MLB News

Jared Jones • SP • Pirates

Jared Jones Aiming to be Ready in Late May

Pittsburgh Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said on Monday that "the goal is to get Jared Jones (elbow) major-league game-ready at that one-year mark," according to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Tomczyk also said that Jones has looked "really good" coming out of his live batting practice sessions this spring. The 24-year-old will open the year on the 60-day injured list after having an internal-brace procedure on his right elbow last May. Jones obviously isn't going to have a full season in 2026, and there's a good chance he's eased back in after that, but he's still worthy of a late-round stash in mixed fantasy drafts. The former second-rounder in 2020 looked the part in his MLB debut in 2024, posting a 4.14 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 132 K's and 39 walks in 121 2/3 innings (22 starts). Right now, Jones is ranked outside the top 100 fantasy starting pitchers at RotoBaller.

6 hours ago

Matt Brash • RP • Mariners

Matt Brash Not Feeling Great After Tooth Removal

Seattle Mariners right-handed reliever Matt Brash (mouth) played catch briefly in camp on Sunday but "still isn't feeling great," according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. Brash had issues with the tooth abstraction that led to more dental work and discomfort, which is why he's been slow to return in spring training. The Mariners still have plenty of time to get him ready for Opening Day in late March, though, since he will not take part in this year's World Baseball Classic. The 27-year-old missed all of the 2024 campaign after having elbow reconstruction, but he returned to a setup role last year and was solid, recording a 2.47 ERA (3.05 FIP), 1.25 WHIP, four saves, 58 strikeouts, and 18 walks in 47 1/3 frames. Brash induced more ground balls by using his slider and sinker more, and he'll return to the eighth-inning setup role for Seattle. Brash is primarily useful in holds leagues, but he has the stuff to close out games if needed if Andres Munoz were to miss time due to an injury.

7 hours ago

Tarik Skubal • SP • Tigers

Tarik Skubal to Make One Start in World Baseball Classic

Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal confirmed on Monday that he will only make one start for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. Skubal has been the best pitcher in baseball the last two years, winning back-to-back American League Cy Young awards while going a combined 31-10 with a 2.30 ERA (2.47 FIP), 0.91 WHIP, 469 strikeouts, and only 68 walks in 387 1/3 innings over 62 regular-season starts. He threw 216 innings last year between the regular season and playoffs, so he won't be pushed in the WBC or in spring training. Skubal is the top fantasy starting pitcher and will be a must-start in his first start of the regular season in 2026 in San Diego against the San Diego Padres in late March.

7 hours ago

Blake Snell • SP • Dodgers

Opening Day Not a Target for Blake Snell

The Athletic's Katie Woo writes that Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell's (shoulder) Opening Day status is "in doubt." There is no real update on him, other than he's throwing off flat ground in camp. "Time's ticking, but like I told him the other day, Opening Day is not necessarily a hard and fast target for us," manager Dave Roberts said. Snell, 33, missed four months in 2025 due to left-shoulder inflammation and admitted that he was exhausted after an extended postseason run in October, which is why the Dodgers aren't making it a necessity that he be fully stretched out for Opening Day. Even if Snell were to land on the injured list to begin the regular season, it would likely be a short stay on the sidelines. The two-time Cy Young winner was solid when available for the Dodgers last year, going 5-4 with a 2.35 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 72:26 K:BB, but he only made 11 starts in the regular season. Snell is a risk/reward No. 3 fantasy starting pitcher because of his injury history.

7 hours ago

Hagen Smith • SP • White Sox

Hagen Smith to Face Hitters on Tuesday

Chicago White Sox left-handed pitching prospect Hagen Smith (elbow) will face hitters in a live batting practice session on Tuesday for the first time this spring, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Smith has another live batting practice session scheduled and then expects to get into some action in Cactus League games. The 22-year-old southpaw, who was the fifth overall pick in 2024 out of Arkansas, had a 3.57 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 108:56 K:BB in 75 2/3 innings over 20 starts with Double-A Birmingham last year. He missed six weeks in the first half of 2025 due to elbow soreness, which is why the White Sox have slow-played him so far this spring. Questionable control has fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues pumping the brakes a bit on Smith being a high-end starting pitcher at the next level, although if he can lower his walk rate in 2026, he should make his MLB debut. Smith is dominant with his fastball and slider, but a lack of a real third pitch may push him to a high-leverage relief role down the road.

7 hours ago

Brandon Woodruff • SP • Brewers

Opening Day "Up in the Air" for Brandon Woodruff

Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff (lat) said on Monday that being ready for Opening Day in late March is "up in the air right now," according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Woodruff added that he's feeling night and day better now than he was at this point in the year in 2025, but staying healthy all season is the No. 1 priority. The 33-year-old veteran threw 25 pitches in a simulated game in camp on Monday, but he said he's a "touch" behind some of the pitchers that are already throwing in Cactus League games. Woodruff didn't make his 2025 debut until July after recovering from right-shoulder surgery that he had in 2024, and he finished last year on the injured list due to a right-lat strain. Recent injuries certainly make Woodruff more risky in fantasy drafts this spring, but he showed that he still has the stuff to be a high-end fantasy starter when healthy, going 7-2 with a 3.20 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 83 K's in 2025. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 28 fantasy starting pitcher for this year.

7 hours ago

Dairon Blanco • CF • Royals

Dairon Blanco Avoids Full Concussion

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro said on Monday that outfielder Dairon Blanco (head) avoided a full concussion, but he will be taking it easy over the next few days with light activity inside, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Blanco will continue to be evaluated by the medical staff after getting hit square in the helmet by a 90 mph pitch in the seventh inning of Sunday's Cactus League game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The 32-year-old Cuban outfielder should be fine for Opening Day in late March, but he won't be on the fantasy baseball radar in the vast majority of leagues. Blanco has a career .257/.312/.416 slash line with a .728 OPS, seven home runs, 34 RBI, 59 runs scored, and 59 stolen bases in 171 games over his four seasons with the Royals. He played in only nine big-league games in 2025 and went 1-for-6 at the plate with an RBI and three steals.

8 hours ago

Isaac Collins • LF • Royals

Isaac Collins Healthy After Receiving Knee Injections

Kansas City Royals outfielder Isaac Collins (knees) received platelet-rich plasma injections in his knees this offseason, according to MLB.com's Anne Rogers. Collins didn't play in a Cactus League game over the weekend, but he's scheduled to play in Tuesday's road game against the Cincinnati Reds, and then again on Friday at home against the Athletics. He has been taking live at-bats against Royals pitchers and participating in all working, but the Royals are intentionally taking it slow with Collins. The 28-year-old has otherwise felt great. After Friday's game, he'll be a full-go and will be on a normal build-up schedule. At the time the Royals traded for Collins in December, manager Matt Quatraro said the team knew about his knee injections. Barring an injury before Opening Day, Collins projects as the Royals' fourth outfielder, limiting his fantasy appeal to deep-mixed and AL-only leagues.

10 hours ago

José Caballero • SS • Yankees

Jose Caballero Bringing More Bat Speed into 2026 Season?

New York Yankees speedy infielder Jose Caballero, who hit a 402-foot home run in the Grapefruit League game on Sunday against the New York Mets, said his goal in the offseason was to "improve his average bat speed to 71 mph this season," according to Brendan Kuty and Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. Caballero also spent time working at Driveline Baseball in Tampa. In 2025, Caballero had an average bat speed of 69.1 mph, according to Baseball Savant. His average exit velocity of 86 mph last year was among the lowest in baseball. At least for the first month of the 2026 season, the 29-year-old from Panama will be the Yankees' everyday shortstop with Anthony Volpe recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Caballero's fantasy value will receive a bump early on, mainly because of his speed, but if he can add some more power, it'll be a plus. He has never hit more than nine homers in his three MLB seasons.

10 hours ago

Jackson Holliday • 2B • Orioles

Jackson Holliday Doesn't Have his Hand Wrapped

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (hand), who had the stitches removed from his surgically repaired right hand on Monday, doesn't have his hand wrapped, according to MASN Sports' Roch Kubatko. Holliday said he's been cleared to take ground balls and one-handed swings in camp. The 22-year-old is expected to slowly ramp up his baseball activities in spring training after having the hamate bone removed from his hand. Holliday is expected to open the 2026 regular season on the injured list, but barring a setback, it could be a minimal IL stay for the young infielder. When healthy, he'll resume starting duties at the keystone for the O's. In the meantime, offseason acquisition Blaze Alexander is expected to see most of the playing time at second base. After showing improvement in Year 2 in 2025, the former first overall pick in 2022 is RotoBaller's No. 14-ranked fantasy second baseman.

10 hours ago

Thairo Estrada • 2B • Orioles

Orioles Agree to Minor-League Contract With Thairo Estrada

The Baltimore Orioles agreed to a minor-league contract with free-agent infielder Thairo Estrada on Monday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Estrada will give the Orioles more insurance with both infielders Jackson Holliday (hand) and Jordan Westburg (elbow) set to open the 2026 regular season on the injured list due to injuries. Coby Mayo is expected to open the season as Baltimore's regular third baseman, with Blaze Alexander likely to operate as the starter at the keystone. The 30-year-old Estrada won't be a lock to make the Opening Day roster as infield depth. The Venezuelan hit .253/285/.370 with a .655 OPS, three home runs, 21 RBI, and 14 runs scored in only 39 games played last year with the Colorado Rockies. Even if Estrada breaks camp with the big-league club, he'll be a bench player who won't warrant fantasy attention in mixed leagues.

10 hours ago

Josh Hader • RP • Astros

Josh Hader Not Guaranteed to be Ready for Opening Day

Houston Astros left-hander closer Josh Hader (biceps) is playing light catch off flat ground in camp as he works his way through biceps inflammation, but "it's difficult to envision Houston rushing" Hader to be ready for Opening Day, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. The 31-year-old six-time All-Star also missed time last season with a shoulder capsule strain, so the Astros are going to play it safe here. If Hader is not ready for Opening Day in late March, setup man Bryan Abreu figures to take over closing duties for the team to begin the 2026 campaign. When healthy, Hader was still one of the most dominant high-leverage relievers in baseball, posting a 6-2 record, 2.05 ERA (3.25 FIP), 0.85 WHIP, 28 saves, 76 strikeouts, and 16 walks in 52 2/3 innings. But because of his injuries going into this season, Hader carries more injury risk and has dropped to No. 15 in RotoBaller's fantasy closer rankings.

11 hours ago

Michael Conforto • LF • Cubs

Michael Conforto Joins Cubs

Free-agent outfielder Michael Conforto signed with the Chicago Cubs on a minor-league deal on Sunday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Conforto will have to prove himself in spring training to earn an Opening Day roster spot with Chicago, likely in a bench role. The 32-year-old veteran left-handed-hitting outfielder really struggled in 2025 with the World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers, slashing .199/.305/.333 with 12 home runs in 486 plate appearances during the regular season. Conforto struck out 121 times in 138 games played and drove in only 36 runs. If he makes the roster, Conforto will most likely be an option against right-handed pitchers in right field if the Cubs want to give Seiya Suzuki a day off in the field. His xBA of .237 in 2025 suggests that he could bounce back in 2026, but he probably isn't going to see enough volume to be relevant in shallow mixed fantasy leagues.

11 hours ago

Payton Tolle • SP • Red Sox

Payton Tolle Allows One Run in Spring Training Debut

Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect Payton Tolle tossed two innings of one-run ball in his spring training debut on Saturday afternoon. The southpaw was given the starting nod. In the opening frame, he surrendered a solo shot to Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis. In the second inning, he would toss a perfect frame and tally his lone strikeout of the contest, against outfielder Matt Wallner. Tolle is currently in contention for one of the final spots in the starting rotation and will likely need a strong showing in spring training to claim it. Last summer, the left-hander struggled in his MLB debut, posting a 6.06 ERA across his first 16 1/3 innings. However, in the minor leagues, he logged 91 2/3 innings with a strong 3.04 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a 133:23 K:BB. Given his high-end strikeout upside, he is a name to closely watch during spring training as he could be a worthy selection in the final rounds of your draft if he were to emerge as a viable starter.

15 hours ago

Jacob Melton • LF • Rays

Jacob Melton Showcasing Power in Spring Training

Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Jacob Melton went 1-for-3 with a home run during their loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday afternoon. Melton would launch a solo shot (his first of spring training) in the sixth frame. The team's No. 4-ranked prospect on MLB.com is in competition for one of the final spots on the MLB roster and could make a strong case with a productive spring training. Last season, Melton made his MLB debut with the Astros and spent 32 games in Houston. During this stint, the former second-round pick posted a modest .157/.234/.186 slash line with no home runs and a 29:6 K:BB. Through 35 games at Triple-A, Melton was far more productive, posting a .286/.389/.556 line with six home runs and 12 stolen bases. He is a name to monitor in deeper five-outfielder formats as he could have some sleeper appeal if he cracks the Opening Day roster, given his speed upside.

15 hours ago

Justin Crawford • CF • Phillies

Justin Crawford Knocks Two Hits in Spring Debut

Philadelphia Phillies outfield prospect Justin Crawford went 2-for-3 with a strikeout in his spring training debut on Saturday afternoon. Crawford served as the leadoff hitter and knocked a double to center field to open the contest. Later in the game, Crawford would hit a single on a line drive. The team's top outfield prospect is currently the favorite to claim the starting center field role, and his hot start in camp further cements him as a starting option. Last season, the 22-year-old spent the entire 2025 season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and held a .334/.411/.452 slash line with 23 doubles, seven home runs, and an eye-catching 46 stolen bases. While his power upside may be limited, Crawford could produce a high batting average with an elite stolen base total. He is a prime late-round option for those in standard leagues, as he should begin the season in an everyday role.

16 hours ago

Moisés Ballesteros • C • Cubs

Moises Ballesteros Officially Reports to Camp

Chicago Cubs catching prospect Moises Ballesteros officially reported to camp on Sunday. The young backstop had his start to the 2026 campaign delayed by visa issues, but was finally able to join the Cubs. The 22-year-old is expected to immediately begin the season in a lead role on the offense, likely serving as the primary designated hitter. Last season, Ballesteros made his MLB debut and held a solid .298/.394/.474 slash line with two doubles, one triple, and two home runs across a 20-game stint. At Triple-A, Ballesteros was one of the most productive hitters in the minor leagues, posting a .316/.385/.473 line with 29 doubles, 13 home runs, and a strong .858 OPS. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in camp and should view him as a solid C2 in all formats with the solid power upside. If he is able to fully claim the DH role, he could carry starting-caliber upside in standard leagues.

16 hours ago

Parker Messick • SP • Guardians

Parker Messick Enters Spring Training in Competition for Rotation Spot

According to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com, Cleveland Guardians left-handed pitching prospect Parker Messick is one of the names in the running for one of the final spots in the starting rotation. Messick made his spring training debut on Sunday afternoon and tossed two innings of work with no runs, no hits, and a 1:3 K:BB. Joining him in the competition will be young left-hander Joey Cantillo, Logan Allen, and Slade Cecconi. Last summer, Messick made his MLB debut and held his own, logging 39 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.72 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP. During this stint, the southpaw struck out 38 hitters while generating an elite 5.8% barrel rate with a strong 3.6% walk rate. Messick is worth monitoring closely, as he could carry late-round sleeper appeal if he were to open the season as a starter.

16 hours ago

Robby Snelling • SP • Marlins

Robby Snelling Begins Spring Training with Perfect Inning

Miami Marlins left-handed pitching prospect Robby Snelling tossed a perfect inning in his spring debut on Saturday afternoon. Facing the top of the New York lineup, Snelling would generate three straight outs against Marcus Semien, Juan Soto, and Bo Bichette. While he was unable to tally any strikeouts, he made quick work of them, throwing only 10 pitches. The 22-year-old appeared to be in the mix to earn the final spot in the Miami rotation but now projects to be the season as the team's No. 6 option, and likely at Triple-A. With veteran Chris Paddack being named as a starter and both Max Meyer and Braxton Garrett healthy, Snelling projects to be on the outside for the time being. However, he would likely be the first name called in the case of an injury. Last summer, the southpaw looked quite comfortable in his first taste of Triple-A, tossing 63 2/3 innings to the tune of a 1.27 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. He remains a worthy early-season stash candidate for those in deeper 12-team leagues.

16 hours ago

Shohei Ohtani • DH • Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani Throws Live Batting Practice on Sunday

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani was able to throw a live batting practice session without any issues on Sunday. Ohtani threw 33 pitches across two innings of work and touched 99 mph on his fastball. This is expected to be the last time that Ohtani will throw for the Dodgers in camp. He'll now leave to join Team Japan for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. It doesn't sound like Ohtani will pitch in the tourney, so he likely won't take the mound again until the start of the regular season. The Dodgers might ease Ohtani in, but he should be a solid No. 2 starter in fantasy once he's fully stretched out.

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