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Thomas Saggese has proven that he is a versatile player, but does he have the skill set to transition to the outfield? There are reports that the St. Louis Cardinals are at least considering it.

I came across this story from MLB Trade Rumors over the weekend that says the St. Louis Cardinals are exploring internal options for its outfield and right-handed bat needs. In their report, they refer to a story by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch saying the Cardinals have not been seriously engaged with Randall Grichuk and that Austin Hays had chosen the White Sox over the Cardinals due to playing time expectations. Their conclusion was that the St. Louis Cardinals were considering Jose Fermin and/or Thomas Saggese for outfield playing time. The Post-Dispatch just shared video today of Chaim Bloom saying Saggese in the outfield is a possibility.

Jose Fermin has already played a handful of MLB games in the outfield, but Saggese hasn’t played in the outfield since he was a 10-year-old kid. As we have shared here previously, Thomas Saggese has solid defensive numbers at 2nd and 3rd base with less impressive metrics at shortstop. Speed plays a much larger role in the outfield than it does the infield and Baseball America rates Thomas as having average to below-average speed rated to around 45 on a 20 to 80 scale. With his work ethic, I don’t question that he can adapt and learn a corner outfield position, but his natural skill set doesn’t seem to be a comfortable fit.

The concept for possibly transitioning Saggese to the outfield would allow him more playing time since his primary infield positions will be filled by Gorman, Winn and likely Wetherholt. If he could earn outfield playing time, that would get his right-handed bat into the lineup, but that’s not the thump many of us were hoping for. My initial impressions of Thomas Saggese was that he was a scrappy hitter similar to David Eckstein. That’s not a bad thing since he did end up being a World Series MVP, but David was known as a slap hitter with limited power. To be fair to Thomas Saggese, his performance in the minors in 2023 and 2024 show he does have some pop with 26 homers in 2023 and 21 in 2024. As I recall, David Eckstein only had 35 home runs over his 11-year career.

We’re still at the genesis of Spring Training so it’s too early to know if the St. Louis Cardinals envision Thomas Saggese as a middle infielder primarily and an outfielder only on rare occasions, but it’s obvious that the team would really love for him to be able to take on the super-utility role that Brendan Donovan excelled at. Does the thought of Thomas Saggese in the outfield make you nervous or is this a brilliant use of an already versatile right-handed bat? No matter what your opinion on Saggese in the outfield is, here’s something that is guaranteed to brighten your day as shared by the St. Louis Cardinals this morning.

Three days ago, ESPN published a tongue-in-cheek article called “Why Your Team Didn’t Do What You Wanted This Winter.” In a spectrum that ran Dodgers-to-Rockies, the Mariners were thankfully much closer to the Dodgers side of things, but Bradford Doolittle, the author, did question why the Mariners didn’t get another lefty bullpen arm to help Gabe Speier, saying some not-so-nice things about Jose Ferrer in the process and giving minimal attention to Robinson Ortiz, one of the Mariners’ early moves this winter. I’m not sure that today’s move of bringing in Josh Simpson from Miami to take Logan Evans’ spot on the 40-man will make Doolittle feel like the Mariners Didmore to address their lefty bullpen issues, but there is now another lefty in the mix along with Speier, Ferrer, and Ortiz.

Simpson got dumped right before Valentine’s Day as the Marlins DFA’d him on Thursday, allowing the Mariners to swoop in and acquire the Columbia product, who has so far spent his entire career in the Marlins organization after being drafted in the 32nd round in 2019. Simpson has had some injury issues in his career, missing a year in between his sophomore and junior seasons at Columbia with TJ. After being drafted he made steady progress through the Marlins system, dominating at the lower levels; but in 2023, he struggled with both injury (shoulder impingement) and throwing strikes at Double-A. 2024 wasn’t kinder on the injury front, as Simpson missed most of the season with “left elbow ulnar neuritis,” also known as cubital tunnel syndrome; you might recognize that as the thing that sidelined flamethrowing Angels pitcher Ben Joyce.

Simpson’s fastball comes in about ten miles slower than Joyce’s, so that’s not the concern with him; it’s more keeping him on the field, which he was able to do in 2025, and throwing strikes, which he was not as able to do. Simpson has enormous strikeout potential thanks to a deep repertoire and ability to spin a breaking ball; his sweeper is a whiff-machine, especially effective against lefties, and when he has a feel for his changeup, it’s deadly:

But there is a troubling amount of his highlight film titled “Josh Simpson escapes a jam,” because he often found himself in jams due to poor command.

There is a lot of raw material to work with for the 28-year-old, who might benefit from a different set of developmental eyes on him. He doesn’t have an overpowering fastball, coming in around 94 and depending more on weak contact than whiffs, and he pairs that with a sinker that is supposed to be a weapon against lefties but winds up in the middle of the plate too often. The Mariners, despite popular perception, don’t tend to make a ton of mechanical adjustments with their pitchers, but just from watching a couple pitches our John Trupin suggested there’s a lack of front-side consistency with Simpson that could be addressed. Then there’s the issue of being able to consistently land his curveball, sweeper, and changeup, which seems like a big ask for a pitcher who’s struggling to throw strikes, so perhaps some selective arsenal editing could be helpful. There’s also the injury aspect to consider, although Simpson is coming off a healthy 2025.

The question in Doolittle’s article still stands; if Ferrer and Ortiz don’t merit much mention, Simpson, at this stage at least, is a tick down from either of those two. But there are a lot of interesting components here that hearken back to the previous lefty duo of Speier and Tayler Saucedo, with Speier raining down hellfire and Saucedo—when he was on—coaxing ugly swings and weak contact. It’s a good lefty one-two punch, in theory; the Mariners’ job this spring will be to find Speier the right sparring partner, and now a new contender has entered the ring.

With real baseball games just around the corner FanGraphs released their Top 100 Prospect List for 2026. Only two Braves prospects make the list this year with JR Ritchie leading the way coming in at No. 68 overall, while Didier Fuentes comes in at No. 90 on the list. This is the highest we’ve seen JR Ritchie come in on a list this pre-season, and the first one that has Fuentes on it at all.

Coming into his age 22 season Fangraphs has JR Ritchie at 68 overall, with a future value of 50 – a significant value that pretty much gives him a legitimate starting pitcher grade.

Here’s a little bit of what FanGraphs had to say about JR and it’s definitely worth the click to read the full breakdown.

Ritchie touches 97 with both of his fastballs, and after years of sitting 91-93, he added a tick and change in 2025, when his heater averaged 93.9 mph. While not a seismic breakout, it’s a meaningful step forward for a strike-thrower with a change and good feel to spin, one who has been on the 45/50 line in previous evaluation cycles. The extra velo gives him more wiggle room in the zone, and his ability to command the ball to both sides of the plate suggests he’ll fully leverage it.

Despite the rough stint in the majors for Didier last year, one that many have noted was a bit rushed, FanGraphs also gave him a 50 future value grade. Here’s a little of what they had to say about Didier.

Fuentes is advanced beyond his years. His delivery is simple and repeatable, with a quick and clean arm stroke and moderate effort throughout his delivery. He’s primarily a fastball/sweeper guy, and will sprinkle in a curve and splitter. He’s adept at spotting the fastball to the glove-side corner and the top rail of the zone, where mid-90s velo, plus extension, and a low release height all help it play as an above-average weapon.

Once again – it is definitely worth the click to read the full breakdown of Didier, one that might ease some of the concerns that have made their way around social media. With the Braves already facing several starting pitcher injuries there is definitely the real possibility that both find their way in Atlanta this year – sooner than later.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke with reporters following Monday's workouts in Port St. Lucieto discuss a number of topics surrounding the team....

'Embracing expectations' for 2026 season

Mendoza opened his availability by discussing the messaging to the team over the first couple of days at spring training. The manager made it clear how they can prepare for the 2026 season after a disappointing 2025, helping them realize the opportunity that lies ahead.

"Without getting in to much details. I think it's just embracing expectations, enjoying the meaning of putting this uniform on, what it means, what we represent, and what we're here for," Mendoza said. "So it was just more along those lines."

He added: "There's always high expectations here. Our goal is to be the last team standing, and we haven't done that the past couple of years. Understanding the responsibility and what's ahead of us, and just embrace it. We have a really good opportunity to do something special here, so that's the messaging there."

Mendoza also discussed the importance of building team cohesion, and believes some of the new players' experience can play a helpful part.

"I'm the leader, but I also feel like we have a pretty good leadership group there so I think it's a group effort. Just building relationships, connections, so we can earn the trust. That's how you start forming that foundation. I think it's important. 

"I said it the other day, these guys, even though they are new faces playing together for the first time, they've known each other for a long time. We got a lot of guys that have been around this league, so they know each other. I think it's just now a matter of us putting it together. Coming together as a team and go out there and do the things that we need to do on the field.

Christian Scott 'competing and being himself'

Mendoza was pleased with what he saw from right-hander Christian Scott, who threw a live bullpen session on Monday. The 26-year-old looks to work his way back to the big leagues after missing the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery recovery. 

"It's all about health and he looks healthy today. I think he was up to 95 (mph)," Mendoza said. "The cutter is a pitch now that looks really good. Again, we got to build him up, but it's good to see him back out there on the mound competing and being himself this early."

Scott made nine starts during the 2024 season, posting 39 strikeouts over 47.1 IP, before getting injured. It's likely that he'll start the year in Triple-A to keep building up, but he could still be a valuable contributor to New York's rotation at some point during the season.

Mendoza said there isn't a definitive plan for Scott yet compared to other pitchers, but the righty's fastball has looked good and "he's put himself in this position and he's ready to go now."

"I wouldn't say so. He's got to pitch, he's got to pitch. We've got to build him up," Mendoza said. "But the fact that he's already throwing two innings, up to 30-something pitches is a good sign. Again, we need this guy. Our job is to keep him healthy and we will continue to build him up and see where we're at."

Carlos Mendoza believes Christian Scott was throwing up to 95 MPH in today's live BP:

"We've got to build him up, but it's good to see him back out there on the mound competing and being himself this early." pic.twitter.com/BHBrkCONRN

— SNY (@SNYtv) February 16, 2026

Luis Robert Jr. to benefit from new surroundings

One of New York's big offseason acquisitions was trading for Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox. The outfielder became a well-known name in 2023 after hitting 38 home runs, but injuries have dampened his production the past two seasons, combining for just 28 homers over 210 games.

Chicago's overall struggles the past couple of years did not help Robert, as he was one of their few above-average players and often looked at as someone who could save the team. Now, he'll be teammates with multiple All-Stars, including Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Bo Bichette, and Marcus Semien, allowing him to focus on playing quality baseball.

"We know what he can do when he's healthy. We saw it in 2023," Mendoza said. "The fact now that he's going to be surrounded with pretty good players, and probably you're not asking him to carry the load for the team. So I think it maybe takes something off his shoulder and just concentrate on playing baseball.

"Our job is to keep him on the field, keep him healthy. But we know that when he's healthy, he can do some things that are special. I'm excited that he's here with us. We're counting on a lot of the guys that are going to help him get to that next level."

Jorge Polanco's impressive approach at the plate

Another one of David Stearns' offseason moves was signing veteran Jorge Polanco to a two-year deal with the expectation for him to play mostly first base. While it's something he hasn't done at the major-league level, the Mets are confident in the former middle infielder's ability.

Despite his defense being a topic of conversation, it's his approach at the plate that has stood out to Mendoza early this spring.

"His ability to spread the ball around the field," Mendoza said. "He goes the other way, he puts the ball in play, he's just a tough at-bat. He'll give you a quality at-bat from both sides, righty or lefty. His ability to drive the ball, I think he drove one today. But then I also see him go the other way, foul off some pitches. 

"He's just like I said, he's a professional at-bat. So that's what we've seen throughout his career and so far in live BP, that's what we've seen."

Polanco owned a .265 batting average last season with Seattle, hitting .305 vs. LHP and .254 vs. RHP. Mendoza believes that skillset will be very valuable for New York this year, especially with his versatility from both sides.

According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, Ty France is expected to join the San Diego Padres’ Spring Training camp as a non-roster invitee after signing a minor-league deal with the team.

France, 31, has a career .262 batting average in seven big-league seasons with five organizations. He made his debut in the majors with the Padres in 2019 before being dealt to the Seattle Mariners at the following trade deadline. 

In 2025, France split time between the Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays. He hit .257 in 490 combined at-bats with the two clubs. The first baseman was acquired by the Blue Jays to become a defensive replacement for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. His ability around the bag upgraded the Jays infield defense.

The veteran was honored for his elite fielding at first base by winning his first Gold Glove this past offseason. France led all first basemen with a +10 Outs Above Average (OAA) and recorded a .996 fielding percentage.

The Friars have added a reliable glove to their infield mix. France will compete with Nick Castellanos, Miguel Andujar and Gavin Sheets for playing time at first base and designated hitter.

We knew Tommy Edman was behind in spring training after undergoing right ankle surgery in November, and on Monday morning at Camelback Ranch, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts ruled out the utility man for opening day. Edman will begin the regular season on the injured list, per the many beat reporters on site in Arizona.

From Katie Woo at The Athletic:

“Just looking as to where his ankle is at, trying to play the long view,” Roberts said. “You don’t want to have any regression or setbacks, so how can we be methodical with it. For me, knowing he’s just taking swings, isn’t up to full speed doing the baseball stuff, it takes a lot to get your body into baseball shape. We’re not going to rush it. Want to put him in the best position.”

This mirrors what Edman said during Dodgers Fest at Dodger Stadium on January 31, just two and a half weeks after his walking boot was removed.

“I’m really hopeful I’ll be able to put the ankle injuries of the last couple of years behind me. It’s something I kind of dealt with throughout ’24 and ’25, and I feel like it affected the way to play the game I normally would be able to,” Edman said in January. “I’m thankful I got the surgery when I did, and everything’s gone very smooth with recovery so far. The part of the ankle that was bugging me hasn’t popped up at all during recovery. Now it’s just getting used to putting weight on that leg and pushing off in an efficient way.

“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. … 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.”

Coupled with the newly-re-signed Kiké Hernández out until roughly midseason after left elbow surgery, that opens up a few roster spots among Dodgers position players for the early part of the season, including Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland in the mix for playing time at second base along with veteran Miguel Rojas.

The locker room at Camelback Ranch is quite spacious, but the Dodgers are testing its capacity this spring training. The latest addition is infielder Santiago Espinal, who was signed to a minor league contract with a non-roster invitation to spring training, per the variousbeat reporterson site in Arizona.

Espinal makes 34 Dodgers non-roster invitees in camp, including 12 non-catching position players.

Espinal, 31, has played in the majors in each of the last six seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays and Cincinnati Reds. Last year in 114 games with Cincinnati, Espinal hit .243/.292/.282 with 12 doubles and no home runs in 328 plate appearances. Over his career the right-handed-batting Espinal is a .261/.316/.349 hitter with an 85 wRC+, including .291/.344/.409 with a 107 wRC+ against left-handed pitching.

The veteran has played all over the infield, with 196 career starts at third base, 180 starts at second base, 34 starts at shortstop, plus seven starts in right field, six in left, and two starts at first base.

Espinal is at least nominally part of the competition for playing time at second base with Tommy Edman set to start the regular season on the injured list after right ankle surgery in November, manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Monday at Camelback Ranch.

Should Espinal happen make the Dodgers roster, he would have the right to refuse any minor league assignment due to his five years, 149 days of major league service time.