With Spring Training in full swing, teams are looking for the best talent to add to their rosters for the 2024 season. Exhibition games are the best time for players to show off their talents, showing they are ready to contribute at the big-league level. Spring Training is especially important for players who have played on a Major League team before. While their spot might be almost guaranteed on the roster, they might need to prove they can truly add to their team this season. Many rookies debuted last year and made instant impacts on their teams, but a few took quite some time to get acclimated to Major League pitching and hitting. Here are five different players that have what it takes to have their breakout season in 2024.
Grayson Rodriguez
During his two stints with the Orioles last season, Grayson Rodriguez had two very different showings. When he first was called up from Triple-A, Rodriguez had a very promising outing against the Rangers, allowing 2 runs over 5 innings. However, he struggled over his next 10 starts, pitching to a 7.35 ERA. After taking some time to work in Triple A, Rodriguez came back and pitched to a 2.58 ERA in 13 starts. Rodriguez was able to vastly improve in the second half of the season and give fans a look at what his 2024 season could look like.
Photo Credits: Ben Ludeman / Getty Images
Anthony Volpe
Being the shortstop of the Yankees is no small task, especially for someone who grew up idolizing Derek Jeter. Anthony Volpe’s first year in New York was full of ups and downs, beginning with him making the team after a great showing in spring training. Volpe ended the season being the first Yankees rookie to have a 20 homerun and 20 stolen base season and being the youngest Yankees rookie to win a gold glove. While he had many achievements in his first season, he was never comfortable at the plate and only hit .209. With time being taken in the offseason to change his swing and results in Spring Training, Volpe is poised to have a breakout season this year.
Photo Credits: New York Yankees / Getty Images
Fransisco Álvarez
When the Mets called up Fransisco Álvarez in 2022, he was still very inexperienced. After he made the team in 2023, the talent was there, but it was also hard for him to break through at the Major League level. Although he showed traces of brilliance during his time in New York, Álvarez still has a lot to improve on this season. With the defensive ability many scouts did not expect him to have, along with the pure hitting talent he displayed during his time with the Mets, Álvarez is a prime breakout candidate for this season.
Photo Credits: Adam Hunger / Getty Images
Spencer Torkelson
For a former first-overall pick, Spencer Torkelson has not impressed much at the Major League level so far. When he debuted in 2022, all eyes were on Torkelson, but he was just a slight addition to a lackluster Tigers roster and even was demoted during the season. Torkelson made a slight leap in 2023, hitting 31 home runs, but still had a low batting average. In 2024, Torkelson is projected to have a much better year, continue to grow and show he was worthy of the first overall pick. In a weak AL Central division, Torkelson can have his breakout season and help the Tigers win the division.
Photo Credits: Paul Sancya / Associated Press
Bobby Miller
With all the injuries the Dodgers rotation faced last season, Bobby Miller got inserted into the rotation without much experience. Despite these challenges, he turned in a spectacular season, pitching to a 3.76 ERA over 22 starts. With a lineup expected to be one of the best in all of baseball and veteran pitchers in front of him in the rotation, the pressure will not be as heavy on Miller this season. With an entire season under his belt, Miller is projected to be even better this year, and a breakout season can lead to him being regarded as one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball.
Photo Credits: Ashley Landis / Associated Press
Edited By: Sarah Muñoz
Social Media Content Created By: Jenna Rose Weisenbach
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