A brand new 12 months brings new alternatives — to construct on the positives from final 12 months, to enhance on a disappointing season, or to lastly attain anticipated potential.
A number of of these might apply in 2026 for gamers on the verge of a breakout 12 months. These are gamers who, for no matter motive, have not totally reached expectations, regardless of occasional flashes of excellence.
With the assistance of MLB.com’s beat writers, right here is one breakout candidate for every group.
This seems like an off-the-board decide, provided that Ponce simply signed a three-year, $30 million deal, however he’s an enchanting story, coming again to MLB after 4 years pitching in Japan and Korea. Final season, Ponce gained the KBO’s MVP Award and completely dominated opposing hitters with 252 strikeouts over 180 2/3 innings. Final time we noticed him within the huge leagues, although, he was a fringe reliever with the Pirates who couldn’t stick. Ponce’s velocity has ticked up and he appears to have unlocked one thing. So, at age 31, we might witness the late breakout Ponce has been working towards. — Keegan Matheson
After an underwhelming 60-game debut in 2024, Holliday confirmed vital strides in ‘25, when he ranked second on the O’s with 149 video games performed and slashed .242/.314/.375 with 21 doubles, three triples, 17 house runs, 55 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. He additionally improved defensively at second base, a place he discovered on the fly in Spring Coaching 2024 after developing via the Minors as a shortstop. It was a great season, however there needs to be even higher ones to come back for Holliday. In spite of everything, he’s nonetheless solely 22 years outdated. — Jake Rill
Simpson bought referred to as up sooner than anticipated, spent a while within the Minors and nonetheless used his elite velocity to steal 44 bases in 109 video games. He additionally batted .295, displaying a particular means to place the bat on the ball. There’s nonetheless room for enchancment, particularly within the outfield and, to a lesser extent, in his persistence on the plate. And he’ll need to earn no matter taking part in time he will get in a crowded outfield. However the potential for Simpson to steal 60-plus bases in a full season makes him a participant to look at heading into subsequent 12 months. — Adam Berry
Final 12 months’s rookie season, shortened as a result of he wasn’t referred to as up till June after which sustained a season-ending indirect harm on Sept. 2, was only a begin. Over a full, 162-game season, Anthony has all of the instruments and maturity to show into an elite participant. He’s a left-handed hitter who has no drawback hitting in opposition to lefties. He has an ideal mix of persistence and energy on the plate. Simply how a lot energy Anthony grows into in his first full season will decide his degree of impression. Defensively, he can play an above common left and proper subject. — Ian Browne
“The Martian” might lastly be able to stay as much as the immense potential the Yankees have touted for years. Nonetheless simply 22, the switch-hitting Domínguez misplaced crucial improvement time to the pandemic and Tommy John surgical procedure, spending a lot of the second half on the bench in 2025. He went to winter ball to deal with sharpening his protection in left subject and his swing from the proper aspect of the plate, which is his pure aspect. It could be no shock if Domínguez’s touted mix of velocity and energy all comes collectively in an enormous method. — Bryan Hoch
The Guardians promoted Messick from Triple-A Columbus on Aug. 20, and he rapidly confirmed he had the proper demeanor and stuff to reach the massive leagues. As supervisor Stephen Vogt put it earlier than Messick’s second profession begin, “He is coming at you and isn’t afraid of the strike zone.” Messick recorded a 2.72 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 6 walks in 39 2/3 innings over seven begins down the stretch, and held opponents to a miniscule 29.8% hard-hit price. If his first MLB stint is a harbinger for what’s to come back, Messick could also be set for an enormous 2026. — Tim Stebbins
Caglianone confirmed that he beat Triple-A with each of his stints (together with a rehab project) there in 2025. However the huge leagues proved to be harder, with the 22-year-old hitting simply .157 with a .532 OPS in 62 video games for the Royals. Caglianone continues to be so younger — each in age {and professional} baseball expertise — and his ceiling continues to be so excessive. The Royals will give him an opportunity to win an Opening Day roster spot and make the required changes to be an on a regular basis participant for them. As a result of if he does, Caglianone’s energy instantly transforms this offense. — Anne Rogers
Detroit’s 2025 playoff run won’t have occurred with out the hard-throwing Melton, who made a direct impression as a midseason call-up to the rotation earlier than shifting to the bullpen down the stretch. He helped the Tigers take a must-win recreation in Cleveland within the last week of the common season, then rebounded from a tough postseason debut to beat the Mariners in Recreation 4 of the ALDS. The Tigers see him as a starter long run and have him of their rotation for now, however might shift him again to the bullpen in the event that they add a veteran starter. — Jason Beck
You possibly can argue that Keaschall broke out final 12 months, and also you wouldn’t be mistaken. He was electrical in 49 video games as a rookie, however that’s the rationale he’s on this record — he solely performed 49 video games. Keaschall handled a few vital accidents, and he’ll be trying to keep on the sector in ‘26. If he does, you possibly can count on extra of what he confirmed in ‘25 — excellent bat-to-ball talent, extra-base pop, and athletic and aggressive baserunning — together with what the membership expects might be improved protection. — Matthew Leach
Boston reportedly had curiosity in buying Teel, who was a part of its four-player commerce package deal in trade for Garrett Crochet. It’s comprehensible, contemplating Teel’s expertise, however he’s going nowhere. The left-handed hitter is an amazing athlete, and he might play some within the outfield with Edgar Quero additionally in place behind the plate. However Teel simply bought began in ‘25, slashing .288/.376/.457 with all eight of his house runs after the All-Star break. Catching is gold, in accordance with GM Chris Getz, and Teel has probably the most worth supporting that evaluation. — Scott Merkin
Soriano was poised for an enormous breakout in 2025 in his second 12 months as a beginning pitcher after a season in reduction. And whereas he confirmed flashes, he was inconsistent, with a 4.26 ERA in 169 innings. However he has elite stuff with an influence sinker that sits within the excessive 90s to go together with his knuckle-curve and splitter. With new pitching coach Mike Maddux, Soriano might grow to be an All-Star for the primary time. — Rhett Bollinger
Matthews, a first-round pick of Nebraska in 2023 as a shortstop, made his debut final season and homered 3 times in a two-game span in Arizona final July, displaying a glimpse of what he’s able to doing. He’ll get some taking part in time at second base and middle subject within the spring and might want to lower down on his strikeouts. For the season at Triple-A, he slashed .260/.371/.458 with 17 homers, 64 RBIs and 41 stolen bases. He hit for the cycle in Could, but in addition struck out 139 occasions in 419 at-bats. — Brian McTaggart
Morales confirmed all of the makings of a possible future frontline starter scouts undertaking him to be in his huge league stint with the A’s in 2025. In a 12 months that started at Double-A Midland, he compelled his option to the Majors in August and appeared in 10 video games (9 begins) for the A’s, posting a 3.14 ERA with 43 strikeouts and 18 walks in 48 2/3 innings whereas displaying off an electrical fastball and nasty sweeping slider. For 2026, Morales, 23, might be counted on as a key member of the A’s rotation. — Martín Gallegos
Seattle’s entrance workplace is bullish on its newly acquired lefty leverage reliever, whose under-the-hood numbers paint the image of a high-velocity strike-thrower who they will pair with fellow southpaw Gabe Speier. They might’ve used that further arm within the postseason and have been keen to half with coveted prospect Harry Ford to internet him. Behind the scenes, some within the group consider that Ferrer might be their lefty model of Matt Brash. They usually’d coveted him since all the best way again in 2019, when trying to amass him at that 12 months’s Commerce Deadline. — Daniel Kramer
The Rangers’ 2021 first-rounder had a top quality rookie season, posting a 3.86 ERA in 151 2/3 innings as a part of among the finest rotations in membership historical past. Although pitching coach Mike Maddux departed for the Angels, Jordan Tiegs was elevated from assistant pitching coach to the principle man, placing Leiter in an ideal place to succeed with the coach that’s been round him for many of his skilled profession. Leiter has at all times had the expertise, and if he continues to refine his command and management to restrict the walks, he’ll get even nearer to reaching his full potential in 12 months two. — Kennedi Landry
Hernández debuted in 2023 and confirmed sufficient promise in 2024 to suppose 2025 can be his breakout season. However whereas setting up a 3.41 ERA over 39 appearances for Atlanta, the 29-year-old reliever walked 18.3 % of the batters he confronted. He had only a 5.9 % stroll price whereas making 16 huge league appearances in 2024. Whereas final 12 months’s outcomes have been maddening, there’s loads of motive to nonetheless consider on this huge Cuban hurler, who has a 97.7 mph common velo along with his four-seamer and an 89 mph common along with his slider. There’s hope new Braves pitching coach Jeremy Hefner will assist Hernández correctly make the most of his spectacular weapons. — Mark Bowman
Final 12 months, first-time supervisor Clayton McCullough accurately predicted right-hander Edward Cabrera as a breakout star. With that type of observe document, why not go along with his 2026 decide? Lopez, who was the membership’s second baseman till late Could, nonetheless tied for the fourth-most defensive runs saved (seven) amongst MLB shortstops (min. 950 innings) after transferring to the opposite aspect of the infield. Although Lopez completed with an 86 OPS+ in his first full MLB season, his 15 homers have been probably the most by a Marlins shortstop (min. 111 video games) since Hanley Ramirez’s 21 in 2010. — Christina De Nicola
In equity, McLean broke out to an extent in 2024, developing in August and proving to be a singular shiny spot down the stretch. However he made simply eight begins, which implies the Mets’ prime prospect will enter 2026 with a for much longer runway to show he’s the frontline starter everybody across the group believes he might be. That includes a few of the greatest pure stuff in baseball, McLean actually seems the a part of an ace. An NL Rookie of the 12 months favourite (he simply barely retained his eligibility), McLean ought to slot close to the highest of the Opening Day rotation with an opportunity to essentially present what he can do over 30-plus Main League begins. — Anthony DiComo
Crews, the No. 2 general decide within the 2023 Draft out of LSU, was restricted to simply 85 video games in his first full Main League season due to an indirect pressure. When within the lineup, Crews slashed .208/.280/.352 with a .632 OPS. He tallied eight doubles, two triples, 10 homers, 27 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. On the Winter Conferences, newly employed supervisor Blake Butera mentioned, “I feel the world of Dylan. … What we noticed final 12 months was not the Dylan Crews we all know.” — Jessica Camerato
Stott has been a breakout candidate the previous couple of years, however at all times fallen brief. However possibly 2026 is lastly the 12 months. Stott made a seemingly easy mechanical adjustment on the plate in the summertime — he lowered his palms — and he took off. He batted .234 with a .636 OPS earlier than the All-Star break. He batted .294 with an .855 OPS after the break. If Stott can carry that repair into 2026, possibly he can lastly make his first NL All-Star group and problem to hit .300, which is one thing he has the expertise to do. — Todd Zolecki
Uribe loves the highlight and it seems just like the 25-year-old, flamethrowing righty goes to seek out his method into the center of it in 2026 — particularly if the Brewers commerce All-Star nearer Trevor Megill. Even when Megill stays, Uribe will certainly decide up some save alternatives after delivering a 1.67 ERA and 7 saves in 75 regular-season appearances, taking up nearer duties down the stretch and into the postseason after Megill suffered a forearm harm. Uribe struck out 90 batters with elite stuff, rating among the many Statcast leaders in barrel share (a hundredth percentile), fastball velocity (98th percentile) and anticipated ERA (94th percentile) with the form of aptitude that fills spotlight reels. — Adam McCalvy
Whereas it might sound odd choosing a participant who simply gained a Gold Glove as a candidate for a breakout in 2026, that is the intention of Winn. The dazzling 23-year-old shortstop, who dedicated simply three errors this previous season, was left off All-Star and All-MLB groups largely due to his regression on the plate. He began slowly and slashed .253/.310/.363 with 9 house runs and 51 RBIs. Winn’s common exit velocity (88.3 mph, twenty fourth percentile) and hard-hit price (34.6%, sixteenth percentile) lagged badly. He’s hopeful that an offseason knee surgical procedure will assist him be extra steady and stronger on the plate. — John Denton
Shaw spent the majority of the ‘25 season within the huge leagues with the Cubs and completed as a Gold Glove finalist at third base and with down-ballot votes within the NL Rookie of the 12 months race. He did that whereas hitting .226/.295/.394 with 13 homers, 21 doubles, 44 RBIs and 17 steals in 126 video games. After a troublesome first half (.280 SLG, .556 OPS, 60 wRC+), Shaw loved a a lot better displaying after the All-Star break (.522 SLG, .839 OPS, 130 wRC+). Chicago is hoping that second-half efficiency is an indication of a breakout season to come back. — Jordan Bastian
For many of 2024, Jones and Paul Skenes have been the Allegheny Electrical Firm, mowing down batters with triple-digit warmth. Just a few shaky begins and an indirect harm did inflate Jones’ season stats a bit, although, after which he missed all of 2025 after elbow surgical procedure. His rehab goes effectively and he’s going to slip again into the Pirates’ rotation sooner or later subsequent 12 months, and he may very well be the employees’s huge breakout star. He was experimenting with a sinker in Spring Coaching final 12 months, which might assist him work north to south extra, making his two plus-plus pitches, the four-seamer and slider, play up extra. — Alex Stumpf
Marte, who struggled offensively and defensively as a 3rd baseman throughout his transient huge league profession, was moved to proper subject after the All-Star break in 2025 and appeared to really feel a weight carry off his shoulders. The membership appreciated how instinctual he was taking part in the outfield and observed it freed him up offensively as effectively. Marte was slated to get extra reps in proper subject and middle subject throughout Dominican winter ball. With extra expertise, he might actually come into his personal as a hitter and fielder in 2026. — Mark Sheldon
The Diamondbacks acquired Moreno from the Blue Jays previous to the 2023 season and he helped contribute to their stunning run to the World Collection that 12 months. Moreno’s OPS+ has elevated in every of his seasons in Arizona, however staying wholesome has been a problem for him. Final 12 months, he made main strides behind the plate by way of recreation calling. If he stays wholesome, it seems like 2026 is the 12 months he can take his recreation to a different degree. — Steve Gilbert
Expectations have been excessive for Sasaki in his first season stateside, and he did not really stay as much as the hype that adopted him from Japan till the postseason. After lacking months with a shoulder harm, Sasaki returned in a brand-new reduction position and dominated out of the ‘pen. The stint confirmed that Sasaki’s electrical stuff was nonetheless there; it was merely a matter of unlocking it. Determining how one can have his greatest stuff working from the start – and in his return to beginning pitching – might be key for him and the Dodgers transferring ahead. — Sonja Chen
The Giants’ No. 1 prospect went solely 3-for-28 (.107) with 13 strikeouts whereas getting a 10-game cup of espresso in September, however he didn’t look overmatched on the plate and flashed elite energy by posting a 68.8% hard-hit price. Eldridge has been the topic of commerce hypothesis as a result of he shares a place with Rafael Devers, one other left-handed energy hitter who’s beneath contract via 2033, however the Giants consider they might accommodate each by having them break up time at first base and DH, which may very well be an enormous enhance for his or her offense subsequent 12 months. — Maria Guardado
There are a complete bunch of prospects and younger gamers on this record. Fermin, a catcher coming into his age-31 season, doesn’t precisely match the prototype. However, in the end, Fermin figures to be introduced with the position of major backstop, after he’d break up time with Salvador Perez for years in Kansas Metropolis. With a full Spring Coaching beneath his belt, Fermin might function an anchor for what figures to be a new-look rotation. To not point out, there’s some promise in his bat as effectively. — AJ Cassavell
Beck hit .258 with 16 house runs and 53 RBIs in his first season as a Main League common – with occasional blazing scorching intervals that illustrated why he was chosen thirty eighth general in 2022 out of Tennessee. There have been additionally droughts of missed RBI alternatives, and he struck out 174 occasions in opposition to 43 walks. The bottom line is Beck’s willingness to be taught. He utilized superior information to indicate measurable defensive enchancment through the second half. If related enhancements happen offensively, he can meet expectations as a lineup power. — Thomas Harding
