BATTERS: Early 2018 targets

Our last Batters Buyers Guide column of the regular season will help you identify some early 2018 speculative and breakout targets.

Since a breakout target in one league might be a speculative target in another, we'll try to provide an extensive cross-section of guys who could fit either bill.

Here are a bunch of guys in each league who could be in store for big gains in 2018.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Alex Bregman (3B/SS, HOU) has not made a lot of gains in the second half on the surface (8 HR, 26 RBI in 1H; 8 HR, 31 RBI in 2H). But those marks are hiding some big growth in contact (80% to 86% ct%), power (86 to 126 PX), speed (105 to 145 Spd), and overall skills (43 to 110 BPV). He'll enter 2018 as a premium breakout target.

Greg Bird (1B,...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Batters

The White Sox have one of the youngest and most productive lineups in the majors thanks to Miguel Vargas' growth and Munetaka Murakami's emergence.
Jun 29 2026 3:10am
Colson Montgomery's elite batted ball quality with the bases empty suggests he hasn't reached his ceiling yet.
Jun 22 2026 3:07am
Bryce Eldridge has ridden a hot streak into the second spot in the batting order. A prime place for a rookie with the runway for more playing time.
Jun 19 2026 3:07am
Royce Lewis is finally swinging a hot bat again, and his extreme home/road splits suggest there's more upside to uncover.
Jun 15 2026 3:08am
Travis Bazzana looks like a frontline 2B with the bat when righties are on the mound.
Jun 8 2026 3:07am

Tools