I’m Breaking Out In 2026: National League Edition

We’re about 10 days from Opening Day in Major League Baseball. Many fans are filled with optimism, while others have lots of skepticism. 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 examine the senior circuit. Who is breaking out in 2026 … National League Edition?

Kyle Stowers

This guy broke out a bit in 2025, but Kyle Stowers seems set for a complete breakout season in 2026. A bit of a late bloomer, this 28-year-old outfielder was the Miami Marlins lone All-Star last season. In just 117 games, he produced a 3.6 WAR, 25 homers, 73 RBIs, and a .912 OPS. If Stowers can play 150+ games, those numbers should boost considerably. He is expected to be the linchpin in a better-than-you-think Marlins lineup. In addition to thongs in South Beach, expect a breakout season from Stowers this year.

CJ Abrams

You probably first heard of CJ Abrams as part of the haul back to the Washington Nationals in the Juan Soto trade of 2022. This toolsy shortstop has had success the last three years in DC, but a true breakout season has thus far eluded him. He is pretty much good for 20 homers, 60 ribbies, 30 stolen bases, and 30 doubles per year. This lefty has been plagued by some defensive inconsistencies and long slumps. However, there is enough talent there for this guy to win a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger. Along with James Wood, Washington hopes they have a franchise pillar in Abrams. There is no better time than 2026 for Abrams to have his no-doubt-it breakout season.

Andrew Vaughn

Once upon a Windy City time, Andrew Vaughn was a can’t-miss prospect for the Chicago White Sox. The third overall pick of the 2019 MLB Draft hit 72 home runs for the South Siders from 2021 to 2024. Last June, the Sox sent Vaughn to Milwaukee after a rough start. The change of scenery helped this first baseman/DH tremendously as he practically doubled his output in every offensive category for the Brewers. That includes a .308 batting average the last three months of 2025 and two October long balls. Now that Vaughn seems to be comfortable with his new town, a breakout season is brewing for 2026.

Sal Stewart

Last September the Cincinnati Reds called up Sal Stewart, and the rookie launched five dingers and had an .839 OPS in only 18 games. He even added two hits and four ribbies in the Reds’ short-lived playoff cameo. Stewart will start at first base for a team that is expected to contend for the National League Central title. He is definitely on the short list of NL Rookie of the Year candidates. Before joining the big squad in 2025, Sal compiled a .309 batting average with 20 homers and 80 RBIs in 118 games in Double-A and Triple-A. Those numbers could be a harbinger for a breakout season by Stewart in 2026.

Brandon Pfaadt

If you watch Brandon Pfaadt pitch, you immediately want this guy in your team’s rotation. He has a nasty six-pitch arsenal and has made 32+ starts each of the last two years for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Then you look at his career ERA (5.13) and WHIP (1.310) and scratch your head. The durability and strikeout numbers are there, but he allows a lot of hits and homers. With his stuff, it seems to only be a matter of time before he figures it out. Here’s betting that Pfaadt figures it out in 2026 and has a breakout season for the Snakes.

Mason Miller

I can already hear those protests … Why is Mason Miller on this list? He is already an established star. Yes, he is already an established star, but he really hasn’t had an elite breakout season from a saves perspective … a true benchmark for the pitcher relied on to get the 27th out. This closer for the San Diego Padres and Team USA regularly hits 103 on the gun and sits down players faster than an irritable elementary school bus driver, but he has never had more than 28 saves in a year. That is where he should truly break out in 2026. In his first full season as the closer for the Fathers, 40+ saves is very doable for Miller to go along with that insane career rate of 13.8 SO9.