PT TOMORROW: NL Central - Identifying second-half breakout candidates

During this All-Star Week, we asked our PT TOMORROW columnists to pick one player from each team who could emerge and perhaps even surprise in the second half, based on skills and/or opportunity that may lurking a bit under the surface.

 

Pittsburgh Pirates

Cal Mitchell (OF, PIT). The return of Jake Marisnick (OF, PIT) and Ben Gamel (OF, PIT) has temporarily closed off opportunities for Jack Suwinski (OF, PIT) and some of Pittsburgh’s outfield prospects. Both Gamel and Marisnick are trade candidates, and while they aren’t particularly likely to bring back significant returns, their departures would clear a path to playing time. With Bryan Reynolds (OF, PIT) on the injured list and Suwinski back in the minors, Mitchell has already...

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 PT Tomorrow

This week, we consider the AAA revolution happening in San Diego, welcome the return of a long-injured veteran in LA, and check in on how some of the young guys of the NL West are performing.
Jun 20 2026 3:06am
The Cubs are looking for offense, could Matt Shaw in right field provide an answer?
Jun 19 2026 3:05am
Could Tigers prospect Max Clark make his MLB debut sometime soon? Plus, Kyle Teel and Shane Smith timelines in Chicago, CLE 3B depth in the wake of the J-Ram injury, Michael Massey looking up in KC, and pitching returns on the horizon in MIN.
Jun 18 2026 3:05am
Lawrence Butler is starting to hit and that's leading to more playing time in Sacramento.
Jun 17 2026 3:08am
If the Mets hope to emulate the Knicks' success in ending their championship drought, they'll need more--much more--out of 1B. Plus: RF in PHI; C in WAS and ATL; RP/SP in WAS; more.
Jun 16 2026 3:11am

Tools