Top 30 MLB breakout stars in 2017

Pittsburgh Pirates

2017 MLB Breakout Pick: Jameson Taillon

Like quite a few of our potential 2017 breakout performers, Pirates right-hander Jameson Taillon is a former high first round pick and mega prospect. Also like several of the players that have come before him on this list, Taillon must overcome the injuries that have limited him in the past.

Taillon missed all of 2014 and 2015, which concerned fans that feared the 2010 No. 2 overall draft pick he may never reach his full potential. Hell, there were some that thought he may never be healthy enough to make it to the big leagues. But, despite so much time on the shelf, Taillon excelled with a 2.04 ERA in 10 starts in Triple-A, and earned a promotion to Pittsburgh. In his second start, Taillon tossed eight scoreless innings against the Mets. He allowed just two hits and the Pirates won 4-0.

In 18 starts with the Pirates, Taillon posted a 5-4 record with a 3.38 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 104 innings. He surrendered 13 home runs, but allowed less than one hit per frame and walked just 17 batters. Given his mid-90s fastball and excellent curve, the big Texan has all the tools to be a terrific No. 2 starter, which is exactly what the Pirates need.

The Pirates missed the postseason for the first time since 2012 last season, and an underachieving pitching staff was the biggest reason why. Other than Gerrit Cole, late arrival Ivan Nova and Taillon, Pirates starters struggled. But, if that trio puts together a full season together – and especially if Taillon stays healthy – the Bucs will be back in the postseason race.

Another Name to Know: RP Felipe Rivero

One More for the Future: 1B Josh Bell