Spring training is always a time for change.

Every February, players gather at 30 (or, this year, 31) camps across Florida and Arizona to prepare for the coming season, and many of them do so in unfamiliar places thanks to trades or free-agent moves. For other players, the change is coming in the form of routine, as they're switching roles and tackling a new position.

Whether these changes - some of them risky - will pay off remains to be seen, but for now, they're some of the biggest storylines to watch ahead of Opening Day.

Here are five notable players who are changing positions this spring.

Zack Cozart, Angels: SS -> 3B

A stellar defensive shortstop, Cozart owns the fourth-highest UZR (41.9) at the position since 2012. But when the Los Angeles Angels came calling in free agency, he accepted their offer knowing full well that he'd be changing positions because of Andrelton Simmons. So Cozart will play third base in Anaheim, which should be fascinating. Not only has he never played a single inning at third base professionally, but Cozart has just 11 total appearances anywhere other than shortstop (all of them at second base). So, in addition to proving that his career season at the plate was no fluke, he'll have to adjust quickly to life at the hot corner. This is an experiment worth keeping one eye on.

Dee Gordon, Mariners: 2B -> CF

Gordon's no stranger to changing positions, having shifted from shortstop to second base in 2014. He immediately became an All-Star. However, that's a middle-infield shift. When the Seattle Mariners acquired Gordon this winter, they moved him to center field despite a grand total of zero career games at any outfield spot. This could prove to be genius, as Gordon's speed might be perfect for covering all the ground at spacious Safeco Field. And hey, if Gordon has some trouble dealing with the nuances of his new position, he can always go knock on the door of his neighbor, one Ken Griffey Jr. We hear that Griffey used to be a pretty good center fielder in Seattle.

Albert Pujols, Angels: DH -> 1B

Pujols was a decent defensive first baseman in his prime (he does own a pair of Gold Gloves), but foot injuries gradually forced him into full-time DH duty, and he's played just 34 games in the field over the last two seasons combined. Shohei Ohtani needs to DH when he's not pitching, though, meaning the 38-year-old Pujols will be forced to dust off his trapper and play first base every day for the first time since 2011. Pujols says he's dropped nearly 15 pounds and is ready for the task, but questions remain: Will returning to the field every day diminish his already weakened bat? Might his chronic plantar fasciitis get worse without half-inning breaks? What does Mike Scioscia do if Pujols can't do it after all? Watching Pujols try to rejuvenate his Hall of Fame career as a fielder may be one of the more underrated storylines of this coming season.

Ryan Braun, Brewers: LF -> 1B

The Brewers aren't exactly upset about having this problem, but trading for Christian Yelich and signing Lorenzo Cain created a glut of outfielders. As a result, Braun - the longest-tenured Brewer and former MVP who's been an outfielder for much of his career - will see a little bit of playing time at first base this year. He's already working hard at the transition:

Braun isn't completely unfamiliar with the infield, having debuted in the majors as a third baseman. And while his .895 fielding percentage as a third baseman would suggest he's a bad fit for the infield, first base is a different story. So far, Braun appears to be doing well at the new position, and his ability to play some first as needed will be a boon to the Brewers as they try to juggle everyone's playing time.

Wil Myers, Padres: 1B -> OF

When the Padres scooped up Eric Hosmer, Myers was more than happy to make room for his new teammate by shifting back to the outfield - which is interesting, since San Diego moved Myers to first base because of his defensive struggles. For his career as an outfielder (mostly right field), he's collected a career minus-5.5 UZR and minus-16 defensive runs saved. His last action as an outfielder came in 2016 - the same year he was a deserving Gold Glove finalist at first base - and his last turn as a primary outfielder was in 2014. So while Myers may be willing to shift off the infield for Hosmer, he'll face a steep (re-)learning curve as he tries to shake the bad habits that occasioned his switch to first. This intriguing side effect of the Hosmer signing will have a major impact on the Padres' standing.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)