Every year, a group of new hitters breakout to take the MLB by storm and throw their name onto the scene.
Last season, players like Luke Voit, Teoscar Hernandez and Donovan Solano all put together campaigns that were among the league’s best.
However, with 2021 being the first full season since 2019, even more players are looking to make their name known.
Here is a look at the top three hitting breakout candidates going into next season.
1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B/DH, Toronto Blue Jays
It is hard to believe, but Guerrero Jr. is already entering his third season at the big-league level.
However, he has failed to play to his full potential during the first two seasons of his career.
There is reason to be optimistic for him going into 2021, though, as he may take a big step forward.
His solid 2020 campaign featured nine home runs, 33 RBI and a .262 average across 60 games.
The most notable stat may be his 50.8% hard-hit rate, which placed him at 12th among all MLB players in 2020.
Vlad Jr. practicing for the HR Derby. SHEESH.
(Via @baseballexis)pic.twitter.com/uD3ax1Hn7o
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 2, 2019
This stat means that he was hitting the ball hard at an elite rate, and likely getting unlucky during many of these.
If he can continue this into next season, the stats may reflect his hard-hit rate more accurately over the course of a full season.
Along with this, the Blue Jays’ additions of Marcus Semien and George Springer will help to give their lineup even more firepower, forcing pitchers to give Guerrero Jr. even more pitches to hit.
2. Gavin Lux, 2B, Los Angeles Dodgers
It was not long ago that Lux was one of the top prospects in the MLB.
However, he has found limited time with the Dodgers over the last two seasons, struggling in his opportunities.
Now, as the 23-year-old heads into his third season with the club, there are reasons to be optimistic of his breakout potential.
COUPLE BOMBS FOR GAVIN LUX pic.twitter.com/ruAMGKr1wl
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) September 9, 2020
With players like Enrique Hernandez and Joc Pederson leaving the Dodgers in free agency, there is more room in the lineup for Lux.
He could give them another solid left-handed bat, bolstering the lineup even further.
On top of that, Lux has a chase rate that is well below the league average, showing that he sees the ball well from major league competition.
With this discipline, he may be a good candidate to put together a solid season if given the opportunity.
Plus, he would have plenty of protection in the star-studded Dodgers lineup.
3. Jo Adell, OF, Los Angeles Angels
Adell is another former top prospect that did not play up to those expectations in his first season.
FIRST BIG LEAGUE HOME RUN FOR JO ADELL!! pic.twitter.com/Xhl7CKSqx5
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) August 30, 2020
In fact, he had an abysmal 2020 season after hitting just .161 with three home runs in 38 games.
However, the young outfielder has some of the best talent in the MLB.
The COVID-altered season put pressure on the Angels to make a decision for his development: place Adell against major league competition or have him miss reps with the cancelled minor league season.
Because of this, 2020 allowed Adell to get his feet wet against major league competition.
This may bode well for him, as he has the potential to bounce back from these struggles and show his true talent.
With this in mind, he could certainly be a breakout candidate in 2021.
This could ultimately solidify his place among some of the best outfielders in the sport.
NEXT: Top 3 MLB Rookies Entering The 2021 Season (Breakdown)