The term breakout prospect can have different meanings. In this article, a breakout means a player who has not produced yet but is due for a surge in production, a prospect who has played well but just not received notoriety yet, or a prospect that will see their stock soar on prospect lists. The prospects range from first-round picks, later-round selections, or international signings. When playing in dynasty leagues it is important to keep an eye on all three facets. Below is a list of 10 MLB NL West prospects due for a breakout in the 2024 season.
2024 Breakout Prospects from the NL West
Jack Hurley OF ARI
Jack Hurley was the Diamondback’s third-round selection in 2023 out of the University of Virginia. Hurley is an athletic outfielder who has the versatility to play all outfield positions. After being drafted, Hurley played in 33 games across three levels, ending the season at high-A. He produced a stat line of .276/.374/.409, two home runs, 21 runs, 11 RBI, and 10 SB in 127 at-bats. I know it is a small sample size, but he saw his production increase with every advancement. His swing gets long at times leading to increased strikeout totals, so he will need to quiet his approach. If he can make the necessary adjustments, he could be a five-tool player. A player to watch and stash.
Christian Cerda C ARI
Christian Cerda was signed in the 2018 international signing period by the Tampa Bay Rays. Cerda did not play until the 2021 season due to the pandemic. The Diamondbacks acquired Cerda in 2022 in the trade of David Peralta. Cerda possesses superior plate discipline walking nearly as much as he struck out, 93 BB/96K in 2023. It has not translated much in the way of batting average as he combined to hit a .247 average across two levels this past year. He has shown average power so far posting a career-high 11 home runs in 2023. He will look to build on his 2023 season and should see double-A by the season’s end. The profile does not scream star, but his eye at the plate gives him a solid chance to reach the majors.
Kyle Karros 3B COL
Kyle Karros, the son of former Dodger Eric Karros, was drafted in the fifth round by Colorado in 2023. Being 6’5″, you would think he strikes out a lot, but he has shown good plate discipline. He walked 22 times compared to 25 strikeouts in 130 at-bats. He posted a line of .285/.397/.331, 17 RBI, 30 runs, with zero home runs. Even though he showed no power, he should hit for power with his size and the Coor’s field effect. Karros offers good enough defense at third base to stay there. He is a player to stash as he should put himself on everyone’s radars in 2024. Karros has the potential of hitting for a .260 average and 20 + home runs.
Dyan Jorge SS COL
Dyan Jorge signed with the Rockies in the 2022 international signing period. Jorge has shown solid bat-to-ball skills, posting, .306/.375.421, three home runs, 60 runs, and 40 RBI across two levels in 2023. He also showed a good eye at the plate walking 32 times while striking out 47 times. Though he will never be a power hitter, he will add muscle to his slender 6’3″ frame assisting the home run totals. Jorge will also need to add some loft to his swing because currently, he hits the ball on the ground a lot. He is a player to watch because he has solid skills and will play in an offensive-friendly environment.
Hyun-Suk Jang SP LAD
Hyun-Suk Jang signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers for $900,000 in the 2023 international signing period. Jang chose to come to the United States instead of playing in the Korean league where he was projected to be picked number one overall. He is a 6’4″ nineteen-year-old that possesses four pitches with three potentially being plus. Jang throws a fastball that sits low to mid-90s, a slider, a curveball, and a changeup. He has yet to play for the Dodgers and is likely to start at rookie-level complex league in 2024. Not only are his measurables and stuff good but he signed with the pitching factory Dodgers. All the more reason to be a Jang buyer.
Jackson Ferris SP LAD
Jackson Ferris was recently acquired in the trade of Michael Busch to the Cubs. He was drafted in the second round as a prep pitcher where he finished 16-0 with a .80 ERA the last two seasons. Another 6’4 pitcher has four pitches in his arsenal being a low to mid 90’s fastball, curveball, slider, and change-up. Ferris was aggressively started at low-A Myrtle Beach but still produced a 3.38 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 77 K’s, and 33 BB in 56 innings. He struggles with control due to an inconsistent delivery that causes him to be off balance. Ferris will need to refine his delivery to reach his potential. If the Dodgers can work their magic as they have proven they can, then the sky is the limit.
Dillon Head OF SDP
The Padres drafted Dillon Head in the first round of the 2023 draft. He was hailed as one of the best prep bats in the draft. Head possesses top-of-the-line speed and uses the whole field to get on base. After signing, Head played at two levels reaching low-A hitting a combined, .267/.363/.400, one HR, 18 runs, and 11RBI. Head exhibited a good eye at the plate by walking 15 times while striking out 19 times. He is a speed-over-power player potentially stealing 40+ bases annually and winning multiple gold gloves in center field. He should get on base enough to allow his speed to play unlike former speedster Billy Hamilton. The Padres have drafted well over the past five years, and it looks like they hit on another one.
Jakob Marsee OF SDP
Jakob Marsee was drafted in the sixth round in 2022 by the Padres out of Central Michigan. Marsee’s carrying tool is his on-base ability as he walked 98 times compared to 97 strikeouts at high-A and double-a in 2023. He hit for a combined .274/.413/.428, 16 HR, 103 runs, 46 RBI, and 46 SBs. Marsee is not the most athletic player but makes up for that with his grit and good routes to the ball in center field. He participated in the Arizona Fall League this past summer and won league MVP hitting .391/.509/.707 with five homers, 20 RBIs, and 16 steals. There is a chance we see Marsee reach the majors at some point in 2024 especially seeing the Padres are outfield-needy. Grab him while you can.
Bryce Eldridge OF SFG
Bryce Eldridge was drafted in the first round by the Giants in 2023 as a two-way player. After being drafted he got his first taste of the minors primarily as an outfielder. He reached low-A producing a line of, .294/.400/.505, six HR, five runs, and 18 RBI. Eldridge is a big 6’7″ lefthanded batter who generates massive power. He has a compact swing for his size and controls the zone well. This should allow him to hit enough to get to that power. The Giants are said to be allowing him to both hit and pitch in the 2024 season. Ohtani has increased the appeal of two-way players in today’s game, but there will be a greater risk of injury. If he can stay healthy, he will be a middle-of-the-order bat hitting 30 + home runs annually.
Rayner Arias OF SFG
Rayner Arias signed with the Giants in the 2023 international signing period, netting the second-highest bonus in franchise history. Arias has a high baseball IQ and an advanced approach. He has been around baseball his whole life because his dad is a scout and former minor leaguer. After signing he played at the Dominican Summer League, producing a line of, .414/.539/.793, four HR, 19 runs, and 21 RBI before he broke his left wrist. He displayed a good eye at the plate, walking more than he struck out, 15 BB/ 11 Ks. He will come stateside in 2024 and should see low-A if he continues to prove superior over lower-level pitching. Arias is a complete hitter with a good approach whose start is rising. This is the time to buy before it is too late.
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