Every MLB Team's Biggest Breakout Prospect of 2016
The MLB playoff push is reaching a fever pitch, but the minor league playoffs are underway at most levels. As such, it's a good time to look at the breakout prospects of 2016.
Every team has a handful of elite prospects that casual fans know by name, but without fail there are always a handful of relatively unknown players in each system who push their way into the top-prospect conversation.
Whether they're from a talented player returning from injury, a promising prospect repeating a level with increased success or a low-level minor leaguer turning raw tools into on-field production, breakout performances come in all shapes and sizes.
So here's a look at each club's biggest breakout prospect of 2016, as well as a few honorable mentions also worth keeping an eye on.
Note: Preseason prospect rankings refer to the 2016 Baseball America Prospect Handbook.
Arizona Diamondbacks: LHP Anthony Banda
1 of 30
Acquired: 2014 trade, via Milwaukee Brewers
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 15 in ARI system
Stats
| 2015 | A+ | 27 | 8-8 | 3.32 | 1.246 | 39 | 152 | 151.2 | .260 |
| 2016 | AA/AAA | 26 | 10-6 | 2.88 | 1.320 | 55 | 152 | 150.0 | .249 |
Player Outlook
With Archie Bradley graduating the prospect ranks and Braden Shipley likely to do the same before the season ends, look for Anthony Banda to kick off 2017 as the Arizona Diamondbacks' top pitching prospect.
The club acquired the 23-year-old in the 2014 deadline deal that sent outfielder Gerardo Parra to the Milwaukee Brewers, and he's made significant strides since joining the Diamondbacks organization.
His stuff has ticked up and his overall command has improved greatly. Banda's success this season in the upper levels of the minors has brought him some well-deserved attention on the prospect scene.
A solid three-pitch mix and a sturdy 6'2", 190-pound frame should allow him to reach his ceiling as a No. 4 starter in the near future.
Other Breakout Prospects
- SS Jasrado Chisholm
- OF Mitch Haniger
- IF Dawel Lugo
- RHP Jimmie Sherfy
Atlanta Braves: RHP Mike Soroka
2 of 30Acquired: 2015 draft, first round (28th overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 9 in ATL system
Stats
| 2015 | Rk | 9 | 0-2 | 3.18 | 1.118 | 5 | 37 | 34.0 | .246 |
| 2016 | A | 24 | 9-9 | 3.02 | 1.133 | 32 | 125 | 143.0 | .244 |
Player Outlook
Despite going No. 28 overall in the 2015 draft, Mike Soroka was somewhat overshadowed in an Atlanta Braves organization loaded with high-ceiling prospects.
That's no longer the case.
Aggressively sent to the Single-A South Atlantic League where he was one of a handful of players in his age-18 season, Soroka more than held his own against older competition and displayed future workhorse potential.
"Ask a young pitcher what they want to accomplish in the big leagues, and they might mention All-Star appearances or Cy Young Awards," wrote MLB.com's Prospect Watch. "Soroka's answer is much more workmanlike: to throw 200 innings annually. He has the ingredients to make that happen."
His 143.0 innings were good for sixth in the league and constituted a huge workload for the Canadian.
While he may not be destined to front the Braves rotation, he's perhaps the safest bet of any of the team's top pitching prospects to emerge as a rotation staple.
Other Breakout Prospects
- OF Ronald Acuna (No. 26)
- RHP Max Povse
- RHP Patrick Weigel
Baltimore Orioles: LHP Brian Gonzalez
3 of 30Acquired: 2014 draft, third round (90th overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: NR in BAL system
Stats
| 2015 | A | 23 | 4-9 | 5.71 | 1.486 | 59 | 81 | 105.2 | .249 |
| 2016 | A | 27 | 10-8 | 2.50 | 1.307 | 58 | 111 | 147.2 | .247 |
Player Outlook
The fact that Brian Gonzalez began the season ranked outside of the top 30 prospects in a thin Baltimore Orioles farm system speaks to just how far he's come this year.
The 20-year-old was the team's top overall pick in the 2014 draft, as it surrendered its first two selections to sign qualifying-offer recipients Nelson Cruz and Ubaldo Jimenez.
Gonzalez uses his 6'3" frame to generate good late life on his fastball, which has spiked in velocity this season to top out at 94 and sit consistently in the low 90s.
His secondary stuff still needs refining, and there's not much room for further projection. But he looks the part of a future back-of-the-rotation starter after beginning the season off the prospect radar altogether.
Other Breakout Prospects
- C/1B Alex Murphy (No. 27)
- LHP Alex Wells
Boston Red Sox: 1B Josh Ockimey
4 of 30Acquired: 2014 draft, fifth round (164th overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 23 in BOS system
Stats
| 2015 | A- | .266/.349/.422 | 53 | 13 | 4 | 38 | 30 | 10.9 | 34.1 |
| 2016 | A | .226/.367/.425 | 92 | 25 | 18 | 62 | 60 | 17.6 | 25.9 |
Player Outlook
Outside of Rafael Devers and the recently promoted Yoan Moncada, first baseman Josh Ockimey might have the most raw power of anyone in a loaded Boston Red Sox farm system.
A .226 average in his full-season debut at Single-A Greenville this year might not look great on the surface, but the 20-year-old made significant strides as a hitter.
After striking out at a 32.0 percent clip during his first two pro seasons, he trimmed that to a more manageable 25.9 percent. At the same time, his walk rate increased from an already solid 10.9 percent to a stellar 17.6 percent.
All of that points to a hitter who is getting a feel for having a professional at-bat, as opposed to just hacking.
At the same time, that aforementioned raw power started showing up more. After tallying 16 doubles and four home runs in his first 359 pro plate appearances, he laced 25 doubles and 18 home runs in 499 trips to the plate this year.
Other Breakout Prospects
- SP Roniel Raudes (No. 24)
- RHP Josh Pennington (No. 29)
- RHP Jake Cosart
- OF Kyri Washington
Chicago Cubs: LF Eloy Jimenez
5 of 30
Acquired: 2013 international free-agent signing
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 9 in CHC system
Stats
| 2015 | A- | .284/.328/.418 | 66 | 10 | 7 | 33 | 36 | 6.0 | 17.2 |
| 2016 | A | .329/.369/.532 | 142 | 40 | 14 | 81 | 65 | 5.4 | 20.4 |
Player Outlook
Eloy Jimenez was far from an unknown entering the season.
The 19-year-old was the No. 1 ranked international free agent in the 2013 class, per MLB.com, and he landed a hefty $2.8 million bonus when he joined the Chicago Cubs.
However, he had yet to make his mark as a pro, posting a .702 OPS with 10 home runs in 414 plate appearances over his first two campaigns.
That changed dramatically with his full-season debut at Single-A South Bend, as he ranked among the Midwest League leaders in batting average (.329, third), slugging (.532, first), OPS (.901, first), hits (142, fourth), doubles (40, first), home runs (14, sixth) and RBI (81, second).
He walked away with Midwest League MVP honors and has a chance to claim the top spot among Cubs prospects entering next season, as he's turning his vast potential into on-field production.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP Trevor Clifton (No. 18)
- C/1B Victor Caratini (No. 24)
- RHP Jose Rosario
- LHP Rob Zastryzny
Chicago White Sox: RHP Jordan Stephens
6 of 30Acquired: 2015 draft, fifth round (142nd overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 15 in CWS system
Stats
| 2015 | Rk | 11/1 | 0-0 | 0.51 | 0.679 | 3 | 21 | 17.2 | .148 |
| 2016 | A+ | 27/27 | 7-10 | 3.45 | 1.255 | 48 | 155 | 141.0 | .243 |
Player Outlook
If not for Tommy John surgery during his junior season at Rice, Jordan Stephens would never have been forced to settle for a below-slot deal of $300,000 as a fifth-round pick in 2015.
That could wind up being an absolute steal for the Chicago White Sox.
Stephens jumped straight to High-A Winston-Salem after impressing out of the bullpen in the rookie league during his pro debut, and he's continued to turn heads in a starting role this year.
The 23-year-old is undersized at 6'1" and 190 pounds and doesn't offer much projection, but he can pitch beyond his measurables.
"He fills the strike zone and his dogged competitiveness draws comparisons to that of Carson Fulmer, the White Sox' 2015 first-rounder," wrote MLB.com's Prospect Watch.
Stephens led the Carolina League with 155 strikeouts.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP Zach Thompson
Cincinnati Reds: RF Aristides Aquino
7 of 30Acquired: 2011 international free-agent signing
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 18 in CIN system
Stats
| 2015 | Rk/A | .247/.290/.399 | 70 | 10 | 7 | 40 | 32 | 4.3 | 20.5 |
| 2016 | A+ | .273/.327/.519 | 132 | 26 | 23 | 79 | 69 | 6.5 | 19.4 |
Player Outlook
Aristides Aquino put himself on the prospect radar in 2014 when he posted a .919 OPS with 23 doubles, 16 home runs and 21 stolen bases in his second go-round at the rookie league level.
His stock took a hit last year, though, as his OPS dipped to .645 in Single-A, and his in-game power production largely disappeared.
Despite those struggles, he moved up to High-A Daytona to start 2016, and he led the Florida State League in total bases (251) thanks to a line that included 26 doubles, 12 triples and 23 home runs.
There's still plenty of room to add strength to his 6'4", 190-pound frame, and with good raw power and a strong throwing arm he has a chance to develop into the prototypical right fielder.
Other Breakout Prospects
- SS Calten Daal (No. 23)
Cleveland Indians: C Francisco Mejia
8 of 30
Acquired: 2012 international free-agent signing
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 10 in CLE system
Stats
| 2015 | A | .243/.324/.345 | 95 | 13 | 9 | 53 | 45 | 8.5 | 17.5 |
| 2016 | A/A+ | .342/.382/.514 | 139 | 29 | 11 | 80 | 63 | 6.3 | 14.2 |
Player Outlook
Jonathan Lucroy's decision to veto a trade to the Cleveland Indians could wind up being a blessing in disguise for the organization.
If nothing else, it kept around the team's catcher of the future, Francisco Mejia.
The 20-year-old backstop was set to be the centerpiece of a four-prospect package heading to Milwaukee in exchange for the All-Star, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. But Lucroy exercised his veto power and landed in Texas.
Perhaps no prospect in baseball has embodied the word "breakout" more this season than Mejia.
He's always had intriguing tools, but after an uninspired .243 average and .670 OPS last year in a full season with Single-A Lake County, he was far from a hot commodity.
That changed this season, as he raised his average nearly 100 points thanks to an impressive 50-game hitting streak. He also saw his OPS soar to .896 as he hit for more power.
He's still rough around the edges defensively but has an absolute cannon for an arm and all the offensive skills to be one of the game's most productive catchers.
With Gary Sanchez finally set to graduate the prospect ranks, Mejia could push for the top spot among catching prospects entering next season.
Other Breakout Prospects
- SS Yu Cheng-Chang (No. 16)
- SS Willi Castro (No. 26)
Colorado Rockies: LHP Tyler Anderson
9 of 30
Acquired: 2011 draft, first round (20th overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: NR in COL system
Stats
| 2015 | Injured | Did | Not | Play | |||||
| 2016 | A+/AA/AAA | 6 | 2-2 | 2.35 | 1.174 | 13 | 30 | 30.2 | .205 |
| 2016 | MLB | 16 | 5-5 | 3.35 | 1.200 | 24 | 84 | 96.2 | .256 |
Player Outlook
Despite his first-round pedigree, Tyler Anderson was a forgotten man entering 2016.
As one of the more polished collegiate arms in the 2011 draft class, Anderson was expected to move quickly following a standout career at the University of Oregon.
Instead, a stress fracture in his elbow followed Tommy John surgery, and he wound up sidelined for the entire 2015 season.
After he threw the ball extremely well over his first six minor league starts this year, the pitching-starved Rockies promoted him on June 12, and he's been a staple in their rotation since.
His stuff is far from overpowering, but a 52.0 percent ground-ball rate and plus command have allowed him to succeed where few other pitchers have—Coors Field.
In 11 home starts, he's gone 5-1 with a 3.04 ERA.
His 4.0 WAR ranks second among all rookie pitchers, trailing only AL Rookie of the Year favorite Michael Fulmer (4.9). Anderson won't edge Corey Seager for the NL honor, but expect him to receive some support.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP German Marquez (No. 14, TB)
- RHP Ryan Castellani (No. 15)
- 1B Brian Mundell
- OF Dillon Thomas
Detroit Tigers: LHP Tyler Alexander
10 of 30Acquired: 2015 draft, second round (65th overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 28 in DET system
Stats
| 2015 | A- | 12 | 0-2 | 0.97 | 0.595 | 5 | 33 | 37.0 | .133 |
| 2016 | A+/AA | 24 | 8-8 | 2.44 | 1.049 | 20 | 105 | 136.1 | .238 |
Player Outlook
The Detroit Tigers love using early-round picks on hard-throwing high school arms, including their most recent first-round picks, Beau Burrows and Matt Manning.
Then there's Tyler Alexander.
The left-hander sits in the upper-80s with his fastball and there's not much left in the way of projection, but he brings a solid four-pitch mix and advanced pitchability that give him perhaps the highest floor in the system.
The 22-year-old pitched well in his debut at the short-season level last year, and he's emerged as a legitimate prospect by continuing that success against a higher level of competition.
He's essentially a finished product, but he's proved he has the chops to live up to his potential as a back-of-the-rotation starter with a stellar performance this season.
Other Breakout Prospects
- OF Jose Azocar (No. 15)
- C Arvicent Perez
Houston Astros: RF Teoscar Hernandez
11 of 30
Acquired: 2011 international free-agent signing
Preseason Prospect Ranking: NR in HOU system
Stats
| 2015 | AA | .219/.275/.362 | 103 | 12 | 17 | 48 | 92 | 6.4 | 24.5 |
| 2016 | AA/AAA | .307/.377/.459 | 130 | 28 | 10 | 53 | 73 | 9.3 | 16.6 |
| 2016 | MLB | .217/.329/.417 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 14.5 | 23.2 |
Player Outlook
Despite his enticing raw tools, Teoscar Hernandez went undrafted after the Houston Astros left him exposed to the Rule 5 draft last offseason.
While his combination of power and speed was intriguing, a .219/.275/.362 line in Double-A made it clear he still had a long way to go.
Undeterred by the fact that his own organization didn't protect him and no one else was willing to take a chance on him, Hernandez turned in a breakout season made his MLB debut this year anyway.
The 23-year-old swiped 34 bases in the minors to go along with his 28 doubles and 10 home runs, but the biggest change was a more patient approach at the plate that resulted in an improved walk rate and a significantly lowered strikeout rate.
With Carlos Gomez gone and Colby Rasmus headed for free agency, he could push for a starting spot in the Astros outfield next season.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP Franklin Perez (No. 21)
- RHP James Hoyt (No. 27)
- OF Jason Martin
- RHP Brady Rodgers
Kansas City Royals: 3B Hunter Dozier
12 of 30
Acquired: 2013 draft, first round (eighth overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 30 in KC system
Stats
| 2015 | AA | .213/.281/.349 | 101 | 27 | 12 | 53 | 65 | 8.6 | 28.9 |
| 2016 | AA/AAA | .296/.366/.533 | 144 | 44 | 23 | 75 | 79 | 9.9 | 22.6 |
Player Outlook
The Kansas City Royals reached for Hunter Dozier when they took the Stephen F. Austin product with the No. 8 pick in the 2013 draft, using the money they saved to give Sean Manaea an above-slot deal at No. 34 overall.
Despite being drafted higher than expected, Dozier was still a highly regarded college bat.
But his pro career began with a thud, and he struggled to a .213/.281/.349 line with 12 home runs and 53 RBI in 523 plate appearances at Double-A last year.
The 25-year-old turned a corner this season, though, posting a breakout campaign and earning a September call-up in the process.
The Royals have a number of key pieces headed for free agency after next season, including incumbent third baseman Mike Moustakas. That could open the door for Dozier to take over as the everyday guy at the hot corner.
Other Breakout Prospects
- LHP Matt Strahm (No. 8)
- RHP Jake Junis
- UT Whit Merrifield
Los Angeles Angels: RHP Keynan Middleton
13 of 30Acquired: 2013 draft, third round (95th overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: NR in LAA system
Stats
| 2015 | A | 26/26 | 6-11 | 5.30 | 1.552 | 47 | 88 | 125.2 | .306 |
| 2016 | A+/AA/AAA | 46/0 | 1-2 | 3.41 | 1.136 | 28 | 88 | 66.0 | .196 |
Player Outlook
The Los Angeles Angels have the worst farm system in baseball, and finding a breakout prospect amid the rubble is no small task.
Catcher Jett Bandy has emerged as a solid option behind the plate in the majors after going largely unnoticed as a prospect, but his future is still as a career backup.
Instead, we'll turn our attention to the intriguing right arm of Keynan Middleton.
A standout basketball player in high school and at the JUCO level, he was taken in the third round of the 2013 draft more on raw athletic talent than baseball acumen.
After posting a 5.97 ERA over 221.2 innings while being used primarily as a starter in his first three pro seasons, he made the move to the bullpen this year and took off.
His fastball has ticked up to the high 90s and his slider has improved, as his strikeout rate has spiked from 6.3 to 12.0 K/9.
The 22-year-old is now on the fact track after climbing three levels to reach Triple-A, and he should be able to help in the bullpen soon, with an outside shot at closing down the line.
Other Breakout Prospects
- C Jett Bandy (No. 27)
- RHP Jesus Castillo
Los Angeles Dodgers: 2B Willie Calhoun
14 of 30
Acquired: 2015 draft, fourth round (132nd overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 13 in LAD system
Stats
| 2015 | Rk/A/A+ | .316/.390/.519 | 90 | 23 | 11 | 48 | 48 | 10.8 | 11.8 |
| 2016 | AA | .254/.318/.469 | 128 | 25 | 27 | 88 | 75 | 8.1 | 11.7 |
Player Outlook
Willie Calhoun can flat-out hit.
The Los Angeles Dodgers took him in the fourth round of the 2015 draft after he launched 31 home runs at JUCO powerhouse Yavapai in Arizona last spring.
He continued to rake after signing and reached High-A to close out his pro debut, setting him up for an aggressive promotion to Double-A this season.
His average has taken a hit as he's adjusted to a higher level of competition, but he's continued to put the bat on the ball at a steady clip while generating shocking power from his 5'8", 187-pound frame.
The 21-year-old led the Texas League in total bases (236) and RBI (88), while ranking second to Oakland Athletics prospect Matt Chapman in home runs (27) and runs scored (75).
He probably won't stick at a middle infield position, but his bat profiles just fine at third base or a corner outfield spot.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP Imani Abdullah
- LHP Grant Dayton
- RHP Brock Stewart
- OF Andrew Toles
Miami Marlins: RHP Luis Castillo
15 of 30Acquired: 2014 trade, via San Francisco Giants
Preseason Prospect Ranking: NR in MIA system
Stats
| 2015 | A/A+ | 35/16 | 6-6 | 3.20 | 1.271 | 33 | 94 | 107.0 | .253 |
| 2016 | A+/AA | 26/24 | 8-6 | 2.26 | 1.003 | 25 | 103 | 131.2 | .219 |
Player Outlook
Luis Castillo briefly joined the San Diego Padres this summer. But he went back to the Miami Marlins after Colin Rea was injured in his first start following the trade and the Marlins called "do-over."
The 23-year-old pitched exclusively out of the bullpen his first three seasons before making the move to starting midway through last year.
He went 4-4 with a 2.48 ERA, 1.192 WHIP and 60 strikeouts in 76.1 innings over 16 starts, and that success has carried over into a breakout 2016 season.
With a fastball that routinely touches triple-digits, a slider that flashes plus and a developing changeup, he has arguably the best raw stuff in the Marlins' system behind Tyler Kolek.
In a best-case scenario, he'll continue to improve his overall command and pitchability and will emerge as a front-line starter. Otherwise, his fastball-slider combo would play at the back of a big league bullpen right now.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP Kyle Barraclough (No. 12)
- RHP Austin Brice (No. 14)
- LHP Dillon Peters
Milwaukee Brewers: RHP Brandon Woodruff
16 of 30Acquired: 2014 draft, 11th round (326th overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: NR in MIL system
Stats
| 2015 | A+ | 19 | 4-7 | 3.45 | 1.322 | 33 | 71 | 109.2 | .270 |
| 2016 | A+/AA | 28 | 14-9 | 2.68 | 1.019 | 40 | 173 | 158.0 | .209 |
Player Outlook
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce your MiLB strikeout king, Brandon Woodruff.
The 23-year-old was a fifth-round pick out of high school by the Texas Rangers. But he opted to honor his commitment to Mississippi State where he posted a 4.60 ERA over 90.0 innings in three forgettable, injury-plagued seasons.
The Milwaukee Brewers took him in the 11th round in 2014, hoping to tap into the potential that made him such a highly regarded prep arm. But what he's done this season has exceeded all expectations.
He was recently named to Baseball America's Minor League All-Star Team, which labeled him as one of the five best starting pitchers in the minors this year based on performance.
The 6'4", 215-pound righty induces a ton of ground balls with his heavy, low-90s fastball. He pairs it with a solid slider-changeup combination that should give him three good offerings in the majors.
It's his ability to miss bats that has turned heads this year, though, as his 173 strikeouts represented an incredible spike in his strikeout rate from 5.8 to 9.9 K/9.
He may not have the same upside as guys like Josh Hader, Luis Ortiz and Phil Bickford, who sit atop the Brewers' prospect rankings, but he'll make a significant jump up the organizational ladder when rankings come out next season.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP Marcos Diplan (No. 18)
Minnesota Twins: RHP Fernando Romero
17 of 30Acquired: 2011 international free-agent signing
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 29 in MIN system
Stats
| 2015 | Injured | Did | Not | Pitch | |||||
| 2016 | A/A+ | 16 | 9-3 | 1.89 | 0.897 | 15 | 90 | 90.1 | .204 |
Player Outlook
What type of potential does Fernando Romero possess?
"It's possible Romero would be talked about now as one of the better pitching prospects of the game if he hadn't gotten hurt," wrote MLB.com's Prospect Watch.
The 21-year-old made it just three starts into his full-season debut in 2014 before undergoing Tommy John surgery, which kept him sidelined through the 2015 campaign.
The Twins have brought him along slowly this season, but it's tough to ignore his 1.89 ERA and 0.897 WHIP over 90.1 innings between Single-A and High-A.
Next season will be a significant test as he makes the jump to the upper levels of the minors, but he has the stuff to continue to dominate.
His fastball sits in the mid-90s, and he backs it with a plus slider and a changeup that should develop into a third above-average offering.
He could be on this list again next year with the potential to push his way into the top-100 conversation, but proving he's healthy and dominating post-injury qualifies him as this year's breakout prospect.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP J.T. Chargois (No. 15)
- RHP Trevor Hildenberger (No. 27)
- C Mitch Garver
New York Mets: LHP Thomas Szapucki
18 of 30Acquired: 2015 draft, fifth round (149th overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: NR in NYM system
Stats
| 2015 | Rk | 3/0 | 0-0 | 15.43 | 2.143 | 0 | 3 | 2.1 | .455 |
| 2016 | Rk/A- | 9/9 | 4-3 | 1.38 | 0.885 | 20 | 86 | 52.0 | .145 |
Player Outlook
It's funny what an uptick in velocity can do for a pitching prospect.
Thomas Szapucki was taken in the fifth round of the 2015 draft and signed away from a commitment to the University of Florida as a projectable left-hander who sat in the low 90s in high school.
After touching 94 in his pro debut, he's consistently worked in the 92-94 range this season and been clocked as high as 97, and his on-field results have reflected his improved stuff.
His 86 strikeouts over 52 innings are the first numbers that jump off the page, and with a devastating power curve to back his improved heater, he has legitimate swing-and-miss stuff.
He needs to clean up his mechanics, which should help him improve his overall command. But he's headed in the right direction.
As far as a high school pitcher taking a big step forward in his first extended action, Szapucki did as much as anyone could have hoped, and he'll push Justin Dunn for the title of top pitching prospect in the Mets system.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP Seth Lugo (No. 20)
- LHP P.J. Conlon
- RHP Merandy Gonzalez
- C Tomas Nido
New York Yankees: RHP Chance Adams
19 of 30Acquired: 2015 draft, fifth round (153rd overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: NR in NYY system
Stats
| 2015 | A-/A/A+ | 14/0 | 3-1 | 1.78 | 0.934 | 9 | 45 | 35.1 | .185 |
| 2016 | A+/AA | 25/24 | 13-1 | 2.33 | 0.903 | 39 | 144 | 127.1 | .169 |
Player Outlook
Chance Adams was a man among boys while splitting the season between High-A and Double-A.
"Adams allowed just 5.4 hits per nine innings this season and led the minors with a .169 opponent average," Baseball America's Matt Eddy wrote. "That mark ranks as the second-lowest by a qualified minor league starter since 1993, which is as far back as we can trace such records."
It's another case of a pitcher who saw his stuff take a step forward.
After working in the 92-94 range in college, he sat 94-96 and topped out at 98 this season. And with his polish and advanced pitchability, those extra couple of miles per hour made a world of difference.
The 6'0", 215-pound Adams is a bit undersized and there are some questions as to how he'd hold up over a 200-inning workload. But he had no problem ramping things up from 35.1 innings last year to 127.1 this year and he'll be given every opportunity to start.
Otherwise, his fastball-slider combination and bulldog mentality would play well at the back of the bullpen.
Other Breakout Prospects
- 3B Miguel Andujar (No. 12)
- LHP Dietrich Enns
- RHP Chad Green
- RHP Jonathan Holder
Oakland Athletics: 3B Ryon Healy
20 of 30
Acquired: 2013 draft, third round (100th overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 22 in OAK system
Stats
| 2015 | AA | .302/.339/.426 | 153 | 31 | 10 | 62 | 63 | 5.5 | 15.1 |
| 2016 | AA/AAA | .326/.382/.558 | 110 | 28 | 14 | 64 | 60 | 8.3 | 20.1 |
| 2016 | MLB | .286/.317/.474 | 50 | 12 | 7 | 20 | 18 | 3.9 | 19.6 |
Player Outlook
Entering the season, there was a legitimate debate as to who was the best third base prospect in the Oakland Athletics system.
The things is: Ryon Healy was not part of that debate.
Renato Nunez and Matt Chapman have ranked among the team's top prospects for multiple seasons and both have big offensive upside.
However, Healy beat them both to the majors and got a head-start on establishing himself in Oakland.
Chapman is still the best defender of the three by a wide margin and Healy could wind up at first base down the road, but the point still stands that Healy has come out of nowhere this season to make a splash at the highest level.
His short stroke and plus raw power should allow him to hit for both average and power, and an improved approach at the plate saw his on-base percentage jump from .339 to .382 in the minors.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP Ryan Dull (No. 21)
- RHP Heath Fillmyer (No. 25)
- 2B Max Schrock
Philadelphia Phillies: RF Dylan Cozens
21 of 30
Acquired: 2012 draft, second round (77th overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 16 in PHI system
Stats
| 2015 | Rk/A+/AA | .286/.336/.426 | 120 | 25 | 8 | 59 | 59 | 6.4 | 19.7 |
| 2016 | AA | .276/.350/.591 | 144 | 38 | 40 | 125 | 106 | 10.4 | 31.7 |
Player Outlook
Dylan Cozens was the MiLB leader in home runs (40) and RBI (125) this season, finally turning his impressive raw power into game performance.
At 6'6" and 235 pounds, Cozens is an imposing physical specimen in the batter's box. But prior to this season he had never topped 16 home runs and had just 38 total in 1,472 career plate appearances.
He needed just 586 this season to slug 40.
His 31.7 percent strikeout rate is a red flag, but he's also improved his walk rate, and an increase in whiffs was inevitable as he turned his focus from making contact to driving the ball.
Teammate Rhys Hoskins also turned heads this year with 38 home runs and 116 RBI hitting alongside Cozens in the middle of the Double-A Reading lineup, and those two could wind up being a significant part of the Phillies' rebuilding efforts.
Other Breakout Prospects
- 1B Rhys Hoskins (No. 23)
- RHP Ben Lively (No. 27)
Pittsburgh Pirates: RHP Mitch Keller
22 of 30Acquired: 2014 draft, second round (64th overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 18 in PIT system
Stats
| 2015 | Rk | 6 | 0-3 | 5.49 | 2.085 | 16 | 25 | 19.2 | .309 |
| 2016 | A/A+ | 24 | 9-5 | 2.35 | 0.921 | 19 | 138 | 130.1 | .212 |
Player Outlook
Mitch Keller had as much helium as any prep pitcher in the nation leading up to the 2014 draft, and the Pittsburgh Pirates went above slot to sign him away from his commitment to North Carolina.
A forearm strain limited him to just 19.2 innings in 2015 and kept him somewhat under the radar heading into the season. But he's shot up prospect boards since proving he's healthy and dominating Single-A and High-A hitters.
With a fastball in the mid-90s, a terrific sweeping curveball and a developing changeup, he has the tools to start, and there's still projection left in his 6'3", 195-pound frame.
The Pirates will bring him along slowly, as they generally do with high school pitching prospects, but he could force their hand if he continues to dominate against higher-level competition.
Other Breakout Prospects
- SS Kevin Newman (No. 8)
- RHP Dovydas Neverauskas
San Diego Padres: CF Michael Gettys
23 of 30Acquired: 2014 draft, second round (51st overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 10 in SD system
Stats
| 2015 | A | .231/.271/.346 | 114 | 27 | 6 | 44 | 62 | 5.3 | 30.6 |
| 2016 | A/A+ | .305/.363/.442 | 154 | 23 | 12 | 60 | 77 | 6.2 | 26.0 |
Player Outlook
Michael Gettys is a familiar name to most prospect enthusiasts as one of the most intriguing high school bats in the 2014 draft class.
The San Diego Padres went above-slot to sign him to a $1.3 million deal after he slipped to the second round due to concerns over his offensive game, but no one questioned his raw tools and natural athleticism.
Those concerns about his bat proved warranted when he hit just .231 and struck out a Midwest League-leading 162 times in his full-season debut last year, but he's taken a huge step forward in 2016.
The 20-year-old raised his average 74 points and trimmed his strikeout rate by 4.6 percent in a breakout offensive season between Single-A and High-A.
His defense in the outfield and his speed on the bases still rank as his best tools, but there is now some hope he can emerge as an everyday center fielder and an impact player on both sides of the ball.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP Chris Paddack (No. 17, MIA)
- IF Luis Urias (No. 29)
- C Austin Allen
San Francisco Giants: CF Steven Duggar
24 of 30Acquired: 2015 draft, sixth round (186th overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 25 in SF system
Stats
| 2015 | A- | .293/.390/.367 | 67 | 12 | 1 | 27 | 40 | 13.1 | 19.5 |
| 2016 | A+/AA | .302/.388/.448 | 153 | 28 | 10 | 54 | 78 | 12.3 | 19.9 |
Player Outlook
If you've ever wondered what a scouting report looks like for the prototypical breakout player, try this on for size: "Though Duggar had arguably the best all-around tools in the Cape Cod League last summer, he never really has lived up to them in three years at Clemson. A team that believe he can fulfill his untapped potential at the plate could select him as high as the second round."
That's what MLB.com's Prospect Watch wrote about Steven Duggar leading up to the 2015 draft, when he slipped to the sixth round.
The 22-year-old has turned those tools into in-game success since joining the San Francisco Giants organization, putting together a true breakout season in 2016.
Duggar doesn't have much power potential, but his hit tool is for real and his plus-plus speed could make him a catalyst at the top of the lineup if he keeps developing as hoped.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP Derek Law (No. 23)
- OF Dylan Davis
- SS C.J. Hinojosa
- RHP Reyes Moronta
Seattle Mariners: RHP Zack Littell
25 of 30Acquired: 2013 draft, 11th round (327th overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: NR in SEA system
Stats
| 2015 | A | 21 | 3-6 | 3.91 | 1.340 | 30 | 84 | 112.2 | .272 |
| 2016 | A/A+ | 27 | 13-6 | 2.66 | 1.159 | 34 | 156 | 165.2 | .253 |
Player Outlook
In a Seattle Mariners farm system that is incredibly thin on pitching behind the trio of Luiz Gohara, Andrew Moore and Nick Neidert, Zack Littell emergence has been a welcome development.
The Mariners took Littell in the 11th round of the 2013 draft out of high school and brought him along slowly. He spent his first two pro seasons in the rookie league where he threw a combined 103 innings.
The team turned him loose last year, and the results were subpar as he pitched to a 3.91 ERA and 1.340 WHIP in 112.2 innings with Single-A Clinton.
Back in Single-A to kick off 2016, he's taken a massive step forward.
"After not missing bats early in his career, Littell has begun to pile up strikeouts this season thanks to an uptick in his stuff and overall pitchability," wrote MLB.com's Prospect Watch.
The 20-year-old didn't miss a beat following a midseason promotion to High-A Bakersfield, and he could be bumped up to Double-A next year.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP Dan Altavilla (No. 23)
- 1B Dan Vogelbach (No. 25, CHC)
St. Louis Cardinals: C Carson Kelly
26 of 30
Acquired: 2012 draft, second round (86th overall)
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 10 in STL system
Stats
| 2015 | A+ | .219/.263/.332 | 85 | 18 | 8 | 51 | 30 | 5.3 | 15.3 |
| 2016 | AA/AAA | .289/.343/.395 | 95 | 17 | 6 | 32 | 43 | 6.9 | 17.4 |
| 2016 | MLB | 1.00/1.00/2.00 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Player Outlook
The St. Louis Cardinals may have found their heir to Yadier Molina in 22-year-old Carson Kelly.
Originally drafted as a third baseman on the strength of his power potential, Kelly moved behind the plate in 2014, and his offensive game took a hit as he focused on learning the ins and outs of catching.
Two years later, it was his defensive game that had taken over as his calling card and the question had become whether or not he'd hit enough to be an everyday backstop.
Despite a .219/.263/.332 line in a full season with High-A Palm Beach, he was promoted to Double-A to begin the year and his offensive game has returned.
He's still not hitting for much power, but his .289/.343/.395 line is promising. And given his receiving skills and rocket arm, he won't need to do much more than that to be a solid MLB catcher.
The Cardinals could install Kelly as the team's backup as early as next season to learn under Molina, who is signed through 2018 when he will be 35 years old. Once Molina's tremendous career ends, all signs point to Kelly taking the reins.
Other Breakout Prospects
- CF Harrison Bader (No. 15)
- RHP Sandy Alcantara (No. 19)
Tampa Bay Rays: RHP Chih-Wei Hu
27 of 30
Acquired: 2015 trade, via Minnesota Twins
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 16 in TB system
Stats
| 2015 | A+/AAA | 20 | 6-6 | 3.22 | 1.239 | 31 | 99 | 109.0 | .254 |
| 2016 | AA/AAA | 25 | 7-9 | 2.75 | 1.174 | 38 | 114 | 147.1 | .245 |
Player Outlook
The Tampa Bay Rays know a thing or two about scouting and developing pitching prospects, and it looks like they have another good one in Chih-Wei Hu.
One of two prospects acquired in the 2015 deadline deal that sent reliever Kevin Jepsen to Minnesota, Hu could make the Twins regret that move a few years from now.
The 22-year-old brought an advanced feel for pitching and quality stuff when he joined the Rays, and after a solid performance last season, he's been even better this year against upper-level competition.
At 6'1" and 230 pounds, he's a finished product physically. But with a four-pitch repertoire highlighted by a lively low-90s fastball, plus changeup and a rare palmball, he has all the makings of a future MLB starter.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP Jaime Schultz (No. 23)
- RHP Hunter Wood (No. 24)
- C Brett Sullivan
Texas Rangers: 1B Ronald Guzman
28 of 30
Acquired: 2011 international free-agent signing
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 29 in TEX system
Stats
| 2015 | A/A+ | .283/.324/.434 | 147 | 28 | 12 | 87 | 64 | 5.9 | 20.9 |
| 2016 | AA/AAA | .274/.333/.449 | 127 | 21 | 16 | 67 | 60 | 7.6 | 20.5 |
Player Outlook
Nomar Mazara and his then-record $4.95 million bonus was the big story of the 2011 international signing period for the Texas Rangers, but the club made a significant investment in Ronald Guzman as well.
The first baseman signed to a hefty $3.45 million bonus himself, and while he did not develop as quickly as Mazara, who is already in Texas, he has plenty of upside.
Guzman is limited to first base defensively, so his bat will need to carry him, and it's done just that in a breakout season between Double-A and Triple-A.
He may not have prototypical power at first base, but he should develop into a 20-homer threat as his 6'5", 205-pound frame continues to fill out.
It's his hit tool that stands out, as he makes consistent hard contact from the left side and has improved his patience this season.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP Connor Sadzeck (No. 26)
- RHP Pedro Payano
Toronto Blue Jays: LHP Angel Perdomo
29 of 30
Acquired: 2011 international free-agent signing
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 26 in TOR system
Stats
| 2015 | Rk/A- | 12 | 6-1 | 2.60 | 1.183 | 30 | 67 | 69.1 | .210 |
| 2016 | A | 25 | 5-7 | 3.19 | 1.220 | 54 | 156 | 127.0 | .219 |
Player Outlook
The Toronto Blue Jays have not been shy about shipping out their top-tier pitching talent.
Noah Syndergaard, Jeff Hoffman, Daniel Norris, Matt Boyd, Justin Nicolino, Sean Nolin, Kendall Graveman, Miguel Castro and Alberto Tirado are among the notable arms who have been traded in recent years, dating back to the infamous R.A. Dickey swap that sent Syndergaard to the New York Mets in December 2012.
With that in mind, a breakout season from someone like Angel Perdomo is just what the team needs to help build up the farm system.
Perdomo spent four seasons in rookie ball before finally getting the bump up to Single-A Lansing this year, and he's proved to be worth the wait.
Still only 22 years old, the 6'6" southpaw led the Midwest League with 156 strikeouts, and his .219 opponent's batting average speaks to just how overpowering his stuff can be.
There's still room for him to add strength to his 200-pound frame and his secondary stuff needs further refinement, but the slow burn that has been Angel Perdomo may well be worth it a few years from now.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP Francisco Rios
Washington Nationals: RF Juan Soto
30 of 30Acquired: 2015 international free-agent signing
Preseason Prospect Ranking: No. 24 in WAS system
Stats
| 2015 | Did | Not | Play | ||||||
| 2016 | Rk/A- | .368/.420/.553 | 70 | 14 | 5 | 32 | 28 | 8.2 | 14.0 |
Player Outlook
The Washington Nationals have one of the most exciting teenage prospects in the game in outfielder Victor Robles, 19.
Now another Dominican-born outfielder, Juan Soto, is turning heads.
The 17-year-old was given a franchise-record $1.5 million bonus as part of the 2015 international crop, and he's already made his way stateside ahead of most of the other players from that class.
After Soto dominated rookie league pitching to the tune of a .361/.410/.550 line over 183 plate appearances, the team challenged him with a promotion to short-season A-ball where he played against the most recent college draftees.
In six games with Low-A Auburn, he went 9-for-21 with three doubles, serving as the cherry on top of a breakout season.
The 6'0", 185-pound slugger has an approach at the plate that belies his youth, and his hit and power tools have a chance to be plus as he continues to develop.
His full-season debut will be among the most anticipated in any organization next year.
Other Breakout Prospects
- RHP Pedro Avila
- LHP Tyler Watson
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com or FanGraphs, unless otherwise noted.
