6 MLB players who came out of nowhere in 2024 ft. Jurickson Profar
The 2024 MLB season was special for a number of different reasons. Fans, experts, and players were able to witness history multiple times, including Shohei Ohtani becoming the first player to record a 50 home run and 50 stolen base season. Fans also saw the emergence of Paul Skenes as potentially the next great pitcher thanks to his impressive strikeout numbers.
Although players such as Ohtani and Skenes are expected to thrive, it's the players that seemingly come out of nowhere and succeed that capture the hearts of MLB fans. These types of players may have been stars who saw their light fade in recent years who bounceback, or players who finally enjoyed a breakout MLB season. This season certainly had it's fair share of feel-good stories.
Here's a closer look at 6 MLB players who enjoyed success seemingly out of nowhere in 2024
#1 - Jurickson Profar
Jurickson Profar was once considered a top prospect however, apart for the the occasional flash of his potential he had been largely inconsistent throughout his MLB career. That being said, it all came together with the San Diego Padres in 2024 as the veteran set new career-highs across the board, earning the first All-Star selection of his career.
#2 - Kirby Yates
Kirby Yates was once considered one of the top closers in baseball, however injuries and poor performances left him hanging onto his MLB career even while struggling. Well, Yates surprised everyone in 2024 by being one of the best relief pitchers in all of baseball, posting a 7-2 record with a 1.17 ERA and 33 saves over 61.2 innings of work with the Texas Rangers.
#3 - David Fry
David Fry might have been someone that even Cleveland Guardians were not familiar with heading into 2024. That being said, he etched his name in team history thanks to his exploits last season, specifically his walk-off home run against the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the ALCS. 2024 was only the second MLB season for the 29-year-old, who emerged as a versatile star for the Guardians.
#4 - Garrett Crochet
Garrett Crochet was one of the most impressive players in the league last season after making the jump to a full-time starter. Crochet set the league on fire with his ability to rack up strikeout after strikeout, earning an All-Star selection and finding himself at the top of trade wishlists this offseason. The new prize of the Boston Red Sox was a nobody who is now considered a true superstar on the mound.
#5 - Mason Miller
Another reliever who made a name for himself in 2024 was Mason Miller of the Athletics. The former 3rd round pick of the A's put the league on notice after he used his triple-digit velocity fastball to record 28 saves and 104 strikeouts in only 65.0 innings of work.
#6 - Reynaldo Lopez
At 30-years-old and in his ninth MLB season, Reynaldo Lopez put together the best year of his career. The veteran posted an 8-5 record with a career-best 1.99 ERA with 148 strikeouts over 135.2 innings of work with the Atlanta Braves. Like several other players on this list, Lopez also earned the first All-Star selection of his career.