The New York Yankees are expecting big things in 2023.
While they made a handful of moves to improve the roster with a signing like Carlos Rodon, it will take more than just the team’s stars to carry the load.
There will inevitably be a handful of breakout performers that will make their name known among Yankees fans.
Here are two that are most likely to have breakout seasons.
2. Greg Weissert
With how strong the Yankees pitching development is, there are always relievers bound to have surprise performances.
Whether it was Chad Green in 2017, Jonathan Loaisiga in 2021, or Michael King and Clay Holmes in 2022, there always seems to be someone.
This season, it is going to be Greg Weissert.
Weissert got a taste of MLB action this season and posted a 5.56 ERA.
However, a lot of this was due to a few bad performances.
His batting average against was just .146, suggesting he has the ability to miss bats.
Greg Weissert's slider is insane pic.twitter.com/y1xChMKXM3
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) September 3, 2022
Just looking at video of his stuff shows why, and also shows why he’d be the perfect candidate to breakout in 2023.
If he can put it together, expect to hear his name again.
1. Oswald Peraza
Since it doesn’t seem like the Yankees are going to make any moves regarding shortstop before the season starts, it is likely that Oswald Peraza will find himself there at some point.
Yankees fans got a small taste of one of their top prospects in 2022.
In 49 at-bats, Peraza hit .306 with a home run.
Oswald Peraza's first career home run! pic.twitter.com/zoLDcyf4C9
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) October 4, 2022
He also flashed his stellar defense in the postseason.
Now, he projects as the Yankees’ shortstop of the future if they stick with him.
This could pay off tremendously, as Peraza has the chance to compete for Rookie of the Year this season.
It will depend on what they do with Anthony Volpe however, a fellow top prospect shortstop that is a level behind Peraza in the minor leagues.
Despite this, the Yankees will still find a way to use Peraza this season and expect him to breakout in some way.
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