As Opening Day 2025 approaches, CBS Sports highlights breakout candidates for each MLB team. In a follow-up, eight players who had breakout seasons in 2024 are examined to determine if they will maintain their performance. One standout player was Blanco, who unexpectedly excelled with Houston, throwing a no-hitter and finishing with a 141 ERA+ and 4.5 WAR. Blanco, a 30-year-old with limited MLB experience, showed promise as a starter with an improved changeup. However, his low batting average on balls in play and high walk rate may not be sustainable for another successful season. Butler struggled initially but improved upon his return to the majors, becoming a key player for the Athletics. In summary, Butler had an impressive season with a .291 batting average, 20 home runs, and strong performance in 84 games. He demonstrated big power with above-average bat speed and a good feel for the strike zone. Additionally, he showed improvement in his swing-and-miss rate and was a perfect 18-for-18 on stolen base attempts. Crochet also had a successful season after transitioning to a starter, showcasing a fuller repertoire and earning his first All-Star Game appearance.
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The Yankees suffered an 8-4 loss to the Blue Jays in a series finale marked by four errors, further complicating their AL East standings. Despite a strong early defense, misplays in critical moments, particularly by Max Fried and Cody Bellinger, allowed Toronto to capitalize, leading to manager Aaron Boone stressing the need for defensive improvement as they prepare for a demanding schedule ahead. Want More Context? 🔎
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