Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Veteran first baseman Dominic Smith has received a non-roster invitation to the Atlanta Braves' major league spring training camp. Smith, 30, previously played for the Giants, hitting .284 with five homers in 63 games last season. He offers depth behind Matt Olson at first base and potential options in left field or at designated hitter.
Walker Buehler has signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres, including an invite to big league camp. After eight seasons with the rival Dodgers, Buehler, 31, admitted it 'feels a little weird' to join the Padres. He is recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, which caused him to miss significant time in 2023-2024. Buehler earned two World Series rings with the Dodgers and will compete for a rotation spot, aiming to contribute after a strong finish with the Phillies in 2025.
New Dodgers signee Kyle Tucker shared his reasons for joining the team with manager Dave Roberts during the first official workout. Roberts' playful questioning of Tucker and Edwin Díaz was part of welcoming the new players. Tucker cited watching 'how the Dodgers go about things' as a key factor, calling the franchise a 'destination place.' Díaz echoed this sentiment, noting the team's appearance and clubhouse treatment. Veteran Max Muncy found the new stars' perspectives 'refreshing,' reminding the team of their positive environment.
New Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz shared his reasons for joining the team with manager Dave Roberts during the first official workout. Roberts' playful questioning of Díaz and Kyle Tucker was part of welcoming the new players. Díaz cited the team's appearance and clubhouse treatment as key factors, calling it 'one of the things I was looking for.' Tucker echoed this sentiment, noting the franchise's reputation.
Hyeseong Kim is positioned for more playing time at second base for the Dodgers due to Tommy Edman opening the season on the injured list. Kim showcased his potential during spring training with a home run off Yoshinobu Yamamoto and a base hit. He has been working on swing adjustments and defense, aiming to improve daily and capitalize on the increased opportunity.
With Tommy Edman starting on the injured list, Hyeseong Kim has an increased opportunity at second base for the Dodgers. Kim impressed during spring training, hitting an opposite-field home run off Yoshinobu Yamamoto and a base hit in live batting practice. He's focused on improving his swing and defense after tweaking his approach last year, aiming for daily improvement regardless of playing time.
An opinion piece argues the Houston Astros should not trade Isaac Paredes, highlighting his strong offensive production in 2025 despite missing time with injury. Paredes hit .254 with 20 home runs and 53 RBIs in 102 games, comparable to Alex Bregman's numbers in more games. The article emphasizes Paredes' plate discipline and team control as valuable assets, suggesting he should be part of the team's foundation.
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired right-handed pitcher Spencer Miles in the Rule 5 draft. Miles, 25, throws 95-99 mph with sink and a curve, slider, and changeup. He missed 2023 due to back surgery and pitched only 14.2 innings in 2024 after a flexor strain led to Tommy John surgery. Scouts note his velocity and ground ball potential.
Twins ace Pablo López has a significant tear in his right elbow's ulnar collateral ligament and will likely require Tommy John surgery. He left Monday's practice early due to soreness. This potential surgery would impact his availability for the upcoming season and the World Baseball Classic. López, who had Tommy John surgery previously, expressed disappointment in letting down his team and family.
The Athletics plan to give second baseman Zack Gelof playing time in the outfield this spring to increase his versatility. With Jeff McNeil expected to handle second base, Gelof will gain experience at other positions. This move aims to add flexibility to the roster and provide security, similar to successful conversions seen with other infield prospects.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is entering his contract year with the Yankees in a 'good frame of mind' and 'incredibly confident,' according to manager Aaron Boone. Chisholm aims for a 50-50 season after achieving a 30-30 campaign in 2025, hitting .242 with 31 homers and 31 steals. Boone believes Chisholm is capable of special things and will put himself in a strong position.
Washington Nationals prospect Harry Ford is ranked 75th in Fangraphs' top 100 prospect list. Acquired from the Mariners, Ford is noted for his plate discipline, which could enhance his average power and hitting ability. Fangraphs projects his defense to become average, viewing him as a smart pickup with a good chance to be a quality starting catcher.
Second baseman James Triantos, a second-round pick in 2021, is competing for a utility infielder role with the Cubs. He boasts a career MiLB line of .282/.341/.405 and is projected for 10-15 home runs at the MLB level. While previously a Top 100 prospect, his 2025 results dropped him off the list. The Cubs protected him on the 40-man roster, indicating organizational value.
Spring Training is underway, bringing notable comments from prominent players. Yankees captain Aaron Judge expressed displeasure with his team's offseason moves, while Bryce Harper was reportedly unhappy with comments made by Phillies President Dave Dombrowski. Mike Trout also made statements during this period.
Spring Training is underway, bringing notable comments from prominent players. Yankees captain Aaron Judge expressed displeasure with his team's offseason moves, while Bryce Harper was reportedly unhappy with comments made by Phillies President Dave Dombrowski. Mike Trout also made statements during this period.
Rob Refsnyder has become a crucial member of the Mariners, offering necessary length against lefties and positional versatility. After struggling from 2015-2021, he improved significantly from 2022-2025 with a 124 wRC+. Signed for over $6 million, he provides a competitive right-handed bat in a lineup with a left-handed tendency, contributing to the Mariners' projected strong offense.
Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez will not participate in early spring training games, manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Tuesday. This decision applies to several players as the team manages their initial workload. Alvarez's absence is part of a broader plan to ease players into action during the preseason, ensuring optimal conditioning.
Mets infielder Jorge Polanco will not be playing in the initial spring training games, manager Carlos Mendoza stated Tuesday. This decision aligns with the team's approach to carefully manage the workload of key players during the early stages of the preseason. Polanco is expected to join later, following a measured ramp-up.
Former Boston Red Sox RHP Lucas Giolito is considered a top remaining MLB free agent. Coming off a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts for Boston in 2025, Giolito, who missed 2024 due to elbow surgery, is drawing interest from multiple teams. The Athletics, in need of an ace, see him as a potential rotation linchpin. The Cleveland Guardians, known for pitching development, could add him for veteran length. The San Diego Padres also eye Giolito to solidify their 2026 rotation amidst significant injuries and departures, including Yu Darvish's UCL tear. Giolito, an All-Star in 2019, relies on his four-seamer, slider, and changeup.
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole (elbow) threw a bullpen session Tuesday at spring training, indicating his rehab from last March's Tommy John procedure is on track. Cole has been throwing since August and recently progressed to mound work. Manager Aaron Boone noted Cole might pitch in Grapefruit League games, but his regular-season debut is anticipated in late May or early June.
