Spring Training is a time for optimism as the 30 clubs get back into the swing of things in Arizona and Florida. But it’s also a proving ground for players, from youngsters trying to reach their potential to veterans who are trying to hold on to a roster spot.
With the help of each club’s MLB.com beat writer, here’s a look at one player from each team who has a lot to prove before Opening Day:
Blue Jays: RHP Alek Manoah
The early days of Manoah’s redemption tour are going as well as you could hope. He’s trimmed down noticeably and is saying all of the right things after being demoted to Triple-A twice in 2023, which was a stunning turn after he finished third in AL Cy Young Award voting the year prior. Manoah has the clear inside track on the No. 5 job in the starting rotation, and as long as he continues to take strides in camp, he should hold off Bowden Francis, Mitch White and Yariel Rodriguez. There’s incredible potential for one of the best comeback stories in baseball this season, but coming off ’23, the Blue Jays will need to see it showing up in games this spring. — Keegan Matheson
Orioles: LHP Cole Irvin
Before the start of camp, it appeared highly likely Irvin was destined for the Orioles’ bullpen. They seemingly had six starters ahead of him in the hierarchy, and the 30-year-old left-hander is out of Minor League options. Now, Irvin will likely be part of the Opening Day rotation with Kyle Bradish (right UCL sprain) heading to the injured list and John Means (delayed build-up) likely to join him. Irvin still needs to prove he can be a serviceable No. 5 starter while the rotation is shorthanded. His first year in Baltimore got off to a tough start (a 10.66 ERA in three starts) before he was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Irvin was better upon his return, splitting time between starting and relieving and finishing with a 4.42 ERA in 24 games (12 starts). But the O’s would like to see the version of Irvin who had a 3.98 ERA in 30 starts for the A’s in 2022. — Jake Rill
Rays: C Rene Pinto
There will be pressure on young pitchers like Ryan Pepiot and Taj Bradley, who will be tasked with filling the void in the rotation left by Tyler Glasnow (traded) and Shane McClanahan (injured). The Rays are counting on young hitters like Jonathan Aranda and Curtis Mead to step up, too. But there’s a lot riding on the shoulders of Pinto, the only catcher on Tampa Bay’s 40-man roster, with only 63 games of Major League experience. The Rays believe the 27-year-old has the defensive ability, power and personality to take a big step forward this year. Given their limited options behind the plate, it’s critical that he does.— Adam Berry
Red Sox: SS Vaughn Grissom
The Red Sox acquired Grissom and his promising right-handed bat from the Braves for Chris Sale with the idea he can be the team’s primary second baseman. However, the 23-year-old Grissom will have to prove he is up to the task, particularly on defense. Grissom has started 41 games at the position in the Majors, and he has a strong mentor in double-play partner Trevor Story. Boston’s quest to vastly improve its infield defense from a year ago will at least in part hinge on Grissom’s performance. Offensively, Grissom has always held his own at the plate. The question is: How much power will he grow into? — Ian Browne
Yankees: DH/RF Giancarlo Stanton
Stanton made it clear that his 2023 performance was unacceptable after he was limited to a career-worst .191/.275/.420 slash line while slugging 24 homers with 60 RBIs in 101 games. The 34-year-old prioritized conditioning and diet during the offseason, with general manager Brian Cashman saying that he expects a leaner version of Stanton to arrive in camp. Cashman noted that Stanton has “worked his tail off this winter” and is “committed to finding a way to be the impactful player that we know he can be for us.” Stanton has four years remaining under contract with the Yankees, who owe him approximately…
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