Fantasy: 5 breakout candidates

Identifying breakout players in fantasy baseball is a bit of a leap-of-faith proposition. Putting the puzzle together and finding the right pieces at the right point of your draft could be the difference between winning it all and being an also-ran.

Here are five players who could break out in 2022 and help you win your league.

Average draft positions are from FantasyPros as of March 28

Willy Adames, Brewers - SS (ADP 136)

After arriving in a trade with the Rays in the early part of the 2021 season, Adames saw his production take off. In 99 games with Milwaukee, he ranked inside the top 10 among all major-league shortstops in batting average (.285), home runs (20), and OPS (.886). If he can extrapolate that production over a 162-game sample size, Adames could be one of the best value acquisitions in drafts. He's currently the 20th shortstop off the board by ADP.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Blue Jays - 1B/OF (ADP 140)

Gurriel is looking to build off an astonishing September in which he posted a 1.084 OPS with seven home runs and 30 RBIs in 24 games. He reached career bests in homers (21), RBIs (84), and runs scored (62) in 2021. With the level of talent surrounding him in the Blue Jays' potent lineup, Gurriel is set up very nicely to build off a strong campaign.

Tanner Houck, Red Sox - SP (ADP 225)

Houck will face competition to make the Red Sox rotation as he battles the likes of Michael Wacha, Rich Hill, and Nick Pivetta for a spot. If he's able to secure a starting role, Houck possesses intriguing upside. The right-hander opened some eyes in 2021, posting 11.35 K/9 while permitting just 2.74 BB/9 in 69 innings pitched. The 25-year-old uses a strong slider as an effective put-away pitch. As someone who could take a big leap in 2022, Houck is an ideal target to help fill out your rotation.

Jeimer Candelario, Tigers - 3B (ADP 248)

Candelario tied with J.D. Martinez and Whit Merrifield for the American League lead in doubles last year with 42. Playing home games at the cavernous Comerica Park does cap some of his power potential, but Candelario clearly carries some pop in his bat. After hitting 16 home runs last season, he looks primed for the first 20-homer campaign of his career. The addition of shortstop Javier Baez to the lineup could also prove beneficial. As the 24th-ranked third baseman by ADP, Candelario could join the fray in the top 20 and deliver serious value to those who invest a pick in drafts.

Gavin Lux, Dodgers - 2B/SS/OF (ADP 303)

With Corey Seager's departure to the Rangers, Lux will be an important piece in replacing some of that lost production for the Dodgers. The adoption of the designated hitter in the National League will create another avenue for Lux to earn playing time. The 24-year-old hasn't found his footing as a big leaguer thus far, posting a below-average wRC+ (86) in 144 career games. There's too much talent in Lux's bat to write him off this early. If he's given a runway of opportunity, he's set up to emerge as a strong offensive performer.