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2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Tampa Bay Rays Breakout Candidates

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2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Tampa Bay Rays Breakout Candidates

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the 2015 season, it would suffice to say that the Tampa Bay Rays may have a little bit of a different feel this year, especially after the departure of longtime manager Joe Maddon. Nevertheless, this is still a talented club that is going to be quite interesting to watch. So, without further ado, here are five breakout candidates to keep an eye on this spring.

5. C.J. Riefenhauser

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5. C.J. Riefenhauser

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Although C.J. Riefenhauser posted a 8.44 ERA and a 1.69 WHIP over a short sample size of seven big league games last season, he is going to be an interesting player to watch going forward. The southpaw has gone 26-21 with a 2.77 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP over his minor league career, and he could ultimately be a terrific weapon out of the Rays' bullpen.

4. Steven Souza, Jr.

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Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

4. Steven Souza, Jr.

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Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Acquired by the Rays in a three-team trade that also sent Wil Myers to San Diego, Steven Souza, Jr. may be primed for a big season in 2015. The soon-to-be 26-year-old has only logged 23 at-bats at the big league level up to this point, but his minor league numbers are quite promising. Last season, he slashed a combined .345/.427/.577 with 18 homers and 77 RBIs across three levels in the Washington Nationals' minor league system.

3. Nick Franklin

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3. Nick Franklin

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Acquired as part of the David Price trade, switch-hitting middle infielder Nick Franklin slashed a very promising .284/.361/.450 over his minor league career. Although he has shown flashes of some of that potential at the big league level, he has only hit .213 with a .647 OPS in 130 MLB games up to this point. Perhaps the soon-to-be 24-year-old can put it all together this year.

2. Jake Odorizzi

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jake Odorizzi

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Although Jake Odorizzi was not at all bad in his first full season, going 11-13 with a 4.13 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP in a 2.0 fWAR campaign, the numbers he posted in the minor leagues suggest that he can be even better. Set to enter just his age-25 season, Odorizzi may be primed for big things in 2015.

1. Drew Smyly

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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

1. Drew Smyly

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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Drew Smyly, another player acquired as part of the Price deal, was absolutely terrific over seven starts with the Rays last season, going 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA and a 0.76 WHIP. Although Smyly has already experienced some success at the big league level, as a starter as well as a reliever, it is very possible that his best work is still yet to come.

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