Each NL team's biggest question heading into spring training

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

Arizona Diamondbacks: Can Lawlar still earn a job after Perdomo's extension?

Top prospect Jordan Lawlar was supposed to take over at shortstop last year, until injuries limited him to just 23 minor-league contests in 2024. Then on Monday, Arizona threw another roadblock into Lawlar's path by reportedly signing 2023 All-Star Geraldo Perdomo to a four-year extension. But might Lawlar still be able to break camp with the big club? Lawlar could benefit Arizona, as he'd likely push Perdomo to third and Eugenio Suárez to DH, immediately improving the defense and lengthening the lineup. However, he'll probably need to force the D-Backs' hands with a gigantic spring performance that's too good to ignore, while also showing that he's fully healthy.

Atlanta Braves: How healthy are Acuña and Strider?

It remains to be seen whether either star will participate in Grapefruit League games. Of the two, Spencer Strider's more likely to suit up in Florida. The right-hander, who's recovering from elbow surgery, is on track for an April return, so he could see late spring action. Ronald Acuña Jr.'s progress in his recovery from a torn ACL will have to be monitored on the backfields, as he's looking at a May debut. Their progress this spring could end up defining Atlanta's season.

Chicago Cubs: Who starts at third base?

The Cubs still have a glaring hole at the hot corner after missing out on Alex Bregman, and the competition is wide-open. Top prospect Matt Shaw could become the front-runner with a big performance this spring, although he's yet to make his big-league debut. Others competing for the job include speedy veteran Jon Berti, Rule 5 draft pick Gage Workman, and switch-hitter Vidal Bruján. Veteran Justin Turner, who reportedly inked a one-year deal Tuesday, is primarily a first baseman at this stage of his career but could man the hot corner if needed. This competition will be fascinating to watch, and it might not be decided until the very end of spring.

Cincinnati Reds: How far away is Burns?

Chase Burns instantly became the Reds' top prospect after they selected him second overall in July. Yet he remains a bit of a mystery because he still hasn't thrown a pitch in the pros (the Reds shut him down following the draft). Burns' first game action this spring will help illuminate just how long it might be before the former Wake Forest star arrives in Cincinnati. He probably won't break camp with the team, but a good performance in March could expedite his timeline.

Colorado Rockies: How short is Bryant's leash?

Kris Bryant's Rockies tenure has been nothing short of a disaster. Heading into Year 4 of a seven-year deal, the Rockies need Bryant to not only finally stay healthy, but rediscover even 50% of his All-Star form and become something of an anchor in the lineup. That starts with a big Cactus League performance to help allay fears that this season will be more of the same. Bryant's future in Colorado may be riding on it.

Los Angeles Dodgers: How does Sasaki look?

At Camelback Ranch, all eyes will be on Roki Sasaki as he throws his first pitches in Dodger blue. The baseball world is anxious to watch Sasaki face big-league hitters for the first time, and his first spring start promises to be an event. The Dodgers also have to balance getting him up to speed with keeping him healthy to pitch in Tokyo on March 19. Any potential hiccup will be highly scrutinized, even if it's just spring training. Such is life for a rookie superstar on the reigning World Series champions.

Miami Marlins: How will Alcantara pitch after recovering from TJ?

Sandy Alcantara's finally healthy after missing all of 2024 following Tommy John surgery. The 2022 NL Cy Young winner will be just about the only bright spot on his team - and even that's uncertain given his status. Is his stuff still elite, and can he get back to being a workhorse atop the Marlins' rotation? Spring training will go a long way in determining what kind of pitcher Alcantara is post-surgery.

Milwaukee Brewers: Where is Woodruff in his recovery?

Brandon Woodruff could give the Brewers' rotation a major boost - if he's the same All-Star he was before undergoing shoulder surgery 16 months ago. The 32-year-old has faced live hitters during camp, but the club is being cautious with his recovery. It's still too early to tell when the right-hander is expected to make his season debut. If Milwaukee has any shot at winning the division again, it needs Woodruff.

New York Mets: Can Senga stay healthy?

Juan Soto will get all of the attention after signing the largest contract in MLB history. However, Kodai Senga is arguably the most important pitcher on New York's roster. The 2023 All-Star only made one regular-season start last year after dealing with a strained shoulder and calf. Frankie Montas is already out due to a long-term injury, and the rest of the rotation with Sean Manaea, David Peterson, Paul Blackburn, and Clay Holmes (who's converting to a starter) leaves a lot to be desired for a club with championship aspirations.

Philadelphia Phillies: What can the team expect from Romano?

Jordan Romano is a ninth-inning option for the Phillies after being one of the best closers in baseball. Between 2021-23, he posted a 2.37 ERA with an 11.1 K/9 and 95 saves over a combined 186 innings en route to becoming a two-time All-Star with the Toronto Blue Jays. Yet questions swirled around his health after he was non-tendered following arthroscopic elbow surgery last July. The 31-year-old's performance will be closely monitored this spring.

Pittsburgh Pirates: What to do at 1B after Horwitz's injury?

The Pirates have a hole to fill at first base with Spencer Horwitz out six-to-eight weeks following wrist surgery. Those concerns might remain after Horwitz returns, as that type of injury tends to impact power numbers. Roster Resource projects Endy Rodríguez to start at the position, but general manager Ben Cherington said the team plans to have Rodríguez focus on catching. Jared Triolo, Billy Cook, Adam Frazier, Darick Hall, and DJ Stewart could all get reps during camp.

San Diego Padres: Will they trade a star before Opening Day?

The legal battle for Padres ownership caused a lot of financial uncertainty. As a result, the only multi-year deal the club gave out this winter was to Nick Pivetta, who will make a measly $1-million base salary in 2025 as part of a backloaded deal. Several of the club's best players, including Luis Arraez, Dylan Cease, Michael King, and Robert Suarez, have heard their names floated in trade rumours since they're all under contract for one more season. Xander Bogaerts and his albatross pact are also reportedly on the trade block.

San Francisco Giants: What does Verlander have left?

Which Justin Verlander will show up in his age-42 campaign: the future Hall of Famer who amassed a 3.22 ERA over 162 1/3 innings in 2023, or the injury-plagued pitcher who recorded a 5.48 ERA across 90 1/3 innings in 2024 while his velocity dropped? The Giants gave the right-hander $15 million in hopes his performance will be at least somewhere in the middle in his 20th and potentially final season.

St. Louis Cardinals: How much longer will Arenado be around?

Nolan Arenado must be kicking himself for vetoing a move to the Astros. The eight-time All-Star looks like he's stuck on the rebuilding Cardinals for the foreseeable future after the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman instead of acquiring Arenado following trade talks. A spring injury on a contender could open the door again, but it appears the 33-year-old will have to sit tight unless he becomes more flexible about where he'll play.

Washington Nationals: Will Crews earn a starting job in right field?

The 2023 No. 2 pick had a cup of coffee with the Nationals last season, slashing .219/.288/.353 with three homers in 31 games. Dylan Crews showed flashes of his potential to be a franchise pillar but also struggled at times. The 22-year-old has his sights set on winning a starting job this spring to begin the season in the majors. Washington should give him plenty of rope.