Under-the-radar players who should be All-Stars

Bieber showed flashes in his rookie debut last season, but he's taken his performance to another level this season. Bieber ranks fifth among all starters with 11.53 K/9 and surprisingly leads all Indians starters with a 2.0 WAR, tied for 25th in MLB. While Bieber's ERA is 3.86, his peripherals suggest a better second half ahead.

Boyd has been one of the few reasons to watch the Tigers this season. The lefty ranks fifth among starting pitchers with a 3.0 WAR, fanning 11.22 K/9 and posting a 3.61 ERA in 94.2 innings.

DeJong has been one of the elite shortstops in the league this season, flashing both at the plate and in the field. He has a 3.1 WAR, eighth best at the position, while hitting .264-13-35 with 52 runs scored for the Cardinals.

While Jordan Hicks garners most of the headlines in the Cardinals bullpen with a fastball that reaches 104 mph, Gant has been the team's most effective reliever. He has a 2.40 ERA and seven vulture wins over 41.1 innings, proving himself to be a workhorse.

Many forgot about Giles after he was traded from Houston and Toronto last season, but he's been spectacular early this year. The hard-throwing closer has a 1.33 ERA, 12 saves and an incredible 15.67 K/9 for the season.

Grandal settled for a one-year contract in the offseason and has been quite the bargain for Milwaukee. The former L.A. Dodger leads all catchers with a 2.2 WAR and is hitting .274-17-45 with a .928 OPS.

Oakland entered the year with a deep bullpen, but Hendriks has been its most effective reliever. The veteran has a 1.49 ERA, fourth best in the league, along with 10.6 K/9. He's serving as a fill-in at closer after Blake Treinen was placed on the IL.

Serving mostly as Minnesota's leadoff hitter, Kepler has been terrific this season. He already has a career-high 19 home runs, and his 2.7 WAR ranks seventh among all outfielders.

Primarily a bench player before this season, La Stella has found new life with the Angels. He's hitting .297-15-43 while playing multiple positions and has a strong .848 OPS.

Where would the Yankees be without LeMahieu? Signed as an afterthought in the offseason after several productive years in Colorado, the former batting title holder is having perhaps his best year yet. Getting plenty of playing time at second and third base, he's hitting .331-10-51 with 56 runs scored and an .858 OPS. His 3.3 WAR ranks among the leaders for second basemen.

Ranking seventh among MLB starting pitchers with a 2.7 WAR through 16 starts, Lynn has probably surprised even the Rangers. He signed a three-year deal in the offseason and is off to a nice start after tinkering with his repertoire, with a 9.72 K/9 in 100 innings. His 3.07 FIP shows likely improvement forthcoming for his 4.32 ERA.

Marte has shared time between second base and center field this season, and he's been one of the top hitters in the league. He's hitting .312-20-51 with a .946 OPS. His 3.6 WAR is seventh among all hitters.

It didn't look like McNeil had a place to play entering spring training, but now there's no telling where the Mets would be without him. He's appeared at four different positions this season, ranking third in the NL with a .339 batting average while also posting an .891 OPS.

Minor has emerged as an ace for Texas this season, as the lefty has a 2.52 ERA in 16 starts over 103.2 innings. His 5.2 WAR is first in MLB among starting pitchers, as he's been lights out despite his home hitter's park in Arlington.

Morton looks like another bargain addition by the Rays, who signed him as a free agent this offseason. The veteran right-hander has a minuscule 2.31 ERA in 93.2 innings with a dominant 10.86 K/9. Morton isn't getting much attention on a good Tampa Bay squad.

Muncy is proving that last season's breakout in the majors wasn't a fluke. The infielder is hitting an impressive .280-17-49 with a 3.1 WAR that ranks third among first basemen.

It's been a breakout year for both Odorizzi and the Twins. The right-hander has a 2.58 ERA over 80.1 innings, and ranks 21st among starting pitchers with a 2.3 WAR.

Tampa Bay's bullpen has been one of the biggest keys to its success, and Pagan has pitched spectacularly. His 1.23 ERA is sixth best in MLB, and he also has a 11.05 K/9 in 29.1 innings.

Pham was acquired from St. Louis for pennies on the dollar last year, and he's done nothing but hit since joining Tampa Bay. Over his first 110 games with the Rays, Pham is hitting .311-18-55 with a .943 OPS. Just this year, the 31-year-old has an .875 OPS, and his 2.8 WAR ranks in the top 10 among all outfielders.

Polanco's 2018 season was cut in half by a PEDs suspension last year, but he's making up for lost time this year. He's hitting .326-11-38 with 48 runs scores and ranks tied for fourth among shortstops with a 3.8 WAR. Polanco currently is second in the AL in batting average.

Roark was an under-the-radar offseason addition who's paying big dividends for the Reds. The former Washington National has a 3.47 ERA despite pitching in a major hitter's park in Cincy, and has fanned more than one batter per inning. His 1.9 WAR ranks tied for 25th among starting pitchers.

Santana is finding comfort after getting traded back to Cleveland this offseason. He ranks fourth among all first basemen with a 2.8 WAR, hitting .291/.413/.538 with more walks than strikeouts and 17 home runs.

Serving mostly in the leadoff  spot for Oakland, Semien has been terrific this season. He's hitting .276-10-39 with 52 runs scored, and his 3.5 WAR is one of the best among all shortstops.

Matthew Boyd hasn't been the only notable starting pitcher in Detroit. Turnbull has been brilliant with a 3.29 ERA in 87.2 innings over 16 starts. While his ERA metrics suggest some regression possible in the second half, Turnbull is off to an excellent start.

Seattle has shown a surprising offense this season, and Vogelbach has been a big reason. The big DH/first baseman is having a breakout year, hitting .251/.388/.523 with 18 home runs in 73 games.