Editor’s note: Leading up to Opening Day, our staff will share several predictions for the 2026 Red Sox season. In Part 2 of the season preview series,our three-person panel named the biggest key to Boston making a deeper postseason run.
The Boston Red Sox ended their four-year postseason drought last season, winning 89 games en route to the Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees.
After falling to their archrival in the opening round, the Red Sox are poised to make a deeper playoff run in 2026. They loaded up on starting pitching during the offseason, trading for Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo before signing Ranger Suarez as their No. 2 starter. They lost veteran Alex Bregman in free agency, but the addition of first baseman Willson Contreras should help replace his offensive production.
Boston should also get a significant boost from its collection of young talent, with Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer looking to take the next step at the big-league level. Top prospects Payton Tolle and Connelly Early — who started in Game 3 vs. New York — figure to play key roles in 2026 as well.
So, what are the biggest keys to the Red Sox making a deeper postseason run? Our panel tackled that question in Part 2 of our season preview series:
Justin Leger: Starting pitching lives up to expectations
After acquiring Ranger Suarez, Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo in the offseason, the Red Sox are expected to boast one of the best rotations in baseball. They also still have admirable depth if one or two starters go down. Top prospects Payton Tolle and Connelly Early are in the mix, plus veterans Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval are set to return from injuries.
If the starting pitching staff disappoints, it could be a long season. Boston’s lineup leaves plenty to be desired heading into the campaign, with FanGraphs’ ZiPS projecting zero players projected to hit 20-plus home runs.
Nick Goss: Young players take the next step
Roman Anthony has superstar potential, and if healthy, 2026 could be the year he makes that jump.
What will the Red Sox get from Marcelo Mayer? Can he earn a regular role at the MLB level and be a key contributor? Can he stay healthy for a full season? Injuries are inevitable, so the Red Sox will need prospects and/or utility guys to step up.
Brayan Bello has All-Star potential. It was encouraging to see him lower his ERA by more than a full run in 2025 and pitch a career high in innings. Can he make another jump in 2026? The Red Sox need it to be a true contender.
Darren Hartwell: The rotation staying intact
The Red Sox had 13 pitchers make multiple starts last season, including September call-up Connelly Early, who got the ball for a winner-take-all playoff game against the Yankees. Craig Breslow’s offseason investment in the rotation should decrease that number in 2026, and they now have the depth to roll out seasoned starters in every game of a playoff series… assuming their “horses” are healthy in October.
Mar 11, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Albert Suarez (49) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees in the first inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Time is winding down for Orioles spring training. The O’s have just four days left in Florida before heading north for a pair of home-and-home exhibition games against the Nationals and then Opening Day. This afternoon the O’s play their second and final spring game against the defending AL champion Blue Jays. They won’t see them again until the end of May, two months into the regular season.
Albert Suárez is in desperate need of an effective start. Spring training stats don’t mean everything, but his have been particularly rough — a 10.80 ERA in 6.2 innings — and when you’re a roster bubble guy, that could make the difference between cracking the Opening Day roster or being left out in the cold. Suárez is on a minor league contract, so it would be easy enough for the O’s to simply stash him at Triple-A Norfolk if he doesn’t make the team out of camp. Chances are we’ll be seeing him at some point this season, so it’d be nice if he can show he’s still got something in the tank.
A lot of Orioles regulars are making the trip to Dunedin for this one, including a number of guys who will be starting on Opening Day, though not necessarily at the same positions. Pete Alonso gets a partial breather as the DH while Ryan Mountcastle plays first, and Blaze Alexander is making the start in center field. If Alexander proves himself capable as an outfielder, that’ll be a huge boon to the Orioles’ bench.
Orioles lineup:
RF Dylan Beavers C Adley Rutschman DH Pete Alonso 1B Ryan Mountcastle LF Colton Cowser CF Blaze Alexander 2B Jeremiah Jackson 3B Weston Wilson SS José Barrero
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 10: Adolis García #53 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats during the third inning of a spring training game against the New York Yankees at BayCare Ballpark on March 10, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mark Taylor/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Good Phight will be previewing the 2026 season by going over each position on the field. We’ll talk about the players that will occupy them, the players behind them, their strengths and weaknesses and give a few takes about how we think the season will shake out.
The bar is low for Adolis García. Nick Castellanos played in 143 games last year as the Phillies primary right fielder for most of the season. He was one of the worst players in Major League Baseball. He brought a beer into the clubhouse and didn’t like Rob Thomson.
Once the Phillies made the trade for Harrison Bader to play center field, Nick Castellanos began to lose playing time, eventually leading to Max Kepler becoming Thomson’s primary option against right handed pitchers. Over the final month of the season, Kepler played right field in 13 of the 17 games he played. He was the game one starter out there in the NLDS but moved back to left when Bader got hurt.
Overall, the Phillies right field output was 21st in fWAR and 15th in wRC+, mostly because of what Max Kepler did over the final two months of the season.
After a 39 home run campaign that helped the Texas Rangers win a title in 2023, García’s production has plummeted in his early 30s. His slugging from 2023 to 2024 dropped 108 points and dropped an additional six in 2025. He rebounded defensively last season but he was still a below-average player at the plate.
The inspiring takeaway from García is that he still has the raw physical talent for a potential rebound. While his bat speed has declined, his average exit velocity was still north of 92 mph last season with a plus hard hit rate. In spring training, García’s hard hit metrics still show a player who can hit the ball very hard.
The approach at the plate is a different question, however. He may be a vastly different defensive outfielder than Nick Castellanos but they’re quite similar at the plate. The general profile of both hitters looks very similar.
The similarities don’t stop there, García hit just .247 on four-seam fastballs last season. Castellanos? .246.
Against breaking pitches, Castellanos hit .220 with a .392 slugging. García? .212 with a .390 slugging.
If Adolis García ends up being a slightly better version of Castellanos at the plate by demonstrating more raw power while giving the Phillies at least slightly above-average defense, that’s a better player than the right field situation the club had last season. That’s what the Phillies are asking him to do.
But even in that world, is it enough of an upgrade? It’s a hard question to answer. That still might be the first place the team looks for help at the trade deadline in August.
There is also the path for a collapse in production. García is now 33 years old and has a game predicated on raw athleticism to make up for approach issues. It’s very easy to imagine a major decrease in bat speed, which leads to issues against fastballs. If he loses a bit of speed, he might go from an above-average outfielder defensively to someone below. Sapped raw power would lead to less extra base hits.
How easy is it to imagine that happening for a 33-year-old right fielder? It happened to the Phillies last year with Nick Castellanos.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 09: Nelson Velázquez (88) of the St. Louis Cardinals bats during a spring training game against the Houston Astros on March 09, 2026 at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The St. Louis Cardinals are barely a week away from Opening Day, but there are still more Spring Training games to complete. Today, they face off against the Houston Astros at Roger Dean Stadium. According to MLB.com, the Astros will send J.P. France to the mound while the Cardinals starter will be Kyle Leahy.
As Major League Baseball teams prepare for their final days of spring training in Arizona and Florida, Opening Day is lurking.
All three of them.
With a made-for-streaming standalone game and a handful of three-game series spread over four days, all 30 teams will open over a three-day period, as a handful of new national television windows debut.
The openers will also have a decidedly interleague look to them, as seven of the 15 series will match up American and National league teams. And while many teams build an off day into the second day of the season to allow for inclement weather, eight of the openers will be held in climate-controlled or warmer-weather venues.
When does the 2026 MLB season begin?
The San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees will begin the season Wednesday, March 25, with an 8:05 p.m. ET matchup broadcast exclusively on Netflix. Left-hander Max Fried will start for the Yankees, opposed by Logan Webb for the Giants, whose manager, Tony Vitello, will be making his professional debut. Vitello is the first manager to leap directly from collegiate coaching - at Tennessee - to the top spot in a big league dugout.
The Yankees and Giants are off Thursday, March 26 before concluding their series the following two days, including the debut Fox Sports national broadcast on Saturday, March 28.
When is MLB Opening Day?
Oh, you mean real, widespread Opening Day? That would be Thursday, March 26, when 22 teams will be in action, with all the trappings of the season opener: Plenty of bunting (hung from stadium facades, anyways) and a parade in Cincinnati and probably some Clydesdales in St. Louis.
The season openers on Thursday, March 26 (all times p.m. ET):
Pittsburgh Pirates at New York Mets, 1:15
Chicago White Sox at Milwaukee Brewers, 2:10
Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs, 2:20
Minnesota Twins at Baltimore Orioles, 3:05
Boston Red Sox at Cincinnati Reds, 4:10
Los Angeles Angels at Houston Astros, 4:10
Detroit Tigers at San Diego Padres, 4:10
Tampa Bay Rays at St. Louis Cardinals, 4:15
Texas Rangers at Philadelphia Phillies, 4:15
Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers, 8:30, NBC
Cleveland Guardians at Seattle Mariners, 10:10
Which teams open Friday, March 27?
The Atlanta Braves (vs. Kansas City Royals), Toronto Blue Jays (vs. the Athletics) and Miami Marlins (vs. the Colorado Rockies) open Friday, March 27. All three series are of the three-game variety and these clubs opted to play three days in a row rather than use Friday as a potential weather make-up day (Miami and Toronto play in domed stadiums, anyway).
The World Baseball Classic is complete, and rosters will start to fill back out after Venezuela's stunning win over Team USA.
My spring training predictions and MLB picks for Wednesday, March 18, are bullish on the Kansas City Royals, despite still being a touch shorthanded from the WBC.
Spring Training predictions for March 18
Pick
Odds
LAD moneyline
-140
CHC moneyline
+100
Royals moneyline
+115
Pick #1: Dodgers moneyline
Even if Shohei Ohtani is a little rusty on the mound in his spring pitching debut (he didn't pitch in the WBC), the Los Angeles Dodgers are trotting out a lineup including Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, and Teoscar Hernandez in the heart of the order.
San Francisco Giants starter Landen Roupp has a difficult assignment ahead of him, which is why I can't help but pounce on the Dodgers to win at -140.
We're getting a longer number than anticipated, likely because Ohtani's and Kyle Tucker's absences from the lineup are being factored into the price. I'll take that discount, even in spring, on a Dodgers victory.
Pick #2: Cubs moneyline
This might not be a wild prediction, but Edward Cabrera will finish the season as the Chicago Cubs' best starting pitcher and will earn some down-ballot Cy Young attention. This is assuming health, of course, but he's looked strong in limited action this spring, authoring a 1.08 while only issuing one walk in 8 1/3 innings.
He gives Chicago enough of an early edge over Arizona Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly, who's historically been at the mercy of pitching to soft contact instead of missing bats. The Cubs rarely struck out in 2025, and even without Kyle Tucker, we can expect more of the same in 2026.
Grab the even money on Chicago winning here. It's a better number than we ought to be getting before lineups are announced.
Pick #3: Royals moneyline
Neither Bobby Witt Jr. nor World Baseball Classic MVP Maikel Garcia will be in the lineup, but that has the Kansas City Royals as +115 underdogs vs. the Texas Rangers.
I'll take that number based on the pitching matchup. Rangers right-hander Kumar Rocker may have better pure stuff than Kris Bubic, but he hasn't been overpowering opponents as much as people may have expected. Rocker has allowed 10 hits and five earned runs in just 8 1/3 innings this spring after posting a 5.74 ERA over 64 1/3 innings last summer.
The Royals were even less strikeout-prone than the Cubs last season, and even without a couple of big names, that likely won't change tonight.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 16: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers jogs on the field prior to a Spring Training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Camelback Ranch on March 16, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers are back at Camelback Ranch on Wednesday afternoon to face the San Francisco Giants. Shohei Ohtani pitches in a game for the first time this spring.
Lineup
Miguel Rojas 2B Freddie Freeman 1B Mookie Betts SS Max Muncy 3B Teoscar Hernández LF Andy Pages CF Dalton Rushing C Santiago Espinal RF Alex Freeland DH
Ohtani on the mound.
Other pitchers
Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia are on the schedule to pitch, which would make them the first Dodgers this spring to pitch on back-to-back days.
Blake Treinen, Will Klein, Edgardo Henriquez, and non-roster left-hander Antoine Kelly are also listed on the game roster.
Up from minor league camp are Joseilyn Gonzalez (wearing number 00), Antonio Knowles (90), Dilan Figueredo (91), and Keynan Middleton (97).
Other position players
Hyeseong Kim started the last three games, and played all nine innings Tuesday night. He’s listed on Wednesday’s game roster in reserve.
Also active are non-roster invitees Ryan Fitzgerald, Nick Senzel, Seby Zavala, and Eliézer Alfonzo.
Up from the minor league side are Keston Hiura (9), Charles Davalan (87), Jaron Elkins (88), Austin Gauthier (89), Nico Perez (92), and Samuel Muñoz (93).
dpatop - 03 January 2026, Brandenburg, Sieversdorf: A jay (Garrulus glandarius) throws a walnut through the air on an Aust covered in snow. The jay is a songbird from the corvid family (Corvidae). Photo: Patrick Pleul/dpa (Photo by Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images)
After a day off, we get a Jays’ game again.
I’m mostly curious to watch Eloy Jimenez playing first. I’m thinking it is unlikely he’ll make the Jays out of spring training, but if he were to make the Jays, it would be useful if he can play more than just the corner outfield spots.
Josh Fleming (one m) gets the start. He has pitched in 80 games, 20 starts, over 5 season in the MLB, with a 4.77 ERA. A depth pitcher. He is a lefty and we likely could use some lefty reliever depth.
DUNEDIN, Fla. — Toronto Blue Jays pitcher José Berríos won’t be ready for the start of the season after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right elbow.
Berríos had met with Dr. Keith Meister regarding what the Blue Jays were describing as inflammation in his elbow. Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters about Berríos’ diagnosis.
Berríos, 31, went 9-5 with a 4.17 ERA in 31 appearances for the Blue Jays last season. He ended the season on the injured list and didn’t pitch in the postseason as the Blue Jays made their World Series run.
Mar 3, 2026; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants first baseman Bryce Eldridge against Team USA during a spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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When pitchers and catchers reported for Spring Training in Scottsdale more than a month ago, the biggest question facing the San Francisco Giants — other than the success and comfort of manager Tony Vitello — was whether or not top prospect Bryce Eldridge would make the Opening Day roster. And now, with the first game of the season exactly one week away, the biggest question facing the Giants remains the same: should Bryce Eldridge make the Opening Day roster?
The case in favor is extremely easy to make. Eldridge’s at-bats have been must-watch TV in the Cactus League. He has had remarkably composed and competitive at-bats, and has been absolutely scalding the ball (including a 113-mph fly ball off of Paul Skenes in the exhibition game against Team USA). He’s been a well above-average hitter in Spring Training, with an .849 OPS and a 123 wRC+. His defense at first base has been surprisingly strong, and you can make a compelling case that he’ll develop more in the Majors — where he’ll face elite pitchers with scouting reports, and get to work with Ron Washington — than he will in the Minors. And the Giants are incentivized to start the season with Eldridge on the team, due to MLB’s Prospect Promotion Incentive.
But there’s also a case against Eldridge beginning the year at Oracle Park, and instead heading to AAA Sacramento. Despite the competitive at-bats, Eldridge is still swinging and missing a lot, with a sky-high 38.8% strikeout rate (though, interestingly, his swinging strike rate is the lowest of his career). He’s doing a lot of damage when he makes contact, but the lack of contact has resulted in just a .231 batting average. And the offensive success is partially attributed to an unsustainably-high walk rate of 18.4%, nearly double his mark in the Minor Leagues last season. And having Eldridge start the year in Sacramento opens up a roster spot, which could potentially be used to keep Luis Matos or Jerar Encarnación — players who are out of options — on the team.
Either way, Eldridge will be a big part of the 2026 team regardless, but Vitello and Buster Posey have quite a decision on their hands. Unfortunately, we can’t ask them to answer the question … so we’ll ask you instead!
DCG's Taitn Gray crosses home plate after scoring a home run against Johnston on July 7, 2025, in Johnston. | Cody Scanlan/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Previous Winner
Taitn Gray, 1B/OF/C 18 | S/R | 6’4” | 220
The Rays 86th overall pick in 2025, Gray fell to the third round due to some concern about whether he will stick at catcher, but that buries the lead. Still just 17 at the time of the draft, Gray showed up to the Rays organization and proved his rumored power was real, running exit velocities up to 115 mph from both sides of the plate, although the left handed swing is sweeter. He has plus athleticism, which elevated his bat speed, foot speed, and fluidity — despite his size. It will be interesting to see where the Rays deploy him on defense, but it’s a great bat to dream on.
Rank
Player
Position
Votes
Total
Percentage
Last Season
1
Carson Williams
SS
14
25
56%
1
2
Brody Hopkins
RHP
19
25
76%
8
3
Jacob Melton
OF
14
28
50%
NA
4
Theo Gillen
OF
14
26
54%
13
5
Ty Johnson
RHP
12
25
48%
15
6
Daniel Pierce
SS
13
23
57%
NA
7
Jadher Areinamo
INF
15
28
54%
NA
8
TJ Nichols
RHP
13
28
46%
NR
9
Michael Forret
RHP
8
33
24%
NA
10
Santiago Suarez
RHP
11
30
37%
16
11
Anderson Brito
RHP
7
28
25%
NA
12
Xavier Isaac
1B
9
28
32%
3
13
Caden Bodine
C
10
25
40%
NA
14
Brendan Summerhill
OF
11
27
41%
NA
15
Slater de Brun
OF
10
25
40%
NA
16
Nathan Flewelling
C
8
26
31%
NR
17
Trevor Harrison
RHP
9
26
35%
10
18
Jose Urbina
RHP
13
26
50%
25
19
Tre’ Morgan
1B/LF
15
25
60%
4
20
Jackson Baumeister
RHP
12
27
44%
12
21
Aidan Smith
OF
17
29
59%
6
22
Homer Bush Jr.
OF
10
25
40%
21
23
Dom Keegan
C
10
28
36%
9
24
Gary Gill Hill
RHP
8
25
32%
11
25
Brailer Guerrero
OF
8
24
33%
14
26
Brayden Taylor
2B/3B
6
25
24%
2
27
Adrian Santana
SS
6
26
23%
NR
28
Austin Overn
OF
7
21
33%
NA
29
Taitn Gray
1B/OF/C
8
23
35%
NA
The trend of new acquisitions is going strong once again as draftee Gray enters the list after a new acquisition. Who will take the final official spot before honorable mention voting? For candidates, we add a top-20 prospect from last year Cooper Kinney.
Candidates
Fabricio Blanco, SS 17 | S/R | 5’11” | 161
A bat-first middle infielder, the Venezuelan is an elite prospect within the context of the international signing process, with some believing he’s the best Rays signee this off-season, despite gathering only a $1 million bonus. He can barrel up from both sides of the plate, but may settle into a right handed swing in the long term, with quick hands. He has the ability and instincts to stick at short, with a high-IQ approach and gritty demeanor.
Alex Cook, RHP 25 | 6’2” | 220 AA | 2.30 ERA, 2.29 FIP, 15.2 IP (13 G), 30.5% K, 5.1% BB
The Rays added Cook to the 40-man roster this off-season to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, despite only throwing 20 innings (if you include four appearances in the complex league) after a slow start to the season. Cook attempted to convert to starting in 2024 and succumbed to a should injury, but bounced back in the bullpen in 2025 throwing 99 mph — and he has shown up to camp continuing to pitch with confidence. He has plus control and command, with stuff that leans into his low release point, including a cut-ride fastball and two-plane slider, and an MLB average cutter to prevent platoon slit problems. He should slot into high leverage for Durham and ride the shuttle in 2026.
Tampa Bay’s top signee from the 2025 international class, Coret reported tall and young with a lot of projection. His future depends mostly on his hit tool, with prospect evaluators divided on a player that has a long way to go, but the exit velocity (111 mph) and foot speed are plus for his age. Promisingly, after he had a hot start to his professional career, Coret saw his strikeouts elevate in July, but he got them back under control in the final month. A move to the complex league in 2026 would be aggressive.
Cooper Flemming, SS 19 | L/R | 6’3” | 190
One of the best high school bats in the 2025 draft, Flemming surprisingly fell into the Rays laps in the second round. He has a too-quiet swing that lacks the load necessary to hit for power, but he’s historically compensated for that with a high contact rate that would have rated him as first round material if his defense projected to stick. The Rays were able to convince him to forgo an education at Vanderbilt by going above slot ($2.3m, Comp-A money).
Cooper Kinney, 2B/3B 23 | L/R | 6’1” | 200 AA | .242/.299/.386 (103 wRC+) 501 PA, 13 HR, 0 SB, 7.2% BB, 25.0% K
After a bounce back year in 2024 (137+ in High-A), Kinney underwhelmed with a 103 wRC+ at Double-A. Kinney’s calling card is a pretty swing and masterful control of the strikezone, but with a higher than average injury risk. He would have been on track for a potential appearance at the MLB level, but with his performance last season he might even be ticketed back to Montgomery. Were the problems related to a nagging shoulder injury? After a 200 wRC+ April, his performance at the plate steadily declined, and Kinney hit no homeruns between July 13 and the end of September. The org played him 60 games at second base in 2026, 28 at third, and the rest at first or DH.
Victor Mesa Jr., OF 24 | L/L | 5’11” | 195 AAA (MIA) | .301/.368/.510 (136 wRC+) 171 PA, 7 HR, 4 SB, 9.9% BB, 16.4% K MLB (MIA) | 6 H (1 HR), 5 BB, 5 K (81 wRC+) 38 PA
This Cuban power bat already made his major league debut with Miami last year after bouncing back from a spring hamstring injury, and was dealt to the Rays in February. He profiles as a fourth outfielder but has an option remaining, so the organization may send him down for regular playing time and one last chance for something more in development. If not, he’s a center field capable on defense, which goes a long way for a platoon bat. In the running for the nicest guy in baseball.
Dean Moss, OF 19 | L/R | 6’0” | 180
Signed well above slot out of the 2025 draft at No. 67 overall, Moss’s family moved from California to the Tampa Bay Area to enroll Moss at IMG, and it earned him a new-home-town selection. A jack of all trades, Moss’s hit tool shades his best thanks to plus bat speed. His swing is clean, with and the projection for his power over time is major league average. He will have competition internally to stick at center, but may get the first nod in the rookie league.
The Rays 58th overall pick in 2024, Pitre has risen on draft boards through a strong performance in the Cape Cod league in 2023, but the power was a real question mark on his profile. Now given a chance to develop as a professional, he wouldn’t be the first to add muscle. His run and hit tools are plus, with a well coiled swing and solid contact in and out of zone. He’s too old to return to High-A and it be viewed as positive. His power stroke will be the key to his success in 2026.
Joe Rock, LHP 25 | 6’6” | 220 AAA | 5.21 ERA, 5.13 FIP, 96.2 IP (32 G, 15 GS), 21.1% K, 9.3% BB MLB | 2 ER, 7 H (1 HR), 7.2 IP (3 G), 11 K, 2 BB
Rock got the call for the first time last season, riding the Durham shuttle in June and again in September after being acquired from the Rockies for former first rounder Greg Jones in an org roster shuffle ahead of the 2024 season. Rock’s calling card is a borderline double-plus slider that’s complimented by league average stuff from his sinker and change, although he’ll pop a high four-seam to keep ‘em honest. His arm action starts with a high back elbow and ends in a lower release point, and the look elevates his profile through deception. He’s most likely in a relief role.
Victor Valdez, SS 17 | R/R | 6’1” | 186
A pretty swing with a low whiff rate earned Valdez a big payday this winter — $3.5 million — with as good of a power projection as you can reasonably ask for from a a teenage bat, having been given a 25+ home run projection by Baseball America, who also praise his plus foot speed, bat speed, and control of the zone. Reports say he has ever improving lateral movements on defense, with smooth actions and a strong arm. If it all clicks, it’s a middle-of-the-order bat on the left side of the infield. At signing, the Rays gave him a comp to Francisco Lindor. It will be interesting to see if his first professional season can solidify the five tool profile.
TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees works out during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 27, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Surprise! Gerrit Cole is back!
Well, sort of. The Yankee ace will be pitching in today’s spring training game against the Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field. But make sure you get to your TVs (or streaming devices) in time for first pitch! Cole is only scheduled to pitch one inning today—and then he will continue his preparation for a return to full action at some point in the first half of the regular season.
It feels like even longer than a full year since the last time we saw Cole pitch. While you can never be fully confident that a 35-year old coming off reconstructive elbow surgery will look like the top-flight starter he’s been over the last decade, everyone with the Yankees has said he’s aced his rehab process so far. This Grapefruit League game against Boston is just another box to check off in that process, albeit a significant one.
He’ll be opposed by a talented young lefty we last saw in last year’s Wild Card Series. Connelly Early was overshadowed by fellow rookie Cam Schlittler in Game 3, but got out to an impressive start in that ballgame before faltering in the fourth inning. Early has had a strong spring so far as he looks to secure a back-of-the-rotation spot for a Red Sox pitching staff flush with depth.
With Team USA’s defeat at the hands of Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic final last night, Aaron Judge is officially free to return to being captain of the Yankees. That said, he won’t be in today’s lineup so soon after the fact. Most of the Bomber batters who participated in earlier games of the WBC will be, though, including leadoff hitter Amed Rosario—as well as the 6-7-8 hitters in Jazz Chisholm, José Caballero, and Austin Wells. Also in the lineup today are Ben Rice, Giancarlo Stanton, and left fielder Randal Grichuk. Kenedy Corona will play in Judge’s usual right field spot and hit ninth.
The Red Sox lineup has decidedly fewer household names—Kristian Campbell is the only player who received extensive MLB time last year. But hey, that’s spring training road trips for you.
How to watch
Location: George M. Steinbrenner Field — Tampa, FL
SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory! Drop in SB Nation’s March Madness Feed all week long and we’ll have both on hand! (All times ET)
With the Spring Breakout just three days away, the Atlanta Braves have announced the finalized version of the roster that will be a part of the exhibition. It was back on March 5th that the Braves announced the full 40 man roster so let’s take a look at those that made the cut and will be a part of the exhibition.
Owen Murphy and Garrett Baumann are the two starting pitchers that make the list, while the other seven are relievers. There are several notable names not included in this list including the likes of JR Ritchie, and Didier Fuentes who have both pitched extremely well with the big league team. The likes of Luke Sinnard, Briggs McKenzie, Cam Caminiti, Ethan Bagwell, Landon Beidelschies, Blake Burkhalter, Drue Hackenberg, Ian Mejia, and Raudy Reyes being the other names left off the final roster. Luis Vargas, however, making the team is especially nice, after he missed a good chunk of the season last year having a tumor removed from his head.
Catchers
Archer Brookman (2025, A+: .230/.289/.299)
Colin Burgess (2025, A: .208/.277/.292)
Manuel Dos Passos (2025, CPX: .222/.361/.325)
The state of catching post Drake Baldwin can be seen in this grouping. Chadwick Tromp is now a regular part of the AAA/MLB team so his inclusion was not going to happen. Archer Brookman and Colin Burgess are a pair of minor league of free agents the Braves brought into the organization recently and they are at the top of the depth chart while the young Manuel Dos Passos makes the roster. Nick Montgomery not making the club is of notable note, and no Tyler Tolve is interesting. That said, catcher is clearly an area of need in the neat future for the Braves, following the graduation of Drake Baldwin.
Infielders
John Gil (2025, CPX/A/AA: .252/.348/.366)
Jim Jarvis (2025, AA/AAA: .249/.324/.347)
Alex Lodise (2025, A+: .252/.294/.398)
Cody Miller (2025, A/A+: .327/.381/.449)
Jose Perdomo (2025, CPX: .223/.275/.270)
Tate Southisene (2025, A: .219/.242/.297)
Dixon Williams (2025, A: .269/.395/.462)
It’s been a while since the Braves bolstered a group of positional prospects with this many tools. It will be interesting to see where each player plays as Gil, Lodise, Miller, Perdomo, and Southisene are all natural shortstops, while Dixon is a second baseman, and Jim Jarvis is more of a utility player – so who mans third and first is definitely up for debate. Two interesting non-inclusions are Lisandro Espinoza, and David McCabe.
Outfielders
Owen Carey (2025, A: .258/.330/.345)
Patrick Clohisy (2025, A+/AA: .254/.335/.346)
Isaiah Drake (2025, A/A+: .272/.342/.356)
Conor Essenburg (DNP)
Eric Hartman (2025, CPX/A: .240/.341/.358)
Diego Tornes (2025, DSL: .279/.395/.402)
Much like the infield group, this group of outfielders have some of the highest collection of tools in recent Braves history. There is plus speed with Isaiah Drake, Eric Hartman, and Diego Tornes while Diego Tornes and Conor Essenburg possess some of, if not the most notable, power in the minors. Finally, Owen Carey and Patrick Clohisy and their well rounded games make up the rest of the outfield class. The most notable absence here is OF Luis Guanipa.
Feb 28, 2026; Sarasota, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Martin Perez (70) throws a pitch during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Welp, folks, that’s the end of the 2026 World Baseball Classic that almost all baseball fans could not only enjoy, but also feel the electric energy from the participating teams and kick off baseball season. Congrats to Ronald Acuña Jr. and team Venezuela on a phenomenal and first WBC win.
The Atlanta Braves are back to face the Philies in North Port with Martín Pérez to take the hill against Andrew Painter (not yet updated on mlb.com, but confirmed on the Phillies’ social media).
Hoping to bounce back from yesterday’s loss against the Red Sox, we’ll be set to watch the squad with Mauricio Dubón batting leadoff with more familiar faces to close out this division matchup for Spring Training.
Game Notes
Time: 1:05 ET
TV: Braves Vision
Radio: ESPN 103.7/WIFN 1340
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SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory! Drop in SB Nation’s March Madness Feed all week long and we’ll have both on hand! (All times ET)
MIAMI — Venezuela manager Omar López went beyond the limit to help his nation win its first World Baseball Classic.
Major league clubs routinely place restrictions on how national team managers can use pitchers at the WBC. One key for López and Venezuela in the championship game was that he talked some MLB team executives into dropping their initial limitations. U.S. manager Mark DeRosa accepted such restraints.
That allowed López to pitch Chicago Cubs closer Daniel Palencia for the second straight night and third time in four days. Palencia retired three straight batters to seal a 3-2 win.
“I woke this morning, three text messages from different organizations trying not to pitch guys back to back,” López said before the game. “One of my strengths is talk, and I send my text back fighting for my guys and then set a phone call with everybody. When you talk and you get an agreement, you negotiate it, everything is going to go well.”
López relaxed a bit after the back and forth.
“I have my guys tonight to go back to back if I need to, and that’s the most important thing,” he said.
DeRosa didn’t use Mason Miller, perhaps baseball’s best reliever, because he promised the San Diego Padres he would pitch the 27-year-old righty only in a save situation. Miller had Monday off after throwing 22 pitches in the ninth inning of Sunday’s 2-1 win over the Dominican Republic, when his fastball averaged 101 mph.
After Bryce Harper’s two-run homer tied the score 2-2 in the eighth against Venezuela, DeRosa brought in Boston’s Garrett Whitlock to start the ninth. Whitlock walked Luis Arraez, and pinch-runner Javier Sanoja stole second. Sanoja came home when Eugenio Suárez doubled to the left-center gap on a full-count changeup.
“Honoring the Padres,” DeRosa said of Miller’s absence. “Had we taken the lead, he was coming in, but I wasn’t going to bring him in to a tie game.”
With the U.S. the home team and batting last, there was no chance for a save situation once the game entered the ninth inning tied.
“I wanted to honor the fact that there was a situation there where, if it was tied, we were going to use Whitlock,” DeRosa said. “We had talked to the Red Sox about that. And if we had the lead, we were going to use Mason.”
Palencia, a 26-year-old right-hander, threw 13 pitches in a perfect ninth to close out an 8-6 quarterfinal win over Japan, striking out two and ending the game by retiring Shohei Ohtani on a popup.
He threw 15 more pitches Sunday in a 1-2-3 top of the ninth that finished a 4-2 win over Italy.
Against the U.S, he needed just 11 pitches that raised his three-game total to 39. Palencia struck out Kyle Schwarber on a 98.5 mph four-seamer, induced a popup from pinch-hitter Gunnar Henderson and blew a 99.7 mph fastball by Roman Anthony for a title-winning strikeout.
Palencia’s fastball velocity averaged 98.1 mph against the U.S., down from 99.3 mph vs. Italy and 98.8 mph vs. Japan, but it was good enough.
He threw 30 fastballs over the three games, seven sliders and two splitters, totaling 26 strikes and 13 balls.
“With that fastball, it is not easy to have good control, but I train that with my coaches in Venezuela,” he said during the tournament. “I trained like a sprinter because I learned that it is about velocity, the capability of the muscle to move.”
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