There are places up for grabs in the middle order and a good performance in Lincoln could be enough to seal a spot in the season opener against Northern Districts in Queenstown next month.
Coach Mike Hesson named a 19-strong squad and indicated he would be keeping a close eye on the form of the batsmen.
"We've still got to firm up our batting order, so there is a chance for players to show that they have got their game in order," Hesson said.
That is good news for 19-year-old left-hander Michael Bracewell. The former wicketkeeper has given up the gloves to concentrate on his batting and will be hoping to force his way in.
He is one of four or five competing to join Craig Cumming, Aaron Redmond and Neil Broom in the batting line-up.
Darren Broom, who made a century on debut for Otago last season, and Shaun Haig, who has struck some good form during the trial, are ahead of Bracewell in the pecking order.
Dashing left-hander Hamish Rutherford and Sean Eathorne are the other candidates. But the teenager with the familiar family name is right in the mix.
His father, Mark Bracewell, played one first-class game and his uncles, Doug, Brendon and John Bracewell, all played first-class cricket.
John and Brendon went on to played for New Zealand and John, of course, is a former national coach. They are not bad genes.
The squad has a settled look but there are several other interesting newcomers. Former Canterbury all-rounder Iain Robertson gets his first opportunity to impress for his new province.
He is a hard-hitting batsman and useful change bowler who is bound to get an opportunity during the one-day tournament.
And 18-year-old left-arm pace bowler Blair Soper also looks an excellent prospect.
Hesson was impressed with Soper's form during the recent trial matches in Alexandra.
But the heat is on the batting this summer. In the last few seasons, Otago has struggled to take 20 wickets but had no problem amassing impressive totals.
The Volts made progress with the ball last season but were not as dominant with the bat. That will have to change if Otago wants to lift its first four-day title since 1987-88.
Hesson wants to see his batsmen occupy the crease "and show they are well organised and able to bat for extended periods of time".
For the bowlers, it is about performing with intensity for 16-18 overs a day and getting up the next day prepared to do it all again.
Black Cap and Otago all-rounder Nathan McCullum is representing New Zealand at the Hong Kong sixes and is unavailable.
Otago squad
For pre-season matches
Aaron Redmond, Anthony Bullick, Blair Soper, Craig Cumming, Craig Smith, Darren Broom, Derek de Boorder, Hamish Rutherford, Iain Robertson, Ian Butler, James McMillan, Mark Craig, Michael Bracewell, Neil Broom, Neil Wagner, Nick Beard, Sam Wells, Shaun Haig, Warren McSkimming.
