The 2017 MLB season begins with spring training as the competition ramps up across the majors for a number of different positions on rosters across the league. With so many positions up for grabs, we decided to concentrate on the most intriguing position battles worth keeping an eye on. Here is a look at five intriguing position battles to watch as we start to move into the spring training part of the calendar.
Chicago Cubs Outfield and Second Base
One of the most intriguing battles is for starting time at second base or in the outfield for the defending World Series champions with Ben Zobrist battling Kyle Schwarber for time in the outfield as well as Javier Baez for time at second base. Zobrist established himself as one of the most DH’s in the majors last season but he could see more time in the playing field. With Jon Jay and Albert Almora set to platoon with Jason Heyward in center field and Zobrist pushing for time in left field and at second base it’s clear the Cubs depth is once again among the best in baseball.
New York Mets Outfield
The return of Yoenis Cespedes for the second consecutive offseason means New York is very deep in the outfield once again. The Mets have Cespedes set to start in left field, Curtis Granderson set to start in center field and Jay Bruce set to start in right field. Meanwhile, Brandon Nimmo, Juan Lagares and Michael Conforto are all set to push for playing time. A trade seems like the most likely solution to provide some relief for the situation but for now the Mets will have a very intriguing position battle in the outfield in spring training.
Los Angeles Dodgers Outfield
Howie Kendrick was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies and Josh Reddick left for the Houston Astros in free agency but the Dodgers outfield is still stacked. Joc Pederson is set to start in center field with Andrew Toles expected to get the majority of the starts in left field. However, that leaves Yasiel Puig, Andre Ethier and Trace Thompson to compete for the starting job in right field and there is a good chance at least two of those three could see some time in center or left field. Factor in the presence of Scott Van Slyke and the recently signed Franklin Gutierrez and it’s clear that Los Angeles will have an intriguing outfield position battle in spring training.
New York Yankees First Basemen
Greg Bird is healthy after labrum surgery and slated to start at first base. However, rookie Tyler Austin is in the picture and the Yankees brought in veteran Chris Carter from the Milwaukee Brewers too. Remember that Carter he tied for the National League lead with 41 home runs last season, so he’s going to have some kind of role on the team. Carter and Austin are definitely capable of stealing starts at first base and they will battle for playing time with a chance to make their cases in spring training. Simplifying matters for now is the fact that Austin fractured his foot last week and will be out for six weeks. He’ll begin the regular season on the disabled list but once he’s caught up, he could be in the mix for starts.
Boston Red Sox Starting Rotation: Fifth Starter
The Boston Red Sox rotation was solidified with the addition of a potential Cy Young candidate in Chris Sale added to a group that already features Rick Porcello, David Price and Steven Wright. However, the fifth spot is still up for grabs with Eduardo Rodriguez and Drew Pomeranz in the mix. Rodriguez and Pomeranz will likely compete for that fifth and final spot in the rotation, and Rodriguez might have the edge going in. Pomeranz had elbow issues last season, but so far has been fine. There is also a chance that Wright struggles and that the final two starting pitching spots are up for grabs, but we’ll have to see how everyone performs in spring training.
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