As spring training games kick off, here's a look at one key player to watch for each team in the American and National Leagues. But be warned, some of these players might just surprise you!
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
Blue Jays: Okamoto's debut is highly anticipated. The Japanese import, Okamoto, is set to take the mound in the Blue Jays' spring opener. His performance will be crucial in determining his role in the team's rotation, especially given the competition from right-handed power hitters.
Orioles: Kremer's performance will be key for Team Israel's World Baseball Classic campaign. The right-hander will look to build on his impressive 2025 season, where he posted a 171 2/3 innings, one shy of his career high.
Rays: Caminero and Aranda are set to shine before the World Baseball Classic. The Rays' revamped lineup will feature these two top hitters, and their early performances will be crucial in setting the tone for the season.
Red Sox: Tolle's potential is high, but his command of offspeed pitches will be key to his development. The lefty is a prospect with upside, and his performance in the Grapefruit League will be closely watched.
Yankees: Lagrange, the flame-throwing righty, is set to make his spring debut. His performance will be crucial in determining his role in the team's rotation, especially given his impressive velocity.
AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL
Guardians: The rotation competition is fierce, with Allen and Cantillo set to pitch on Saturday. The Guardians will be closely watching these starters' performances as they vie for a spot in the rotation.
Royals: The Royals' pitching depth is impressive, and the competition for roster spots is intense. Kolek and Bergert will look to make an early impression in the Cactus League opener.
See AlsoBraves Roster Predictions & Spring Training Updates: Bassitt, Elder, and the Starting PitchersWhite Sox Spring Training: Who's Battling for the Starting Rotation?Caleb Boushley 2025 Season Review | Rangers Long Man BreakdownTriston Casas Injury Update: Red Sox Star Focused on Full Recovery | MLB NewsTigers: McGonigle's performance at shortstop will be key in his bid to crack the Opening Day roster. The 21-year-old prospect has made an immediate impression in his first Major League camp.
Twins: Ryan and Buxton will represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, but on Saturday, they will look to lead the Twins to victory.
White Sox: Murakami's performance will be crucial in his bid to join Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic. The White Sox will want to give him time to prepare for the upcoming competition.
AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST
Angels: Soriano's performance will be key in his bid to find more consistency in 2026. The right-hander will look to build on his solid 2025 season.
Astros: The outfield competition is fierce, with Smith, Cole, Loperfido, and Trammell all vying for spots. The Astros will be closely watching these prospects' performances.
Athletics: De Vries' performance will be key in his bid to become the club's No. 1 prospect. The 19-year-old shortstop will look to make an early impression in the Cactus League.
Mariners: Emerson's performance will be key in his bid to become the team's top prospect. The 20-year-old can play all over the infield, and the Mariners will be closely watching his performances in Cactus League games.
Rangers: The second base battle is intense, with Smith, Duran, Freeman, Helman, and Haggerty all vying for spots. The Rangers will be closely watching these prospects' performances.
NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
Braves: The new veteran contingent, including Yastrzemski, Mateo, Heim, and White, will look to make an early impression in the season opener.
Marlins: Snelling's performance will be key in his bid to become the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year. The 22-year-old will look to make an early impression in the Grapefruit League.
Mets: Waddell's performance will be key in his bid to become a potential call-up option. The left-hander will look to make an early impression in the Grapefruit League.
Nationals: Ogasawara's performance will be key in his bid to prepare for his second season in the Major Leagues. Eder, acquired from the Angels, will look to make an early impression in the Cactus League.
Phillies: Crawford's performance will be key in his bid to become the team's Opening Day center fielder. The Phillies will be closely watching his performances in the Grapefruit League.
NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
Brewers: The Brewers' most prominent hitters, Turang, Chourio, and Ortiz, will look to make an early impression in the Cactus League opener.
Cardinals: Wetherholt's performance will be key in his bid to become the face of the next great St. Louis squad. The No. 5 prospect in MLB will look to make an early impression in spring training.
Cubs: Boyd's performance will be key in his bid to join Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. The 35-year-old will look to build on his impressive 2025 season.
Pirates: O'Hearn's performance will be key in his bid to become a signature signing for the Pirates. The positional flexibility will be important to monitor this spring.
Reds: The rotation competition is fierce, with Burns, Lowder, and Aguiar all vying for spots. The Reds will be closely watching these prospects' performances.
NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST
D-backs: The D-backs will be closely watching the performances of their young arms, with Hatch set to pitch on Friday.
Dodgers: Yamamoto's performance will be key in his bid to become the World Series MVP. The righty will look to make an early impression in the Cactus League.
Giants: Birdsong's performance will be key in his bid to overcome command issues from last year. The 24-year-old right-hander will look to make an early impression in the Cactus League.
Padres: The rotation battle is intense, with Buehler, Márquez, and Waldron all vying for spots. The Padres will be closely watching these prospects' performances.
Rockies: Hughes' performance will be key in his bid to become part of the rotation depth picture. The 14th prospect in the Rockies' system will look to make an early impression in the Cactus League.
