As Opening Day approaches, the anticipation is palpable. Baseball fans are gearing up for a thrilling season, with daily games set to fill our lives for the next six months. This year promises to be a competitive one, thanks to strategic offseason moves, promising rookies, and players returning from injuries.
While stars like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani will undoubtedly capture headlines, there are several breakout candidates worth keeping an eye on. One such player is Miami Marlins pitcher Eury Perez, who is poised to make waves this season.
Eury Perez: The Marlins' Breakout Star to Watch
Eury Perez is a name that's been buzzing around the Marlins' camp for a while now. Once a top 10 prospect, Perez made his return last June after undergoing Tommy John surgery and showcased flashes of his potential dominance.
Now, fully healthy and ready to shine, Perez is on the brink of a breakout year. Noted analyst Keith Law has singled him out as a player to watch.
Perez's comeback last June was impressive, especially considering he missed the entire 2024 season. His repertoire seemed intact, if not slightly enhanced, although his fastball command was still a work in progress-a common hurdle for pitchers returning from UCL surgery.
Last season, Perez started 20 games, posting a 7-6 record with a 4.25 ERA and racking up 105 strikeouts over 95.1 innings. Not too shabby, but his fastball control was a challenge, as it often is for pitchers in their first year post-surgery.
This year, with improved control, Perez is expected to solidify his role as the Marlins' No. 2 starter. His potential to elevate his game makes him a must-watch player as the season unfolds.