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I’m Breaking Out in 2026: American League Edition

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Darren Baker | Last updated Mar 13, 2026 3:02 PM ET

We’re about two weeks from Opening Day in Major League Baseball. Many fans are optimistic, while others are skeptical. Wherever you stand, hopefully, you have some excitement for the upcoming 2026 season. Each year, some players end up putting up some impressive numbers who you have never heard of before. Sometimes it’s a name you know that just hasn’t produced a fully impressive statistical season yet. That’s when you get the term breakout season.

Here are some guys you may or may not know that could be on the brink of a breakout season this year in MLB. Let’s start with the junior circuit. Who is breaking out in 2026 … American League Edition?

Trey Yesavage

Yes, this is an admittedly trendy pick because of his performance in the 2025 postseason, but Trey Yesavage seems primed to break out this season. This starting pitcher only made three regular-season starts last September, so he retains his rookie status for 2026. His nasty stuff had him register a 12.7 SO9 mark in several clutch postseason appearances. When you project that stuff over 30+ starts in the regular season for the Toronto Blue Jays this year, Yesavage could have a breakout season in Toronto.

Lane Thomas

Remember this guy? Only three seasons ago, Lane Thomas was a young stud outfielder for the Nationals with 28 homers, 86 ribbies, and 20 stolen bases. After some injuries and poor production over the last two years, Thomas signed a barely noticeable one-year deal with the Kansas City Royals for 2026. Technically, he already had his breakout season, but he is set up to do that again. Expected to hit at the bottom of a KC lineup that is top-heavy, Thomas should see a lot of pitches to hit and be beneath the radar. Can Thomas once again find his Lane and break out again in 2026?

Feb 25, 2026; Surprise, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Royals outfielder Lane Thomas against the Seattle Mariners during a spring training game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Royce Lewis

Royce Lewis seems to be a yearly candidate for these types of lists, but staying healthy has been a persistent issue for this talented Minnesota Twins third baseman. Last year, he topped out with only 106 games played. His 162-game averages would be 29 home runs and 98 RBIs. The Twins aren’t expected to contend in 2026, so maybe that lack of expectations will pave the way for Lewis to have his long-awaited breakout season. Don’t forget that this dude is not shy when it comes to big October moments.

Logan O’Hoppe

You may not know this catcher on the Los Angeles Angels, but he can hit. Logan O’Hoppe was once a highly touted Philadelphia Phillies’ prospect. He struggled last year in only 119 games, but the previous season he had a 2.7 WAR with 20 home runs and 56 ribbies as a backstop. Some may consider him an afterthought in the Halos lineup, but that puts him in a good position for a breakout season in 2026. If he can get that average from the .240s to the .270s, he could be one of the better offensive catchers in baseball.

Mar 11, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe (14) bats against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Cam Smith

With an aging core, the Houston Astros really need some of their homegrown talent to produce this year. Cam Smith, a first-rounder in 2024, could be that guy for them. In 2025, this outfielder had modest numbers, but he still finished 10th in the AL ROY race. This dude was a .313 hitter in his lone minor league season in 2024. So, he didn’t get to marinate too long before the Astros moved him into Kyle Tucker’s vacated spot last year. With a world of potential and a taste of big-league pitching now digested, Smith could thrive with a breakout season in 2026.

Sep 14, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Cam Smith (11) reacts after hitting a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Lawrence Butler

The Athletics have wisely locked up some of their young talent for years to come. One of those studs is outfielder Lawrence Butler. This smooth lefty bat is only 25 years old and has combined for 43 homers over the last two years. His strikeout numbers, 179 in 2025, do need to drop for Butler to become an elite hitter. But … that is part of the maturation process for Major Leaguers. Bringing in a professional hitter like veteran Jeff McNeil should rub off on Butler. This potent youngster already owns two three-homer games in his burgeoning career. In his third full season in the Bigs, Lawrence Butler is primed to have a breakout season in 2026.

Sep 27, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics center fielder Lawrence Butler (4) catches a fly ball against the Kansas City Royals during the third inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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