2024 NL East 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)!
Atlanta Braves (Jarred Kelenic)
We can see this script coming from a mile away, right? He’s going to find a way to burn the Mets. Somehow, someway. This is just the way these things go. The former Mets draft pick was acquired from Seattle this offseason. One of the corner outfield spots is his if he performs up to par.
Miami Marlins (Edward Cabrera)
The 2024 NFL Draft is coming up and I have about 500 draft profiles to write yet. I’m going to make things short and sweet. Click here to see why I believe in Cabrera moving forward.
New York Mets (Mark Vientos)
I was prepared to use Ronny Mauricio this year but we know what happened there. It’s officially now or never time for Mark Vientos. I try to tell people this all the time. The 40-man roster is the 40-man roster. JD Martinez isn’t on the team because Vientos is going to be given those DH duties. It is what it is. Will Vientos reward the Mets with their patience?
There are two ways this is going to go. He’s either going to become a lethal power bat that gets on base enough but drives in 40 bombs. OR… he’s going to be the next Bobby Dalbec. Teases you with just enough power but fails at pretty much everything else and makes you want to vomit.
Good luck.
Philadelphia Phillies (Johan Rojas)
The centerfield job belongs to Johan Rojas. Well, for as long as the Phillies can handle the fact that he can’t hit. What’s funny is that he has the same problem as Cristian Pache. Really solid glove work. Can’t hit to save his life. Before that, Roman Quinn was sort of that guy too. Either way, the time is now for Rojas to prove that he’s the guy in that spot long term.
Washington Nationals (CJ Abrams)
This team is really starting to turn the corner. I love the catcher but he feels too easy. CJ Abrams feels really under-talked about nationally and has a chance to turn into one of the better infielders in baseball. Does anybody realize that Abrams had 47 steals last year? The bat-to-ball skills just need to tick up a bit more and a star will be born. Easier said than done but if he starts hitting at a better rate, the Nationals will have a gem on their hands. They probably already do.
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