From seasoned veterans to up-and-coming younger gamers, Spring Coaching supplies a possibility for everybody to shine. Whereas solely 26 gamers per membership will crack the Opening Day roster when all is alleged and finished, those that stand out in the course of the spring typically discover themselves rewarded.
With the assistance of every membership’s MLB.com beat author, right here is every staff’s darkish horse to snag a spot on the Main League roster come Opening Day.
Blue Jays: 3B/RF Addison BargerBarger is a part of a crowded, sophisticated group of place participant depth in camp. There are higher-ranked prospects, like No. 2 Orelvis Martinez, however Martinez is strictly an infielder who focuses on second base. Barger’s capability to play some proper subject places him nearer to being “an damage away” than so many different gamers competing for jobs. It’s nonetheless possible that Barger opens in Triple-A, however his pathway to reps in proper subject is essential, particularly if his energy bat clicks once more after a down 12 months. He’s specializing in lifting the ball extra in 2024, which is a superb begin. — Keegan Matheson
Orioles: OF Kyle StowersEven although Stowers made his first profession Opening Day roster final season, the 26-year-old qualifies as a darkish horse this 12 months. He went 2-for-30 for the O’s final April and Might, then by no means bought again as much as the massive leagues. His Minor League marketing campaign featured each a proper shoulder damage and a fractured nostril. Now, he’s amongst a bunch of six outfielders battling for both one or two roster spots, and the bunch consists of each Colton Cowser (MLB Pipeline’s No. 19 total prospect) and Heston Kjerstad (No. 32). It’s stiff competitors, however Stowers has impressed early in camp, particularly along with his left-on-left at-bats throughout reside batting apply. — Jake Rill
Rays: OF/2B Richie PalaciosWith the current addition of infielder/outfielder Amed Rosario, the competitions in Rays camp have taken on a special form. If right-handed-hitting DH/outfielder Harold Ramírez isn’t traded earlier than Opening Day, and everybody else stays wholesome, the Rays may have a handful of candidates for his or her remaining two position-player spots. Presumably, one will go to both infielder Curtis Mead or outfielder Jonny DeLuca, each right-handed hitters. The opposite may go to lefty-hitting Jonathan Aranda, who has little left to show in Triple-A, or maybe Palacios, who upped his offensive recreation after becoming a member of the Cardinals final season and will again up at second base or across the outfield. — Adam Berry
Crimson Sox: INF/OF Bobby DalbecAfter getting 453 at-bats as a rookie in 2021 and 353 extra throughout a difficult ‘22 season, Dalbec fell off the map final season, taking simply 53 at-bats for Boston and spending many of the season in Triple-A. With Justin Turner having departed through free company, there now appears to be a path for Dalbec to crack the Opening Day roster as a right-handed bat who can play nook infield and nook outfield. Dalbec has apparent uncooked energy, and the Crimson Sox hope he can get again to hitting Main League pitching like he did down the stretch in ‘21. — Ian Browne
Yankees: RHP Nick BurdiBurdi has drawn excessive reward in camp after some electrical live-batting apply and bullpen classes, with supervisor Aaron Boone raving that the right-hander’s stuff is “pretty much as good because it will get.” In a single mound task, Burdi gassed the likes of DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Volpe and Giancarlo Stanton along with his mixture of a high-90s fastball, slider and changeup. Having beforehand pitched within the Majors with the Pirates and Cubs, Burdi’s greatest hurdle has been remaining wholesome. He has rebounded from two Tommy John surgical procedures and a process to deal with thoracic outlet syndrome. — Bryan Hoch
Guardians: RHP Cade SmithLet’s assume the Guardians will carry eight relievers on their Opening Day roster. Six of these spots are all however locked in. Emmanuel Clase, Scott Barlow, Trevor Stephan, Sam Hentges, Eli Morgan and Nick Sandlin will return. That leaves two vacancies to fill. Xzavion Curry and Carlos Carrasco will possible battle for a long-relief function. And the ultimate opening might be Smith’s relying how his (and James Karinchak’s) spring goes. Smith was wonderful in reduction in Double-A Akron final 12 months and bumped into a bit of extra hassle when he transitioned to Triple-A, however his 95 strikeouts in 62 2/3 innings on the 12 months present there’s so much to love concerning the 24-year-old righty. — Mandy Bell
Royals: LHP Anthony VenezianoVeneziano went from Double-A to Triple-A earlier than throwing two innings within the Majors final season, and that small style has him anticipating extra. The Royals’ No. 16 prospect is being constructed up as a starter and has the instruments to begin within the Majors, but when the staff wants a multi-inning reliever, Veneziano is an intriguing title to incorporate. With a vigorous fastball, good slider and lower-slot supply, he provides a special look to hitters from the left facet. The bullpen competitors is deep this 12 months, and Veneziano is likely to be on the skin wanting in. But when the Royals undergo any accidents and Veneziano has a superb spring, he might be an possibility early on within the season. — Anne Rogers
Tigers: SS/OF Eddys LeonardThe Tigers acquired Leonard finally 12 months’s Commerce Deadline after the Dodgers designated their former prospect for task to open a 40-man roster spot. He hit .302 with eight homers, 31 RBIs and a .905 OPS in simply 40 video games at Triple-A Toledo down the stretch, catching Detroit’s consideration. Nonetheless simply 23, his fast, high-impact right-handed bat, energetic play and positional versatility — significantly shortstop and middle subject — present an intriguing match for Detroit’s roster if he has a breakout spring. — Jason Beck
Twins: UTIL Austin MartinIt nonetheless appears to be like just like the Twins may add a right-handed outfielder to their combine earlier than Opening Day — however within the absence of such a transfer, there’s a great deal of uncertainty as to who may fill the thirteenth and remaining place participant slot on the roster. With out an addition, Martin might be competing with Trevor Larnach and José Miranda for that final slot, and though he hasn’t performed within the Majors, his right-handed bat and positional flexibility may make him pretty much as good of a candidate as any — particularly since he can again up middle subject. — Do-Hyoung Park
White Sox: RHP Jordan LeasurePitching coach Ethan Katz lately requested veteran outfielder Andrew Benintendi to call the most effective man he had confronted this spring throughout White Sox exercises, and Leasure’s title popped up. The fitting-hander was acquired with Nick Nastrini from the Dodgers on the final Commerce Deadline as a part of the deal for Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly and is seen by some because the staff’s nearer of the longer term. That includes a high-velocity fastball with good carry to go together with a wipeout slider and a curve he labored on this offseason, Leasure might be a camp shock. — Scott Merkin
Angels: INF Ehire AdrianzaThe Angels have one bench spot open, and it’s a contest between Michael Stefanic, Kyren Paris and Adrianza. Adrianza, an 11-year veteran, has the benefit of having the ability to deal with shortstop and is accustomed to supervisor Ron Washington from their time in Atlanta collectively from 2021-23. However Adrianza was restricted to only 5 video games final 12 months earlier than present process shoulder surgical procedure, so he’s going to should show he will be wholesome and productive this spring. — Rhett Bollinger
Astros: OF/IF Trey CabbageThe Astros acquired the left-handed-hitting Cabbage final month in a commerce with the Angels, giving them one other choice to compete for a bench spot with Jon Singleton and Grae Kessinger, amongst others. Cabbage brings versatility and velocity, with the Astros hoping he can faucet into among the energy from the left facet of the plate that he confirmed within the Minors final 12 months. Cabbage hit .306/.379/.596 (.975 OPS) with 30 homers, 89 RBIs, 25 doubles and 32 stolen bases in 107 video games with Triple-A Salt Lake within the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. If he can reduce down on his strikeouts, his versatility, energy and left-handed bat may make him a weapon off the bench. — Brian McTaggart
Athletics: INF Darell HernaizHernaiz – ranked Oakland’s No. 9 prospect by MLB Pipeline – was in sturdy consideration for a callup final September, in the end ending 2023 hitting .321/.386/.456 with 9 homers, 32 doubles, 4 triples and 71 RBIs in a mixed 131 video games at Double-A and Triple-A. Although primarily a shortstop, he enters large league camp anticipated to get loads of reps at third base, a spot that was a black gap for the A’s final season as six gamers mixed to hit .192 with a .556 OPS and 10 residence runs in 618 plate appearances. If Hernaiz places collectively a powerful Cactus League, he has a superb likelihood to make the Opening Day roster. — Martín Gallegos
Mariners: OF Taylor TrammellTrammell is on the skin wanting in amongst a crowded nook outfield that features roster locks Mitch Haniger and Luke Raley, with two different bench spots open. He is primarily going up towards Dominic Canzone, to whom the Mariners need to give a possibility, and Sam Haggerty, who has a ability set extra conducive for a bench function. The one issue that would influence Trammell towards the opposite two is that he is out of Minor League choices and would possible be claimed elsewhere if DFA’d. — Daniel Kramer
Rangers: LHP Danny DuffyThe veteran left-hander signed a Minor League cope with the Rangers this offseason after nearly three years of nonstop rehabbing between the Royals, Dodgers and Rangers organizations. Final 12 months, he break up his time between Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Spherical Rock as he continued rehabbing his arm. He pitched in 28 video games between the 2 ranges earlier than pitching for the Cangrejeros de Santurce within the Puerto Rican Winter League this offseason. He constructed up as a starter in Puerto Rico however might be both a starter or reliever for the Rangers if he makes the massive league membership. Basic supervisor Chris Younger stated the concept is to proceed constructing him up and consider the membership’s greatest wants because the competitors within the rotation and bullpen continues all through camp. — Kennedi Landry
Braves: OF Forrest WallWall performed practically 9 Minor League seasons earlier than lastly making his MLB debut final 12 months. However he’s definitely an fascinating candidate for Atlanta’s Opening Day roster. The outfielder’s velocity earned him a postseason roster spot after he totaled simply 13 at-bats final 12 months. If the Braves select to hold only one backup infielder, there’s a powerful likelihood they may start the season with Wall primarily serving as only a pinch-running possibility. — Mark Bowman
Marlins: LHP Josh SimpsonManager Skip Schumaker and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. consider Miami’s No. 25 prospect might be this season’s breakout reliever like Andrew Nardi was in 2023. Simpson, who has but to make his MLB debut, must belief his fastball, which might complement his 60-grade curveball (on the 20-80 scale). With A.J. Puk constructing to be a starter and Steven Okert traded to Minnesota, there’s a gap for an additional southpaw within the bullpen. — Christina De Nicola
Mets: 1B/DH Luke Voit and Ji-Man ChoiShortly after the official begin of camp, the Mets signed Voit and Choi to Minor League offers with designs on having them compete for jobs. In an ideal world for the group, Mark Vientos will rake this spring and run with the beginning DH gig. But when Vientos doesn’t, or if veteran DJ Stewart struggles as a lot in Grapefruit League play as he did in September, the Mets may select to hold Voit (a right-handed hitter) or Choi (a lefty) over a kind of two. — Anthony DiComo
Nationals: RHP Derek LawThe Nationals signed Regulation to a Minor League cope with an invitation to Spring Coaching on Thursday, three months after he was non-tendered by the Reds. Regulation, 33, may deliver worth to Washington’s pitching workers with seven years of huge league expertise and the flexibility to pitch one-plus innings out of the bullpen. Final season, he went 4-6 with a 3.60 ERA in 54 appearances, together with three begins and two saves, throughout 55 innings. — Jessica Camerato
Phillies: RHP Andrew BellattiBellatti was a mainstay within the Phillies’ 2022 bullpen earlier than struggling final season and spending many of the 12 months in Triple-A. The Phillies outrighted him off the 40-man roster earlier this month to make room for reliever Michael Rucker. So, Bellatti won’t solely should pitch nicely this spring; he must pitch nicely sufficient for the Phillies to consider they should clear a spot for him on the 40-man roster. — Todd Zolecki
Brewers: INF/OF Christian ArroyoThe non-roster invite is an interesting candidate and will show to be an fascinating possibility as camp progresses as a result of he can play each place on the infield and within the outfield. He’s anticipated to see some motion at first base however will get loads of appears to be like at third base as nicely. The 28-year-old signed a Minor League cope with the Brewers on Jan. 31. — Adam McCalvy
Cardinals: RHP Riley O’BrienAfter recording the third-fewest strikeouts in all of baseball amongst their relievers in 2023, the Cardinals aggressively sought out swing-and-miss whereas fortifying their bullpen. The marquee additions have been 2021 AL All-Star Andrew Kittredge and 2023 Yankees standout Keynan Middleton. O’Brien, who was acquired in a November commerce with the Mariners for money issues, was the primary addition, and he principally flew under the radar due to his restricted MLB expertise (15 video games). The 29-year-old struck out 13 batters in 8 1/3 MLB innings with the Mariners in 2023 and fanned 86 batters in 55 innings in Triple-A. O’Brien flashed a sweeper with 21 inches of horizontal break and a fastball that has touched 98 mph this spring. He may make the Playing cards roster along with his capability to get strikeouts out of the bullpen. — John Denton
Cubs: OF Alexander CanarioThe Cubs have reached an settlement to re-sign star middle fielder Cody Bellinger, placing him between left fielder Ian Happ and proper fielder Seiya Suzuki. Behind them, the Cubs have complementary items to think about. A lot of the main target is on high prospect and elite defender Pete Crow-Armstrong, however don’t overlook about Canario. The 23-year-old prospect (acquired from the Giants as a part of the Kris Bryant commerce in 2021) launched 37 homers with 97 RBIs throughout three ranges in ‘22. Final 12 months, he returned from severe left ankle and left shoulder accidents and hit .294 with a .647 slugging proportion in his temporary style of the Majors (17 at-bats). There’s a situation by which Canario makes the Opening Day roster as a backup piece for all three outfield spots, particularly to face lefty pitching. — Jordan Bastian
Pirates: OF Billy McKinneyThe Pirates have an open proper subject competitors this spring, and whereas there are a pair candidates already on the 40 man roster – specifically Joshua Palacios, Edward Olivares and the lately reacquired Canaan Smith-Njigba – McKinney had a style of success with the Yankees final season after making some swing adjustments. Olivares posted an .857 OPS towards left-handers final 12 months, which makes for a stable half of a platoon. McKinney, Palacios and Smith-Njigba are all lefties; McKinney’s .349 xwOBA and 89.4 mph exit velocity towards right-handers in 2023 are arguably essentially the most attractive of the group. — Alex Stumpf
Reds: UT Josh HarrisonSigned to a Minor League contract shortly earlier than camp opened as a non-roster participant, the Cincinnati native and two-time All-Star Harrison wished to play for his hometown staff for the primary time. The Reds have a stacked infield, nonetheless, with a number of younger gamers. However Harrison is able to enjoying each place on the sphere besides catcher, and that versatility alongside along with his veteran management abilities give him a lane the place he may make the staff out of camp. His deal features a March 21 opt-out date if he isn’t added to the massive league roster. — Mark Sheldon
D-backs: RHP Corbin MartinThe centerpiece within the Zack Greinke deal from 2019, Martin is coming off surgical procedure to restore a lat tendon behind his proper shoulder, an damage that price him all the 2023 season. Earlier than getting injured final spring, the D-backs have been taking a look at him in a reduction function and felt he was on the verge of placing all of it collectively. As an alternative he suffered the damage throughout a spring recreation. The staff could take it gradual with Martin this spring, which may make it laborious for him to be a part of the Opening Day roster, however he’s undoubtedly somebody to keep watch over. — Steve Gilbert
Dodgers: RHP Gavin StoneStone is among the high pitching prospects in baseball, so it’s laborious to name him a darkish horse, however that ought to provide you with an indicator of the expertise degree at Dodgers camp this spring. However the right-hander has an opportunity to win a spot within the rotation out of camp with Walker Buehler beginning the season on the injured record. Stone will battle it out with Emmet Sheehan, Ryan Yarbrough and Landon Knack and has a sensible likelihood to get begins in April. — Juan Toribio
Giants: RHP Mason BlackThe Giants are hoping Keaton Winn’s bout with proper elbow soreness is delicate, but when he finally ends up being sidelined longer than anticipated, the membership may wind up needing one other starter to hitch Logan Webb, Kyle Harrison, Jordan Hicks and Tristan Beck within the Opening Day rotation. That might open the door for somebody like Black, who’s ranked the membership’s No. 9 prospect and logged a 3.71 ERA in 29 begins between Double-A Richmond and Triple-A Sacramento in 2023. — Maria Guardado
Padres: OF Jakob MarseeMarsee is a lefty-hitting outfielder. The Padres want lefty hitters, and so they want outfielders. So it stands to cause that the reigning Arizona Fall League MVP — and the staff’s No. 13-ranked prospect in response to MLB Pipeline — would have an opportunity to win a roster spot. Among the many quite a few candidates for enjoying time within the outfield, Marsee is one among solely a handful able to enjoying middle subject. The Padres are nonetheless wanting so as to add to their outfield combine both through commerce or free company. However for now, the righty-hitting José Azocar is the one middle fielder on the 40-man roster, and a platoon between Azocar and Marsee appears doable. — AJ Cassavell
Rockies: RHP Victor VodnikVodnik joined the Rockies in a commerce with the Braves and was known as up for six appearances final season. He averaged 97.1 mph along with his fastball, displayed a plus (above Main League common) changeup and made progress with a slider that he considerably pocketed whereas with the Braves however introduced again with the Rockies’ encouragement. Vodnik is competing with a number of pitchers who noticed large league time final 12 months and a few intriguing non-roster candidates — John Curtiss and Probability Adams amongst them. Nonetheless, the ability combine makes him a reputable candidate. — Thomas Harding
