Predicting the Biggest Breakout Star on Every 2013 MLB Roster

Free-agent signings and hot-stove trades dominate the headlines in MLB's offseason, but they are not the only things that can effect a team's success in the season ahead.

Breakout seasons from in-house players often play a bigger role than any offseason signings can, and every team enters the season with a handful of guys capable of taking their games to the next level.

Here is a look at who I feel will be each MLB team's breakout star of the 2013 season (a collection of prospects and young, established players who have yet to reach their vast potential).

Arizona Diamondbacks

Player: SP Trevor Bauer

2012 Major League Stats: 4 GS, 1-2, 6.06 ERA, 17 K's, 16.1 IP

2012 Minor League Stats: 22 GS, 12-2, 2.42 ERA, 157 K's, 130.1 IP

Overview

One of the top pitching prospects in baseball entering the 2012 season, Trevor Bauer was dominant over two levels in his second pro season before earning a call-up at the end of June.

He struggled in three of his four starts and was returned to the minors for the remainder of the season in mid-July. Still only 21, his future is bright, and he'll compete with fellow prospects Tyler Skaggs and Patrick Corbin.

He's got the best stuff of that group, and regardless of who wins the spot out of camp, expect him to be a staple in the rotation by midseason and a bona fide NL Rookie of the Year contender.

Atlanta Braves

Player: SP Mike Minor

2012 MLB Stats: 30 GS, 11-10, 4.12 ERA, 145 K's, 179.1 IP

Overview

Far from an unknown commodity with 53 big league starts under his belt over the course of the past three years, Mike Minor appears ready to take a big step forward heading into the 2013 season.

After struggling to a 5-6 record with a 5.97 ERA in the first half, he turned things around with a 6-4 record and 2.16 ERA in the second half of the season.

The Braves will have plenty of starting options, with a healthy Brandon Beachy and a full season from Kris Medlen, but don't be surprised if it's Minor who steps forward as the staff ace.

Baltimore Orioles

Player: 3B Manny Machado

2012 Major League Stats: .262/.294/.445, 7 HR, 26 RBI, 24 R

2012 Minor League Stats: .266/.352/.438, 11 HR, 59 RBI, 60 R

Overview

The Orioles surprised many when they called up the 20-year-old Manny Machado for the stretch run and plugged him in at third base. The move paid off, and he tallied 85 total bases in 51 games and played terrific defense at the hot corner.

With J.J. Hardy signed through 2014, it appears as though he'll stay at the hot corner at least for the time being. As he grows into his 6'3" frame, that may be a better fit for him anyway.

He will likely go though some ups and downs, as he is still incredibly young, but he should make a significant impact in the Orioles lineup over his first full big league season.

Boston Red Sox

Player: 1B/DH Mauro Gomez

2012 Major League Stats: .275/.324/.422, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 14 R

2012 Minor League Stats: .310/.371/.589, 24 HR, 74 RBI, 65 R

Overview

With the trade of Adrian Gonzalez and the upcoming free agency of James Loney, the Red Sox will have a hole at first base next season, and Mauro Gomez could very well be the answer.

He's spent the past two seasons in Triple-A, hitting over .300 both seasons and launching 48 home runs with 164 RBI, so it's clear he has little left to gain from the minor leagues.

He's 28 years old, so he's not exactly a top prospect, but he could be this year's Bryan LaHair if given the chance to get regular at-bats for what could be a rebuilding Red Sox team.

Chicago Cubs

Player: 1B Anthony Rizzo

2012 Major League Stats: .285/.342/.463, 15 HR, 48 RBI, 44 R

2012 Minor League Stats: .342/.405/.696, 23 HR, 62 RBI, 48 R

Overview

The Cubs' acquisition of Anthony Rizzo from the Padres last winter paid immediate dividends, as he tore through minor league pitching before making his Cubs debut at the end of June.

He hit well from the get-go and finished the season as one of the few positives on the North Side. He looks as though he has the tools to be an anchor in the middle of the Cubs lineup for the next decade.

In what will be his first full season in the majors, I expect Rizzo to take a big step forward and push for a 30-home run, 100-RBI season right off the bat.

Chicago White Sox

Player: SP Hector Santiago

2012 Major League Stats: 42 G, 4 GS, 4-1, 3.33 ERA, 79 K's, 70.1 IP

2012 Minor League Stats: 3 G, 3 GS, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 13 K's, 14.2 IP

Overview

Hector Santiago opened the season as the White Sox closer and spent the first month of the season in that role before being moved to a setup role.

As the season went on, he continued to pitch well in a relief role until injuries prompted a move to the rotation in September.

In four starts, he went 2-0 with a 1.86 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 19.1 innings of work. He really impressed in his final start of the season in going seven innings and allowing just one hit and striking out 10. The White Sox will look for him to build off that performance in a full season in the rotation next year.

Cincinnati Reds

Player: SP/RP Tony Cingrani

2012 Major League Stats: 3 G, 0 GS, 1.80 ERA, 9 K's, 5 IP

2012 Minor League Stats: 26 G, 25 GS, 1.73 ERA, 172 K's, 146 IP

Overview

After impressing in 13 starts during his pro debut in 2011, Tony Cingrani reached Double-A, and eventually the majors, as a 22-year-old last season.

The Reds rotation is more or less set for next season. While Cingrani will likely get the first chance at filling Bronson Arroyo's rotation spot once his contract is up at the end of 2013, he will likely pitch out of the bullpen this coming season.

Aside from Sean Marshall, the Reds don't have a left-handed reliever other than closer Aroldis Chapman, so he should be able to carve out a solid niche as a situational guy while he waits in the wings.

If someone struggles or is injured, he'll be the first person called on to join the rotation, and as a result, expect him to make an impact in a number of ways next year.

Cleveland Indians

Player: SP Zach McAllister

2012 Major League Stats: 22 GS, 6-8, 4.24 ERA, 110 K's, 125.1 IP

2012 Minor League Stats: 11 GS, 5-2, 2.98 ERA, 52 K's, 63.1 IP

Overview

It was a tough season for the Indians, and it appears that they are headed for a complete tear-down and rebuild, but they do have some pieces to build around for the future.

Among them is the 24-year-old Zach McAllister, who was acquired from the Yankees for Austin Kearns at the 2010 deadline.

After impressing in 11 minor league starts, he earned a call-up and was one of the few reliable spots in the Indians rotation the rest of the way. With Justin Masterson, perhaps, headed for a trade and Ubaldo Jimenez likely on his way out one way or another, it could very well be McAllister who fronts the staff in 2013. 

Colorado Rockies

Player: 2B/SS Josh Rutledge

2012 Major League Stats: .274/.306/.469, 8 HR, 37 RBI, 37 R

2012 Minor League Stats: .306/.338/.508, 13 HR, 35 RBI, 57 R

Overview

Filling in for the injured Troy Tulowitzki, Josh Rutledge showed that the offensive potential he displayed in the minor leagues was no fluke, posting solid contributions across the board over 277 at-bats.

His glove didn't play particularly well, and he may be better suited at second base. That works out well for the Rockies, who have no real long-term answer at the position and will have Tulo back to open the 2013 campaign.

In a full season of at-bats, he could easily rank as one of the premier offensive second basemen in all of baseball, and the 23-year-old still has plenty of room to take a big step forward. 

Detroit Tigers

Player: RP Al Alburquerque

2012 Major League Stats: 8 G, 0-0, 0.68 ERA, 18 K's, 13.1 IP

2012 Minor League Stats: 13 G, 1-0, 2.57 ERA, 27 K's, 14 IP

Overview

The Tigers will be seeking a new closer at season's end, as incumbent veteran Jose Valverde is headed for free agency and won't be retained after struggling throughout the 2012 season.

While there are options on the free-agent market, the Tigers will likely opt to go with an internal option, and they have a number of them. Current setup men Joaquin Benoit and Phil Coke, along with flame-throwing prospect Bruce Rondon, all have a shot, but in the end, I think it's Al Alburquerque who winds up with the job.

With a 13.5 K/9 mark over 56.2 major league innings and a solid 1.129 WHIP, he has proven capable of striking guys out and limiting trouble. He'll have to beat out the aforementioned guys, but if he can, he'll shine in the ninth-inning role for one of baseball's best teams.

Houston Astros

Player: SP Jarred Cosart

2012 Major League Stats: Did Not Play

2012 Minor League Stats: 21 G, 20 GS, 6-7, 3.30 ERA, 92 K's, 114.2 IP

Overview

Acquired from the Phillies at the deadline in 2011 as part of the Hunter Pence deal, Jarred Cosart is the team's top pitching prospect, and he split the 2012 season between Double-A and Triple-A.

The 22-year-old may open the 2013 season in the minors, but it won't be long before he's in Houston. Once he arrives, he may immediately be the best pitcher on the roster.

After entering last season as Baseball America's No. 50 prospect and following a solid minor league campaign, there is no reason not to rank him among the game's best pitching prospects. Expect him to be a core piece of the Astros rebuilding process starting early next season.

Kansas City Royals

Player: RF Wil Myers

2012 Major League Stats: Did Not Play

2012 Minor League Stats: .314/.387/.600, 37 HR, 109 RBI, 98 R

Overview

The Minor League Player of the Year, many were surprised that the Royals didn't give Wil Myers a cup of coffee in September, but in the end, they opted to wait until next season for him to make his Royals debut.

Barring some unforeseen circumstances, he'll open the season as the team's starting right fielder, and he has a chance to make an immediate impact if he can adjust to big league pitching quickly.

In a perfect world, he joins Billy Butler, Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas to form the core of the Royals lineup for the next several seasons. Expect him to be a front-runner for AL Rookie of the Year honors as well.

Los Angeles Angels

Player: SP Nick Maronde

2012 Major League Stats: 12 G, 0 GS, 0-0, 1.50 ERA, 7 K's, 6 IP

2012 Minor League Stats: 20 G, 18 GS, 6-4, 2.26 ERA, 90 K's, 99.2 IP

Overview

A third-round pick in the 2011 draft, Nick Maronde opened this past season in the Rookie League and made his way through three levels before making 12 relief appearances for the big league team down the stretch.

With Ervin Santana likely on his way out and Zack Greinke potentially gone as well, the Angels will have at least one rotation spot open. 

Garrett Richards will be first in line to claim a rotation spot, but Maronde has more upside at this point. Once he secures a rotation spot, he should be a staple in the Angels rotation for a long time.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Player: 2B/OF Alex Castellanos

2012 Major League Stats: .174/.200/.391, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R

2012 Minor League Stats: .328/.420/.590, 17 HR, 52 RBI, 74 R

Overview

The Dodgers lineup is more or less set next season, and their rotation will, no doubt, be addressed with the signing of one or two veteran arms. 

However, if there is anywhere an unexpected player could make an impact, it's at second base. Incumbent Mark Ellis could be pushed by Alex Castellanos if he hits like he did last season in the minors.

The 26-year-old is on the edge of being a prospect, but the Dodgers could finally net a return on their acquisition from the Rafael Furcal deal at the deadline in 2011.

Miami Marlins

Player: SP Jacob Turner

2012 Major League Stats: 10 GS, 2-5, 4.42 ERA, 36 K's, 55 IP

2012 Minor League Stats: 19 GS, 7-4, 2.58 ERA, 73 K's, 111.2 IP

Overview

The key acquisition in the deal that sent Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante to the Tigers, Jacob Turner has the upside to be an anchor atop the Marlins rotation.

Ace Josh Johnson could be on the move this offseason, and while Ricky Nolasco and Mark Buehrle will be back, there is no doubt that Turner offers the most upside of any Dodgers pitcher moving forward.

After getting a taste of big league action the past two seasons, he'll get an opportunity to enter the season knowing he has a rotation spot. This should be the year that he turns his vast potential into results.

Milwaukee Brewers

Player: SP Tyler Thornburg

2012 Major League Stats: 8 G, 3 GS, 0-0, 4.50 ERA, 20 K's, 22 IP

2012 Minor League Stats: 21 G, 21 GS, 10-4, 3.20 ERA, 113 K's, 112.2 IP

Overview

The Brewers have a lot of decisions to make about their rotation next season, as Yovani Gallardo is the only established arm on the roster.

Michael Fiers and Marco Estrada have likely locked up rotation spots with strong performances in 2012, but the final two spots will come down to a competition between Wily Peralta, Mark Rodgers, Chris Narveson and Tyler Thornburg.

Peralta was the team's top pitching prospect entering last season, but after a subpar showing in the minors, I think Thornburg has moved ahead of him and has a great chance of securing a rotation spot and thriving.

Minnesota Twins

Player: 2B/OF Eddie Rosario

2012 Major League Stats: Did Not Play

2012 Minor League Stats: .299/.347/.499, 13 HR, 74 RBI, 62 R

Overview

Signed out of Puerto Rico, Eddie Rosario hit .337 BA, 21 HR, 60 RBI in just 67 games in the Rookie League in 2011, emerging as one of the Twins' top prospects.

He built off that campaign by advancing to Single-A as a 20-year-old this past season, and after not missing a beat offensively, he could open 2013 in Double-A.

The Twins middle-infield situation is rough right now, and if Rosario can continue to perform at the next level, he could set himself up to be the team's second baseman in the second half. It's one of the bigger long shots on this list, but if he can secure the job, he could immediately make the Twins lineup better.

New York Mets

Player: SP Matt Harvey

2012 Major League Stats: 10 GS, 3-5, 2.73 ERA, 70 K's, 59.1 IP

2012 Minor League Stats: 20 GS, 7-5, 3.68 ERA, 112 K's, 110 IP

Overview

Matt Harvey showed future ace potential over 10 big league starts this past season, and he should take the next step in 2012 and team with R.A. Dickey atop the team's rotation.

There will likely be some regression from his 2012 numbers, as he outperformed his minor league performance, but there is no reason to think he can't pitch like a top-of-the-rotation starter.

Zack Wheeler could join him in the majors this coming season to form the much-anticipated one-two punch. However, I expect Harvey to turn into the ace pitcher he's been projected as much sooner, though, as he'll be a star in 2013.

New York Yankees

Player: RP Mark Montgomery

2012 Major League Stats: Did Not Play

2012 Minor League Stats: 46 G, 7-2, 15 SV, 1.54 ERA, 99 K's, 64.1 IP

Overview

The Yankees have decisions to make up and down their roster this winter, and the back end of the bullpen is no exception.

Mariano Rivera will be back from a torn ACL but is without a contract for the 2013 season. Rafael Soriano, who was fantastic filling in for Rivera, will likely opt out of the final year of his contract and look for a longer deal with the Yankees or elsewhere.

One of those two guys will likely be closing games in New York next season, but the future in the ninth inning appears to belong to Mark Montgomery, who was dominant between High Single-A and Double-A. He'll likely step into a crucial bullpen role next season, where he should make a significant impact.

Oakland Athletics

Player: SP Daniel Straily

2012 Major League Stats: 7 GS, 2-1, 3.89 ERA, 32 K's, 39.1 IP

2012 Minor League Stats: 25 GS, 9-7, 2.78 ERA, 190 K's, 152 IP

Overview

The A's were one of the surprise teams of 2012, thanks in part to some terrific performances from a group of young starting pitchers.

That trend should continue in 2013, with more young, impact arms on the way, including Daniel Straily. He pitched well in seven starts down the stretch, but if his minor league numbers are any indication, he is capable of plenty more.

Jarrod Parker, Tommy Milone, A.J. Griffin and Brett Anderson appear to be locked into rotation spots, but Straily has to be the front-runner for the fifth spot. He's got the stuff to move up the rotation quickly and should have a big season next year.

Philadelphia Phillies

Player: LF Darin Ruf

2012 Major League Stats: .333/.351/.727, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 4 R

2012 Minor League Stats: .317/.408/.620, 38 HR, 104 RBI, 93 R

Overview

Darin Ruf has moved slowly through the Phillies system, but he broke out at the age of 25 this past season with a monster year in Double-A.

That earned him a 12-game audition down the stretch, and he posted a terrific 1.079 OPS while playing both left field and first base.

With Ryan Howard healthy, his future is not at first base, but with Juan Pierre likely departing in free agency, there is an opening in left field. While the team could look to sign someone, they could also give Ruf a shot at the job after his 38-home run season.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Player: SP Gerrit Cole

2012 Major League Stats: Did Not Play

2012 Minor League Stats: 26 GS, 9-7, 2.80 ERA, 136 K's, 132 IP

Overview

The No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft, Gerrit Cole signed late. He made his pro debut this past season, opening the year at High Single-A.

He finished the season with a start in Triple-A and pitched like a future ace through three different levels and 26 starts.

He'll have every chance to win a rotation spot out of spring training, and if he does, I expect him to be the best pitcher in the Pirates rotation by the end of the 2013 season.

San Diego Padres

Player: 2B/3B Jedd Gyorko

2012 Major League Stats: Did Not Play

2012 Minor League Stats: .311/.373/.547, 30 HR, 100 RBI, 80 R

Overview

Aside from the Royals' Wil Myers, there may have been no more surprising non-call-up this past September than Jedd Gyorko.

After a monster .333, 25, 114 line in his first full pro season in 2011, Gyorko was terrific again in 2012. He began the move to second base, where his future lies in San Diego.

With Chase Headley locked in at third base, his path to the majors at second base should be a quick one. He'll open the season with the everyday job, and he has the offensive tools to be among the best second basemen in the league with the bat.

San Francisco Giants

Player: CF Gary Brown

2012 Major League Stats: Did Not Play

2012 Minor League Stats: .279/.347/.385, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 73 R

Overview

Rumors swirled that the Giants could turn to Gary Brown when Melky Cabrera was suspended for the remainder of the season. Instead, he finished up his first full season at Double-A in the minors.

He failed to match his 2011 numbers of .336 BA, 14 HR, 80 RBI, 53 SB that he posted at High Single-A, but he remained a toolsy outfielder with some pop and terrific speed.

He is 24, so he's on the upper end of the prospect spectrum. While the Giants are expected to pursue some of the top outfielders on the free-agent market, I still expect Brown to make an impact one way or another in 2013.

Seattle Mariners

Player: SP Danny Hultzen

2012 Major League Stats: Did Not Play

2012 Minor League Stats: 25 GS, 9-7, 3.05 ERA, 136 K's, 124 IP

Overview

While Gerrit Cole earned top-pick honors in the 2011 draft, Danny Hultzen was widely regarded as the most big league ready of any of the arms in the draft class.

He joins Taijuan Walker and James Paxton to form a promising future alongside Felix Hernandez in the Mariners rotation, and that future should begin in 2013, at least for Hultzen.

With Kevin Millwood and Hisashi Iwakuma hitting the free-agent market and Jason Vargas still a trade candidate, Hultzen is all but guaranteed a rotation spot. With his polished game, he should make a big impact as a rookie.

St. Louis Cardinals

Player: SP Shelby Miller

2012 Major League Stats: 6 G, 1 GS, 1-0, 1.32 ERA, 16 K's, 13.2 IP

2012 Minor League Stats: 27 GS, 11-10, 4.74 ERA, 160 K's, 136.2 IP

Overview

Shelby Miller has been the Cardinals' top prospect since he was taken in the first round of the 2009 draft. While there have been some bumps along the way, he seemed to finally put things together down the stretch in 2012.

He has ace-caliber stuff, evidenced by his 472 strikeouts over 383.2 innings of work over four minor league seasons, and he's still only 22 years old.

With Kyle Lohse probably gone in free agency, there will be a rotation spot open. While Miller will have to compete for the fifth spot and could in fact spend some time in the bullpen, he will make a significant impact one way or another for the Cardinals in 2013.

Tampa Bay Rays

Player: SS Hak-Ju Lee

2012 Major League Stats: Did Not Play

2012 Minor League Stats: .261/.336/.360, 4 HR, 37 RBI, 68 R

Overview

Picked up from the Cubs in the Matt Garza deal, Hak-Ju Lee scuffled a bit offensively in his first full season at the Double-A level. As a result, he did not make his big league debut in 2012 as many expected.

He remains a premiere defender and has terrific speed, but he'll need to improve on his .336 on-base percentage from last season.

That said, the Rays middle-infield position opposite wherever Ben Zobrist winds up playing is dismal. If Lee can show even the slightest signs of improvement with the bat early on in 2013, he'll find himself in a starting role with the big league club and potentially hitting near or at the top of the lineup.

Texas Rangers

Player: SP Martin Perez

2012 Major League Stats: 12 G, 6 GS, 1-4, 5.45 ERA, 25 K's, 38 IP

2012 Minor League Stats: 22 G, 21 GS, 7-6, 4.25 ERA, 69 K's, 127 IP

Overview

The Rangers have two of the top offensive prospects in baseball in Mike Olt and Jurickson Profar, and both made their big league debuts this past season.

However, neither player has a clear-cut path to everyday at-bats next season and could very well start and spend the bulk of the 2013 season in the minor leagues.

Instead, it will be their other top prospect, the left-handed Martin Perez, who makes an impact in 2013. He will fill the rotation spot vacated by Ryan Dempster, and while he was unimpressive in 2012, I expect him to make vast improvements in 2013.

Toronto Blue Jays

Player: 3B Brett Lawrie

2012 Major League Stats: .273/.324/.405, 11 HR, 48 RBI, 73 R

Overview

Brett Lawrie made a splash in a 43-game audition in 2011. While injuries cut into his production this past season, he still posted a 4.1 WAR and ranked among the best third basemen in the league.

Over 494 at-bats, he had 11 home runs and 13 stolen bases. With plenty of room to improve at the age of 22, it is fair to say that he has legitimate 30/30 potential moving forward.

He's already made a name for himself, but I expect him to take the next step toward superstardom in 2013 and to make his first All-Star appearance.

Washington Nationals

Player: RP Christian Garcia

2012 Major League Stats: 13 G, 0-0, 0 SV, 2.13 ERA, 15 K's, 12.2 IP

2012 Minor League Stats: 45 G, 2-1, 21 SV, 0.86 ERA, 66 K's, 52.1 IP

Overview

With a young roster that is more or less set in all key areas, the Nationals don't have much room for a breakout player this coming season.

However, one guy who could step forward is the 27-year-old Christian Garcia, who finally made his big league debut this past season after eight minor league seasons.

The 2012 season was his first full year as a reliever, and he thrived in the role at both the minor league and major league role. While the Nationals bullpen is stacked, expect Garcia to make a significant impact in the late innings in 2013.