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10 MLB Players Poised For Career Years In 2016

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Whether they proved to be one step away from becoming a superstar in 2015 or they will step into bigger roles in 2016, these 10 MLB players are ready to break out and have the best years of their career this season.

10. SP Tyson Ross, San Diego Padres

SP Tyson Ross, San Diego Padres Getty Images
Ross looked like he was ready to emerge as an ace after a very good 2014 season, but he really disappointed last year. He knows 2016 is a make-or-break year for him and that sense of urgency will help him step up. Given the fact he's been the subject of trade rumors, he could also be pitching for a contender somewhere else by July.

Ross looked like he was ready to emerge as an ace after a very good 2014 season, but he really disappointed last year. He knows 2016 is a make-or-break year for him and that sense of urgency will help him step up. Given the fact he's been the subject of trade rumors, he could also be pitching for a contender somewhere else by July.

9. OF Stephen Piscotty, St. Louis Cardinals

OF Stephen Piscotty, St. Louis Cardinals Getty Images
Piscotty burst onto the scene for the Cardinals last season when the team was decimated by injuries to outfielders, and he asserted himself as a future everyday player. His power can't be denied and his speed and ability to field his position make him a very good player as well. He should be considered a top candidate for 2016 NL Rookie of the Year.

Piscotty burst onto the scene for the Cardinals last season when the team was decimated by injuries to outfielders, and he asserted himself as a future everyday player. His power can't be denied and his speed and ability to field his position make him a very good player as well. He should be considered a top candidate for 2016 NL Rookie of the Year.

8. OF Christian Yelich, Miami Marlins

OF Christian Yelich, Miami Marlins Steve Mitchell, USA Today Sports
Yelich is a little behind schedule in his development, but his end to 2015 gave some hope for the future. With Giancarlo Stanton in the lineup, he should be much better as well. Still young and with plenty of time to improve, Yelich is ready to have his breakout performance this year.

Yelich is a little behind schedule in his development, but his end to 2015 gave some hope for the future. With Giancarlo Stanton in the lineup, he should be much better as well. Still young and with plenty of time to improve, Yelich is ready to have his breakout performance this year.

7. RP Ken Giles, Houston Astros

RP Ken Giles, Houston Astros Anthony Gruppuso, USA Today Sports
Giles has been a solid reliever for the Phillies and with five years to team control, he was a hot commodity this offseason. The Astros ended up winning the bid for his services as they dealt for him and they got their closer of the future. Since the rest of the bullpen is so strong in Houston, Giles won't have as much pressure, which will enable him to have a huge year in 2016.

Giles has been a solid reliever for the Phillies and with five years to team control, he was a hot commodity this offseason. The Astros ended up winning the bid for his services as they dealt for him and they got their closer of the future. Since the rest of the bullpen is so strong in Houston, Giles won't have as much pressure, which will enable him to have a huge year in 2016.

6. SP Marcus Stroman, Toronto Blue Jays

SP Marcus Stroman, Toronto Blue Jays Getty Images
Stroman tore his ACL during spring training last season, but was able to come back by September and contribute to the playoff run in 2015. In 2014, his only full season in the majors, he was excellent and he was very good at the end of last year as well. He has some great stuff and is ready to show everyone just how good he can be over the course of an entire season.

Stroman tore his ACL during spring training last season, but was able to come back by September and contribute to the playoff run in 2015. In 2014, his only full season in the majors, he was excellent and he was very good at the end of last year as well. He has some great stuff and is ready to show everyone just how good he can be over the course of an entire season.

5. 3B Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles

3B Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles Getty Images
It's crazy, but Machado is just 23 years old despite being in the major leagues for a while now. Last year, he started showing his power potential and 2016 could be the year he hits 30 or more home runs and drives in triple digits. He's one of the most talented players in baseball and he's ready to become a bona fide superstar next year.

It's crazy, but Machado is just 23 years old despite being in the major leagues for a while now. Last year, he started showing his power potential and 2016 could be the year he hits 30 or more home runs and drives in triple digits. He's one of the most talented players in baseball and he's ready to become a bona fide superstar next year.

4. OF A.J. Pollock, Arizona Diamondbacks

OF A.J. Pollock, Arizona Diamondbacks Getty Images
Pollock gave the Diamondbacks a second big bat to go with Paul Goldschmidt last season and helped greatly improve their offense. As a bat in the top of a pretty good order, he figures to score plenty of runs for Arizona. He's not going to hit for much power, but as long as he continues to hit above .300, Arizona will be happy. If 2015 was any indication, he will do exactly that.

Pollock gave the Diamondbacks a second big bat to go with Paul Goldschmidt last season and helped greatly improve their offense. As a bat in the top of a pretty good order, he figures to score plenty of runs for Arizona. He's not going to hit for much power, but as long as he continues to hit above .300, Arizona will be happy. If 2015 was any indication, he will do exactly that.

3. SS Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians

SS Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians Getty Images
Lindor provided an instant spark in Cleveland last season and he wasn't even there the whole year. He plays with infectious energy and is one of the most talented players on the field at all times, which makes him exciting to watch. Now that he can focus on going into a season as the MLB starter, he can focus on improving his game. The fact that he can get even better than he was last year is a scary thought.

Lindor provided an instant spark in Cleveland last season and he wasn't even there the whole year. He plays with infectious energy and is one of the most talented players on the field at all times, which makes him exciting to watch. Now that he can focus on going into a season as the MLB starter, he can focus on improving his game. The fact that he can get even better than he was last year is a scary thought.

2. 3B Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs

3B Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs Getty Images
Bryant won the NL Rookie of the Year award in 2015 by driving in 99 runs and providing a huge bat in the middle of the Cubs order, but he's just getting started. Jason Heyward and Ben Zobrist will now be hitting ahead of him, which means he will have even more opportunities to drive in runs. That adds up to him putting up a monster year with 30-35 home runs and a RBI in the range of 110-125 in 2016.

Bryant won the NL Rookie of the Year award in 2015 by driving in 99 runs and providing a huge bat in the middle of the Cubs order, but he's just getting started. Jason Heyward and Ben Zobrist will now be hitting ahead of him, which means he will have even more opportunities to drive in runs. That adds up to him putting up a monster year with 30-35 home runs and a RBI in the range of 110-125 in 2016.

1. SS Carlos Correa, Houston Astros

SS Carlos Correa, Houston Astros Matt Marton, USA Today Sports
It didn't even take a full season in the major leagues for everyone in baseball to realize Correa is the sport's next superstar. He is a great fielder and is an even bigger offensive threat. With Houston looking to compete again in 2016, Correa will step up and start drawing comparisons to a young Alex Rodriguez.

It didn't even take a full season in the major leagues for everyone in baseball to realize Correa is the sport's next superstar. He is a great fielder and is an even bigger offensive threat. With Houston looking to compete again in 2016, Correa will step up and start drawing comparisons to a young Alex Rodriguez.

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