LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: The ball hits Brent Rooker #25 of the Athletics in the back after he fouled a pitch off of home plate in the first inning of a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Las Vegas Ballpark on March 07, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Angels defeated the Athletics 3-0. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you spent the $20-$30 needed to attend today’s game as a spectator, you would’ve walked away having gotten your money’s worth.
It was a back and forth battle at Hohokam Stadium! The White Sox got to A’s starter Jeffrey Springs early, in the first inning Edgar Quero and Lenyn Sosa would do some damage. A run scoring single and a double between the two would give the South Siders a 3-0 lead before the A’s even picked up a bat.
That 3-0 lead would be short lived though. In the bottom half of the first, the A’s answered right back with a an RBI double and single of their own – – thanks to Brent Rooker and Jeff McNeil.
After a quiet second inning for both clubs, the White Sox would strike – – three times – – all off of one swing by Korey Lee. Miguel Vargas and Jarred Kelenic both scored on the dinger. Springs would not return for the fourth inning. His day ends with the troubling line of 2.2 IP, 4H, 6ER, 3 BB, and 3K :/
Tough day for the A’s southpaw but us fans have grown custom to poor pitching performances by our starting pitchers this spring.
Thankfully the offense has been cartoonishly hot. Three solo home runs by Brent Rooker, Nick Kurtz, and Shea Langeliers had the game all tied up by the end of the fourth inning. That lead, however, would be short lived thanks to a Derek Hill RBI single off of Mark Leiter Jr. in the top of the fifth.
That would be the last of the offensive damage for the White Sox. They’d carry that 7-6 lead up until the bottom of the seventh, where the Non-roster trio of Tommy White, Michael Stefanic, and Cade Marlowe tied it all up, leading to a Jared Dickey single that brought Stefanic and Marlowe home, making it 9-7 A’s.
For good measure, the A’s tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the eighth. Tommy White’s single scored Leo De Vries, who just missed a home run. White would then be brought in on a Cade Marlowe fielder’s choice.
A’S TODAY (3/10) RF Rooker: 2-3, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R 1B Kurtz: 1-2, HR, BB, 2 R DH Langeliers: 1-3, HR SS Wilson: 1-1, 2 BB 1B White: 2-2, RBI, 2 R 2B Stefanic: 2-2, R SS De Vries: 1-2, 2B, R LHP Springs: 2.2 IP/4 H/6 ER/3 BB/3 K RHP Estes: 2.2 IP/2 H/0 ER/1 BB/0 K/W A’s win 11-7
— Bill Moriarity – A's Farm (@AthleticsFarm) March 10, 2026
Final score sits 11-7, A’s over the White Sox. They’ll be back at it against the Arizona Diamondbacks tomorrow. Right now, the pitching matchup is scheduled to be Luis Morales vs. Ryne Nelson. This’ll be Morales’ fourth outing so far this spring. Let’s hope he can build off of the small flashes of success he experienced last week against the Angels.
For those of you tuning in to tonight’s USA vs. Team Italy WBC game, feel free to keep the conversation going below!
Roki Sasaki, above during a workout at Camelback Ranch last month, pitched four innings against White Sox minor leaguers on Tuesday and struck out nine. (Mike Christy / Getty Images)
It hasn't been the smoothest spring training for right-hander Roki Sasaki as he prepares for his second season with the Dodgers.
Sasaki's first two starts in Cactus League play featured some issues with command and plenty of hard contact. But with left-hander Blake Snell and right-hander Gavin Stone sidelined with shoulder issues, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts left no doubt where Sasaki stood as he got ready to pitch in a B-game against White Sox minor leaguers on Tuesday.
“Having Blake [Snell] late to the season, which we know, [and] Gavin Stone, late to the season, as we know, we’re going to need Roki,” Roberts said. “With the buildup, I just don’t see a world in which he doesn’t break with us as a starter, and so, we’re going to need those innings.”
Sasaki took a promising step forward on a minor-league field at Camelback Ranch.
The hard-throwing right-hander threw 59 pitches, 40 for strikes, across four innings while striking out nine of the 13 batters he faced and allowing two to reach base.
Although Roberts did not see Sasaki’s outing, he heard rave reviews from members of the organization who attended.
“They said it was electric,” Roberts said after the Dodgers' 4-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Camelback Ranch. “They said [he was touching] 98 to 100 [mph]. The fastball was spraying a little early, but then he locked it in. And then the split was on-play, short, lot of swing-and-miss. Couldn’t have asked for a better day.”
Sasaki surrendered a single through the right side of the infield to the first batter he faced, then proceeded to strike out the next seven batters. His only other hiccup came in the third inning, when he hit Jason Matthews with a stray breaking ball on a full count.
“I actually felt pretty bad the last couple days, but today I was able to make an adjustment, so that’s what I really need for right now,” Sasaki said via an interpreter after his outing. “I think I can keep moving forward.”
Sasaki was shelled in his second Cactus League start last week, allowing four runs, three walks, a single and a grand slam to the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark. He was lifted from the game without recording an out, only to get re-inserted in the second inning to complete two scoreless innings.
Sasaki noted mechanical issues as the reason for his struggles after the game. Tuesday, he said he felt much better, focusing on his core and obliques.
“I was actually focusing on core, oblique stuff,” Sasaki said. “I think it’s all about mechanics. If my mechanics are really good, my command is good, too.”
Roberts took away plenty of value from the outing, even one against a lineup of minor leaguers.
"There's still value in getting hitters out and seeing guys swing and miss," Roberts said. "I think we accomplished what we wanted to today, we built him up. Obviously, built up some confidence. So, just go from there."
Tyler Glasnow cruises in third spring training outing
Tyler Glasnow pitched into the fifth inning of Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks, giving up a leadoff home run before settling in and giving up one other hit and one walk while striking out five in 4.1 innings of work.
“He looks as good as I’ve seen him over a period of time,” Roberts said. “And I just think that things are slowing down for him now. I really do. And I don’t know if it was going to the pen [and] pitching in the postseason the way he did, whatever it was, I just think there’s been real growth in him as a person and it is translating to on-the-field.”
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 23: Ryan Ritter #8 of the Colorado Rockies runs during the spring training game against the Chicago White Sox at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 23, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This afternoon, the Colorado Rockies lost to the Cincinnati Reds, 8-1.
PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24, 2026: Lazaro Montes #99 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with teammates after scoring on a two-run single hit by Colt Emerson during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox at Peoria Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
What exactly is the cost of a Mariners win. Certainly, it can’t be too expensive, right? Professional athletes work themselves out so hard everyday to grind out wins one-at-a-time, so you have to factor that in as an expense. Then there’s all the staff and coaches around keeping guys pointed in the right direction, their collective man hours is a heavy price. Oh, and you make sure that you spend the entire morning dealing with two of your All-Stars starting beef over a handshake on an international stage. That must be one of those hidden fees I’m always hearing about. Let’s get into the game.
Cooper Criswell took the start today opposite Royals ace Cole Ragans, and spent his 3.1 innings throwing as many strikes as possible, thirty-nine in fifty-seven pitches, and getting ten swings-and-misses. A couple hits, one to Isaac Collins in the first and a double to Carson Roccaforte in the third, were the only blemishes on his card for the day. Criswell battled against Isaac Collins in the bottom of third, getting an overturned call on an ABS challenge to stay in the count early, and ultimately get a fly ball out to right that ended an inning before it could get out of hand. He came out in the fourth and dismissed Carter Jensen on five pitches for his fifth strikeout and his day was done.
Dan Wilson had nothing but good things to say about Criswell after the game. “Really good outing for Cris. Throwing the ball well, staying ahead in counts, was pretty efficient.” Wilson went on talking about Criswell; “It’s been hard for hitters to get comfortable in there, and really try to figure him out.” On Criswell’s stuff, Wilson said, “he’s got the good movement, he’s got the good breaking balls, he’s got the good options, there’s nothing that they can get comfortable on.” When asked about Criswell’s resilience, Wilson said, “That’s the veteran experience that he’s gotten. He’s been around, he understands the game. It really does help him get back … take the next hitter and thwart whatever is going on. He’s got a slow heartbeat.”
After his outing, Criswell talked about his cutter and how it helps complete his arsenal of pitches, saying he likes to use it to, “reset the eyes of the hitter” away from the bottom of the zone that the sinker, change, and sweeper tend to end up, and making sure the hitter has to, “respect the top and bottom of the zone.”
Cole Wilcox was second out of the bullpen following Jimmy Kingsbury and pitched a clean top of the fifth but got into trouble quickly in the sixth, allowing a walk and a couple line drives, one to left for an out, and another that touched down in right. Dan brought in lefty Reid Easterly, to keep the lead, and his second pitch was taken deep to right by Kameron Misner. Those three runs ended up being all Kansas City would score.
The Mariners got the days offense started in the second by stringing together a couple of base-hits. Leo Rivas spanked a single to left before Spencer Packard doubled into the left-center gap to drive him home. The offense continued in the bottom of the fourth when Lazaro Montes slugged a double 109 mph out to center to score Patrick Wisdom, and then scored later in the inning when Bill Knight singled up the middle.
— Mariners Player Development (@MsPlayerDev) March 10, 2026
Montes and Knight teamed up again in the bottom of the sixth to generate a run. After Montes singled on a 100.8 out to right, he was standing at third with two outs when Knight managed to put a bloop into shallow right to bring him home, and get a hustle double for himself.
After the sixth it was zeroes across the board, and Michael Rucker got his first Cactus League save to close out a cool-hand-across-your-fevered-brow win.
Mariners are back at it tomorrow in Peoria hosting the Colorado Rockies at 1:10pm PST.
Other notes:
Casey Legumina worked a perfect top of the seventh against 3 straight lefties getting a fly out, groundout, and a strikeout.
Cole Young, Brennen Davis, Leo Rivas, Lazaro Montes, and Bill Knight all played the full nine innings of today’s game, each getting four at-bats and going a combined 6-17 with 3 RBIs and two walks.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 18: Matt McLain #9, TJ Friedl #29 and Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrate a scored run during the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on July 18, 2025 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Reds fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The 2025 edition of the Cincinnati Reds was anchored by both TJ Friedl and Elly De La Cruz, two everyday stalwarts that posted total plate appearances of 685 and 699, respectively. Those marks ranked 21st and tied for 12th among all MLB players, a testament both to their health and good enough production that they played just about everyday against pitchers on both sides of the mound.
Those were the only two Reds to top the 600 PA threshold, though, a mark that 68 total players across the league managed to top. That was due to a number of factors – platooning the likes of lefties Gavin Lux, Will Benson, and Jake Fraley, injuries to Fraley, Austin Hays, and Noelvi Marte, and input trades of Ke’Bryan Hayes and Miguel Andujar eating into others’ playing time.
A 600 PA season is indicative of good health and everyday playing time as much as it is an offense that keeps turning the lineup over, and the hope in 2026 is that the Reds offense is much, much better than it was during a largely ineffective 2025.
That begs the question…how many 600+ PA seasons will the Reds get out of their roster in 2026?
Will they be able to keep Sal Stewart in the lineup often enough for him to get there?
Might Spencer Steer find ways to get there by being versatile to cover both outfield corners and spots all over the infield?
Could they make sure Eugenio Suárez gets there since his bat is the singular reason they brought him onto the roster?
If Matt McLain hits like he did back in 2023 and sticks in the #2 spot in the order all year, will that push his season total over the threshold?
Let us know what you think, since it’s something of a tell of how good you think this offense will be – or a tell on how much you think they’ll rotate the lineup enough to keep guys from getting that many opportunities!
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 07: Michael Lorenzen #24 of Team Italy laughs with Vinnie Pasquantino #9 in the dugout during a game against Team Brazil during the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The knockout stage of this year’s World Baseball Classic is taking shape as we enter the final two days of pool play.
Game No. 1: Israel (מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל) at The Netherlands (Nederland)
Venue: loanDepot Park — Miami, Florida, USA
First Pitch: 5:00 PM MDT
TV: Fox One App
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
RHP Carlos Lequerica vs LHP Ryjeteri Merite
Game No. 2: Canada at Puerto Rico
Venue: Hiram Bithorn Stadium — San Juan, Puerto Rico
First Pitch: 5:00 PM MDT
TV: Tubi
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
RHP Jordan Balazovic vs RHP José de León
Game No. 3: Italy (Repubblica Italiana) at United States
Mar 4, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow against Team Mexico during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Tyler Glasnow continued his march toward pitching in the Dodgers’ opening series, pitching into the fifth inning in a 4-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday at Camelback Ranch.
Glasnow allowed a home run on his second pitch of the game, to Diamondbacks outfielder and leadoff batter Jordan Lawlar, but was otherwise stingy. He gave up only one more hit (a single) and a walk, and struck out five, and was so efficient that he even faced (and retired) one batter in the fifth inning to get to his pitch limit. Glasnow needed 60 pitches to complete his 4 1/3 innings, only nine more pitches than he used in 2 2/3 innings last Wednesday against Mexico.
He’s the first Dodgers pitcher this spring to pitch more than three innings in a Cactus League game.
Roki Sasaki is pitching in a B game today, where he'll build up to four innings. Dave Roberts expects Sasaki's performance to "continue to trend up" by the end of spring and reiterated: "I just don’t see a world where he doesn’t break with us as a starter."
Also of note on Tuesday, Brock Stewart threw a bullpen session Tuesday morning at Camelback Ranch. After shoulder surgery in October, Stewart won’t be ready for opening day. But that he’s already throwing bullpen sessions at least puts him on the radar for potential addition to the roster at some point in early to mid-April, if all goes well.
The Dodgers have their first off day of camp on Wednesday (with another coming on March 19), then are back at Camelback Ranch on Thursday night against the Cincinnati Reds (6:05 p.m., SportsNet LA).
Cade Horton got cuffed around pretty good, serving up six hits, including three home runs. Horton worked 3.2 innings and threw 60 pitches. Was he working on mechanics or location? Maybe. Hopefully this is just a “let it all hang out” Spring Training outing and nothing more. Here’s some good analysis of Horton’s spring.
In case you care, here’s video of the other two homers, by Corey Seager and Josh Smith, though you can’t really see Horton’s pitches here nor, really, any Cubs:
Andrew McCutchen, who’s trying to make the Rangers as a non-roster invitee at age 39, doubled in a run in the fifth inning off Ryan Rolison, who’s not going to make the Opening Day roster.
The Cubs didn’t really do much against Jacob deGrom (but then, who does?), who threw three innings and struck out five, allowing singles to Kevin Alcántara and Michael Conforto. Here are deGrom’s five K’s [VIDEO].
The two singles were the only Cubs hits until Shaw’s homer. A sacrifice fly by Chas McCormick scored another run in the sixth.
Ethan Roberts threw a 1-2-3 sixth inning with a strikeout. Collin Snider threw a scoreless seventh with two strikeouts. The Cubs scored a third run on a double by Kade Snell in the eighth. The Cubs really like Snell, who was their fifth-round pick last year out of the University of Alabama.
The Cubs return to Sloan Park Wednesday afternoon for a matchup with the Royals. Colin Rea will start for the Cubs and Mitch Spence goes for Kansas City. Game time Wednesday is 3:05 p.m. CT and once again, there’s no TV or radio for this game, though I will be attending so will recap what I see in Mesa. Wednesday’s Cubs game is the last one this year that won’t have any broadcasts. All the rest of the spring games will have either a radio or TV broadcast or both.
Feb 24, 2026; North Port, Florida, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus (76) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves during spring training at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
From the moment the Detroit Tigers signed left-hander Enmanuel de Jesus to a minor league deal and camp invite back in December, it was clear they wouldn’t be able to stash him in the minor leagues and off the 40-man roster for long. As it turned out, interest from other teams forced the issue and so the Tigers added him to the 40-man roster on Tuesday, moving right-hander Troy Melton to the 60-day injured list as the corresponding move.
De Jesus’s deal was designed to pay the veteran $1.3 million if he played in the major leagues this season. Minor league deals like that are typically only given to players who have some interest from other teams, and they invariably come with a timetable. We expected that the Tigers would have until sometime in late April to decide to add him to the 40-man roster or De Jesus would be able to opt-out and sign wherever he chose. Those may still be the terms of the deal, but as it turns out, De Jesus also had the right to accept another deal this week. With offers coming in to pitch overseas after his outstanding showing for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, the Tigers made the call on Tuesday to purchase his contract and add him to the 40-man roster.
The 29-year-old came up in the Boston Red Sox organization before briefly bouncing around with the San Francisco Giants and the Miami Marlins, the latter of which gave him his first major league cup of coffee back in 2023. Offers were not particularly compelling at that point, and so De Jesus moved to South Korea to pitch in the KBO in 2024 and 2025.
With the Kiwoom Heroes in 2024, De Jesus made 30 starts, compiling a 3.68 ERA. He came back to the KBO with the KT Wiz in 2025, making another 30 starts with a 3.96 ERA. Those two seasons had major league teams interested, but unlike Cody Ponce or the Tigers own Drew Anderson, two 2025 KBO standouts who got major league deals this offseason, De Jesus didn’t draw much the same level of offers. Instead the Tigers were able to bring him to camp on a minor league deal, and the southpaw did his part by showing out in Grapefruit League action and in the World Baseball Classic.
De Jesus had already impressed in camp with his excellent command of a solid though modest pitch mix. His outing for Team Venezuela on March 8 solidified his standing as a pitcher of interest. De Jesus struck out eight over five innings of one-run ball with no walks and just two hits allowed as Team Venezuela defeated Team Israel. That set a record in strikeouts for Team Venezuela, putting a stamp on the performance. While the competition wasn’t particularly tough, it was again De Jesus’s excellent command and ability to execute his game plan that really stood out. As a result, franchises in Asia were reportedly calling for his services this week, and the Tigers had to decide whether they were going to add him to the roster or not.
The decision was made easier by the fact that Melton, who was expected to be a force in the bullpen and perhaps swing back to a starting role if needed during the season, has been dealing with an elbow issue that has kept him off the mound since early in spring camp. Asked about his status over the weekend, manager A.J. Hinch mentioned only that Melton was doing “plyo ball stuff,” making it clear that his status and timetable remained uncertain. On the one hand, the fact that he was doing arm strengthening work was a positive sign that Melton may avoid surgery. On the other, it looked more and more like Melton would need more rehab time and then a slow progression to build up his arm, followed by rehab outings at the Triple-A level. As his timeline started to stretch into May, the Tigers realized they wouldn’t lose anything by moving him to the 60-day injured list to open a spot for De Jesus, making the decision a pretty simple one.
De Jesus is working with both fourseam fastballs and sinkers between 92-94 mph and showing outstanding command of both pitches. He backs the two fastball types with an 86 mph cutter, and a good circle changeup averaging 85 mph this spring. The changeup has late fade and seems to have plenty of deception, making it his best pitch of the bunch as hitters don’t seem to pick it up well off the same sightlines on which he’s throwing the fourseam and sinker. Less often he’ll break off a slower slider to try and get some chase down and away from left-handed hitters.
It’s not an overpowering set of pitches, and big league hitters will be the proving ground for his mistakes, but de Jesus learned how to really pitch in the KBO, and appears to be pretty deceptive as well. He’s worked the edges of all four quadrants of the strike zone with both fastball types, while consistently bending the changeup and cutter just off the edges to either side of the plate. His easy delivery and apparent lack of tells, along with that feel for his full set of pitches has allowed him to keep hitters off balance. There have been few good swings against him from anyone this spring.
Take a look at his highlights from the WBC. You’ll see little but paint.
For now, the Tigers just had to pick up de Jesus’s contract to prevent him from signing elsewhere. He still has to make the Opening Day roster, but that’s looking like a near lock right now. We’ll assume that de Jesus will be in the Tigers’ bullpen on Opening Day along with fellow lefty Tyler Holton. Between de Jesus and Drew Anderson, that would give them two depth starters working out of the bullpen, giving Hinch a lot of flexibility to help get his rotation through the early part of the season when most injuries occur. They could also choose to keep Brant Hurter in the bullpen as well, giving them three multi-inning relievers who can handle either-handed hitters.
That setup leaves Holton, Will Vest, Kenley Jansen, and Kyle Finnegan free to handle the late innings and high leverage scenarios. With two long relief style lefties in the pen of the quality of de Jesus and Hurter, the Tigers could have them follow right-handed starters Justin Verlander, Jack Flaherty, and Casey Mize, forcing managers to decide if they want to replace left-handed hitters in the lineup with right-handers to try and get to the Tigers’ bullpen in the middle innings. If they choose to empty their bench to stack up their right-handed hitters against de Jesus and Hurter and fail to seize a lead, then that opens up the late innings for the Tigers’ right-handed high leverage arms. When Framber Valdez or Tarik Skubal start, then the Tigers can pivot to Drew Anderson to follow them, forcing the same type of decision on opposing managers.
It won’t always work out like that, but with Anderson, Hurter, and de Jesus all looking like guys who could win a fifth starter’s gig with a lot of lesser teams around the league, the depth of the Tigers’ pen would be in great shape. They’d also still have one spot left to rotate their best remaining arms through as they try to develop another reliever out of their prospects and minor league free agent signings. The Tigers could also choose to option Hurter for a while, and just use Anderson and de Jesus as the middle relievers, giving them two open spots in the pen for single inning relievers.
They don’t have to make the final decision for another two weeks, but Enmanuel de Jesus has made a great case for himself so far. Barring any trouble, he appears destined for a spot in the Tigers’ pen on Opening Day. Hopefully, Troy Melton has avoided any major injury and will be able to join him sometime in May. A hard-throwing right-hander with a good breaking ball would really tie the whole relief corps together.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 12: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets celebrates his two-run home run with Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on July 12, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been 11 years since the Mets last won the division, coincidentally the last time they made it to the World Series, losing to the Royals in five games. A historic second-half collapse saw them plummet from division leaders to being dumped out of the playoff picture entirely with a loss to the Marlins on the final day of the regular season. Perhaps the embarrassment of that demise served as a spur in owner Steve Cohen’s side, because he authorized arguably the most significant roster upheaval of any team this past winter, but will it be enough to improve their fortunes in a tough NL East?
Following a three-game sweep of the Nationals in the second week of June, the Mets held a 5.5-game lead over the Phillies. The Queens outfit then proceeded to lose its next seven games, finishing the month with just three wins in a 17-game span. What once looked like a lock to make the playoffs evaporated in a moment, leaving the Mets needing a win against the Marlins on the final day of the regular season to sneak in as the final NL Wild Card ahead of the Reds. That did not come to pass.
Going from an 89-win team that pushed the Dodgers to six games in the 2025 NLCS to an 83-win team that missed the playoffs entirely did not sit well in Queens. Determined to avoid a repeat of such an ignominious finish, Cohen authored a veritable clearing of house over the winter, purging many of the Mets’ mainstays of the last decade.
That included allowing Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz to depart in free agency. It was surprising to see the Mets decline to match the Orioles’ offer to Alonso, seemingly content to watch the franchise leader in home runs and fan favorite depart 200 miles south down I-95. The same can’t be said for Díaz, the Mets just about matching the Dodgers’ offer which ultimately proved enough to convince the three-time All-Star closer to switch coasts. Then there were the frankly stunning trades of Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, the Mets swapping Nimmo for Marcus Semien from the Rangers in December before sending McNeil to the Athletics for a pitching prospect and cash considerations amid vague and since-refuted rumors of their roles in stirring clubhouse disharmony.
With the departures of Alonso, Díaz, Nimmo, and McNeil, the Mets subtracted their four longest-tenured players to usher in a new era built in the image of team president David Stearns. He chose a peculiar strategy of targeting poor-fielding middle infielders and asking them to learn new positions, starting with a two-year, $40 million deal for Jorge Polanco to take Alonso’s place at first. They followed this up by stealing Bo Bichette out from underneath the Phillies at the last minute, inking the longtime Blue Jay for three years and $126 million to be their new third baseman.
Those weren’t the only holes they needed to plug, the trades of Nimmo and McNeil and free agency departures of Cedric Mullins and Starling Marte creating a pair of vacancies in the outfield, while the exits of Díaz and Trade Deadline acquisitions Tyler Rogers, Ryan Helsley, and Gregory Soto necessitated a bullpen rebuild. To that end, the Mets acquired perennial trade candidate Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox to man center, and look poised to hand top hitting prospect Carson Benge a legitimate opportunity to play left. Stearns then shifted his attention to the bullpen across town, signing 2025 Yankees closer and setup man Devin Williams and Luke Weaver for a combined $73 million.
The pièce de résistance of their offseason saw the Mets acquire two-time All-Star Freddy Peralta to be their long-elusive ace, sending a pair of highly regarded prospects in shortstop Jett Williams and pitcher Brandon Sproat to the Brewers to complete the deal. Even with the addition of Peralta, there are still major question marks looming over the rotation. They have six players — Peralta, Nolan McLean, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, and Kodai Senga — penciled into the starting staff, yet none are projected to be worth three wins as several models expect significant regression from Peralta and Peterson. Top prospect McLean impressed upon his call-up and could very well smash the over on his projections, and Peterson finally put it all together in his age-29 season, but outside of Peralta there is still a ton of downside and injury risk surrounding the other five starters.
Things look a lot rosier on the hitting side. Any roster built around Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor is an enviable starting point. In Soto and Lindor, the Mets boast two of the top ten position players in baseball in terms of projected fWAR for 2026, Soto projected for a 163 wRC+ and 6.1 fWAR and Lindor a 123 wRC+ and 5.0 fWAR. Bichette’s addition should go a long way to replacing the production lost from Alonso’s departure, and on the whole this is now a team with improved infield versatility and outfield defense.
A peak at various projection systems confirms that these offseason moves should improve the Mets’ outlook for 2026. FanGraphs predicts the Mets to win the division with a 92-70 record, assigning them a 79.3-percent chance to make the playoffs. PECOTA agrees, tabbing the Mets for a division-leading 89-73 record and 82.3-percent playoff odds. The question is how much the disparity between the offense and pitching projections will play a role. The Mets are projected to field the second-best offense in MLB with 31.5 batting wins, but sits middle of the pack at just 15.6 pitching wins. You could easily see the offense carrying them in most of their wins. All eyes will be turned toward the pitching staff — how much will they drag down the offense and can they avoid a similar collapse to the one that doomed the team over the summer and down the stretch last season?
More Pinstripe Alley MLB team season previews can be found here.
Presented below are our current dollar values for 5x5 12-team AL-only leagues using two catchers. For convenience, the values are divided by position starting with catcher.
We'll be keeping these updated through Opening Day.
⚾️ Coming soon: MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.
San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller (Photo by Zach Gardner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Spring Training brings out the eternal optimist in baseball fans. The contests are hard to follow because the players are coming and going after the completion of the first couple of innings. Everyone is working diligently in preparation for Opening Day. However, some in-game appearances offer a sneak peek into what the future might hold.
The Padres’ biggest strength is their bullpen
If Major League Baseball adopted the National Hockey League’s stars of the game award. The San Diego bullpen would be the No. 1 star on most nights. Perhaps it is time we admit this is the best ‘pen in baseball.
The bullpen is looking good of late in Spring Training outings. They seem poised to dominate the final three innings of games with an arsenal of high-leverage arms.
Mason Miller is returning to the closer’s role after working as the set-up man to Robert Suarez following his acquisition in a trade deadline deal. Why not? The Friar Faithful were in awe of his fastball command.
He posted a 0.77 ERA in 22 appearances. Miller allowed seven hits, two earned runs, and walked 10 batters, while striking out 45 in 23.1 innings pitched. His performance helped the Padres earn a postseason berth in the Wild Card round.
Behind Miller is a quality group of set-up relievers. Jason Adam, Adrian Morejon and Jeremiah Estrada are high-leverage options that can shut down potential scoring threats. Each has a repertoire that gains plenty of swing and misses from batters, and leaves runners stranded in scoring position.
Let’s not forget Wandy Peralta, Yuki Matsui, David Morgan and Bradgley Rodriquez provide much-needed bullpen depth. First-year manager Craig Stammen’s task is to identify each reliever’s role that helps the Friars win games.
What is the rotation’s role in the bullpen’s success?
No question, having quality relievers is instrumental to securing a winning record. Opposing teams understand that if they’re going to score runs, it better happen early in the game. A bullpen’s success begins and ends with the need for a functional starting rotation.
Michael King is the No. 1 starter, with Randy Vasquez ready to unlock his potential as a starting pitcher. He is throwing his fastball near 98 MPH in Spring Training outings. Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove need to have solid starts, nothing spectacular. Finally, with all the candidates that gathered in Peoria, Ariz. the Padres should be able to find a serviceable fifth starter.
Continuous poor outings by the rotation could ruin the formula. No team can afford to burn out their bullpen before the All-Star break.
Petco Park should be electric in the late innings of close games. There is nothing like watching a quality bullpen navigate through a potential scoring rally to lock down a victory.
The Padres might be on the right path to the postseason.
SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 04: Pitcher Jacob deGrom #48 of the Texas Rangers looks on from the dugout during the World Baseball Classic exhibition game against Team Brazil at Surprise Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today the Texas Rangers have welcomed the Chicago Cubs to Surprise, AZ for the latest spring training game. Of note, after debuting yesterday at DH, today veteran Andrew McCutchen is playing left field for the Rangers as he continues to audition for a spot on the club.
RHP Jacob deGrom will get his first look at a big league squad this spring for Texas opposite RHP Cade Horton for Chicago.
Today’s Lineups
CUBS
RANGERS
Michael Busch – 1B
Brandon Nimmo – RF
Matt Shaw – CF
Wyatt Langford – CF
Kevin Alcantara – DH
Corey Seager – SS
Michael Conforto – LF
Jake Burger – 1B
Chas McCormick – RF
Joc Pederson – DH
Moises Ballesteros – C
Andrew McCutchen – LF
James Triantos – 2B
Danny Jansen – C
Jefferson Rojas – SS
Josh Smith – 2B
Scott Kingery – 3B
Ezequiel Duran – 3B
Cade Horton – RHP
Jacob deGrom – RHP
There’s no broadcast for this one as far as I’m aware but you can follow along on Gameday. First pitch from Surprise Stadium is scheduled for 3:05 pm CT.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 13: General view of a Dodgers logo during spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch on February 13, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Over to the West side go the D-backs, hoping for better than the last time they faced the reigning NL West champions. That was on February 25 at Salt River Fields, where Arizona lost 10-7, despite handily out-hitting Los Angeles by a 13-7 margin. Nine walks, and three errors leading to five unearned runs, were the difference in that contest, so definitely room for improvement on the pitching front. Despite yesterday’s strong performance on the mound, the Diamondbacks still rank 22nd for team ERA this spring, at 5.80. And it’s worst still if you look at just the first six innings, when it’s usually MLB pitchers vs. MLB hitters: there, they are at 6.26.
After Brandon Pfaadt, we might see RHP Joe Ross, LHP Brandyn Garcia, RHP Kade Strowd, RHP Isaiah Campbell, RHP Jonathan Loáisiga and RHP Bryce Jarvis. Pfaadt had a good first outing in the Cactus League, going 2.1 scoreless innings on just one hit. I imagine he’ll look to go three frames today, though if he gets a four-pitch first inning like he did last time, he might go deeper. Of the relief arms, Garcia is the one I’ll be keeping an eye on. He’s and Philip Abner are the only left-handed relief options left. Both have pitched well this spring, but Garcia’s K:BB of 7:1 across 4.2 innings gives him the edge over Abner (6:3 over 5 IP).
No broadcast today, but I should be better able to follow on Gameday today. Being at work has its advantages!
Mar 10, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heineman (55) celebrates after scoring during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Braves 0 Blue Jays 7
Nice to see the Jays score some. Early in spring we didn’t seem to be able to score.
Dylan Cease was really good. 3 innings, 2 hits, and 3 strikeouts. Reached 97.5 mph on the fastball.
Other pitchers:
Tommy Nance: 1 inning, 1 hit.
Jeff Hoffman: 1 inning, 2 strikeouts.
Tyler Rogers: 1 inning, 1 hit, 1 hit batter.
Louis Varland: 1 clean inning.
Brendon Little: 1 inning, 2 hits, 1 strikeout.
Connor Beabold: 1 inning, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts.
Offense, Starters:
Georger Springer: 0 for 3. .250.
Jesus Sanchez: 0 for 3. .215.
Tyler Heineman: 0 for 2, walk. .231. He also took a pitch off the mask and was down for a bit.
Addison Barger: 0 for 1, 2 walk, k. .261.
Daulton Varsho: 1 for 3, double. .400.
Davis Schneider: 1 for 2, RBI, walk, k. .095.
Nathan Lukes: 1 for 1, 2 RBI, walk. .250.
Josh Kasevich: 0 for 2. .348.
Riley Tirotta: 1 for 3, home run, 2 k. .174.
Others:
Eloy Jimenez: 0 for 1, walk. .310.
Rafael Lantigua: 1 for 2, k. . 524.
Brandon Valenzuela: 1 for 1, home run, 3 RBI. .375.
Charles McAdoo: 0 for 1. .261.
Jonatan Clase: 0 for 1. .278.
Carlos Mendoza: 1 for 1. .467.
Yohendrick Pinango: 0 for 1, k. .095.
Arjun Nimmala: 0 for 1. .235.
Sean Keys: 1 walk.
The Jays are 7-8 on the spring now.
Tomorrow the Jays visit the Yankees and it is a, 6:30 Eastern starting time. Eric Lauer gets the start.
