Five Young MLB Players Poised to Have Breakout Seasons

As one of the most competitive and difficult sports to master, many baseball players take years to actually reach their peak playing days.  With pitchers improving each year, hitters are forced to constantly make adjustments to their swing, and really their overall approach to the game.  The same goes for pitchers – hitters are learning that power isn’t the only way to score runs, and have taken advantage by increasing walks and often times, a pitcher doesn’t figure things out until he’s been in the league for a few seasons.  Alex Speier of the Boston Globe brilliantly outlined that a player’s prime age begins at 26, and ends around 32. With the dearth of able hitters, teams have started calling up prospects well before their prime age in hopes of providing a spark to their season.  Sometimes these players pan out, and other times, well, they may take a few seasons to live up to their potential.  With that in mind, here are five young players poised to have breakout seasons.

5. Trevor Bauer

Trevor Bauer seems to have figured things out, and should establish himself as one of the better pitchers in the American League in 2015.

Once a highly touted flamethrower for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Trevor Bauer was dealt in a three-team trade to the Indians in exchange for now Yankees heir to Jeter, Didi Gregorius, Red Sox legend Lars Anderson, and Tony Sipp.  Bauer struggled with the tribe in 2013 to the tune of a 5.29 ERA, and was quickly sent back to Triple-A.  In 2014, he fared much better (4.18 ERA in 26 starts) – but still hasn’t reached his massive potential.  At the ripe age of 24, Bauer has all the tools to put together a strong season – and establish himself as a solid pitcher for the Indians behind reigning Cy Young winner Corey Kluber.

4. Travis d’Arnaud

With a season under his belt, Mets catcher Travis d’Arnaud looks ready to take the step to stardom in 2015.

Mets catcher Travis d’Arnaud grew up idolizing Mets legend Mike Piazza.  If d’Arnaud can become half the player Piazza was, he’ll establish himself as one of the top catchers in the game.  After struggling early in 2014, d’Arnaud figured things out at the plate, and finished the season with a .242/.302/.416 slash line – while this doesn’t look that impressive, it’s a massive improvement from the first half, where he struggled to hit .200.  Now leading what looks to be a dominant Mets pitching staff, d’Arnaud has the supporting pieces to become a star.  Entering his age 26 season, d’Arnaud has the tools, and team, to establish himself as one of the best catchers in baseball.

3. Brett Lawrie

Brett Lawrie can be the anchor of the Athletics lineup if he manages to stay healthy.

Talent has never been the issue for former Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie.  In 2012, his rookie season, he managed a .729 OPS while hitting 11 home runs and stealing 13 bases.  The following season he was limited to 105 games, in which he hit .254, and in 2014, Lawrie was limited to 70 games.  Now with a new team, and a lineup devoid of star power, Lawrie will be depended on as a reliable source of runs and power for the A’s.  If he can stay healthy, expect Lawrie to have a monster season in Oakland.  Even if he doesn’t hit as expected, fans can enjoy watching him make plays like these.

2. Mookie Betts

Mookie Betts looks to build upon his successful stint in the majors in 2014, with an even bigger season this year.

After already somewhat establishing himself as a quality major league player, Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts has the chance to truly establish himself as a star.  Betts torched up the minor leagues last season, and after struggling early on in the majors, he finished the season with a slash line of .291/.368/.444.  Originally thought to be the starting right fielder, manager John Farrell has said veteran Shane Victorino will start if healthy.  Hold the pitchforks, though, as Betts is simply too talented to not play for the Red Sox on an everyday basis in 2015.  Betts has a solid opportunity to beat out Rusney Castillo for the starting center field job if Castillo struggles in Spring Training.  Plus, in December Farrell said Betts is the strongest candidate to hit leadoff.  Betts has the tools, and personality, to become the face of the Red Sox for years to come.  Even if he doesn’t start the season in right field, it looks like he’s pretty comfortable in center.

1. Xander Bogaerts

Despite a long drought, Xander Bogaerts showed the world why he deserved the hype.

It’s a Red Sox party!  The Sox have such a glut of talented young players that it’s hard to not include all of them.  Bogaerts came into last season hyped as the next great Red Sox shortstop, and while he didn’t quite live up to those lofty comparisons – he showed flashes of brilliance.  Bogaerts struggled after being moved to third base – but in his time at shortstop at the beginning and end of the season, Bogaerts showed what the hype was about.  Now the full-time shortstop once again, Bogaerts is surrounded by a strong lineup in which he can thrive.  Expect big things from the young star this season.

Baseball is a long, often grueling season filled with many ups and downs, but these young players should provide enough excitement to keep fans watching all season long.