Top 30 MLB breakout stars in 2017

Detroit Tigers

2017 MLB Breakout Pick: SP Daniel Norris

Like Brandon Finnegan and his double World Series-related trivia, Daniel Norris may have a hard time overcoming what has become his most recognizable feat to date: living in his van. But, also like Finnegan, Norris is a talented young left-handed pitcher that could soon become a top-of-the-rotation starter.

The Tigers picked up Norris from the Blue Jays in 2015, and though he posted a solid 3.68 ERA in eight starts in Detroit, he began 2016 in the minors. Norris didn’t put up great numbers at Triple-A Toledo, but earned a one-game call up in May and joined the rotation for a short stint in June before sticking in August.

Over his final 10 starts, Norris posted a 3-2 record (and the Tigers won six of those games) with a 3.04 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 56.1 innings. That impressive stretch included a 29.2-inning period in September in which he fanned 38 hitters and posted a 2.73 ERA and .223 opponent batting average.

Nagging oblique injury aside, Norris has been quite consistent in the majors to date. Norris is 7-4 in parts of three major league seasons, with a 3.64 career ERA. He’s also tossed a combined 150 innings or more between the minors and the big leagues in each of the past two seasons, which shows durability – something the Tigers needed in 2016.

With big-name and high-priced starters Justin Verlander and Justin Zimmermann atop the rotation and reigning AL Rookie of the Year Michael Fulmer taking the first three spots in the starting rotation entering the season, Norris will have to settle for a spot in the back end to begin 2017. But, don’t be shocked if he pitches far better than a No. 4 starter in what should be his first full big league season.

Another Name to Know: C James McCann

One More for the Future: RP Joe Jimenez