Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Blue Jays right-hander Trey Yesavage is set to throw a two-inning simulated game against minor leaguers on Wednesday. Toronto is managing his workload carefully this spring following a significant increase in innings during the 2025 season. Despite the cautious approach, Yesavage is still expected to break camp as a member of the Blue Jays' starting rotation, though his workload will likely be monitored into the start of the regular season.
Fantasy baseball analyst Corbin Burnes provides a detailed breakdown of 2026 regression candidates, evaluating which standout 2025 statistics are sustainable and which should be ignored. His analysis covers key hitters like Jonathan Aranda, Nick Kurtz, Oneil Cruz, and George Springer, as well as pitchers including Cade Horton, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Andrew Abbott, and Shane Baz, offering insights into luck factors, skill sets, and park-adjusted expectations.
Ryan Rolison's spring training performance has been concerning, with a home run and six earned runs allowed in three innings. The 28-year-old lefty, acquired by the Cubs from the White Sox, has struggled with a high ERA and walk rate throughout his career. Despite possessing a four-pitch mix and mid-90s fastball, his numbers suggest he may start the season in the minors.
Despite solid results in spring training, concerns linger regarding Andrew Painter's fastball shape and induced vertical break (IVB). Pitch modeling experts note a decrease in IVB post-Tommy John surgery, potentially making his fastball more hittable. While velocity remains, the lack of elite ride and cut is a worry for the Phillies' top pitching prospect as he prepares for the 2026 season.
Hyeseong Kim is among the players who have advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic. While specific details of his performance are not elaborated upon in the provided text, his team's progression indicates his participation in the tournament's later stages.
Edwin Díaz pitched a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts to earn the save in Puerto Rico's 4-1 victory over Cuba, clinching a spot in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals. In two WBC appearances, Díaz has thrown two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out five batters. Puerto Rico will play Canada next.
Traded to the Mets from the White Sox, Luis Robert Jr. is aiming to overcome recent injury struggles and regain his 2023 form. The 28-year-old center fielder posted an 84 wRC+ in his last two seasons. The Mets plan a cautious approach this spring, with manager Carlos Mendoza hoping he plays in a game soon. Robert's defense is expected to provide stability.
The New York Yankees acquired lefty Ryan Weathers in an offseason deal to bolster rotation depth, with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt sidelined. Weathers showed promise in his spring debut against the Nationals, throwing 3.2 scoreless innings, but struggled in his second outing. His performance will be crucial for the Yankees.
Logan Gilbert has begun calling his own pitches during spring training, following the lead of teammate George Kirby. This adjustment is occurring while Cal Raleigh is away. The Mariners also faced the Kansas City Royals, with Bryan Woo showing promise in his outing.
Alek Thomas' hot streak in the World Baseball Classic came to an end as Team USA defeated Mexico 5-3. Thomas, a key player for the Diamondbacks, was unable to extend his hitting run against the strong American pitching. The USA's victory put them in control of Pool B.
Julio Teheran, a prominent pitcher for the Atlanta Braves in the 2010s, has announced his retirement. The 35-year-old right-hander last pitched in the majors in 2024 and struggled with injuries in recent years. Teheran was a two-time All-Star and made six consecutive Opening Day starts for Atlanta.
Kyle Stowers is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday against the Cardinals, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. Stowers has been recovering from a mild right hamstring strain but has progressed to the point where he will play the outfield. He is expected to be ready for Opening Day.
Munetaka Murakami delivered a powerful grand slam to cap off Japan's nine-run eighth inning, securing a dominant 9-0 victory over the Czech Republic in the World Baseball Classic. This win marked Japan's perfect 4-0 record in pool play as they advance to the quarterfinals. Murakami's timely power display was the highlight for the defending champions.
Oneil Cruz's contact metrics remained consistent with his career norms in 2025, despite a career-low .262 BABIP and a .200 batting average. His hard-hit rate and barrel rate were career-bests. With an improved Pirates lineup and potential for a .230 average, Cruz is projected for a 20/20 or 25/25 season, offering significant fantasy value.
Despite a shoulder injury impacting his 2025 season, Matt McLain showed promising signs in spring training, hitting two home runs in one game. His underlying metrics remained strong, suggesting his .220/.300/.343 line was an anomaly. McLain is projected to hit .252 with 20 home runs and 19 steals, making him a valuable second baseman.
Steven Kwan powered the Guardians' offense on Monday, going 2-for-3 with two home runs and four RBI against Kansas City. The Gold Glove left fielder is currently being tested in center field, having played seven consecutive games at the position to create opportunities for rising prospects like Chase DeLauter. The defensive experiment has not hindered his performance at the plate, as Kwan is batting .286 through nine spring games while demonstrating increased power.
Fernando Tatis announced his presence on the World Baseball Classic stage with a towering grand slam during the Dominican Republic's dominant win over Israel. The blast helped propel the Dominican squad to a 3-0 record in tournament play, setting up a highly anticipated matchup against an undefeated Venezuela team. Tatis’ power display highlights his readiness for the 2026 season as he continues to serve as a primary offensive catalyst for both his national team and the Padres.
Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is serving as a cornerstone of the Team USA starting rotation for the World Baseball Classic. Alongside fellow rotation members Paul Skenes and Nolan McLean, Skubal is expected to provide veteran stability and elite production for the American squad during the tournament. Additionally, Skubal is a focal point for individual milestones in the 2026 season as he looks to maintain his status as one of the premier arms in the American League.
Aaron Judge continued his impressive World Baseball Classic performance, hitting a two-run home run to help Team USA secure a 5-3 victory over Mexico. The blast was Judge's second of the tournament and sparked a five-run third inning that proved decisive. In addition to his offensive contributions, the Yankees captain showcased his defensive prowess with a critical throw to third base. Team USA remains undefeated at 3-0 and can clinch Pool B with a victory over Italy.
Masataka Yoshida is thriving in the World Baseball Classic, going 6-for-12 with two home runs through Japan's first four games. After a 2025 season hampered by shoulder surgery, the Red Sox veteran appears fully healthy and has reclaimed his signature power swing. Yoshida currently holds the inside track for Boston's primary DH role, and his elite international performance suggests he is ready to return to the veteran form he displayed during his standout 2023 rookie campaign.
