The baseball season is full of surprise breakouts, with players emerging from under the radar to make their mark on the big league stage. In 2023, a group of eight individuals announced their presence with undeniable authority, leaving a lasting impression on the game. Let’s meet the most surprising breakout players of the year.
One of those players is Bradish, who was initially a below-average starter for the Orioles in 2022. However, he was given another shot in 2023, and it paid off. Bradish firmly established himself as the team’s ace, with a significant drop in his ERA and an impressive finish in the AL Cy Young Award voting.
Crawford, previously considered a disappointing prospect, turned his career around in 2023. Leading the AL in walks and finding his power swing, he secured down-ballot AL MVP votes with a reputation for coming through in the clutch.
Another standout player was Jones, who started the year at Triple-A before making a significant impact with the Rockies. He hit 20 homers in 106 games, providing a much-needed positive development for the team.
Playing amidst a crowded Padres infield, Kim made a name for himself as a slick-fielding regular while taking advantage of the new rules in 2023 to increase his stolen base total and secure down-ballot MVP votes.
Montgomery, traded away by the Yankees, became a postseason star for the eventual World Series champs, elevating his stock as a top free-agent starter.
Robert, healthy for a full season, displayed spectacular performance, bashing 38 homers and adding 20 steals along with strong defense. His consistent presence on the field underscored his superstar potential.
Steele’s improvement propelled him to a serious contender for the NL Cy Young Award, with a significant cut in his walk rate and impressive pitching performance.
Lastly, Stott led all Philly position players in WAR this past season, showcasing his terrific defense and notable improvement at the plate in his second big league season.
These breakout players have left a lasting impact on the 2023 baseball season, fulfilling their potential and exceeding all expectations. The upcoming seasons will undoubtedly feature more surprises, but for now, these individuals have cemented their names in the baseball record books.
