Moving right along here with the series; we will now dive 2020 AL West breakout candidates. We will pick two players from each team in the division that have a chance to take that next step. Baseball is a weird sport and there is always numerous players that emerge that you probably never heard of before. Let’s examine the top 2020 AL West breakout candidates.
Houston Astros
Jose Urquidy
Jose Urquidy was a postseason hero for the Astros this past year. They needed innings and Urquidy stepped up in the postseason. The Mexican born righty tossed an ERA of 0.90 in 10 postseason innings this past playoff run. I think there’s a good chance he grabs a rotation spot and runs with it.
Kyle Tucker
We have been hearing about Kyle Tucker for what seems like forever. Tucker has been among the top tier of prospects every year. In limited big league action, Tucker has failed to impress. He should get an opportunity this year as the 4th outfielder. If Tucker is going to break through, 2020 is going to be the year.
Los Angeles Angeles
Julio Teheran
This one is a little outside the box. Teheran had some quality years with the Braves but kind of got lost in the shuffle in Atlanta. He feels like a change of scenery guy. No, Teheran doesn’t throw hard. If he can capture some of that 2016 magic again, LA got a steal. I think there’s a chance moving to a new city gets him dialed in.
Jo Adell
Finding a breakout hitting candidate is tough. The Angels don’t have a ton of young talent. Jo Adell is the one guy who has big time potential as a 5 tool outfielder. Mike Trout certainly needs the help.
Oakland A’s
Jesus Luzardo
In just a few outings in the big leagues last year, Jesus Luzardo already showed the makings of a star. Nobody could touch him after he got called up. 1.50 ERA in 12 innings of work. A 0.66 WHIP and 12 K per 9 is pretty sweet too. The A’s might have a real star here.
Jorge Mateo
Jorge Mateo was one of the pieces the A’s got in the Sonny Gray trade. Mateo is going to get his shot to be a utility man in Oakland. One of the reasons why the A’s traded Jurickson Profar is because Mateo can be that guy for much cheaper. Hit bat comes and goes but he has great wheels. He did blast 19 homers in AAA too. This is the kind of guy that makes such a huge difference when you can bring in a stud off the bench to play everywhere.
Seattle Mariners
Taijaun Walker
Taijuan Walker is just 27. How about that? Walker can be deadly when healthy. He’s just never healthy. When Walker is healthy, he’s been more than adequate. If he can even replicate 2017 where he posted a 3.49 ERA, Walker is a real asset. I don’t know why more teams didn’t jump at this.
Kyle Lewis
The youngsters in Seattle will start to emerge soon. Outfielder Kyle Lewis is coming. Lewis did make his MLB debut last late year. In 18 games, Lewis posted an OPS+ of 132. The only question with Lewis is how much power is he going to post. The former Mercer product never had high home run totals in any level of the minors. Still, Lewis will get his shot now and will get his chance to become a regular.
Texas Rangers
Kolby Allard
The Rangers picked up Allard in a deal with the Braves at the deadline. Atlanta had so many young arms that they just didn’t have a place to put all of them. Allard wasn’t super impressive during his brief stint in Texas but now has a full offseason gearing up to be a factor in the rotation. Allard is a former first round pick in 2015 with a deceptive cutter. Regardless, this was a good gamble for Texas.
Ronald Guzman
I don’t know what to make of Ronald Guzman. The guy looks like a stud. 6-foot-5, 225 and athletic. Yet he never really produces. The first base job is waiting to be taken. If he’s going to breakout, 2020 is the year. Guzman can hit homers but needs to become a productive all around bat.
