The Cincinnati Reds have made several moves to strengthen their pitching staff this offseason, including extending a qualifying offer to Nick Martinez, acquiring Brady Singer from the Royals, and bringing back veteran southpaw Wade Miley, who is finishing up rehab from Tommy John surgery. However, according to FanSided’s Robert Murray, the Reds are still looking to add more arms to their rotation. The club is considering signing a player on a minor league deal or a non-roster invite to camp, though a major league deal for one of the remaining free agent pitchers is also a possibility.
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In addition to these efforts, the Reds are managing some challenges with their current roster. Left-hander Andrew Abbott and top prospect Rhett Lowder are both behind schedule in spring training. Abbott is on a slower buildup after his 2024 season was cut short by a shoulder strain, while Lowder experienced elbow soreness during his offseason throwing program last month. The Reds are hoping to address these issues and ensure they have sufficient depth in their pitching rotation for the upcoming season.

As trade rumors continue to circulate around 10-time Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado, the St. Louis Cardinals star made a surprising move on Wednesday that keeps the speculation alive. Arenado made the three-hour journey from the Cardinals' spring training site at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Fla., to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa to face the New York Yankees in Grapefruit League action. This significant commute for a player of Arenado's stature, especially at this early stage of spring training, has raised eyebrows and added fuel to the trade buzz.
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Yankees beat writers and fans alike took notice of Arenado's unexpected appearance, sparking further intrigue about his future with the Cardinals. As Arenado took the field against the Yankees, questions about potential trade scenarios and his possible landing spots gained momentum. Whether or not a trade materializes, Arenado's willingness to make such a lengthy trip has certainly kept the rumor mill churning, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for the star third baseman.

Paul Goldschmidt's pride in his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, playing alongside legends like Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, and Adam Wainwright, and winning the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 2022, remains strong. However, he also laments the struggles of the past two seasons that led to his departure from the Cardinals. Reflecting on his performance and the team's failure to make the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, the now-37-year-old Goldschmidt acknowledges that better power and productivity numbers might have kept him with the Cardinals instead of transitioning to the New York Yankees. His emotions are conflicted as he adjusts to playing with new teammates like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, while missing close friends Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras.
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Goldschmidt's move to the Yankees is a poignant reminder of the business side of baseball. Speaking before a game against the Cardinals, he remarked, "We all know this is a part of the business and something like this could have happened. There definitely were some good times, and 2022 was special in so many ways, but last year was also the most disappointing year because I felt like we had a chance to make some noise and maybe win the whole thing." As he navigates this new chapter in his career, Goldschmidt remains hopeful that the Cardinals can build on what he left behind, while he embraces his role with the Yankees.

The wait is nearly over for baseball fans eager to see Shohei Ohtani back in action. The Los Angeles Dodgers' manager, Dave Roberts, announced on Wednesday that Ohtani will make his first appearance of Spring Training as the designated hitter in Friday night's game against the Angels, his former team. This highly anticipated debut will mark Ohtani's return to the field, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.
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The game is scheduled to begin at 6:05 p.m. MT/5:05 p.m. PT at Camelback Ranch. Fans can catch the action live on SportsNet LA and MLB.TV for out-of-market viewers. With Ohtani's return generating buzz, this game promises to be a highlight of the Spring Training season as he faces off against his former club.

On Saturday, May 17, the Delmarva Shorebirds will take the field as the Delmarva Wild Ponies, paying tribute to the historic Wild Ponies of Assateague Island. This special identity will feature on-field jerseys and hats, branded merchandise, and an evening dedicated to celebrating this unique aspect of the Delmarva community. Assateague Island, a 38-mile strip divided between Virginia and Maryland, is home to around 150 wild ponies, living in two herds separated by the state line. These ponies have become a beloved symbol of the region, with local legends suggesting their origins date back to a 16th-century shipwreck or mainland owners bringing them over to avoid taxes and fencing laws.
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The Wild Ponies have become an integral part of Delmarva's identity, with events like the annual "Pony Penning" hosted by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, where the ponies swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island for an auction to support the fire company. The Shorebirds' new identity aims to honor and raise awareness of this iconic attraction. Chris Bitters, Shorebirds General Manager, emphasized the community connection, stating, "The Shorebirds have and always will be a community-minded organization first, and we thought what better way to honor Delmarva than by connecting the Shorebirds brand with the Wild Ponies on Assateague Island." This new identity not only celebrates a local treasure but also aims to increase awareness of the Wild Ponies on a broader scale.

Jameson Taillon couldn't contain his excitement after the Cubs signed veteran catcher Carson Kelly in December, quickly sending him a text to express his eagerness to work together. Throughout spring training, Kelly has made it a priority to handle a significant portion of Taillon's workload, helping the big righty build a strong foundation for the season. With catcher Miguel Amaya already having a solid rapport with Taillon, Kelly has stepped up to form a new partnership, taking part in bullpen sessions and live batting practice workouts. On Tuesday, Kelly was behind the plate for Taillon's two-inning Cactus League debut in a 4-2 victory over the D-backs at Sloan Park. Taillon praised Kelly's efforts, saying, "He's awesome. He's very curious and asking a lot of great questions, like, 'What do you like to hear in a mound visit?' or, 'What are things that get you back on track?' He's already working really hard at the relationship. He's really good back there."
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While Amaya claimed the top catching role last season, the Cubs sought an experienced backup going into 2025, and they found it in the 30-year-old Kelly, who signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract. Kelly's nine-year Major League experience and dedication to building strong pitcher-catcher relationships make him a valuable addition to the team. Kelly and Amaya are expected to share catching duties this season, allowing manager Craig Counsell to carefully consider rest days, offensive matchups, pitcher rapport, and the opposing running game when setting the lineup. This arrangement also provides Amaya with the opportunity to continue developing under the guidance of an established veteran backstop.

Robbie Ray, the veteran pitcher, decided to reach out to Tigers ace Tarik Skubal after witnessing his playoff dominance last season. Ray texted the reigning American League Cy Young and Triple Crown winner, asking if Skubal would share his changeup grip. To Ray's delight, Skubal was more than willing to help, sending pictures, videos, and detailed instructions. The two left-handers kept in touch throughout the winter, with Ray diligently working on perfecting the pitch. Ray acknowledged, "I’ve always struggled with throwing a changeup, and I don’t pronate very well. The way that he taught me, you don't have to. It seems to be working pretty well."
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Ray finally debuted his new changeup in the Giants’ 7-5 loss to the A’s at Hohokam Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. Despite relying primarily on his fastball-slider combination, the 33-year-old mixed in a handful of changeups during his two scoreless innings, striking out three batters. Ray was pleased with the results, attributing much of his success to Skubal's guidance. By incorporating this new pitch into his arsenal, Ray hopes to enhance his effectiveness on the mound and continue to be a formidable presence in the league.

First, he showed patience, then he displayed power. Travis Bazzana, the No. 1 overall pick in last summer's MLB Draft, is making a mark during his first Spring Training with the Cleveland Guardians. As a member of the Guardians' depth camp roster, the 22-year-old second baseman stepped into the spotlight in the sixth inning of Tuesday's game in Goodyear. All eyes were on Bazzana, not just because he is Cleveland's first No. 1 overall pick, but also the first Australian-born player to hold that title. In his first at-bat, Bazzana demonstrated his keen eye by taking a called strike and then drawing a walk amidst a day where Guardians batters earned 11 walks in a 9-6 loss to the Brewers.
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Bazzana's second at-bat in the eighth inning mirrored his earlier patience, resulting in another walk after working the count and fouling off pitches. Ranked as the No. 10 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline, Bazzana got one more chance in the bottom of the ninth. His disciplined approach at the plate highlights the promise and potential that come with his draft status. Bazzana's debut may have been brief, but it showcased his readiness to contribute and his understanding of the game, setting a strong foundation for the season ahead.

Passengers often stepped into the back seat of J.C. Escarra's black Lexus sedan, admiring the clean interior as they zipped through Miami. Little did they know, their driver was a dedicated baseball player. Driving for Uber became a lifeline for Escarra during a challenging phase in his career when he refused to abandon his Major League dreams. Maintaining a five-star rating on his Uber profile, Escarra is now garnering similar acclaim as he vies for a spot on the Yankees' Opening Day roster.
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Escarra's determination shines through as he reflects on those difficult times. "I had just gotten married and bought an apartment with my wife, Jocelyn," he said. "So now I’ve got a mortgage to pay and a wife to provide for. I had to make money somehow, and no one was going to take away my home from me. I knew I had to make those payments, so I was doing anything it took." As Escarra competes for a place in the Yankees lineup, his story of perseverance and resilience inspires many, highlighting the lengths athletes go to achieve their dreams.

Dodgers' new acquisition, Roki Sasaki, faced an early challenge in his spring training debut against the White Sox. In what was described as a "hybrid B-game," Sasaki took the mound against top prospect Kyle Teel. The White Sox catching prospect wasted no time, launching a booming home run on the second pitch he saw. Despite the rocky start, Sasaki found his rhythm and settled into the game, demonstrating his potential. Over three simulated innings, he faced several White Sox hitters, inducing grounders and ending his first inning with a swinging strikeout.
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Sasaki's debut was notable for being a clash between two of MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospects. Ranked No. 1 overall, Sasaki joined the Dodgers after being posted by his NPB team, the Chiba Lotte Marines. Teel, ranked No. 32, became a part of the White Sox organization through a blockbuster trade with the Red Sox. Following the early home run, Sasaki's ability to induce weak contact and showcase his strikeout prowess highlighted his resilience. As both players continue to develop, their early encounters in spring training provide a glimpse into the exciting future of Major League Baseball.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to pay a staggering $1.051 billion in deferred compensation to eight players between 2028 and 2046, following significant contracts signed by Tanner Scott and Teoscar Hernandez. Scott's $72 million, four-year deal and Hernandez's $66 million, three-year contract have contributed to this massive financial obligation. According to details obtained by The Associated Press, the Dodgers' highest payment points will be $100.95 million in both 2038 and 2039, highlighting the long-term financial planning involved. This practice of deferred payments has sparked debate, especially after Major League Baseball's unsuccessful attempt to eliminate it during collective bargaining in 2021.
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Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the issue last week, acknowledging the Dodgers' efforts to build a competitive team while adhering to current rules. "The Dodgers have gone out and done everything possible, always within the rules that currently exist, to put the best possible team on the field, and that's a great thing for the game," Manfred stated. However, he also noted concerns from fans in smaller markets about their teams' ability to compete financially with the Dodgers. "It's clear that we have fans in some markets that are concerned about the ability of the team in their market to compete with the financial resources of the Dodgers. And I think if we've been consistent on one point, it is we try to listen to our fans on topics like this," Manfred added, highlighting the ongoing debate over financial equity in the league.