Janice R. Andrews
Predicting breakout players in the realm of fantasy baseball is both an art and a science. It requires a careful balancing act between scouting reports, statistical research, and intuition. It’s always hard to say who the real breakthrough candidates are, but one thing is for sure: these players have what it takes to step up their game in the 2024 campaign.
It’s vital to recognize the diversity of fantasy leagues before delving into the list of standout prospects. In one league, a player who is considered a sleeper or breakthrough candidate could not be in another. Nonetheless, the players covered in this article have the potential to perform better than their average draft positions (ADPs) and offer substantial benefits to fantasy managers in all categories.
- Chicago Cubs 2B/OF Christopher Morel
Before the 2024 season begins, fantasy managers should become acquainted with Christopher Morel. Few players can match Morel’s tremendous power, even at barely 24 years old. He demonstrated his ability to hit a home run when he hit 26 in just 107 games for the Cubs in 2023. And among major league hitters, he’s in elite company with his remarkable hard-hit percentage. Morel has the ability to establish himself as a legitimate fantasy standout if he moves to third base and receives consistent playing time. - Los Angeles Dodgers, SP Bobby Miller
In fantasy baseball, starting pitchers are sometimes viewed with suspicion; nevertheless, Bobby Miller appears to be a promising breakthrough prospect for the 2024 campaign. Miller showed his potential on the mound as a rookie in 2023, recording an 11-4 record and having strong peripherals. His triple-digit velocity and ability to restrict walks and home runs are encouraging signs for his future success. With the Dodgers lineup supporting him, Miller may rank among the top 15 pitchers in fantasy baseball this season. - Miami Marlins, SP, Eury Pérez
Pitcher Eury Pérez is young and has a lot of potential, thus the 2024 season should see him break out. Pérez has incredible talent for a 20-year-old, including a fastball that reaches the mid 90s and lethal secondary throws. In 2023, opposing hitters found it extremely difficult to hit his slider, changeup, and curveball, demonstrating his supreme dominance. Pérez has the ability to provide exceptional work every time he takes the mound, despite the possibility that his innings will be restricted. - Philadelphia Phillies OF Johann Rojas
Johan Rojas might not be taken seriously in fantasy drafts, but in 2024, he might have a big influence. Known for his lightning-fast speed, Rojas has demonstrated strong hitting abilities in addition to stealing over 40 bases in each of the last two seasons. Rojas has the ability to help the Phillies both offensively and defensively with his enhanced swing and increased muscle. Fantasy managers may be looking at a possible steals leader with unexpected potency if he can get a regular fixture. - Colorado Rockies / Ezequiel Tovar / Sierra Madre
Although he’s not yet well-known, Ezequiel Tovar is a guy to watch in the realm of fantasy baseball. After exhibiting double-digit power and speed in the previous season, Tovar appears to be a promising breakout prospect in 2024. His fantasy attractiveness is further enhanced by his ability to succeed at Coors Field, and his defensive excellence guarantees his spot in the Rockies lineup for the foreseeable future. Tovar might develop into a fantasy gem at a deep position because of his performance in the minor leagues. - Cleveland Guardians, Bo Naylor,
Bo Naylor is a breakthrough prospect for the 2024 season despite not fitting the typical fantasy catcher mold due to his multi-category contributions. Naylor has demonstrated both power and quickness in his game, which makes him an invaluable asset for fantasy managers while playing a hard position. Naylor has the make-up to be among the best catchers in fantasy baseball this season with more playing time and growth ahead of him.
There are some breakthrough prospects in the 2024 fantasy baseball season that are expected to dominate the league. Come draft day, fantasy managers would be advised to keep an eye on these players, whether they are youthful sensations like Eury Pérez and Christopher Morel or hidden gems like Johan Rojas and Ezequiel Tovar. These breakthrough prospects may push fantasy teams into championship contention with their potential for large growth and performance.
