Spring Training battles are always interesting to watch and some of these have been settled since the date of our original writing on March 6th, 2024. We still have some unsigned free agents that could play major factors in altering the lineups or rotations of these teams, but some of these spring battles have already been decided in the last two weeks, so here is the update as of March 17th, 2024. We are going to start off by kicking it around the NL West, because everyone always likes to start with the AL East. Here are all the battles to watch. Below we dive into a few notable names.
- Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft Simulator
- 2024 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit
- Fantasy Baseball Draft Rankings
- Fantasy Baseball Projections
Updated MLB Spring Training Battles (2024 Fantasy Baseball)
Los Angeles Dodgers:
Position Battle: Evan Phillips vs. Kenley Jansen (Closer)
League Size: 10 Team
Update: Jansen is healthy and may still get traded, as the Dodgers have been rumored in talks with the Red Sox for his services, along with talks for Clase from the Guardians. Where there is smoke, there is fire; I don’t think Phillips saves are long for this team, even if he is really good.
San Diego Padres:
Position Battles: OF and Back of Rotation
League Size: 10 Team
Update: Wow, so much can change in less than two weeks! We have a ton of clarity on this front now, so let’s start with the OF.
It appears as if Jackson Merrill will start in CF, while rumors are also abound that Tommy Pham will be going back to San Diego and should start in LF. Jakob Marsee didn’t have the strongest spring, but is still not far away.
In regards to the infield, Graham Pauley looks to break camp at 3B and could split some time with Eguy Rosario as Manny Machado looks to begin the year as the DH.
The rotation was stabilized by a trade for former White Sox ace Dylan Cease. Jhony Brito has run away with the fifth rotation spot against the traded Drew Thorpe and Randy Vasquez this spring.
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