True contenders in MLB know that the key to remain on the top is promoting a competitive internal environment.
Since they often have talented players across the diamond, more than one star deserves more playing time at a specific position.
Competition is always positive, just ask the Atlanta Braves, a team that traded for four starting-caliber outfielders to fuel their 2021 championship run in days in which there was no universal DH: Adam Duvall, Jorge Soler, Eddie Rosario, and Joc Pederson.
They know that players who are competing for a spot will not relax, otherwise they risk losing playing time and, in the end, dollars.
Braves insider David O’Brien is highlighting some of the spring training competitions within the Braves roster.
“#Braves added Kevin Pillar to mix competing for bench or LF with returners Ozuna, Rosario. Pillar signed minor league deal that’ll pay $3M if he makes ATL team. They already signed OFs Jordan Luplow, Sam Hilliard & Eli White to MLB deals. Luplow & White have minor league options,” O’Brien tweeted.
#Braves added Kevin Pillar to mix competing for bench or LF with returners Ozuna, Rosario. Pillar signed minor league deal that'll pay $3M if he makes ATL team. They already signed OFs Jordan Luplow, Sam Hilliard & Eli White to MLB deals. Luplow & White have minor league options.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) January 19, 2023
Ronald Acuna Jr. is obviously assured a starting spot.
The same happens with reigning NL Rookie of the Year Michael Harris II.
Left field and the designated hitter spot, however, should be up for grabs.
Pillar profiles better as a fourth outfielder, but Marcell Ozuna and Eddie Rosario could be the starters at those two positions.
Jordan Luplow, Sam Hilliard and Eli White are not locks to make the roster, but Hilliard is out of minor league options while the other two can be optioned to Triple-A.
The Braves are hoping that at least one of that trio can provide a solid bench bat that could get some starts at DH.
The situation after Acuna and Harris is pretty much fluid.
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