MLB’s Biggest Position Changes for the New Season

Part of the fun of a new baseball season is seeing familiar faces in new places. Usually that means players switching teams, but sometimes it’s about stars taking on brand new positions.

Here are eight major position changes to watch this season, and whether they’ll actually work out.

Rafael Devers, Red Sox

The change: From third base to designated hitter

The Red Sox infield has been a bit of a puzzle this spring. After signing Alex Bregman, they wanted him at third base with Devers moving to DH. This would eventually create an opening for top prospect Kristian Campbell at second base. Devers initially said no, but he’s now on board with the switch. Bregman has played exclusively at third this spring, while Campbell has bounced between second base and left field after making the Opening Day roster.

The expectation: It’ll work. Bregman is clearly better defensively at third, and the Red Sox needed to make room for Campbell, last year’s hottest minor-league breakout. The only real risk is Devers struggling with the downtime between at-bats as a full-time DH. But with his track record, that’s not a major concern.

Jose Altuve, Astros

The change: From second base to left field

Altuve isn’t the only longtime Astros star changing positions. He’s moving to the outfield to help Houston’s infield defense – he averaged worse than minus-13 Defensive Runs Saved over the last three seasons. The Astros have given Altuve lots of time in left field this spring, with Mauricio Dubón taking over at second. (Interestingly, the Astros are also trying top prospect Cam Smith in the outfield; they might end up with two career infielders playing the corner outfield spots.)

The expectation: It’ll work, at least for improving second base defense with Dubón. As for Altuve in the outfield, we’ll need some time before judging. You might think his below-average speed would be a problem, but there’s more to outfield play than just speed. For perspective, Altuve’s sprint speed last season was actually comparable to Steven Kwan’s – and Kwan has won three Gold Gloves.

Clay Holmes, Mets

The change: From the bullpen to the rotation

The Mets signed Holmes, who closed for the Yankees the past three seasons, to be a starter. While he came up as a starter (like many relievers do), he hasn’t even opened a game since 2018. The Mets are betting on Holmes’ impressive arsenal – three above-average pitches plus a new changeup – and his good control transferring to longer outings. He’s been named New York’s Opening Day starter, though that’s largely by default.

The expectation: Holmes has the stuff to be this year’s Michael King. The big question is whether he can handle the increased workload. That’s impossible to predict right now.

Mike Trout, Angels

The change: From center field to right field

Trout is 33 now and has averaged just 67 games per season over the last four years. The Angels desperately need more from him if they want to become competitive. Part of their plan is moving him from center to right field to reduce wear and tear on his body. This should also help avoid any age-related defensive decline.

The expectation: To be determined. Trout shouldn’t have any trouble adjusting to right field defensively. Will it actually keep him healthier? There’s simply no way to know yet.

Willson Contreras, Cardinals

The change: From catcher to first base

After years of rumors about position changes, Contreras is finally making a move. He’ll no longer have to worry about his subpar framing because there’s no strike zone at first base. Iván Herrera takes over catching duties, while Contreras just needs to focus on hitting and doing his best to match Paul Goldschmidt’s scooping ability.

The expectation: It’ll work. Contreras is one of the few catchers with enough offensive talent to move down the defensive spectrum without losing value. Herrera gets a chance to establish himself as part of the Cardinals’ core. Everybody wins.

Jonathan India, Royals

The change: From second base to left field

India has never played a single big-league inning at any position other than second base, despite grading as a subpar defender there. That’s about to change. The Royals have had him spend most of spring in left field, while still giving him some time at second (and third) to keep his options open. Kansas City values his on-base skills regardless of position.

The expectation: It’ll work fine as long as India hits. Like Altuve, we’ll need to see how he adapts to the outfield. He’s not particularly fast and has below-average arm strength, but there are other important skills for outfielders beyond those.

Jazz Chisholm, Yankees

The change: From third base to second base

Chisholm can’t seem to find a permanent home. He’s moved from shortstop to second base, then to center field, then to third base, and now back to second. On the bright side, he remains a talented hitter coming off an impressive 46-game stretch with the Yankees. With DJ LeMahieu sidelined with a calf injury, the Yankees will likely use Oswaldo Cabrera at third.

The expectation: It should work out well. Chisholm has always graded well defensively at second base, and there’s no reason to think this time will be any different.

Oneil Cruz, Pirates

The change: From shortstop to center field

This move actually started late last season – Cruz, who struggled with throwing accuracy at shortstop, moved to center field in August and played exclusively there afterward. The Pirates’ thinking makes sense on multiple levels: his exceptional speed and arm strength could make him an asset in center, and he might hit better without carrying defensive mistakes to the plate. Plus, it creates a strong left side of the infield with new shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa and third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes.

The expectation: It’ll work. Even if Cruz doesn’t reach his full defensive potential in center, the improved infield defense should pay off for the Pirates.