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Utility player (baseball)
Utility player (baseball)
Utility player (baseball)
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Brock Holt has played for several teams in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a utility player.

In baseball, a utility player or utility man is a player who has the ability to play more than one position in the field and is primarily used as a substitute. The term super utility player may be used to refer to a player who can play all or most positions, or a player who regularly appears in the starting lineup at different positions.

Description

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Utility infielders typically play both second base and shortstop, sometimes also third base, and more rarely first base. A "fourth outfielder" is likewise an outfielder who can play all three outfield positions but does not have the hitting skills to be a starting player. Some utility players have the defensive ability to play in both the infield and outfield—recent players in Major League Baseball (MLB) fitting this description include Marwin González, Brock Holt, Cory Spangenberg, Ben Zobrist, and José Caballero.

Playing time for fourth outfielders has been called "erratic and unpredictable".[1] Often, fourth outfielders are outfield prospects who have not settled on one outfield position when arriving in the major leagues,[2] veteran players seeking additional playing time to extend their careers,[3][4] or part-time position players who double as designated hitters.[1] Often, the fourth outfielder can be used in a platoon system against certain pitchers; for example, one outfielder will play only when the starting pitcher is a right-handed pitcher and the other plays only when the starting pitcher is a left-handed pitcher, if one player's performance is better against certain types of pitchers.

Notable utility players

[edit]
César Tovar played every position during his MLB career.

One of the earliest uses of the phrase in print was in The Cincinnati Enquirer in 1877 when Amos Booth of the Cincinnati Reds was described as "without doubt, the best utility player in the country."[5] That season, he played shortstop, pitcher, catcher, second base, third base and outfield.[6]

Within MLB, César Tovar,[7] Cookie Rojas,[8] Bert Campaneris,[9] Shane Halter,[10] Don Kelly, Jose Oquendo[11] Scott Sheldon,[12] and Andrew Romine all played every position (including pitcher) during their respective careers, with Tovar, Campaneris, Halter, Sheldon, and Romine all doing it in one game.

In 1991, the Detroit Tigers' Tony Phillips was the first player to start 10 games at five different positions in the same season.[13]

In 2005, Chone Figgins started 48 games at third, 45 in center field and 36 at second, and finished 17th in American League Most Valuable Player balloting.[14]

Second baseman Ben Zobrist of the Chicago Cubs has played first base, second base, third base, shortstop and outfield; José Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays has played first base, second base, third base, and outfield; and Josh Harrison of the Pittsburgh Pirates has played second base, shortstop, third base, outfield, and pitcher. All three have been named All Stars while playing multiple positions in their All-Star seasons.[15] Zobrist and Bautista both finished in the top 10 in MVP voting while starting at least 40 games at two different defensive positions.

In 2015, Brock Holt of the Boston Red Sox was the first player ever to be selected to the All Star Game after starting at seven or more positions before the All-Star break.[16]

Willians Astudillo of the Minnesota Twins has played every position except for shortstop in his major league career.[citation needed]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Utility player (baseball)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
In baseball, a is a versatile who can competently play multiple defensive positions, typically including both infield and roles, allowing managers to adapt lineups for injuries, matchups, or strategic needs. This role excludes pitchers and catchers, focusing instead on the seven field positions where flexibility is key. Historically, the utility player emerged as a bench option for late-game defensive substitutions or pinch-hitting, often prioritizing glove work over power hitting in an era of 25-man rosters. The position's scope expanded in the late 20th century with players like , who accumulated 50.9 over his career while logging time at six positions, including significant innings at second base, , third base, left field, center field, and right field. By the , the role evolved into a "super utility" archetype, exemplified by Ben Zobrist's 2009 season with the , where he started 104 games across six positions and posted an 8.6 , redefining the position as a high-impact everyday contributor rather than a mere reserve. Notable utility players have left lasting legacies through their adaptability and performance. Cesar Tovar holds the distinction of appearing at all nine positions in a single game on September 22, 1968, for the , while averaging 3.7 annually from 1966 to 1972. Martin Prado excelled across third base, left field, and second base, earning MVP votes in 2010 and 2012, including a 5.4 season in 2012 with the . More recently, Zobrist's versatility peaked as the MVP for the Chicago Cubs, where he played seven positions during the postseason. Andrew Romine also achieved the feat of playing all nine positions in one game on September 30, 2017, for the Detroit Tigers. In the modern MLB era, with expanded 26-man rosters and emphasis on platoon splits, utility players provide essential depth and have become integral to championship-caliber teams. Their value is amplified by advanced metrics like (DRS), as seen with Craig Counsell's +103 DRS across multiple spots, contributing to two Game 7 victories in 1997 and 2001. Today, players like José Caballero of the Rays, who has started at second base, third base, , left field, and right field in 2025, exemplify how versatility drives managerial flexibility and team success.

Definition and Role

Definition

In baseball, a utility player is defined as a versatile athlete capable of competently filling multiple defensive positions on the field to offer teams strategic flexibility in lineup construction and substitutions. This role emphasizes defensive adaptability across both infield and spots, distinguishing it from specialists anchored to a single position. Classification as a utility player requires demonstrated competence rather than mere occasional appearances; for instance, players must be reliable options across varied roles. This contrasts with platoon players, who primarily split time at one fixed position based on matchup advantages like , without the need for multi-positional competence. Typical positions covered by utility players include combinations like , second base, and third base in the infield, or outfield corners such as left and right field; they focus on the seven field positions: first base, second base, third base, , left field, center field, and right field. In , Rawlings introduced a for utility players, recognizing those who play multiple positions (excluding pitchers and catchers) and accumulate at least 698 in the field. The term "utility player" emerged in common baseball parlance as a descriptor for these "jack-of-all-trades" contributors, separate from roles like the , which focuses exclusively on offensive output without defensive responsibilities.

Role in Team Strategy

Utility players provide managers with significant strategic flexibility in lineup construction, enabling optimizations based on -batter matchups without compromising defensive integrity. For instance, a utility player proficient at multiple infield positions can replace a starter in the batting order to counter a same-handed —such as a left-handed batter facing a right-handed reliever—while seamlessly shifting to maintain fielding strength. This advantage allows teams to exploit splits, potentially boosting offensive output in key situations. On the roster level, utility players are crucial for maximizing the efficiency of the 26-man active roster, where space is limited to typically five starting pitchers, eight relievers, and a mix of everyday position players with bench depth. They occupy versatile bench spots that cover injuries, rest for regulars, or needs, ensuring the team can sustain performance over a 162-game season without over-relying on specialists. Prior to the universal rule adopted in 2022, National League teams particularly valued utility players for their ability to pinch-hit for weak-hitting pitchers or facilitate double switches, which preserved lineup order while substituting defensively. During games, utility players enable tactical in-game adjustments, such as late-inning defensive reinforcements to counter opponent threats or pinch-running to capitalize on base-stealing opportunities. Managers often deploy them as emergency replacements—for example, inserting a utility to spell a tiring starter at third base—allowing for real-time shifts that adapt to game flow without disrupting momentum. These applications underscore their role in maintaining competitive edges in close contests. Quantitatively, the versatility of utility players enhances team value through metrics like Wins Above Replacement (), where their multi-positional capability contributes to defensive stability and incremental wins by enabling optimal alignments across varied scenarios. While offensive contributions from pinch-hit roles add only marginal value—estimated at around 0.035 per opportunity—their overall flexibility bolsters roster depth and strategic adaptability.

Historical Development

Origins in Early Baseball

In the , baseball's formative years were characterized by small rosters and fluid rules that demanded versatility from players, laying the groundwork for what would later be recognized as utility roles. Teams typically carried around 10 to 15 players, far fewer than modern standards, which meant individuals often had to fill multiple positions to keep games playable amid injuries or fatigue. A prime example is Michael "King" Kelly, who in the 1880s with the Chicago White Stockings and Boston Beaneaters played , , first base, second base, , and third base, even pitching occasionally. Kelly's adaptability was essential in an era where substitutions were limited and rule changes, such as those allowing more flexible player entries in 1887, encouraged multi-positional contributions. The from 1900 to 1920 saw positions becoming more fixed, yet the need for versatile athletes persisted due to restrictive substitution rules that prohibited re-entry and limited bench options. Rosters, limited to 21 players until 1911, had expanded to 25 by 1912 and remained at that level through the 1910s, but teams still relied on players who could switch spots seamlessly to maintain lineup integrity. Germany Schaefer exemplified this during his career with teams like the Detroit Tigers and Washington Senators, where he shifted fluidly between second base, third base, , and even first base, often entering as a defensive replacement or pinch-runner. His infield versatility allowed managers to adapt to in-game situations without depleting their limited reserves. As baseball transitioned into the in the 1920s, with rule changes like the outlawing of the in 1920 leading to higher-scoring games and expanding leagues, utility roles evolved to fill gaps in increasingly competitive rosters now standardized at 25 players. This period introduced a more defined bench player concept post-1910s expansions, enabling teams to carry specialists who could plug defensive holes amid the era's offensive surge. Jimmie Dykes of the demonstrated this adaptability in 1927 by playing seven different positions, including all infield spots and , earning him a reputation as a "one-man bench" essential for tactical flexibility. Although no formal "utility player" label existed yet, such roles were a practical necessity, particularly in where even smaller budgets amplified the demand for multi-skilled athletes to cover shortages.

Evolution in the Modern Era

Following World War II, the role of the utility player began to solidify in Major League Baseball during the 1950s and 1960s, as teams sought versatile contributors amid growing league expansion and roster demands. The term "utility player" gained prominence in this era, describing non-star athletes who could fill multiple infield positions, often serving as late-inning defensive replacements or spot starters during doubleheaders. A seminal example was César Tovar of the Minnesota Twins, nicknamed "Mr. Versatility," who in 1968 became the first player in MLB history to play all nine positions in a single game, showcasing the value of such adaptability in an expanding league that added four new teams between 1961 and 1969. The introduction of free agency after the 1975 Messersmith-McNally ruling further influenced the role, enabling teams to acquire experienced, multi-positional veterans to bolster depth without committing to high salaries for specialists. By the , utility players like Tovar exemplified this shift, playing across the infield and to support expanded schedules and 162-game seasons, though their offensive contributions remained secondary to defensive flexibility. This period marked a transition from informal versatility in early to a recognized roster asset, driven by structural changes that increased the need for reliable backups. The analytics era from the 1990s onward elevated the utility player's strategic importance through , which quantified defensive versatility via metrics like Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR), developed in 2002 to measure runs saved across positions relative to league average. UZR highlighted the premium on players who maintained positive defensive value at multiple spots, such as and second base, allowing teams to optimize lineups and platoons; for instance, a with a +5 UZR at three positions could add equivalent value to a specialist at one. This data-driven approach, popularized by sites like , spurred the rise of "super-utility" profiles, contrasting with earlier eras' focus on mere competence. The 2022 implementation of the universal (DH) rule across both leagues reduced the offensive demands on pitchers, freeing roster spots for infield-outfield hybrids and amplifying utility roles, particularly in the National League (NL), where pitchers previously batted. Pre-2022, (AL) teams, with the DH since 1973, relied more heavily on versatile position players to cover 10 daily fielders, while NL squads prioritized pitcher-hitting strategies that limited utility usage; post-rule, NL adoption of utilities surged to match AL norms, enhancing hybrid value in balanced lineups. Recent trends underscore this evolution, with the pandemic's shortened 60-game season and expanded 30-man rosters (later reduced to 28 and 26) exposing vulnerabilities in depth, making utility players essential for handling outbreaks, injuries, and taxi squads. Super-utility athletes proved invaluable in the expanded that year, providing pinch-hitting and late defensive shifts to navigate unpredictable rosters. By 2025, ongoing analytics integration continues to prioritize these players for their multi-faceted contributions, adapting to rule stability and health protocols.

Required Skills and Versatility

Positional Flexibility

Utility players in demonstrate positional flexibility by proficiently handling multiple defensive roles, primarily across the infield and outfield. Core positions typically include the infield spots of second base, , third base, and first base, as well as the positions of left field, center field, and right field, allowing them to fill seven potential defensive slots excluding and . This versatility is particularly valued in premium "up-the-middle" positions like and center field, which demand superior range, quick reflexes, and arm strength to cover critical areas between the bases and in the gaps. Switching between these positions requires precise adjustments in and footwork to maintain effectiveness. For instance, infielders at second base or must master pivot techniques for turning double plays, involving rapid weight shifts and glove-to-hand transfers on ground balls, while ers focus on drop-step footwork and linear tracking to pursue fly balls over longer distances. A typical covers 3 to 5 positions effectively, though rare individuals achieve proficiency across 8 or more, often necessitating dedicated practice in position-specific drills such as infield grounder reps for quick releases and outfield route-running exercises for angle optimization. While occasionally venturing into or roles, these are infrequent due to their specialized nature. Proficiency in these roles is evaluated through fielding metrics that emphasize range and reliability across positions. , calculated as putouts plus assists divided by games or played, measures a player's ability to cover ground and make plays, with utility players needing consistent above-average marks (e.g., around 4.5 or higher for infielders) to justify their multi-positional value. Advanced metrics like Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) quantify runs saved or allowed, accounting for range, arm strength, and errors, where versatile players must demonstrate positive contributions in varied spots to avoid defensive liabilities. These standards ensure utility players contribute meaningfully without compromising team defense. However, not all positional combinations are feasible for utility players due to inherent physical and technical differences. Transitioning from , which involves prolonged squatting, blocking pitches, and managing gear that restricts mobility, to duties requiring sustained running and explosive sprints presents significant challenges, often leading to fatigue or suboptimal performance. Similarly, infield-outfield shifts demand adaptations in stance and reaction timing, limiting seamless coverage for some athletes and reinforcing the preference for clustered positions like corner infield and outfield. These constraints highlight the specialized training required to achieve true versatility.

Physical and Mental Demands

Utility players in must possess exceptional physical conditioning to handle the diverse demands of multiple positions, including infield and roles. is critical, as position players face cumulative weekly workloads from dense schedules averaging 6.3 games per week, with covering the highest total distances and high-speed running efforts. requirements are heightened by the need for lateral quickness and hard accelerations, particularly when transitioning between infield duties like those of first basemen and the sprinting demands of positions. Arm strength also varies significantly by role, with middle infielders performing the most total and hard throws per game, necessitating versatile throwing mechanics to avoid inefficiency or strain. The mental demands of utility players center on adaptability to shifting routines and quick decision-making in unfamiliar defensive spots. Players often embrace the challenge of daily position changes, viewing it as an engaging aspect of their role that requires mental flexibility to adjust strategies . Resilience is essential to cope with inconsistent playing time, as utility players frequently serve as substitutes or late-inning replacements, demanding emotional control and focus amid unpredictable usage. This psychological acuity enables them to maintain performance across varied scenarios without the stability of a fixed position. Training regimens for utility players emphasize cross-position practice, particularly during , where they hone skills at multiple spots to build defensive versatility. For instance, teams like the evaluate prospects as utility candidates by having them drill at second, third, and , simulating game-like scenarios to develop proficiency. However, this multifaceted preparation elevates injury risks from overuse, such as shoulder strains due to varied throwing angles and frequencies across positions. Playing multiple roles, especially when combined with other demands like occasional pitching, can exacerbate repetitive stress on the upper extremities, leading to conditions like tendonitis or elbow valgus torque issues. In the context, advancements like analysis support utility players' longevity by optimizing training and mitigating specialization-related wear. Markerless technologies, adopted by several MLB teams, identify movement inefficiencies—such as hip-shoulder separation—to tailor drills that enhance positional flexibility without excessive strain. These tools, including force plates for monitoring, help prevent overuse injuries and allow players to peak later in their careers by distributing physical stress across positions rather than concentrating it in one. Early specialization in a single role has been linked to shorter careers, underscoring the potential benefits of versatile development for sustained performance.

Notable Examples

Pioneering Utility Players

One of the earliest exemplars of the utility player role in Major League Baseball was Eddie Stanky, whose infield versatility helped anchor pennant-winning teams during the 1940s and 1950s. Primarily a second baseman with 1,152 games at the position, Stanky also logged 50 games at shortstop and 6 at third base, allowing him to fill multiple infield spots as needed. His gritty style and on-base skills—drawing 100 or more walks in six seasons, including a league-leading 144 in 1950—enabled lineup flexibility for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Boston Braves, and New York Giants. Stanky contributed to three National League pennants, appearing in the World Series in 1947 with the Dodgers (.240 batting average in 7 games), 1948 with the Braves (.286 average and .524 on-base percentage in 6 games despite an injury), and 1951 with the Giants. These efforts exemplified how a versatile infielder could stabilize contenders by adapting to injuries or strategic shifts, such as shifting to shortstop during key stretches. Stanky's influence extended beyond playing, as he became a player-manager for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1952 to 1953, where he emphasized aggressive baserunning and tactical discipline to maximize player utility. In this , he played 148 games across infield positions while guiding the team, fostering an environment that valued adaptable performers over specialists. Later managerial stints, though outside the primary focus period, built on this by employing innovative substitutions, such as 144 pinch-runners in 1966 with the , which highlighted his appreciation for roster flexibility. Stanky's career, marked by a .268 average and .410 over 11 seasons, underscored the utility player's value in enabling dynasty-like success through positional reliability rather than power hitting. Another pioneering figure was , whose exceptional range made him a cornerstone of the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics during the 1960s, culminating in the team's early dynasty. Campaneris, who debuted in 1964, primarily manned for 1,897 games but demonstrated profound versatility by playing third base (76 games), left field (68), second base (34), and even , , first base, center field, right field, and in limited appearances. His defining moment came on September 8, 1965, when he became the first major leaguer to play all nine positions in a single game against the California Angels, a 13-inning affair where he went 0-for-3 but made several solid defensive plays before a late injury. This stunt, orchestrated by owner Charles Finley, showcased Campaneris's ambidextrous pitching ability (rooted in his minor-league days) and athleticism, including 649 career stolen bases, with six American League titles led by 62 in 1968. Campaneris's multi-positional prowess was instrumental in the Athletics' three consecutive World Series championships from 1972 to 1974, where he started 37 postseason games, batting .259 with 6 steals and providing defensive stability across the infield and outfield. As a mainstay, he holds Athletics franchise records for career games played (1,795), hits (1,882), and at-bats (7,435), enabling manager to deploy him flexibly amid roster turnover and injuries during the team's five division titles from 1971 to 1975. His speed and glove work—evidenced by six Gold Glove considerations and elite range at —allowed the A's to maintain a dynamic lineup, contributing to their success against powerhouse opponents. Both Stanky and Campaneris faced Hall of Fame scrutiny tied to their versatility, often overlooked in favor of more specialized stars. Stanky appeared on ballots from 1958 to 1968, peaking at 6% of the vote, with advocates citing his elite on-base skills and pennant impacts but noting his lack of power (37 home runs career) diminished his case amid an era prizing sluggers. Similarly, Campaneris garnered just 3.4% in his 1989 debut and a high of 6.2% over 15 years, with supporters highlighting his 53.1 , stolen-base prowess, and dynasty role, yet his utility nature and modest .259 average were seen as insufficient against position-specific benchmarks. Their legacies illustrate how early players revolutionized roster management by prioritizing adaptability, paving the way for future multi-positional stars without the glamour of single-position dominance.

Contemporary Utility Players

In the modern era of baseball, utility players have become essential for their ability to fill multiple roles, particularly from the 2010s onward, as teams prioritize roster flexibility amid evolving defensive strategies. exemplifies this shift, playing seven positions—including , second base, outfield, first base, third base, and —across his career with the and Cubs. His 2009 season with the Rays, where he posted an 8.6 with a .297 and 27 home runs while earning an nod, redefined the utility archetype by combining elite offense and defense across the diamond. Zobrist's versatility peaked in 2016 with the Cubs, contributing 3.5 and earning MVP honors as a multi-positional contributor to their championship run. Marwin Gonzalez further illustrated the utility player's playoff value during the 2010s, showcasing proficiency at eight positions: first base, second base, third base, , left field, center field, right field, and even pitching. With the Houston Astros, his 2017 campaign featured a 4.1 , .303 , 23 home runs, and a .907 , culminating in a World Series title where he played multiple infield and spots across 18 postseason games. Gonzalez's defensive reliability and timely hitting, evidenced by a .530 that year, allowed managers to adapt lineups dynamically without sacrificing production. Enrique "Kiké" Hernández has sustained this trend into the 2020s with the , demonstrating versatility across infield (second base, third base, , first base) and outfield positions (left, , right). His postseason prowess shines, including a .320 average with three home runs in 13 games during the 2017 , a championship, and a .294 average with two home runs in 14 games en route to the 2024 title. Through 2025, Hernández accumulated a career 17.1 , with a 1.3 in 2024 (.229 average, 12 home runs) and -0.1 in 2025 (.203 average, 10 home runs), underscoring his enduring impact on roster management. These players' legacies are quantified by their Wins Above Replacement (WAR), which captures the blend of offensive output and defensive adaptability; Zobrist's career 44.7 WAR, Gonzalez's 14.5 WAR, and Hernández's 17.1 WAR highlight how versatility amplifies overall value in an era favoring switch-hitters and multi-tool athletes. As of 2025, the shift ban implemented in 2023 has elevated utility roles by emphasizing speed and range, with rising stars like (Rangers), who plays seven positions and hit .316 early in the season, and Zack McKinstry (Tigers), boasting a .903 in right field, adapting to broader defensive alignments for enhanced team flexibility.

Impact on Game and Roster Management

Tactical Advantages

Utility players provide significant offensive flexibility by enabling managers to execute pinch-hitting or platooning strategies without compromising defensive quality. This allows for targeted substitutions, such as late-game swaps to introduce speed or power against specific pitchers, optimizing matchups and enhancing run production. For instance, positional versatility correlates with increased pinch-hit opportunities, which boost weighted on-base average (wOBA) by approximately 0.035 per at-bat, translating to additional team wins through improved offensive output. Defensively, utility players contribute to stability by facilitating seamless mid-game shifts, such as repositioning an to , which maintains fielding efficiency during critical moments. This adaptability proves particularly advantageous in or doubleheaders, where fatigue and limited roster options can otherwise erode performance; versatile players ensure reliable coverage across positions, allowing teams to sustain defensive integrity without forced errors or suboptimal alignments. Over the course of a , utility players offer benefits through effective injury coverage, minimizing performance dips by filling gaps without requiring rushed promotions from the minors, and by reducing the impact of slumps through rotational rest. This versatility also enhances cost-efficiency for mid-market teams, which can allocate resources more effectively by relying on multi-positional players rather than specialized, high-salary acquisitions, thereby maintaining competitiveness on tighter budgets. Analytics studies underscore these advantages, demonstrating that roster flexibility from utility players can increase team value by 3% to 15% in runs above replacement, equating to roughly 0.5 to 2.5 additional wins per season depending on the roster. In situations, such as late innings, this versatility elevates by enabling precise tactical adjustments, with substitutions adding measurable edges in high-leverage scenarios.

Challenges and Limitations

Utility players in often face irregular playing time due to their role as substitutes for multiple positions, leading to inconsistent starts and benchings when specialists return from injury or . This sporadic schedule can result in offensive inconsistency, as evidenced by Cleveland Guardians utility infielder Will Wilson, who posted a .511 in 2025 across 34 games, often in situations against left-handed pitchers, hampered by limited opportunities to find a rhythm. Such players also experience higher rates of trades or demotions, as teams prioritize everyday starters for lineup stability over versatile backups who may not accumulate enough plate appearances to maintain peak performance. Developmental challenges further compound these issues, as the lack of specialization in a single position often prevents utility players from achieving stardom or earning major awards like the MVP, which typically reward consistent, high-volume contributors at premium defensive spots. The ", " limits their projection as everyday players, relegating many to bench roles rather than core lineup fixtures. Additionally, the physical strain of adapting to diverse positions heightens injury proneness; utility players must prepare for the highest workloads across roles, such as the high-speed running of outfielders (up to 619 meters per seven days for center fielders) or hard accelerations at first base, correlating with elevated rates of strains (36.0% for infielders) and calf strains (38.4% for infielders). This versatility can extend return-to-play timelines after injuries, as position-specific demands vary significantly and require tailored recovery. Teams relying heavily on utility players risk exposing roster weaknesses if these athletes underperform, as their multifaceted roles amplify any slumps in a way that specialists might not, potentially disrupting tactical flexibility without adequate depth. such players presents unique challenges, as evaluators must assess true versatility across positions rather than excelling in one, complicating projections of defensive reliability and overall value in a league emphasizing specialized tools. By 2025, evolving rules like the and larger bases have intensified speed demands, with stolen bases surging (e.g., utility player exceeding 30 in 2023 post-changes) and requiring quick adaptations in multiple roles, which may strain utility players' viability if they lack elite athleticism to match the heightened pace. This shift underscores the physical toll on versatile athletes, potentially favoring teams with deeper, more specialized benches over those over-dependent on multi-position adaptability.

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  47. https://tht.fangraphs.com/positional-versatility-and-the-zobrist-fallacy/
  48. https://www.sloansportsconference.com/research-papers/the-value-of-flexibility-in-baseball-roster-construction
  49. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6568307/2025/08/22/cleveland-guardians-platoon-hitting/
  50. https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-challenge-of-being-a-modern-day-scout/
  51. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38513200/mlb-2023-rule-changes-takeaways-impact-pitch-clock-bigger-bases
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