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2016 MLB Preview: Intriguing AL Spring Training Position Battles to Watch

By Jordan Wevers

Mar 3, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) runs back into the dugout during a spring training baseball game at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) runs back into the dugout during a spring training baseball game at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 3, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) runs back into the dugout during a spring training baseball game at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) runs back into the dugout during a spring training baseball game at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Things are starting to heat up with all players having now reported to their respective Spring Training locations. Baseball always has exciting breakouts and players that quickly climb depth charts to become relevant. In this 2016 MLB preview, here’s a breakdown of some of the more popular ones for 2016, broken down into all three American League divisions.

If the American League has its version of Giancarlo Stanton waiting in the wings, it’s best represented by Aaron Judge‘s massive wingspan. The 6-foot-7, 275 pound outfielder can hit, too. With only two minor league seasons under his belt, Judge has hit 37 home runs and clipped along nicely with a .281/.375/.467 slash line.

At 23, he’s raw, but talented. He profiles as a right fielder and it just so happens the Yankees’ starter there is soon to be 39. New York’s aging lineup seriously needs an injection of youth into it. Judge only has 61 Triple-A games under his belt. Based on how hard he trained this offseason, his progress in Spring Training will be one of many situations to keep an eye on in terms of position battles.

Next: AL West

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