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MLB • 12 months ago

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Los Angeles Dodgers Breakout Candidates

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Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Los Angeles Dodgers Breakout Candidates

DodgersHat — After reaching the postseason in each of the past two seasons, the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking like they are going to be a powerhouse in the NL West once again. The Dodgers will feature a few new faces this year, and they also have guys who may be primed to turn in surprise seasons or take their game to the next level. So, without further ado, here are five Los Angeles Dodgers breakout candidates heading into 2015.

After reaching the postseason in each of the past two seasons, the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking like they are going to be a powerhouse in the NL West once again. The Dodgers will feature a few new faces this year, and they also have guys who may be primed to turn in surprise seasons or take their game to the next level. So, without further ado, here are five Los Angeles Dodgers breakout candidates heading into 2015.

5. Joe Wieland, RHP

5. Joe Wieland, RHP

JoeWCopy — Acquired in the trade that sent Matt Kemp to the San Diego Padres, Joe Wieland now appears to be a leading candidate to crack the Dodgers' starting rotation due to the injury to Hyun-Jin Ryu. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a nice spring, putting up a 1.00 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP over his first nine innings of Cactus League work. Perhaps he can carry that success into the regular season.

Acquired in the trade that sent Matt Kemp to the San Diego Padres, Joe Wieland now appears to be a leading candidate to crack the Dodgers' starting rotation due to the injury to Hyun-Jin Ryu. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a nice spring, putting up a 1.00 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP over his first nine innings of Cactus League work. Perhaps he can carry that success into the regular season.

4. Brett Anderson, LHP

4. Brett Anderson, LHP

BAndersonCopy — Although he has had his difficulties staying healthy, there is no question that Brett Anderson is a talented pitcher. Still just 27 years of age, don't be surprised to see the lefty string together his best season since putting up a 3.5 fWAR with the Oakland Athletics during his rookie campaign back in 2009. The key to that, however, will be for him to find a way to stay on the field.

Although he has had his difficulties staying healthy, there is no question that Brett Anderson is a talented pitcher. Still just 27 years of age, don't be surprised to see the lefty string together his best season since putting up a 3.5 fWAR with the Oakland Athletics during his rookie campaign back in 2009. The key to that, however, will be for him to find a way to stay on the field.

3. Joc Pederson, OF

3. Joc Pederson, OF

JPedersonCopy — After posting a .303 BA and a belting 33 homers in Triple-A Albuquerque last season, Joc Pederson will be one of the more interesting rookies to keep tabs on this season. The soon-to-be 23-year-old is having a great spring, hitting .409/.447/.773 with four homers over his first 47 plate appearances.

After posting a .303 BA and a belting 33 homers in Triple-A Albuquerque last season, Joc Pederson will be one of the more interesting rookies to keep tabs on this season. The soon-to-be 23-year-old is having a great spring, hitting .409/.447/.773 with four homers over his first 47 plate appearances.

2. Yasmani Grandal, C

2. Yasmani Grandal, C

YGCopy — Acquired as the centerpiece of the Kemp deal, Yasmani Grandal experienced some success in San Diego, hitting .245/.350/.412 with 24 homers and 94 RBIs over 777 plate appearances across three seasons. However, as a lifetime .310/.408/.487 hitter over his minor league career, don't be surprised to see Grandal take that next step in his first season with the Dodgers.

Acquired as the centerpiece of the Kemp deal, Yasmani Grandal experienced some success in San Diego, hitting .245/.350/.412 with 24 homers and 94 RBIs over 777 plate appearances across three seasons. However, as a lifetime .310/.408/.487 hitter over his minor league career, don't be surprised to see Grandal take that next step in his first season with the Dodgers.

1. Yasiel Puig, OF

1. Yasiel Puig, OF

YPcopy — Considering the fact that Yasiel Puig has been worth 4.1 and 5.3 fWAR over his first two seasons respectively, he may not be a traditional breakout candidate, but his best days are most likely still ahead of him. Don't be surprised to the the 24-year-old reach even greater heights in 2015.

Considering the fact that Yasiel Puig has been worth 4.1 and 5.3 fWAR over his first two seasons respectively, he may not be a traditional breakout candidate, but his best days are most likely still ahead of him. Don't be surprised to the the 24-year-old reach even greater heights in 2015.

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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Brad Faber is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.

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