The Boston Red Sox's roster has been overflowing with talent for a while now, so it's no surprise that there are some interesting competitions at the end of the spring.
In particular, it looks like a real battle is brewing for the No. 5 starter role, as newcomer Johan Oviedo will battle with veterans Patrick Sandoval and Kutter Crawford, who missed all of last season due to injury, as well as promising rookies Payton Tolle or Connelly Early.
As spring training action kicks off Friday with the Red Sox's traditional opener against Northeastern University, here are the players we think have an early edge on grabbing a spot in Cincinnati on March 25:
Catchers (2): Carlos Narváez, Connor Wong
Narváez established himself as the starter last season and looks to build on a solid rookie campaign. Wong might face a mild challenge from newcomer Matt Thaiss, depending on the results of spring training games, but currently has the inside edge.
Infielders (6): Willson Contreras, Caleb Durbin, Trevor Story, Marcelo Mayer, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Nate Eaton
The final name on the list is the interchangeable one here. We see Eaton having the edge over the likes of Andruw Monasterio and non-roster invitee Brendan Rodgers, but that could easily change based on who impresses the most over the next month. Eaton's ability to play the outfield helps, too.
Outfielders (4): Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela
This is something of a signature group at this point. All four of the Red Sox's outfielders will participate in next month's World Baseball Classic, and since Duran wasn't traded, he looks to be in line for a lot of at-bats in the designated hitter spot. Which brings us to...
Designated hitter (1): Masataka Yoshida
No one's position in the organization is more precarious than Yoshida's at this point. A trade might still materialize in spring training, but even if it doesn't, his job security will only diminish as Triston Casas works his way back to full health.
Starting pitchers (5): Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suárez, Sonny Gray, Brayan Bello, Johan Oviedo
We can write those first four names in pencil, because as long as no one gets hurt, they've all earned their jobs. And as much as the Red Sox are emphasizing competition, it feels like they have a lot of hope for Oviedo, who is only under contract for two seasons and cost them top outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia in a trade.
Relief pitchers (8): Aroldis Chapman (closer), Garrett Whitlock, Justin Slaten, Greg Weissert, Jovani Morán, Zack Kelly, Ryan Watson, Kyle Keller
Kutter Crawford would have a strong case to grab a long relief spot, but it now seems as though the righty has a good chance to open the season on the injured list. That opens the door for Keller, a non-roster invite, but also a handful of others, like righties Seth Martinez, Hobie Harris, and Noah Song.