Top 5 Candidates to Enjoy Breakout Seasons for the Cubs in 2015

Although the Chicago Cubs were shut out by the St. Louis Cardinals on Opening Night, the optimism of the Cubs faithful wasn't dampened by the lack of offense by their team.

Though the Cubs played poorly Sunday, fans are certain that the good times are yet to come. The Cubs have a wealth of talented prospects at the major league and Triple-A level who they hope will soon make a significant impact on the club.

While some players such as Kris Bryant are yet to make their major league debuts, others like Javier Baez have struggled in their time in the majors. Either way, there are numerous players who will have the opportunity to enjoy a breakout season in 2015.

Here are the top candidates to enjoy such a year.

Jorge Soler, OF

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Although Jorge Soler did earn some playing time in 24 games in the majors last season, he is still classified as a rookie for 2015.

Soler hit an impressive .292 with five home runs in 2014. He's already being proclaimed as a highly touted fantasy pick, largely thanks to his pure power. However, he also has decent speed and a cannon for an arm. Some even think he may be a solid choice for NL Rookie of the Year in 2015.

Although Soler went 0-for-4 in the Cubs' only game this season, he showed off that his power is still quite present. During batting practice prior to Sunday's season opener, Soler launched a home run off of the new Jumbotron in Wrigley Field's left field stands.

Mike Olt, 3B/OF

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Soler wasn't the only one to give the Wrigley Field Jumbotron a bit of a harsh greeting. Mike Olt took a few pieces out of it, too.

Olt has struggled in his brief time in the majors, something that could quite possibly be attributed to his well-documented struggles with his vision and other injuries. While he is yet to reach a full season of big league experience, his average is a dismal .156 in 106 games.

The 26-year-old is quite overdue for success. At one time, he was even ranked as one of the top prospects in baseball.

The Cubs have already said that Olt may get some time in the outfield, especially once the mega-prospect Bryant arrives at the big league level.

Kyle Hendricks, SP

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Kyle Hendricks also earned some major league playing time last season. In 80.1 innings pitched, Hendricks allowed 72 hits and posted a solid 2.46 ERA.

He returns in 2015 at fifth in the rotation and has the potential to be a very reliable starter. In fact, Hendricks has been turning many heads during his quick ascent through the minors after being drafted in the ninth round of the 2011 Draft.

Don't let the No. 5 spot in the rotation fool you; Hendricks could have a very impressive year in 2015.

Javier Baez, SS/2B

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Despite the fact that Baez will begin the season in the minors, Baez has an opportunity to drastically turn his game around in 2015. He struggled in his 52 major league games last season, hitting just .169. However, when he did make contact, Baez was a major factor. Of his 36 major league hits, nine of them were home runs.

It's possible that Baez will spend a significant amount of time in the minors this season as a result of his lack of plate patience, but even an impressive showing in Triple-A could be a huge step forward for Baez. Ideally, he turns his game around quickly and consistently so that he will have another shot in the majors for much of 2015.

The best-case scenario would be that Baez plays well right off the bat in Triple-A and shows that he has changed his approach at the plate. If that happens in the first few months of the season, the Cubs would likely give him an opportunity to be the star that he is hoped to be in Chicago.

Kris Bryant, 3B/OF

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No surprise here.

Kris Bryant will be more like Christmas Bryant when he arrives at Wrigley Field in the near future. Bryant began the season in Triple-A Iowa to prevent him from earning a year of big league service against his contract in 2015, but it won't be long before he arrives on the North Side.

Bryant's potential seems limitless, and that's exactly what Cubs fans are hoping for. He slugged nine home runs in spring training this year while posting a ridiculous .425/.477/1.175 slash line.

Cubs fans might want to snatch up their tickets for April 17, which is the earliest that Bryant can be called up without gaining a year of service.