Category: Baseball

If there’s been one certainty in Major League Baseball over the past decade, it’s the Dodgers winning the NL West.

They’ve been dominant, winning the division title in 12 of the past 13 seasons. Even though the Giants broke through in 2021, Los Angeles still won 106 games that year.

The scary part is that 2026 is shaping up to be the Dodgers’ most talented team on paper over the past decade, which leaves the rest of the NL West looking up and chasing them.

The Padres and Giants both made fundamental changes by bringing in new managers: Craig Stammen for the Padres, Tony Vitello for the Giants. The Diamondbacks are three years removed from playing in the World Series. And the Rockies, well, they’re still the Rockies.

The California Post’s Jack Harris previews the National League West

1 – Los Angeles Dodgers

O/U wins: 102.5

Key player: Shohei Ohtani. The four-time MVP is entering perhaps his most highly anticipated season yet, returning to full-time two-way duties in pursuit of a third-consecutive World Series championship. Never before has Ohtani had to shoulder such a big load, on a team with such big expectations. But if he can handle the rigors of both hitting and pitching, it could super-charge the potential of their already loaded roster.

Player who’ll need to step up: The Dodgers signed Edwin Díaz to shore up their one big weakness from last year, hoping to avoid the late-game bullpen problems that plagued them for much of the 2025 season. Díaz was the best closer on the free-agent market, and gives the Dodgers their best closing option since the departure of Kenley Jansen. Now, he needs to live up to the billing, and maintain his All-Star form in L.A.

Name you’ll get to know: River Ryan. Technically, he already debuted in 2024, but now he’s returning from Tommy John surgery having gained 30 pounds and improved his six-pitch mix. He might not start the season in the majors, but the Dodgers always have pitching injuries during the course of the year. And when they do, there will be a lane for the right-hander to show off his post-rehab improvements, trying to become the next young pitcher to emerge from their farm system.

Biggest question mark: Will the pressure of a three-peat bid have any effect? The Dodgers have repeatedly downplayed that narrative this spring. Manager Dave Roberts went as far as saying the pressure on the team was more noticeable last year. Still, historic expectations can’t be completely blocked out, nor can the complaints about the Dodgers’ dominance and spending. Even for a veteran and battle-tested team, it could be an underrated challenge.

How it’ll go down: With 100-plus wins in the regular season, an extended postseason run … but, not another championship. The Dodgers might make winning look easy. But they’ve struggled for extended stretches each of the last two years and faced several elimination games en route to their back-to-back World Series. Eventually, the randomness of baseball catches up. There’s a reason three-peats are so rare.

2 – San Diego Padres

O/U: 83.5

Key player: Fernando Tatis Jr. He is coming off his best season since returning from his PED suspension. He had an excellent showing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. And now, the Padres have to hope he elevates his game back to MVP-caliber levels. After all, San Diego was financially hamstrung this winter amid ownership uncertainty. They weren’t able to make many impact additions to the roster. But getting Tatis back to league-leading form would qualify as as big of an upgrade as anything.

Player who’ll need to step up: Michael King. The Padres’ pitching staff is rife with questions. And while Nick Pivetta was a nice story last year, it is King (fresh off his new $75 million, opt-out-rich contract) who will need to pitch like the team’s ace. The centerpiece of the Juan Soto trade, King flashed that form in his first season with the Padres (13-9, 2.95 ERA in 2024), before missing time last year with a shoulder injury. If he can get back to that, it would give the team a needed bedrock to build its rotation around.

Name you’ll get to know: Let’s cheat a little, and go with a name you’ll get to know all over again. San Diego native and fan favorite pitcher Joe Musgrove should be back at some point from a Tommy John surgery that sidelined him all of last year, and will be tasked with providing a boost in both production and morale. Unfortunately for him, he’s already slated to start the season on the IL. But if the Padres prove to be a contender this year, it’s likely he’ll be part of the mix.

Biggest question mark: Is their window still open? This may be more of an existential query, but it’s one the Padres will have to answer as this year goes on. Though they’ve been to the playoffs four out of the last six years, they’ve advanced to the NLCS just once. They still have big names on the roster, but haven’t put enough pieces together to make a serious title push. If they think a World Series is still possible, it could push them toward the kind of aggressive trade deadline that could help them more seriously chase one. If not, maybe this is the year they begin to reset.

How it’ll go down: If their superstars play up to expectations, and their pitching staff doesn’t completely unravel, the Padres should sneak into the playoffs again. But none of those are guarantees, and even if they do happen, any legitimate World Series aspirations are likely beyond their grasp.

3 – San Francisco Giants

O/U: 80.5

Key player: Rafael Devers. The Giants took a mighty gamble by trading for Devers and his monstrous contract last year. Now, they need him to be the impact player they thought they were getting. If Devers can return to the All-Star form he had with the Red Sox, it could make him the missing piece in an otherwise underwhelming Giants lineup. If not, concerns that his acquisition was a bust will continue to build.

Player who’ll need to step up: Willy Adames. The shortstop didn’t have a bad debut season with the Giants last year, hitting 30 home runs and driving in 87. But, he batted just .225, graded out below-average on defense, and didn’t exactly play up to the level of his $182 million contract. That’ll need to change this year. Because, like Devers, the Giants offense can ill-afford to have such a high-earner play like anything short of a star.

Name you’ll get to know: Bryce Eldridge. The left-handed-hitting slugger has been knocking on the door of the big leagues for a while, making his debut in a 10-game cameo last year. Now, he is finally expected to break through more permanently at some point this year. Whatever pop he provides, the Giants will happily take.

Biggest question mark: Will the Tony Vitello experiment work? The Giants made waves by hiring Vitello from the University of Tennessee this offseason. He made history by being the first MLB manager to come directly from the college ranks. It’s a mighty gamble on the part of president of baseball operations Buster Posey. And if it doesn’t work, it risks wasting all the money the Giants have spent to bolster their roster.

How it’ll go down: The Giants could be a sneaky dark horse. There’s a world where Devers, Adames and Matt Chapman all shine. Where Logan Webb is a Cy Young candidate. Where role players like Luis Arraez, Harrison Bader and Jung Hoo Lee infuse excitement and production. Their bullpen is a big question, and their rotation depth is dicey. But a playoff appearance is far from impossible.

4 – Arizona Diamondbacks

O/U: 79.5

Key player: Ketel Marte. The longtime face of the franchise is back despite an offseason full of trade rumors, trying to put the clubhouse drama he was mired in last season behind him. It was only two years ago, after all, Marte was an MVP finalist in Arizona. And though he wasn’t quite as dynamic last year (especially given the amount of time he missed), he was still an All-Star and Silver Slugger. If the Dbacks are going to be a surprise contender this year, it will have to start with him.

Player who’ll need to step up: Zac Gallen. The right-hander’s first foray into free agency was a disappointment, having to settle for a one-year, $16.2 million re-signing in Arizona after a career-worst 4.83 ERA in 2025. Now, he is trying to rebuild his market, and anchor a Dbacks rotation that also returns Merrill Kelly. Pitching is the team’s biggest weakness, but a resurgent Gallen could help.

Name you’ll get to know: Jordan Lawlar. A former sixth overall draft pick who played sparingly in the majors the last few years, Lawlar is now shifting to the outfield, where the Dbacks hope the 23-year-old will find a more permanent home –– and more consistent at-bats. After an offseason of much turnover for the club, his performance will have big implications for the future.

Biggest question mark: Is the World Series magic still there? It’s easy to forget now, but the Dbacks were the last team to beat the Dodgers in a playoff series, upsetting them in the 2023 NLDS en route to their surprise World Series appearance. Three years later, the club has many of the same core stars, but hasn’t made a return trip to the playoffs. Time will tell if they conjure such an unexpected run again.

How it’ll go down: The lineup looks weaker than last year, with Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor replaced by Nolan Arenado and Carlos Santana. The pitching remains a question, especially after Gallen and Kelly. And despite having three players who could legitimately vie for an MVP (Marte, Corbin Carroll and Geraldo Perdomo), the Dbacks depth seems weak. In a perfect world, they have the pieces to be a potential playoff contender. More likely, they finish somewhere around 80 wins.

5 – Colorado Rockies

O/U: 54.5

Key player: Paul DePodesta. No, he’s not a player. But given the woeful recent state of the Rockies, their front office leader is more important than anyone on the current roster. Back in baseball after 10 years with in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, DePodesta is taking on the toughest current job in the majors as Colorado’s president of baseball operations. It will not be a quick turnaround.

Player who’ll need to step up: Um … anybody? The Rockies are not worried about competing right now, instead evaluating their organization for pieces to build around in the future. Maybe that’ll be former first-round picks like Jordan Beck (an outfielder) or Chase Dollander (a pitcher). Or maybe third-year catcher Hunter Goodman will take another step toward star status. For now, any surprises will do, and plenty of young names should get opportunities.

Name you’ll get to know: Ezequiel Tovar. If there’s one bona fide impact big-leaguer in Colorado, this is it. At 24-years-old, he already has a Gold Glove award and a 45-double, 25-homer season. In this spring’s World Baseball Classic, he was a breakout star with champions Team Venezuela. If anyone pops from the Rockies this year, it’s likely to be him.

Biggest question mark: Can the Rockies figure out a way to improve their pitching? This is a question as old as the 33-year-old franchise itself, thanks to the extreme challenges of playing at mile-high altitude. Without better pitching, consistent winning seasons are likely to remain elusive. Any signs of progress would qualify as a success this year.

How it’ll go down: Likely with another 100-loss season, but maybe with some future pieces beginning to emerge, as well. The Rockies remain years away from anything close to contention. But if they can identify a couple building blocks, that’ll at least be a step in the right direction.

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The Seattle Mariners have announced their 2026 Opening Day roster, with a few surprises compared to the spring’s outset. The M’s have been fairly fortunate with their health through Spring Training, but will see expected starting SS J.P. Crawford and starting RHP Bryce Miller on the injured list to open the year. Both players are expected back early in April, but their absence has created openings for a few depth pieces. Additionally, UTIL Miles Mastrobuoni is out injured to start the year.

Catchers

Cal Raleigh, Mitch Garver

This cat has been liberated from bag-hood for a few days now, with Garver beating out Andrew Knizner and Jhonny Pareda for the backstop role. Designating Knizner for assignment would clear the space for Garver in a straight swap, allowing the M’s to run back their expected alignment with Pareda the next man up in Tacoma.

Infielders

INF Ryan Bliss, 1B Josh Naylor, INF Leo Rivas, INF Cole Young

A month and change ago, and likely more, the role for Ryan Bliss on this club seemed narrow as a needle’s eye. Either Arachne blessed him or Athena misplaced her vengeance on Mastrobuoni and Crawford, but a healthy spring allowed Bliss to outlast top prospect Colt Emerson and the rest of the M’s infield depth. Emerson’s omission was foretold in his optioning a few days ago, but a decent spring didn’t do enough to force Seattle’s hand. He’ll return to Triple-A Tacoma to add to pick up on the week of games he received there at the end of 2025. Young and Rivas will both receive time at shortstop until Crawford returns.

Utility Players

UTIL Brendan Donovan, OF/1B Luke Raley, UTIL(?) Rob Refsnyder

The M’s starting third baseman has the versatility to cover every spot on the diamond (shortstop being a stretch), and Donovan gets inclusion in this category accordingly. Raley’s return to health looks like a major boon for the M’s and he can handle every outfield spot acceptably, hopefully allowing more DH days for Arozarena alongside Refsnyder. The question mark adjacent Refsnyder’s name is that defensively, he’s a tricky fit on this roster. He’s played every infield spot save shortstop, but none since 2020 (and nowhere but first base since 2017). Corner outfield is where the 35 year old to be (on Opening Day itself!) fits best, but clearly the club sees him at least spelling Naylor occasionally. Instincts over years of threadbare M’s clubs have made this an anxiety point, but the truth is the M’s bench is quite potent – Refsnyder mostly just is here to hit and that’s acceptable due to the versatility of so many of his teammates!

Outfielders

OF Randy Arozarena, cOF Dominic Canzone, OF Victor Robles, OF Julio Rodríguez

No surprises here. This group is the best set of outfielders in Seattle since Ichiro and Mike Cameron roamed the grass.

Starting Pitchers

RHP Logan Gilbert, RHP George Kirby, RHP Bryan Woo, RHP Luis Castillo, RHP Emerson Hancock

Again, chalk. The pitchers are listed here in order of their starts, with Seattle hoping Miller’s return can come measured in weeks and not disrupt his buildup too dramatically.

Bullpen

RHP Eduard Bazardo, RHP Matt Brash, RHP Cooper Criswell, LHP José A. Ferrer, RHP Casey Legumina, RHP Andrés Muñoz, LHP Gabe Speier, RHP Carlos Vargas

Once more, as expected. Seattle has opted in favor of just two new faces to start the year in the pen, with Ferrer a foregone conclusion as the newest high-leverage arm. His acquisition in exchange for a package led by C Harry Ford placed the ground-baller in the back end of the pen this winter. Criswell is the other newcomer, bringing a starting and bullpen background to a long relief role for the M’s. While Vargas and Legumina didn’t shine consistently a season ago, both players lack minor league options, and would have required potentially permanent jettisoning. Given the lack of standout popups from this spring, possibly excepting optionable RHP Cole Wilcox, this group is likely to see stability in the Bazardo-Brash-Ferrer-Speier-Muñoz group and turnover elsewhere, at least until health has its say.

This is your one-stop shop for every Dodgers stint on the injured list during the 2026 season. We’ll also include every time a player misses time on the paternity list, bereavement leave, or is on the family medical emergency list as well.

Basically any time a player misses time that requires a roster move, we’ll note it here.

During the 2025 season, 28 different Dodgers players spent time on the injured list, some of them for multiple stints. That matched the team total from 2024, while in 2023 the Dodgers saw 34 players miss time on the IL.

Every injured-list stint is a transaction and will also be chronicled on our 40-man roster page. Both are essentially living documents that will be constantly updated throughout the season as these moves happen.

Injured-list stints for pitchers are a minimum of 15 days, and for position players it’s at least 10 days.

During spring training, the Dodgers placed both Evan Phillips and Kiké Hernández on the 60-day injured list, which opened up space on the 40-man roster for other moves. On opening day, six more Dodgers were placed on the injured list, including Blake Snell and Tommy Edman.

For more information on each specific injured list stint, click on the links on the dates in the list below this table.

Note: if you are on a mobile device, these tables will show up best in landscape mode.

April 5: Mookie Betts placed on 10-day injured list.

April 1: Gavin Stone moved to 60-day injured list.

April 1: Jake Cousins moved to 60-day injured list.

March 25: Blake Snell placed on 15-day injured list, Tommy Edman placed on 10-day injured list, Brock Stewart placed on 15-day injured list, Brusdar Graterol placed on 15-day injured list, Gavin Stone placed on 15-day injured list, Landon Knack placed on 15-day injured list, Jake Cousins placed on 15-day injured list

March 24: Bobby Miller placed on 60-day injured list

February 21: Kiké Hernández placed on 60-day injured list

February 12: Evan Phillips placed on 60-day injured list

Last October didn’t end with heartbreak for the Angels. It ended with a shrug — the kind that settles over a franchise when you have the longest playoff drought of any team in Major League Baseball at 11 years. A 72–90 record, another last-place finish in the AL West, and a fanbase currently stuck between loyalty and fatigue. 

Former Angels’ catcher Kurt Suzuki was hired as the Angels sixth manager in the last nine years this winter, but the offseason brought controversy when Angels owner Arte Moreno recently claimed that “winning is not in their [fans’] top five” priorities. The comments brought backlash, and rightfully so. The foundation is cracked and the franchise could come tumbling down if a change of ownership doesn’t happen soon.

Most important hitter

Zach Neto isn’t just the Angels’ best young player — he’s their litmus test for the future. The bat is real. The confidence is louder than the Big A on fireworks night. Neto has a chance to be an All-Star this season for the first time. If he does, the Angels rebuild accelerates. If he takes a step back, then the lineup sinks into mediocrity again. In order for the Angels to end the 11-year playoff drought, Neto has to be the guy opposing pitchers fear and game-plan for. 

“I want him to be a leader and lead by example,” said Suzuki. “Anybody can be a cheerleader, but it’s how you handle yourself in good times and in bad times. I feel like that’s the next step for him.”

Most important pitcher

Grayson Rodriguez walks into Anaheim like a question wrapped inside a 98 mph fastball. You know what to expect from Yusei Kikuchi, José Soriano and Reid Detmers. They’re solid middle-of-the-rotation pitchers. But Rodriguez, acquired from the Orioles for Taylor Ward, is a reclamation project with ace-caliber stuff. If he puts it all together in 2026, everything changes for the Angels. If he doesn’t, it’s another down year for the Halos. The former 11th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft has been injured the past two seasons and now has an opportunity to resurrect his career. 

“I think it would be great [if Grayson could return to form]. That’s everybody’s goal,” said Suzuki. “We would love for him to be like he was when he was pitching in Baltimore.”

Who will have a bigger year than expected

Jo Adell has lived on the edge of expectation for years, like a spark that never quite caught fire. This might finally be the season it burns. The tools have always screamed. The patience hasn’t always listened. But something feels different about this season. With everyday at-bats and less pressure to be “the guy,” Adell could erupt into a 25-homer, game-changing force. Not a superstar. Not yet. But a problem for pitchers. And for once, a solution for the Angels.

Who is most likely to disappoint

Mike Trout is still Mike Trout, but he’s no longer the transcendent player he once was. At 34 years old, the body has betrayed him in whispers. After injuries plagued his career each of the last five years, the Angels moved Trout to right field in 2025, and he played 130 games — the most he’s been available for since 2019. But now, Trout wants to move back to center field, and the Angels seem ready to do it. One misstep and he could miss over half the season again. Trout can still hit. He can still produce. But the days of carrying a franchise like Atlas are likely gone. 

“I’ve seen enough of him the last 15 years playing against him in centerfield. I know he can do it,” Suzuki said of Trout playing centerfield again this season. “He’s in a good place mentally when he’s out there — and when you put confidence in a guy like Mike, he becomes dangerous.”

Key call up

Christian Moore isn’t knocking on the door — he’s rattling it. The No. 8 overall pick in 2024 has forced the Angels into uncomfortable conversations this spring. Do you hand second base to a veteran like Adam Frazier, or bet on upside? Moore’s versatility, even getting reps at third, screams modern baseball. If he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster, then it won’t be for long. It’s not if Moore arrives this season, it’s when. The Angels need an impact player. Moore could be that guy.

“He hasn’t had much time to develop,” Suzuki said of Moore. “He needs to get consistent reps at second base and a lower pressure environment will benefit him.”

Biggest managerial decision

Suzuki’s first real test won’t come in a press conference. It’ll come in a lineup card. Does he prioritize development or chase respectability? Does he play Frazier over Moore? Letting kids ride through struggles is an important part of being a manager, it’s just as important as instilling confidence in them. The Angels roster is at a philosophical fork in the road. It features young players that are ready to explode onto the scene and a bevy of veterans on short contracts. Suzuki can’t straddle both sides forever. 

Don’t be surprised if…

Don’t be surprised if this team is actually watchable this season. Not great. Not dangerous. Not a playoff team. But alive in a way recent Angels teams haven’t been. There’s youth here. Energy. Players with something to prove instead of contracts to play through. Nights where Neto flashes brilliance. Where Adell electrifies. Where the bullpen, patched together as it is, actually holds leads. They won’t dominate the division. But they might finally feel like a team building toward something — instead of drifting away from everything.

“We have to control the controllables,” said Suzuki of his goals for this season. “Good preparation. Attention to detail. The other teams are good, too. If we control the stuff we can, we will put ourselves in the best position to be successful on a nightly basis.”

Sure to make fans grumble

Arte Moreno’s shadow still looms over every pitch, every roster decision, every empty October. Fans haven’t forgotten the 11-year playoff drought, and they won’t be soothed by talk of “affordability” over winning. This fanbase isn’t asking for luxury. They’re asking for direction. When lineup holes remain, when bullpen arms cycle like rental cars, when the fifth starter spot feels like a weekly audition — the grumbling will return. Not because fans expect perfection, but because they’re tired of permanent uncertainty and the buck stops at the top.

How their season will end

The Angels will flirt with progress the way the desert flirts with rain — close enough to feel it, never enough to matter. Just like they always do, they’ll win more games in the first half of the season than they will in the second half. Somewhere between 75 and 80 games when all is said and done. But unfortunately for fans in Anaheim, the 11-year playoff drought will continue into a 12th year. October will remain distant, like a memory from another lifetime. By season’s end, the Angels will finally know who belongs in their future. The problem? That future still won’t be here yet.

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The Dodgers on Wednesday finalized their opening day roster, setting the 13 pitchers, 12 position players and one unicorn for the start of the season.

It’s the first time on an opening day roster for Will Klein, and Edgardo Henriquez, and the second time for Justin Wrobleski, who was active for the first game last March in Tokyo, but did not pitch and was optioned before the second game overseas. All three pitched in the majors in each of the past two seasons, and that trio combined for 12 scoreless innings in the 2025 World Series.

Wrobleski will be in the bullpen for the opening series or two, but he’s basically part of a six-man starting rotation that won’t be as taxed due to four off days in the first three weeks of the season. The Dodgers bullpen though does have three traditional left-handed relievers in Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, and Jack Dreyer.

It’s also the first opening day roster for switch-hitter Alex Freeland, who made his major league debut last July. Freeland will platoon at second base, beating out Hyeseong Kim, who was optioned to Triple-A Sunday.

“I think with Alex, with what he’s done in Triple-A already, he’s really played well. There’s nothing left for him to prove there,” manager Dave Roberts said Sunday. “For us to give him a little bit of runway to see what we’ve got in him, to give him an opportunity to play here for us against right-handed pitching, and just kind of see where it goes.”

Another first opening day roster for Dalton Rushing, who made his major league debut last May. At 25 years, 33 days old on Thursday, Rushing is the youngest Dodgers catcher on an opening day roster since Russell Martin in 2007.

The Dodgers open the season on Thursday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Dodgers opening day roster

• Two-way player (1): Shohei Ohtani
• Starting pitchers (5): Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, Emmet Sheehan, Justin Wrobleski
• Right-handed relievers (5): Edwin Díaz, Blake Treinen, Ben Casparius, Will Klein, Edgardo Henriquez
• Left-handed relievers (3): Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer
• Catchers (2): Will Smith, Dalton Rushing
• Infielders (6): Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas, Santiago Espinal, Alex Freeland
• Outfielders (4): Teoscar Hernández, Andy Pages, Kyle Tucker, Alex Call

The Dodgers on Tuesday signed relief pitcher Jake Cousins to a major league contract. He was non-tendered by the New York Yankees in November.

Cousins did not pitch in the majors in 2025, and was limited to only two games in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June. Given that timing, it’s unlikely Cousins would be ready to pitch this season until after the All-Star break, at least.

The right-hander will earn $950,000 this season, per Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic, and can earn an extra $50,000 if he appears in five games this season.

In 2024 with the Yankees, Hudson had a 2.37 ERA and 3.52 xERA in 38 innings, with 53 strikeouts and 20 walks. He took the loss in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium. Cousins did not allow Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam, but did provide the tying and go-ahead runs to reach base ahead of the historic blast.

In parts of four seasons in the majors with the Milwaukee Brewers and Yankees, the 31-year-old Cousins has a 2.78 ERA in 88 games, with 125 strikeouts and 57 walks in 90 2/3 innings. He has three years, 91 days of service time and has one option year remaining, having used minor league options in 2022 and 2024.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Cousins, pitcher Bobby Miller was placed on the 60-day injured list with right shoulder soreness. Miller did not pitch in a game during spring training, sidelined for most of camp. By being placed on the 60-day injured list, Miller’s earliest eligible return date is May 24.

LOS ANGELES — In finalizing their 2026 opening day roster on Thursday, seven Dodgers were placed on the injured list, bringing the total to eight such players sidelined to begin the season.

Pitchers Blake Snell, Gavin Stone, Brusdar Graterol, Brock Stewart, Landon Knack, and Jake Cousins were all placed on the 15-day injured list. Infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman was placed on the 10-day injured list for position players.

They join reliever Evan Phillips and infielder/outfielder Kiké Hernández, who were placed on the 60-dayinjured list in February, and pitcher Bobby Miller, who was placed on the 60-day injured list on Tuesday.

Snell didn’t throw much in the offseason, feeling shoulder fatigue after last year’s stretch run and into November in the postseason. He didn’t throw his first bullpen session until March 12, one month after camp started.

Tommy Edman similarly had a light offseason after right ankle surgery in November, and did not play in any Cactus League games. After dealing with ankle issues in each of the last two seasons, Edman at Dodgers Fest on January 31 talked about his potential return.

“The timetable is more of as I progress, so it’s kind of hard to say when I’ll be able to hop back into a major league game again,” Edman said. “I want to make sure I’m a full go, and don’t have to worry about [the ankle] again the rest of the year.”

Both Snell and Edman participated in baseball activities at Dodger Stadium this week, but from the sound of things it sounds like they won’t be rushed back.

“Both are progressing. I still stand by the end of May. Tommy should really be an option, and with Blake, somewhere around that time,” manager Dave Roberts said Monday. “He’s going to need a rehab assignment. He’s thrown bullpens, which was good. The last one I saw a couple days ago, he was right around 90-91 (mph), so that was good. He looks good, says he’s healthy and feels good, no pain, so he’s on the come.”

Gavin Stone had a setback with his shoulder after one spring start, after missing all of last season after shoulder surgery. He was placed on the injured list with shoulder inflammation.

Brock Stewart was behind in camp after undergoing shoulder surgery in October.

Brusdar Graterol has been slow-played this spring after missing all of last season after shoulder surgery.

Landon Knack made four starts this spring, and last pitched on March 13. He’s on the injured list with an intercostal strain, per Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic.

Bobby Miller was sidelined with shoulder soreness earlier this spring, and did not pitched in a game. He was placed on the 60-day injured list Tuesday with the signing of Jake Cousins.

Cousins had Tommy John surgery last June and won’t be back until after the All-Star break at the earliest.

SAN FRANCISCO — The Los Angeles Dodgers, the two-time World Series champions, the team that is drawing all of the hatred, the team responsible for calls for a salary cap, wishes everyone would stop and just look at the numbers.

Yes, they project to open the season with a $322.4 million payroll, based on the MLB Labor Relations Department's present-day salary calculations on 40-man rosters obtained this week by USA TODAY Sports.

But guess what?

Due to the Dodgers' heavy use of deferred contracts and signing bonuses, the team's 2026 payroll is dwarfed by the New York Mets, whose 40-man payroll is projected at $357.6 million (in MLB's calculated present-day value).

That's a team that didn’t even make the playoffs last year and last won a World Series in 1986.

The New York Yankees, who last won the World Series in 2009, are the third team that projects to open the season with a payroll exceeding $300 million.

Why, there are three teams this season who will open the season with payrolls within $50 million of the Dodgers: the Yankees ($301 million), Philadelphia Phillies ($283.6 million) and Toronto Blue Jays ($278.9 million).

A record 11 teams are projected to open the season with payrolls of at least $200 million, according to the labor relations salary figures submitted to teams.

The San Francisco Giants, who last reached the playoffs in 2021, are the only team among the top 11 payrolls who have failed to reach the postseason in the last two years.

On the flip side – to the frustrations of the big-market teams who provide revenue sharing every year – there are eight teams whose opening-day payrolls will be below $100 million. The Cleveland Guardians are the only sub-$100 million team that reached the postseason last year.

Here are the bottom 11 teams in projected 40-man payroll:

• Colorado Rockies: $118.3 million
• Pittsburgh Pirates: $102 million
• St. Louis Cardinals: $98.1 million
• Minnesota Twins: $96.7 million
• Athletics: $91.8 million
• Tampa Bay Rays: $89.6 million
• Washington Nationals: $87.9 million
• Chicago White Sox: $83.9 million
• Miami Marlins: $79.4 million
• Cleveland Guardians: $70 million

The only teams without a top-10 payroll who reached the postseason the past two years are the Brewers and the Guardians. And yet, the only teams with a top-10 payroll who have reached the postseason each of the past two seasons are the Dodgers, Yankees, Phillies, and Padres.

The team making the biggest payroll jump in payroll from a year ago are the Tigers, rising by more than $60 million and the Blue Jays, with about a $50 million increase. The Texas Rangers, who missed the playoffs last year, had the biggest decrease from $220.5 million to $183.5 million.

There are 76 players who will earn more than $20 million this year, led by New York Mets left fielder Juan Soto, whose salary is $61.875 million when calculated by MLB’s Labor Relations Department. The LRD numbers include the player’s actual salary plus his pro-rated signing bonus before any player or club options.

Most of the league doesn’t play until tomorrow, and the Jays don’t open their season until Friday, but rosters still have to be finalized and so we’re getting some news this afternoon:

• Ben Nicholson-Smith reports that Rule 5 pick Spencer Miles has made the roster. Miles looked pretty good this spring, but it’s still amazing to see a guy with 14.2 career minor league innings in the bigs. The team probably wanted to keep a long reliever with injuries forcing them to start the season with Eric Lauer in the rotation, but Miles is talented and has to stick or he offered back to the Giants. They chose upside over short term roster fit.
• Shortstop Leo Jimenez has been designated for assignment. There’s a good chance that that marks the end of his time in the Blue Jays organization, as other teams will be interested in taking a look at his contact ability and up the middle defence. Jimenez signed out of Panama as a 16 year old back in July of 2017. He played most days down the stretch in 2024, posing league average offensive numbers with defence that graded out below average at shortstop but above at second. Injuries derailed his 2025 campaign, though, and he didn’t have a great spring while Josh Kasevich, his likely longer term successor in the backup shortstop role, raked.

With those moves, the Opening Day 26-man roster should just about be set:

Rotation: Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Cody Ponce, Max Scherzer, Eric Lauer

Bullpen: Jeff Hoffman, Tyler Rogers, Louis Varland, Brendon Little (LHP), Mason Fluharty (LHP), Braydon Fisher, Spencer Miles, and one of Chase Lee or Tommy Nance

Catcher: Alejandro Kirk, Tyler Heinemann

Infield: Vladimir Guerrero jr. (1B), Ernie Clement (2B), Kazuma Okamoto (3B), Andres Gimenez (SS)

Outfield: Addison Barger (RF), Daulton Varsho (CF), Jesus Sanchez (LF)

Designated Hitter: George Springer

Bench: Myles Straw, Nathan Lukes, Davis Schneider

Have to say, while I hate to lose a talented young player like Jimenez, that’s a mighty fine looking roster to my eye. Let me know why I’m wrong in the comments.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns met with reporters on Wednesday on what he called one his favorite days of the year. With the 2026 Opening Day roster set, the Mets held a team workout at Citi Field as they welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates into town to get the season started on Thursday. 

Stearns discussed how Carson Benge earned the starting right field job, what he expects form Sean Manaea this season, and was also asked again about potential extension talks with ace Freddy Peralta.

Here’s what Stearns had to say….

Benge’s strong spring showing

Before this year’s camp even began, Stearns said that Benge would have every opportunity to win a spot on the Opening Day roster, and that’s exactly what happened. 

Benge impressed with a tremendous spring training, both on and off the field.

“He was himself, and he just demonstrated a level of consistency in everything he did, whether it was the work off the field, his attitude in the clubhouse, the quality of his at-bats,’ Stearns explained. “It was just a very steady, professional camp for a guy who was under a fair amount of pressure and whose name had been in the headlines for a while, and was clearly going to be a story coming into camp. He had to know that. He certainly did know that. And he was just very consistent and steady throughout.”

Manaea’s dip in velocity

One of the bigger storylines this spring was Manaea’s lower-than-expected fastball velocity. After missing time last year with an oblique injury and then loose bodies in his pitching elbow, the lefty did not have elbow surgery.

This spring, Manaea’s four-seam fastball velocity sat in the high 80s, though he did hit 92 mph in the intrasquad game on Monday, and Stearns doesn’t sound all that concerned.

“We’ll kind of see exactly how it looks early in the season, but we expect Sean to be a big part of this team,” he said. “We’re going to need Sean to be a big part of this team. He’s going to make starts for us. I would expect him to make a lot of starts for us. 

“I think we saw some flashes of really good during spring, especially in the last couple of outings the secondary stuff played pretty well, the command of the secondary stuff was pretty sharp towards the end of spring. The velocity is down a little bit. We still actually saw some swing-and-miss on the fastball even with lower velocity, so I think as we get into April here and as the lights turn on and he’s playing in front of tens of thousands of fans in games that matter, I think we’ll see the velocity tick up a little bit, and I think he’s going to be good for us.”

No news on Peralta contract talks

Ever since Peralta was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in an offseason trade, a potential contract extension for the free-agent-to-be has been a hot topic. 

But speaking ahead of Stearns on Wednesday, Peralta offered a “no comment” when asked about contract talks, and as one might expect, Stearns followed suit.

“I’m not going to comment on any sort of extension or contract talks,” he said.

Major League Baseball has made some serious changes to the sport in recent years. From the universal DH to replay challenges to pitch clocks, and 2026 will be no different. This year, the league is introducing the ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) system thereby giving more power to the players.

Umpires have previously worked with virtual impunity, only subject to criticism from people on social media detailing their mistakes when it came to ball and strike calls. For all of time, whatever they said, went. However, that will no longer be the case in 2026. The ABS challenge system will give players the opportunity to challenge an umpire's ball or strike call, and given how vastly different players perform in 0-1 vs. 1-0 counts, this could lead to some game-changing scenarios.

And with Opening Day just hours away, we are ever so close to seeing it play out. Here's everything to know about the new ABS challenge system.

What is ABS?

ABS is an automated system that uses 12 cameras to depict exactly where each pitch crosses home plate. It has been used in the minor leagues since 2021, debuting in the Arizona Fall League and Low-A Southeast League before slowly being implemented into more and more minor league stadiums. Though the first baseball organization to use the system was the independent Atlantic League back in 2019.

Teams were allowed to experiment with the system during spring training this year.

How does the challenge system work?

Each team is granted two challenge opportunities at the start of each game. Throughout the contest, only the pitcher, batter and catcher can challenge pitches and they must indicate that they are challenging a call immediately after the call is made by tapping their helmet/hat.

If the challenge is successful and the call is overturned, the team retains that challenge. If the challenge is unsuccessful, the team loses that challenge for the rest of the game.

If a game goes into extra innings and all challenges have been depleted, the team will be granted one additional challenge opportunity per extra inning played, meaning they will get one for the tenth, one for the eleventh, and so on.

How accurate is ABS?

Very.

Although not 100% accurate, the system is close, but requires exact inputs for each batter's height in order to properly create a strike zone. According to MLB.com, the strike zone sits at between 27% and 53.5% of a player's height, very precise dimensions. All MLB players were re-measured prior to spring training in order to get more updated height figures.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is ABS? Explaining MLB's latest rule change before Opening Day

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FanDuel is living up to its self-proclaimed “Home of the Home Run” moniker with multiple new markets on offer entering the new MLB season. 

Key Takeaways

• FanDuel launches free-to-play Daily Dinger game.
  
  
• Bettors can wager on the exit velocity of home runs.
  
  
• The online sportsbook also upgraded with a multi-homer grid and a new “actionable” interface.

The online sportsbook announced on Wednesday three new products designed around long-ball betting just in time for the 2026 season opener between the New York Yankees and San Fracisco Giants.

The free Daily Dinger game allows users to select one player each day to hit a homer, earning a profit boost token for the next day if that player goes yard. Bettors can also also wager on home runs with an exit velocity of 110+ mph with Lazer markets. FanDuel is also implementing a dynamic multi-homer grid across the day’s games.

HAPPY MLB OPENING WEEK!

Get ready ... the home runs are coming 💣

📲 https://t.co/BiHyoBzT6K | #MLBpic.twitter.com/1AUbtNQ9uP

— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) March 23, 2026

“FanDuel is the Home of the Home Run because we’ve purpose-built our MLB product around the most exciting and popular part of the game,” Karol Corcoran, managing director of FanDuel Sportsbook, said. “From new home run-specific markets to free-to-play experiences like Daily Dinger, these updates bring that vision to life. We are intentionally giving customers more ways to engage and greater confidence in their bets.”

More announcements 

FanDuel isn't ending its experience enhancements there. The online sportsbook redesigned its MLB interface with “actionable” insights to inform customers through real-time confirmed batting lineups, star player grids, recent performance stats and trends, and player game logs right on the app. 

FanDuel promises faster bet settlements, especially helpful for live wagering, and expanded same-game parlay functionality across core markets for prop bettors. 

The operator also announced updated house rules. Player prop bets will only activate if the player is in the starting lineup and records a plate appearance. 

Plenty of options

FanDuel operates sports betting in 24 U.S. states, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The sportsbook offers dozens of in-game markets, including player props and SGPs, as well as futures markets. 

Heading into the season, FanDuel listed the Los Angeles Dodgers as +200 favorites to win the World Series, giving the NL squad the shortest odds to claim the MLB title since the 2003 Yankees. 

The Yankees are -124 moneyline favorites in Wednesday's game, with the Giants at +106. New York’s -1.5 runline is at +152, and the total runs scored is seven. Moneylines, totals, player props, and more are open for Thursday’s 12 Opening Day contests.

THE MLB SEASON IS HERE 😤

Who is hitting a home run today?#RepBX | #SFGiantspic.twitter.com/kGk6OHbKJR

— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) March 25, 2026

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Our staff gives their roster predictions, and some key players of note for them this season.

Adam Spolane: 88-74. 2nd AL West, Wild Card Team

Big season: Before last season, Yordan Alvarez had played 135+ games in three of four seasons since returning from his 2020 knee surgery, but a fractured hand and a sprained ankle limited him to just 48 games in 2025. He should be able to bounce back into the 135-game range and produce his usual numbers. Joe Espada will likely help keep him healthy by limiting his time in the outfield, and the team can be smart with his off days, using the DH spot to cycle in other veterans for a half off day.

Breakout: The Astros’ track record of identifying pitchers they can take to another level is well known, which is why it’s easy to be bullish on Mike Burrows after they gave up a significant return to acquire him from the Pirates over the winter. Burrows pitched well last season, but Houston identified a few pitch selection tweaks—most notably adding a two-seam fastball against righties—and the early results this spring have been impressive. With Framber Valdez now in Detroit and Tatsuya Imai able to opt out after the season, the Astros need Burrows, who is under team control for five more years, to emerge. They haven’t drafted a pitcher in the first round since 2018, and right now, there isn’t an arm in their system that projects as an above-average starter.

Rough season: Dusty Baker used to say it takes older players longer to get going, and the Astros better hope that applies to Christian Walker. Coming off a disappointing first season in Houston, Walker had a dreadful spring, slashing .139/.205/.333 with a 26% strikeout rate and a 7.7% walk rate. It came in just 39 plate appearances, but you’d still like to see a little more life after he finished last season with 0.2 bWAR and a 97 OPS+. The Jose Abreu comparisons will never apply to Walker because he plays a Gold Glove caliber first base, but you don’t pay a third baseman $20 million/season for his glove.

Joel Blank: 86-76, 2nd AL West, Wild Card

Big Season: Yordan Alvarez

Breakout Season: Brice Matthews

Most Concerned About:Jeremy Pena, Jake Meyers

Three players most interested in: Tatsuya Imai, Mike Burrows, Yordan Alvarez

Possible trade candidates:Yainer Diaz, Christian Walker, Jake Meyers

Craig Larson Jr.: 88-74, 2nd AL West, Wild Card

Big Season: For all of the off-season banter about being dealt, I actually think Isaac Paredes will have a big year.   I personally enjoy watching him work counts.

Most Concerned About: I think Cam Smith continues to struggle and he’s the number one concern for me.    Unfortunately, I think when we look back, he’ll join a list of highly touted prospects that didn’t pan out.    Think of the first rodeo for Jon Singleton or back in the day, Cameron Drew who never panned out in the late 80’s.

Player Most Interested In: I think Bryan Abreu gets on a roll with total appearances, elevates his total strikeouts once again exceeding 100 for the season.  In short, he gets even better in 26′ making it harder to avoid arbitration next time around given his dominance.    He has a big year.

Jimmy Price: 91-71, AL West Champs

Big season: Cam Smith.. saw flashes last year but after a full off-season, I expect him to have a big year.

Rough season:Yainer Diaz... I’m afraid the pitch selection issues will continue to hurt him offensively.

Breakout: I’ll go the prospect route and say Cole Hertzler.

Scott Barzilla: 85-77, 2nd AL West, miss playoffs.

Big Season: I think Yordan is finally healthy enough to play 140 games and will produce a .900 OPS

Rough Season: I think Yainer Diaz falls off a cliff. He is just not selective enough and pitchers will figure out how to pitch around him.

Breakout Season:Cam Smith takes a significant step forward and becomes a four win player. He has the look of a young Jason Heyward.

Brett Chancey: 88-74, 2nd AL West, Wild Card

Big Season:Yordan Alvarez. If Yordan stays healthy, we could see something special. FanGraphs projects him to hit .294 with a 156 wRC+, and if he plays around 140 games (+/- 5 games)I believe he finally eclipses the 40 HR mark for the first time in his career. When Alvarez is on the field consistently, he’s still one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball.

Most Concerned About:Lance McCullers Jr.. FanGraphs projects McCullers for around 113 innings, but that feels like an overreach to me. At this stage, if McCullers gives Houston more than 70 innings, that would already be clearing a major hurdle. The bigger questions isn’t just health, it’s effectiveness after so much time away. McCullers hasn’t been able to stay healthy consistently for a while now, and until he proves otherwise it’s hard to project a full workload in 2026. That said, if he comes back healthy and dominates, I’ll be the first one to congratulate him. Houston would gladly take that boost in the rotation.

Breakout Player: Cam Smith. Cam is the guy I’m watching for a breakout season in 2026. His ability to play both left field and center field gives the Astros flexibility defensively, and that versatility could put him squarely in the conversation for a Gold Glove if things click. The athleticism, range, and defensive instincts are there. if the bat continues to develop alongside the glove, Smith could turn into one of the Astros’ biggest impact players this season.

Rookie to Watch: Brice Matthews. Another player to keep an eye on is Matthews. The tools are loud, and if he gets an opportunity this season, I think he has a real chance to work his way into the top 10-15 range of the AL Rookie of the Year conversation. The combination of power, speed and positional versatility makes him an intriguing piece for Houston moving forward.

Pitcher to Watch: Mike Burrows. If Houston can unlock another level with his arsenal, he could become a really important piece of the rotation depth and possibly more. The Astros’ pitching development track record speaks for itself, and Burrows could be the next arm that takes a leap forward.

Final Thoughts: The Astros might now be the overwhelming favorite they once were, but this is still a dangerous club. Houston still has championship experience, emerging young talent like Cam Smith and Brice Matthews, and a pitching staff that could surprise people if arms like Mike Burrows take the next step. Don’t count this team out. The window isn’t closed yet.

Patrick Creighton: 93-69, AL West Champs.

This is a team that won 87 games as one of the greatest MASH units in MLB history. Simply being healthier should win this team 6 games easily. A healthy Yordan Alvarez alone can make that kind of difference.

Big Season: Yordan Alvarez. When Yordan is playing and not injured, he’s a certifiable wrecking machine. Don’t discount his pride and desire to win. Yordan was clearly frustrated by his injury and the “less than stellar treatment” received from the team to overcome his hand injury. When he returned, he blistered the baseball to the tune of .369/.462/.569 (that’s a 1.031 OPS) in 19 games before suffering a freak ankle injury stepping on home plate. I expect an inspired Yordan Alvarez this season, that is good news for Houston and bad news for opposing pitchers.

Breakout Season: Cam Smith. Cam has been locked in this spring, stinging the baseball to all fields, pulling the ball more with authority, and continuing to show the athleticism that has made him make the transition to outfield easily. Batting lower in the lineup to start the year will help, but his new approach and mechanics at the plate have already shown dividends, and his presence lower in the lineup really extends the lineup and makes this a more dangerous offense. Wouldn’t be surprised if he eventually leapfrogs a couple of people in the lineup, especially this guy…

Rough Season: Yainer Diaz. For three seasons, we have been waiting for Yainer Diaz to learn some plate discipline, stop swinging at pitches out of the zone that turn to weak ground ball contact, and draw some walks. After three seasons, he has not learned any of it. Yainer doesn’t post big strikeout totals because he has very strong bat-to-ball skills, the problem is all the soft contact he makes leads to a disgracefully high GIDP total (including a league worst 22 GIDP in 2024). Yainer needs to learn to take pitches and not swing at everything. He could be a legitimate impact bat if he would just show some discipline at the plate. Now entering his age 27 season, it’s likely not going to happen. At this point, he is simply the placeholder for Walker Janek.

Trade Candidate: Jake Meyers. Jake’s fluky offensive season (.292 AVG, .354 OBP, .727 OPS) is highly unlikely to be repeated. Expect hard regression to his career norms (.243 AVG, .307 OBP, .678 OPS). Jake is nothing more than a bottom of the order bat who doesn’t utilize his speed enough on the basepaths. He is a terrific defensive player despite his weak throwing arm, as he mostly runs down anything. However, the Astros now have younger players in Brice Matthews, Zach Cole, Joey Loperfido and Cam Smith who can also run down baseballs well, have excellent speed, have strong arms, and a lot more offensive upside. The time to trade Meyers was this offseason and the Astros basically blew that. They should find a taker for Jake as soon as possible to any team desperate for a defensive CF and get themselves some bullpen help.

Player To Watch: Tatsuya Imai. I am projecting Imai to be the runaway AL ROY. His stuff is absolutely filthy. His tweak to his mechanics has increased the velocity on his fastball to 98+ MPH, and his breaking stuff is electric. The only core weakness in his game is command, as he has historically been a high walk pitcher in his career prior to last season. He gets immense swing-and-miss, and his added velocity is going to make the breaking pitches even harder to hit. Imai may be fourth in the rotation to start the season, but he will pitch like a strong number two. Brown, Imai and Burrows will wind up forming one of the best “Big Three” starting tandems in all of baseball.

Final Thoughts: While the offense won’t be incredible, it will be better than many people expect. The starting pitching has the chance to be elite, especially the top 3 guys. My concern for this team is the bullpen.

Josh Hader will be considered an injury risk for the rest of his time in Houston, and with him still not able to max out his velocity should not be expected back once his mandatory 15 days are up.

Bennett Sousa established himself as a leverage reliever last season, and had taken over 8th inning duties when he got injured and was shut down for the season. Sousa now starts the year on the 15-day IL with an oblique strain and could be out two months.

This will put significant strain on the pen. Bryan Abreu must step up in the closer’s role, especially early. Bryan King is likely to get high leverage innings, and I can see A.J. Blubaugh getting high leverage innings as well from the right side. Blubaugh’s power stuff plays well in short bursts, and he could wind up being an extremely important guy in the pen. With Ryan Weiss and Kai-Wei Teng also in the bullpen as relievers who can give multiple innings, Houston can afford to make Blubaugh a key set-up man in the pen.

Clearly, I am asking for some unknown/untested players to perform in the pen. However, it’s certainly not unreasonable to think those players can fill those roles, and if they do, this team will be much better than people think.

Last year, as good as the national media made Seattle out to be, they only won 90 games. They beat one of the most injury ravaged teams in baseball history by only 3 games. That screams to me Seattle is being overrated and the Astros are being slept on.

Usually the Astros are in the frontrunner seat, with high expectations and everyone gunning for them. This year, the expectations for the team are the lowest they have been in a decade, and I expect them to outperform those expectations, be an exciting team, and give Astros fans a lot to enjoy in 2026. LFGA!

A year ago, many were skeptical that the Chicago Cubs could be a postseason contender, even after the acquisition of Kyle Tucker, a genuine star.

A year later, the Cubs did make the postseason and extended the Brewers to five games in a tightly-fought division series. The 92-win season was absolutely a good one, with Pete Crow-Armstrong breaking out into an All-Star, Gold Glove year, even though his performance declined in the second half. The Cubs also got big years from Michael Busch, Nico Hoerner, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Palencia and others, as they appeared to be putting together a solid core of players for the first time since the big selloff of 2021.

Now Tucker is gone, and another former Astros player, Alex Bregman, was signed to bring a similar big bat to the middle of the lineup. Bregman also brings Gold Glove defense to third base and a reputation as a first-class clubhouse guy.

Speaking of defense, you might recall this article from a number of years ago that noted the 2016 Cubs as one of the best defensive teams in MLB history.

I’m here to tell you that this year’s Cubs might be another one making that list. The Cubs could have as many as six Gold Glove winners — the entire infield plus PCA and Ian Happ. Five of those six players have already won Gold Gloves, and Michael Busch should be in the mix for this year.

That matters. The eye test in Spring Training told me that some balls that (for example) Nico Hoerner or Dansby Swanson could have made plays on, went through the infield when minor leaguers or non-roster guys were playing there. That had an impact on the results for certain pitchers — another reason you shouldn’t pay any attention to spring results or numbers when analyzing pitchers.

It’s certainly true that everyone wants Shōta Imanaga to cut down on the home runs allowed. But Imanaga appears 100 percent healthy, in great shape, and his velocity was up from last year, when he never seemed fully recovered from that hamstring injury. I expect Shōta to be more like the 2024 version of himself. That will make this year’s Cubs rotation formidable, and Justin Steele will re-join it at some point mid-season.

That’s something that makes this Cubs team better. They’ve got five good-to-excellent starters, a capable sixth guy in Colin Rea, Steele coming back, and Javier Assad waiting at Triple-A Iowa. That’s eight MLB-quality starters — and who knows, maybe we’ll see Jaxon Wiggins join the rotation at some point in 2026, as Cade Horton did in 2025.

Horton, in my view, has the chance to be a true ace. His K numbers weren’t impressive last year, but remember, he was still ramping up to a career high in innings, so he was reported to have held back some of his best stuff. He did not do that in Spring Training, hitting 98 miles per hour frequently and in one game, striking out 10 Guardians in five innings.

Beyond the improvement in the Cubs, the rest of the NL Central has taken a step back. The Brewers traded their best pitcher and a couple of the young players who were key parts of that ridiculous 29-4 run they had midseason. The Reds are good, but have recently lost two of their best starters to injury. The Pirates are better, but… they’re still the Pirates. And the Cardinals are in a full rebuild.

In addition to the team on the field, the Cubs will be celebrating two significant anniversaries in 2026: The 150th anniversary of the franchise itself, the only original National League franchise from 1876 still operating in its founding city. The team will have celebrations throughout the year and you can vote for the 150th anniversary all-time Cubs team that will be revealed later this year. They’ll also be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2016 World Series champions. That World Series trophy was brought to Mesa this spring and there were long lines at Sloan Park of folks wanting to have their photos taken next to the trophy.

Perhaps there will be another such trophy to add to the collection after the 2026 season. This team is certainly built to win; 100 wins is not out of the realm of possibility.

It all begins tomorrow at Wrigley Field. Go Cubs!