San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. has entered a management deal with Rimas Sports, the agency co-owned by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny. Announced on Tuesday, Rimas Sports will oversee Tatis's marketing, brand relations, and other services, with the aim of expanding his portfolio as an athlete, businessman, and philanthropist. The agency, which also represents prominent players such as Ronald Acuña Jr., Ezequiel Tovar, and Francisco Alvarez, boasts a partnership between Bad Bunny and executives Noah Assad and Jonathan Miranda.
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While Rimas Sports is prohibited from negotiating player contracts with teams, it is authorized to strike marketing deals with athletes. Tatis, who signed a $340 million, 14-year contract with the Padres in 2021 through MVP Sports, looks to leverage this new partnership to enhance his presence both on and off the field. The collaboration with Rimas Sports marks an exciting new chapter for Tatis as he continues to build his brand beyond baseball.

Boston Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers, who was scheduled to make his spring training debut on Tuesday, has decided to push it back after informing manager Alex Cora that he did not feel ready during live batting practice. While Cora did not specify when the three-time All-Star will play, he suggested that it might not be until this weekend. Devers spent the early weeks of spring training strengthening his shoulders, which caused him discomfort last season. Despite the soreness, he managed to hit .272 with 28 home runs and 83 RBIs in 2024. The Red Sox are eagerly anticipating his return, but it remains uncertain where Devers will play once he is back on the field.
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The addition of two-time All-Star Alex Bregman to the Red Sox roster this offseason has added to the uncertainty surrounding Devers' position. Bregman, who signed a three-year, $120 million contract, is a Gold Glove winner at third base, a position where Devers has struggled defensively. Devers has led the American League or tied for the lead in errors three times in the past seven seasons. Despite the fielding challenges, Devers is reluctant to move to the designated hitter role, stating last month, "Third base is my position." The Red Sox will need to find a balance that maximizes their defensive strength while keeping Devers' powerful bat in the lineup.

Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia was scratched from today’s Cactus League game after experiencing discomfort in his left oblique. According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, Garcia is scheduled for an MRI to determine the extent of the injury. Manager Bruce Bochy mentioned that Garcia will "miss a little bit of time," but the team hopes his absence won’t be prolonged. Additionally, fellow outfielder Wyatt Langford, who suffered an oblique injury 11 days ago, has yet to appear in a spring game. The Rangers have not ruled out Opening Day for either player, pending further updates on their conditions.
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Garcia, who turned 32 over the weekend, is entering the 2025 season with hopes of rebounding at the plate. He was a key player in the Rangers' 2023 World Series run, recording a .245/.328/.508 slash line with 39 home runs. As the Rangers await further news on Garcia's injury, they are undoubtedly hoping for a quick recovery to ensure his impactful presence in the lineup. Garcia's return will be crucial for the team as they aim to start the season strong.

The Cleveland Guardians have announced that outfield prospect Chase DeLauter underwent surgery this morning to address a core muscle injury, often referred to as a sports hernia. The team stated that similar injuries typically require about eight to twelve weeks for players to return to play. This timeline means DeLauter will be sidelined for a significant portion of the early season, delaying his much-anticipated contributions to the team.
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Despite the setback, the Guardians remain optimistic about DeLauter's recovery and future impact on the field. DeLauter, a promising talent in the Guardians' farm system, has shown great potential and is expected to be an integral part of the team's future. As he focuses on his rehabilitation, the organization and fans alike are eager to see him back in action, contributing to the Guardians' success.

Excitement is building at Camelback Ranch as Roki Sasaki is poised to make his first appearance in the Cactus League tonight. The game against the visiting Cincinnati Reds is scheduled to start at 8:05 p.m. ET (6:05 p.m. MT/5:05 p.m. PT) and will be broadcast on SportsNet LA, MLB Network (in the Reds' market), and MLB.TV (for out-of-market viewers). Sasaki will not be the starting pitcher; instead, he'll follow Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is expected to pitch four innings. Sasaki's goal will be to pitch at least three innings in relief, providing fans with a glimpse of his highly anticipated talent.
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Looking ahead, both Yamamoto and Sasaki are expected to pitch in their home country next month when the Dodgers face the Cubs in the Tokyo Series from March 18-19. Yamamoto is likely to start the opener, with Sasaki taking the mound in Game 2. This series will offer an exciting opportunity for the Japanese pitchers to showcase their skills on home soil, further building anticipation for their roles in the upcoming season.

Earlier this offseason, the Kansas City Royals expressed interest in acquiring outfielder Starling Marte from the New York Mets, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. While those discussions did not result in a deal, Sherman notes that Kansas City remains somewhat interested in the possibility. Although talks are not currently active, the Royals' lingering interest indicates that they are still exploring options to bolster their outfield and may have some financial flexibility despite their payroll being nearly $20 million higher than last year.
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The Royals would not be taking on Marte's entire salary in a trade. The 36-year-old is entering the final season of a four-year, $78 million contract and is owed $19.5 million in 2025. With a .269/.327/.388 batting line (104 wRC+) last season, Marte's performance has declined, making it unlikely for another team to assume his full salary. However, the Mets have shown a willingness to pay down a portion of Marte's contract, which could make a trade more feasible. As the offseason progresses, it remains to be seen if the Royals will revisit their interest in Marte to strengthen their roster.

Reds' new reliever Scott Barlow has entered spring training with a renewed sense of confidence, having rediscovered his lost velocity during an intensive offseason. Once averaging 95 mph on his four-seam fastball and 96 mph on his sinker in 2021, Barlow experienced a gradual decline, culminating in averages around 91 mph during his time with the Guardians in 2024. This drop in velocity was a source of frustration for Barlow, especially as he felt physically fit. Despite the dip, Barlow maintained a respectable 4.25 ERA and 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings last season, showcasing his ability to limit hard contact.
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However, a late-season slump, marked by an 8.49 ERA and increased walk rate over his final 13 games, led to his release by the Guardians in September. Barlow's offseason work focused on regaining his previous velocity, and early spring training results indicate a positive trend. This resurgence provides a significant boost to the Reds' bullpen, as they look to capitalize on Barlow's experience and rediscovered form. His ability to generate strikeouts and limit hard contact, combined with his increased velocity, positions him as a potentially valuable asset for the Reds' pitching staff.

Félix Bautista's highly anticipated return to the mound in his first spring training game since Tommy John surgery was a resounding success. The Orioles' closer delivered a flawless inning, striking out two batters and showcasing his signature fastball, which appeared to be back to its dominant form. The emotional moment was met with a standing ovation from enthusiastic fans, highlighting the high expectations and anticipation surrounding Bautista's comeback. His performance provided a significant boost of confidence for the Orioles and their fans, reinforcing his status as a key component of the team's bullpen.
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Orioles manager Brandon Hyde emphasized a cautious approach to Bautista's workload, prioritizing his long-term health and avoiding back-to-back appearances or extended innings. Bautista himself expressed confidence in his ability to regain his peak velocity by Opening Day 2025, demonstrating his determination and optimism. His successful return marks a significant step in his recovery and sets the stage for a potentially impactful season. The Orioles are banking on Bautista's presence to solidify their bullpen and contribute to their pursuit of a successful season.

Dominic Smith's transition to the New York Yankees has ignited a spark of optimism during spring training, as he vies for a prominent role in the team's lineup. Though recent reports lack detailed game statistics, the buzz surrounding Smith centers on his potential impact as the Yankees' designated hitter. His presence in camp has generated considerable excitement, fueling speculation about his fit and possible contributions to the team's offensive firepower. The anticipation surrounding Smith's potential is palpable, with many hoping he can solidify a starting role, perhaps even earning a spot on the opening day roster.
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While Smith's potential is undeniable, the focus remains on translating that potential into consistent performance. Without concrete game statistics to fully assess his spring training contributions, his impact remains largely theoretical. However, the Yankees' interest in Smith suggests they see a valuable asset in his skillset, and his veteran experience could provide a much-needed boost to the team's lineup. As spring training progresses, all eyes will be on Smith to see if he can deliver on the promise he's shown, and solidify his place as a key contributor to the Yankees' offensive success.

Max Fried's highly anticipated spring training debut for the New York Yankees lived up to expectations, as he delivered a strong performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Manager Aaron Boone praised Fried's outing, noting his impressive velocity, reaching 97 mph with his fastball, and the excellent movement on his pitches. Fried showcased his extensive repertoire, demonstrating his ability to execute a variety of pitches and establish a solid rhythm. Boone deemed the outing a "successful day," highlighting Fried's overall command and effectiveness on the mound.
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The Yankees' offense provided ample support for Fried, exploding for 12 runs in the decisive victory. Cody Bellinger and Anthony Volpe each contributed two hits, while Dominic Smith continued to bolster his case for a roster spot. The team's offensive firepower, combined with Fried's strong pitching performance, resulted in a dominant win over the Pirates. The game provided a positive glimpse into the Yankees' potential as they continue their preparations for the regular season.

Kodai Senga made a successful spring training debut for the Mets, prioritizing health after an injury-plagued 2024. The right-hander, who was limited last season, delivered two scoreless innings, allowing only two singles while throwing 31 pitches. Senga expressed satisfaction with his performance, emphasizing his ability to test new approaches and emerge healthy. He reached a maximum velocity of 96 mph with his four-seam fastball and showcased his full repertoire, including his signature gyro-slider and a newly developed sinker. The slider proved particularly effective, leading to a crucial strikeout.
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The sinker, while still a work in progress, has garnered attention from Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, who believes it could become a valuable weapon for Senga. Mendoza highlighted the pitch's potential to generate ground balls and complement Senga's existing arsenal, which includes a formidable splitter and slider. Senga's ability to manipulate the baseball and add new dimensions to his pitching style reinforces his versatility and potential as a key contributor to the Mets' rotation. The successful outing and the unveiling of the sinker provide a positive sign for Senga and the Mets as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Veteran outfielder Adam Duvall is taking a firm stance in his free agency negotiations, reportedly informing teams that he will retire unless he secures a contract guaranteeing at least $3 million. This comes after a similar late-spring signing last year, where he inked a $3 million deal with the Atlanta Braves on March 14th. Duvall's current position highlights his determination to secure what he believes is fair market value, rejecting offers that fall short of his minimum requirement. Notably, he turned down a proposal from the Kansas City Royals that included a $1 million guarantee with an additional $1 million in performance bonuses.
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Duvall's decision to publicly state his retirement ultimatum adds a layer of intrigue to his free agency. The 36-year-old's power hitting and veteran presence are valuable assets, but his willingness to walk away from the game if his financial demands aren't met creates a unique dynamic. Teams interested in Duvall must now weigh his potential contributions against the risk of losing him entirely. This high-stakes approach underscores the complexities of free agency, where players and teams navigate the delicate balance between value, opportunity, and personal expectations.

Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Aaron Ashby exited his spring training start prematurely due to an oblique strain, casting a shadow over his bid for a rotation spot. Manager Pat Murphy confirmed the injury, noting that while initial assessments suggest it won't be a prolonged absence, further imaging is scheduled for tomorrow to determine the severity. This setback disrupts Ashby's efforts to solidify his role, particularly following the Brewers' acquisition of Jose Quintana, which likely relegated Ashby to bullpen duties. With Brandon Woodruff's return uncertain and DL Hall already sidelined with a lat strain, Ashby was poised to be a crucial depth piece for the Brewers' pitching staff.
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The timing of Ashby's injury is particularly unfortunate, as it further depletes the Brewers' pitching depth heading into the season. The team's rotation plans, already impacted by Woodruff's shoulder surgery and Hall's injury, now face additional uncertainty. Ashby's ability to provide reliable innings was crucial, and his absence creates a void that the Brewers will need to address. The upcoming imaging will be critical in determining the extent of the damage and setting a realistic timeline for his return, leaving the Brewers' staff and fans anxiously awaiting the results.

Minor League Baseball has announced that the 2025 Triple-A National Championship Game will return to Las Vegas Ballpark on Saturday, September 27th. This single-game showdown, pitting the International League and Pacific Coast League champions against each other, will cap off the Triple-A season. The championship game follows the best-of-three League Championship Series, with the first-half division winners hosting those series, which begin on September 23rd. The Triple-A regular season will be split into two halves, with the first half concluding on June 22nd and the second half starting on June 24th, and the entire regular season will conclude on September 21st.
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The Triple-A National Championship Game has become a significant fixture in the Minor League Baseball postseason, providing a platform to showcase the highest level of minor league talent. MLB's Executive Vice President, Morgan Sword, praised Las Vegas Ballpark as the "perfect setting" for the nationally televised game, and Aviators President Don Logan echoed the sentiment, highlighting the ballpark's status as a premier venue. Historically, the Pacific Coast League has dominated the championship game, winning 10 of the 17 contests since its inception in 2006. The 2024 championship saw the Sugar Land Space Cowboys defeat the Omaha Storm Chasers, adding to the PCL's impressive record.

The Texas Rangers are prioritizing Jacob deGrom's health in 2025, aiming for a full season after his injury-plagued tenure thus far. Manager Bruce Bochy has revealed that deGrom will slot into the back end of the rotation, a strategic move to allow the veteran right-hander ample time to build stamina following his Tommy John surgery. While Bochy didn't specify whether deGrom would be the fourth or fifth starter, the emphasis is on a gradual ramp-up. DeGrom, who missed most of the 2024 season, made a brief return in September, showcasing his talent with a 1.69 ERA across three appearances. His Cactus League debut against the Rockies signals the beginning of his preparation for a pivotal 2025 campaign.
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The precise timing of deGrom's regular-season debut is still being determined. The Rangers are considering whether he'll pitch in the final game of their opening series against the Boston Red Sox on March 30th, or if he'll start the subsequent series opener against the Cincinnati Reds on March 31st. This cautious approach underscores the Rangers' commitment to deGrom's long-term health and contribution to the team. The focus is on ensuring he's fully prepared to handle the rigors of a full season, rather than rushing him back into a high-pressure role.

The Washington Nationals, uniquely positioned as the sole MLB team without a stadium naming rights deal or jersey patch sponsorship, are actively pursuing partnerships to change that by the end of 2025. After initiating conversations in January, the team aims to finalize contracts for both opportunities this year, ideally by midseason. Chief Revenue Officer Mike Carney emphasized the strategic timing, noting that summertime, when Nationals' fans are most engaged, presents the perfect opportunity for an announcement. The team envisions immediate implementation of jersey patches, with temporary signage bridging the gap until permanent stadium displays are installed. While past stadium naming rights negotiations fell through due to unsuitable brand alignment, the Nationals are now prioritizing partners who demonstrate "shared values," including community commitment and military support.
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The potential financial windfall, estimated by Forbes at over $20 million, is expected to provide a significant boost to the Nationals' revenue stream. While Carney refrained from detailing specific plans for the funds, he suggested that the additional capital could be used to bolster player salaries, which have consistently ranked in the league's bottom ten for the past few seasons. This strategic move to secure sponsorships reflects the Nationals' desire to enhance their financial flexibility and potentially improve their competitive standing by investing in player talent.