Each AL team's biggest question heading into spring training

Here, we consider the biggest question for each American League team entering spring training.

Athletics: Will the real Zack Gelof please stand up?

Gelof fell victim to the dreaded sophomore slump in 2024. The second baseman posted an 82 wRC+ with a 34.4% strikeout rate after bursting on the scene with a 132 wRC+ across 69 games in 2023. Gelof's intriguing blend of speed and power makes him an intriguing piece, but a good spring could help quiet concerns he might not make enough contact to be a quality player.

Baltimore Orioles: Is Jackson Holliday here to stay?

Holliday reached the majors as a 20-year-old in 2024 but struggled mightily in his first taste of big-league action. He was simply overmatched after tearing it up in the minors, slashing just .190/.255/.311 with five home runs in 60 games. He showed signs of life down the stretch, however, and can prove that late-season success was no fluke with a strong showing this spring.

Boston Red Sox: Where will Devers and Bregman play?

Rafael Devers shook up Red Sox camp when he rejected the idea of playing DH and definitively said he wants to remain at third base. The Red Sox signed Alex Bregman, a reigning AL Gold Glove third baseman, but it's still uncertain where he'll slot in defensively. It will be interesting to see how Alex Cora approaches what's suddenly become a delicate situation as Grapefruit League games get underway.

Chicago White Sox: Will any top prospects make the team?

The White Sox have six prospects ranked inside MLB Pipeline's top 100, with several being candidates to crack the Opening Day roster. Pitchers Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith are still a ways away, but Colson Montgomery and Kyle Teel are two names to watch at shortstop and catcher, respectively. Both reached Triple-A last year and could win jobs in Chicago's infield.

Cleveland Guardians: Can Luis Ortiz develop into a quality starting pitcher?

The Guardians acquired Ortiz as part of the shuffle that sent Andrés Giménez to Toronto and Spencer Horwitz to the Pirates. Ortiz showed flashes as a swingman in Pittsburgh last season but has struggled to miss bats throughout his career. Carl Willis is as respected a pitching coach as there is in the game. Ortiz's slider and changeup look like legitimate weapons. Time will tell if he can develop his fastball enough to neutralize opposing batters two or three times in a game.

Detroit Tigers: Who will play third base?

The Tigers were hoping Alex Bregman would be the answer to this question until he spurned them in free agency for the Red Sox. Jace Jung, drafted 12th overall in 2022, likely has the inside track on the job but could be overtaken by Matt Vierling or Zach McKinstry if he continues to struggle at the plate. Andy Ibáñez and Trey Sweeney could also force their way into the picture, especially if Detroit is comfortable deploying them in a platoon.

Houston Astros: Who starts in the outfield?

Houston has a serious problem on its hands after trading Kyle Tucker, as the names currently in the outfield mix are Chas McCormick, Ben Gamel, Jake Myers, and Mauricio Dubón. There has been some talk of moving Jose Altuve to left field to free up second base for Isaac Paredes. Yordan Alvarez also could, in theory, return to the field but probably shouldn't given his injury history. It will be fascinating to see who ultimately nails down the three starting spots.

Kansas City Royals: What is Jonathan India's role?

The Royals acquired the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year from the Reds for right-hander Brady Singer. India's offensive production has fallen off since his rookie campaign, but he's still able to get on base with a lifetime .352 OBP. That will certainly help a Royals lineup that finished 19th with a .306 OBP last season. India will likely see at-bats in multiple spots, but his primary position remains to be seen.

Los Angeles Angels: Will Mike Trout be ready for Opening Day?

Trout missed most of last season after tearing his meniscus twice, continuing a recent trend of horrendous injury luck. The 33-year-old getting back on the diamond for some spring training games would be a step in the right direction. Los Angeles was surprisingly aggressive this offseason but needs its three-time MVP healthy to have any chance at competing.

Minnesota Twins: Who will round out the rotation?

The Twins are in good shape with Pablo López, Joe Ryan, and Bailey Ober entrenched atop the rotation. Beyond that, Simeon Woods-Richardson, Chris Paddack, Zebby Matthews, and David Festa look like candidates to fill the last two spots. This should be an intriguing spring battle to monitor as the Twins aim to rebound from a late-season swoon in 2024 that ultimately cost them a postseason berth.

New York Yankees: What will happen with Marcus Stroman?

Manager Aaron Boone described the situation with Stroman as "awkward," which feels like an understatement. The right-hander, who joined New York on a two-year, $37-million deal ahead of the 2024 season, was left off the ALDS roster this past October and no longer appears to have a spot in the rotation. Right now, he profiles as an expensive insurance policy, making a trade seem likely if New York can find a partner.

Seattle Mariners: Could a starting pitcher get traded?

President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto admitted teams made calls about Seattle's stable of starting pitchers. Veteran right-hander Luis Castillo seems like the most logical trade candidate. However, any of George Kirby, Bryce Miller, Logan Gilbert, or Bryan Woo would likely fetch a big haul. The Mariners still need at least one more impact bat. Trading a pitcher still looks like the cleanest route to more offensive punch.

Tampa Bay Rays: Will Shane McClanahan look healthy?

The talented young lefty is finally set to return from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in 2023. He was dominant before going under the knife, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he, like most pitchers, needs a while to recapture his pre-surgery form. His velocity and command throughout spring training should provide insight into how his arm feels.

Texas Rangers: What's the plan for Jacob deGrom's workload?

DeGrom returned at the end of last season, posting a 1.69 ERA in three starts. The 36-year-old has made just nine appearances since the Rangers signed him to a five-year contract ahead of the 2023 campaign. Keeping him healthy this spring is the most important situation to monitor as games get underway.

Toronto Blue Jays: What's next for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.?

The Guerrero situation loomed over Toronto's entire offseason. The slugger made no secret of his desire to stay with the Blue Jays long term. However, the two sides were unable to come to an agreement, and Guerrero says he's going to test free agency. The Blue Jays have to decide whether they'll risk potentially letting Guerrero walk for nothing or trade him to ensure they get something in return.