Photo Courtesy of Lilla Kate Tucker ’27
Super Bowl LVIII has come and gone, which means it’s time for America’s National Pastime: baseball. As fans eagerly await the resounding chords of “Take Me Out to The Ball Game” and the return of 9th inning rallies, franchises are heading to their respective spring training locations to iron out any kinks before opening day. Let’s take a look at what each team is working with and what to expect throughout the season.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The defending NL Champs return to Salt River Fields with a motivation rooted in revenge after their loss against the Rangers in last year’s World Series. The Diamondbacks return with youngster and 2023 Rookie of the Year and All-star Corbin Carroll, along with ace pitcher Zac Gallen and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. The team is motivated and looking to shake off the “underdogs” label without complacency.
Atlanta Braves
An upsetting early exit from the 2023 postseason leaves the Braves eager to get back out on the diamond. CoolToday Park is bustling with action from the reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr, accompanied by an All-star infield of Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Orlando Arcia, and Austin Riley. Add Chris Sale and the already dynamic pitching duo of Max Fried and Spencer Strider, and this southern franchise is looking to defend their status as reigning NL East Champions and make a run for another ring this season.
Baltimore Orioles
The Reigning AL East champions are entering spring training with ambitions of making that honor a frequent occurrence. Coming off of an historic season in which they defied all expectations, the Orioles are set to be competitive once again. 2023 AL Rookie of the Year, Gunnar Henderson is joined by the No. 1 prospect in baseball, Jackson Holliday, along with All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman and acquired pitcher Corbin Burnes. Burnes will run the show while starting pitcher Kyle Bradish is out on the injury list. It’s clear this talent is looking to build off of their postseason run from last season and play even deeper into October in 2024.
Boston Red Sox
The AL East is an extremely competitive division and the Red Sox are looking to move up from their last place finish in their division in 2023. To have a higher finish this year, Boston’s pitching rotation will be a major focus throughout spring training. Free agent Lucas Giolito joins Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Nick Pivetta as the main arms for the Red Sox. As for their offense, Wilyer Abreu and Vaughn Grissom have the potential to play major future roles in the team’s success at Fenway come opening day, along with current star Rafael Devers.
Chicago Cubs
With many players returning to Sloan Park for spring training, including Seiya Suzuki and Christopher Morel, Windy City’s team is definitely putting in the work to start the year off strong. Winning 83 games last season, the Cubbies are still looking to better their performance in 2024. One of their stars, Cody Bellinger, remains in free agency. Is he back to MVP form? We’ll have to wait and see.
Chicago White Sox
Finishing the 2023 season with more than 100 losses, the White Sox are entering spring training having made some important off-season moves. Rumors are circulating about trading their best pitcher Dylan Cease, but the franchise has picked up two promising infielders: Paul DeJong and Nicky Lopez. Mike Soroka, from the Atlanta Braves, has also been added to the roster, and can hopefully build back to being a key pitcher. With these new additions and the possibility for more near the trade deadline, Chicago moves into the upcoming season with a glimmer of hope for improvement.
Cincinnati Reds
Postseason projections already seem to be against the Reds. A young, inexperienced team leaves them embarking upon spring training with many players hoping to prove themselves in the big league. Coming off of an electric season filled with speed and clutch hits, Elly de La Cruz is joined by Matt McLain, Hunter Greene, and others, both youngsters and rookies looking to improve upon recent past seasons.
Cleveland Guardians
With a record of 76-86 last season, the Guardians head into spring training with many familiar faces. Jose Ramirez returns as the primary third baseman, alongside Andres Gimenez at second, and Bo Naylor behind the plate. A competition for shortstop between Gabriel Arias, Tyler Freeman, and Brayan Rocchio remains. There is also some uncertainty around the first base position, as first year manager Stephen Vogt has Josh Naylor and potentially Deyvison de Los Santos in mind. The Guardians’ main challenge for the 2024 season will be the betterment of their offense that ranked 27th in scoring last year. Spring training at Goodyear Park will likely be focused on this aspect of their team.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are coming off a historically bad season, ending with a 59-103 record and dead last in the NL West. Each position player’s production levels were extremely low, and their pitching rotation was subpar. The team is building around Nolan Jones and Brenton Doyle who are both coming off solid rookie years. Pitchers Austin Gomber, Kyle Freeland, and new addition Cal Quantrill also look to improve the team’s record. Veteran Charlie Blackmon will be an essential piece of what could very well be his last spring season.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers’ 2023 progress was not enough to rank them higher than 28th for runs scored; FanGraphs currently projects them to be a .500 team in 2024. However, a stronger pitching staff is taking the mound at spring training with Tarik Skubal returning healthy and Kenta Maeda, Jack Flaherty, Andrew Chafin, and Shelby Miller acquired as free agents. Spencer Torkelson, Riley Greene, Parker Meadows, and Colt Keith are among the young group of players that could have large impacts on the team’s performance in the AL Central this season, and after losing veteran future hall of fame, Miguel Cabrera, the Tigers are clearly looking for a new leader to help make a push into the postseason.
Houston Astros
Holding the AL West title for the third year in a row in 2023 and ending with 90 wins for the season means that anything short of a World Series ring in 2024 will feel like a defeat for the Astros. As for spring training, Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and Kyle Tucker are all returning in hopes of chasing another championship, but the team is returning without their manager. Thankfully, Yordon Alvarez, the MVP front runner for 2024 is back and looking to play a role in the Astros’ 2024 revenge season.
Kansas City Royals
Only winning a mere 56 games in 2023, the Royals are optimistic as they prepare for the upcoming season. Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo have been added to the pitching rotation alongside Will Smith and Chris Stratton. On the offensive side Adam Frazier and Hunter Renfroe will likely add some power to the lineup. Behind the plate, Salvador Perez gears up to continue his outstanding career as a potential Hall of Famer, and top hitter Bobby Witt Jr. (who just signed an 11-year deal) returns for another shot at tearing up the diamond.
Los Angeles Angels
Having recently lost dualthreat star Shohei Ohtani, the Angels are left in a mediocre position entering spring training. Ron Washington, beloved third base coach from Atlanta, joins the staff as new manager and will attempt to put some life back into this LA team. Washington joins veteran Mike Trout, acquired pitcher Robert Stephenson, and the youthful Logan O’Hoppe, Zach Neto, and Mickey Moniak.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Having recently acquired two of the biggest names in the current MLB, the LA Dodgers should certainly cause trouble for many, if not all, of their upcoming opponents. Yamamoto and Ohtani join Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts in LA in hopes of getting back to their franchise’s previous success in the National League. Many raise the question, “Is this stacked roster too good to be true?” We will have to wait until Opening Day to find out!
Miami Marlins
The 2023 Marlins had the worst run differential of any playoff team in MLB history and are returning to baseball this season without their leading home run hitter, Jorge Soler, who was acquired by the Giants, and the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner, Sandy Alcantara who is out due to injury. Improvement for the Marlins will require Jazz Chisholm Jr. to remain healthy and for Jake Burger and Josh Bell to succeed throughout spring training and into opening day.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers proved to be a competitive team last season, winning the NL Central title with the help of their talented pitching rotation. However, arguably one of their best pitchers, Corbin Burnes, was traded to the Orioles after the season ended, which may damper the team’s success in 2024. Players such as Joey Ortiz, DL Hall, Sal Frelick, and Brice Turang, and veteran Christian Yelich have the potential to make an impact on the 2024 lineup.
Minnesota Twins
The Twins have been given the best odds to win the AL Central division in 2024, after doing so in 2023 with a roster filled with a good mix of veterans and young talent hoping to work together to claim the division title once more. Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa, and a healthy Byron Buxton will be key components for the team, with starting pitcher Pablo López entering the spring season aiming to build off of his high-caliber 2023 season.
New York Mets
With just 75 wins in 2023, the Mets have largely focused on bettering their internal depth roster rather than looking to add new names. Sharing a division with the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies who currently have high playoff odds, the Mets have their work cut out for them. Returners Jeff McNeil and Starling Marte are joined by Luis Severino, Francisco Lindor, Francisco Alvarez, and Brett Baty as potential impact players for the 2024 season.
New York Yankees
Coming off of a disappointing 2023 season that did not include the usual postseason appearance, the Yankees are ready to get back to their scheduled programming. Star Aaron Judge returns to the pinstripes as an offensive leader and recently acquired outfielder Juan Soto and pitcher Marcus Stroman add to this impressive 2024 roster. Returning pitcher Gerrit Cole and first baseman Anthony Rizzo should also be noted. With the duo of Judge and Soto, the Yankees will enter the 2024 season on a promising note.
Oakland Athletics
One of the biggest stories surrounding the Oakland Athletics is their relocation to Las Vegas. This possibility does not overshadow their last season in which the A’s lost more than 100 games for the second consecutive year. Looking to snap this streak, veterans Seth Brown, Brent Rooker, and Paul Blackburn return to lead the team, while many young players trying to get to the big leagues fill the Athletics’ pool of young talent to choose from. Hopefully the promise of youthful energy and skill will be enough to get the franchise out of a rut.
Philadelphia Phillies
After a trip to the World Series in 2022 and a subsequent deep postseason run, the Phillies return with revenge in mind. The franchise’s current star, Bryce Harper, returns with his powerful offensive impact and energetic presence, while pitchers Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola join Harper as veterans anxious for a championship ring. Outfielders Kyle Schwarber and Johan Rojas join shortstop Trea Turner as additional notable names to return for the Phils, giving the team another shot at destroying other clubs’ playoff dreams later in October.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Ending the 2023 season without a trip to the postseason, the Pirates and their fans enter the 2024 season with eagerness and anticipation. Bryan Reynolds, Jack Suwinski, and acquired KC Royal Edward Olviares are slated to manage the outfield for the Pirates, and returning third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes and now healthier shortstop Oneil Cruz look to boost the Pirates’ all-around production. Pittsburgh will look to make a leap in the 2024 season.
San Diego Padres
After a disappointing 82-80 season in 2023 and the loss of Blake Snell and Juan Soto, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, and Josh Hader to free agency, the Padres are heading into spring training in a difficult position. Other NL West teams, such as the Dodgers and the D-backs, have added notable names to their rosters and are coming off successful seasons, while the Padres will have to rely heavily on their returning talent in Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Fernando Tatis Jr. Michael King (pitcher) was acquired in a trade deal from New York and hopes to be the replacement for Snell. The performances of these returners and the new addition of King will play a vital role in the outcome of the Padres’ 2024 season.
San Francisco Giants
Sharing a division with the Dodgers and the Diamondbacks makes it extremely competitive when vying for a postseason spot. Heading into spring training, the Giants have added Jorge Soler and Jung Hoo Lee in hopes of sparking offensive movement and success. On the mound, the rotation is quite inexperienced other than returner Logan Webb. For a chance of improvement in 2024, the franchise will hope for successful rookie seasons from Marco Luciano, MLB Pipeline’s No. 39 prospect, and Harrison, No. 23.
Seattle Mariners
Finishing third in the AL West last season with a 88-74 record, the Mariners will enter spring training with high hopes. Having seen two of their conference members advance to the ALCS, the Mariners are eager to match that level of play. Returning star Julio Rodríguez will lead the charge alongside J.P. Crawford, Cal Raleigh, and Polanco. Seattle’s starting rotation also proves to be strong, with Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, and George Kirby as headliners. The Mariners and their talented roster have a chance to improve their postseason chances and make it farther than last year.
St. Louis Cardinals
Finishing last in their division in 2023 for the first time since 1990, the Cardinals are hoping for a comeback year in which they return to the postseason. Having added veterans Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson to their pitching roster as a way to build up their starting rotation, the Red Birds will also look to young shortstop Masyn Winn and outfielder Jordan Walker to step up and add to the team’s offense.
Tampa Bay Rays
After a record start to their 2023 season that ended in a wild card series sweep by the Texas Rangers, the Rays are back and in a solid position. Returning team MVP and All-Star first baseman Yandy Díaz and second baseman Brandon Lowe are accompanied by Isaac Paredes and Josh Lowe as some of the many notable names for the Rays. And Pete Fairbanks, Jason Adam, and Colin Poche are three talented pitchers who will likely be seen frequently out of the Rays’ bullpen in 2024.
Texas Rangers
The 2023 MLB World Series Champions are coming into spring training with many targets on their backs. Looking to be repeat champions, the Rangers return with many of the same names as last season. Adolis Garcia, Josh Jung, Corey Seager, and Marcus Seimen all return as leaders of the team. On the bump, a healthy Max Scherzer and Jacob DeGrom would exponentially boost Texas’s chances of accomplishing the seemingly impossible.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays’ 2023 season came to a frustrating and disappointing ending when the team was beaten by the Minnesota Twins in the Wild Card Series. But as for 2024, the Canadian squad is looking to play further into the postseason. Powerful first baseman and reigning Home Run Derby Champion, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., shortstop Bo Bichette, and pitcher Kevin Gausman are among those returning for the Blue Jays this season. With much of their core team intact from the previous year, Toronto enters spring training with similar goals as before.
Washington Nationals
Finishing in last place in the NL East for the third consecutive season in 2023, the Washington Nationals are coming into 2024 with a versatile roster hopefully prepared for anything thrown their way. Luis García Jr., C.J. Abrams, Nick Senzel, and Joey Meneses are the four big names for the Nat’s infield. Two-time Gold Glove winner Joey Gallo will most likely be joined by Lane Thomas and Victor Robles in the outfield. The team has the option to return to spring training with the identical pitching rotation as that of 2023 as well. The Nats hope to rise up out of that bottom spot of the division come Opening Day.
