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MLB • 1 year ago

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Baltimore Orioles Breakout Candidates

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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Baltimore Orioles Breakout Candidates

SchoopDugout — A season after winning 96 games and advancing to the ALCS, the Baltimore Orioles are facing a few questions heading into 2015. After all, they did lose Nelson Cruz, Nick Markakis and Andrew Miller. However, while the Orioles may have their work cut out for them in an always-tough AL East, they still have the talent to be in the mix once again. Without further ado, here are five players who could help the O's chances with breakout performances.

A season after winning 96 games and advancing to the ALCS, the Baltimore Orioles are facing a few questions heading into 2015. After all, they did lose Nelson Cruz, Nick Markakis and Andrew Miller. However, while the Orioles may have their work cut out for them in an always-tough AL East, they still have the talent to be in the mix once again. Without further ado, here are five players who could help the O's chances with breakout performances.

5. Kevin Gausman

5. Kevin Gausman

KGcopy — In 2014, Kevin Gausman was quite impressive for the O's, going 7-7 with a 3.57 ERA (3.41 FIP) and a 1.31 WHIP through 113.1 innings in a 2.1 fWAR campaign. At only 24 years old, even greater things could easily be in his future.

In 2014, Kevin Gausman was quite impressive for the O's, going 7-7 with a 3.57 ERA (3.41 FIP) and a 1.31 WHIP through 113.1 innings in a 2.1 fWAR campaign. At only 24 years old, even greater things could easily be in his future.

4. David Lough

4. David Lough

DavidLoughCopy — Although David Lough has been a useful player over the first three years of his career while playing for the Kansas City Royals and Orioles, the fact that he slashed .297/.349/.459 over seven minor league seasons suggests that there is still some untapped potential there. While he may need to battle to find playing time, don't be too surprised to see him turn in a surprise season in 2015.

Although David Lough has been a useful player over the first three years of his career while playing for the Kansas City Royals and Orioles, the fact that he slashed .297/.349/.459 over seven minor league seasons suggests that there is still some untapped potential there. While he may need to battle to find playing time, don't be too surprised to see him turn in a surprise season in 2015.

3. Travis Snider

3. Travis Snider

TravisSniderCopy — Recently acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Travis Snider is already coming off of somewhat of a mini-breakout, slashing .264/.338/.438 with a 121 wRC+ in a 1.7 fWAR campaign last season. Perhaps 2014 was a sign that the former first-round draft pick is now coming into his own.

Recently acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Travis Snider is already coming off of somewhat of a mini-breakout, slashing .264/.338/.438 with a 121 wRC+ in a 1.7 fWAR campaign last season. Perhaps 2014 was a sign that the former first-round draft pick is now coming into his own.

2. Jonathan Schoop

2. Jonathan Schoop

JonathanSchoopCopy — Although he played solid defense and showed some pop by swatting 16 home runs, Jonathan Schoop had a mere .209 BA and a .598 OPS last season. The fact that he was a .268 hitter over five minor league seasons suggests that he should be able to hit for a more respectable average going forward. He should easily be able to make strides in that department as early as this season.

Although he played solid defense and showed some pop by swatting 16 home runs, Jonathan Schoop had a mere .209 BA and a .598 OPS last season. The fact that he was a .268 hitter over five minor league seasons suggests that he should be able to hit for a more respectable average going forward. He should easily be able to make strides in that department as early as this season.

1. Manny Machado

1. Manny Machado

MannyMachadoCopy — After being limited to only 82 games and undergoing another knee surgery, Manny Machado appears ready to put 2014 behind him. As a player who posted a 6.3 fWAR during his age-20 season back in 2013, the future certainly looks bright for the young third baseman, and he should easily provide a boost for the O's if he can stay healthy.

After being limited to only 82 games and undergoing another knee surgery, Manny Machado appears ready to put 2014 behind him. As a player who posted a 6.3 fWAR during his age-20 season back in 2013, the future certainly looks bright for the young third baseman, and he should easily provide a boost for the O's if he can stay healthy.

Brad Faber is a Senior Writer and Sabermetrics Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Brad_Faber, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on LinkedIn or Google.

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