For many players already locked into roster spots, spring training is a time to shake off the rust and gear up for the upcoming grind of a 162-game season.
However, for those on the roster bubble, it's a chance to make an impression that could prove to be the difference between breaking camp on the big league roster and heading back to the minors to start the year.
Most roster decisions boil down to deciding on a final bench piece or relief arm to round out the bullpen, but there are always at least a handful of legitimate position battles at key spots.
The competition for the No. 5 starter job is the most frequent one you'll see around the league, and that is reflected in the following article, but there are a few other battles to keep any eye on at different positions on the field.
All of that said, ahead is a look at 11 top position battles to watch once spring training begins, as well as an early prediction on who will emerge as the winner.
Note: A player's name appearing in italics indicates that is not on the 40-man roster, but will be in camp as a non-roster invitee.
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