5 Potential Breakout Stars For The Texas Rangers In 2015

SURPRISE (CBSDFW.COM) -- As Spring Training arrives, so does the opportunity for a number of players to make the big league club.

Here are five candidates to have surprisingly big seasons for the Texas Rangers in 2015.

Alex "Chi Chi" Gonzalez

Chi Chi likely won't start the season in Arlington, but don't be surprised if he finishes there.

Gonzalez is one of Texas' prized prospects and projects as a No. 2/3 starter. If he performs well at Triple-A and a rotation guy falters, the temptation to call him up could be too great.

As a 2013 draft pick, he's moved through the minors quickly. With a low-to-mid 90s fastball and above average command, don't be surprised if he debuts and excels for Texas in 2015.

Rougned Odor

Odor was named the Rangers' 2014 Rookie of the Year after an impressive campaign. He can still get better.

With Jurickson Profar out of the picture, Odor will enter the season as the Rangers' everyday second baseman.

The 21-year-old had his best hitting stretch of the season in September, as he continued to adjust to major league pitching. In September, he posted an OBP of .345 and collected eight multi-hit games.

With a full spring training under his belt and a much improved lineup surrounding him, expect big things.

Michael Choice

There's no way around it -- Choice was disappointing in 2014.

After the Rangers acquired the outfielder from Oakland in the Craig Gentry trade, the 24-year-old was expected to thrive in Texas' outfield. Offensively and defensively, he did not.

The University of Texas-Arlington alumni hit just .182 in 86 games, despite playing well through the first month of the season.

But the Fort Worth native was a Pacific Coast League All-Star at Triple-A Sacramento, batting .302 with 14 homers and 89 RBIs in 132 games. That doesn't guarantee success, but with yet another opportunity to grab hold of a regular position in Arlington, it's not a bad bet.

Ross Detwiler

Detwiler spent the 2014 season working out of the Washington Nationals' bullpen, compiling a 4.00 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 47 appearances.

Before that, he had worked almost exclusively as a starter -- something the Rangers hope he'll do in 2015.

Detwiler's demotion to the bullpen wasn't about his talent. He was marred by injury in 2013 and got lost among one of the deepest rotations in baseball last season.

He compiled a 3.28 ERA over 37 starts in 2011 and 2012. If the Rangers can get something comparable out of the lefty this year, they'd be ecstatic.

Ryan Rua

Though in limited action, Rua showed promise in the final month of the 2014 season.

The 2011 17th round selection hit .295 with 14 RBIs in just 28 games, playing both at first base and in left field.

Texas didn't pursue a big-time free agent this offseason to fill the void left by Alex Rios. Rua will have a legitimate shot to fill that role.