Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Atlanta Braves pitcher Hurston Waldrep is scheduled to undergo elbow surgery prior to the 2026 season. This development adds to the significant injury woes impacting the Braves' pitching rotation during spring training. Waldrep's required surgery will keep him off the mound, further challenging the team's available pitching options for the upcoming season.
Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach is slated to undergo elbow surgery before the start of the 2026 season. This news comes as the Braves' rotation faces significant injury challenges during spring training. The need for surgery will sideline Schwellenbach, impacting the team's pitching options for the upcoming season.
Coby Mayo is now in line to be the Baltimore Orioles' Opening Day third baseman, stepping into the role following Jordan Westburg's elbow injury, which will sideline him through April with a partially torn UCL. Mayo, who primarily played third base in the minors before focusing on first last season, is set to return to the hot corner due to the clear need. While he has mostly struggled at the big-league level, the 24-year-old former top prospect showed promising signs last September, slashing .301/.393/.548 with five homers.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora stated Marcelo Mayer must earn his Opening Day roster spot, despite being a likely bet. Cora emphasized Mayer needs to improve his offense after posting an 80 wRC+ last season. His position is still undecided, having played second base in camp while Caleb Durbin handled third, indicating a competitive environment for the young infielder.
Kevin McGonigle, 21, will start at shortstop for the Detroit Tigers' first spring training game on Saturday, manager A.J. Hinch announced. McGonigle dominated the Arizona Fall League, earning MVP honors with a .362/.500/.710 slash line, 6 homers, and 19 RBIs. He projects as a future batting title winner with 20-25 home run power, showcasing selective aggressiveness, quickness on inside pitches, and solid defense.
Orioles prospect Heston Kjerstad, 27, is generating optimism this spring, reportedly healthy and showcasing power with a new toe-tap swing adjustment. Manager Craig Albernaz notes he's "physically in a great spot." Kjerstad has already hit two home runs in live batting practice, displaying elite exit velocities. Despite a history of injuries and a .192 average in 2025, a strong Triple-A start could position him as a roster contender or trade asset, with his pre-arb status through 2031.
Scott Kingery, a former Phillies prospect, impressed in 2017-2018 spring training, earning a six-year, $24M extension before his MLB debut. Despite the early promise, he struggled in the majors, hitting .229 with a .667 OPS across parts of five seasons. Kingery returned to the minor leagues in 2022 and 2023 before being traded to the Los Angeles Angels in November 2024.
Henry Davis, the 2021 No. 1 overall pick, is slated to be the Pittsburgh Pirates' primary catcher in 2026. Despite a .167 average and .512 OPS in 87 games last season, he posted a 0.7 WAR and 28% caught-stealing rate, transforming his defense. Davis emerged as Paul Skenes' trusted catcher and is expected to catch Mitch Keller and Bubba Chandler, but must improve his plate performance to solidify his major league future.
Tyler Wells' role for the Orioles in his sixth MLB season is uncertain following the signing of Chris Bassitt. The 31-year-old could serve as a long reliever, be stretched out as a starter with a potential minor league option to Triple-A Norfolk, or return to a late-inning relief role, depending on the team's rotation health and needs.
Kutter Crawford, who missed all of 2025 with knee and wrist injuries, is returning to the Red Sox. In 2024, he posted a 4.36 ERA but led the league with 34 home runs allowed. His four-seam fastball velocity dropped, potentially due to injury, and its return to 93-94 mph is crucial for his 2026 outlook. Currently behind schedule due to the flu, he might begin the season in the bullpen, with his role dependent on health and velocity.
Brayan Bello, despite a career-best 3.35 ERA in 2025, showed a low K-BB% and struggled with putaway pitches. The Red Sox pitcher, who features a 95 mph sinker, is reportedly working on a new curveball and refining his changeup in Spring Training. These adjustments aim to improve his effectiveness, particularly against left-handed hitters, where he posted a 16.3% strikeout rate and 10% walk rate last season.
Patrick Sandoval is returning after undergoing Tommy John surgery, having not pitched since June 2024 when he posted a 5.08 ERA. At his peak in 2022, he was effective against lefties with a slider-heavy approach. However, control issues and right-handed hitters have been challenges. With his name in trade rumors, Sandoval is a reclamation project for the Red Sox, potentially filling a rotation, long-relief, or lefty-matchup role.
Johan Oviedo, acquired by the Red Sox, showed potential in nine appearances for the Pirates after returning from Tommy John surgery and a lat injury, posting a 3.57 ERA and 24.7% strikeout rate. His career 11% walk rate is a concern, primarily due to inconsistent fastball command. With a 95.5 mph fastball, improving its strike rate to 65% could elevate him to All-Star caliber. He has an option year remaining, potentially impacting his immediate rotation spot.
Luis Robert Jr. is reportedly showcasing his significant offensive potential during Mets spring training workouts. The key for the talented outfielder will be maintaining his health to realize his full capabilities this season, as he continues to demonstrate his big-time offensive upside.
Mets pitcher Kodai Senga, reportedly healthy, showcased impressive velocity in his latest bullpen session in Port St. Lucie, touching 97 mph. This strong showing indicates positive progress as he prepares for the upcoming season, suggesting he is on track with his recovery and conditioning.
Freddie Freeman, 36, expressed his desire to play until age 40 and retire with the Los Angeles Dodgers, stating, "I love being here" and is not concerned about a new contract with two years remaining on his current deal. He set the Dodgers' single-season doubles record in 2023 and was named World Series MVP in 2024, contributing to two consecutive titles.
Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. is reportedly setting his sights on joining the exclusive 50/50 club (50 home runs, 50 stolen bases). While a 40/40 season is considered a more realistic immediate goal given his career highs of 31 homers and 40 stolen bases, Chisholm is clearly ambitious in his pursuit of elite statistical milestones.
A healthy Austin Riley is identified as a crucial factor for the Atlanta Braves' offensive performance in the upcoming 2026 season. His presence and full health are expected to be key to the team's success at the plate, potentially unlocking their offensive potential.
Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto revealed that he had considered the possibility of playing for a different team in the 2026 season. This suggests there might have been uncertainty or discussions about his future before ultimately remaining with Philadelphia, indicating a period of reflection on his career path.
Alex Bregman, 32, is ecstatic with the Chicago Cubs after signing a 5-year, $175M deal including a no-trade clause, preferring it over the Red Sox's $165M offer without one. The three-time All-Star and Gold Glover is a respected clubhouse leader, committed to helping the Cubs win a World Series. He's embracing Chicago, purchased a home, and will represent Team USA in the WBC, eyeing the 2028 Olympics. Bregman aims to extend his postseason streak, currently four years shy of the MLB record, and is playing in the NL for the first time.
