Jose Altuve: A New Chapter in the Outfield
One of the most intriguing position changes in MLB spring training this year is the Houston Astros’ decision to move Jose Altuve from second base to left field. Altuve, 34, has long been a defensive standout at second, even winning the AL Gold Glove Award in 2015. However, as he has aged, his defensive skills have declined significantly. Since 2022, Altuve has been rated as the worst defender in the league, with a staggering minus-41 defensive runs saved (DRS). This move to left field is a major shift, as Altuve has never started a game at any other position during his entire big-league career. The transition will be challenging, especially given that the Houston’s Daikin Park features one of the shortest left fields in baseball, with the iconic Crawford Boxes. While Altuve’s arm strength might be a concern, his athleticism and determination could help him adapt quickly. This position change is one of the key storylines to watch as the 2025 season approaches, and it’s a testament to Altuve’s enduring legacy that he continues to push himself in new ways at this stage of his career.
Mike Trout: Shifting to Right Field for Health
The Los Angeles Angels’ superstar, Mike Trout, is making a position change from center field to right field. This move is driven by the Angels’ primary goal of keeping Trout as healthy as possible and ensuring he plays in as many games as he can. Trout, who has spent most of his career in center, is more than capable of handling right field, and he has plans to work closely with Angels instructor Torii Hunter, who successfully made the same transition late in his career. While the ideal scenario to preserve Trout’s health would be to make him the everyday designated hitter, his strong desire to play in the field makes that unlikely. Despite several past attempts to keep Trout injury-free, none have been entirely successful. This new position might just be the solution the Angels have been seeking. Trout’s exceptional athleticism and defensive skills suggest he could not only adapt but excel in this new role, potentially adding another layer to his already remarkable career.
Alex Bregman: A Versatile Transition
The Boston Red Sox’s newest acquisition, Alex Bregman, is preparing for a new position as well. Bregman, who has primarily played third base, will likely transition to second base to address Boston’s defensive needs. Bregman’s defensive prowess at third was evident last season, where he won the AL Gold Glove Award and rated above average in both defensive runs saved (DRS) and outs above average (OAA). However, Boston’s incumbent third baseman, Rafael Devers, has struggled defensively throughout his career, making Bregman’s move to second a logical decision. Devers has made it clear that he is unhappy about the possibility of giving up his position, which adds an interesting dynamic to the team’s infield situation. Regardless of the eventual lineup, Bregman’s versatility and defensive skills should provide a significant boost to Boston’s defense, but how the team management navigates this transition will be a fascinating aspect of the spring training.
Mookie Betts: Embracing Shortstop Full-Time
Mookie Betts is set to become the Dodgers’ full-time shortstop this season, a move that feels like a natural progression after he played half the season at short in 2024. The Dodgers’ outfield reconfiguration, including the signing of Michael Conforto and the return of Teoscar Hernandez, has paved the way for Betts to focus solely on his infield duties. While Betts has been one of the best right fielders in the league, his foray into shortstop last season showed promising results. He rated fairly well by defensive metrics, earning +3 DRS, though there were some issues with his throws. Over the offseason, Betts has been working diligently on improving his throwing accuracy, and given his status as one of the best athletes in the game, it’s reasonable to expect him to excel at shortstop. This transition is a pivotal moment in Betts’ career, and it underscores the team’s confidence in his versatility and defensive abilities.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.: Returning to Second Base
Jazz Chisholm Jr., now with the Kansas City Royals after an offseason trade, is moving back to second base, a position he has played before. Chisholm originally came up as a shortstop but transitioned to second base in the majors. When the Yankees acquired him last summer, he was placed at third base as a short-term solution. While he rated as a -2 DRS, he performed well above average in outs above average (+6 OAA). Chisholm’s athleticism has always been his strong suit, and his previous experience at second base makes this move more feasible. The Royals should benefit significantly from his defensive skills and versatility, especially after experiencing defensive lapses at the keystone in recent years. Chisholm’s return to second base is a positive development for the team and a testament to his ability to adapt to new roles.
Jonathan India: Finding a New Home in Left Field
Jonathan India, the solid hitter traded to the Kansas City Royals, is moving from second base to left field. While his offensive capabilities are not in question, India’s defensive struggles at second base have been a significant issue for the Cincinnati Reds in recent seasons. He rated as the second-worst defender in MLB by defensive runs saved. Now, with a fresh start in Kansas City, India will be tasked with learning a new position, left field, which is one of the largest in baseball. This transition represents a significant challenge, and it will be intriguing to see how quickly he can adapt to his new environment. The Royals are banking on India’s bat and his ability to improve defensively, and if he can make this transition successfully, it could be a vital piece in the team’s puzzle for the upcoming season.
