2015 MLB Spring Training Predictions, 1 Week Out

2015 MLB spring training hasn't even begun, with pitchers and catchers reporting between Feb. 18 and 22, but there's already a lot going on in the world of baseball. From the well-being of Miguel Cabrera's right ankle to the health of Victor Martinez's left knee to just what to expect from new faces like Yasmany Tomas and Jung-ho Kang, there are a ton of storylines to keep track of.

What follows are predictions from around the league about what will happen between now and Opening Day. There's time to forecast which rising stars will make a name for themselves this spring and the big-money club that will land Yoan Moncada.

Mookie Betts Will Win the Boston Red Sox's Right Field Job

The Boston Red Sox outfield is ridiculously crowded.

With Hanley Ramirez stationed in left, here's a look at the list of players who will be angling for playing time at the other two spots:

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

Castillo is the early favorite to start in center, and Betts should have the inside track in right after his monster 2014 season. Last summer, the right-handed hitter battered the upper minor leagues before posting a .291 average in a 52-game stint with the Red Sox. 

If Betts picks up where he left off, the 22-year-old will be starting in right on Opening Day, and Victorino will be on the bench or possibly even on the trade block.

Alex Rodriguez Will Prove He Can Be Relevant Again as a Full-Time DH

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

With Chase Headley locked in at third base, Alex Rodriguez won't see much time in the field in 2015. That could actually be great news for the 39-year-old. Since he'll primarily be a designated hitter, Rodriguez will be able to focus exclusively on hitting and will also have a better chance of staying healthy.

According to Ryan Hatch of NJ.com, New York Yankees broadcaster David Cone told WFAN that he thinks Rodriguez will connect on 15 to 20 home runs in 2015. If the veteran can top the 20-home run plateau, it will be the first time Rodriguez has accomplished that feat since 2010. He needs just seven to pass Willie Mays for fourth on the all-time home runs list.

Yasmany Tomas Will Make a Powerful 1st Impression

Yasmany Tomas has all sorts of pop. 

That's why the Arizona Diamondbacks dished out a six-year, $68.5 million deal to the Cuban third baseman/outfielder this offseason. During spring training in Scottsdale, Arizona, Tomas will have his first opportunity to demonstrate that he can live up to that price tag. 

Unquestionably, Tomas will be one of the most scrutinized players in baseball this spring, and expect the right-handed hitter to respond with a powerful showing in the Cactus League. A strong showing at the D-backs' spring training camp will set up Tomas to be a leading contender for the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

The New York Yankees Will Sign Yoan Moncada

Yoan Moncada is about to make a mint.

The 19-year-old Cuban, who recently became a free agent, is drawing some high praise. 

“He could be the next Robinson Cano/Chase Utley, but more Cano," said one NL talent evaluator, via Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe. "That’s the kind of potential bat we’re talking about.”

According to Cafardo, the New York Yankees are among the leading contenders in the race to sign Moncada. After a frugal winter in the Bronx, Moncada would represent the ideal opportunity for the Yankees to hand out some cash and improve their collection of talent.

Bryce Harper Will Have a Big Spring Leading to a Monster Season

Bryce Harper hasn't managed to live up to the tremendous hype that resulted in the Washington Nationals snagging him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft. 

2015 will be the year that he finally does. 

Since Harper has already played three seasons with Washington, it's easy to forget that the right fielder will only be 22 years old when Opening Day rolls around.

Last October, the Nats face-planted, but Harper was one of the few players who absolutely showed up. In the four-game NLDS against the San Francisco Giants, the left-handed hitter connected on three home runs, including the one that he deposited into McCovey Cove just outside of AT&T Park, as you can see in the video above. 

As his postseason play clearly demonstrated, Harper has all the ability required to have a big spring and a monster season.

Manny Machado Will Prove He's Healthy and Ready to Return to All-Star Form

Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

2014 was a seriously disappointing season for Manny Machado. 

Thanks to a couple of major knee injuries, the 22-year-old only appeared in 82 games for the Baltimore Orioles. As he explained via Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun, Machado is more than ready to return to the diamond. 

“I've been a kind of a little bored," he said. "It's been four or five months and I haven't been on the baseball field. So I'm really looking forward to spring training and being back on the field.”

Last year, Machado didn't play in spring training at all as he recovered from knee surgery. This time around, the third baseman will be able to take part in the entire Grapefruit League campaign and put himself on track to earning the second American League All-Star selection of his three-year career.

The Detroit Tigers Will Begin 2015 Without Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

The Detroit Tigers were supposed to have the most dangerous middle of the lineup in baseball. That could still happen, but it's going to require some patience.

Both Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera are question marks for Opening Day. Per Anthony French of USA Today, Martinez tore the medial meniscus in his left knee, and the timetable for return won't be known until he undergoes surgery Tuesday. Cabrera had surgery on his ankle back in October and could also miss the start of the season, according to Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press. 

Having those two hitters in the lineup will be critical to the Tigers' chances of defending the AL Central crown. Then again, Detroit has to be smart and cautious when it comes to Martinez and Cabrera. As Buster Olney of ESPN points out, the Tigers owe them $330 million between now and 2023.

Jung-Ho Kang Will Have to Settle for a Utility Job

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Jung-ho Kang is sure to draw plenty of attention this spring. The 27-year-old infielder, whom the Pittsburgh Pirates inked to a four-year deal worth $16 million (including a posting fee of $5 million), clubbed 40 home runs in his final season in the Korean Baseball Organization in 2014. 

Of course, there's no guarantee that his power will translate to the majors, as no position player from the KBO has ever played in the big leagues. With Jordy Mercer and Neil Walker set at shortstop and second base, respectively, the best course of action for the Pirates would be to let Kang settle into his new league as a super utility man.

Note: All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com and MLB.com. All videos courtesy of MLB.com. All salary information courtesy of Cot's Baseball Contracts on BaseballProspectus.com.

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