Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Justin Verlander was noted as a significant acquisition for the San Francisco Giants, contributing to the team's perceived 'glut of pitching depth' heading into last year's spring training. The article mentioned that prospect Carson Whisenhunt secured his first two major league wins before Verlander could record his third as a Giant, providing a contextual benchmark for the team's pitching development and veteran presence.
Mets pitcher Sean Manaea is healthy and working on mechanical adjustments after a challenging 2025 season (5.64 ERA in 15 games), which was impacted by an oblique injury and a setback. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted that Manaea had previously found success in 2024 with a cross-body delivery and lower arm slot, but went "a little too low" last year. The team is now aiming to refine his mechanics to help him regain his 2024 form, as he never found a rhythm last season.
Mets right-hander Kodai Senga, who had a 1.47 ERA over his first 13 starts in 2025 before a hamstring strain led to a 5.90 ERA in his final nine, impressed manager Carlos Mendoza during a live batting practice session. Senga touched 96-97 mph with his fastball and threw effective sweepers. Mendoza highlighted his velocity as a "really good sign" and emphasized that Senga is working on all his pitches, with health being the primary focus for the upcoming season.
Yankees pitcher Max Fried, who signed an 8-year, $218 million deal in December 2024, had a stellar debut season in 2025. He posted a 2.86 ERA, led the league with 19 wins, and earned All-MLB First Team honors, finishing fourth in AL Cy Young voting and securing his fourth Gold Glove. Fried stepped up as the de facto ace in Gerrit Cole's absence, including 6.1 shutout innings in the Wild Card Series. Known for generating ground balls, his contract extends through his age-38 season in 2032.
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández lost 12 pounds this offseason, aiming for a bounce-back 2026 season after struggling in 2025. He admitted he 'never recovered 100 percent' from a May groin strain, which impacted his performance (25 HR, 102 wRC+ in 134 games). Projections for 2026 range from 23-29 home runs and a .246-.266 batting average. With Kyle Tucker's signing, Hernández is slated to play left field this year.
Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is ranked as the #1 catcher for 2026 fantasy baseball and is listed at +850 for AL MVP. Coming off a historic 2025 season where he led the majors with 60 homers (shattering catcher and switch-hitter records), led the AL with 125 RBI, and stole 14 bases, he's projected for 38 HR, 90 RBI, 6 SB, and a .225 average in 547 at-bats. While some regression is expected from his power surge, he remains a top-tier fantasy option and is projected to get more plate appearances than any other catcher.
Shohei Ohtani is the current favorite for the 2026 NL MVP at -125 odds, reflecting his continued unprecedented performance in baseball. His unique contributions on the field consistently spark widespread discussion and debate about his standing as potentially the greatest MLB player ever. Ohtani's exceptional feats are unlike anything previously witnessed in the sport, leading many to question any arguments against his claim to the title.
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg, who initially entered camp with a right oblique strain, recently underwent elbow imaging. The elbow issue is now the primary concern, with manager Craig Albernaz confirming Westburg is 'physically unable to participate' in spring training. He is currently being evaluated by team medical staff and outside experts as the Orioles conduct due diligence to ensure his best chance to play this year. His exact injury status remains unclear.
Kutter Crawford (wrist/illness) may begin the season on the injured list, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Crawford is currently behind other pitchers in Red Sox camp, recovering from last year's right wrist surgery and a recent flu bout. While he is throwing off the mound, the Red Sox may opt to slow-play his return, especially after he missed the entire 2025 campaign. In 2024, Crawford made 33 starts for Boston, recording a 4.36 ERA with a 175:51 K:BB over 183.2 innings.
Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz was cited in a "Snyder's Soapbox" article discussing the practice of comparing teenage prospects to established stars and Hall of Famers. The piece uses an alleged comparison of a young player to a combination of De La Cruz, Aaron Judge, and Yadier Molina as an illustration of the potentially exaggerated expectations placed on emerging baseball talent.
New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (back) is progressing well and is close to facing hitters after recovering from a mid-back issue that slowed him early in camp. Following a successful bullpen session on Tuesday, he is scheduled for one more before advancing to face hitters. A Grapefruit League appearance is expected shortly thereafter for Schlittler, who secured a rotation spot with a 2.96 ERA and 84:31 K:BB over 73 innings in 2025.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are preparing for outfielder Corbin Carroll (hand) to return by or soon after Opening Day, per Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. The team believes Carroll's track record of quick healing and strong work ethic makes an Opening Day return a real possibility. While not explicitly stated, the D-backs are adjusting their outfield plans, with Alek Thomas lining up in left field, potentially until Lourdes Gurriel (knee) returns. Carroll is expected to need less recovery time than Gurriel, indicating a positive outlook for his early season availability.
Buster Olney's latest top-10 rankings highlight MLB's premier first basemen, prominently featuring the Athletics' rising talent, Nick Kurtz. The report assesses Kurtz's standing among the league's elite, recognizing him as a budding star for the A's. This analysis continues the series on baseball's best players by position, with Kurtz's inclusion underscoring his growing reputation.
Jeremy Peña, an irreplaceable player for the Houston Astros, had a career year in 2025, earning his first All-Star selection and finishing 10th in MVP voting with 5.6 bWAR, despite missing significant time and playing only 125 games. His performance showcased the potential he displayed as a rookie ALCS and World Series MVP. The Astros face a challenge if Peña misses extended time, as Carlos Correa, while capable at shortstop, prefers third base to preserve his body.
Jake Meyers was among several Houston Astros players who missed significant time due to injuries during the 2025 season. The team faced a rash of injuries, using the injured list more than any other club, which impacted their overall performance. Meyers' absence contributed to the challenges the Astros faced, highlighting the depth issues caused by widespread player unavailability and the team's struggle to maintain a consistent roster.
Yordan Alvarez, considered one of the most irreplaceable Astros, was limited to just 48 games in the 2025 season due to injuries, impacting his performance. Despite a subpar year, he remains a critical slugger for the team; in the three seasons prior, only Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani had a higher OPS. His health is vital for the lineup, as the Astros ranked 15th in runs and 21st in home runs last season, highlighting their need for Alvarez's power to elevate offensive production.
Isaac Paredes, listed among the Astros' most irreplaceable players, was significantly impacted by injuries in the 2025 season, missing 60 games. His absence contributed to the team's struggles with injuries, which saw them use the injured list more than any other team. Despite being a key player, his limited availability was a factor in the Astros' overall performance, highlighting the challenges faced by the club due to widespread player unavailability.
Jhonny Pereda, who was added to the Seattle Mariners' 40-man roster, is slated to compete for the backup catcher role behind Cal Raleigh. He will vie for the position against Andrew Knizner and Mitch Garver, who is finalizing a minor league deal with the team. Garver's previous experience and familiarity with the Mariners' pitching staff are noted as potential benefits that could rub off on Pereda and Knizner during spring training.
Andrew Knizner, who was brought aboard by the Seattle Mariners to round out their 40-man roster, is expected to compete for the backup catcher position behind Cal Raleigh. Knizner is currently out of options and will vie for the role against Mitch Garver, who is finalizing a minor league deal, and Jhonny Pereda. Garver's prior experience with the Mariners' pitching staff could potentially benefit Knizner and Pereda as they prepare for the season.
Catcher Mitch Garver is finalizing a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners, pending a physical. The 35-year-old is expected to compete with Andrew Knizner and Jhonny Pereda for the backup role behind Cal Raleigh. Garver, a 2019 Silver Slugger and 2023 World Series winner, previously batted .187 with 24 HR and 81 RBI in 201 games over two seasons with Seattle. His familiarity with the Mariners' pitching staff is seen as an asset, providing valuable depth for the Cactus League while Raleigh is at the WBC.
