Spring Training Standouts: Early Impressions and Opening Day Aspirations
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, the baseball world’s attention increasingly turns to the spring training fields of Arizona and Florida. The Grapefruit and Cactus League games, initially viewed as casual tune-ups, are beginning to take on greater significance. Rosters are being finalized, roles are being defined, and players are battling to make a lasting impression before the official start of the Major League Baseball season on March 27th, 2025. For some, it’s a chance to prove their worth and cement their place in the organization’s pecking order. For others, it’s about rebounding from injury and showcasing their resilience. While plenty can change in the coming weeks, several players have already turned heads and provided reasons for optimism with their early spring performances. Let’s take a look at some players who have sparked excitement and soothed anxieties with their displays so far.
Alcántara: The Jaguar Stalking a Cubs Roster Spot
He’s known as "The Jaguar," a fitting moniker for a player seemingly ready to pounce on a coveted spot on the Chicago Cubs’ opening-day roster. Alcántara, a towering presence at 6-6 and 188 pounds, has impressed with his raw power and developing skills. His early Cactus League performance, highlighted by five hits in his first eight at-bats, suggests that he learned valuable lessons during his brief major league stint at the end of the 2024 season. The Cubs face a crucial decision: Should Alcántara serve as a valuable extra outfielder, providing depth behind established players like Seiya Suzuki, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Ian Happ? Or would he be better served continuing his development at the Class AAA level in Iowa? He only has 35 games of AAA experience, but his .848 OPS and .378 OBP in that limited sample size, which builds on his .354 career minor league mark, are promising indicators of his potential. What’s more, Alcántara has demonstrated exceptional exit velocity, exceeding 110 mph on multiple occasions, including a 104.4 mph double in a recent Cactus League game. As he continues to mature and add muscle to his frame, his power could become even more formidable.
McLain: Emerging from the Shadow in Cincinnati
Elly De La Cruz has captured the attention of baseball fans everywhere, gracing the cover of MLB The Show and dominating the Cactus League with his electrifying play. However, let’s not overlook the player who previously held down the shortstop position for the Cincinnati Reds. At 5-8, Matt McLain’s stature is easily overshadowed by De La Cruz’s imposing 6-6 frame. After missing the entire 2024 season due to left shoulder surgery following a spring training injury, McLain had been out of sight and out of mind for many fans. However, the sound of the ball coming off his bat this spring has been impossible to ignore. McLain has already set a personal best with a 112.3 mph batted ball and has collected seven hits in 20 at-bats, four of which went for extra bases. It’s worth remembering that McLain posted an impressive .290/.357/.507 batting line for the 2023 Reds. He joined the team in May, and De La Cruz arrived a month later, and the team won 82 games. Now, the band is back together, and they’re calling themselves "Batman and Robin." The nickname might lack originality, but their on-field performance has the potential to be truly special.
Simpson: Speedster Striving for Tampa Bay
In an era dominated by home runs and strikeouts, Tampa Bay’s outfielder, Simpson, offers a refreshing change of pace. He may not be a power hitter – he’s only hit one home run in 1,041 minor league plate appearances – but his speed is truly exceptional. Simpson has already stolen a pair of bases in Grapefruit League play, clocking in at an impressive 30.4 mph in sprint speed. Last season, he stole 104 bases in 110 games at High-A and Class AA, demonstrating his ability to terrorize opposing pitchers and defenses. That speed certainly translates well to center field, where his range and ability to track down fly balls make him a valuable asset. While the Rays are likely to start the season with Jonny Deluca in center field, Simpson’s continued dominance on the basepaths and his ability to put the ball in play could force the team to reconsider his timeline for a major league promotion.
Bautista: The Mountain Returns to the Mound
Felix Bautista, "The Mountain," was a dominant force for the Baltimore Orioles in 2022 and 2023, racking up 48 saves and striking out an astounding 14.1 batters per nine innings. It was disheartening to see such a powerful pitcher sidelined by an ulnar collateral ligament injury in August 2023. While Tommy John surgery has become increasingly common for pitchers, the recovery process is never guaranteed, and the question of whether Bautista could regain his previous form lingered in the air. His first Grapefruit League appearance this spring was a resounding answer. Bautista unleashed fastballs that reached 97 mph, and his signature splitter was as devastating as ever. He struck out two batters in a clean inning, providing a glimpse of the dominant closer he once was. The Orioles have other key players who will play a significant role in their pursuit of an AL East title, but a dominant presence at the back end of the bullpen could be the final piece they need to contend for a championship.
Moore: A Fast Track to the Big Leagues?
The race to be the first player from the 2024 draft to reach the major leagues is heating up. This year’s draft was notable for its abundance of college talent, with the first eight players selected all coming from the collegiate ranks. Among that group, Moore might be the one to make the quickest ascent. Moore enjoyed a stellar 2024, winning the SEC triple crown, leading Tennessee to a national championship, and nearly earning a September call-up just six weeks after being drafted eighth overall by the Los Angeles Angels. He’s now the talk of the Angels’ spring training camp in Tempe, Arizona, hitting well with a .409 OBP, and also taking reps at both second and third base. With Anthony Rendon’s ongoing injury issues and the addition of veteran Yoan Moncada, along with Lusi Rengifo, already at second base, it would still seem like a long shot for Moore to break camp with the team. However, the Angels have a history of aggressively promoting recent draftees, and Moore’s offensive prowess could earn him a spot in Anaheim before Memorial Day.
Matthews: Control and Velocity Combine
There may not be another pitcher in professional baseball who commands the strike zone as effectively as Matthews. In 205 1/3 career minor league innings, he has walked just 22 batters. His nine-start debut with the Twins at the end of last season didn’t go quite as smoothly, but he had surpassed his career innings high at that point. This spring, Matthews has consistently been throwing fastballs at 97 mph, a promising sign for the young pitcher. While Matthews isn’t solely reliant on his velocity, the increased zip on his fastball has made his entire repertoire more effective. His results this spring have been impressive: five scoreless innings, seven strikeouts, and, true to form, no walks. Although there likely isn’t an opening-day spot available in the Twins’ rotation, Matthews could potentially beat out Simeon Woods-Richardson for the final spot. Regardless, he is likely to make another appearance at Target Field this season, possibly even before April arrives.
