Projecting Every MLB Team's Most Difficult Cut or Demotion
Over the next few weeks, teams will face difficult decisions as they begin to trim down their rosters to the maximum 25 players by Opening Day.
While many of these fall under the category of a "good problem to have," some teams could risk losing a player who is out of options to waivers. A veteran in camp as a non-roster invitee could potentially opt out of a minor league contract if not on the big league roster.
We must also consider the mindset and readiness of a young player when finalizing Opening Day rosters. Will that player be overwhelmed in the majors if handed a roster spot prematurely? And will that player's confidence be shattered if he were to struggle? Would that player lose confidence if demoted to the minors?
All of this must be taken into account as teams choose the 25 players who will take the field on the first game of the regular season.
Here are our projections for each team's most difficult cut or demotion.
Baltimore Orioles: 1B Christian Walker
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Christian Walker took a huge step forward last season at the plate, hitting for both average and power between the Double-A and Triple-A levels as well as the major leagues. Specifically, the September call-up finally learned to tap into his raw power and hit a career-high 27 home runs, an enormous improvement on the 11 long balls he hit in 2013 in 103 games.
While he’s always been known for his ability to hit left-handed pitching, Walker also made strides last season against right-handers, with an .865 OPS batting and 19 home runs in 416 plate appearances.
Walker, 23, is likely to start the season at Triple-A Norfolk, as Chris Davis and Steve Pearce are slated to handle duties at first base. His presence could determine Davis’ future with the club, as he’s set to become a free agent after the 2015 season.
Boston Red Sox: OF Jackie Bradley Jr.
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Jackie Bradley Jr. held the Red Sox’s starting center field job for most of 2014 thanks to his outstanding defense, but he once again failed to progress at the plate. While the 24-year-old is a .290/.394/.456 career hitter in the minor leagues, he’s batted just .196 average with a 28.7 percent strikeout rate over 530 big league plate appearances.
With a crowded outfield situation in Boston that includes Mookie Betts, Rusney Castillo, Allen Craig, Shane Victorino and Daniel Nava, it's difficult to see Bradley cracking the Opening Day roster unless he tears the cover off the ball this spring. It is worth noting that he spent part of February working with assistant hitting coach Victor Rodriguez to rediscover his swing, per John Tomas of WEEI.com.
The outfielder’s name surfaced in trade rumors last month, according to Peter Gammons, though the Red Sox have given no indication that they’d be willing to move him. He’s still arguably the best defensive outfielder in Boston’s system, and at 24 years of age, he still has time to figure things out.
New York Yankees: RHP Luis Severino
3 of 30
Luis Severino was one of the top breakout prospects of the 2014 season, as the young right-hander dominated across both Class-A levels and finished the year in Double-A, where he posted a 2.52 ERA and a 29-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 25 innings over six starts. Between all three stops, the 21-year-old pitched to a 2.47 ERA, .220 BAA and 127-27 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 113.0 innings. After logging 44 innings in 2013, Severino’s steady performance despite a career-high workload this season was as impressive as the results.
He may be undersized at 6’0”, 195 pounds, but the right-hander’s electric arm speed generates an explosive mid-90s fastball that reaches 97-98 mph. Severino has the highest ceiling among Yankees' pitching prospects, projecting to be a power pitcher in the same mold as Yordano Ventura, and he showcased his talent Tuesday in his Grapefruit League debut with a pair of strikeouts in 1.1 innings. The 21-year-old surrendered two runs on four hits in the outing.
"There's no fear there," manager Joe Girardi told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. "The young man has a lot of belief in what he's doing. He has command, and he went right at guys today. I wasn't sure how he'd react, being the first time, and you worry about guys trying to do too much. But he seemed calm and threw the ball pretty well."
His health and durability will likely determine Severino's ability to remain a starter. If that doesn't work out, it's easy to envision his electric arm at the back end of the Yankees bullpen. Regardless, the hard-throwing right-hander appears ticketed to begin the 2015 season in Triple-A.
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Tampa Bay Rays: RHP Nate Karns
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Acquired from the Nationals prior to the 2013 season, Nate Karns didn’t make his Rays debut until Sept. 12 in Toronto. The hard-throwing right-hander was impressive in the outing, allowing no runs on two hits and two walks while striking out eight in seven innings to notch his first MLB win.
However, Karns, 27, will have to beat out Alex Colome, Burch Smith and Matt Andriese to win the final spot in the Rays’ Opening Day rotation, according to Roger Mooney of The Tampa Bay Tribune. Colome is the favorite to break camp in the rotation, but he’s currently in the Dominican Republic due to visa problems.
Toronto Blue Jays: 2B Devon Travis
5 of 30
An oblique injury limited Devon Travis to only 100 games in 2014, but he still managed to put up impressive numbers in the Eastern League, batting .298/.358/.460 with 37 extra-base hits (10 home runs) and 16 stolen bases. Toronto acquired him from the Tigers during the offseason in return for center fielder Anthony Gose.
Travis’ wide range of tools and skills gives him sneaky upside as an everyday player in The Show, as he’s now surpassed expectations during his time at each full-season level. Meanwhile, the 24-year-old has made a strong impression on his new coaching staff this spring in camp.
“He’s got a great swing,” said John Gibbons, via Ken Fidlin of the Toronto Sun. “He got three or four at-bats Tuesday, and he’s still looking for his first hit. But he’s always hit and when you watch his batting practice there is something different about him. He’s got that short, compact swing. He’s got great feel. When he’s taking BP, he’s shooting the ball all over the field, really works on hitting the holes. He’s a line drive machine.”
Regarding his immediate future, Travis has a relatively clear path to playing time with only 34-year-old Maicer Izturis and light-hitting Ryan Goins ahead of him on the depth chart, though I don’t expect the Blue Jays to break camp with him at the keystone. Either way, Travis is a safe bet to reach the major leagues in 2015 and contribute in some capacity.
Chicago White Sox: LHP Carlos Rodon
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The White Sox selected Carlos Rodon with the No. 3 overall pick in last year’s draft, and the left-hander nearly reached the major leagues as a September call-up after moving up to Triple-A Charlotte in mid-August, less than a month after he made his professional debut.
Rodon has everything one looks for in a potential front-end starter: a durable frame, three offerings with plus-or-better potential—highlighted by a low-to-mid 90s heater and a 70-grade slider—and the type of competitive mound presence that can’t be taught.
He was already expected to receive some looks during spring training for a spot in the South Siders’ Opening Day rotation. However, the news that ace Chris Sale won’t be ready for the start of the season due to a fractured foot means the 21-year-old will replace him in the spring rotation.
“Carlos Rodon, who did not have a regular spring-training start scheduled, other than maybe a B game or a split-squad, really wasn’t scheduled as of yet,’’ pitching coach Don Cooper said via Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun Times.
“Now the door is open for him to start and show everybody what he can do.”
The White Sox stand to save a year of team control over Rodon by having him begin the season in the minor leagues, a move that would also make sense given John Danks and Hector Noesi’s ability to hold down the back end of the rotation. However, once Rodon arrives he’ll be up to stay, and it shouldn’t take him long to emerge as one of baseball’s premier left-handed pitchers.
Cleveland Indians: 3B Giovanny Urshela
7 of 30
Signed back in 2008 out of Colombia, Giovanny Urshela had a long-overdue breakout campaign last season, batting .280/.334/.491 with 18 home runs and 36 doubles between the Double-A and Triple-A levels.
The 23-year-old third baseman then proceeded to rake in the Venezuela Winter League, batting .398 with three home runs and 22 RBI in 108 at-bats, but he suffered a knee injury in November while sliding into third base.
The emergence of Urshela could have Lonnie Chisenhall on the hot seat this spring, but that will also depend on the former’s recovery from the knee injury. So far, so good.
"He's worked really hard to get himself to where he can go through a normal spring," said Carter Hawkins, the Indians' director of player development, via Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. "We're very excited about the spot he's in right now, given the possible outcomes of the injury."
Urshela is an outstanding defensive third baseman and a much better option than Chisenhall in that regard, but both players have questions about their ability to produce consistently in the major leagues. Between the two players, Urshela is more likely to open the season in the minor leagues.
Detroit Tigers: C James McCann
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A second-round draft pick back in 2011, James McCann took a big step forward last season at Triple-A Toledo, posting a career-best .295/.343/.427 batting line in 109 games before receiving a call-up in September.
Defensively, McCann has a good blend of strength and athleticism at 6’2", 210 pounds, and he’s a good receiver who understands game-calling and sequencing. His arm strength is slightly above-average but plays up thanks to his quick release, and it helped him throw out base stealers at a 42 percent clip last season.
Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski recently stated he views McCann as a future everyday catcher in the major leagues, per Anthony French of the Detroit Free Press, which means the 24-year-old will probably receive a long look this spring as the team evaluates its situation behind the plate.
As a right-handed batter, McCann’s overall hit tool could become average with refinement, and it’s likely to play at least a half-grade higher against left-handed pitching, making him at least a potential platoon option behind the plate.
He is a long shot to break camp as the Tigers’ everyday catcher, but he should at least compete for a backup role with Bryan Holaday. But given McCann’s increasingly bright future, the Tigers might be better off giving him everyday at-bats in the minor leagues.
Kansas City Royals: LHP Brandon Finnegan
9 of 30
Brandon Finnegan was one of the best storylines of the 2014 postseason, as he became the first pitcher to pitch in the College World Series and World Series in the same year. After being selected with the No. 17 overall pick in the draft, the 21-year-old left-hander logged just 27 innings (13 appearances/five starts) in the minor leagues before getting the call.
But while Finnegan provided a boost to the club's bullpen late last season—and could still win a spot in the team’s Opening Day bullpen—his future is in the rotation, and it's clear the Royals plan to give him more experience in the minors.
"We feel like it’s in his best interests and our best interests long term as an organization to develop him as a starter," general manager Moore said via Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star.
There's no room in the Royals rotation at the moment, but it's certainly possible Finnegan could force his way into it at some point during the upcoming season.
Minnesota Twins: RHP Alex Meyer
10 of 30
Alex Meyer continued his ascent toward the major leagues in 2014, as he held opposing hitters to a paltry .241 batting average while posting a 10.6 K/9 rate in 130.1 Triple-A innings. He was a strong candidate to finish the season with the Twins before leaving his final Triple-A start (on Aug. 31) with shoulder stiffness, though an MRI revealed just inflammation and no structural damage.
The 6'9" right-hander’s impact arm strength and ability to miss bats will get him to the major leagues in 2015, where the Twins will give him every opportunity to stick in the starting rotation. This spring, the 25-year-old is set to compete with fellow prospect Trevor May as well as Tommy Milone and Mike Pelfrey for the final spot in the starting rotation.
Even if his mechanics and command don’t translate at the MLB level, or if he’s unable to stay healthy, Meyer still has enormous upside as a top-tier closer.
Houston Astros: 1B Jon Singleton
11 of 30
Jon Singleton showcased his big-time power during his rookie 2014 season, blasting 13 home runs in 95 games with the Astros, but his propensity to whiff prevented him from making a significant impact. The 23-year-old slugger fanned in 37 percent of his plate appearances and batted just .168. However, he did show patience at the plate (13.8 percent walk rate), which highlights his potential for more consistent contact moving forward.
Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow has stated that Singleton could begin the 2015 season in the minors, as the team will need to find at-bats between first base and designated hitter for both Evan Gattis and Chris Carter.
"Guys that have options are going to have to prove to us that they belong in the big leagues,” said Luhnow via Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle.
“I don’t think it’s just Singleton. Like I said, we’ve got multiple options at every position on the diamond now. So, you know, players may not be playing their preferred position—that puzzle will come together in spring training. We’re only guessing to try to figure it out right now."
Los Angeles Angels: RHP Cory Rasmus
12 of 30
Cory Rasmus—yes, he’s Colby’s brother—stepped into the Angels rotation late last year following Garrett Richards’ season-ending knee injury. After pitching out of the bullpen exclusively since 2012, the righty did not throw more than four innings in any of his six starts for the Angels. However, he showed promise in the role, posting a 2.37 ERA with a 9.0 strikeouts per nine innings, and finished the season with a 2.57 ERA in 56 innings.
Rasmus, 27, is competing for a spot in the rotation this spring with top prospect Andrew Heaney, though neither hurler is guaranteed to stick around after Richards returns. That being said, the strength of the Angels bullpen should allow for them to continue developing Rasmus as a starter, in which case he’d likely begin the season in Triple-A.
Oakland Athletics: 1B Nate Freiman
13 of 30
Nate Freiman has been nothing more than an average MLB hitter in his first two seasons with the A’s, batting .256/.309/.408 with an overall OPS+ of 100. The 28-year-old slugger was far more productive in the minor leagues, though, slashing .293/.365/.488 with 87 homers in 565 games, so there might still be some untapped power potential in his bat.
Finding playing time for the 6’8” Freiman in 2015 could be difficult, as the A’s other options at first base include Stephen Vogt, Ike Davis and Billy Butler. Plus, manager Bob Melvin has already stated that Mark Canha, who was acquired from the Rockies after they selected him in the Rule 5 draft, is ahead of Freiman on the depth chart for first base. Basically, Freiman’s chance of making the Opening Day roster isn’t good.
Seattle Mariners: SS/2B Ketel Marte
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Ketel Marte received aggressive assignments to Double-A and Triple-A last year in his age-20 season, and the switch-hitting middle infielder responded to the challenge by batting a combined .304/.335/.411 with 42 extra-base hits and 29 stolen bases over 128 games between both levels.
Though he profiles at either middle infield position, Marte has all the tools to stick at shortstop for the duration of his career, with smooth actions, above-average range and a strong, accurate arm. He’s received glowing reviews for his makeup and work ethic, so expect the Mariners to continue to challenge him moving forward.
“He’s a very talented individual,” manager Lloyd McClendon said of Marte, via Greg Johns of MLB.com. “He’s come quite a long way in a short period of time, and I can see why. He’s got a lot of talent and is pretty poised for a kid who is 20 years old.”
Brad Miller and Chris Taylor will likely keep Marte in the minors for most of 2015, but spring training will give the 21-year-old a chance to throw his name into the mix for playing time later in the season. Marte’s age and track record at an up-the-middle position bode well for his future, while the Mariners’ win-now mentality and lack of patience with certain players could lead to an ahead-of-schedule promotion for the young infielder.
Texas Rangers: OF Ryan Rua
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Ryan Rua enters 2015 as one of the more under-the-radar prospects in the American League, as he hit a solid .295/.321/.419 with two homers over 28 games for the Rangers. The 24-year-old batted .306/.378/.488 between Double-A and Triple-A prior to his promotion, and it’s worth noting he had a 36-homer season in the minors in 2013.
According to Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Rua "has often been the first name out of club management’s mouth" as it relates to the Rangers' left field competition. Rua "will be given every shot to earn the job," per Stevenson, but he’s one of many candidates at the position including Nate Schierholtz, Ryan Ludwick, Jake Smolinski and Michael Choice. If Ludwick or Schierholtz (or both) has a strong spring, it could force Rua back to Triple-A for the start of the season.
Atlanta Braves: 2B Jose Peraza
16 of 30
Jose Peraza jumped on the fast track to the major leagues last season by batting .342/.365/.454 with 97 hits and 35 stolen bases in his first 66 games at High-A Lynchburg. The 20-year-old continued to rake following a midseason promotion to Double-A Mississippi, as he batted .335/.363/.422 with 11 extra-base hits and 25 steals in 44 Southern League contests despite serving as one of the league's younger everyday players.
Between both levels, the right-handed hitter batted .339 with 159 hits and 60 stolen bases in 110 games.
The Braves shifted Peraza from shortstop to second base last season in deference to Andrelton Simmons, which potentially gives them one of baseball's best double-play combinations for years to come. For 2015, however, the Braves seem prepared to begin the season with a combination of Philip Gosselin and the recently signed Alberto Callaspo at the keystone. But if it were up to manager Fredi Gonzalez, then Peraza might be the one manning the keystone on Opening Day.
“Half of them say, ‘he’s ready to go,’” he said via Dave O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Some say, ‘give him a couple of months, he hasn’t been any higher than Double-A.’ It’s always a good discussion.
“There are a couple of guys that have dropped Robbie Alomar (comparisons on Peraza),” Gonzalez said, who was now getting nearly giddy discussing Peraza on Tuesday with an ESPN.com writer among the circle of reporters taking it all in. “We’ve dropped Mickey Mantle, Robin Yount, those 19-year-old (phenoms in the majors). Al Kaline. All those guys are Hall of Famers, by the way.”
The Braves were in a similar situation back in 2012 with Simmons, as many were advocating for him to begin the season in the major leagues despite having zero experience above the High-A level. Granted, Peraza does have 44 Double-A games under his belt, but that shouldn’t give him an overwhelming edge in terms of MLB readiness.
Miami Marlins: RHP Carter Capps
17 of 30
The Marlins acquired one of baseball’s hardest throwers last offseason in Carter Capps, targeting the right-hander for his triple-digit fastball and late-inning potential. However, an elbow injury limited the 24-year-old to only 20.1 innings over 17 appearances last season, though he still fanned 25 batters against five walks during that span.
Fully healthy for 2014, one would think Capps is a favorite to win a spot in the Marlins’ Opening Day bullpen. However, his ongoing command issues—a product of his truly unorthodox delivery and arm action—and the fact the club has three projected relievers who are out of options (Mike Dunn, Bryan Morris and Brad Hand) could have him back in Triple-A to begin the season.
New York Mets: 2B Dilson Herrera
18 of 30
Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2013 as part of the Marlon Byrd trade, Dilson Herrera breezed through the High-A and Double-A levels last season en route to a call-up by the Mets in late August. The 21-year-old made a strong impression during his time in The Show, highlighted by his .710 OPS and three home runs in 66 plate appearances, though a quad strain in mid-September kept him out of action over the last few weeks of the regular season.
It looks more and more likely that the Mets won’t try to extend 29-year-old second baseman Daniel Murphy, who will make $8 million this year and enter free agency after the 2015 season, according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com. The Mets have every reason to believe in Herrera as their long-term second baseman, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready for a full season in the major leagues.
Philadelphia Phillies: 3B/1B Maikel Franco
19 of 30
Maikel Franco, 22, overcame a rough first half (.649 OPS in 87 games) at Triple-A Lehigh Valley to bat .324/.344/.579 with 30 extra-base hits (11 home runs) and 47 RBI over his final 54 games.
Franco’s second-half surge convinced the Phillies he was ready to be challenged at the highest level, so they called him up on Sept. 1 for the final month of the season. However, Franco’s hot bat didn’t carry over to The Show, as he batted just .179 (10-for-56) with 13 strikeouts while appearing in 16 games.
Thankfully, he fared much better this offseason in the Dominican Winter League, batting .272/.335/.469 with seven home runs in 38 games. On top of that, the 22-year-old killed it in the playoffs, batting .337/.344/.570 with four home runs in 22 games, per The Outside Corner.
Franco likely will compete at third base this spring with Cody Asche, who will see some time in left field but is still considered the favorite at the position. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has acknowledged that nothing has been ruled out regarding Franco’s role on Opening Day, but the implication is that he’s probably headed back to Triple-A.
From Amaro via Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com: “…you have to be careful about how you evaluate players in spring training. It’s important, but … Maikel made some great strides in winter ball this year, but there are a lot of other factors involved with Maikel.”
So while it’s possible for Franco to get hot and potentially run away with the job this spring, it doesn’t seem like the Phillies are opposed to the 22-year-old receiving an extra month’s worth of at-bats in the minors before joining the Phillies.
Washington Nationals: RHP Blake Treinen
20 of 30
Blake Treinen, 26, enjoyed success as a starter (3.00 ERA in 36 innings over seven outings) and a reliever (1.23 ERA over 14.2 innings) in 2014, and he impressed the Nats coaching staff with his confidence in both roles.
The hard-throwing right-hander’s secondary offerings need improvement, but it’s easy to envision Treinen as a successful reliever right now if that’s the direction the team wanted to go. Washington’s insanely good rotation leaves little room for Treinen in 2015, especially with fellow right-handers Taylor Jordan and A.J. Cole also vying for innings. Therefore, it’s more likely the Nats send him back to Triple-A to work on his changeup and keep him stretched out for rotation depth.
Chicago Cubs: 3B Kris Bryant
21 of 30
Kris Bryant's first full professional season was historic, as the 23-year-old slugger posted monster numbers between Double-A and Triple-A but was denied a call-up in September. Specifically, he led the minor leagues (qualified hitters only) in home runs (43), slugging percentage (.661), OPS (1.098) and wOBA (.472), per Fangraphs. He also ranked second in runs (118) and fourth in RBI (110), and he batted .325 with a .438 on-base percentage in 594 plate appearances.
With Tommy La Stella and Mike Olt atop the team’s depth chart (by default) at third base heading into spring training, it appears as though Bryant will at least have a chance to make the Cubs’ Opening Day roster. He’ll also begin learning a new position in the outfield, according to Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago.
“I had my first meeting with Kris today,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said via Levine. “He was very impressive and very mature for a kid of 23. He understands what he is doing really well. He is accepting of working in the outfield, very accepting of that.”
Regardless of his performance this spring, an extra year of pre-arbitration control of a slugger such as a Bryant could be huge for the Cubs—especially given the ever-increasing cost across the game for legitimate power hitters—and certainly worth sending him to the minors for at least 21 days.
Cincinnati Reds: SS Eugenio Suarez
22 of 30
Eugenio Suarez took over as Detroit’s shortstop last season in place of the injured Jose Iglesias, as he was called up to the major leagues after batting a combined .288/.360/.510 with eight homers in 54 games between Double-A and Triple-A. Suarez ultimately appeared in 85 games with the Tigers, batting .242/.316/.336 with four home runs.
The Reds acquired Suarez during the offseason in the Alfredo Simon trade, and he’s expected to compete with incumbent shortstop Zack Cozart, who hit .221/.268/.300 in 2014 during spring training.
However, Reds manager Bryan Price has made it clear that Cozart will be his Opening Day shortstop.
"I'd like [Suarez] to be playing every day. I don't think we traded for him to be a utility infielder for us," Price said, via Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. "We traded for him to be a player. I don't think we have to go any further than that in regard to creating a Suarez-Cozart competition. I'm very happy with what Zack provides."
Milwaukee Brewers: RHP Tyler Thornburg
23 of 30
Tyler Thornburg posted a 4.25 ERA with 28 strikeouts over 29.2 innings for the Brewers in 2014, but the right-hander suffered an elbow injury in June that prematurely ended his season. The 26-year-old right-hander was diagnosed with “weakness” in his ulnar collateral ligament but didn’t require surgery, instead receiving a PRP injection.
The Brewers are considering stretching out Thornburg during spring training, writes Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, which would give the team some much-needed rotation depth. Though Thornburg was used exclusively out of the bullpen last season for the first time in his career, he was developed as a starter and even made 10 starts for the Brewers from 2012-13. However, preparing as a starter likely means Thornburg is ticketed for the minor leagues to begin the season.
Pittsburgh Pirates: LHP Jeff Locke
24 of 30
Coming off an All-Star campaign in 2013, left-hander Jeff Locke opened 2014 on the disabled list with an oblique strain and was sent to the minor leagues when healthy. The 27-year-old didn’t rejoin the Pirates rotation for good until June, but he still managed to record a 3.91 ERA over 131.1 innings on the year.
Locke once again failed to miss many bats last season, but he did maintain his ground-ball tendencies and reduced his walks per nine innings rate (BB/9) to 2.7 from 4.5 in 2013.
Whether Locke makes the Opening Day rotation will depend on the health of Charlie Morton, who's coming back from hip surgery last fall. If Morton’s return goes as planned, then the team will have one rotation spot for either Locke or Vance Worley. Unfortunately for Locke, Worley would be the favorite in that scenario because he’s out of contract options.
St. Louis Cardinals: LHP Marco Gonzales
25 of 30
Marco Gonzales, the Cardinals' first-round pick from 2013, scuffled during his initial call-up to the major leagues in June, posting a 7.07 ERA over three starts. The left-hander pitched considerably better during his second stint with the Cardinals in September, registering a 2.70 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 16.2 innings, and he became one of manager Mike Matheny’s go-to relievers in the postseason.
Gonzales, 23, will compete with flame-thrower Carlos Martinez for the final spot in the Opening Day rotation, with the loser likely to work as a reliever. But with southpaws Randy Choate and Kevin Siegrist back in the bullpen and Sam Freeman, who is out of options, likely to be kept around as well, the Cardinals may have no choice but to send Gonzales back to Triple-A to start the season.
Arizona Diamondbacks: C Peter O'Brien
26 of 30
Peter O’Brien augmented his reputation as one of the minor league’s premier sluggers last season by launching 34 home runs in 427 plate appearances between the High-A and Double-A levels. But as has been the case during his career, his power came at the expense of consistent contact, as the 24-year-old fanned 26 percent of the time in 2014 compared to a 5 percent walk rate. That said, he still batted .271/.316/.594 and showed some defensive value by playing first base, right field and catcher.
When the Diamondbacks acquired O’Brien from the Yankees last July at the trade deadline, they did so for his potential to hit 25-plus home runs and possibly stick behind the plate. You see, he has long been scrutinized for his raw defense; detractors point to the natural challenges associated with his 6’3” frame, arguing that it limits his mobility and blocking ability.
However, the Diamondbacks believe O’Brien can handle catching in the major leagues, especially after the work he put in defensively during last year’s Arizona Fall League. In fact, general manager Dave Stewart recently stated that O’Brien could be the team’s long-term catcher, per Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic.
After trading Miguel Montero during the offseason, Arizona is, for whatever reason, content with opening the season with a combination of Tuffy Gosewisch, Gerald Laird and Rule 5 pick Oscar Hernandez behind the plate. It also means O’Brien could receive an extended look this spring, as he’s already drawing rave reviews for his exploits in batting practice.
While O’Brien’s power and upside certainly stand out most in the group—even if they translate to a high strikeout rate and low batting average—it will be his glove that ultimately determines his role and impact in the major leagues.
Colorado Rockies: RHP Jairo Diaz
27 of 30
Right-hander Jairo Diaz posted a 2.20 ERA with 48 strikeouts and 10 walks in 32.2 innings in Double-A last season before coming up in September and allowing two runs in 5.2 innings for the Angels. The Rockies acquired him during the offseason in exchange for Josh Rutledge.
Armed with a high-90s fastball and hard slider, Diaz, 23, has the makings of an impact late-inning reliever at the highest level and could one day emerge as the team’s closer. But with non-roster invitee John Axford—a potential backup option in the ninth inning—in camp this year, it’s doubtful that Diaz will crack the Rockies’ Opening Day bullpen.
The good news is it shouldn’t take long for the hard-throwing right-hander to get back to the major leagues.
Los Angeles Dodgers: 2B Alex Guerrero
28 of 30
Alex Guerrero’s four-year, $28 million deal with the Dodgers includes a clause that prevents him from being optioned to the minor leagues without his permission after his first season. The clause leaves the club with three options: keep him on the active roster in a reserve role, trade him or release him.
Guerrero, 28, has stated he believes he can contribute immediately in 2015 and therefore will not accept an assignment to the minor leagues.
"The team does not know what they are going to do, but all I can control is keep working hard and they will get the final word," Guerrero said, via Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com.
"I don't want to go down. I'm not going down. I feel like I can get better here at this level and play every day. I think that's what every player wants. You want to be in the Major Leagues and play as much as you can.”
With offseason acquisition Howie Kendrick set to start at second base and Justin Turner tabbed as the team’s backup infielder, there’s no obvious spot for Guerrero on the roster.
San Diego Padres: OF Rymer Liriano
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Rymer Liriano missed the entire 2013 season due to Tommy John surgery, but he quickly reminded everyone last season why he’s still one of the Padres’ top young players. The Padres called up Liriano on Aug. 11 after he batted .291/.362/.473 with 49 extra-base hits and 20 stolen bases in 115 games between Double-A and Triple-A, and he received regular playing time in right field down the stretch. However, the 23-year-old was overmatched against big league pitching and batted just .220/.289/.266 with 39 strikeouts in 121 plate appearances.
Unfortunately, Liriano’s future with the club is now up in the air after the Padres' offseason acquisitions of Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and Wil Myers, and it’s almost a foregone conclusion that he’ll begin 2015 at Triple-A no matter how well he plays this spring.
San Francisco Giants: RHP Hunter Strickland
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Hunter Strickland received a September call-up with the Giants last season and made an immediate impact out of the bullpen, combining for seven scoreless innings over nine appearances with nine strikeouts against five hits. Strickland’s performance in the postseason was a different story, though, as the 26-year-old right-hander surrendered six home runs over eight appearances across the National League Division Series, National League Championship Series and World Series.
There isn’t anything wrong with Strickland’s stuff, as his fastball topped out at 100 mph in his big league debut, according to BrooksBaseball.net, and averaged 98 mph during his regular-season and postseason appearances. Strickland’s mid-80s slider features late diving action off the plate that is ideal for missing bats, while his changeup in the upper 80s is at least an average offering and, in my opinion, a vastly underrated weapon considering his fastball-like arm speed and the pitch's fastball-like plane toward the plate.
That Giants skipper Bruce Bochy continued to use the right-hander in high-leverage situations throughout the 2014 postseason speaks to the role Strickland might have moving forward. However, it will likely take an injury to a right-handed reliever for Strickland to find a spot in the Giants’ Opening Day bullpen.
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