If you are chasing upside in the fifth-starter battle between NYY's Domingo Germán and Clarke Schmidt, there may be a clear way to go. Also: Hall's upside stands out in BAL rotation competition; Casas' golden opportunity in BOS; Fairbanks' save ceiling in TAM; and a Belt tightens things for TOR's catchers.

An unexpected regular third baseman could emerge in ARI. Plus, players entering 2023 with something to prove in LA, COL, and SD. Finally, a look at the situation behind the plate in SF.

Mike Zunino looks like the primary backstop in Cleveland heading into spring, but top prospect Bo Naylor should take on a significant role at some point.

Precocious rookie Logan O'Hoppe is LAA's catcher of the near future, but whether or not that means Opening Day remains a 50-50 proposition for several reasons. The ever-fluid HOU CF spot, OAK's 1B crowd, and other AL West notes.

Aaron Ashby will have to perform to stick in the MIL rotation. Plus, young pitchers hoping to emerge in PIT, and young middle infielders looking to establish their roles in STL, CHC, and CIN.

Aaron Hicks has gotten a public vote of confidence as his team's starting LF. But how far will that get him? Also: Stowers' challengers in BAL, Barnes gets the boot in BOS, Siri's understudies in TAM and a motley crew behind Kikuchi in TOR.

SF significantly upgraded their lineup this winter, leaving fewer places for competition than in recent seasons. Plus, the Nelson Cruz signing puts playing time at risk for a few big names, there's a center field problem in LA, surveying the still crowded OF in ARI, and a rotation overview in COL.

STL and PIT will have interesting battles for playing time in the outfield. Meanwhile, CHC has an intriguing blend of stability and upside in its rotation, monitoring the recovery of Joey Votto in CIN, and a look at potential early reinforcements.

Barring trade or acquisition, bat-first Yainer Díaz will compete with defense-first Korey Lee (pictured) for HOU's backup catcher spot behind Martin Maldonado, and it's a March battle worth tracking. The SS issues in LAA and SEA, and more ...

Will Brennan is one of several outfield prospects who could step in should the struggles of Myles Straw carry over into 2023.

Cody Morris would be among the top options to step in should a rotation spot open up in Cleveland.