The players with the most to prove in ’23

Each Spring Training, there are place battles and younger prospects looking for to impress towards huge league competitors. But there are additionally these gamers who come to camp with rather a lot to show, whether or not they’re prime prospects or veterans who’ve struggled just lately. We requested every MLB.com beat author to call one participant from their membership who has essentially the most to show in 2023:

Blue Jays: LHP Yusei Kikuchi
Is Kikuchi a satisfactory fifth starter, a bullpen lefty with velocity and upside or a swingman who the Blue Jays will battle to search out spots for? He’s proven glimpses of all three, however the expertise is clearly there to be a invaluable MLB pitcher. Three-year, $36 million offers aren’t given to pitchers who aren’t able to that. Consistency has eluded Kikuchi, although, and management points plagued him in his first season with the Blue Jays. Having Kikuchi pitch to even a 4.50 ERA because the No. 5 starter for just a few months whereas attending to the fifth inning persistently can be a superb begin, however there are not any ensures and he’ll have to earn his innings. — Keegan Matheson

Orioles: 2B Adam Frazier
The O’s signed Frazier to a one-year, $8 million deal over the offseason, including one other left-handed bat to their infield combine. The 31-year-old is the possible beginning second baseman, and he may get a while within the nook outfield spots. But Frazier must show that he can return to his 2021 All-Star kind (a .779 OPS and 114 OPS+ in 155 video games), somewhat than have a repeat of his down ’22 (a .612 OPS and 80 OPS+ in 156 video games). Otherwise, Ramón Urías — a Gold Glover at third base final 12 months who’s now serving in a utility function — may take away extra of Frazier’s enjoying time at second. — Jake Rill

Rays: SS Wander Franco
Franco would be the Rays’ beginning shortstop, and he’s going to be paid effectively for a very long time. Nothing to show there. But after falling out of the highlight as accidents restricted him to 83 video games and a 117 OPS+ final 12 months, he can remind everybody why he was one of the crucial celebrated prospects ever. The key? Staying wholesome. In 153 profession video games, Franco has a 6.1 bWAR. If he simply matches that this season, we’ll be speaking a couple of 22-year-old as one of the crucial impactful gamers in baseball. If he performs to his huge potential, he’s an AL MVP candidate. — Adam Berry

Red Sox: OF Masataka Yoshida
Through no fault of his personal, Yoshida enters his first Major League camp below the microscope. This, after the left-handed hitter signed a five-year, $90 million contract with Boston, ending his seven-year profession in Japan. While some within the business questioned the value the Red Sox invested in Yoshida, the membership is assured of their valuation and Yoshida is keen to show them proper. Yoshida is understood for his glorious plate strategy and skill to spray the ball within the hole. The huge query is whether or not he can hit for energy within the Majors. As with most gamers coming over from NPB, there’ll seemingly be an preliminary adjustment interval. Yoshida hopes to make the training curve as fast as potential in hopes of being a key cog in Boston’s new-look roster. — Ian Browne

Yankees: OF Aaron Hicks
Opportunity is knocking as soon as once more for Hicks, who will look to carry off the versatile Oswaldo Cabrera because the membership’s beginning left fielder. One spring after he spoke about aiming to develop into the third Yankee to affix the 30-homer/30-steal membership, Hicks appears to be like to bounce again from a disappointing marketing campaign by which he slashed .216/.330/.313 (86 OPS+) with eight homers, 40 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. Hicks mentioned that he could have come into the season too gentle, prioritizing pace, and he spent his offseason making an attempt to pack on muscle. He has three years and $30 million remaining on his contract. — Bryan Hoch

Guardians: CF Myles Straw
There’s nothing extra that Straw must do defensively, contemplating he locked up a Gold Glove Award final 12 months, however after the Guardians issued him a five-year, $25 million contract extension heading into final season, Straw must show there’s extra he can carry to the desk offensively. After he was despatched to Cleveland on the 2021 Trade Deadline, Straw made a powerful first impression, hitting .285 with a .739 OPS in 60 video games along with his new crew. In ’22, he struggled to achieve steam and posted a .221 common and a .564 OPS. He took it upon himself to work with the Guardians’ hitting coaches over the offseason and can have the early weeks of spring to show he’s a minimum of heading in the right direction. — Mandy Bell

Royals: 3B Hunter Dozier
The Royals are committing enjoying time to Dozier at third base, a minimum of to begin the spring, as a result of that’s essentially the most open place for him to get on a regular basis enjoying time. After two seasons of offensive and defensive struggles, Dozier should show that his 2019 season — when he hit a career-high 26 homers with a career-high 124 OPS+ whereas enjoying third a lot of the season — was not a fluke. The Royals prolonged the now 31-year-old within the spring of 2021 due to that ’19 manufacturing, however within the two seasons since, Dozier has 28 homers and an 87 OPS+, slugging simply .391. Having Dozier return to a dependable bat would enhance the Royals’ younger lineup, and now could be the time for Dozier to show that he might be part of Kansas City’s future. — Anne Rogers

Tigers: RHP Spencer Turnbull
Turnbull has a spot locked up within the Tigers’ rotation, barring one other harm, however can he be the front-line starter that he was turning into earlier than Tommy John surgical procedure halted his profession in 2021? He made simply three begins after no-hitting Seattle. So far, the indicators are encouraging, together with a 94 mph fastball in his bullpen session final week. Getting the slider again, and trusting himself to throw it, may very well be key. The Tigers shall be cautious with Turnbull and provides him additional relaxation, however at age 30, he’s in his prime years. — Jordan Beck

Twins: RHP Tyler Mahle
The Twins traded three legit prospects to the Reds eventually season’s Trade Deadline within the hopes that Mahle can be an anchor atop their rotation subsequent to Sonny Gray. Instead, he made it three begins into his Twins profession earlier than his fastball velocity cratered — and it occurred once more in his return from the injured listing. They nonetheless aren’t certain what occurred, however they’ll must hope the problem is behind him, as a result of a wholesome, efficient Mahle is a difference-maker the Twins want. — Do-Hyoung Park

White Sox: OF Oscar Colas
The No. 2 White Sox prospect per MLB Pipeline has the within observe because the starter in proper area with place gamers set to report Monday. His job received’t rely purely on Cactus League outcomes, however the 24-year-old might want to present he belongs on the outset when given the chance in Arizona. Colas labored onerous with teammate Luis Robert and White Sox coaches, amongst others, through the offseason in Florida and is coming off a Minor League season that includes a mixed 23 house runs and an .895 OPS. He gives left-handed energy and a glove with heart area capabilities defensively in proper. — Scott Merkin

Angels: OF Jo Adell
The Angels bolstered their outfield by buying veterans Hunter Renfroe and Brett Phillips within the offseason, which suggests Adell may very well be the odd man out. Adell, a former prime prospect, spent the complete offseason coaching in Arizona and added roughly 10-15 kilos of muscle. Adell may put himself again on the radar with a powerful spring. Even if he doesn’t make the roster, it could enhance his inventory going ahead. — Rhett Bollinger

Astros: CF Chas McCormick
McCormick involves camp as the favourite to stay in heart area after he received the job late final 12 months and began there within the playoffs. And who can overlook his unbelievable catch on the wall in Philadelphia late in Game 5 of the World Series? Still, a wholesome Jake Meyers will push McCormick for enjoying time this 12 months. Plus, McCormick was demoted briefly in June, so he may use a powerful common season to determine himself as a starter. — Brian McTaggart

Athletics: OF Ramón Laureano
Dealing with a suspension and a number of accidents, Laureano turned in career-worsts in batting common (.211), on-base share (.287) and OPS (.663) over 94 video games final season. Having spent the complete offseason understanding in Arizona, Laureano, nonetheless solely 28, is assured that partaking in a extra “normal” Spring Training than he’s had lately will assist him regain the shape he confirmed in a breakout 2019 marketing campaign that featured a career-high .860 OPS with 24 house runs, 13 stolen bases and 67 RBIs. — Martín Gallegos

Mariners: LF Jarred Kelenic
Two springs in the past, Kelenic was MLB Pipeline’s No. 4 total prospect and the face of Seattle’s future. He’s proven flashes of massive potential, however it’s been inconsistent. Entering 2023, Kelenic has a clearer path to enjoying time, and with safety within the type of veteran free-agent acquisition AJ Pollock, whom the membership signed to platoon with Kelenic. Yet Kelenic nonetheless faces the truth that he has just one Minor League possibility left and this may very well be a giant 12 months for him to show he can put all of it collectively. — Daniel Kramer

Rangers: OF Leody Taveras
The Rangers’ prime prospect in 2020, Taveras has endured a curler coaster of an MLB profession since making his debut that season. Due to the cancellation of the Minor League season in ’20, he made his debut with out taking a single Triple-A at-bat. He’s proven flashes of potential, however has but to really attain the ceiling the Rangers anticipated of him previous to his debut. He slashed .261/.309/.366 in 99 video games final season, however Texas desires to see extra consistency from the outfielder to solidify himself into the ’23 lineup. — Kennedi Landry

Braves: OF Eddie Rosario
The Braves are hoping Rosario thrives throughout his remaining season earlier than turning into a free agent, conjuring reminiscences of the nice postseason he had simply two years in the past. Rosario was named the 2021 NL Championship Series MVP and helped Atlanta win that 12 months’s World Series. But he got here to Spring Training with imaginative and prescient points final 12 months, missed three months after having surgical procedure in late April and by no means discovered a groove. He must rebound to maintain his profession alive and to erase considerations about how a lot worth the Braves may get from the left area place. — Mark Bowman

Marlins: LHP Trevor Rogers
Following a stellar 2021 marketing campaign by which he completed because the runner-up for NL Rookie of the Year, Rogers noticed the biggest ERA improve for any Major Leaguer with a minimum of 100 innings thrown in ’22: from 2.64 to five.47. Rogers, who made 23 begins, additionally missed time with again spasms and a season-ending left lat pressure. He shall be competing for the fifth spot within the rotation. — Christina De Nicola

Mets: RHP Kodai Senga
The Mets took a threat in signing Senga to a five-year, $75 million contract regardless of questions on his bodily state, so that they have a vested curiosity in ensuring this marriage works. Early in camp, Senga was nonetheless feeling out points such because the bigger, slicker American baseballs, the steeper mound slope and the transition to stateside tradition. Mets officers are assured that Senga, a Nippon Professional Baseball star, can thrive in New York, however he’ll have to show it each time he takes the mound. — Anthony DiComo

Nationals: RHP Cade Cavalli
Cavalli, ranked because the Nationals’ No. 4 prospect by MLB Pipeline final season, is vying for a spot within the beginning rotation. He made his Major League debut final August, however he was shut down after one begin due to proper shoulder irritation. Said supervisor Dave Martinez, “Cade’s got to come out and really show us that he can pound the strike zone and do all the things that we ask him to do and be consistent.” — Jessica Camerato

Phillies: RHP Andrew Painter
Painter is the Phillies’ No. 1 prospect and the No. 6 prospect in baseball, in response to MLB Pipeline. He is also a legit candidate to be the Phillies’ No. 5 starter come Opening Day. But the job received’t be handed to him. He should earn it. He is immensely proficient, however he additionally is barely 19. Is he as much as the duty? — Todd Zolecki

Brewers: Christian Yelich
It may very well be Jesse Winker making an attempt to return to being one of many NL’s prime hitters as he heads right into a contract 12 months, or former All-Star Freddy Peralta getting back from a 12 months shortened by accidents. But the Brewers’ funding in Yelich means he’ll perennially have one thing to show till he re-establishes himself as a run-producer. Last 12 months, Yelich supplied some worth in a leadoff function, although his .738 OPS was solely two factors greater than his career-low .736 OPS in 2021. The arrival of catcher William Contreras and Winker (supplied he hits like he did with the Reds) ought to assist present some safety round Yelich within the batting order. — Adam McCalvy

Cardinals: OF Tyler O’Neill
The Cardinals are fairly desperate to see which O’Neill they’ll get in 2023. Will or not it’s the one who hit .286 with 34 house runs, 80 RBIs and a .912 OPS in 138 video games in 2021? Or will or not it’s the ’22 model that was largely hobbled by hamstring and shoulder accidents whereas enjoying simply 96 video games and ending up with simply 14 house runs and 58 RBIs? In addition to welcoming his first baby, the muscle-bound O’Neill stayed in St. Louis a lot of the offseason whereas remodeling his conditioning program to advertise higher well being within the season forward. Thus far, O’Neill has regarded nice in Spring Training and has hit the ball effectively. — John Denton

Cubs: CF Cody Bellinger
After the Dodgers made the anticipated choice to chop ties with Bellinger this previous offseason, the Cubs reeled him in with a one-year, $17.5 million contract to be their major heart fielder. Chicago is betting huge on the 27-year-old Bellinger being a main change-of-scenery candidate for a membership trying to improve its protection up the center and inject some energy into the order. The query shall be: which model of Bellinger do the Cubs get? He burst onto the scene throughout 2017-19, profitable a Rookie of the Year Award (’17) and MVP Award (’19) whereas posting a .928 OPS and 144 OPS+ in that three-year span. Across 2020-22, Bellinger had a .648 OPS and 74 OPS+ with harm points combined in with the offensive woes. — Jordan Bastian

Pirates: OF Travis Swaggerty
The final couple of seasons have been very rocky for Swaggerty. In 2021, he performed in solely 12 video games resulting from harm. He made his Major League debut in ’22, however performed in simply 5 video games and spent a lot of the season with Triple-A Indianapolis, the place he put up a stable, but underwhelming .747 OPS throughout 107 video games. The Pirates have a flurry of younger expertise that’s clamoring for a spot on the 40-man roster. Additionally, the Pirates will ultimately have to clear a spot on the 40-man roster to make room for a backup catcher. Endy Rodriguez, the one different catcher on the 40-man roster, will start the season in Triple-A. Swaggerty may be a former top-10 draft decide, however the clock is ticking. — Justice delos Santos

Reds: CF Nick Senzel
This is probably going essentially the most essential season of Senzel’s profession. Injuries have hampered every of his 4 huge league seasons and with a .601 OPS final season, the 27-year-old didn’t present a lot energy. After spending a lot of the season in a boot and scooter when his fractured huge toe required surgical procedure, Senzel nonetheless got here to camp in excellent form. But to carry down the beginning heart area job, he might want to keep wholesome and present a number of the hitting prowess that made him the second total decide within the 2016 Draft. — Mark Sheldon

D-backs: LHP Madison Bumgarner
It’s not a matter of whether or not Bumgarner shall be within the rotation come Opening Day — common supervisor Mike Hazen mentioned unequivocally that he would — however final 12 months’s struggles weighed on the prideful veteran and he want to carry some good momentum into the common season. Bumgarner tried quite a few issues final 12 months to try to get on observe and he doesn’t need to must undergo one other 12 months like 2022. — Steve Gilbert

Dodgers: SS Gavin Lux
Lux had a stable season in 2022, posting a .745 OPS in 129 video games, all whereas enjoying second base. This season, Lux’s function will proceed to extend as he enters Spring Training because the Dodgers’ on a regular basis shortstop, changing the departed Trea Turner. Chris Taylor can be one other participant that might profit from a powerful camp, however all eyes shall be on Lux and the way he steps into his new — and extremely necessary — function. — Juan Toribio

Giants: C Joey Bart
The Giants have made it clear that nothing is assured for Bart, who hasn’t developed as rapidly because the membership hoped when it took him with the No. 2 total decide of the 2018 Draft. Long considered because the inheritor obvious to Buster Posey, Bart now finds himself in a large open competitors with non-roster invitees Roberto Pérez and Austin Wynns and Rule 5 Draft decide Blake Sabol for the beginning job behind the plate. To earn the spot, Bart should present that he can minimize down on the strikeouts and enhance his framing this spring. — Maria Guardado

Padres: RF Fernando Tatis Jr.
There’s little Tatis should show in the best way of expertise. When wholesome, he’s among the finest gamers in baseball. But he additionally hasn’t performed a sport in 18 months. Tatis shall be shaking off the consequences of three surgical procedures — two on his left wrist and one other on his left shoulder. He additionally should regulate to a brand new place — seemingly proper area — with the arrival of Xander Bogaerts at shortstop. On prime of that, Tatis shall be in camp amid an 80-game suspension for a optimistic PED take a look at. He’s been contrite and forward-looking in his feedback because the suspension. His teammates have welcomed him again into the fold with open arms. Still, it’s value watching how Tatis reacclimates this spring.

Rockies: 3B/1B Elehuris Montero
The right-handed-hitting Montero has been on the spot because the Rockies acquired him from the Cardinals as a part of the Nolan Arenado deal. In two Minor League seasons, Montero has hit 43 house runs. Last season, he appeared in 53 Major League video games and hit .233 with six homers. However, he’ll want to indicate he’s made steps ahead this spring. The Rockies are relying on him and several other different gamers for begins since they need to give their mainstay gamers extra days off than prior to now. If Montero develops correctly, his presence may enable the Rockies to present common third baseman Ryan McMahon both days off or video games at designated hitter, and Montero will assist his trigger by making strides at first base. — Thomas Harding