The MLB's Next Group of Breakout Stars

3 Candidates to Become Stars Next Season

Outfielder James Wood of the Washington Nationals

Opening Day of the MLB season is approaching and just like the previous years, there will be lots of rising stars throughout the league. One breakout candidate is Washington Nationals star James Wood. Wood was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres and was sent to Washington in the Juan Soto trade that sent Soto to San Diego. Wood made his MLB debut in 2024 but his best year so far was 2025 where he was named an All-Star. Wood also participated in the Home Run Derby in 2025 but was eliminated after round one. While Wood was an All-Star last season, his potential is even higher. He belted 31 home runs last year and he has the potential to increase that number this season. With a team like the Nationals who have a lot of rising young talents, Wood will have the chance to continue to grow his game.

Staying in the National League East with the Pittsburgh Pirates who have a pitcher that could take the next step forward: Jared Jones. The 24 year old right hander has only pitched in one MLB season in 2024 and missed 2025 due to a UCL tear. Jones had a solid rookie season, posting a 4.14 ERA while he was both above average in walk rate and strikeout rate. His fastball sits around 97 MPH and his top breaking pitch was his slider which batters had a .207 batting average against. While his return to the MLB will be interesting, Jones’ rookie year provides evidence that his breakout season is imminent.

The Seattle Mariners had their own breakout star last season in Cal Raleigh who finished in a close second to Aaron Judge in the American League MVP voting. Another Mariner, Julio Rodriguez, could have a similar breakout season. Rodriguez had a great rookie season in 2022 where he won rookie of the year and was sixth in the AL MVP voting. While Rodriguez has been a great player for the Mariners, he has been unable to reach the same level he did in 2022. After having a down year in 2024, he bounced back and posted the best WAR of his career at 6.8. J-Rod along with Raleigh led the Mariners to the ALCS where they lost to the Toronto Blue Jays. With a big step forward for the Mariners and Rodriguez in 2025, Rodriguez projects to have an MVP caliber season in 2026.