Ten Breakout Stars Of The MLB Season So Far

These ten players have been breakout stars in the early going of the MLB season.

We’re over a month into the MLB season, and these ten players are off to great starts and are potential breakout stars this year.

Houston Astros SP Hunter Brown

Brown, 26, was solid last year in his second full season as a starter in Houston. But, he’s been a revelation so far this year. In six starts, he has just a 1.79 ERA and is 5-1 with the best FIP in the AL. Not only is he getting guys out, but he’s pitch well into games and has 43 innings under his belt already this year. He’s established himself as an early Cy Young candidate.

New York Yankees 1B/DH Ben Rice

Despite some moments of brilliance, Ben Rice struggled mightily as a rookie in pinstripes last year. But, he’s been tearing the cover off the ball mostly serving as the Yankees’ primary DH. Rice has eight home runs and an impressive OPS+ of 159 and has become a dangerous hitter in the lineup.

Detroit Tigers 1B Spencer Torkelson

When Torkelson was selected as the first-overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, the Arizona State product was considered to be a sure thing as a hitter. But, he’s never had more than 1 WAR in a season since his debut in 2021. It seems like he’s finally figured out. He already has 1.2 WAR this year and has 10 home runs and 31 RBI’s. The Tigers look like contenders and he’s a big reason why.

Washington Nationals OF James Wood

Wood, 22, was one of the most talented prospects in baseball when he was called up last year. He had a solid half-season in the big leagues, but he’s taken it to another level this year. Wood has an OPS+ of 161, is hitting for a ton of power, and has added five steals on the base-paths as well. The defense still needs work, but he’s off to a sensational start.

St. Louis Cardinals IF/OF Brendan Donovan

Donovan hasn’t necessarily settled into a position on the diamond yet, but it doesn’t matter if he’s going to rake like he has been. He leads the National League in hits, and is hitting a fantastic .339. He’s always been a good hitter throughout his four-year career, but he’s taken it to another level this year.

Seattle Mariners C Cal Raleigh

Raleigh, 28, has always been able to hit for power, but average and OBP suffered. This year, he’s hitting for more power than ever before, and getting on base more than ever before for a suddenly great Mariners offense. Raleigh has a league-leading 12 home runs and has a 178 OPS+. He’s tearing the cover off of the ball.

New York Mets P Tylor Megill

Megill has had good stretches in the big leagues before, and was a bit unlucky last year, as his metrics showed a better pitcher than one with an ERA just over 4. But, he’s been fantastic for the Mets this year. He’s striking out over 11 hitters per 9 and has a 2.50 ERA in seven starts. He, along with the rest of the Mets’ staff, is off to a great start.

Boston Red Sox 2B Kristian Campbell

Campbell, one of the top prospects in baseball, had played just a few games as a big-leaguer before the Red Sox gave him a long-term contract with over $60 million. So far, that looks like a steal. He’s performing at the plate to the tune of a 144 OPS+. Campbell, just 22, should be a star for years to come.

Tampa Bay Rays 1B/DH Jonathan Aranda

Aranda has been a middling hitter in his career, which has seen him go back and forth between the Rays and their minor league affiliates since 2022. But, he might be up in the big show to stay now. He’s got a sensational .975 OPS and a 178 OPS+. He’s helped carry a light Tampa Bay lineup.

Chicago Cubs OF Pete Crow-Armstrong

Pete Crow-Armstrong, acquired out of the Mets farm system in 2021 in a deal that gave the Mets Javy Baez as a rental, had struggled at the plate in his first 136 games across two years of major league experience. But, now 23, he’s figured it out at the plate with an OPS well over .800. And, if he’s going to be an .800 OPS guy, that makes him one of the most valuable players in the league. He might be the best centerfielder in baseball, and has already stolen 12 bases this year. He’s an absolute sparkplug, and is a big reason why the Cubs have the best offense in baseball.