With less than 100 days left until the start of the 2025 Major League Baseball season, let’s look at a few players that had some breakout moments this season and are worth watching come March.
Jackson Merrill
San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill had a huge rookie year in 2024, and was even in the running for Rookie of the Year. Along with being an excellent fielder, he had a batting average of .292, along with 24 home runs and 90 runs batted in.
Merrill was drafted in 2021 in the first round by the Padres and has since been named a National League All-Star and won a Silver Slugger Award following his debut this season. After Merrill’s amazing rookie year, his next season is one you will definitely want to watch.
Austin Wells
Austin Wells, catcher for the New York Yankees won the hearts of fans this year. He made his major league debut in Sept. 2023, and was in the running for that years’ American League Rookie of the Year.
In 2024, Wells was the backup catcher, playing when Jose Trevino needed days off. When Trevino got hurt, Wells took his place and really showed what he could do. After Trevino came back off the injured list, Wells remained the starting catcher as a result of his performance. Wells was drafted in the first round by the Yankees in 2020.
Mason Miller
Mason Miller, the Oakland Athletic’s ace pitcher, had an incredible 2024 season. Miller was drafted in 2021 and made his debut in 2023. In 2024 he threw 104 strikeouts and had an earned run average of 2.49.
He was an American League All-Star this past season. Miller recorded two wins and two losses for the season.
Coby Mayo
Third baseman, Coby Mayo, made his major league debut with the Baltimore Orioles in late August. In Mayo’s 41 at-bats, he had four hits and four runs.
While he did not get much action in the big leagues this season, he is a top prospect for the Orioles and is expected to be a strong player.
Jackson Chourio
Jackson Chourio plays for the Milwaukee Brewers as a left fielder. He made his debut at the start of the 2024 season after signing with the Brewers in 2021.
Chourio was hitting .275 this past season and had 21 home runs along with 22 stolen bases. At just 20 years old, he is making a name for himself in the baseball world.
Masyn Winn
Masyn Winn is a shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals. Winn was drafted in 2020 and made his MLB debut in Aug. 2023. This past season, he batted .267 with 15 home runs and 57 runs batted in.
Although he did not win, he was one of the three finalists for the 2024 Gold Glove Award for shortstop. Winn makes great fielding plays and he will be someone you want to follow next season.
Edited by Brittany Snow