Trying to predict potential breakout players is a favorite offseason pastime of baseball fans. The doldrums of winter are the perfect time to contemplate the “what ifs” of the coming season. Will a top prospect reach the big leagues and immediately produce as several players did a season ago? Will a player who has underperformed the past few seasons finally put it all together?
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What follows is a list of five MLB hitters who are poised to breakout in 2016. The idea of a “breakout” player is difficult to define. Does it refer to a player who really hasn’t played in the majors yet? Is it a role player who could potentially become a star?
For the purposes of this list, a breakout player is defined as someone who has shown above-average promise or ability, but for whatever reason has not been given regular opportunities to produce. These five players, in no particular order, are ready to break out.
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