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MLB News

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

Thursday, February 19

Yankees' Austin Wells Homers in BP, Ranked #19 Catcher for 2026

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Yankees catcher Austin Wells crushed a home run off Osvaldo Bido during live batting practice at spring training. Wells is ranked as the #19 catcher for 2026 fantasy baseball, projected for 18 homers, 55 RBI, 3 stolen bases, and a .233 average in 400 at-bats. With Ben Rice at first base, Wells is locked in as the starting catcher against right-handed pitching. While he showed increased power in 2025 (21 HR, 71 RBI), his strikeout rate rose to 26% and walk rate dropped to 7%. His defense remains excellent.

Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton Blasts Spring Homer, Eyes 500 Career Mark

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Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton crushed a home run off Osvaldo Bido during live batting practice at spring training. Stanton, with 453 career homers, needs 47 more to reach the 500 milestone, a goal he aims for in his final two contract years. After a resurgent 2025 season where he hit 24 homers in 77 games with a 158 OPS+, his Hall of Fame case is gaining traction, though it remains a topic of debate. His ability to stay on the field will be key to reaching the significant career mark.

Mets' Luis Robert Jr. Displays Impressive Power in Spring Training BP

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New Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. put on a 'laser show' during spring training batting practice, routinely crushing balls over 110 mph. Manager Carlos Mendoza called his power display 'impressive,' emphasizing the team's goal for him to stay healthy and return to his 2023 form, when he hit 38 homers. Robert has missed a combined 110 games over the past two seasons due to lower body injuries, so the Mets are taking a cautious approach, with him not expected to play in spring games immediately.

Dodgers' Freddie Freeman Aims for 162 Games, 3,000 Hits, and Playing Until 40

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Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, 36, envisions playing until age 40 and aims to appear in all 162 games in 2026, despite manager Dave Roberts' plans for more off days. Freeman, who has 2,431 career hits, needs 569 more for 3,000, a goal he could reach by averaging 142 hits over the next four years. He feels rejuvenated after his ankle injury from the 2024 postseason is behind him and expressed a desire to finish his career with the Dodgers. He also aims to improve his defense after being 'irked' by his .295 average last season. He will debut in spring training on Tuesday.

Guardians' Steven Kwan to Get Spring Training Look in Center Field

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Steven Kwan is slated to play center field during spring training, a move announced by manager Stephen Vogt to optimize the Guardians' defensive alignment. Kwan, a four-time Gold Glove winner in left field, previously made four starts in center in 2022 and was primarily a center fielder in the minors. Vogt noted Kwan expressed interest in the position and that his trial could begin in a couple of weeks. The team is exploring his versatility alongside other candidates like Chase DeLauter, Daniel Schneemann, and Angel Martinez.

Guardians Manager Stephen Vogt Plans Steven Kwan's Center Field Trial

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Guardians manager Stephen Vogt announced plans to assess Steven Kwan in center field during spring training to optimize the team's defensive alignment. Kwan, a four-time Gold Glove winner in left field, expressed interest in the move and previously made four starts in center in 2022. Vogt indicated it might take a couple of weeks before Kwan sees action there. Other candidates for center field reps include Chase DeLauter, Daniel Schneemann, and Angel Martinez.

Rays' Edwin Uceta Suffers Shoulder Setback, Doctor Visit Scheduled

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Rays pitcher Edwin Uceta (shoulder) experienced a setback, reporting he 'didn't feel great' while playing catch Thursday. Manager Kevin Cash confirmed Uceta will visit a doctor following his initial report to camp with a sore shoulder, making an IL stint to begin the season a distinct possibility. Uceta, a candidate for the closer role, withdrew from the WBC due to discomfort. Last season, he made 70 relief appearances, going 10-3 with a 3.70 ERA, and won his arbitration case for $1.525M. Further details are expected after his medical evaluation.

Lindor Rehabbing Hand Surgery, Backs Cohen's No-Captain Stance

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Francisco Lindor, the Mets' longest-tenured player, is rehabbing after Feb. 11 surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his left hand, potentially impacting his season start. He experienced soreness before the evaluation. Lindor also expressed appreciation for owner Steve Cohen's declaration that the team will never have a captain, stating he respects the decision and will continue to act as a leader regardless. He added that he's glad the topic is settled, allowing focus to shift to baseball and winning. Last season, Lindor hit .267 with 31 homers, 86 RBIs, and 31 steals in 160 games.

Yankees' Ryan McMahon Tweaks Swing, Aims for Consistency After Rough Year

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Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon worked on significant swing improvements this offseason, focusing on a shorter stance and better hip rotation, following a 2025 season where he posted a career-high 35.2% whiff rate. Despite being an All-Star in 2024, his 2025 performance saw a 32.3% strikeout rate but an 11.9% walk rate. The Yankees may platoon him more, utilizing Amed Rosario against lefties, to allow McMahon to focus on right-handed pitching. Manager Aaron Boone highly praises McMahon's elite defensive skills at third base.

Reds' Chase Burns to Start Cactus League Opener Saturday

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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns is slated to start the team's Cactus League opener on Saturday afternoon against Cleveland. Burns is currently competing for a final spot in the starting rotation, having finished last season healthy despite a mid-season forearm shutdown. While his arsenal is considered one of the best, his selection for the opener doesn't necessarily mean he's ahead of other rotation candidates like Rhett Lowder, Brandon Williamson, and Julian Aguiar.

Dodgers' Mookie Betts Eyes MVP Season, Set for Later Spring Training Debut

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Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is expected by manager Dave Roberts to be in the MVP conversation this season, despite being listed at +4500 for NL MVP. Betts, 33, is aiming for a bounce-back year after career lows in batting average (.258), on-base percentage (.326), and OPS (.732) in 2025, attributed partly to a stomach virus and his transition to shortstop. He will have a more typical spring training, not participating in the WBC, and will start playing later next week. Roberts intends to bat Betts third in the lineup.

Former Mets Gold Glover Juan Lagares Announces Retirement

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Former Mets Gold Glove-winning outfielder Juan Lagares officially announced his retirement Thursday after two decades in professional baseball. Lagares, 36, last appeared in MLB in 2022 and spent his final four seasons with the Dominican Winter League’s Águilas Cibaeñas. He signed with the Mets in 2006, winning a Gold Glove in 2014 and posting his best MLB season with a .281 average, 4 homers, 47 RBI, and 13 stolen bases. Despite a 4-year, $23M extension in 2015, injuries hampered his offensive development. He concluded his MLB career with the Angels in 2021-22.

Mets Prospect Jonah Tong Adds Cutter, Confident After Striking Out Soto

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Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong is working to expand his arsenal by adding a cutter with horizontal break, complementing his existing high fastball and changeup. Tong recently struck out Juan Soto in live batting practice, a moment that boosted his confidence. Despite struggling in a brief 5-start MLB stint last season (7.71 ERA) after a rapid ascent, the Mets remain high on him, keeping him off-limits in trade talks. He believes he can succeed at the MLB level and will likely spend more time in Triple-A to refine his new pitch and command his curveball.

Dustin May Ready to Guide Cardinals' Rotation After Healthy Offseason

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Dustin May, 28, is embracing a 'grandpa' role for the Cardinals' youthful rotation after his first fully healthy offseason since 2020-21. Following two major elbow surgeries, five IL stints, and an esophageal tear in May 2024 that led to pitching underweight, May is now at 215 pounds and feeling good. The Cardinals are confident he can return to his 2020 form (2.57 ERA). May is excited by the team's health track record and is already mentoring teammates, with his velocity 'in a great spot' and an improved changeup. He aims to get back to his 2020 self.

Yankees' Aaron Judge Favored for AL MVP, Nears 500 Career Homers

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Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is the current favorite for the 2026 AL MVP (+225 odds). Entering his age-34 season with 368 career homers, he needs 132 more to reach 500, a milestone he could achieve by averaging 22 homers over his remaining six-year contract. During spring training, Judge notably escaped a line drive during Osvaldo Bido's live batting practice. He was also recently mentioned in an article critiquing premature prospect comparisons to Hall of Fame-caliber players.

Cole Wilcox's Post-Tommy John Trajectory: Bullpen Role & Velocity Concerns

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Acquired by the Mariners from the Rays, Cole Wilcox is projected for a bullpen or swingman role, likely with the Tacoma Rainiers, rather than Seattle's Opening Day roster. The 26-year-old's velocity and efficacy have not fully recovered since his 2021 Tommy John surgery, with halting performance in 2023-2024. Despite a promising 96 mph sinker as a reliever and a single MLB appearance last season, his post-TJ path has shown a different ceiling than his draft promise. The team views him as 40-man roster depth.

Yadier Molina Expands Cardinals Role, Mentoring Minor League Catchers

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Former Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is taking on a more significant role with the organization as a Special Assistant to President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom. He will be in the dugout for 2-3 series in St. Louis this season before heading to the minor leagues to mentor young catching prospects like Rainiel Rodriguez, focusing on development areas such as pitch framing and base-stealing defense. Molina believes the Cardinals have the talent to win a World Series. He was also recently referenced in a critique of excessive prospect comparisons.

Dodgers Reliever Brusdar Graterol to Start Season on Injured List

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Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol will begin the 2026 season on the injured list, as he won't be ready for Opening Day. Graterol is recovering from shoulder surgery (torn labrum) in November 2024, which caused him to miss the entire 2025 season. His build-up in spring training has not yet produced the expected velocity, leading manager Dave Roberts to confirm an 'intentionally slow build up.' Graterol, who was limited to just 10 games in 2024 due to injuries, is set to become a free agent after this season.

Giants' Carson Whisenhunt Shows Progress, Likely Triple-A Bound

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Giants pitcher Carson Whisenhunt is showing progress with his velocity in a 2026 scrimmage, though he's likely headed to Triple-A Sacramento as the 'first man up' for the big club's rotation. In his 2025 MLB debut, he made 5 starts, securing two wins, but posted a 4.6 BB/9 and 6.2 K/9. Despite this, he was named Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year. His 2025 season was cut short by a back sprain, and he continues to refine his development with a new coaching staff.

Former Giants Pitching Coach J.P. Martinez's Depth Optimism Recalled

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J.P. Martinez, a former pitching coach, was recalled for his optimism heading into last year's Spring Training, where he expressed excitement about the San Francisco Giants having '15 or 16 legitimate starters.' His comments highlighted the team's perceived depth at the time, setting a backdrop for subsequent discussions on player development and roster changes.