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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Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez hits a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs in the fourth inning in game one of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez hits a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs in the fourth inning in game one of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Indians

2017 MLB Breakout Pick: C Roberto Perez

The Cleveland Indians were great in 2016. As a team, the Indians hit .262/.329/.430 and scored 777 runs, second most in the American League. The club’s potent offense was a driving force for the eventual American League pennant winners, and nearly ended a World Championship drought that dates back to 1948.

However, there was a glaring weak spot in the order: whoever happened to be catching. Cleveland’s primary backstops, Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez, hit .167 and .183, respectively in 2016, and combined for just 12 home runs and 51 RBI. Gomes, who missed time with shoulder and wrist injuries, is the No. 1 catcher on the team’s depth chart again heading into Opening Day. But, Perez is not only capable of overtaking Gomes for the primary catching job, he could take huge step forward as an all-around player in 2017.

It’s important to never place too much emphasis on a single month’s performance, much less a single game, but what Perez did in Game 1 of the World Series was magical. After hitting just three home runs in the regular season, Perez hit two against the Cubs in the opening game of the Fall Classic. The 28-year old also called a great game behind the plate as the Indians shut out Chicago 6-0.

It also may seem strange to tab a backup catcher as a potential breakout performer. Nevertheless, Perez showed a glimpse of the player he can be both offensively and defensively, and is likely to have many opportunities to prove he can do it over the course of a full season as he splits catching duties with the oft-injured Gomes. And, Perez showed signs of progress late in the regular season as well – particularly his last 20 games in which he hit .250/.310/.385 with a homer.

If injury strikes Gomes again, or Perez wrestles the job away from him with solid play, a breakout similar to Sandy Leon’s 2016 campaign with Boston is possible.

Another Name to Know: CF Tyler Naquin

One More for the Future: CF Bradley Zimmer

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