A Trio of True Breakout Seasons
Three players who have quickly burst onto the scene
Each MLB season, we witness a handful of young whippersnappers make a name for themselves, establishing their on-field play as good enough to be a regular, All-Star, or superstar for years to come.
2024 has been no different regarding young talent making the “jump” from a possible contributor, to a sure-thing lineup lock daily and household name.
Let’s take a gander at three exciting hitters enjoying breakout seasons:
1. Brenton Doyle, COL
During his rookie campaign in 2023, Brenton Doyle of the Rockies finished as one of the league’s worst-qualified hitters in terms of WAR and OPS. The then-25-year-old posted a dismal 53 OPS+ and hit a meager .203.
Looking lost at the dish, the only reason why Colorado gave him another shot to stick long-term was his Gold Glove defense.
To the surprise of many, Doyle has quickly put things all together in 2024. Once again, his outfield play has been elite — he patrols the dense Coors Field with ease and currently ranks 11th in OAA with 13.
The Warrenton, VA native has a cannon to pair, ranking in the top 100th percentile of outfield arm strength with an average of 97.5 mph. Most importantly, Doyle has made a complete 180 in the batter’s box.
He’s clubbed 22 HR, along with a 110 OPS+, .326 OBP, and 67 RBI. Not only is he speed in center field, but he’s also a weapon for head skipper Bud Black on the basepaths with 27 stolen bags on the year.
Doyle projects to be a top 30 fWAR guy year in and year out for the next few seasons, thanks to his elite athleticism, and friendly home ballpark. Now let’s hope he stays healthy considering 2023 breakout teammate Nolan Jones’ situation.
2. Jarren Duran, BOS
As it stands while writing this (9/12), Jarren Duran is currently 7th in fWAR throughout all of Major League Baseball. Who had that on their bingo card?
Much like fellow outfielder Doyle, Duran has always had the athleticism scouts drooled over. And again, like Doyle, 2024 has been the year he’s gone complete 180, finding a long-term groove.
Instead of starting hot, Duran played just slightly above-average baseball in April and May, collecting a 103 wRC+ and a 1.6 fWAR. While this encouraged Red Sox fans, by no means did it guarantee anything.
Since June 1st, Duran hasn’t looked back. He’s 4th in fWAR (4.8) with a 152 wRC+, 21 SB, 18 HR, 49 RBI, and a .560 SLG%. Oh, and he was the All-Star game Most Valuble Player in July.
Boston’s manager Alex Cora has been able to slate Duran at the top of his order, all he’s done is contribute. He’s totaled the fifth most hits this season at 174 — Duran entered this season with just 166 of those during his career.
The 28-year-old has also revived the defensive capabilities he showed off at Cal State Long Beach and in the minors. He’s grabbed 9 OAA on the year, an elite number.
3. Jurickson Profar, SD
Father time is weird. Most athletes tend to take steps back as they get older, but for Jurickson Profar, time has only seemed to help him… or maybe just the Padres.
Profar was the single-worst hitter in all of baseball in 2023. His -1.6 fWAR ranked 134th out of 134 hitters. Things looked bleak, as the 31-year-old was shipped off to San Diego in a last-ditch effort at the end of last summer.
Shockingly, San Diego and Profar seemed to have unlocked something this past winter.
For the first time, Profar was nominated the the All-Star game. It’s hard to believe he’s been in the Bigs for 11 seasons, but it’s true.
Profar currently has a 3.1 rWAR, 22 HR, 9 SB, 135 OPS+, and 82 RBI. Despite his defense still grading out as poor, it’s been a treat to see this longtime veteran platoon bat play an everyday role on a perennial playoff team.