Injuries are a regrettable aspect of Spring Training, but teams must swiftly shift their focus to identifying potential replacements.
This often requires teams to depend on inexperienced players to step up and fill the gaps.
Here are 12 lesser-known players who may unexpectedly find themselves taking on bigger responsibilities following injuries to key team members this spring.
Drake Baldwin, C, Braves
Ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 62 overall prospect, Baldwin made a strong case for a Major League opportunity with an impressive performance in the Minor Leagues last season. He posted a .298/.407/.484 batting line with 12 home runs, 52 walks, and just 54 strikeouts over 334 plate appearances for Triple-A Gwinnett. His successful season likely influenced Atlanta’s decision to pass on veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud‘s 2025 option. Initially projected to compete for the backup catcher role behind Sean Murphy this spring, Baldwin has now moved up the depth chart due to Murphy’s cracked left rib sustained on February 28.
Brett Baty, INF, Mets
Once a highly regarded prospect sitting at 21st on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects list entering 2023, Baty has struggled at the Major League level, with a .215/.282/.325 slash line and a 70 OPS+ over 169 games. However, with Jeff McNeil sidelined by a right oblique strain, Baty now has a shot for regular playing time at second base, marking his debut at the position.
Emerson Hancock, SP, Mariners
Drafted sixth overall in 2020, Hancock was once viewed as the Mariners’ premier pitching prospect. While teammates Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo have solidified their spots in the rotation, Hancock has yet to establish himself in the Majors with a 4.71 ERA in 15 starts. At age 25, he will get another chance to prove himself as Kirby is sidelined with right shoulder inflammation.
Brooks Lee, INF, Twins
The Twins, still waiting on Royce Lewis to regain consistency since being drafted first overall in 2017, are faced with yet another injury setback, as Lewis is expected to miss Opening Day due to a left hamstring strain. In light of this injury, Lee, who had a challenging 185-plate appearance debut with a .585 OPS last season, may get an opportunity as he is ranked No. 18 among MLB’s Top 100 prospects.
Tylor Megill, SP, Mets
Megill’s journey through the Majors has been marked by injuries and inconsistency, resulting in a 4.56 ERA over 74 games. With Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea both dealing with injuries, Megill has another chance to secure a spot as a starter. He enters the season building on a strong finish from 2024, where he achieved a 2.32 ERA with 36 strikeouts over 31 innings during his last six starts.
