One Breakout Candidate for Each AL West Team

Home to one of the best players in baseball, the AL West is always an interesting division.

Year after year we ask the same questions about this division. Who can beat the Astros? Will the Angels finally make the postseason? Are the Athletics contenders? These questions are seemingly asked each year.

This year will be no different, and these five players could potentially determine just how good each of their teams could be.

Houston Astros – SP Framber Valdez

The baseball world saw just how good Framber Valdez could be during the 2020 Postseason. Valdez threw 24 innings for the Astros in the playoffs a year ago where he went 3-1 with a 1.88 ERA while striking out 26 batters. While he has only appeared in 45 games with a 4.19 ERA so far during his career, Valdez had a coming out performance for Houston at the end of last year, and is a prime candidate to breakout this season.

Los Angeles Angels – OF Jo Adell

Adell made his major league debut in 2020, but was disappointing for the most part. Only hitting .161 with 3 HRs and 7 RBIs, Adell struggled during his first 124 career at-bats for the Angels. The Angels could be a sleeper team to win the AL West, and a breakout season from Jo Adell could improve those chances.

Oakland Athletics – SP AJ Puk

The talented young left-hander missed the 2020 season due to injury, but should be ready to contribute for Oakland in 2021. The former Florida Gator made his MLB debut in 2019 where he went 2-0 with a 3.18 ERA out of the bullpen for the Athletics, and could play the same role again in 2021.

Seattle Mariners – SP Justus Sheffield

On a team that could have many players “breakout”, I’ll go with Sheffield to finally realize his potential this season. The young left-hander has appeared in 21 games so far during his MLB career where he has a 4-4 record with a 4.50 ERA. Sheffield was once a former top prospect, and his emergence could help potentially a sneaky good Mariners team.

Texas Rangers – SP Dane Dunning

The #91 prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline, Dunning was traded this offseason to the Rangers in the deal that sent Lance Lynn to the White Sox. Dunning made his major league debut during 2020 where he went 2-0 with a 3.97 ERA in 7 starts for Chicago. The Rangers are one of the more unknown teams in the MLB this season, but Dunning should emerge this season as their potential ace.

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