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Eight MLB Players Tipped for 2026 Breakouts, Led by Roki Sasaki's Return

This projection leans on late-2025 flashes over established track records.

Overview

  • Roki Sasaki is pegged to shift back into the Dodgers’ rotation after recovering from a shoulder injury and finishing 2025 strong out of the bullpen.
  • The Pirates expect Jared Jones to return from oblique and elbow setbacks in 2026, with evaluators eyeing a rebound to his pre-injury form.
  • Toronto signed former KBO ace Cody Ponce to three years and $30 million after a 1.89 ERA and 12.6 K/9 in 2025, fueling projections of MLB success.
  • Oakland right-hander Luis Morales rose from Double-A to the majors in 2025 with a 3.14 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 48.2 innings, and improved command is seen as the key to a jump.
  • Position-player candidates include Matt Shaw’s 130 wRC+ second half for the Cubs, Dylan Crews’ reset bid after a .632 OPS in an injury-shortened rookie year, Luke Keaschall’s flashes across 49 Twins games, and Giants prospect Bryce Eldridge’s small-sample power indicators.