Top 10 MLB breakout candidates in 2017

4. Eduardo Rodriguez

Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez of the Boston Red Sox has teased the baseball world with his immense potential over the past two seasons. He made his debut in 2015, winning 10 games in 21 starts, finishing with a 3.85 ERA in a tough division. Health issues held Rodriguez back in 2016, and he saw his ERA spike all the way up to 4.71 in 20 starts.

Rodriguez had some difficulty finding his command in the first half last year while he battled through a knee injury. He entered the All-Star break with an 8.59 ERA and opponents batting over .300 against him. In the second half, Rodriguez looked like the pitcher who dazzled at times in his rookie year. He made 14 starts after the break, and posted a 3.24 ERA in 77.2 innings while limiting opponents to a .210 batting average.

The 23-year-old southpaw tweaked his knee again during winter ball, but the injury is not expected to affect him entering the regular season. If he is healthy, Rodriguez will join Chris sale and David Price in giving the Red Sox arguably the best trio of left-handed starters in the league. He has an explosive fastball and great feel for his changeup. Boston should still treat him with kid gloves, but 2017 will finally be the year, E-Rod puts together a full season of dominance in the big leagues.