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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Angels right-hander Ben Joyce (shoulder) is playing catch, but his availability for Opening Day remains uncertain. The 25-year-old made only five appearances in 2025 due to shoulder issues, which required surgery to repair a torn labrum in May. While a throwing program has begun, a significant ramp-up period is needed after major surgery. Once healthy, Joyce could factor into the Angels' closer mix.
Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is projected for a regression season, with an expected .235 average and 40 home runs. He will play daily, including DH time for defensive rest. Last season, he performed better on the road, hitting .267/.380/.619 with 32 homers away from Seattle. Despite his strong power, the depth of the catcher position makes him a Round 2 consideration in fantasy drafts.
Milwaukee's William Contreras, 28, is ranked as the C4 in fantasy baseball, despite his weakest season in four years. He maintained strong run production and on-base skills, with a .260 average likely representing his floor. Contreras also shows resourcefulness with occasional stolen bases. He is considered a viable option at his current Yahoo ADP in the low 60s.
The Atlanta Braves have signed veteran catcher Jonah Heim to a one-year deal, adding depth while Sean Murphy recovers. Heim, a former Texas Rangers All-Star, was non-tendered after two underwhelming seasons where his offensive production and defense declined. However, he had a breakout 2023 season with a .258/.317/.438 slash line and excellent defense. He is expected to compete for the backup catcher role behind Drake Baldwin.
Diamondbacks ace Corbin Burnes is hoping to return to action around the All-Star break. His 2025 season was cut short due to Tommy John surgery, and he is currently in recovery.
Braves catcher Sean Murphy (hip) is expected to be out until May after undergoing surgery in September to repair a right hip labral tear. He is slated to begin running exercises Tuesday and will likely start a rehab assignment in April. The Braves have signed veteran Jonah Heim to a one-year deal to add catching depth while Murphy recovers. Once healthy, Murphy is expected to share catching duties with Drake Baldwin.
Diamondbacks reliever Kevin Ginkel (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, indicating he has no restrictions at the start of spring training. He missed most of the final two months of the 2025 season with a right shoulder sprain, posting a 7.36 ERA over 25.2 innings. Ginkel, who held a 2.86 ERA from 2023-2024, is expected to compete for a closer role in the unsettled Diamondbacks bullpen.
Cubs young starter Cade Horton, 22, is expected to build on a remarkable rookie season where he posted an 11-4 record, 2.67 ERA, 90 strikeouts, and a 1.08 WHIP over 118 innings. The former No. 7 overall pick earned 2.0 bWAR (2.2 fWAR) and received Rookie of the Year votes. Despite a minor injury history, projections anticipate 20-25 starts, with potential for 12-15 wins in a full season.
Ricardo Pinto, originally signed by the Phillies in 2011, returned to the team in 2024 after stints in the minors and Korea. His comeback included a memorable four-inning save in his first appearance, despite arriving late due to traffic. However, his major league return was short-lived, as he was demoted to the minors by the end of April after struggling in mop-up situations.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced Tuesday that Garrett Crochet will start Opening Day against the Reds on March 26. The left-hander entrenched himself as one of baseball's best pitchers last year, posting a 2.59 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 255:46 K:BB across 205.1 innings during the regular season. His selection for the Opening Day mound is hardly a surprise given his dominant 2025 performance.
Braves pitcher Robert Suarez will be late reporting to spring training camp. The delay is attributed to ongoing visa issues, which, while not an injury, present an early frustration for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Texas Rangers pitcher Cody Bradford is progressing well in his recovery from internal brace surgery, targeting a May return. He threw his seventh bullpen session today, incorporating changeups after six sessions of fastballs. Bradford, who posted a 3.54 ERA in 76 innings in 2024 before elbow issues cost him the 2025 season, hopes to be ready for a rehab assignment soon after the season starts.
Right-hander Aaron Civale, 30, has agreed to a one-year, $6 million contract with the Athletics, with an additional $1.5 million in incentives. He is expected to join the rotation, adding a veteran presence. In 2025, Civale posted a 4.85 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 88:33 K:BB over 102 innings across 23 appearances (18 starts) with the Brewers, White Sox, and Cubs. He previously requested a trade to a team that would use him as a starter.
The Yankees acquired Angel Chivilli, 23, from the Rockies on January 28th, hoping he can become a consistent bullpen presence despite a 7.06 ERA in 2025. Chivilli's fastball velocity reached 97.1 mph (88th percentile), and his slider and changeup show promise with high whiff rates. However, command issues led to high batting averages against his fastball (.366) and slider (.302). The Yankees aim to refine his control and effectiveness, viewing him as a high-upside project.
Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be honored with a "Game 7 Last Out" bobblehead on May 27, celebrating his "Herculean effort" in the 2025 World Series. Yamamoto pitched 2.2 shutout innings on zero days' rest in Game 7, following a dominant Game 6 performance, capping one of the most dominant World Series runs by any pitcher.
Cody Ponce will be an interesting player to watch this spring for the Blue Jays. After spending time in Japan and Korea, the team is keen to see how his reportedly improved stuff translates back to North American baseball.
Dylan Cease, a significant offseason signing for the Blue Jays, will be a focal point during spring training. The primary interest lies in observing how his impressive stuff translates into tangible results on the mound for the upcoming season.
Rangers right-hander Jose Corniell, 22, made his MLB debut in 2025 after recovering from Tommy John surgery that cost him all of 2024 and half of 2025. Despite a 16.20 ERA in his lone big-league outing, his minor league return was dominant (1 ER in 20 innings at Frisco). Corniell, who had a breakout 2.92 ERA in 2023, is expected to start 2026 in Triple-A with opportunities to contribute to the Rangers' pitching staff.
Giants prospect Bryce Eldridge is full-go for spring training after undergoing surgery in October to remove a bone spur from his left wrist. The 21-year-old had a late start last season due to the injury and played through it before the operation. Tentatively penciled in as the team's designated hitter, Eldridge will need a strong Cactus League showing to secure the role. Last season, he hit 3-for-28 with the Giants but slashed .260/.333/.510 with 25 homers in 102 minor league games.
The Philadelphia Phillies are actively working to move outfielder Nick Castellanos and his contract before position players report to spring training. GM Dave Dombrowski confirmed the team's focus on making a move this week, indicating they are willing to eat his remaining salary. Castellanos' limited defensive ability, making him primarily a DH, has complicated finding a trade partner. Speculation includes potential fits with the Twins, Marlins, or Rockies, hoping he can revive his bat without defensive burden.
