Unless a veteran gets usurped, there are likely 10 spots already filled on the pitching staff going into spring training. Some of those on the bubble:
Right-hander Luis Reyes, the 38th overall pick in 2018 looked ready to hit the PEBA after starting 10-5 with a 2.03 last year at Santo Domingo (AAA) but bone chips in his elbow ended his season in July. The 25-year old Reyes mixes up his pitches well making his 92-mph fastballer look better. This spring he is getting a shot at a job on the rotation but will need to replace some established guys:.
Seon-keun Li is another pitcher who relies on fooling hitters, mixing junk in with a decent forkball. The 32-year old Li failed to make the Coqui last season despite a 3-3, 3.32 showing in the big leagues in 2023. He's been a starter his entire career but Manager Jesus Gilbert will be looking at him as a middle reliever this year.
Former 2020 2nd round pick Dan Field stumbled in his PEBA debut in 2024, posting a 4.72 e.r.a. in seven appearances out of the pen. However, armed with a big-league sinker and curveball, the 26-year old southpaw was tough to hit in Santo Domingo (AAA) last year (1.97 e.r.a.). He keeps the ball low and on the ground which makes him ideal for coming in to get that double play (in fact he's averaged just one home run every 33 innings dating back to college). His main obstacle may be his control, which hindered him in his call-up last September.
Another 2nd rounder from that 2020 draft is Makoto Shimuzu. The right-handed swingman has been called up to the PEBA a couple times in his career and has posted 8-8, 3.80 numbers but hasn't shown enough to stay. He will mainly be looking to land a long relief slot. Going for him is that he is a guy coaches love having in the locker room.
Former 2020 overall number one pick Naoki Hayashi has yet to see the PEBA but has had good showing in the minors the last two years. At 25 it's his moment to live up to his billing but the left-hander has been hampered by injuries at times. He has been used as a swingman in his pro career but has the ceiling to eventually be a quality starter.
Felix Romano at age 30 made progress with pitching coach Keiji Hagi last year and proved a decent option in long relief and as a spot starter (3.58 with 6 quality starts out of 13). However, the numbers game may not be working in his favor to keep that job.
Hitting
As for the hitters, the battles are far more complex. The good news is that 10 outfielders have a legitimate shot at making the team. The bad news is that only Flint Butler and Orlando Reyes are proven capable options.
One player to watch is 1B/DH Jon Lange. The 28-year old saw action in 58 games in the big leagues in 2023 and posted a .513 slugging percentage but failed to make the roster last spring. He has 160 minor league home runs.