5 Players Who Will Break Out During The 2022 MLB Season
After a long lockout, baseball is back, and with that comes the hopes and aspirations of every player to improve on their past and execute their best season. For some, being the right age and in the right situation is the perfect recipe for the coveted “breakout season” that all hope to have. These five players are who I believe are the most-likely to experience this, so whether you’re drafting a fantasy team, making bets, or just love the sport, be sure to keep up with how these players are performing during the 2022 MLB season.
Dylan Carlson, Outfield, St. Louis Cardinals
After being a top prospect around baseball for many years, Carlson was brought up during the 2020 season and greatly disappointed, hitting just .200 in 35 games. Last season, at 22 years old, he took a huge leap, hitting 18 home runs with 65 RBI, 31 doubles, a .266 batting average and a .780 OPS, finishing third in National League Rookie of the Year voting. Now at 23 years old, there’s no reason Carlson can’t build on his prior experience considering just how skilled and athletically gifted he is. Although I wouldn’t expect him to be an All-Star quite yet, don’t be surprised if Carlson finishes the season with 25 home runs, 80 RBI, and a .820 OPS.
Wander Franco, Shortstop, Tampa Bay Rays
There’s plenty of reason for me to believe in Franco, and that all starts with the amazing trust the Rays organization has in him. Last November, the club handed him a contract extension that could pay him up to $223 million across 12 years. Many fans were shocked by this, considering that Franco has played just 70 total games at the major league level, but the games that he has played have been ridiculously impressive. In his 70 game rookie season in 2021, Franco hit .288 with an .810 OPS. Those are numbers that near-All-Star level players are reaching, and he was just 20 years old. My prediction for Franco in 2022 is 20 home runs, 85 RBI, a .305 batting average, and a .860 OPS.
Ryan Mountcastle, First Base & Outfield, Baltimore Orioles
Mountcastle rarely gets discussed, and there’s no logical explanation for that other than being on a struggling team. Mountcastle put together a phenomenal rookie season in 2021, hitting 33 home runs with 89 RBI and a .796 OPS. For reference, this placed him 23rd on the overall home run leaderboard amongst all major leaguers. While his batting eye isn’t quite at a high level yet, he certainly has a ton of pop in his bat, and I only see him growing this skillset. My prediction for Mountcastle’s 2022 season is 38 home runs, 97 RBI, and .830 OPS.
Tony Gonsolin, Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers
While his role is a little unclear at the moment, Gonsolin should thrive in whatever role the Dodgers place him in this season. With experience as a starter and reliever over the past three years, Gonsolin has looked incredible in every role. In the 142 1/3 innings he’s pitched, Gonsolin holds a 2.85 overall ERA and a 1.089 overall WHIP, two All-Star level numbers. His role on the team will only grow over time, and this should allow him to reach his full potential in 2022 at the ripe age of 27. I won’t predict stats since he’ll be in a myriad of roles, but my best advice is to support him now before he becomes the next big name during the 2022 MLB season.
Triston McKenzie, Pitcher, Cleveland Guardians
This pick is a little bit of a flier, as McKenzie has had a ton of ups and downs to begin his major league career. One of the biggest things that gives me hope is the fact that Cleveland always manages to develop pitchers well and get the very most out of them. The other main reason is him coming 4 outs away from the first perfect game in baseball since 2012 during an August game last season. His 6’5″ frame has a ton of potential, and his career 10.4 strikeouts/9 innings is a truly impressive mark. At 24 years old, McKenzie has plenty of time to master his control, and if he does so, he will receive at least a few 2022 AL Cy Young Award votes.
