By now, most fantasy baseball players already know that Mike Trout and Miguel Cabrera will headline the top of drafts this spring. However, winning in fantasy baseball usually comes down to doing your homework and identifying breakout stars before they turn the corner.
Here is a look at five who are poised to do just that.
Zack Wheeler, New York Mets
The young left-handed pitcher for the New York Mets had some modest success when he was called up in 2013, but his minor league numbers suggest that he is just scratching the surface. Wheeler went 7-5 with a 3.42 ERA, but he was only able to strikeout about 7.6 guys per nine innings. Once that goes up, his other numbers will adjust accordingly.
Kyle Seager, Seattle Mariners
Seattle has been aggressive this offseason, and Seager could benefit from a better lineup around him in 2014. His fantasy baseball numbers were solid in 2013, as he hit .260/.338/.426 with 22 home runs and 69 RBI. He is just about to enter his prime, so expect his best season yet.
Michael Wacha, St. Louis Cardinals
Sure, just about everyone who watched the 2013 Playoffs has already labeled him as a star in 2014, but it is hard to argue with his production. He was simply dominant in the postseason, and it seems unlikely he will cool down next year. Do not draft him too highly in fantasy baseball based off of hype, but he is valuable.
Christian Yelich, Miami Marlins
Mike Trout and Yasiel Puig are just a few examples of guys coming out of nowhere in fantasy baseball to be stars as rookies. Even though Yelich lost his eligibility as a rookie, he was only called up in July. His numbers against lefties need work, but he has all five tools as a promising outfielder.
Chris Archer, Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay is able to compete in the American League East simply because they develop their pitching so well. Archer is another great example of their farm system paying off. If the Rays lose David Price in a trade, Archer will need to step up even more in 2014. Even after posting a 3.22 ERA and striking out 101 batters in 128.2 innings, his numbers should go up in 2014.
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