1 player from each team making the biggest impression

There will be regular-season baseball games played this week, which means it’s almost time to bid adieu to Spring Training. As Opening Day nears, dozens of players -- from roster hopefuls to young phenoms to veterans in new places -- will look back on their spring performances fondly.

With an assist from MLB.com’s beat reporters, here’s a look at one player from each team turning heads this spring.

Jump to: AL East | AL Central | AL West | NL East | NL Central | NL West

AL EAST

Blue Jays: OF Alan Roden
Early in camp, GM Ross Atkins singled out Roden as the one prospect he was looking forward to seeing in camp, which Atkins rarely does. The No. 5 prospect has responded by nailing every test the Blue Jays throw at him, impressing the organization on and off the field. Roden looks like a big leaguer already, and while the presence of both George Springer and Anthony Santander in the corners could keep him in Triple-A to start the season, he likely wouldn’t be there for long. By mid-season, there’s a shot Roden is batting leadoff for the Blue Jays. -- Keegan Matheson

Orioles: RHP Tomoyuki Sugano
The 35-year-old Japanese right-hander’s first Spring Training in the United States couldn’t be going much better. Sugano has tossed 10 1/3 scoreless innings over four Grapefruit League outings heading into Sunday and racked up 11 strikeouts, including nine in his past two starts (both vs. the Twins). The O’s are counting on a solid season from Sugano, who signed a $13 million contract to join the team’s rotation for the 2025 season after a standout 12-year career with the Yomiuri Giants in Nippon Professional Baseball. With how good Sugano has looked this spring, he could be a sleeper candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year Award. -- Jake Rill

Rays: RHP Joe Boyle
When the Rays traded Jeffrey Springs to the A’s for three young players and a Draft pick, they knew they were getting back a pitcher with what president of baseball operations Erik Neander called “the physicality and the stuff to fit at the front of the rotation.” Boyle’s fastball can sit in the triple-digit range, as it has this spring. His slider can be nasty. And the mid-90s “splinker” he committed to this offseason looks like a legitimate weapon. The difference that’s led to some electrifying outings this spring, though, is that Boyle has more often landed his high-octane stuff in the strike zone. There doesn’t seem to be room for him in the Rays’ Opening Day rotation, but if he continues doing this, it will be hard to keep him out of the Majors for long. -- Adam Berry

Red Sox: 3B Alex Bregman
Everyone knows about Bregman’s bat and glove, but his presence around the Red Sox is something the team could only observe once he signed in February. Bregman has instantly become a team leader not just among the Major League players, but for the team’s Minor League prospects. His eagerness to talk baseball all the time has become infectious around the team. On the field, he has taken frequent aim at the replica Green Monster at JetBlue Park, something that should happen many times at Fenway Park this spring, summer and fall. At the hot corner, Bregman has looked as smooth as advertised. -- Ian Browne

Yankees: RHP Will Warren
Warren hardly looked ready for prime time in his first taste of the Majors last season, when he was thumped to a 10.32 ERA across 22 2/3 innings, but the 25-year-old has refined his command and looks much sharper this spring. Injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil will test the Yankees' pitching depth, and Warren appears poised to take advantage of the opportunity. Manager Aaron Boone said Warren has "off-the-charts makeup" and believes he has the potential to be "a really good starter in this league." -- Bryan Hoch

AL CENTRAL

Guardians: RHP Gavin Williams
It’s not that Williams has come out of nowhere; he had a 3.29 ERA in 16 starts as a rookie in 2023. But he had to play catch up last year after right elbow inflammation delayed his season debut until July 3, after which he posted a 4.86 ERA in 16 starts. This spring, he again looks like a guy who could be a force near the top of Cleveland’s rotation. Williams’ fastball has regained the vertical movement that allows it to play up in the zone, after it played more like a sinker last season. He’s allowed one run in eight innings heading into Sunday, and he’s struck out 16 batters with only two walks over three starts this spring. --Tim Stebbins

Royals: LHP Daniel Lynch IV
There aren’t too many roster battles for the Royals this camp, but Lynch has made the biggest one -- the fifth starter battle -- at least an interesting conversation. His spring ERA jumped to 3.21 after allowing three runs in four innings on Thursday, admitting he got out of his delivery a bit that led to lack of execution, but his stuff has looked solid in five Cactus League appearances and he still hasn’t walked a batter in 14 innings while striking out 11. Kris Bubic might still be viewed as the frontrunner for the Royals’ fifth-starter spot, but Lynch has still made it a battle. And now the Royals have to decide if the lefty has earned -- and would help them more -- in a bullpen spot rather than simply using him for Triple-A depth. -- Anne Rogers

Tigers: 1B/DH Spencer Torkelson
Torkelson seemed to be at a crossroads with the organization after he lost his starting job at first base to Colt Keith to make way for Gleyber Torres at second. But rather than wait and hope for a fresh start somewhere else, Torkelson spent his offseason making much-needed adjustments to his swing and came to camp acknowledging he needed to be better. Thus, a player with a history of Spring Training struggles has slugged his way back into the Opening Day-roster picture as a right-handed option at first base, DH and maybe even some right field. -- Jason Beck

Twins: RHP Zebby Matthews
Injuries forced the Twins to rush Matthews to the Majors last year, and his inexperience showed. The right-hander got knocked around. This year, he looks like he belongs in the Majors. He’s been brilliant, most recently turning in maybe the Twins’ best pitching performance of the spring on Wednesday against Boston. He may be a long shot to make the rotation but he’s put himself in great position for opportunities that may arise later on. -- Matthew Leach

White Sox: RHP Shane Smith
This honor could go to infielder Brandon Drury, a veteran non-roster invitee who hit two home runs and drove in five during a victory over the Reds Friday. Right-handers Davis Martin and Grant Taylor also fall in this category, but Smith, the top pick in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft, earns the nod. Smith struggled with control in the first inning of his first Cactus League outing but has since been dominant on the mound, striking out eight in four innings against the Asian Breeze Thursday. He’s in strong contention for the fifth starter’s spot. -- Scott Merkin

AL WEST

Angels: RHP Ryan Johnson
Johnson, a second-round pick just last year, didn’t pitch professionally last season after a dominant showing at Dallas Baptist University but has wowed so far this spring. He has a funky delivery but throws strikes, as evidenced by striking out 151 batters and walking just 14 in 106 innings in college last year. He’s posted a 2.57 ERA with four strikeouts and no walks in seven innings this spring heading into Sunday and has firmly put himself on the club's radar. He's expected to remain stretched out to start but could be converted to relief and reach the big leagues in a hurry. -- Rhett Bollinger

Astros: 3B Cam Smith
Who else, right? Smith, the Astros’ top prospect who was acquired from the Cubs in Kyle Tucker trade in December, announced his presence right away when he homered in his first two official at-bats in Grapefruit League play. He didn’t stop there, banging out nine hits in his first 17 at-bats with five walks and only one strikeout. He made such an impression on the Astros that they are trying him out in right field as they look for ways to perhaps carry him on the Opening Day roster. -- Brian McTaggart

Athletics: OF Denzel Clarke
Clarke entered big league camp with defense that was touted as Gold Glove-caliber, and he lived up to the hype by showing off what seemed like endless range in center field with several highlight-reel plays. The A’s No. 6 prospect is supremely athletic with a tantalizing combination of speed and power, and though he still needs to fine-tune some mechanics at the plate, don’t be surprised if Clarke makes his way to the Majors at some point in 2025. -- Martín Gallegos

Mariners: INF Colt Emerson
With a team that has roster clarity and no major position battles, it's been the prospects who've made the most notable impression over the past month -- and leading that group is Emerson, who has looked and played way beyond his 19 years of age. MLB Pipeline's No. 20 overall prospect crushed a 112 mph homer and won a 14-pitch battle vs. a former All-Star, among many other things, in his first big league camp. At this time next year, we could be talking about him contending for a big league roster spot. -- Daniel Kramer

Rangers: RHP Jack Leiter
The Rangers’ No. 3 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, Leiter has had a roller coaster of a professional career, but has looked better than ever this spring. He’s allowed three runs in 10 ? innings of Cactus League play entering Sunday, while striking out 13. He’s struggled a bit with his command at times, including five walks in his last start against the Angels, but the addition of the circle change and sinker to his arsenal has made him a valuable rotation option to start the 2025 season. -- Kennedi Landry

NL EAST

Braves: C Drake Baldwin
Baldwin, who ranks as the Braves No. 1 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is a skilled hitter who has significantly raised his defensive stock in camp. Along with showing improved arm strength, he has meshed well with the Major League pitchers. His strides have positioned him to serve as the starting catcher while Sean Murphy misses the regular season’s first week or two with a cracked rib. There was always an expectation the 23-year-old would reach the Majors this year. But his camp has created reason to think he could spend a majority of this season with Atlanta, even if he just fills a backup role after Murphy returns. -- Mark Bowman

Marlins: 1B Matt Mervis
The Marlins saw Mervis as a change-of-scenery candidate when they acquired him via trade in December, and he has looked the part. Entering Sunday, Mervis leads Miami in home runs (three) and is tied for most RBIs (six). The left-handed-hitting slugger provides much-needed pop to a club that ranked toward the bottom of homers in 2024. Center fielder Derek Hill has also stood out this spring. -- Christina De Nicola

Mets: RHP Max Kranick
In a camp with few jobs up for grabs, Kranick stands out as the rare player forcing the Mets to consider him. Upon converting to relief work last summer, Kranick quickly began thriving in that role, his velocity ticking up to 98 mph and his ERA creeping downward. He opened this spring on much the same path, striking out 10 batters with no walks over eight consecutive scoreless innings. Although Kranick has an accessible Minor League option, he’s making a strong case to be included in the Opening Day bullpen, regardless. -- Anthony DiComo

Nationals: INF Nasim Nuñez
In a battle for the 26th spot on the roster, Nu?ez has made a strong case for the Nationals to consider. A 2023 Rule 5 Draft pick, Nu?ez hit .246 with a .632 OPS in 51 games as a rookie last year. This spring, he is batting .462 with a 1.033 OPS in his first 15 Grapefruit League games. Nu?ez could set himself apart with his speed as a pinch-runner; he has stolen seven bases and has been caught only once. -- Jessica Camerato

Phillies: RHP Taijuan Walker
Walker not only lost his spot in the Phillies’ rotation last season, but he dropped to sixth at best on the depth chart after going 3-7 with a 7.10 ERA in 19 appearances (15 starts) last season. His velocity dropped. His splitter lost its effectiveness. But Walker worked in the offseason to recapture his previous form, and so far this spring he has showed it. He has a 3.86 ERA in three appearances this spring: 9.1 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 3 HR. Walker almost certainly has locked up a spot in the Phillies’ bullpen, but he could return to the rotation if there is a need. Or he suddenly becomes a plausible trade candidate. -- Todd Zolecki

NL CENTRAL

Brewers: UTL Vinny Capra
Righty reliever Craig Yoho has wowed with his changeup but a player with a better chance to crack the Opening Day roster thanks to his Spring Training performance is Capra, a 28-year-old versatile defender who is out of Minor League options and came to camp intent on winning a job. With two weeks to go before the start of the regular season, Capra was tied with power-hitting Brewers teammate Rhys Hoskins for second in the Majors with five home runs in Spring Training games, a surprise since Capra isn’t regarded for his power. More important is that he’s been stacking quality at-bats and proving proficient all over the infield, particularly at shortstop. The ability to handle that position could prove key to his roster hopes. -- Adam McCalvy

Cardinals: DH/1B Luken Baker
Baker went into the offseason with the mission of increasing his bat speed and he ended up making dramatic strides in that area. The increased bat speed, combined with the strength from his 6-foot-4, 285-pound frame, has helped Baker to likely slug his way onto the Major League roster for Opening Day. So far heading into Sunday, he has seven hits in 25 at bats (.280) to go along with three homers and seven RBIs. Maybe more impressively, Baker has shown his command of the strike zone by walking seven times compared to just four strikeouts. He’ll most likely be used as a pinch-hitter in the season ahead -- something the left-handed heavy Cardinals have needed for years off the bench. -- John Denton

Cubs: INF Gage Workman
The Cubs picked Workman in the Rule 5 Draft, knowing there would be a need for bench depth this spring. Third base was unsettled and Nico Hoerner’s comeback from a right arm issue temporarily stripped the depth chart at second and short. Workman had a chance to impress and did so by playing strong defense and hitting .424 (1.201 OPS) in 15 Cactus League games. For now, he earned a seat on the plane to Japan for the Tokyo Series. That gives Chicago some more time to weigh his potential fit on the roster for the domestic opener and beyond. -- Jordan Bastian

Pirates: INF/OF Konnor Griffin
Griffin never had a chance of making the Opening Day team and has already been reassigned to Minor League camp, but the 2024 first-round pick opened eyes this spring, whether it was making diving catches in the outfield or going deep earlier this month. Sure, he’s mostly faced Minor League players this spring, but he’s 18 years old and not scared of the lights. That stands out as he is set to enter his first season of pro ball. -- Alex Stumpf

Reds: OF Jacob Hurtubise
Hurtubise, who played 29 games for Cincinnati after his big league debut last season, is close to playing his way onto the Opening Day roster. The lefty hitter hasn't always made strong contact but has put the ball in play, gotten hits to all parts of the field and runs well. Those are all the types of attributes that manager Terry Francona is fond of. -- Mark Sheldon

NL WEST

D-backs: 1B Josh Naylor
It isn’t like Naylor was under the radar coming into Spring Training, but when the Diamondbacks lost stalwart first baseman Christian Walker to free agency it left them with a huge hole to fill both on and off the field. Naylor has eased that concern this spring by not only looking good at the plate but also defensively. In addition, he fit seamlessly into a tight-knit clubhouse almost from the very first day. -- Steve Gilbert

Dodgers: RHP Roki Sasaki
Of the Dodgers' many offseason acquisitions, Sasaki had the most eyes on him during camp. He only made two Cactus League appearances, but they did not disappoint -- he didn't allow a run in seven combined innings, and his splitter looked as nasty as expected. Sasaki still views himself as a work in progress, but even so, his stuff plays against Major League hitters in a small sample. His MLB debut against the Cubs on Wednesday will be must-watch programming. -- Sonja Chen

Giants: LHP Robbie Ray
Ray experienced some ups and downs after returning from Tommy John surgery last July, but he’s rediscovered his Cy Young form this spring, logging a 1.93 ERA with 17 strikeouts and no walks over 9 1/3 innings in his first three Cactus League starts. Ray has been mixing in a new changeup he learned from Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, which he hopes will help him better neutralize right-handed hitters this season. -- Maria Guardado

Padres: DH/1B Gavin Sheets
Just before they opened camp, the Padres added Sheets on a Minor League deal. They needed some left-handed thump and had a vacancy on their bench -- and possibly even at DH. Sheets boasts serious power potential, though he struggled with the White Sox over the past two seasons. But after working on a few tweaks with the Padres’ hitting staff, he seems to be mashing his way toward a roster spot. In a four-game span last week, Sheets went deep five times, including a walk-off blast against his former club. -- AJ Cassavell

Rockies: DH/UTL Nick Martini
Martini, who signed before camp opened, knows what it’s like to make good on a make-good contract. He made the Reds after arriving on a non-roster invitation last year, earned an Opening Day start and hit two home runs. A thumb injury, however, ended his chance there. But with the Rockies, Martini posted a .387 batting average with two home runs through Saturday. More impressively, he drew seven walks to push his on-base percentage to .513 -- an eye-popping figure for a club that has free swingers and deals with difficulty with pitch selection because of the difference in pitch movement at altitude and on the road. -- Thomas Harding