One spring training prediction for every AL East team

The 30-year-old reliever, who has spent much of his career playing professionally across the globe, returns to MLB after a brief but unsuccessful minor league stint in the San Francisco Giants organization back in 2019.

If Martinez keeps showing out like this, there could be room for him in Baltimore's bullpen by the time spring training concludes.

Boston Red Sox | Kutter Crawford gets bounced from the starting rotation

Crawford, entering his fourth full season with the Red Sox, has become a reliable back-end starting pitcher over the last two seasons. Although he lost 16 decisions in 2024, the right-hander still managed a 4.36 ERA in 33 starts and 183.2 innings pitched. 

That would probably be enough to keep his spot in most years, but with a revamped rotation and the expected return of fellow starter Lucas Giolito from injury this spring, Crawford could find himself as the odd man out in the battle for that last rotation spot in Boston. 

New York Yankees | Marcus Stroman reclaims his rotation spot due to injuries

Marcus Stroman says he's a starter, but entering spring training, the Yankees view the veteran right-hander as a depth piece. New York's starting five is already filled out thanks to the signing of left-hander Max Fried in the offseason. 

But while the Yankees have sought to trade Stroman, it might actually behoove them to retain the soon-to-be 34-year-old, who posted a 4.31 ERA in 29 starts last season. Injuries, especially on the pitching side, are known to occur in spring training.

Tampa Bay Rays | Eloy Jimenez sneaks onto the Opening Day roster

The Rays made some solid moves this offseason, but one that flies under the radar was the signing of designated hitter Eloy Jimenez to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. 

Jimenez, who can earn $2 million if he makes the team, struggled mightily at the dish in 2024. In 98 games played with the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles last season, the 28-year-old hit just .238 with a .626 OPS and six home runs, all career lows.

Of note is Jimenez's effort to get into shape, with reports that he dropped 25-30 pounds during the winter. If he can pair that with a strong spring training, that could be enough to break camp with the Rays.

Toronto Blue Jays | George Springer loses his leadoff spot in the lineup

How will the Blue Jays set their lineup this season? That could be determined in spring training.

Besides first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and outfielder Anthony Santander, both of whom will almost certainly hit in the middle of Toronto's order, veteran outfielder George Springer could lose his grip on the leadoff spot, creating some intrigue.

Among the players who could battle for top billing? Shortstop Bo Bichette, who struggled mightily in 2024, potential breakout candidate Will Wagner and rising prospect outfielder Alan Roden, who is looking to make a name for himself in spring training.

As of now, we'll give the nod to Wagner. Regardless of who wins out, though, Springer is likely finished hitting leadoff for the Blue Jays.