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MLB News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Monday, February 23

Molina Helms Puerto Rico's WBC Squad Amid Star Absences

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Yadier Molina, manager of Puerto Rico's 2026 World Baseball Classic team, aims for their first title despite a diluted roster missing stars like Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa. The two-time World Series champion will rely on a blend of major-league experience and emerging talent. Molina, alongside GM Carlos Beltran and hitting coach Edgar Martinez, faces tough decisions to optimize an offense that will depend on veterans such as Nolan Arenado. The team's primary strength is its fiery bullpen, commanded by closer Edwin Diaz.

Giants' Bryce Eldridge Embraces 'Be Yourself' Message Amid High Expectations

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Giants first baseman Bryce Eldridge, 21, is feeling more relaxed in his second major league spring training after veterans advised him to "just be yourself." The 6-foot-7 power hitter, drafted 16th overall in 2023, made his MLB debut last September, going 3-for-28. While he exhibits elite bat speed and plate discipline, he also has regular swings and misses. He's likely to start the year at Triple-A Sacramento for more experience, with the expectation of a significant role as a middle-of-the-lineup hitter for the Giants soon.

Kazuma Okamoto Blasts Two-Run Homer in Blue Jays' Spring Game

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Toronto Blue Jays infielder Kazuma Okamoto, who signed with the team this offseason and will play for Team Japan in the WBC, hit a two-run, 431-foot home run to dead center field off Mets pitcher Clay Holmes during Monday's spring training game. The blast came off a curveball in the second inning. This was a significant highlight in the Blue Jays' 4-3 loss to the Mets.

Kyle Tucker Joins Dodgers on Record Deal, Prioritizes Family Over WBC

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New Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker, who signed a four-year, $240 million contract making him the highest-paid player this season, made his Cactus League debut Sunday. He grounded out and walked, aiming to surpass his one spring hit from last year. Tucker, 29, is feeling "pretty healthy" after playing through a hairline fracture and calf strain last season with the Cubs, which led to career lows in average and homers. He declined a WBC offer to be with his wife, who is expecting their first child, and is content to fit in quietly among the Dodgers' stars.

Zac Veen Blasts 468-Foot Walk-Off Homer for Rockies Spring Win

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Colorado Rockies outfielder Zac Veen hit a titanic 468-foot walk-off home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, securing a 5-4 spring training victory over the Chicago White Sox. The blast, which cleared the fence by 50 feet, was the hardest-hit ball of the day at 113.3 mph, coming off reliever Shane Murphy's cutter.

Michael Conforto Signs Minor League Deal with Chicago Cubs

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Free agent outfielder Michael Conforto, 33, has signed a one-year minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs, aiming to rebound from a challenging 2025 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers where he hit a career-low .199 with 12 homers and 36 RBI. He was benched and left off the Dodgers' postseason roster. The Cubs view this as a low-risk, high-reward move, hoping he can rediscover his previous form, which included a .251/.348/.456 career line and a 20-homer season two years ago.

Roman Anthony Emerges as Premier Hitter, Set for Team USA WBC Role

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Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony, 21, is rapidly establishing himself as one of baseball's premier left-handed hitters. He delivered on rookie hype last season before an oblique strain ended his campaign in September, and his role atop the lineup is now more critical after Alex Bregman's departure. Anthony, who recently received a nine-figure extension, is currently gearing up to play left field for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Andrew Painter Eyes Phillies Rotation Spot, Declares 'No Limitations' Post-TJ

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Andrew Painter, the Phillies' No. 2 prospect (No. 28 in MLB), is preparing for his second season following Tommy John surgery, declaring 'no limitations this year.' The 22-year-old right-hander, who struggled with command and arm angle last season (5-8, 5.26 ERA in 26 starts across Single-A and Triple-A), has worked to regain his previous mechanics. He recently threw live BP and is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut soon, with a spot in the Phillies' rotation anticipated in a few weeks. Painter is refining his pitches, including a sweeper and a changeup that caused blisters, and credits teammate Jesus Luzardo as a mentor through his TJ recovery.

Cole Young Shows Defensive Improvement in Mariners Spring Training

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Mariners infielder Cole Young, competing for an infield spot, demonstrated significant defensive improvement in Monday's spring training game against the Dodgers. While he struck out twice at the plate, Young made several impressive plays at second base, including backing up an error, turning a double play with a strong throw, and ranging to his right for a diving stop. These plays address areas that hindered his value last season, making his early spring performance encouraging.

Logan Gilbert Debuts Spring Training with Sharp Stuff, Redesigned Cutter

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Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert made his first spring training start, showcasing sharp stuff and an apparent redesigned cutter. His velocity was up to 96+ mph, and he recorded several strikeouts. While his 2025 season saw an increase in "stuff" and elite strikeout rates, it came at the cost of efficiency. Observers are keen to see if he can resolve those issues and work deeper into games this season.

Landon Knack Pitches Efficient Start in Dodgers' Spring Shutout

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Dodgers pitcher Landon Knack started Monday's spring training game against the Seattle Mariners, making quick work of the lineup. He faced the minimum in the first inning, throwing just nine pitches, contributing to the Dodgers' 3-0 shutout victory.

Ben Brown Impresses in Cubs Spring Debut with Two Scoreless Innings

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Cubs pitcher Ben Brown had a strong first outing of spring training, throwing two scoreless innings against the Royals. He allowed two hits, no runs, and struck out three batters, including Salvador Perez. Brown primarily used his fastball and curveball with good velocity and is expected to incorporate other pitches he's been developing. He threw 30 pitches, with 20 strikes.

Tobias Myers Impresses in Spring, Tinkering with New Pitches for Mets

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Mets pitcher Tobias Myers threw 2.1 scoreless innings against the Blue Jays, allowing three hits and striking out three. Coming off a strong relief season with the Brewers (1.91 ERA), Myers is stretching out as a starter and experimenting with new pitches, including a "big" slider and a "split-change." Manager Carlos Mendoza praised his fastball's "life" and his new cutter/slider. Myers is focused on building strength and refining his arsenal, with Mendoza stating he'll be on the Opening Day roster if healthy, though his role is TBD.

Paul Skenes Joins Team USA WBC Rotation, Skubal's Limited Role Noted

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Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, a reigning 2025 Cy Young winner, is slated to be a key part of Team USA's World Baseball Classic rotation. However, his expected dominant partnership with Tarik Skubal will be short-lived, as Skubal plans to make only one start. Skenes is part of a deep USA pitching staff, and his inclusion was a factor in Skubal's decision to participate.

Shane Bieber's Spring Training Delayed for Blue Jays

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Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber's spring training has been delayed, though specific details were not provided. This development comes as the team faces other pitching setbacks, including the loss of Bowden Francis for the season.

Blue Jays Lose Pitcher Bowden Francis for the Season

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The Toronto Blue Jays have already lost pitcher Bowden Francis for the entire season, an early setback in their spring training. This injury highlights the team's recent investment in pitching depth.

Cody Ponce Signed by Blue Jays to Bolster Rotation Depth

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Cody Ponce was an "interesting signing" by the Toronto Blue Jays this winter, brought in to shore up the back of their starting rotation. This move reflects the team's investment in pitching depth following some early spring injuries.

José Suarez Shuts Down Orioles Lineup in Strong Spring Outing

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Atlanta Braves rotation hopeful José Suarez pitched two scoreless innings in Monday's spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles. Entering in the third, he walked two but struck out three, including Pete Alonso, demonstrating solid form against a strong lineup and keeping Baltimore quiet.

Ben Rice Delivers Two-Run Single, Reaches Base Thrice in Yankees Win

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Yankees designated hitter Ben Rice had a productive outing in Monday's 6-2 spring training win over the Pirates. After popping out in his first at-bat, he ripped a two-run single up the middle with the bases loaded in the second inning, giving the Yankees a 3-1 lead. Rice also added another single and a walk, reaching base three times. He is expected to split time at first base with Paul Goldschmidt this season.

Randy Vásquez Shines in Spring, Solidifying Padres Rotation Spot

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Padres pitcher Randy Vásquez, 25, is making a strong case for the fourth spot in the rotation. Acquired from the Yankees, he outperformed expectations in 2025 with a 3.84 ERA over 133.2 innings, despite underlying stats suggesting some luck. In his Sunday spring start against the Dodgers, Vásquez shined, allowing just one hit and one walk while throwing 23 of 31 pitches for strikes across eight batters. Manager Craig Stammen noted he has a "small edge" for a rotation spot.