Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Detroit Tigers' Javier Báez will miss the World Baseball Classic after testing positive for marijuana, a substance still banned by the WBC's governing body despite MLB's relaxed stance. Báez, 33, took 'full mea culpa,' stating it was 'all my fault' and hurts his family and reputation. Expected to play a key multi-positional role for the Tigers this season, he expressed frustration but accepted the decision.
Rafael Devers is embracing his first spring training with the San Francisco Giants, signaling a clear break from his past. His 2025 season was marked by significant offseason drama and a midseason trade. Devers is now focused on a clean start with his new team, putting his time in Boston behind him.
Brice Matthews, arguably the Astros' top prospect in camp, is aiming for a super utility role in 2026. After a breakout college season and a 2024 pro campaign with 15 HRs and 32 SBs across three levels, he hit .283 with 10 HRs and 25 SBs in Triple-A 2025 before a brief MLB call-up. While his big league stint exposed swing-and-miss concerns (20 K in 42 ABs), he flashed impact power (4 HR) and versatility across the infield and outfield.
Yankees ace Max Fried, 32, is expected to carry the rotation in 2026, especially with Gerrit Cole sidelined. In 2025, his first year of an 8-year, $218 million deal, Fried proved invaluable, posting a 2.86 ERA (4th best AL) over 195.1 innings (2nd most AL), with a career-high 95.8 mph fastball. He boasts elite command, a deep six-pitch repertoire (42% whiff rate on curveball), and a 'full of red' Statcast profile, indicating he hit 'another gear' with the Yankees.
Seattle Mariners player Josh Naylor, known for his seriousness, revealed he was 'entirely serious' when stating that the team's clubhouse dog, Tucker, played a major role in his decision to re-sign with the organization. This unique factor contributed to his return to the Mariners.
Minnesota Twins starter Pablo López left Spring Training early Monday with a sore elbow, and imaging has since confirmed a 'significant tear' in his UCL. This injury will likely require season-ending Tommy John surgery, delivering a major blow to the Twins' pitching rotation for the upcoming 2026 season.
Outfielder Tirso Ornelas has been designated for assignment by the San Diego Padres. This move was made to clear a roster spot following the official addition of pitcher Griffin Canning to the team.
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell (shoulder) announced Wednesday he received full clearance for baseball activities in early February. Mitchell, 27, was limited to just 25 games in 2025 due to a second surgery on his left shoulder, an injury that has plagued his career, preventing him from playing more than 69 big-league games in any season. He will enter spring training without restrictions and is expected to compete for the team's center-field job.
New York Yankees reliever Brent Headrick impressed during live batting practice, reaching 96 mph with his fastball. The left-hander is considered a promising addition to the bullpen, and his early performance suggests he could be a valuable asset for the team this season.
Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler threw a bullpen session Tuesday, indicating he has recovered from back inflammation. The 25-year-old has resumed normal mound work and is expected to compete for a rotation spot. Last season, he debuted with a 2.96 ERA over 73 innings. Manager Aaron Boone expressed no major concern over the brief interruption to his throwing program.
Kris Bryant is experiencing severe daily back pain from a degenerative condition, describing it as 'miserable' and making simple tasks difficult. The former MVP, on the 60-day injured list, has endured multiple injury stints since joining the Rockies. Manager Warren Schaeffer stated the team must prepare as if Bryant won't play, though they support his recovery efforts.
Mets infielder Brett Baty will be held out of early spring training games due to right hamstring discomfort that emerged during offseason workouts. Manager Carlos Mendoza stated Baty is otherwise healthy and taking ground balls. This cautious approach is part of the team's strategy to manage player conditioning for the upcoming season, with Baty also adding outfield reps.
Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton, 36, feels his career is 'definitely incomplete' without a World Series title. Entering his ninth season and final two guaranteed years, Stanton remains a powerful presence despite chronic elbow maintenance. Last year, he hit .273 with 24 homers and 66 RBIs in 77 games after missing 70 due to elbow inflammation. A five-time All-Star, he boasts 453 career homers, the most among active players, and is crucial to the Yankees' lineup.
The Mets are being proactive with Luis Robert Jr., addressing his chronic leg injuries to keep him healthy. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Robert Jr. will be held out of early spring training games. The team is focused on strengthening his lower body to prevent injuries that have hampered his performance. Despite a strong 2023 All-Star season, he has struggled to surpass 110 games played in his career.
Yankees captain Aaron Judge voiced his dissatisfaction with the team's slow-moving offseason during Spring Training. Mark DeRosa revealed that Judge agreed to captain Team USA for the World Baseball Classic after Andy Pettitte's intel suggested Judge's willingness. Judge stated, 'The time is now to do it,' regarding representing the country.
Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing described Shohei Ohtani's first live pitching session of spring as 'electric,' noting his command and effectiveness. Rushing praised Ohtani's mechanics and arsenal, calling him 'limitless' and the 'greatest.' Ohtani is preparing to play both ways full-time and is on a mission pitching-wise, impressing the team with his early progress.
Shohei Ohtani's first live pitching session of spring was described as 'electric' by catcher Dalton Rushing. Ohtani is coming off a healthy offseason and preparing to play both ways full-time, targeting a Cy Young. The Dodgers are mindful of balancing his pitching and hitting workload, prioritizing his playoff availability and long-term health. He is expected to be ready for Opening Day starts.
Former MLB speedster Terrance Gore died from complications following appendix surgery. His wife, Britney, stated it was a 'simple procedure' that led to sudden complications and cardiac arrest. Gore, 34, was a fan favorite known for his speed and role on three World Series-winning teams, ending his career with the Mets in 2022.
New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe, recovering from October shoulder surgery, believes an April return is 'definitely' possible. He has started hitting progressions and aims to demonstrate the ability to dive. While an earlier report suggested May, Volpe is optimistic for an earlier comeback. He refuses to use the injury as an excuse for last season's struggles, stating he 'could have played better.' Jose Caballero will cover shortstop until Volpe's return.
The Atlanta Braves have invited veteran Dominic Smith to their major league spring training camp, adding depth at first base behind starter Matt Olson. Smith, 30, also offers potential utility in left field or at designated hitter. He previously played for the Giants, hitting .284 with five homers in 63 games last season.
