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Baseball America’s editorial team has made a series of predictions and previews regarding the 2025 MLB season, expressing both bold and cautious insights.
We kick off with the inquiry: Who will emerge as the most significant breakout hitter in the 2025 season?
This year’s panel of forecasters includes Ben Badler, Jesús Cano, Mark Chiarelli, Carlos Collazo, J.J. Cooper, Matt Eddy, Josh Norris, Geoff Pontes, and Dylan White.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, Cubs
Ben Badler: Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs is already recognized for his outstanding defense in a crucial position. While he had a batting line of .237/.286/.384 in his first full season, much more offensive potential could be unleashed in his age-23 season, making him a candidate to become one of the most valuable center fielders in the league if he taps into that potential.
Lawrence Butler, OF, Athletics
Jesús Cano: Lawrence Butler finished the previous season strongly, yet his achievements went unnoticed due to playing for the Athletics. After refining his mechanics following a stint in Triple-A, he excelled with a .302/.346/.597 line, along with 20 home runs and 49 RBIs in his last 73 games. At merely 24 years old, Butler signed a seven-year, $65.5 million contract and could easily earn an all-star spot in Atlanta, his hometown.
Michael Toglia, 1B, Rockies
Mark Chiarelli: Michael Toglia subtly hit 25 home runs last season, suggesting room for even greater performance. His hard-hit percentage was noteworthy, ranking in the top 10 among hitters aged 26 and under. Although he struggled with strikeouts, improved swing choices emerged mid-season, contributing to a better approach. Having not fully utilized the hitter-friendly Coors Field yet, Toglia’s potential remains vast while he continues to develop in a rebuilding Rockies lineup.
Kristian Campbell, 2B, Red Sox
J.J. Cooper: Kristian Campbell, among baseball’s elite prospects, is poised to make a significant impact right away. Expected to be a multi-WAR player this coming year, Campbell is anticipated to be a long-term asset for the Boston Red Sox.
Juan Brito, 2B, Guardians
Carlos Collazo: Juan Brito often flies under the radar within Cleveland’s deep prospect pool. However, he possesses a solid all-around batting profile, having achieved a .256/.365/.443 line with 21 home runs and 40 doubles in Triple-A. Given the departure of Andres Gimenez to Toronto, he has a clear path to playing time at second base until the expected arrival of Travis Bazzana.
James Wood, OF, Nationals
Matt Eddy: Considering Jackson Chourio’s breakout at 20, I’d like to spotlight James Wood, the Nationals’ left fielder. Last season, Wood dominated with a 176 wRC+ in Triple-A, and he showcased potential in the latter half of the MLB season as one of the few under-21 regulars. Although he faced a rise in strikeouts, his encouraging metrics point to a 25-homer season and a .350 OBP at just 22 years old.
Victor Robles, OF, Mariners
Geoff Pontes: After being released by the Nationals in June 2024, Victor Robles rejuvenated his career with the Mariners, where he posted an impressive .328/.393/.467 line over 77 games. His swing adjustments led to improved launch angles and a notable uptick in hard hits, marking a turning point in his performance. With these changes, combined with his speed and defensive skills, Robles has the potential to be 2025’s breakout hitter.
Lars Nootbaar, OF, Cardinals
Dylan White: Lars Nootbaar has maintained a 116 wRC+ across nearly 1,400 plate appearances and heads into his age-27 season set to secure a prominent role in the Cardinals’ lineup. His unassuming yet effective profile suggests a possible 4-WAR season on the horizon.
