Top 10 MLB breakout candidates in 2017

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Mar 4, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Joe Musgrove (59) delivers pitch against the New York Mets during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Joe Musgrove

The Houston Astros are a hot pick to contend in the American League this season. After picking up Josh Reddick, Carlos Beltran, and Brian McCann, the Astros are expected to have one of the best offenses in baseball, but they did not address the questions in their starting rotation. The health and effectiveness of Dallas Keuchel and Colin McHugh are still up in the air. Lance McCullers looks like a budding ace, but his 2016 season was cut short by shoulder and elbow injuries.

Not quite as heralded as McCullers, Joe Musgrove still has plenty of potential to help the Astros. He made his debut last season and went 4-4 with a 4.06 ERA in 11 games. Musgrove struck out 55 in 62.0 innings while showing good control.

In the minor leagues, Musgrove went 32-15 with a 3.02 ERA with 8.5 K/9 and only 1.3 BB/9. Control has never been an issue for him, even being drafted out of high school. His fastball can touch 95, and a good slider and changeup. His ability to command all three pitches this well is not often seen in a young pitcher. Musgrove acquitted himself well last year after being called up, and the Astros can expect big things from him this year.

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