As the 2025 MLB regular season fast approaches, teams are gearing up for a crucial period of spring training. They will evaluate players and finalize their Opening Day rosters.
Although these games do not count towards the standings, they are vital for players vying for big-league spots.
This spring, several key positional battles will shape the futures of teams aiming for postseason success.
Let’s delve into ten of the most significant positional battles to watch this spring. We’ll focus on teams with high postseason aspirations.
Atlanta Braves: No. 4-5 Starters
The Atlanta Braves are looking to fill two rotation spots behind Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach. With Spencer Strider working his way back from UCL surgery, one of these positions is temporary.
The Braves have a pool of candidates including Davis Daniel, Dylan Dodd, and Hurston Waldrep. However, the frontrunners appear to be Ian Anderson and Grant Holmes.
Both are out of minor-league options and must pass through waivers to go to Triple-A, making them likely choices for the Opening Day rotation.
Key Players to Watch
- Ian Anderson: Impressive rookie season in 2020 but has struggled since. Coming off Tommy John surgery.
- Grant Holmes: A revelation last season with a 3.56 ERA in 68 â…“ innings.
- Dylan Dodd and Hurston Waldrep: Promising candidates who could see time later in the season.
Chicago Cubs: Third Base
The Cubs’ third base situation became uncertain after trading Isaac Paredes for Kyle Tucker and losing Alex Bregman to the Red Sox. The long-term answer seems to be Shaw, Chicago’s top prospect, who reached Triple-A last season.
The question remains whether Shaw is ready for the big leagues after only 35 Triple-A games. Other candidates include Berti and Workman, but Shaw is the most talented player in the mix.
Frontrunner
Assuming his oblique injury is minor, Shaw is likely to start at third base. If he struggles in spring training, the Cubs will pivot to other options. However, Shaw’s talent makes him the internal Plan A.
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Cincinnati Reds: No. 5 Starter
The Reds have a deep pool of candidates for the No. 5 starter position, including Chase Petty, Connor Phillips, and Lyon Richardson. Hunter Greene, Nick Martinez, and Brady Singer are locked into rotation spots, with Andrew Abbott as the favorite for another.
The frontrunner for the final spot appears to be Nick Lodolo, given his talent and the Reds’ cautious approach with Lowder following his January elbow scare.
Key Players to Watch
- Nick Lodolo: Dealt with injuries but had a 4.76 ERA in 115 â…“ innings last season.
- Chase Petty and Connor Phillips: Part of a deep group competing for the final rotation spot.
- Lowder: Slowed by elbow soreness but remains a promising candidate.
Cleveland Guardians: Second Base
The Guardians are searching for a temporary second baseman until Travis Bazzana, the No. 1 overall pick in last summer’s draft, is ready. Candidates include Arias, Freeman, MartÃnez, and Schneemann.
The frontrunner appears to be Juan Brito, who slashed .256/.365/.443 with 21 home runs in Triple-A last year. Brito’s switch-hitting ability and strong plate discipline make him a compelling choice.
Frontrunner
Juan Brito is the best candidate for the job, given his performance in Triple-A and his interesting skill set. The Guardians will likely turn to him to fill the second base position until Bazzana is ready.
Kansas City Royals: Left Field
The Royals’ left field situation is intertwined with their second base job. Jonathan India and Michael Massey, both career second basemen, have expressed willingness to play left field. Nelson Velázquez, a natural righty platoon partner for Melendez, is also in the mix.
The Royals will need to figure out the best alignment for their lineup, with India and Massey likely sharing second base and DH duties, and Melendez and Wiemer handling left field.
Frontrunner
India and Massey in left field is a possibility, but the most likely scenario is that they share second base and DH duties, with Melendez and Wiemer in left field. The Royals will need to find the best combination to maximize their lineup.
Milwaukee Brewers: Third Base
The Brewers have several options to fill the void left by Willy Adames’ departure. Brice Turang and Joey Ortiz are likely to be part of the infield, with a Dunn/Durbin platoon making the most sense for third base.
Turang and Ortiz are premium defenders, and the Brewers will likely keep them up the middle, with Dunn and Durbin sharing time at third base.
Frontrunner
A Dunn/Durbin platoon is the most logical solution, with Turang and Ortiz anchoring the middle infield. The Brewers may look to add an infielder at the trade deadline if needed.
Minnesota Twins: Second Base
The Twins have multiple candidates for second base, including Julien, Lee, and Castro. Julien had a great rookie season in 2023 but struggled in 2024. Lee, a natural shortstop, may need to play second base to get regular playing time.
This battle is more about playing time than a roster spot, with Julien and Lee likely sharing the position.
Frontrunner
A Julien/Lee platoon is the most likely scenario, with Castro serving as a super utility player. Both Julien and Lee will have opportunities to prove themselves and earn playing time.
New York Yankees: Leadoff Hitter
The Yankees are searching for a reliable leadoff hitter to get on base in front of Aaron Judge. Options include Volpe, Chisholm, and LeMahieu.
Volpe led the team with 76 starts at leadoff last year, but his .288 on-base percentage is a concern. The Yankees may also consider Judge for the leadoff spot, but it seems they will explore other options first.
Frontrunner
Volpe is the most likely candidate, given the Yankees’ desire for him to succeed in the role. A Chisholm/Volpe platoon could also be a viable option, with the leadoff spot potentially becoming a revolving door throughout the season.
Seattle Mariners: Second Base
The Mariners have several candidates for second base, including Castro, Julien, and Lee.
This battle is more about playing time than a roster spot, with Julien and Lee likely sharing the position. Castro’s versatility makes him a valuable asset who can play multiple positions.
Frontrunner
A Julien/Lee platoon is the most likely scenario. Castro will serve as a super utility player.
Both Julien and Lee will have opportunities to prove themselves and earn playing time.
For more details on these positional battles, you can read the full article on CBS Sports.
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