Every MLB Team's Biggest Position Battle to Watch in Spring Training 2026
Spring training is underway, which means position battles galore across the MLB landscape.
From the final spot in starting rotations to the last piece of the puzzle in multiple infield and outfield units, at least one major roster decision looms large in each club's camp.
Ahead, you'll find a breakdown of the top battle in each MLB camp, including candidates to win the job, quick-hit analysis and a final prediction for who comes out on top.
Let's dig in.
AL East
1 of 6
Baltimore Orioles
The Battle: Right field
The Candidates: Tyler O'Neill, Dylan Beavers
With a hefty $16.5 million salary, Tyler O'Neill is the third-highest paid player on the Orioles, and he will be given every opportunity to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 where he stumbled to negative-0.6 WAR in 54 games. Up-and-comer Dylan Beavers has the potential to force the club's hand after logging a 120 OPS+ in 137 plate appearances as a rookie.
Predicted Winner: Tyler O'Neill
Boston Red Sox
The Battle: No. 5 starter
The Candidates: Johan Oviedo, Connelly Early, Payton Tolle
The Red Sox gave up outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia to acquire Johan Oviedo from the Pirates, and he had a 109 ERA+ in 248.2 innings in Pittsburgh, but he will need to hold off rookies Connelly Early and Payton Tolle to secure a spot in the rotation. Early, 23, had a 2.33 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 19.1 innings as a September call-up, while Tolle still has one of the highest ceilings of any pitching prospect despite some early struggles.
Predicted Winner: Johan Oviedo
New York Yankees
The Battle: Shortstop
The Candidates: José Caballero, Amed Rosario, Paul DeJong
With Anthony Volpe sidelined for at least the first month of the season while he continues his recovery from October shoulder surgery, the Yankees need to settle on a placeholder. Speedy José Caballero is the front-runner with a reliable glove and a lock for a roster spot in some capacity, while Amed Rosario might fit better in utility roles. The X-factor is veteran Paul DeJong, who is in camp as a non-roster invitee and not far removed from a 24-homer season in 2024.
Predicted Winner: José Caballero
Tampa Bay Rays
The Battle: Shortstop
The Candidates: Taylor Walls, Carson Williams
This is a classic case of the up-and-coming prospect trying to unseat the high-floor veteran, with defensive whiz Taylor Walls more than capable of sliding into the super-utility role where he has thrived if Carson Williams makes a statement this spring. After hitting .172 in 106 plate appearances in his debut, Williams might benefit from more seasoning, but his numbers actually looked remarkably similar to Masyn Winn's debut before he took off in Year 2.
Predicted Winner: Carson Williams
Toronto Blue Jays
The Battle: Left field
The Candidates: Jesús Sánchez, Nathan Lukes, Davis Schneider
Friday's move to acquire Jesús Sánchez from the Astros in exchange for Joey Loperfido adds legitimate intrigue to the Blue Jays left field situation. Nathan Lukes quietly logged a 100 OPS+ with 12 home runs and 65 RBI during a breakout 2025 campaign, but he'll now be pushed in what will be a battle of two left-handed bats without a natural platoon split. Davis Schneider is a right-handed hitting complement who fills a utility role and could see time against lefties. Since Sánchez is out of minor league options, Lukes could end up optioned back to Triple-A if he loses the battle, though there may still be a bench spot for him.
Predicted Winner: Jesús Sánchez
AL Central
2 of 6
Chicago White Sox
The Battle: Center field
The Candidates: Brooks Baldwin, Luisangel Acuña, Everson Pereira, Jarred Kelenic
With the Luis Robert Jr. era at an end, the White Sox have a hole to fill in center field. Former infielders Brooks Baldwin and Luisangel Acuña will get the first look, with Baldwin coming off an 11-homer, 93 OPS+ season and Acuña offering a top prospect pedigree. The battle is wide open enough to believe out-of-options Everson Pereira or non-roster invitee Jarred Kelenic could crash the party as they fight for a spot on the roster.
Predicted Winner: Luisangel Acuña
Cleveland Guardians
The Battle: Second base
The Candidates: Gabriel Arias, Travis Bazzana
The Guardians could go with the light-hitting tandem of Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio at the middle infield spots again to open the 2026 season, but it's only a matter of time before Travis Bazzana forces his way into the picture. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft posted an .813 OPS with 31 extra-base hits in 84 games while reaching Triple-A last season. He will suit up for Team Australia in the World Baseball Classic, which could work against his chances of winning an Opening Day roster spot since he will be away from the team.
Predicted Winner: Gabriel Arias
Detroit Tigers
The Battle: Shortstop
The Candidates: Javier Báez, Trey Sweeney, Zach McKinstry, Kevin McGonigle
Trey Sweeney (81 starts), Javier Báez (54) and Zach McKinstry (27) combined to start all 162 games at shortstop for the Tigers last season, and all three return. Báez and McKinstry offer defensive versatility, while Sweeney has minor league options. They are all keeping the position warm for Kevin McGonigle. The 21-year-old reached Double-A in 2025, then closed out the year with AFL MVP honors, putting him squarely in the mix for an Opening Day roster push. He has the tools to make a far greater impact than the incumbents thanks to a 70-hit, 60-power offensive profile.
Predicted Winner: Kevin McGonigle
Kansas City Royals
The Battle: No. 5 starter
The Candidates: Noah Cameron, Bailey Falter, Stephen Kolek, Ryan Bergert
The Royals are lacking a true roster battle, but things could get interesting if Noah Cameron has a rocky spring. The 26-year-old had a 2.99 ERA and 114 strikeouts in 138.1 innings to finish fourth in 2025 AL Rookie of the Year voting, but his 4.18 FIP suggests he pitched over his head. Bailey Falter, Stephen Kolek and Ryan Bergert all represent quality depth, so he'll need to earn his spot rather than simply having it handed to him on 2025 performance alone.
Predicted Winner: Noah Cameron
Minnesota Twins
The Battle: No. 4/5 starter
The Candidates: Simeon Woods Richardson, Taj Bradley, Zebby Matthews, David Festa, Mick Abel
The Twins have the top three spots in their rotation locked, but the final two places are up for grabs. Simeon Woods Richardson and Taj Bradley have the most big league experience, with Woods Richardson boasting a 4.11 ERA in 50 starts the last two seasons, but Bradley is a reclamation project who could benefit from minor league work. Zebby Matthews had a 5.56 ERA in 79.1 innings last year, but his 3.79 FIP and a 24.9 percent strikeout rate give him some appealing upside.
Predicted Winner: Simeon Woods Richardson and Zebby Matthews
AL West
3 of 6
Athletics
The Battle: Closer
The Candidates: Mark Leiter Jr., Scott Barlow, Justin Sterner, Hogan Harris
The Athletics enter camp with a closer-by-committee outlook in the aftermath of last summer's Mason Miller trade, and bringing aboard veterans Scott Barlow (440 G, 59 SV) and Mark Leiter Jr. (270 G, 9 SV) adds experience to a young relief corps. Justin Sterner and Hogan Harris were two of the team's most effective relievers in 2025, and Sterner has the swing-and-miss stuff to fit in the late innings, but track record will likely win out to open the year.
Predicted Winner: Scott Barlow
Houston Astros
The Battle: Outfield
The Candidates: Jake Meyers, Joey Loperfido, Cam Smith, Zach Cole
The Astros reshaped their outfield battle when they swapped Jesús Sánchez for Joey Loperfido, but it's still four guys battling for two spots. Jake Meyers is the best fit in center field defensively and has shown flashes with the bat, while Loperfido returns to the organization where he began his career and offers power upside. Following his second-half struggles, Cam Smith might benefit from a return to the minors after being rushed to the big leagues.
Predicted Winner: Jake Meyers, Joey Loperfido
Los Angeles Angels
The Battle: Second base
The Candidates: Christian Moore, Vaughn Grissom, Nick Madrigal
In typical Angels fashion, Christian Moore spent just 79 games in the minors before making his MLB debut last June, and his MLB-ready bat was the reason they snapped him up with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 draft. He hit just .198 with a 33.7 percent strikeout rate, which suggests a bit more time in the minors might be to his benefit. Still, he is the clear favorite for the job, with two high-profile reclamation projects in Vaughn Grissom and Nick Madrigal to push him with a productive spring.
Predicted Winner: Christian Moore
Seattle Mariners
The Battle: Second base
The Candidates: Cole Young, Colt Emerson, Leo Rivas
There is some nuance to this battle, as it hinges on the spring performance of the organization's No. 1 prospect, Colt Emerson. If he looks ready, he could claim the starting third base job, with Brendan Donovan shifting from third to second. Otherwise, former top prospect Cole Young is the favorite for the second base gig, and his .279/.388/.432 line over four minor league seasons is more reflective of his potential than his lackluster debut.
Predicted Winner: Cole Young
Texas Rangers
The Battle: No. 5 starter
The Candidates: Jacob Latz, Kumar Rocker, Austin Gomber, Cal Quantrill
The Rangers broke camp last season with two relative unknowns in Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker penciled into the rotation, so the fact that only one spot is up in the air this spring is progress. Lefty Jacob Latz had a 2.84 ERA in 85.2 innings spanning eight starts and 25 relief appearances last year, and actually pitched better in a starting role with a 2.72 ERA over 39.2 frames. Kumar Rocker still has the pure stuff to force the club's hand, but Latz has earned an extended look in a starting role.
Predicted Winner: Jacob Latz
NL East
4 of 6
Atlanta Braves
The Battle: No. 4/5 starter
The Candidates: Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, Hurston Waldrep, Martín Pérez
News that Spencer Schwellenbach is headed for elbow surgery has turned what was a battle for one rotation spot into two, and given the health questions surrounding Chris Sale, Spencer Strider and Reynaldo López, the club's depth is going to be tested. Bryce Elder was an All-Star in 2023 and can at least eat innings, while Hurston Waldrep had a 2.88 ERA in 56.1 innings as a rookie, giving them the inside track over journeyman Grant Holmes, who already has experience pitching in relief.
Predicted Winner: Hurston Waldrep, Bryce Elder
Miami Marlins
The Battle: First base
The Candidates: Liam Hicks, Christopher Morel, Deyvison De Los Santos
With Rhys Hoskins and Ty France both still looking for work, the answer here could be "late-spring outside addition," but for now a platoon of the left-handed hitting Liam Hicks and right-handed hitting Christopher Morel is the logical solution. Hicks also serves as the backup catcher to Agustín Ramírez, which limits his availability. Ideally, Morel would grab the reins by looking more like the guy who posted a 122 OPS+ and 26 home runs for the Cubs in 2023.
Predicted Winner: Christopher Morel/Liam Hicks platoon
New York Mets
The Battle: Right field
The Candidates: Tyrone Taylor, Brett Baty, Carson Benge, MJ Melendez
With Juan Soto shifting to left field, the Mets' biggest position battle moves to right field, where it's wide open. Tyrone Taylor fits best as a fourth outfielder and Carson Benge has only played 56 games in the upper levels of the minors, which opens the door for Brett Baty to compete for the job if he proves capable in the grass. The 26-year-old enjoyed a breakout 2025 season splitting his time between second and third base, but the Marcus Semien and Bo Bichette additions mean he'll be lining up in the outfield this spring.
Predicted Winner: Brett Baty
Philadelphia Phillies
The Battle: No. 5 starter
The Candidates: Andrew Painter, Bryse Wilson, Tucker Davidson
Ideally, longtime top prospect Andrew Painter will leave no doubt he is the man for the job at the back of the Phillies rotation this spring, but that's far from a given after he logged a 5.40 ERA in 106.2 innings at Triple-A last year. With Zack Wheeler on the injured list and Ranger Suárez gone in free agency, there is a glaring lack of organizational depth, leaving non-roster invitees Bryse Wilson and Tucker Davidson as the closest thing to a viable alternative.
Predicted Winner: Andrew Painter
Washington Nationals
The Battle: First base
The Candidates: Matt Mervis, Andres Chaparro, Abimelec Ortiz
First off, this battle assumes Luis Garcia Jr. is sticking at second base, as he is expected to see some reps at first as well this spring. Matt Mervis broke camp as the Marlins' primary first baseman last year and had an .806 OPS with seven home runs at the end of April before fading, so he's a candidate to play his way into the role. If no one steps up in spring training play, this could be another team eyeing "late-spring addition" to plug the hole.
Predicted Winner: Matt Mervis
NL Central
5 of 6
Chicago Cubs
The Battle: Fourth outfielder
The Candidates: Chas McCormick, Dylan Carlson, Kevin Alcántara
The Cubs' biggest spring battle is for a bench job, but it's an important one. If Moises Ballesteros struggles in the DH role, Seiya Suzuki could quickly shift back to being the regular DH, leaving the fourth outfielder in a position to start. Chas McCormick and Dylan Carlson are both in camp on minor league deals with a real shot to win the job, and McCormick has the upper hand thanks to his superior glove. Kevin Alcántara is ready for the majors, but it makes more sense to get him regular reps back at Triple-A.
Predicted Winner: Chas McCormick
Cincinnati Reds
The Battle: No. 5 starter
The Candidates: Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder
The Reds spent significant draft capital to land Rhett Lowder (No. 7 overall in 2023) and Chase Burns (No. 2 overall in 2024), and now they are competing to round out the rotation. Lowder debuted with a 1.17 ERA in 30.2 innings down the stretch in 2024, but spent all of last season battling injuries. Burns racked up 67 strikeouts in 43.1 innings with his high-octane stuff last year, but also battled inconsistency en route to a 4.57 ERA. If his health woes are in the rearview, Lowder is the more finished product.
Predicted Winner: Rhett Lowder
Milwaukee Brewers
The Battle: Third base
The Candidates: Luis Rengifo, David Hamilton, Jett Williams
The Brewers traded away 140 starts at third base earlier this month when they dealt Caleb Durbin (119 starts), Anthony Seigler (16) and Andruw Monasterio (5) to the Red Sox. That leaves versatile veteran Luis Rengifo and trade pickup David Hamilton as the leading candidates to man the hot corner. The wild card here is Jett Williams. The prize of the Freddy Peralta blockbuster could force his way into the shortstop job, shifting Joey Ortiz back to third, but with only 40 games at Triple-A, that feels like a long shot.
Predicted Winner: Luis Rengifo
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Battle: Shortstop
The Candidates: Nick Gonzales, Konnor Griffin
How long can Nick Gonzales delay the inevitable? That's the question here. Top prospect Konnor Griffin had a brilliant 2025 season, hitting .333/.415/.527 with 21 home runs, 94 RBI and 65 steals in 122 games while reaching Double-A. If history repeats itself, the Pirates will send Griffin to the minors even if he looks ready, just like they did with Paul Skenes. That will give Gonzales, a former top-10 pick, another chance to prove himself.
Predicted Winner: Nick Gonzales
St. Louis Cardinals
The Battle: Second base
The Candidates: Thomas Saggese, JJ Wetherholt, José Fermín
With Brendan Donovan and Nolan Arenado both gone, the Cardinals will have a new-look infield in 2026. Nolan Gorman figures to get an extended look at the hot corner, but second base is up in the air. Thomas Saggese at least looked like a useful utility piece during his first extended MLB action, but he won't block JJ Wetherholt's path if he's ready. The No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 draft hit .306/.421/.510 with 47 extra-base hits in his first full professional season, closing out the year with a strong run at Triple-A.
Predicted Winner: JJ Wetherholt
NL West
6 of 6
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Battle: Left field
The Candidates: Jorge Barrosa, Jordan Lawlar, Ryan Waldschmidt
With Lourdes Gurriel Jr. sidelined and Jake McCarthy and Blaze Alexander traded, the D-backs have only three outfielders on the 40-man roster. Jorge Barrosa is the third alongside projected starters Corbin Carroll and Alek Thomas, but he hit .141 with 22 strikeouts in 33 games as a rookie. There is still time for an outside addition, but the X-factor is longtime prospect Jordan Lawlar, who is shifting to the outfield this spring. Despite his injury woes, he is still only 23 and hit .313/.403/.564 in 63 games at Triple-A last year.
Predicted Winner: Jordan Lawlar
Colorado Rockies
The Battle: The entire infield, except for shortstop
The Candidates: Edouard Julien, Willi Castro, Kyle Karros, Ryan Ritter, Tyler Freeman, Troy Johnston, Adael Amador, Blaine Crim, T.J. Rumfield, Nicky Lopez
There's casting a wide net, and then there's whatever the Rockies are doing when it comes to building their 2026 infield. Ezequiel Tovar is locked in at shortstop, but the other three spots are truly wide open. Edouard Julien figures to start somewhere on the right side of the infield, while Kyle Karros showed enough last year to get an extended look at the hot corner. Ryan Ritter has a 20/20 ceiling and veteran Willi Castro can plug in anywhere, though he's most valuable playing everywhere. With no shortage of options, this battle could rage on until Opening Day rosters are announced.
Predicted Winner: 1B Edouard Julien, 2B Ryan Ritter, 3B Kyle Karros, UT Willi Castro
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Battle: Second base
The Candidates: Hyeseong Kim, Miguel Rojas, Alex Freeland
Despite one of the most stacked rosters in MLB history, the Dodgers have a legitimate position battle brewing at second base, largely because Tommy Edman is still recovering from ankle surgery. Hyeseong Kim played well in a limited role last season and Miguel Rojas is a rock-steady veteran, but this is the chance Alex Freeland needs to prove himself. The 24-year-old posted an .834 OPS with 30 doubles, 16 home runs and 82 RBI in 106 games at Triple-A last year and has little left to prove in the minors.
Predicted Winner: Alex Freeland
San Diego Padres
The Battle: No. 5 starter
The Candidates: JP Sears, Griffin Canning, Kyle Hart, Matt Waldron, Triston McKenzie, Marco Gonzales
Left-hander JP Sears was a rotation anchor during his time with the Athletics, and despite getting knocked around to the tune of a 5.47 ERA in five starts after he was acquired in the Mason Miller deal, he still offers workhorse potential in the No. 5 starter role. Griffin Canning now serves as his biggest competition after signing with the team on Saturday, provided he's ready for Opening Day. Kyle Hart and Matt Waldron are useful depth, while Triston McKenzie is a wild card as he looks to get his career back on track.
Predicted Winner: JP Sears
San Francisco Giants
The Battle: No. 5 starter
The Candidates: Landen Roupp, Hayden Birdsong, Trevor McDonald
The Giants replaced Justin Verlander with Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser in free agency, leaving one open spot at the back of the rotation to be filled by one of their young, homegrown arms. Landen Roupp had a 3.80 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 106.2 innings last year and should enter spring with the upper hand, but Hayden Birdsong gains the edge if his command improves to match his electric stuff.
Predicted Winner: Hayden Birdsong
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