MLB Power Rankings: Where Teams Stand at Start of Spring Training Games
Most MLB teams have been in camp for a couple weeks now, and spring training games will officially start this coming week.
The first games will take place Tuesday, with exhibitions between the New York Yankees and Florida State and the Detroit Tigers and Florida Southern, before regular MLB vs. MLB matchups begin the following day.
Whether it's veteran stars looking to get into shape for the upcoming season, bubble guys trying to fight their way onto a roster or top prospects giving fans a glimpse of the future, spring training games mean an awful lot more than the final core of the contest.
So as preseason baseball officially gets underway, here is a look at where all 30 MLB teams currently stand. Injuries and roster moves could certainly shake things up between now and Opening Day, but this is a good look at where teams rank following the offseason wheelings and dealings.
30. Houston Astros
1 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Dexter Fowler | SP Scott Feldman |
| 2B Jose Altuve | SP Jarred Cosart |
| C Jason Castro | SP Brett Oberholtzer |
| 1B Chris Carter | SP Brad Peacock |
| 3B Matt Dominguez | SP Jerome Williams |
| DH Jesus Guzman | SU Matt Albers |
| LF Robbie Grossman | SU Josh Fields |
| RF L.J. Hoes | CL Chad Qualls |
| SS Jonathan Villar |
What to Watch for This Spring
While another last-place finish seems likely, the Astros should be a better team in 2014. At the very least, they could avoid another 100-loss season. It's been a drastic rebuild, but they should start to see the fruits of their labor this year.
Prospects Jonathan Singleton and George Springer will get a long look this spring, and top pitching prospects Mark Appel and Mike Foltynewicz are in big league camp as well. Newcomer Dexter Fowler should add a spark to the top of the lineup, while veteran Scott Feldman was also added to front a young rotation.
29. Chicago Cubs
2 of 30
Projected Roster
| SS Starlin Castro | SP Jeff Samardzija |
| LF Junior Lake | SP Travis Wood |
| 1B Anthony Rizzo | SP Edwin Jackson |
| RF Nate Schierholtz | SP Jason Hammel |
| 3B Mike Olt (R) | SP Jake Arrieta |
| CF Ryan Sweeney | SU James Russell |
| C Welington Castillo | SU Pedro Strop |
| 2B Darwin Barney | CL Jose Veras |
What to Watch for This Spring
It could be another long season on the North Side, as the Chicago Cubs continue to rebuild with an eye on making a push toward contention in 2015. The offense looks like one that could struggle to consistently score runs, though bounce-back seasons from Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo would certainly help.
The Cubs' highly touted foursome of prospects in Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Albert Almora and Jorge Soler will all be in big league camp. None are expected to make the Opening Day roster, but Baez and Bryant could both see the majors at some point in 2014.
Third base will be the position battle to watch, as former top prospect Mike Olt will look to beat out the platoon of Luis Valbuena and Donnie Murphy.
28. Minnesota Twins
3 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Aaron Hicks | SP Ricky Nolasco |
| 2B Brian Dozier | SP Kevin Correia |
| 1B Joe Mauer | SP Mike Pelfrey |
| LF Josh Willingham | SP Phil Hughes |
| RF Oswaldo Arcia | SP Vance Worley |
| 3B Trevor Plouffe | SU Brian Duensing |
| DH Jason Kubel | SU Jared Burton |
| C Kurt Suzuki | CL Glen Perkins |
| SS Pedro Florimon |
What to Watch for This Spring
Two of the top prospects in all of baseball will be in big league camp for the Minnesota Twins. Center fielder Byron Buxton and third baseman Miguel Sano will look to prove themselves against big league talent, with an eye on reaching Minnesota at some point in 2014.
The center field job looks to be up for grabs, as does the designated hitter spot, where minor league free agent Jason Kubel is the early favorite. Kubel joins Jason Bartlett and Matt Guerrier as former Twins trying to make good on non-roster invites.
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27. Miami Marlins
4 of 30
Projected Roster
| 2B Rafael Furcal | SP Jose Fernandez |
| LF Christian Yelich | SP Jacob Turner |
| RF Giancarlo Stanton | SP Henderson Alvarez |
| 1B Garrett Jones | SP Nathan Eovaldi |
| C Jarrod Saltalamacchia | SP Tom Koehler |
| CF Marcell Ozuna | SU A.J. Ramos |
| 3B Casey McGehee | SU Mike Dunn |
| SS Adeiny Hechavarria | CL Steve Cishek |
What to Watch for This Spring
It will be a significantly different-looking infield in Miami this coming season, and fans will get their first chance to see Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Garrett Jones, Rafael Furcal, Casey McGehee and Jeff Baker this spring. That group should help improve an offense that ranked last in the MLB in runs scored last season.
The biggest position battle figures to be at the back of the rotation, where Tom Koehler will have to hold off a handful of challengers that includes top prospect Andrew Heaney, Brian Flynn and Kevin Slowey. Whoever wins that job will join one of the best young rotations in the game, as pitching could be a real strength for the team in 2014. Jose Fernandez will be back to lead the way as he looks to avoid a sophomore slump.
26. Chicago White Sox
5 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Adam Eaton | SP Chris Sale |
| SS Alexei Ramirez | SP Jose Quintana |
| RF Avisail Garcia | SP John Danks |
| 1B Jose Abreu (R) | SP Erik Johnson (R) |
| DH Adam Dunn | SP Andre Rienzo |
| LF Dayan Viciedo | SU Scott Downs |
| 3B Matt Davidson (R) | SU Matt Lindstrom |
| 2B Gordon Beckham | CL Nathan Jones |
| C Tyler Flowers |
What to Watch for This Spring
The Chicago White Sox have done a nice job piecing together a solid young offensive core since they began rebuilding last August. Avisail Garcia is joined by a trio of newcomers in Adam Eaton, Matt Davidson and Jose Abreu, and those four guys will be counted on to lead the way at the plate moving forward.
Abreu in particular has a chance to make a serious impact from day one, and he'll be one of the more closely watched players in any team's camp.
On the pitching side of things, young right-handers Erik Johnson and Andre Rienzo will need to beat out Felipe Paulino and Eric Surkamp, and Nathan Jones will need to prove he's the best option to replace Addison Reed in the ninth inning.
25. Philadelphia Phillies
6 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Ben Revere | SP Cliff Lee |
| SS Jimmy Rollins | SP A.J. Burnett |
| 2B Chase Utley | SP Kyle Kendrick |
| 1B Ryan Howard | SP Roberto Hernandez |
| RF Marlon Byrd | SP Miguel Gonzalez (R) |
| LF Domonic Brown | SU Brad Lincoln |
| 3B Cody Asche | SU Antonio Bastardo |
| C Carlos Ruiz | CL Jonathan Papelbon |
What to Watch for This Spring
The Philadelphia Phillies lineup is essentially set entering camp, but given their age, the team will need to make sure it has viable depth at every position should injury strike. The starting rotation is another story entirely, as there are more than a few candidates to fill out the staff.
Cliff Lee and A.J. Burnett are locks to make it, but the team will likely be without Cole Hamels for at least a couple of starts to kick off the season, as he has dealt with shoulder tendinitis. From there, incumbents Kyle Kendrick, Jonathan Pettibone and Ethan Martin join Roberto Hernandez and Cuban defector Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez to battle it out for the final three spots.
24. Colorado Rockies
7 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Corey Dickerson | SP Jhoulys Chacin |
| RF Michael Cuddyer | SP Jorge De La Rosa |
| LF Carlos Gonzalez | SP Brett Anderson |
| SS Troy Tulowitzki | SP Tyler Chatwood |
| 1B Justin Morneau | SP Jordan Lyles |
| C Wilin Rosario | SU Matt Belisle |
| 3B Nolan Arenado | SU Rex Brothers |
| 2B DJ LeMahieu | CL LaTroy Hawkins |
What to Watch for This Spring
As always, starting pitching is the biggest question mark for the Colorado Rockies, and they will be looking to build on an improved performance in that area last year. Brett Anderson could be the biggest X-factor on the roster, as he has ace stuff when healthy but has struggled to stay on the field.
Fellow newcomers Jordan Lyles and Franklin Morales join Juan Nicasio, Chad Bettis, Christian Friedrich and a handful of others in the running for the No. 5 starter spot. Top prospects Jonathan Gray and Eddie Butler will also be in big league camp. Offensively, Corey Dickerson, Drew Stubbs, Brandon Barnes and Charlie Blackmon will be competing to replace Dexter Fowler in center field.
23. San Diego Padres
8 of 30
Projected Roster
| SS Everth Cabrera | SP Andrew Cashner |
| CF Will Venable | SP Ian Kennedy |
| 3B Chase Headley | SP Josh Johnson |
| LF Carlos Quentin | SP Tyson Ross |
| 1B Yonder Alonso | SP Eric Stults |
| 2B Jedd Gyorko | SU Alex Torres |
| RF Seth Smith | SU Joaquin Benoit |
| C Nick Hundley | CL Huston Street |
What to Watch for This Spring
The San Diego Padres offense could be ready to take a step forward in 2014, provided Jedd Gyorko and Yonder Alonso can continue their development and veterans Carlos Quentin and Chase Headley can stay healthy and productive. Speedy shortstop Everth Cabrera will also need to prove himself after his breakout 2013 season ended prematurely with a 50-game PED suspension.
Josh Johnson and Ian Kennedy will be out to prove they are still capable of being elite starters, while Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross will look to show that their second half in 2013 was a sign of bigger things to come.
The Padres will be one of the most interesting teams to watch in 2014, as they have the potential to be a dark-horse contender if everything goes right. But they could also very well end up in the NL West cellar if they don't.
22. New York Mets
9 of 30
Projected Roster
| RF Chris Young | SP Bartolo Colon |
| 2B Daniel Murphy | SP Jon Niese |
| 3B David Wright | SP Zack Wheeler |
| LF Curtis Granderson | SP Dillon Gee |
| 1B Ike Davis | SP Jenrry Mejia |
| C Travis d'Arnaud (R) | SU Scott Rice |
| CF Juan Lagares | SU Kyle Farnsworth |
| SS Ruben Tejada | CL Bobby Parnell |
What to Watch for This Spring
There are some big new faces in camp for the New York Mets, led by veterans Curtis Granderson and Bartolo Colon. It may be another season until the team can make a legitimate run at a playoff spot, but it should improve over 2013, even with ace Matt Harvey on the shelf.
Top prospect Noah Syndergaard will get a chance to prove himself in big league camp, and a late-season call-up remains a possibility. Former top prospect Jenrry Mejia looks to finally be healthy, and he could be in for a breakout season if he secures the No. 5 starter job. In the outfield, defensive whiz Juan Lagares will need to hold off speedy Eric Young Jr. in center field, as the team will need to choose offense vs. defense.
21. Toronto Blue Jays
10 of 30
Projected Roster
| SS Jose Reyes | SP R.A. Dickey |
| RF Jose Bautista | SP Mark Buehrle |
| 1B Edwin Encarnacion | SP Brandon Morrow |
| DH Adam Lind | SP J.A. Happ |
| CF Colby Rasmus | SP Kyle Drabek |
| 3B Brett Lawrie | SU Steve Delabar |
| LF Melky Cabrera | SU Sergio Santos |
| C Dioner Navarro | CL Casey Janssen |
| 2B Ryan Goins (R) |
What to Watch for This Spring
The Toronto Blue Jays looked like a lock to add a free-agent starter of some sort earlier this offseason, but that is looking less and less likely.
"I think it's unlikely at this point," GM Alex Anthopoulos told Jeff Odom of The Associated Press (h/t CTV Toronto). "We're getting so late into spring training, (it's) unlikely unless a trade emerges. But again, as the off-season has progressed, we've felt better about the internal options."
Those internal options include Brandon Morrow, J.A. Happ, Kyle Drabek, Drew Hutchison, Marcus Stroman and Sean Nolin. Three guys from that group will need to be key contributors if the team is going to have any chance of contending in the AL East.
20. Seattle Mariners
11 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Dustin Ackley | SP Felix Hernandez |
| 3B Kyle Seager | SP Hisashi Iwakuma |
| 2B Robinson Cano | SP Taijuan Walker (R) |
| DH Corey Hart | SP James Paxton (R) |
| 1B Justin Smoak | SP Erasmo Ramirez |
| LF Logan Morrison | SU Tom Wilhelmsen |
| RF Michael Saunders | SU Danny Farquhar |
| C Mike Zunino | CL Fernando Rodney |
| SS Brad Miller |
What to Watch for This Spring
Robinson Cano headlines a group of notable additions who will be looking to help the Seattle Mariners make a run at their first postseason berth since 2001. The superstar second baseman will be under a microscope after signing a massive 10-year, $240 million deal, but it's the continued development of the Mariners' young players that may have the biggest bearing on where they finish in 2014.
Rookies Taijuan Walker and James Paxton will be counted on to hold down rotation spots, while Dustin Ackley, Justin Smoak and Mike Zunino all need to prove why they were so highly regarded. Even with everything they've done this offseason, it's hard to picture the Mariners finishing any better than third in the AL West. Crazier things have happened, though, and there is no question the team has improved.
19. Milwaukee Brewers
12 of 30
Projected Roster
| SS Jean Segura | SP Yovani Gallardo |
| CF Carlos Gomez | SP Matt Garza |
| RF Ryan Braun | SP Kyle Lohse |
| 3B Aramis Ramirez | SP Marco Estrada |
| C Jonathan Lucroy | SP Wily Peralta |
| LF Khris Davis | SU Brandon Kintzler |
| 1B Mark Reynolds | SU Francisco Rodriguez |
| 2B Scooter Gennett | CL Jim Henderson |
What to Watch for This Spring
After staying quiet for most of the offseason, the Milwaukee Brewers pulled off a surprise of sorts when they inked right-hander Matt Garza to a four-year, $50 million deal. He joins a starting rotation that has a chance to be one of the better ones in the National League if everyone pitches up to their potential.
The biggest story in camp, though, will be the return of Ryan Braun, who will need to prove he is still the impact player he was pre-PED suspension. If he can return to form, Aramis Ramirez can stay healthy and someone can step forward and claim the first base job, the offense could again be a strength as well.
This team is not nearly as bad as its record last season may indicate, but is it good enough to contend in the NL Central?
18. Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
Projected Roster
| SS Erick Aybar | SP Jered Weaver |
| CF Mike Trout | SP C.J. Wilson |
| 1B Albert Pujols | SP Garrett Richards |
| LF Josh Hamilton | SP Hector Santiago |
| 3B David Freese | SP Tyler Skaggs |
| DH Raul Ibanez | SU Sean Burnett |
| 2B Howie Kendrick | SU Joe Smith |
| RF Kole Calhoun | CL Ernesto Frieri |
| C Chris Iannetta |
What to Watch for This Spring
Trading Mark Trumbo was a tough decision, but it will prove well worth it if left-handers Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs can shore up the back of the rotation. Veterans Raul Ibanez and Carlos Pena will then duke it out for the chance to replace Trumbo in the lineup, though both represent a significant downgrade at this point in their careers.
The health of Albert Pujols will certainly be worth keeping an eye on, as the team desperately needs him to get back to producing in the middle of the lineup. Expectations will be significantly lower than they were heading into last season, but there is no shortage of talent on this roster, and the Angels could make some noise in the AL West if their stars play up to their contracts.
17. Baltimore Orioles
14 of 30
Projected Roster
| RF Nick Markakis | SP Ubaldo Jimenez |
| 3B Manny Machado | SP Chris Tillman |
| 1B Chris Davis | SP Wei-Yin Chen |
| CF Adam Jones | SP Bud Norris |
| DH Nelson Cruz | SP Miguel Gonzalez |
| C Matt Wieters | SU Ryan Webb |
| SS J.J. Hardy | SU Darren O'Day |
| LF David Lough | CL Tommy Hunter |
| 2B Jemile Weeks |
What to Watch for This Spring
The Baltimore Orioles climb three spots in the rankings after adding Ubaldo Jimenez and Nelson Cruz, but there are still enough question marks to keep this team out of the upper half at this point. That said, those are two big pickups, as Jimenez gives the O's a legitimate No. 1 starter and Cruz fills a DH spot that saw very little production last season.
They still need to sort out left field and second base this spring, and Tommy Hunter will need to prove he's the man for the job in the ninth inning. Meanwhile, star third baseman Manny Machado continues his quick recovery from last year's gruesome knee injury, and he could yet be ready to go by Opening Day.
16. San Francisco Giants
15 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Angel Pagan | SP Matt Cain |
| 2B Marco Scutaro | SP Madison Bumgarner |
| 1B Brandon Belt | SP Tim Lincecum |
| C Buster Posey | SP Tim Hudson |
| RF Hunter Pence | SP Ryan Vogelsong |
| 3B Pablo Sandoval | SU Jeremy Affeldt |
| LF Michael Morse | SU Santiago Casilla |
| SS Brandon Crawford | CL Sergio Romo |
What to Watch for This Spring
Last season was a huge disappointment for the San Francisco Giants. They had essentially the same roster from the 2012 World Series, but instead of making a run at defending their title, they found themselves battling just to avoid a last-place finish.
Tim Hudson replaces Barry Zito in the starting rotation, and the staff as a whole will need to return to its previously dominant form if the Giants are going to get back in the title hunt. Offensively, Pablo Sandoval has slimmed down and is entering a contract year, so he could be in for a big season. Slugger Michael Morse was added to provide some pop in left field as he looks to bounce back from a rough 2013 campaign.
15. Cleveland Indians
16 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Michael Bourn | SP Justin Masterson |
| 1B Nick Swisher | SP Corey Kluber |
| 2B Jason Kipnis | SP Danny Salazar |
| DH Carlos Santana | SP Zach McAllister |
| LF Michael Brantley | SP Trevor Bauer |
| SS Asdrubal Cabrera | SU Vinnie Pestano |
| RF David Murphy | SU Cody Allen |
| C Yan Gomes | CL John Axford |
| 3B Lonnie Chisenhall |
What to Watch for This Spring
Losing Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir hurts, but the Cleveland Indians rotation could be a strength once again if Corey Kluber can take another step forward and Danny Salazar can pitch for a full season like he did down the stretch. Trevor Bauer is the X-factor, as he still has dynamic stuff, but he has yet to find success at the big league level.
How the bullpen takes shape will be perhaps the biggest thing to watch this spring, as it was an inconsistent group last year. The team replaced Chris Perez, Joe Smith, Matt Albers and Rich Hill with John Axford and Josh Outman this winter, and the new-look relief corps will need to outperform its 2013 counterpart.
14. Arizona Diamondbacks
17 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Gerardo Parra | SP Patrick Corbin |
| 2B Aaron Hill | SP Bronson Arroyo |
| 1B Paul Goldschmidt | SP Wade Miley |
| C Miguel Montero | SP Trevor Cahill |
| LF Mark Trumbo | SP Brandon McCarthy |
| 3B Martin Prado | SU David Hernandez |
| RF Cody Ross | SU Brad Ziegler |
| SS Didi Gregorius | CL Addison Reed |
What to Watch for This Spring
The Arizona Diamondbacks found the big bat they coveted to protect Paul Goldschmidt when they acquired Mark Trumbo, and they shored up the back end of their bullpen by trading for Addison Reed. However, they failed to acquire the ace-caliber starting pitcher they needed, instead settling for veteran Bronson Arroyo on a two-year deal.
Patrick Corbin will be closely watched this spring as he looks to prove his first half last year was no fluke. The position battle at shortstop figures to be one of the best around the league as prospect Chris Owings looks to unseat Didi Gregorius. Top prospect Archie Bradley will also be in big league camp, though the Arroyo signing leaves him without a clear path to the rotation unless someone is hurt.
13. Kansas City Royals
18 of 30
Projected Roster
| RF Norichika Aoki | SP James Shields |
| 2B Omar Infante | SP Jeremy Guthrie |
| 1B Eric Hosmer | SP Jason Vargas |
| DH Billy Butler | SP Bruce Chen |
| LF Alex Gordon | SP Danny Duffy |
| C Salvador Perez | SU Kelvin Herrera |
| 3B Mike Moustakas | SU Luke Hochevar |
| CF Lorenzo Cain | CL Greg Holland |
| SS Alcides Escobar |
What to Watch for This Spring
The Kansas City Royals will enter the season looking to build on a strong second half last year, and with improvements at second base (Omar Infante) and in right field (Norichika Aoki), they should be able to avoid the offensive struggles that plagued them early on last season.
The No. 5 spot in the rotation is available, with left-hander Danny Duffy looking like the early favorite there. Top prospects Kyle Zimmer and Yordano Ventura will get a long look for that job as well.
The addition of Jason Vargas and a solid performance out of the No. 5 starter should be enough to offset the loss of Ervin Santana.
12. Tampa Bay Rays
19 of 30
Projected Roster
| LF David DeJesus | SP David Price |
| 2B Ben Zobrist | SP Alex Cobb |
| 3B Evan Longoria | SP Matt Moore |
| RF Wil Myers | SP Chris Archer |
| 1B James Loney | SP Jake Odorizzi (R) |
| DH Matt Joyce | SU Jake McGee |
| CF Desmond Jennings | SU Joel Peralta |
| SS Yunel Escobar | CL Grant Balfour |
| C Ryan Hanigan |
What to Watch for This Spring
The offseason came and went and ace David Price remains in a Tampa Bay Rays uniform. Whether he makes it to the end of 2014 remains to be seen, but with the big left-hander still in place atop the rotation, the Rays look to be in a good position to return to the postseason.
The moves they did make were the usual under-the-radar variety. Catcher Ryan Hanigan was added in a three-team trade, and Grant Balfour was signed to replace Fernando Rodney as closer. With Jeremy Hellickson sidelined to start the year, rookie Jake Odorizzi will have every chance to break camp as the No. 5 starter; he has the stuff to be the next young starter to make a serious impact for the Rays.
11. Cincinnati Reds
20 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Billy Hamilton (R) | SP Johnny Cueto |
| 2B Brandon Phillips | SP Mat Latos |
| 1B Joey Votto | SP Homer Bailey |
| RF Jay Bruce | SP Mike Leake |
| LF Ryan Ludwick | SP Tony Cingrani |
| 3B Todd Frazier | SU J.J. Hoover |
| SS Zack Cozart | SU Sean Marshall |
| C Devin Mesoraco | CL Aroldis Chapman |
What to Watch for This Spring
Outside of re-signing Manny Parra and shoring up their bench with the additions of Skip Schumaker and Brayan Pena, it's been a very quiet offseason for the Cincinnati Reds. There won't be much in the way of spring training battles either, as the roster is essentially set, with non-roster invitees Ramon Santiago and Roger Bernadina expected to fight for the final bench spot.
That said, speedster Billy Hamilton will be as scrutinized as any player in baseball this spring, as he will be counted on to replace the departed Shin-Soo Choo in center field and atop the order. The rookie could hit .250 and still steal 75 bases, but he will need to prove he can get on base at a consistent enough clip to warrant hitting leadoff.
10. Pittsburgh Pirates
21 of 30
Projected Roster
| LF Starling Marte | SP Francisco Liriano |
| 2B Neil Walker | SP Gerrit Cole |
| CF Andrew McCutchen | SP Wandy Rodriguez |
| 3B Pedro Alvarez | SP Charlie Morton |
| C Russell Martin | SP Edinson Volquez |
| 1B Gaby Sanchez | SU Tony Watson |
| SS Jordy Mercer | SU Mark Melancon |
| RF Jose Tabata | CL Jason Grilli |
What to Watch for This Spring
Losing A.J. Burnett is certainly a blow for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but they should be able to overcome his departure. Charlie Morton (20), Gerrit Cole (19) and Wandy Rodriguez (12) combined for just 51 starts last season, and full seasons from the three of them should go a long way in easing the loss of Burnett.
Edinson Volquez was the big offseason addition, as the team looks to strike gold twice by signing a talented but erratic free-agent starter. Last offseason, it was Francisco Liriano agreeing to a one-year, $1 million deal and emerging as the ace of the staff.
Jeff Locke and top prospect Jameson Taillon could push Volquez for the No. 5 job, while fellow top prospect Gregory Polanco has an outside chance of breaking camp as the starting right fielder after winning Dominican League MVP this offseason.
9. Texas Rangers
22 of 30
Projected Roster
| LF Shin-Soo Choo | SP Yu Darvish |
| SS Elvis Andrus | SP Matt Harrison |
| 1B Prince Fielder | SP Alexi Ogando |
| 3B Adrian Beltre | SP Martin Perez |
| RF Alex Rios | SP Tommy Hanson |
| DH Mitch Moreland | SU Tanner Scheppers |
| C Geovany Soto | SU Joakim Soria |
| 2B Jurickson Profar | CL Neftali Feliz |
| CF Leonys Martin |
What to Watch for This Spring
A year after losing the likes of Josh Hamilton, Mike Napoli and Michael Young in free agency, the Texas Rangers reloaded offensively, adding on-base machine Shin-Soo Choo in free agency and trading for slugger Prince Fielder. That should be enough to again give them one of the most potent offenses in all of baseball.
However, questions in the starting rotation are enough to drop them behind the Oakland A's in these rankings and as favorites in the AL West. Derek Holland is out until midseason after suffering a freak knee injury, and Matt Harrison has already fallen behind this spring while dealing with neck and back stiffness. That leaves the likes of Tommy Hanson, Colby Lewis and Nick Tepesch to step into rotation spots.
8. Oakland Athletics
23 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Coco Crisp | SP Jarrod Parker |
| 3B Josh Donaldson | SP Scott Kazmir |
| SS Jed Lowrie | SP Sonny Gray |
| LF Yoenis Cespedes | SP A.J. Griffin |
| 1B Brandon Moss | SP Dan Straily |
| RF Josh Reddick | SU Luke Gregerson |
| DH John Jaso | SU Ryan Cook |
| 2B Alberto Callaspo | CL Jim Johnson |
| C Derek Norris |
What to Watch for This Spring
With back-to-back AL West titles under their belt, the Oakland Athletics' days of surprising people are over, and they enter spring training expected to contend for another division title. It was a relatively quiet offseason, but they are never one to make a big offseason splash.
Scott Kazmir was signed to replace the departed Bartolo Colon. Luke Gregerson was acquired to bolster an already impressive setup corps, and Jim Johnson replaces Grant Balfour as closer. Prospect Addison Russell will be in big league camp, and with Jed Lowrie set to hit free agency at the end of the offseason, he could position himself for an everyday job next year with a big season in the minors.
7. New York Yankees
24 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Jacoby Ellsbury | SP CC Sabathia |
| SS Derek Jeter | SP Hiroki Kuroda |
| RF Carlos Beltran | SP Masahiro Tanaka (R) |
| 1B Mark Teixeira | SP Ivan Nova |
| C Brian McCann | SP Michael Pineda |
| DH Alfonso Soriano | SU Matt Thornton |
| 3B Kelly Johnson | SU Shawn Kelley |
| 2B Brian Roberts | CL David Robertson |
| LF Brett Gardner |
What to Watch for This Spring
There is no shortage of new faces in New York Yankees camp, as the Yankees went all out this offseason after missing the playoffs last year for just the second time since 1994. Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Beltran and Brian McCann should upgrade the offense significantly, but it will be guys like Brian Roberts and Kelly Johnson with the most to prove this spring.
On the pitching side of things, Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka will be as scrutinized as anyone this spring after signing a seven-year, $155 million deal. There will also be a battle for the No. 5 starter spot, with Michael Pineda looking to beat out David Phelps, Vidal Nuno and Adam Warren.
6. Atlanta Braves
25 of 30
Projected Roster
| RF Jason Heyward | SP Kris Medlen |
| LF Justin Upton | SP Mike Minor |
| 1B Freddie Freeman | SP Julio Teheran |
| C Evan Gattis | SP Brandon Beachy |
| 3B Chris Johnson | SP Alex Wood |
| SS Andrelton Simmons | SU Luis Avilan |
| 2B Dan Uggla | SU David Carpenter |
| CF B.J. Upton | CL Craig Kimbrel |
What to Watch for This Spring
The Atlanta Braves' only significant addition this offseason was catcher Ryan Doumit, but that does not mean they sat on their hands all winter. Freddie Freeman, Andrelton Simmons, Jason Heyward, Julio Teheran and Craig Kimbrel all received multi-year extensions as the team looked to lock up its impressive young core.
If Dan Uggla and B.J. Upton can provide something offensively and Alex Wood can hold down the No. 5 starter spot, the Braves will be awfully tough once again. They likely won't have things quite so easy in the NL East this year, though, as the Washington Nationals look poised to bounce back from a disappointing 2013 season.
5. Boston Red Sox
26 of 30
Projected Roster
| RF Shane Victorino | SP Jon Lester |
| LF Daniel Nava | SP John Lackey |
| 2B Dustin Pedroia | SP Clay Buchholz |
| DH David Ortiz | SP Jake Peavy |
| 1B Mike Napoli | SP Felix Doubront |
| SS Xander Bogaerts (R) | SU Junichi Tazawa |
| C A.J. Pierzynski | SU Edward Mujica |
| 3B Will Middlebrooks | CL Koji Uehara |
| CF Jackie Bradley (R) |
What to Watch for This Spring
All eyes will be on rookies Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley as they replace departed veterans Stephen Drew and Jacoby Ellsbury. They will both be counted on to make an immediate impact, but they do have the luxury of joining the highest-scoring offense in baseball.
Ryan Dempster has opted to sit out the 2014 season in an effort to get healthy, and that could mean the team's starting pitching depth is tested should injury strike. Chris Capuano was added in free agency, and prospects Anthony Ranaudo, Matt Barnes and Henry Owens will all get a chance to show what they can do in big league camp. There have been some big changes, but the Red Sox still look like the best team in the AL East top to bottom.
4. Washington Nationals
27 of 30
Projected Roster
| CF Denard Span | SP Stephen Strasburg |
| RF Jayson Werth | SP Gio Gonzalez |
| LF Bryce Harper | SP Jordan Zimmermann |
| 3B Ryan Zimmerman | SP Doug Fister |
| 1B Adam LaRoche | SP Ross Detwiler |
| SS Ian Desmond | SU Drew Storen |
| C Wilson Ramos | SU Tyler Clippard |
| 2B Anthony Rendon | CL Rafael Soriano |
What to Watch for This Spring
A stagnant offensive attack left the Washington Nationals just one game over .500 when the All-Star break rolled around last season. And even with a strong second half, they were unable to reach the postseason just a year after posting the best record in baseball.
With the acquisition of Doug Fister, they have arguably the top starting rotation in all of baseball. Ross Detwiler, Tanner Roark and Taylor Jordan will fight it out for the No. 5 starter spot, with the other two providing valuable depth. As long as they can stay healthy and avoid a similarly slow start at the plate, the Nationals should give the Atlanta Braves everything they can handle in the NL East.
3. Detroit Tigers
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Projected Roster
| 2B Ian Kinsler | SP Justin Verlander |
| RF Torii Hunter | SP Max Scherzer |
| 1B Miguel Cabrera | SP Anibal Sanchez |
| DH Victor Martinez | SP Rick Porcello |
| LF Andy Dirks | SP Drew Smyly |
| CF Austin Jackson | SU Joba Chamberlain |
| 3B Nick Castellanos (R) | SU Bruce Rondon |
| C Alex Avila | CL Joe Nathan |
| SS Jose Iglesias |
What to Watch for This Spring
For a team that has reached the ALCS the past three seasons, including the World Series in 2012, the Detroit Tigers made some significant moves this winter with an eye on the future rather than the present. Prince Fielder and Doug Fister were traded, with future extensions for Max Scherzer and Miguel Cabrera as the motivating factor.
That said, adding Ian Kinsler in the Fielder trade and signing Joe Nathan in free agency are both big additions to this team. Drew Smyly should be more than capable of replacing Fister in the rotation, and a big season from top prospect Nick Castellanos could certainly help ease the loss of Fielder.
It was a busy offseason, but on the strength of their pitching and the best hitter in the game, the Tigers still look like the best team in the American League.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
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Projected Roster
| RF Yasiel Puig | SP Clayton Kershaw |
| LF Carl Crawford | SP Zack Greinke |
| SS Hanley Ramirez | SP Hyun-Jin Ryu |
| 1B Adrian Gonzalez | SP Dan Haren |
| CF Matt Kemp | SP Paul Maholm |
| 3B Juan Uribe | SU Brian Wilson |
| C A.J. Ellis | SU Chris Perez |
| 2B Alex Guerrero | CL Kenley Jansen |
What to Watch for This Spring
The Los Angeles Dodgers were able to reach the playoffs in 2013 despite a horrendous start to the season. If they can avoid stumbling out of the gates in 2014, they could be in position to make a run at 100-plus wins.
They are not without their fair share of question marks, though.
The health of Matt Kemp and a lack of infield depth should rookie Alex Guerrero or inconsistent veteran Juan Uribe struggle leave the offense farm from rock solid. Full seasons from Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez figure to make the Dodgers that much better, though.
On the mound, Dan Haren and Paul Maholm fill out a rotation that may feature the best No. 1-No. 3 in all of baseball. And the bullpen should be even better with the additions of Jamey Wright and Chris Perez.
The biggest question remains whether or not they can beat the St. Louis Cardinals a best-of-seven series.
1. St. Louis Cardinals
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Projected Roster
| 3B Matt Carpenter | SP Adam Wainwright |
| CF Peter Bourjos | SP Michael Wacha |
| LF Matt Holliday | SP Shelby Miller |
| RF Allen Craig | SP Lance Lynn |
| 1B Matt Adams | SP Joe Kelly |
| C Yadier Molina | SU Kevin Siegrist |
| SS Jhonny Peralta | SU Carlos Martinez (R) |
| 2B Kolten Wong (R) | CL Trevor Rosenthal |
What to Watch for This Spring
The St. Louis Cardinals wasted little time plugging the one glaring hole on their roster, signing Jhonny Peralta to a four-year deal to replace light-hitting Pete Kozma at shortstop. They also upgraded in center field by trading David Freese for Peter Bourjos and, in the process, freed up an everyday spot for prospect Kolten Wong.
The Cardinals will need to sort out the starting rotation this spring, as they have seven legitimate candidates vying for five spots, but that's an awfully good problem to have. Top prospect Oscar Taveras will look to prove he's 100 percent after missing much of last season with an ankle injury, and he could push Matt Adams back to the bench and claim the starting right field job before too long.
With a good mix of young up-and-comers and veteran leaders and terrific depth up and down the roster should injury strike, the Cardinals look like the team to beat here as spring training games get underway.
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.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
