Fansided

Top 30 MLB breakout stars in 2017

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Aug 12, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Miguel Sano (22) celebrates his home run with outfielder Eddie Rosario (20) in the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Miguel Sano (22) celebrates his home run with outfielder Eddie Rosario (20) in the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins first baseman Justin Bour (41) connects for a base hit during the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park. The Marlins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins first baseman Justin Bour (41) connects for a base hit during the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park. The Marlins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Marlins

2017 MLB Breakout Pick: 1B Justin Bour

Christian Yelich would make a solid case for becoming a breakout player in 2017. But the fact of the matter is, despite being one of the most underrated players in baseball, Yelich is already a highly respected hitter for the Marlins, and his .298/.376/.483 slash, 21-homer and 98-RBI performance last season is the stuff breakouts are made of.

Instead, let’s focus on first baseman Justin Bour. Ichiro’s most famous teammate almost became a true breakout player in 2015, when the first baseman slugged 23 home runs and drove in 73 RBI. Bour was held to 15 long balls and 51 RBI while being limited to 90 games because of a sprained ankle in 2016. Though he posted an almost identical slash (.264/.349/.475) compared to 2015 (.262/.321/.479). Our also cut his strikeout rate from 22.6 percent to 17.4 and increased his walk rate from 7.6 percent to 11.8.

If Bour can stay healthy, he’s capable of 30 or more home runs. Paired with Yelich, star Giancarlo Stanton, and powerful Marcell Ozuna, Bour and the Marlins could light up scoreboards in 2017. They’ll probably need to outslug opponents to have any hope of reaching the postseason.

Because the tragic death of superstar starter Jose Fernandez last year, the Marlins aren’t likely to put up great pitching numbers in 2017. The club still expects to compete in the NL East, but to do so Miami will need to win a few slugfests. A breakout performance from Bour would be a huge help.

Another Name to Know: C J.T. Realmuto

One More for the Future: RP Kyle Barraclough

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