Top 30 MLB breakout stars in 2017

Philadelphia Phillies

2017 MLB Breakout Pick: Aaron Nola

Though most baseball fans probably missed it (the club struggled to a 71-91 final record, after all) but there were quite a few relative breakout performers for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016. Maikel Franco showed glimpses of the power and run producing ability that made him a top prospect. Cesar Hernandez posted surprisingly solid numbers.

Tommy Joseph and Freddy Galvis (Freddy Galvis!) each topped 20 home runs, and Cameron Rupp and Odubel Herrera hit 16 and 15, respectively. Herrera, an All-Star in 2016, is quietly blossoming into one of the most productive all-around outfielders in baseball.

However, for the Phillies to take the next step as a team, they will need improve their run prevention. Last year, Philadelphia surrendered 796 runs – the fifth most in the major leagues – and posted an ugly 4.63 team ERA. One player capable of helping the Phils turn those numbers around is Aaron Nola.

Despite a 4.29 career ERA in parts of two big league seasons, Nola has displayed a wealth of talent and a wide range of effective pitches capable of getting hitters out. Nola was terrific early last season and posted a 5-4 record with a 2.65 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 78 innings over his first 12 starts. During that stretch, he held opposing hitters to a .212/.252/.329 slash. Not bad for a pitcher that won’t turn 24 until June.

However, a UCL sprain hurt Nola’s ability to command his pitches, and he was 1-5 with a 9.82 ERA and allowed a .367/.435/.531 slash across eight starts until being shut down. He hasn’t fully rebounded just yet (Nola has a 6.62 ERA in 17.2 innings this spring), but is healthy enough to get back on track once the season starts.

If Nola returns to his early 2016 form, he has the talent to be the ace of a Phillies team that’s trending in the right direction.

Another Name to Know: 1B Tommy Joseph

One More for the Future: SS J.P. Crawford