5 Position Battles Heating Up This Spring Training in the AL
Paul Connor
Host · Writer
Detroit Tigers - 4th & 5th Starters
The Detroit Tigers added veteran depth to their starting pitching in the offseason, signing righthanders Jack Flaherty and Kenta Maeda. With lefty Tarik Skubal a lock in the rotation, an interesting battle at the backend has emerged.
Returnee Matt Manning will likely assume one of the remaining spots, the 26-year-old making 15 starts in 2023, posting a 5-4 record with a 3.58 ERA across 78.0 innings of work. Reese Olson, 24, made his MLB debut in June of last season, fashioning a 5-7 record over 18 starts and served notice with a 1.51 ERA in his last six starting appearances.
A good news story out of the Tigers camp is the return of righty Casey Mize, who, after rehabbing from Tommy John and back surgeries in 2022, appears ready to take on a role in the starting mix. A return to form by the former first-overall draft pick would be a welcome sight for the Tiger faithful.
Righthander Sawyer Gipson-Long impressed in a four-start stint at the end of last season (20.0 IP, 1-0, 2.70 ERA) but is currently sidelined with a strained left groin. Given the opportunity, he could make his presence felt upon his return.
New York Yankees - Catcher
While the Yankees' opening-day lineup is primarily set, there is still an intriguing competition behind the plate between polar opposites Jose Trevino and Austin Wells. New York's primary backstop for the past two seasons, Trevino supplies elite defense but very little offense. Last year was underwhelming as the 31-year-old hit just .210 with a .569 OPS in 55 games before undergoing season-ending wrist surgery. Trevino is also dealing with a minor calf strain and won't be ready for the start of spring training games. Nevertheless, his solid defensive metrics and trust from the Yankees' pitching staff may give him the inside edge to playing time.
Conversely, Wells's defense is a work in progress, but he offers considerably more offensive upside. The 24-year-old made his big league debut last season, hitting four long balls in 70 plate appearances. Per Baseball Savant, Yankee Stadium has been the second-best park for lefty power over the past three years, which could make it difficult for manager Aaron Boone to keep the left-hitting Wells out of the lineup. If he can take advantage of Trevino's absence with a solid spring, the former first-rounder could get the early nod.
Toronto Blue Jays - Third Base
The Blue Jays have an opening at the hot corner following the departure of four-time Gold Glove Award winner Matt Chapman. Toronto signed longtime third baseman Justin Turner, although the veteran is expected to see most of his playing time at DH, as was the case last season while a member of the Boston Red Sox.
The team expects to rely on the defensively sound but offensively limited trio of utility men Cavan Biggio, Santiago Espinal, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. However, the real names Jays fans should monitor are prospects Orelvis Martinez and Addison Barger, who both finished last season at Triple-A. Martinez is the most intriguing of the pair as the 22-year-old offers immense power upside (11 HR in 55 games at Triple-A Buffalo). That said, strong showings this spring from either youngster may force management's hand.
Seattle Mariners - Left Field
It's a crowd out in left field for the Mariners, with multiple players in the running for the starting job. Luke Raley is the presumed front-runner after being acquired by Seattle in a trade this offseason. The left-handed hitting Raley established himself as an everyday player for the Rays in 2023, slashing .249/.333/.490 with 19 home runs. However, the 29-year-old hit .200 after August, was prone to strikeouts, and struggled against left-handed pitching. He will need to gain confidence from the Mariners coaching staff this spring.
Fellow left-handed hitters Cade Marlowe and Dominic Canzone, who made their MLB debuts last season, are the other names to watch. Marlowe offers similar traits to Raley but has good speed, as evidenced by his 29 swipes in 81 games at Triple-A Tacoma. Meanwhile, Canzone does not possess Marlowe's skills on the base paths, although he has been a more accomplished hitter throughout his minor league career.
Tampa Bay Rays - Shortstop
Tampa Bay Rays star shortstop Wander Franco's off-the-field troubles have his MLB future in doubt, leaving a gaping hole at the position. With Taylor Walls expected to open the year on IR, offseason acquisition Jose Caballero profiles as the primary option. However, Caballero will have competition for playing time from No.1 prospect Junior Caminero. Caminero made his MLB debut last season, and while his defensive skills are perhaps better suited at third base, his raw power is second to none. To that end, the 20-year-old could at least find himself manning the DH spot on some nights if he can turn in a solid spring.
Detroit Tigers - 4th & 5th Starters
The Detroit Tigers added veteran depth to their starting pitching in the offseason, signing righthanders Jack Flaherty and Kenta Maeda. With lefty Tarik Skubal a lock in the rotation, an interesting battle at the backend has emerged.
Returnee Matt Manning will likely assume one of the remaining spots, the 26-year-old making 15 starts in 2023, posting a 5-4 record with a 3.58 ERA across 78.0 innings of work. Reese Olson, 24, made his MLB debut in June of last season, fashioning a 5-7 record over 18 starts and served notice with a 1.51 ERA in his last six starting appearances.
A good news story out of the Tigers camp is the return of righty Casey Mize, who, after rehabbing from Tommy John and back surgeries in 2022, appears ready to take on a role in the starting mix. A return to form by the former first-overall draft pick would be a welcome sight for the Tiger faithful.
Righthander Sawyer Gipson-Long impressed in a four-start stint at the end of last season (20.0 IP, 1-0, 2.70 ERA) but is currently sidelined with a strained left groin. Given the opportunity, he could make his presence felt upon his return.
New York Yankees - Catcher
While the Yankees' opening-day lineup is primarily set, there is still an intriguing competition behind the plate between polar opposites Jose Trevino and Austin Wells. New York's primary backstop for the past two seasons, Trevino supplies elite defense but very little offense. Last year was underwhelming as the 31-year-old hit just .210 with a .569 OPS in 55 games before undergoing season-ending wrist surgery. Trevino is also dealing with a minor calf strain and won't be ready for the start of spring training games. Nevertheless, his solid defensive metrics and trust from the Yankees' pitching staff may give him the inside edge to playing time.
Conversely, Wells's defense is a work in progress, but he offers considerably more offensive upside. The 24-year-old made his big league debut last season, hitting four long balls in 70 plate appearances. Per Baseball Savant, Yankee Stadium has been the second-best park for lefty power over the past three years, which could make it difficult for manager Aaron Boone to keep the left-hitting Wells out of the lineup. If he can take advantage of Trevino's absence with a solid spring, the former first-rounder could get the early nod.
