays in an outfield with Giancarlo Stanton, who is recognized on a national scale and is widely considered one of the best young power hitters in baseball. But even so, Yelich has been a constant and is coming off of a 2016 campaign during which he hit .298/.376/.483 with 21 home runs and 98 RBIs.

Yelich has proven to be a versatile piece with the Marlins, at times being used in the leadoff spot and in other instances batting third or fourth. Regardless, he is a part of the core the Marlins speak highly of and there are clear reasons why.

Realmuto’s situation is about the same, though his production could be more evident if he receives more playing time at first base in 2017, which seems like a possibility. He hit .303/.343/.428 with 11 home runs and 48 RBIs last season.

In Miami, it seems Yelich and Realmuto’s performances are becoming noticed. If both produce next season, it’s unlikely they appear on the 2018 All-Underrated team.