Each year there is a breakout player that stands out the most. Here are the top breakout MLB players for the 2017 season.
Top Breakout MLB Players at Each Position
Catcher: Tom Murphy, Colorado Rockies
Murphy appeared in 21 games with the Rockies last season. He hit to an average of .273 with 5 home runs and 13 RBI’s. He is known as more of a power hitter and is trying to become more consistent at the plate. The rookie is expected to share catching duties with Tony Wolters, but should eventually take the full-time starting job.
First Base: Greg Bird, New York Yankees
Bird was hurt early last year, and missed the whole entire season. In 2015, he appeared in 46 games with the Yankees and showed some positive things. He hit to an average of .261 with 11 home runs and 31 RBI’s. Bird has a sweet left handed swing and should live in that short porch in right at Yankee Stadium.
Second Base: Yoan Moncada, Chicago White Sox
Moncada was traded to the White Sox in the Chris Sale deal this offseason. He is the #3 overall prospect in all of baseball. In his minor league career, he is a .283 hitter with 27 home runs, 62 doubles, 115 stolen bases, and 129 RBI’s. Despite a poor showing in his first big league experience, Moncada should have a big season with the White Sox.
Third Base: Ryon Healy, Oakland Athletics
Healy was the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing 2016 season for Oakland. He was very impressive in his big league debut. In 72 games with the A’s, he hit to an average of .305 with 13 home runs and 37 RBI’s.
Shortstop: Dansby Swanson, Atlanta Braves
First of all, Dansby Swanson has the best name in baseball. The kid is an absolute stud. Appearing in 38 games in Atlanta, he hit to an average of .302 with 7 doubles, 3 home runs, and 17 RBI’s. Swanson has the potential to win NL Rookie of the Year.
Left Field: Andrew Benintendi, Boston Red Sox
Benintendi is the top prospect in all of baseball. He played 34 games for the Red Sox last season and hit to an average of .295 with 11 doubles, 2 home runs, and 14 RBI’s. He has the ability to hit around the .300 mark and pile up the extra-base hits. As a lefty, with that short porch in right at Fenway, “Benny” could put up 20+ home runs/season.
Center Field: Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins
Buxton was one of the top prospects in the Twins system. He hasn’t broke through yet, but this may be the year. In 138 games over tow seasons, Buxton has an average of .220 with 12 home runs, 26 doubles, 7 triples, 12 stolen bases, and 44 RBI’s. With Buxton’s speed, he has some real breakout potential.
Right Field: Hunter Renfroe, San Diego Padres
Renfroe appeared in only 11 MLB games last season. As a late September call-up, he hit .371 with 4 home runs and 14 RBI’s. Renfroe is one of the Padres top prospects, and should produce this season at the big league level.
Starting Pitcher: Lance McCullers Jr., Houston Astros
Lance McCullers has been an average pitcher for the Astros for two years now. He has a record of 12-12 with a 3.22 ERA and 235 strikeouts in 206.2 innings. This will be the year that McCullers and the Astros breakout.
Closer: Tyler Thornburg, Milwaukee Brewers
Thornburg was the Brewers closer last season. He recorded 13 saves in 23 opportunities, and had a 2.15 ERA in 67 innings. He struck out 90 batters in those 67 innings. Despite what may be a poor season for the Brewers, Thornburg should be a bright spot.
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