Top 5 Underrated Pitchers to Invest in for Your MLB The Show 23 Diamond Dynasty Team

UPDATE: This post has gone out of date. MLB the Show 24 releases on March 19th visit our blog page for up to date info

With MLB the Show 23 release date just around the corner on Xbox, Playstation, and Nintendo Switch, it's the perfect time to explore some underrated pitchers based on their 2022 stats for your Diamond Dynasty team. As a passionate player, Live Series card investing is my go-to for earning Stubs fast. I love buying undervalued players and selling them in bulk as their performance improves throughout the MLB season. Check out my top 5 Diamond Dynasty targets for the 2023 MLB Game season.

Identifying players like Paul Goldschmidt, Sandy Alcantara, and Aaron Judge as Live Series Card investment candidates can lead to great profits in MLB The Show. These players had standout performances in 2022 and their continued improvement over the season resulted in significant increases in their Live Series Card values. By investing early in these players, you could have earned substantial Stubs by selling their cards at the right time as their values skyrocketed. As you plan your Diamond Dynasty team for the upcoming season, consider Live Series Card investments as a key strategy for success.

5. Kyle Wright (ATL)

Kyle Wright's success last year can be credited to his curveball thrown rate, which was thrown 34% of the time in 2022 compared to 14% in 2021, making it an outlier pitch for him. His curveball is in the 20th percentile for spin, making it a crucial part of his arsenal. Currently a 64 overall, Wright is an underrated pitcher to invest in and his 20+ win season was an outlier but his performance can still be very strong. As the third man out behind Max Fried and Spencer Strider, the Braves are looking like the staff from the 90s that included Glavine, Smoltz, and Maddux. With the Braves likely to win ballgames, Wright has the potential to become a valuable player in the future.

4. Patrick Sandoval (LAA)

Patrick Sandoval may not have received much attention in 2022, overshadowed by the impressive performance of Shohei Ohtani and a losing record despite his solid stats. However, Sandoval is a promising pitcher to invest in for the upcoming MLB season. He threw for 149 innings with a 2.98 ERA and 3.09 FIP in 2022, and he found his footing in the World Baseball Classic, showcasing his dominant form. Sandoval's Live Series card starts as a bronze with a 67 overall rating, but with his impressive numbers, he has the potential to increase his rating and become a budget-friendly investment for those looking to make a solid flip.

3. Cal Quantrill (CLE)

Quantrill is a pitcher investor should have on their radar for Live Series Card investments in MLB The Show. During the last three months of the 2022 season, he was untouchable and played a pivotal role in Cleveland's deep playoff run, finishing with a perfect 9-0 record and a 2.94 ERA, along with 65 strikeouts to 17 walks. Quantrill was in the top 25% in chase rate and walk percentage last year, proving himself to be a reliable and efficient pitcher. With the Guardians potentially primed for another playoff run in the AL Central, investing in Quantrill could lead to significant profits as his value increases throughout the upcoming season.

2. Merril Kelly (ARI)

Merrill Kelly is an underrated pitcher in MLB The Show that investors should consider for Live Series Card investments. He started the championship game for Team USA in The World Baseball Classic, showcasing his talent on a global stage. With 200 innings pitched and a 3.3 WAR in Arizona, Kelly has proven to be a valuable asset to his team, especially considering his strong performances in both the first and second halves of the season. Currently rated as a high silver at 77, investing in Kelly could lead to significant profits as his value increases throughout the upcoming MLB season.

Cristian Javier (HOU):

Had 11 starts of 6+ innings and demonstrated 2-pitch dominance in the latter part of last season. His current rating is 73 and has the potential to reach 83+.

Pete Fairbanks (TBR):

After a short season, Fairbanks is coming back from injury and just signed a big extension deal. He will be used as the everyday closer and produced an 89% Left on Base percentage, which is a necessity for a closer. His current rating is 72 and has the potential to reach 80+.

Edward Cabrera (MIA):

Cabrera does not get hit hard, ranking in the top 10% for Average batted ball exit velocity and hard hit percentage. Bad contact is king with Cabrera, and hopefully, his proximity to Alcantara rubs off on him. His current rating is 62 and has the potential to reach 78+.

1. Zac Gallen (ARI)

Zac Gallen is a pitcher in MLB The Show 23 that investors should keep an eye on this season. In 2022, he boasted impressive stats and pitching metrics, with a 3 FIP and 4.3 WAR, indicating his value to a team's success. After the All-Star break, he continued his strong performance, posting a 0.74 WHIP, 8-2 record, and 103 strikeouts to 19 walks. Compared to other pitchers in the game, Gallen's numbers place him among the elite. However, his current overall rating of 79 underrates his potential, meaning his value in the game is currently low. If Gallen can maintain his performance from last season, his rating could easily settle in the low 90s. With a quick sell value of only 150 stubs, investing in Gallen could result in a significant profit as his value increases. (Note, Gallen earned the Opening Day Start)

UPDATE: My rating for Gallen was out of Date when I wrote this article. He is rated as a 83 which makes the most sense for how he performed at year end. For honesty I am leaving this up. We will see how it pans out at the All Star Break.

In conclusion, these five underrated pitchers, including Merrill Kelly, Cal Quantrill, Patrick Sandoval, Kyle Wright, and the honorable mentions, have the potential for future profit in MLB The Show 23. Investing in these players could give you a competitive edge in the game, as their true potential may be overlooked by other players. Keep an eye on their performances throughout the season, and you might just come out on top.

FAQ’s

1. What is the MLB The Show franchise?

The MLB The Show franchise is a series of baseball simulation video games developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment San Diego Studio. The game features current and former Major League Baseball teams and players, allowing gamers to build their own team and compete in various game modes.

2. Why are these pitchers considered underrated?

These pitchers are considered underrated because they may not have the same level of recognition as some of the more high-profile players in the game, but their performance metrics indicate that they have the potential to be valuable assets on any team.

3. How can investing in underrated pitchers give me an advantage in the game?

Investing in underrated pitchers can give you an advantage in the game by allowing you to acquire valuable players at a lower cost, and potentially earn a higher return on investment if their performance improves over time.

4. Will Live Series cards overall rating change based on real life performance?

Yes, Live Series cards overall rating will change based on real life performance. This means that if a player has a strong performance in real life, their in-game rating will likely improve as well.

5. What other metrics should I consider when investing in pitchers in MLB The Show 23?

In addition to ERA and FIP, other metrics to consider when investing in pitchers include strikeout rates, walk rates, ground ball rates, and pitch velocity. These metrics can give you a better understanding of a pitcher's overall performance and potential for success.

The statistical information presented in this article was gathered from reputable sources such as Baseballsavant.com, Fangraphs.com, and Baseball-reference.com. These sites offer comprehensive data on various aspects of the game and are trusted by baseball enthusiasts and analysts alike.

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