Veteran players have a lot to offer.  Not only are they respected and offer their talents on the field, they serve as mentors and leaders in the clubhouse by the way they go about playing the game.  Their experience gives them an advantage, and younger players enjoy picking their brain about anything and everything they can.  As Opening Day approaches, teams are gelling with their teammates, while preparing for the rigorous 162-game season.  Here’s a look at five MLB vets, particularly in the American League, with high expectations this season.

1. Russell Martin, Toronto Blue Jays

In an effort to make a serious postseason run, the Blue Jays spent some money this offseason and brought in a few players to boost their roster; one of them being veteran catcher Russell Martin.  The Jays inked Martin to a five-year $82 million contract.

Martin brings nine years of experience and is a .259 hitter.  Last season he hit .290 with 11 homeruns and 67 RBI with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  He’s a leader and works well with his pitching staff, which is something the Jays are counting on.

Martin is being paid a lot of money, and has to make it worthwhile for the Jays.  They need him to work well behind the plate with a questionable pitching staff, but also do his part in the batter’s box if they want to make a run for the AL East crown.

2. Billy Butler, Oakland A’s

The A’s had one heck of an offseason as Billy Beane wheeled and dealed some of their top producers over the past few seasons.  To make up for some of the loss of offensive power, he signed Butler to a three-year $30 million deal.  

Oakland’s lineup is questionable at best.  Without Yoenis Cespedes, Josh Donaldson, and Brandon Moss, they’ve lost a lot of star power.  Hits with runners in scoring position has been a recurring theme in Oakland, and they’re hoping Butler can change that.

The AL West is going to be a tough division in 2015, and the green and gold need Butler to step up and be the veteran on the team and in the lineup.

3. Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers

Detroit’s rotation took a hit with the loss of Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello.  Last season Verlander had a down season with an inflated ERA of 4.54, but it’s crucial for the ace to find his old form and perform well on the mound in 2015.

The AL Central is expected to be an extremely difficult division this year, with immense competition between the Tigers, White Sox, Royals, and Cleveland Indians.  While the Tigers pitching staff will be missing some key contributors, their offense is one of the best in the league full of pop, with the long ball threat.

If the Tigers have any hopes at making yet another postseason run, they need Verlander to step up now more than ever.  

4. Nelson Cruz, Seattle Mariners

Cruz had a remarkable 2014 season batting .271 with 40 homeruns and 108 RBI, making him a top free agent this offseason.  The Seattle Mariners, who were in desperate need of some power from the right side, signed him to a four-year $57 million deal.  

The AL West is stacked with talent and teams are making improvements as they seek October baseball.  The Mariners nearly snuck in last season, but came up just a bit short partially because of early offensive woes.  Cruz was brought in to fix that problem and provide some extra spark on an offense already featuring Robinson Cano and Kyle Seager.  

Seattle has a great opportunity to get back in the postseason, but they need Cruz to live up to his contract.

5. R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle, Toronto Blue Jays

With Marcus Stroman missing the 2015 season with a torn ACL, these two veterans will have to step it up in the rotation.  The Jays offense is clearly their strength, but with the loss of Stroman, their pitching is looking even more questionable as the season vastly approaches.  

The Jays have made strides to contend in the East and beyond, but need a strong showing from the pitching staff to make it happen.  Offense is great, but pitching is what leads to championships.

Last season Dickey went 14-13 with a 3.71 ERA, while Buehrle went 13-10 with a 3.39 ERA.  Both have been in the league for some time and have plenty of valuable experience.  Last season they went through some ups and downs, this year they need to remain in a consistent level throughout the year to give this revamped Jays team the best chance at a postseason run.