Dodgers Rumors: Five Dodgers who could break out in 2017

Yasiel Puig – Outfield

What? Yes. On a list of prospects and young farm hands, the Wild Horse is perhaps the Dodger player most primed for a break out season. Or in Puig’s case, another break out season.

Puig’s out-of-nowhere 2013 rookie season was amazing – the outfielder garnered a second place finish in rookie of the year voting and a top-15 finish in the MVP race. The 2014 campaign was a fine, though not spectacular, follow-up – then dark days arrived.

Puig reported to camp overweight, irked teammates, and was generally reviled in the clubhouse. The following season, he was sent down to the minor leagues, and some thought he would never be seen again in the home dugout inside Dodger Stadium.

Alas, something changed after his demotion. Puig hustled. He became a better teammate. And he performed. The talent was never a question for the Bo Jackson doppelgänger. His ability is unquestioned and his emotion is a cathartic release for the entire Dodgers fan base.

So why, despite the complex and robust narrative, is Puig still considered a breakout candidate? He is only 26 years old, and finally learning the game. If Aaron Judge, Hunter Renfroe, Jon Gray and Steven Matz are all considered prospects at nearly the same age, then a player with Puig’s pedigree at the same age can surely be considered one as well. And besides, who doesn’t want to see more bat flips at Chavez Ravine?