Baltimore Orioles \u2014 Kyle Bradish<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/06\/USATSI_23547758-300x200.jpg\")
Jun 14, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kyle Bradish (38) throws a first inning pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf Bradish<\/a> is fully healthy and back to form, the Orioles<\/a> may have a true ace leading their rotation. His ability to miss bats and command multiple pitches makes him a nightmare matchup when he\u2019s on. A bounce-back season could not only surprise fans\u2014it could push Baltimore into serious contention.<\/p>\nBoston Red Sox \u2014 Willson Contreras<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nContreras<\/a> brings fire, leadership, and power\u2014three things that can instantly elevate a clubhouse. If he thrives in Boston<\/a>, expect a major offensive boost and a tone-setting presence behind the plate. He has the potential to become one of the most impactful catchers in the AL.<\/p>\nNew York Yankees \u2014 Ryan McMahon<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\n![\"Ryan](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/USATSI_27277339-300x200.jpg\")
Oct 8, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon (19) makes a catch during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game four of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFew players are better positioned for a breakout than McMahon<\/a>. His left-handed swing in Yankee Stadium could translate to a career year in power production. If he finds consistency, don\u2019t be surprised if he becomes a key piece in the Yankees<\/a>\u2019 lineup.<\/p>\nTampa Bay Rays \u2014 Steven Matz<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nThe Rays<\/a> are known for maximizing pitchers, and Matz<\/a>, in a contract year, is a dangerous combination. With added motivation and Tampa\u2019s pitching infrastructure, he could deliver one of the most surprising and valuable seasons of his career.<\/p>\nToronto Blue Jays \u2014 Kazuma Okamoto<\/span><\/span> (Negative)<\/h3>\nTransitioning from Japan to MLB is no easy task, and Okamoto<\/a> could face growing pains. While the power is real, MLB pitching depth and velocity could expose early struggles. If he starts slow, the pressure could mount quickly in a competitive AL East.<\/p>\nNL East Surprise Players<\/h2>\n\u00a0Atlanta Braves \u2014 Dominic Smith<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nSmith<\/a> has quietly rebuilt his game, and in the Braves<\/a>\u2019 loaded lineup, he won\u2019t need to do too much\u2014just produce. That could be the perfect environment for a resurgence. If he taps back into his offensive potential, he could be one of the more unexpected contributors in Atlanta.<\/p>\nNew York Mets \u2014 Jorge Polanco<\/span><\/span> (Negative)<\/h3>\nPolanco<\/a>\u2019s situation is one to watch closely. Between recent injuries and the challenge of adjusting to a new primary position at first base, 2026 could be a difficult transition year. Defensive growing pains combined with inconsistent availability could limit his overall impact and make him a surprising letdown for the Mets<\/a>.<\/p>\nPhiladelphia Phillies \u2014 Alec Bohm<\/span><\/span> (Negative)<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/USATSI_27285214_168400885_lowres-300x202.jpg\")
Oct 9, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm (28) reacts after a long fly ball in the eleventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBohm<\/a> has been solid, but expectations are rising\u2014and that\u2019s where the pressure builds. If his power doesn\u2019t take the next step or his consistency dips, he could fall short of what the Phillies<\/a> need from a key middle-of-the-order bat. A regression here would be quietly significant.<\/p>\nMiami Marlins \u2014 Sandy Alcantara<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\nAlcantara<\/a> returning to dominance would be one of the best stories in baseball. When healthy, he\u2019s one of the most electric and durable arms in the game. If he regains Cy Young-level form, the Marlins<\/a> instantly become far more dangerous.<\/p>\nWashington Nationals \u2014 CJ Abrams<\/span><\/span> (Negative)<\/h3>\n
If Bradish<\/a> is fully healthy and back to form, the Orioles<\/a> may have a true ace leading their rotation. His ability to miss bats and command multiple pitches makes him a nightmare matchup when he\u2019s on. A bounce-back season could not only surprise fans\u2014it could push Baltimore into serious contention.<\/p>\n Contreras<\/a> brings fire, leadership, and power\u2014three things that can instantly elevate a clubhouse. If he thrives in Boston<\/a>, expect a major offensive boost and a tone-setting presence behind the plate. He has the potential to become one of the most impactful catchers in the AL.<\/p>\n Few players are better positioned for a breakout than McMahon<\/a>. His left-handed swing in Yankee Stadium could translate to a career year in power production. If he finds consistency, don\u2019t be surprised if he becomes a key piece in the Yankees<\/a>\u2019 lineup.<\/p>\n The Rays<\/a> are known for maximizing pitchers, and Matz<\/a>, in a contract year, is a dangerous combination. With added motivation and Tampa\u2019s pitching infrastructure, he could deliver one of the most surprising and valuable seasons of his career.<\/p>\n Transitioning from Japan to MLB is no easy task, and Okamoto<\/a> could face growing pains. While the power is real, MLB pitching depth and velocity could expose early struggles. If he starts slow, the pressure could mount quickly in a competitive AL East.<\/p>\n Smith<\/a> has quietly rebuilt his game, and in the Braves<\/a>\u2019 loaded lineup, he won\u2019t need to do too much\u2014just produce. That could be the perfect environment for a resurgence. If he taps back into his offensive potential, he could be one of the more unexpected contributors in Atlanta.<\/p>\n Polanco<\/a>\u2019s situation is one to watch closely. Between recent injuries and the challenge of adjusting to a new primary position at first base, 2026 could be a difficult transition year. Defensive growing pains combined with inconsistent availability could limit his overall impact and make him a surprising letdown for the Mets<\/a>.<\/p>\n Bohm<\/a> has been solid, but expectations are rising\u2014and that\u2019s where the pressure builds. If his power doesn\u2019t take the next step or his consistency dips, he could fall short of what the Phillies<\/a> need from a key middle-of-the-order bat. A regression here would be quietly significant.<\/p>\n Alcantara<\/a> returning to dominance would be one of the best stories in baseball. When healthy, he\u2019s one of the most electric and durable arms in the game. If he regains Cy Young-level form, the Marlins<\/a> instantly become far more dangerous.<\/p>\nBoston Red Sox \u2014 Willson Contreras<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\n
New York Yankees \u2014 Ryan McMahon<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\n
Tampa Bay Rays \u2014 Steven Matz<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\n
Toronto Blue Jays \u2014 Kazuma Okamoto<\/span><\/span> (Negative)<\/h3>\n
NL East Surprise Players<\/h2>\n
\u00a0Atlanta Braves \u2014 Dominic Smith<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\n
New York Mets \u2014 Jorge Polanco<\/span><\/span> (Negative)<\/h3>\n
Philadelphia Phillies \u2014 Alec Bohm<\/span><\/span> (Negative)<\/h3>\n
Miami Marlins \u2014 Sandy Alcantara<\/span><\/span> (Positive)<\/h3>\n
Washington Nationals \u2014 CJ Abrams<\/span><\/span> (Negative)<\/h3>\n