Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., an 'all-world talent,' continued his superstar performance in 2025, despite an offensive drop-off from his 2024 MVP runner-up season to a fourth-place finish. Witt Jr. is recognized as one of the best young position players in MLB, forming a formidable duo with Maikel Garcia. His consistent high-level play has significantly elevated the Royals in recent power rankings.
Brandon Marsh is currently dealing with hand soreness after jamming his hand during sliding practice. He is not expected to return to Grapefruit League play until at least next Tuesday, as reported by Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Phillies are exercising caution and do not plan for imaging at this time. Marsh is projected to be the team's primary left fielder this season after slashing .280/.342/.443 with 11 home runs in 2025.
Braves pitcher Bryce Elder delivered a solid performance in his spring training outing against the Pirates, striking out three batters and issuing no walks over two innings. He effectively kept the ball on the lower side of the launch angle spectrum, allowing just one run from a couple of hard-hit singles and a stolen base. Elder's efficient start contributed to Atlanta's 3-1 victory.
Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who led MLB with 60 home runs last season—the most ever for a primary catcher—is not focused on repeating that milestone. After hitting a 427-foot homer in his third spring game, Raleigh stated he's aiming for consistency. The 29-year-old, who also had a career-high 125 RBIs and finished second in AL MVP voting, is set to represent Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Blue Jays veteran George Springer is expected to primarily serve as the designated hitter this season, with his role in the outfield diminishing. While the team faces an outfield logjam, Springer is no longer considered a full-time outfielder, focusing instead on his offensive contributions from the DH spot.
Daulton Varsho is confirmed as the Toronto Blue Jays' starting center fielder for the upcoming season. His position is considered locked, providing stability in the outfield amidst other players vying for corner spots and DH duties.
Blue Jays outfielder Addison Barger, 26, is considered a priority for the team's outfield, projected as the right fielder of the future and present after a strong rookie season. With multiple years of control, he may also see time at third base. While he struggled against left-handed pitching in 2025, he showed promise against them in the minors, and the team aims to shelter him from top lefties as he develops.
Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen made his spring debut, pitching one inning. He allowed a lead-off hit but struck out two batters, throwing over 95 mph on his 23 pitches. Gallen is reportedly a bit behind other pitchers, and his performance may influence the decision for the Opening Day starter, especially if Merrill Kelly is replaced.
Future Hall-of-Famer Craig Kimbrel, with 440 saves, is in Mets camp as a non-roster invitee, aiming for a bullpen spot. After struggling in 2024 with the Orioles and a brief stint with the Braves in 2025, he found renewed success with the Astros, posting a 3.00 ERA over 11 innings. Kimbrel, 37, is reinventing his approach, relying more on an improved sweeper and curveball, and is testing a cut fastball. He's pacing himself, focusing on being his best by year-end rather than an immediate impression.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced that Tyler Austin's anticipated return to the major leagues has been delayed for several months. Austin recently underwent a procedure on his right knee, sidelining him for an extended period. This setback puts his immediate MLB future on hold as he faces a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation process.
Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas has yet to test his surgically repaired left knee with running or sliding, as reported by Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. While his rehab from patellar tendon surgery is progressing well, the 26-year-old still needs to clear several hurdles before being cleared for game action. Casas remains optimistic about being ready for Opening Day with an affiliate, though a return to the Red Sox's big league club by then is considered unlikely. The team plans to proceed cautiously with his recovery, potentially utilizing him at designated hitter upon his return.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly (back) stated Wednesday that he does not anticipate being ready for Opening Day, as reported by Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com. While tests on his back showed no structural damage, Kelly continues to experience discomfort when throwing. His return to game action is not imminent, and the exact timeline remains unclear. With Kelly expected to start the season on the injured list, a rotation spot for the Diamondbacks could potentially open up for Michael Soroka.
Brenton Doyle was scratched from the Colorado Rockies' Cactus League game Wednesday due to left wrist inflammation. The team described the move as precautionary, not related to being hit by a pitch Monday. Drew Avans will replace Doyle in center field and the batting order. Doyle is expected to return to the lineup within days.
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is poised to make his World Baseball Classic debut in 2026, carrying the title of captain for Team USA. Judge, who declined the invitation in 2023 to focus on free agency and coming off his AL-record 62 home runs, is now listed at +750 odds to win the WBC MVP. He will be a significant addition to the USA lineup.
Shohei Ohtani, the 2023 World Baseball Classic MVP, is listed among the top contenders for the 2026 tournament. Japan's superstar is currently at +1100 odds to win the MVP award again, following his dominant performance in the previous WBC where he struck out Mike Trout to secure the title. He is expected to be a key player for Japan as they aim for their fourth WBC championship.
St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol indicated that Tink Hence will continue on a reliever's schedule for the remainder of spring training. While the team hasn't definitively closed the door on a starting role, signs point to a permanent move to the bullpen for the 23-year-old. Hence, a former top-50 prospect, has struggled with injuries, never reaching 100 innings in a season. He pitched one scoreless inning with one strikeout in his first spring appearance.
St. Louis Cardinals' Ivan Herrera (elbow) is slated to make his Grapefruit League debut Thursday as a designated hitter. Herrera underwent surgery in November to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. While he's cleared to bat, his return to catching remains uncertain. The elbow issue and defensive concerns previously limited him to DH for the final months of last season, and he's now attempting to return to the catcher position.
The Boston Red Sox mic'd up prospect Roman Anthony at spring camp, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at his preparations for his first full MLB season. The 21-year-old displayed confidence during drills and interactions with teammates, despite only 71 games of MLB experience. Anthony impressed last season, hitting .292 with eight homers and an .859 OPS in 303 plate appearances, finishing third in AL Rookie of the Year voting.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Melton has not yet appeared in the Grapefruit League due to general right arm soreness, manager A.J. Hinch confirmed Wednesday. The club is taking a conservative approach and will have Melton "checked out" before providing a more concrete update. This injury could significantly impact Melton's chances for a rotation spot, especially following the Tigers' recent signings of Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander, as he was already considered an outsider for the starting five.
Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford is managing a shoulder issue and is projected to make his Cactus League debut sometime next week, according to manager Dan Wilson. Wilson downplayed any significant concern regarding Crawford's availability for Opening Day, emphasizing that the team is simply taking a cautious approach during the early stages of spring training. His temporary absence from the lineup provides additional opportunities for top prospect Colt Emerson to gain reps at shortstop.
