2024 AL West Breakout Stars
This series is something I try to do every single year. Over the next six days, we will go division by division to find the breakout stars across MLB. To me, there is just nothing more exciting than properly tracking the next young group of players to make an impact at the MLB level. Our track record of identifying the next up-and-comers has been pretty strong over the years. To start things off, let’s go over your 2024 AL West Breakout Stars (one per team)!
Houston Astros (Hunter Brown)
Brown, 25, didn’t have the best rookie year on paper, but I also don’t think that tells the whole story. The Stros young starter tossed a mediocre 5.09 ERA. However, his FIP (4.37) was much lower and he still posted a 10.3 K per 9 rate. In year two as a starter, expect Brown to take a major leap forward. The knuckle curve, slider, and split combo that he has gives him upside to turn into much more in the coming years.
Los Angeles Angels (Nolan Schanuel)
Guy hits. What more can you say? Nolan Schanuel made minor league pitching look like a joke and reached the majors in record time. Oh, and he hit .275 as a rookie in limited at-bats. It would appear that the Angels have a good one on their hands.
Oakland A’s (JP Sears)
The A’s don’t have much to root for. Literally, figuratively, you get the point. JP Sears has at least some buzz. He’s a former Yankees farmhand who could turn into a 4-5 level lefty starter. If it’s going to happen, now is the time.
Seattle Mariners (Gregory Santos)
The Mariners just have an incredible track record of turning relievers from nothing into something. In the case of Santos, Seattle just needs to continue to build on what he already has. After sporting a 3.39 ERA with Chicago last year, I wonder what kind of magic this organization can put on top of what he already has. The fastball is serious gas but it didn’t play well last year. Expect that to change. Paul Sewald, Erik Swanson, Kendall Graveman, etc. This team knows how to produce relievers. Prepare for what’s to come here.
Texas Rangers (Evan Carter)
If you don’t already know, you will soon. Evan Carter is one of the premier young stars in baseball already. I’m not sure the Rangers win the World Series last year without him. You know, he only hit .300 with a .417 OBP during the postseason last year as a rookie. Expect fireworks with Carter joining the Rangers lineup on a full-time basis in 2024.
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