With spring training in full swing for MLB teams, several starting roles are up for grabs, particularly in the American League Central division, which has significant fantasy implications. The Chicago White Sox are evaluating their shortstop options, with Colson Montgomery making a strong initial impression despite his struggles at Triple-A last season. Meanwhile, Luis Robert is likely to split time as designated hitter to manage his health, while the catcher position is crowded with promising young talent like Edgar Quero and Kyle Teel. The White Sox's closer situation appears murky, with several candidates, including Prelander Berroa, struggling with injuries.

In Cleveland, the Guardians are looking for answers at second base after trading away Andres Gimenez, with Juan Brito standing out as an intriguing prospect. Right field remains a position of uncertainty after a rotation of players last season, with Jhonkensy Noel and Will Brennan vying for playing time. The Guardians' pitching depth continues to inspire confidence, despite some uncertainty around their rotation.

The Detroit Tigers face crucial decisions in their pitching staff, as a recent injury to Alex Cobb opens up potential spots for young arms like Jackson Jobe and Casey Mize. In Kansas City, the competition for the fifth starter spot is heating up, with Kris Bubic looking to secure a rotation role. The closer role is a bit clearer with Carlos Estevez likely to see the majority of save opportunities, particularly with Lucas Erceg pushing for earlier-game leverage.

Lastly, the Minnesota Twins have introduced new faces in their infield, with the signing of Ty France causing ripples, but primarily, Jose Miranda and Edouard Julien are poised to compete for key spots. The health and performance of pitchers like Chris Paddack will be critical to their success this season.

Jose Miranda, the Minnesota Twins' promising infielder, is determined to secure a regular spot in the lineup despite uncertainty regarding his primary position. After an impressive start to 2024 with a .325 batting average, nine home runs, and a record-setting 12 hits in consecutive at-bats, his season was hampered by a low back strain that impacted his performance post-injury. As the Twins prepare for the new season, Miranda's potential role as the primary designated hitter is under consideration, especially with Ty France set to start at first base and Royce Lewis taking the reins at third.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli emphasizes the mental aspect of the game for Miranda, who must earn his at-bats among fierce competition. Despite the challenges, Miranda remains confident in his hitting abilities and is focused on contributing to the team's success. In the Twins' recent Grapefruit League matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Miranda showcased his batting prowess, hitting a single in his first at-bat. As spring training progresses, the Twins' coaching staff is eager to see how Miranda handles this mental challenge and whether he can reclaim his form from earlier in the season.

The Seattle Mariners' pitching staff faces high expectations following a stellar 2024 season. Their starting rotation led the league in quality starts, innings pitched, and featured four pitchers making 30 or more starts. Leading the charge was Logan Gilbert, who boasted a 3.23 ERA with 220 strikeouts in 208.2 innings over 33 starts, earning his first All-Star selection and finishing sixth in the AL Cy Young race.

Gilbert ranked in the top 10 for ERA and WHIP, prompting discussions about his Cy Young candidacy for 2025. His teammate Bryce Miller expressed confidence in Gilbert's abilities. The Mariners’ rotation includes several pitchers with promising Cy Young odds for the upcoming season; DraftKings lists Gilbert and fellow pitchers George Kirby, Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo among the top candidates. The Mariners’ success hinges on this elite pitching core continuing to excel.

As the Minnesota Twins embark on spring training, they face a myriad of questions after a quiet offseason. Key changes in management, including a new general manager and hitting coaches, aim to elevate the team's performance following a disappointing end to last season. The most pressing issue is identifying a solid first baseman to fill the void left by Carlos Santana. Jose Miranda, despite defensive concerns, is a frontrunner. Trade speculations linger around players like Chris Paddack and Christian Vázquez, while the performance of rookies and the impact of new coaching strategies will also play a significant role in the Twins' 2025 campaign.

The Minnesota Twins have signed veteran first baseman Mike Ford to a minor league deal as they navigate uncertainty at the position after Carlos Santana's departure to the Cleveland Guardians. Ford, who has played for six teams in 251 career games, adds depth to a competition led by Jose Miranda and Edouard Julien. Manager Rocco Baldelli emphasized the need for these young players to step up defensively as the Twins look to fill a significant gap on their roster.

With a payroll commitment of around $136 million for 2025, the Twins are exploring trades to free up funds for potential major league signings. Santana, who excelled last season, was a target but ultimately signed with a rival. The Twins' options are limited, with other teams aggressively pursuing first base upgrades. Both Miranda and Julien struggled offensively towards the end of the previous season, raising concerns about their readiness for the role.