Top position battles to watch in Spring Training

This time of year is always full of hope, as every team has a fresh start and can dream about the upcoming season. Teams don't have to cut down their roster to 25 yet, and fans can get a look at a wide range of players.

Part of the fun of Spring Training is the competitions for playing time. Whether it's a starting job in the outfield or the final spot in the bullpen, there's plenty to be decided this spring.

Here are the key position battles to look out for on all 30 Major League teams.

American League East

Blue Jays: Toronto had a busy offseason, adding Aledmys Diaz and Yangervis Solarte! But what role will each of them fill in a loaded infield?

Orioles: Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy provide a solid 1-2 punch atop the Orioles' rotation, but the last three spots are still up for grabs.

Rays: Two is company, three is a crowd and four is a party, but six is the Rays' competition at second base.

Red Sox: Boston has one of the best closers in baseball in Craig Kimbrel, but who will earn the eighth-inning role and be the primary setup man?

Yankees: Gleyber Torres is one of the most exciting prospects in baseball. But nearly a year removed from Tommy John surgery on his non-throwing elbow, will he be ready to start the season as the Yankees' second baseman?

AL Central

Indians: Michael Brantley's health heading into Spring Training has been a common theme the past few seasons. If he's not ready, what are the ripple effects on a talented, versatile roster?

Royals: Kelvin Herrera lost the closer's role last September to Mike Minor, but Minor has since signed with the Rangers. Can Herrera reclaim his spot at the back of the bullpen?

Tigers: Detroit has high hopes for Daniel Norris and Matthew Boyd, but there will be competition for them to crack the last few spots in the rotation.

Twins: The Twins have three locks for their rotation -- Ervin Santana, Jose Berrios and Kyle Gibson -- but even if they don't add more starters, there will be plenty of internal options.

White Sox: The rebuilding White Sox have an interesting competition in center field that includes several above-average defenders.

AL West

A's: With only Kendall Graveman and Sean Manaea certain to get spots in the rotation, Oakland has six starters vying for the final three spots.

Angels: After bringing in Japanese two-way star Shohei Ohtani, the Angels have many options for their rotation, including using six starters.

Astros: Derek Fisher scored the game-winning run in Game 5 of the World Series as a pinch-runner last year. Is he ready to take over as the defending champions' starting left fielder?

Mariners: The Mariners' starting outfield is set, but if Guillermo Heredia is not healthy at the start of the season, who could take over as the team's fourth outfielder?

Rangers: Texas addressed its lack of pitching depth in the offseason, and now, its many new acquisitions will fight for the final spot in the rotation with a few younger arms.

National League East

Braves: Atlanta has one of the best collection of young arms in baseball, and that provides one of the more intriguing rotation battles this spring.

Marlins: The Marlins have a pair of shortstops who they believe can be everyday players, although health may determine who breaks camp as the starter.

Mets: Few teams have the rotation talent that the Mets can boast. But which starters can separate themselves from the pack (and stay healthy)?

Nationals: Washington's roster is almost entirely set, save for a key battle for the fifth starter between A.J. Cole and Erick Fedde.

Phillies: The Phillies have one of the youngest rotations in baseball, and the club has plenty of options for the final spot if they don't add a veteran starter.

NL Central

Brewers: With Jimmy Nelson's return from shoulder surgery up in the air, the Brewers will likely have two spots in the rotation up for competition.

Cardinals: The Cardinals bolstered their bullpen over the winter with a handful of signings and trades. Luke Gregerson is the early favorite to close, but can anyone supplant him?

Cubs: The Cubs have an embarrassment of riches with five starting-quality outfielders. Who will separate from the pack and earn playing time?

Pirates: Filling the shoes of Andrew McCutchen is a tall, and likely impossible, order. But the Pirates do have an interesting competition in left field with a number of versatile options.

Reds: The Reds used 16 starters last season, and there will be plenty of competition in their rotation for 2018. Four spots are likely set, but a group of talented youngsters will vie for the final spot.

NL West

D-backs: With Fernando Rodney gone, the D-backs have an opening at closer. Will it be rising star Archie Bradley, or one of the team's new acquisitions?

Dodgers: Matt Kemp isn't quite the same player who almost won the NL Most Valuable Player Award in 2011, but does he have enough gas left in the tank to win the left-field job?

Giants: After Matt Cain's retirement and trading Matt Moore, the Giants have a pair of openings in the back of their rotation. Can top pitching prospect Tyler Beede unseat Chris Stratton or Ty Blach?

Padres: Out with Solarte and in with Chase Headley. After a pair of trades, plenty is still up in the air as four players vie for playing time at second and third base.

Rockies: The Rockies brought back a familiar face in Chris Iannetta. Now, Tony Wolters and Tom Murphy will compete to be his backup behind the plate.