Early Predictions for Each MLB Team's Top Spring Training Position Battles

Spring training can be stressful. 

That's definitely the case for outfielders on the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox, as there are simply way too many players and not enough spots in the respective lineups. 

What follows is a look around the league at each MLB team's top spring training position battles and predictions for how all of those competitions will shake out. For lots of squads, it's a matter of figuring out which starter will land the final spot on the starting staff or which catcher will win the backup job. 

For teams like the Dodgers and the Red Sox, it's a matter of figuring out which All-Star could get left on the bench or which super prospect could get sent back to the minors.

Houston Astros

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The Battle: The closer's job

The Contenders

• Luke Gregerson
• Chad Qualls

Considering that the Houston Astros bullpen posted the worst ERA in baseball in 2014, Luke Gregerson is a welcome addition.

While the 30-year-old right-hander provides the Astros with lots of late-game experience, he hasn't had much success in the ninth. Gregerson has recored just 19 saves in six seasons and struggled in that role in limited chances in 2014 with the Oakland Athletics.

The best option for the Astros at closer will likely be to stick with Chad Qualls, who totaled 19 saves a season ago. 

The Predicted Winner: Qualls

Los Angeles Angels

The Battle: The second base job

The Contenders

• Josh Rutledge
• Grant Green
• Johnny Giavotella
• Taylor Featherston

The Los Angeles Angels will have a new second baseman in 2015 after shipping Howie Kendrick to the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier in the offseason. 

The No. 1 candidate to step in for Kendrick is Josh Rutledge, whom the Angels acquired in a December trade with the Colorado Rockies. Last season, the 25-year-old batted .269 for the National League West team. He also has an impressive minor league resume, as he hit .328 in parts of five seasons on the farm. 

The Predicted Winner: Rutledge

Oakland Athletics

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

The Battle: The final three spots in the rotation

The Contenders

• Jesse Chavez
• Jesse Hahn
• Drew Pomeranz
• Sean Nolin
• Chris Bassitt
• Kendall Graveman

Sonny Gray and Scott Kazmir headline the Oakland Athletics starting rotation, but after that, there are three spots that will be up for grabs.

Jesse Chavez and Drew Pomeranz, who both impressed for the American League West club in 2014, are early favorites to land in the rotation. Jesse Hahn, whom the team added in a trade with the San Diego Padres, also looks like a strong contender. Last season, the right-hander turned in a 7-4 record with a 3.07 ERA in 14 outings. 

Eventually, Jarrod Parker and A.J. Griffin will be part of the equation as well. As Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports notes, neither starter is expected to be ready for Opening Day, as both are rehabbing from elbow injuries. 

The Predicted Winners: Chavez, Pomeranz and Hahn

Seattle Mariners

The Battle: The shortstop job

The Contenders

• Brad Miller
• Chris Taylor

After sharing time at shortstop at the end of 2014, Brad Miller and Chris Taylor will be battling to see who wins the starting job during the Cactus League campaign. 

While both players offer plenty of upside, Miller has the higher ceiling at the plate. The Seattle Mariners brain trust believes that the 25-year-old could turn into a "impact run-production bat," per The News Tribune. 

Considering that Taylor has played just 75 games in Triple-A, the M's could begin the season with Miller as the starter at Safeco Field while leaving Taylor in the minor leagues as insurance. 

The Predicted Winner: Miller

Texas Rangers

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

The Battle: The No. 5 starter job

The Contenders

• Nick Tepesch
• Nick Martinez

With Yu Darvish, Derek Holland, Colby Lewis and Ross Detwiler all slated to be part of the staff, there's just one opening in the Texas Rangers starting rotation. 

Nick Tepesch and Nick Martinez are the top contenders for that role. If Martinez can pitch the way he did last September, the 24-year-old right-hander will be on his way to beating out Tepesch. During the final month of the 2014 season, Martinez went 2-2 with a 2.40 ERA in five starts. 

The Predicted Winner: Martinez

Chicago White Sox

The Battle: The second base job

The Contenders

• Carlos Sanchez
• Micah Johnson
• Emilio Bonifacio

For now, nobody knows who will be playing second base for the Chicago White Sox in 2015.

Back in December, general manager Rick Hahn told Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago that there would be an "open competition" between Carlos Sanchez and Micah Johnson. The 22-year-old Sanchez gets the edge because unlike Johnson, he actually has big league experience. Of course, it's worth noting that his experience amounts to just 28 games.  

Super-utlity man Emilio Bonifacio could also earn significant playing time at second base—especially if both Sanchez and Johnson struggle in the spring. 

The Predicted Winner: Sanchez

Cleveland Indians

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The Battle: The No. 5 spot in the rotation

The Contenders

• Danny Salazar
• Josh Tomlin
• Zach McAllister
• T.J. House

The Cleveland Indians have a crowd of pitchers who are looking to become the club's fifth starter. 

The most promising starter of all is Danny Salazar. The 25-year-old had an awful first half in 2014, but he improved steadily in the closing months of the season. Following the All-Star break, Salazar went 5-4 with a 3.50 ERA in 12 starts.

The Predicted Winner: Salazar

Detroit Tigers

The Battle: The center field job

The Contenders

• Rajai Davis
• Anthony Gose

There likely won't be a single winner in this battle.

One way for the Detroit Tigers to maximize production in center field would be to have Rajai Davis and Anthony Gose share time. Last year, Davis owned left-handed pitchers, checking in with a .356 average. The Tigers could then sit Davis against righties and start the left-handed-hitting Gose.

The Predicted Winner: Gose and Davis

Kansas City Royals

The Battle: The backup catcher job

The Contenders

• Erik Kratz
• Francisco Pena

There wasn't much to do for Salvador Perez's backup in 2014. 

Last year, the All-Star catcher played 150 games for the Kansas City Royals during the regular season. According to Lee Judge of The Kansas City Star, manager Ned Yost plans to have Perez catch fewer games in 2015. The question that has yet to be answered is who will step in for the 24-year-old.

Erik Kratz, who had the backup job last year, hit .276 in just 13 games. Francisco Pena, who will be battling with Kratz, likely will offer even more offensive production than that. Last season, Pena connected on 27 home runs in Triple-A. 

The Predicted Winner: Pena

Minnesota Twins

The Battle: The center field job

The Contenders

• Aaron Hicks
• Jordan Schafer
• Shane Robinson

According to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor has decided to shift Danny Santana back to shortstop. That means that Aaron Hicks, Jordan Schafer or Shane Robinson will be playing center field in 2015. 

One possible outcome would be for Molitor to utilize a platoon to open up the season. In such a scenario, the left-handed-hitting Schafer would face righties, while the switch-hitting Hicks would see time against lefties. 

The Predicted Winners: Hicks and Schafer

Baltimore Orioles

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The Battle: The No. 5 spot in the rotation

The Contenders

• Ubaldo Jimenez
• Miguel Gonzalez

The Baltimore Orioles have a good problem. 

As spring training approaches, the O's have six starters for five spots. If Chris Tillman, Wei-Yin Chen, Kevin Gausman and Bud Norris occupy the first four spots, Miguel Gonzalez and Ubaldo Jimenez will be left to angle for the final job on the staff. 

It's difficult to envision that Jimenez will be as bad as he was a season ago, when he pitched his way into the bullpen with a 4.81 ERA. At the same time, he's also not likely to be as effective as Gonzalez was in the second half of 2014. Following the All-Star break, the 30-year-old went 6-4 with a 2.19 ERA in 11 starts. 

The Predicted Winner: Gonzalez

Boston Red Sox

The Battle: The final two outfield spots

The Contenders

• Shane Victorino
• Mookie Betts
• Rusney Castillo
• Brock Holt
• Allen Craig
• Jackie Bradley Jr.

The Boston Red Sox roster is flooded with outfielders. 

Entering the season, the only one who is guaranteed to be starting on Opening Day is Hanley Ramirez. With Ramirez slated to play left field, there are still two other jobs to be won.

Rusney Castillo, who inked a seven-year, $72.5 million deal at the end of last season, should grab one of the openings. The other will likely go to the 22-year-old Mookie Betts, who battered the upper minor leagues to the tune of a.346 average in 2014.

With Ramirez, Castillo and Betts in the outfield, the most notable omission is two-time All-Star Shane Victorino. 

The Predicted Winners: Castillo and Betts

New York Yankees

The Battle: The second base job

The Contenders

• Stephen Drew
• Rob Refsnyder
• Jose Pirela

After inking a one-year, $5 million deal plus incentives, Stephen Drew is the favorite to start at second base for the New York Yankees on Opening Day. According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, Rob Refsnyder and Jose Pirela will also get an opportunity to win that role. 

Of the two contenders, Refsnyder looks to be the more serious challenger to Drew. Last year, the right-handed hitter dismantled the upper minor leagues, as he hit .318 with 58 extra-base hits while splitting the season between Double-A and Triple-A.

Even if Drew is the starter on Opening Day, Refsnyder could easily steal away the job early in the summer.  

The Predicted Winner: Drew

Tampa Bay Rays

The Battle: The second base job

The Contenders

• Nick Franklin
• Tim Beckham
• Logan Forsythe

The Tampa Bay Rays middle infield is going to look a lot different in 2015. Asdrubal Cabrera is set to step in at shortstop, and Nick Franklin, Logan Forsythe and Tim Beckham will be vying for time at second base.

Franklin, whom the Rays acquired last summer in the David Price trade, is the front-runner entering camp. Beckham, whom the Rays selected with the No. 1 overall pick way back in 2008, is the dark-horse contender to watch out for.  

The Predicted Winners: Franklin

Toronto Blue Jays

The Battle: The second base job

The Contenders

• Maicer Izturis
• Ryan Goins
• Devon Travis

Acquired in an offseason trade with the Detroit Tigers, Devon Travis represents the future for the Toronto Blue Jays at second base.

Unfortunately for the AL East Club, that future won't be arriving on Opening Day, as the 23-year-old spent 2014 playing in Double-A. Until the top prospect is ready to claim the job, the best bet for Toronto will be to roll with a platoon of Maicer Izturis and Ryan Goins.

The Predicted Winners: Izturis and Goins

Arizona Diamondbacks

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

The Battle: The catcher's job

The Contenders

• Tuffy Gosewisch
• Oscar Hernandez
• Peter O'Brien

This job is Tuffy Gosewisch's to lose.

According to Nick Piecoro of AZCentral.com, general manager Dave Stewart has no plans to add another backstop to the roster before the season gets underway. As a result, Gosewisch's only competition for the catcher position is Oscar Hernandez and Peter O'Brien.

Hernandez, whom the club acquired in the Rule 5 draft, spent last season in Low-A. Meanwhile, O'Brien split 2014 between High-A and Double-A.

The Predicted Winner: Gosewisch

Colorado Rockies

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The Battle: The backup catcher's job

The Contenders

• Wilin Rosario
• Michael McKenry

After the Colorado Rockies brought in Nick Hundley on a two-year, $6.25 million deal to be the club's primary catcher, Wilin Rosario's spot on the roster is in jeopardy.  

As Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports, the Rockies recently explored the possibility of dealing the 25-year-old to the Texas Rangers. If he's still with Colorado when spring training begins, it will be a challenge for Rosario to earn the backup gig. He'll be competing against Michael McKenry, who hit .315 while posting a .910 OPS in 2014. 

The Predicted Winner: McKenry

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Battle: The center field job

The Contenders

• Andre Ethier
• Chris Heisey
• Joc Pederson

One of the biggest questions for Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly this spring will be to figure out who will be playing center field. 

Joc Pederson is a significantly more promising player than either Andre Ethier or Chris Heisey, but the 22-year-old isn't necessarily the best option for the club—at least not on Opening Day.

If the Dodgers go with Ethier to start the season, there's a chance that the veteran could build up his trade value in the early months of the season. In such a scenario, Pederson could begin the year in Triple-A before taking over in center field at Dodger Stadium at some point in the summer. 

The Predicted Winner: Ethier

San Diego Padres

The Battle: The shortstop job

The Contenders

• Alexi Amarista
• Clint Barmes

The San Diego Padres are thin at shortstop.

As the season approaches, the squad's top option at that position is Alexi Amarista. The 25-year has an impressive range and a strong arm, but his offensive output is limited. Last year, the right-handed hitter produced a .600 OPS in 148 games. 

The Padres' only other possible answer at shortstop is Clint Barmes. Unless Amarista seriously underwhelms in the spring, he should be in the lineup for Opening Day. 

The Predicted Winner: Amarista

San Francisco Giants

The Battle: The left field job

The Contenders

• Gregor Blanco
• Juan Perez
• Travis Ishikawa

There's still time for the San Francisco Giants to sign a veteran outfielder, but for now, Gregor Blanco, Juan Perez and Travis Ishikawa are the three names in the running for playing time in left. 

Of those three, Blanco is the best all-around player, while Ishikawa is the best suited for a pinch-hitting role. As a result, manager Bruce Bochy could opt for a platoon of Blanco and Perez while utilizing Ishikawa as the club's top bench bat. 

The Predicted Winners: Blanco and Perez

Chicago Cubs

The Battle: The second base job

The Contenders

• Javier Baez
• Tommy La Stella

Javier Baez has unreal power.

Last year, the right-handed hitter connected on nine home runs in his first 52 big league games. The problem is that Baez also strikes out at a ridiculous rate. In 2014, he punched out 95 times in 229 plate appearances and also hit just .169.

Thanks to his tremendous upside, Baez should get every chance to win the second base job. However, the Chicago Cubs' trade for Tommy La Stella gives the team a legitimate backup plan if Baez stumbles in the spring. 

The Predicted Winner: Baez

Cincinnati Reds

The Battle: The shortstop job

The Contenders

• Zack Cozart
• Eugenio Suarez

Zack Cozart had a disastrous season at the plate in 2014. The 29-year-old checked in with a .221 average and a .568 OPS.

In December, the Cincinnati Reds acquired Eugenio Suarez in a trade with the Detroit Tigers. As GM Walt Jocketty explained, via Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, Cozart still has the inside track to the starting job.

"Defensively, he is as good as anyone in either league, but he needs to improve offensively," Jocketty said.

Still, the presence of the 23-year-old Suarez gives the team a viable option if Cozart continues to struggle with the bat. 

The Predicted Winner: Cozart

Milwaukee Brewers

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The Battle: The No. 5 spot in the rotation

The Contenders

• Mike Fiers
• Jimmy Nelson

The final spot in the Milwaukee Brewers starting rotation will come down to Mike Fiers and Jimmy Nelson. If Fiers keeps pitching like he did in 2014, the 29-year-old will end up winning this job. Last year, the right-hander went 6-5 with a 2.14 ERA in 14 outings (10 starts). 

Meanwhile, Nelson struggled during his rookie season, posting a 2-9 record and a 4.93 ERA in 14 appearances (12 starts). Those numbers were highly disappointing, but history suggests that Nelson's second go-around in the big leagues should be far more successful. Last year in Triple-A, the 25-year-old went 10-2 with a 1.46 ERA before he was called up to Miller Park.

The Predicted Winner: Fiers

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Battle: The shortstop job

The Contenders

• Jordy Mercer
• Jung-Ho Kang

Jung-ho Kang definitely isn't lacking for confidence.

According to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Korean shortstop told the Yonhap News Agency that he's already angling to steal Jordy Mercer's job.

“If I get an opportunity to play consistently, I think I can play better (than Mercer)."

Kang could be spot-on. Maybe he will overtake Mercer as the starter at shortstop this spring. However, the more likely outcome for the 27-year-old is that he will settle into the big leagues in a utility role. 

The Predicted Winner: Mercer

St. Louis Cardinals

Scott Kane/Associated Press

The Battle: The No. 5 spot in the rotation

The Contenders

• Carlos Martinez
• Marco Gonzales

2015 could just be the year that Carlos Martinez finally earns a job as a full-time starter.

The 23-year-old right-hander is a leading contender to claim the No. 5 spot in the St. Louis Cardinals starting rotation. Martinez's top competition for that role is Marco Gonzales, who began the 2014 season in Double-A and ended it in the big leagues. 

Based on Martinez's minor league track record, he could prove to be an electric starter. In parts of five seasons on the farm, the Dominican posted a 2.61 ERA, and 69 of his 70 outings were starts. 

The Predicted Winner: Martinez

Atlanta Braves

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The Battle: The No. 5 spot in the rotation

The Contenders

• Wandy Rodriguez
• David Hale
• Manny Banuelos
• James Russell
• Chien-Ming Wang

According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, the Atlanta Braves have signed Wandy Rodriguez to a minor league deal. The 35-year left-hander now joins the competition for the final spot in the club's rotation. 

An array of injuries have limited Rodriguez to just 18 starts over the past two seasons. However, it's worth noting that the Braves have managed to get all sorts of production out of journeyman starters in recent seasons. Both Freddy Garcia and Aaron Harang fit the description. It's possible that Rodriguez will join that group in 2015. 

The Predicted Winner: Rodriguez

Miami Marlins

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The Battle: The No. 5 spot in the rotation

The Contenders

• David Phelps
• Brad Hand
• Aaron Crow

Whether this battle will actually happen is up to Dan Haren.

The veteran right-hander is planning to report to the Miami Marlins spring training camp, but he is still hoping to get traded to a team closer to his home in Southern California, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

If Haren is out of the picture by Opening Day, the final spot in the rotation will go to Davis Phelps, Brad Hand or Aaron Crow. Phelps offers the Fish the most experience as a big league starter. The right-hander made 40 starts for the New York Yankees over the past three seasons.

The Predicted Winner: Phelps

New York Mets

The Battle: The second left-hander's spot in the bullpen

The Contenders

• Sean Gilmartin
• Scott Rice
• Dario Alvarez
• Jack Leathersich

While most of the jobs on the 25-man roster have already been locked up, the New York Mets still need to find a second lefty for 2015. 

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Sean Gilmartin could end up joining Josh Edgin as one of the club's left-handed relievers. The Mets acquired the 24-year-old, who was a first-round pick in 2011, in the Rule 5 draft.  Last year, Gilmartin put up a 3.71 ERA while starting for the Minnesota Twins Double-A and Triple-A affiliates.

The Predicted Winner: Gilmartin

Philadelphia Phillies

The Battle: The third base job

The Contenders

• Maikel Franco
• Cody Asche

Maikel Franco is having a monster winter.

In 13 games in the Dominican Winter League playoffs, the right-handed hitter has put up a .347 average while clubbing four doubles, one triple and two home runs. If Franco continues to hit like that when he arrives at the Philadelphia Phillies spring training camp, Cody Ashe will soon by shifting to an outfield role or a spot on the bench. 

The Predicted Winner: Franco

Washington Nationals

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

The Battle: The setup role

The Contenders

• Aaron Barrett
• Blake Treinen

Now that Tyler Clippard has been traded to the Oakland Athletics, the Washington Nationals need a new eighth-inning ace.

According to Bill Ladson of MLB.com, Aaron Barrett and Blake Treinen are two of the top candidates to take Clippard's place. Barrett, who ripped off a 2.66 ERA in 50 appearances during his rookie season, has the arsenal to excel in high-leverage situations. Last year, the right-hander piled up a 10.8 K/9 ratio. 

The Predicted Winner: Barrett

Note: All stats and videos courtesy of MLB.com.

If you want to talk baseball, find me on Twitter @KarlBuscheck.