Top 30 MLB breakout stars in 2017

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 16, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Albert Almora Jr. (5) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Cubs

2017 MLB Breakout Pick: CF Albert Almora, Jr.

Calling slugging outfielder and part-time catcher Kyle Schwarber a breakout performer seems too easy. After all, Schwarber hit .246/.355/.487 with 16 homers in 69 games as a rookie, and despite missing almost all of the 2016 regular season with a knee injury, returned to collect seven hits in the World Series. That’s pretty breakout-y already.

Addison Russell would also be a candidate, but he too came up big in the Fall Classic with a clutch home run in Game 6, and is already a well-known piece of the Cubs lineup. In fact, Russell received NL MVP votes in 2016. Javier Baez and Willson Contreras are also short of their major league ceilings, but both are well-known commodities as well.

Instead, it’s Albert Almora, Jr. that gets the nod as our 2017 breakout performer. With 2016 leadoff hitter and center fielder Dexter Fowler signing with the rival Cardinals over the winter, Almora is the most likely candidate to take over on an everyday basis.

A Gold Glove caliber defender, Almora also showed some good signs at the plate in his first big league action. He’s a free swinger that doesn’t walk much (he only earned five free passes in 117 plate appearances), but Almora made enough contact to keep his strikeout rate down to a respectable 17.1 percent. Overall, the 22-year old (he turns 23 in April) hit .277/.308/.455 with nine doubles, one triple, three home runs and 14 RBI in 47 games. He also scored what would be the historic winning run in Game 7 of the World Series.

As long as he maintains his great defense in center, there won’t be a ton of pressure on Almora to produce offensively in 2017. He’s likely to hit eighth or ninth in the batting order most games (since manager Joe Maddon often likes to hit his pitcher No. 8 in the order), but given the potency of the Cubs lineup, Almora should still have plenty of opportunities to drive in runs.

Another Name to Know: LF Kyle Schwarber

One More for the Future: RP Carl Edwards, Jr.

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