Top 5 NL breakout candidates for the 2023 MLB season

1. Oneil Cruz, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates

Cruz may be the top choice league-wide for breakout candidates following his opening year with the Pirates. As one of the leading candidates for the Rookie of the Year award in 2022, Cruz established himself as one of the top young players to know for the future. The 6-foot-7 shortstop had 17 home runs to go along with a .450 slugging percentage, showcasing some of his raw power. Cruz even had the hardest hit ball in Statcast history with a 122.4 mph single against the Atlanta Braves during the campaign. With his flashes at the plate, Cruz should be able to take a massive jump in 2023 with many expecting a power surge to be on the horizon.

Oneil Cruz hit this 122.4 mph 🤯

That's the hardest hit ball in the Statcast era!!! pic.twitter.com/soAi7qKaCE

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 24, 2022