MLB fantasy: Position battles to follow in spring training

For many players, fantasy baseball draft value is fluid entering Spring Training and dependent on winning a starting job. These 30 position battles are worth watching as Spring Training opens.

The Angels finished last season with a closer committee after trading Raisel Iglesias, and the situation isn't much clearer heading into Spring Training. Jimmy Herget, Ryan Tepera, and Aaron Loup remain on the squad, while former Rockie Carlos Estevez has been added to the mix.

Toronto's rotation is deeper after signing Chris Bassitt, but the fifth starter spot remains a question. The team would obviously like for Yusei Kikuchi to bounce back, entering the second season of a three-year, $36 million contract, but he needs to show better command. Should the lefty falter again, Mitch White is a potential replacement.

Atlanta has an embarrassment of riches across their roster, including the starting rotation. The fifth starter spot is set to be a competition between Ian Anderson, Mike Soroka, and Bryce Elder. Anderson's stuff and control left him last year, while Soroka has been unable to stay healthy. Elder hasn't been as acclaimed as a prospect but had a 3.17 ERA in 54 innings for the team last year.

The Brewers are trying to replace Kolten Wong, with several intriguing candidates in play. Top prospect Brice Turang could man the position, leaving Luis Urias at third base, or the team could play former Marlin Brian Anderson at the hot corner and shift Urias to second base.

Depth is the name of the game in today's MLB, and the Brewers created it by adding Wade Miley and Bryse Wilson to their rotation mix. That pair of veterans join Aaron Ashby and Adrian Houser in what could be a season-long battle of groundball pitchers looking to hold a starting role.

The Cubs have addressed several holes on their roster, but third base remains open. The versatile Christopher Morel could figure into the mix, but he struggled late in his rookie season. Patrick Wisdom provides big power but also strikeouts, and the team has said contact-hitting second baseman Nick Madrigal could be a candidate to slide to his right.

Entering Spring Training, Arizona's closer is anyone's guess. Mark Melancon has the most experience but really struggled in 2022. Kevin Ginkel has closed in the minors. Joe Mantiply was the team's best reliever last season. Miguel Castro has a plus arm if he can get his health back on track. Scott McGough closed over the last two seasons in Japan, and could be another option.

Arizona's starting rotation is mostly status quo, but the fifth starter spot remains up for grabs. The team saw flashes from top prospects Ryne Nelson and Drey Jameson when they were promoted last season, and Brandon Pfaadt is even more highly regarded. All three players should be an important part of the rebuilding team in 2023.

There might not be a position battle that could be more profitable for fantasy managers in 2023 than Dodgers closer. The team remains highly regarded despite losing talent this offseason, and have some excellent closing options led by Daniel Hudson, Evan Phillips, and Brusdar Graterol. Hudson would seem to be the safest bet given his experience in the role, but he's returning from a torn ACL.

It's rare that the Dodgers enter a season with a position battle in the field. The team does have an outfield spot open, with the trio of Trayce Thompson, James Outman, and Jason Heyward among those fighting for playing time. If the team decides to give Miguel Rojas significant playing time on the infield, Miguel Vargas could also shift from second base to left field.

After losing Evan Longoria, the Giants have a fun battle at the hot corner. The trio of Wilmer Flores, J.D. Davis, and David Villar could each see their fair share of playing time at the hot corner. Villar is the most competent defensively and has the most value to gain for fantasy managers should he win the job. San Francisco also has top prospect Casey Schmitt in waiting.

Additional starting pitching depth was a clear priority for the Giants during the offseason, signing Sean Manaea and Ross Stripling. The additions effectively give the team seven starting pitchers, with Alex Wood, Anthony DeSclafani, and Jakob Junis also fighting for starts. All five starters have potential to help fantasy managers at some point in 2023.

Bo Naylor, the younger brother of Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor, has long been considered Cleveland's catcher of the future. He made his debut late last season, but the Guardians signed veteran Mike Zunino as insurance. Naylor will need to prove himself both offensively and defensively to beat out the veteran early in the season.

Rotation depth is one of the few strengths on the Marlins roster. After trading Pablo Lopez and signing Johnny Cueto, the team has an interesting starter battle with Edward Cabrera, Trevor Rogers, and Braxton Garrett vying for two spots. Top prospect Eury Perez could also be a factor later in the year.

The Mets have said top prospect Francisco Alvarez will have to show a lot to win a roster spot out of Spring Training, but that doesn't mean he's incapable. He's arguably the top prospect in baseball with tape-measure power, while supposed starter Omar Narvaez is coming off a down year in Milwaukee.

Third base has been a soap opera for the Mets during the offseason. Their signing of Carlos Correa fell through due to a failed physical, so Eduardo Escobar has a chance to keep his starting job. While he hit 20 home runs last season, Escobar's OPS was only .726, and he has top prospect Brett Baty breathing down his neck.

Philly's starting rotation looks deeper after signing Taijuan Walker, but the fifth job remains open. Control artist Bailey Falter is the safe choice, but top prospect Andrew Painter could force the team's hand with a great Spring Training. Both pitchers are worthy of fantasy consideration.

With Bryce Harper set to miss the first half of the season following elbow surgery, the Phils will have at-bats available. When the team was without Harper last season, minor league veteran Darick Hall fared well in the DH spot. He's a candidate for at-bats again, though Kody Clemens, Dalton Guthrie, and Jake Cave could challenge him.

Pittsburgh has a good situation at second base, with intriguing offensive alternatives in Rodolfo Castro and Ji-Hwan Bae. Castro brings power, cracking 16 home runs in 102 games over his first two seasons. Bae is more of a batting average and speed contributor, and he can also help in the outfield.

Cincinnati added a potential shortstop placeholder in Kevin Newman to challenge Jose Barrero. Newman has shown above-average batting average and speed during his time in Pittsburgh, while Barrero's offensive performance has been inconsistent over the last two years. Either way, the long-term answer at shortstop for the Reds is likely top prospect Elly De La Cruz, who could be promoted in the second half.

For all the criticism Boston's front office has faced this offseason, they've done well to add pitching depth. Corey Kluber gives the team a viable starter, but the last two spots in the rotation are open competition with James Paxton, Garrett Whitlock, Brayan Bello, and Tanner Houck among the options. All four of those pitchers have high ceilings, and could find starts later in the year even if they fail to win a rotation spot in March.

The Royals traded Michael A. Taylor in January, leaving outfield at-bats for Drew Waters and Kyle Isbel. Both outfielders are five-tool players who are still trying to find their footing in the majors. Neither is more than a flier in fantasy leagues, but they could each help as a fifth outfielder if it all comes together.

Like center field, second base could be a fun competition of young players in KC. Nicky Lopez has shown batting average and stolen base ability, but he will be challenged by the more powerful Michael Massey and and Maikel Garcia.

Texas spent big on their starting rotation but left most of the remaining roster intact. Bubba Thompson was an elite stolen base threat when he played late last season, but he will be challenged for playing time by Josh H. Smith and Ezequiel Duran. The team also invited former top prospect Jackson Frazier to Spring Training.

The Rays love players with defensive versatility, and most of their infield possesses that trait. After moving on from Ji-Man Choi, the team will be looking for a regular first baseman against right-handed pitching. The most prominent options are Isaac Paredes and Jonathan Aranda, though top prospect Kyle Manzardo is down on the farm, as well.

Detroit remains in rebuild mode, with an open left field situation. Akil Baddoo face-planted last season after a breakout rookie season in 2021, while former Phillie Matt Vierling will try to beat him out for at-bats in Spring Training. Kerry Carpenter also hopes to earn at-bats in that spot, but he's very limited defensively. There's intriguing counting stats potential with all three options.

Chicago failed to replace Josh Harrison this offseason, apparently looking to find their second baseman from within the organization. Young players Romy Gonzalez and Lenyn Sosa both have power potential, while veteran utilityman Leury Garcia stands as a fallback option.

Unfortunately, regular closer Liam Hendriks is taking a break from baseball as he undergoes cancer treatment, and his status for 2023 is in doubt. The White Sox haven't anointed a replacement yet, but Kendall Graveman, Reynaldo Lopez, Aaron Bummer, and Joe Kelly have the plus arms to pitch late in games.

New York was passive in the offseason with their left field situation, and are now hoping for either a rebound season from Aaron Hicks or for youngsters Oswaldo Cabrera and Estevan Florial to emerge. All three candidates offer some power and speed, and could be great finds with a favorable home ballpark and lineup.

The Yankees are set to be without Frankie Montas for at least the first month of the year due to a shoulder injury. Experienced starter Domingo German is effective when he can keep the ball down, while Clarke Schmidt could offer more upside based on the dominance he showed with the Yankees and at Triple-A last season.