The Boston Red Sox prospects Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer are set to headline the Spring Breakout from March 13-16. This event will showcase the talents of young players across all 30 big league organizations, with 16 games scheduled at spring training camps in Florida and Arizona. The rosters, released on Thursday, include some of the most promising prospects in baseball, giving fans a glimpse of the future stars of the sport.
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Roman Anthony, 20, had a stellar performance last year with an .894 OPS, 18 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 21 steals in 119 games at Double-A and Triple-A levels. Kristian Campbell, 22, impressed with a .330 batting average, .439 on-base percentage, and a .997 OPS, along with 20 homers, 77 RBIs, and 24 steals in 115 games across three levels. Marcelo Mayer, 22, also had a strong showing, hitting .307 with an .850 OPS in 77 games with Double-A Portland. Cleveland's breakout roster features Travis Bazzana, the No. 1 pick in last year's amateur draft. To participate in the Breakout, players must have rookie status, defined as no more than 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched, or 45 days on an active big league roster. This event is an exciting opportunity to watch these talented young players in action and anticipate their potential impact on the major league stage.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that Ohtani's progress has been slowed to give him a break as he recovers from a hybrid Tommy John surgery performed in September 2023 and offseason surgery on his non-throwing shoulder's labrum. Although Ohtani has not stopped throwing, the team is managing his workload to prevent any setbacks. "We just felt that to intensify the bullpens alongside of the intensity of the games wasn’t smart," Roberts explained, emphasizing a careful progression.

​Ohtani will not face hitters before the Dodgers' season-opening series against the Chicago Cubs in Japan. The team had initially targeted May for Ohtani's return to pitching, but that timeline is now uncertain. Roberts highlighted the need for flexibility, stating, "I just feel, and we all feel, that we’re just trying to make it a broad time to return. We just don’t know. And so I think that when he’s ready, when the process, the progression, as it’s going on, we’ll know. But I don’t want to put any kind of expectation on you guys, or Shohei." The Dodgers are focused on ensuring Ohtani's long-term health and success as they navigate his recovery.

The Cleveland Guardians have announced the signing of Tyler Naquin to a minor league contract, with the notable twist that the veteran outfielder is transitioning to a pitcher. Naquin, who has spent the last eight seasons in the big leagues, is set to report as a right-handed pitcher. The 34-year-old has played for various teams throughout his career, including the Guardians, Reds, Mets, and White Sox. Over his career, he has appeared in 562 games, hitting 61 home runs and posting a .263/.316/.445 slash line for a 101 wRC+. Most recently, Naquin spent the majority of 2023 in the minors and played just five major league games for the White Sox as the season concluded. He remained unsigned for the 2024 campaign.
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Naquin's transition to pitching marks a new chapter in his career, as he seeks to make an impact on the mound. Known for his versatility and athleticism, Naquin's move to the mound is an intriguing development for the Guardians, who are eager to see how his skills translate to pitching. As Naquin prepares for this new role, both the team and fans will be closely watching his progress during the upcoming season.

There appears to be widespread frustration surrounding the Seattle Mariners, extending beyond the fanbase. Former Mariner Justin Turner openly criticized the organization for its lack of aggression in an interview with Bob Nightengale of USA Today, highlighting their failure to add impact bats despite having one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. This criticism led Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times to seek reactions from various players, who chose to remain anonymous. Meanwhile, President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto shared his thoughts on the state of the franchise in an interview with Sam Blum of The Athletic, conducted earlier in the spring and not referencing Turner's comments.
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Turner's pointed remarks underscored the sentiment of many who believe the Mariners' missed opportunities cost them a playoff spot. "The fact that they missed the playoffs by one game, and didn’t go out and add an impact bat or two when you have the best pitching staff in baseball just seems absurd to me," Turner told Nightengale. This growing frustration reflects the organization's need to reassess its strategy and address the concerns of both its players and fans as they look to improve their chances for success in the upcoming season.

Tampa Bay Rays' power-hitting prospect, Junior Caminero, was removed from today's game in the fourth inning due to lower back tightness. The discomfort arose from a swing in the previous inning, prompting manager Kevin Cash to exercise caution. Cash characterized the situation as day-to-day, expressing optimism that the issue is minor. While acknowledging the potential for concern, Cash conveyed confidence in Caminero's condition, stating, "I think he's fine."
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The Rays will undoubtedly monitor Caminero closely in the coming days, as any back-related issue can be particularly concerning for a hitter. The team's decision to remove him from the game underscores their commitment to prioritizing player health during spring training. Although Cash's assessment suggests a mild situation, the Rays will likely take a conservative approach to Caminero's return to play, ensuring he is fully recovered before resuming game action.

The Oakland Athletics have appointed Marc Badain as their new president, signaling a significant step in their relocation to Las Vegas. Badain, renowned for his tenure as president of the NFL's Raiders during their move to Las Vegas and the opening of Allegiant Stadium, brings a wealth of experience in navigating complex sports franchise transitions. He succeeds Dave Kaval, who resigned in December, with Sandy Dean, the interim president, now transitioning to the role of vice chairman. Athletics owner John Fisher emphasized Badain's expertise in transformative projects and his commitment to the community as crucial assets for the team's future in Southern Nevada.

​Badain's appointment underscores the Athletics' focus on a smooth and successful relocation. His proven track record with the Raiders' move to Las Vegas provides a strong foundation for managing the challenges and opportunities associated with the Athletics' own transition. The team anticipates leveraging Badain's leadership to build a robust and thriving presence in their new home. His experience in stadium development and community engagement is expected to play a key role in shaping the Athletics' identity and fostering a strong connection with the Las Vegas fanbase.

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is widely regarded as one of the best hitters in baseball, but MLB's all-time home run king Barry Bonds believes that hitting is a bit easier now than it was during his playing days. Bonds appeared on the "All The Smoke" podcast, where he discussed Ohtani's impressive talents while noting that players today have fewer concerns at the plate. Acknowledging Ohtani's brilliance, Bonds praised the 2024 NL MVP for his exceptional skills in pitching, hitting, and baserunning. "He's a complete player," Bonds said. "There's no doubt about the type of player he is and what he's accomplished in his career."
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Despite his admiration for Ohtani, Bonds pointed out that the game has evolved, making it less challenging for hitters in certain aspects. He mentioned that in his era, pitchers were more likely to plunk hitters following home runs, creating a more intimidating atmosphere at the plate. Bonds argued that Ohtani wouldn't have been able to hit multiple home runs without facing such retaliation in the past. "The game is way different than it was when I played," Bonds remarked. "Ohtani is not gonna hit two home runs without seeing one go by his ear in my generation." Bonds' comments highlight the changes in baseball over the years and the different challenges faced by players in each era.

Mets pitcher Kodai Senga's signature pitch, the ghost forkball, now has a song named after it. In 2024, it was "OMG," a tune that became a rallying cry for the New York Mets during their impressive run to the National League Championship Series. That season, propelled by a close-knit team chemistry and former infielder Jose Iglesias's—aka Candelita's—song "OMG," the Mets captured the hearts of their fans. With Iglesias now playing for the San Diego Padres, the Mets might have found a new anthem for 2025 with the release of "Ghost Fork."
Japanese artist Yusuke Kamiji has released a new song titled "Ghost Fork," inspired by Senga's signature pitch. Although it may not unify the team like "OMG," "Ghost Fork" is expected to be a popular tune at Citi Field, especially during Senga's starts. Senga had an outstanding rookie season in 2023, posting a 2.98 ERA with 202 strikeouts in 166 1/3 innings, earning All-Star honors and finishing second in the Rookie of the Year race. Despite shoulder and calf injuries limiting him to just one regular season start in 2024, the 32-year-old righthander is healthy this spring and ready to dominate once again. As Senga prepares to unleash his ghost fork, he'll have the added excitement of hearing a song that celebrates his exceptional pitch.

Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton received a second round of platelet-rich plasma injections for his ailing elbows on Thursday and is expected to rejoin Yankees camp this weekend, according to general manager Brian Cashman. However, it remains uncertain when Stanton will be ready to resume baseball activities. Since February 24, Stanton has been away from the team, dealing with a private matter unrelated to his elbow issues. Unable to swing a bat since mid-January, Stanton acknowledged that the elbow problem had bothered him for most of the 2024 season. Cashman mentioned that Stanton's complaints about his elbow resurfaced just before camp started, prompting the team to address the issue carefully.
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Stanton's latest injury setback adds to the Yankees' ongoing challenges, as they adapt to the injuries affecting their roster, including those of pitcher Luis Gil and infielder DJ LeMahieu. Cashman emphasized the need to allow Stanton the necessary time to recover fully, without rushing his return. While the team is eager to have Stanton back, they are prioritizing his long-term health and performance, viewing surgery as a last resort. The Yankees are hopeful that Stanton will regain his form and contribute significantly to their lineup once he is cleared to play.

Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu recently underwent an MRI after tweaking his calf muscle during his spring debut and has been diagnosed with a strain. LeMahieu shared this update with the Yankees beat reporters, noting that it is either a Grade 1 or 2 strain. While there is no official timetable yet, LeMahieu will be sidelined for at least a couple of weeks without any baseball activity. This delay likely rules him out for Opening Day, though the team has not formally confirmed this. He is set to meet with the medical staff to develop a recovery plan.
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This diagnosis marks another health setback for the 36-year-old LeMahieu, who struggled with foot and hip injuries last season, limiting him to just 67 games. His performance was notably diminished, as he batted .204/.269/.259 with only two home runs in 228 plate appearances. LeMahieu's average exit velocity and hard-hit rate hit career lows, and his 56.4% ground-ball rate was the second-highest of his career and sixth-highest in MLB among players with at least 220 plate appearances. Given these challenges and his sprint speed ranking in the 20th percentile, LeMahieu's road to recovery and returning to form will be crucial for the Yankees' success this season.

The Tampa Bay Rays, known for their emphasis on defensive versatility, are expanding the roles of utility players Jose Caballero and Richie Palacios this spring. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Caballero, who excelled at shortstop, second base, and third base in 2024, is now getting reps across all three outfield spots in camp. Last season, he played two innings in left field. Meanwhile, Palacios, who already played five positions last year, is also getting reps in center field. Topkin notes that Palacios is the leading candidate to back up presumptive starter Jonny DeLuca.
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Caballero, 28, joined the Rays in a January 2024 trade that sent Luke Raley to the Mariners. While his offensive stats are modest, with a .225/.308/.338 slash line in 243 MLB games, Caballero's defense has been a significant asset. He accumulated 70 steals in 89 attempts over a season and a half's worth of games. With the addition of Ha-Seong Kim and the return of Taylor Walls, Caballero will transition into a jack-of-all-trades utility role this season. This flexibility allows the Rays to maximize their roster's potential and maintain their competitive edge.

The Pittsburgh Pirates' ace, Paul Skenes, who has been in the major leagues for less than a year, has a unique piece of memorabilia heading to auction. A one-of-a-kind autographed baseball card, featuring a patch of the No. 30 jersey Skenes wore during his big league debut last May, is set to be auctioned on Thursday. The card has generated considerable buzz, comparable to iconic collectibles featuring Hall of Famers like Honus Wagner, Mickey Mantle, and Ken Griffey Jr. The excitement surrounding the Skenes card is amplified by the power of social media, which has significantly increased its visibility and interest.
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Nick Bell, CEO of Fanatics Collect, which is conducting the two-week auction closing on March 20, expressed his amazement at the coverage and interest the card has received. "The coverage on this just in my opinion is so much bigger," Bell said. "I really can't remember one similar to it, to be frank. It's pretty exceptional." While Fanatics Collect has not publicly estimated the card's potential sale price, Bell anticipates "a very significant sale." The Skenes card is poised to join the ranks of elite sports collectibles, attracting attention from collectors and fans alike.

In his third Spring Training start for the Red Sox, Garrett Crochet delivered an impressive performance, consistently hitting radar readings of 101 mph at JetBlue Park. Although the park lacks Statcast, the team used its TrackMan device to measure velocity during Wednesday's 4-2 victory over the Rays. Despite some inconsistencies with the radar gun, Crochet's enthusiasm for his best outing yet in Grapefruit League play was evident. "I think that was a misread. I was feeling good, and I know it was coming out well, but I don’t think it was that well," said Crochet, who reached triple digits with only four pitches last season.
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After a breakout 2024 season with the White Sox that earned him All-Star honors, Crochet joined the Red Sox with high expectations. His competitive spirit shone through when he reflected on Wednesday's three-inning, 44-pitch performance, which included two hits, no runs, one walk, and seven strikeouts. "Better now," Crochet remarked. With Crochet leading the rotation, the Red Sox are feeling more confident heading into the season. Manager Alex Cora praised Crochet's work ethic, noting, "He’s just a strong dude who knows his art, or his craft. He’s working hard with the pitching group to keep getting better." Cora emphasized that last season was just a taste of what Crochet can offer as a big-league starter, and the team is eager to see him deliver 30 starts and contribute to their success.

The Seattle Mariners, known for having one of the most formidable pitching staffs in baseball, missed the postseason in 2024 for the second consecutive year and the 22nd time in 23 years. The primary issue behind their disappointing season was the underwhelming performance of their lineup. Despite their strong rotation, the Mariners failed to bolster their offense during the offseason, with their only notable acquisition being veteran infielder Jorge Polanco. This lack of offensive investment has potentially hindered their chances of becoming true World Series contenders. Former Mariners infielder Justin Turner, now with the Chicago Cubs, voiced his frustration over the team's offseason approach.
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Turner openly questioned the Mariners' motivation and strategy, criticizing their failure to secure a significant offensive addition. "The fact that they missed the playoffs by one game, and didn’t go out and add an impact bat or two when you have the best pitching staff in baseball just seems absurd to me," Turner told USA TODAY Sports. His comments reflect the sentiment of many who believe the Mariners' reluctance to invest in their lineup could be the obstacle preventing them from reaching their full potential.

Baltimore Orioles star shortstop Gunnar Henderson is dealing with an intercostal strain, but the team remains optimistic about his availability for Opening Day. Manager Brandon Hyde revealed on Wednesday that Henderson suffered a mild strain on his right side. Hyde emphasized the importance of not rushing Henderson's recovery, noting, "It's one of those sensitive areas where we don't want anything to reoccur." The team is taking a cautious approach to ensure Henderson is fully recovered before returning to the field.
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Henderson exited last Thursday's 11-8 spring training victory over the Toronto Blue Jays after experiencing "lower right side discomfort" following a leaping catch in the first inning. The 22-year-old shortstop, who had an impressive rookie season, will continue to be monitored closely by the Orioles' medical staff. Despite the setback, the team remains hopeful that Henderson will be ready to contribute on Opening Day.

The Bravos de León of the Mexican League have announced the signing of veteran reliever Jay Jackson. In addition, they have signed right-hander Josimar Cousin, who had a stint on the White Sox's 40-man roster last year. Francys Romero was the first to report the Cousin deal. Jackson, represented by Nello Gamberdino, has pitched in parts of six major league seasons, reaching the majors in each of the past four years. His most recent MLB experience was a 20-game stint with the Minnesota Twins, where he posted a 7.52 ERA over 26 1/3 innings. Although Jackson had a solid strikeout rate of 25.4% and a walk rate of 7.9%, he struggled with home runs, giving up seven in his limited time on the mound.
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Jackson's move to the Mexican League represents a new chapter in his career, as he aims to regain his form and contribute to the Bravos de León's success. Meanwhile, Josimar Cousin will also be looking to make an impact with his new team. Both players bring valuable experience to the Bravos, and their signings reflect the team's efforts to bolster their bullpen for the upcoming season.

Bryce Harper, who hasn't played the outfield in a while, is open to returning to his former position if the Phillies secure a major addition at first base. Speaking to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Harper mentioned that he discussed this possibility with the Phillies during the offseason. He expressed his willingness to accommodate a new first baseman who could significantly enhance the team's lineup and overall demeanor. Harper added that while the team likes him at first base, he would move back to the outfield for a player capable of hitting 35 to 40 home runs.
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Harper's last stint in the outfield ended when he was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow in May 2022. Unable to throw, Harper served as the team's designated hitter until he underwent Tommy John surgery in November of that year. Upon his initial recovery in 2023, he continued as the designated hitter before being placed at first base by the Phillies. Harper's flexibility and team-first attitude highlight his commitment to the Phillies' success, as he remains open to changing positions if it benefits the team.

The Hall of Fame has announced a significant change to its Era Committees eligibility criteria. Starting next year, any candidate on an Era Committee ballot who does not receive at least five of 16 votes will be ineligible for consideration in their era’s next cycle. Furthermore, a candidate who receives four or fewer votes on two separate occasions will be permanently ineligible for future consideration. This adjustment aims to streamline the selection process and ensure only the most deserving candidates remain in contention.
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The Era Committees, formerly known as the Veterans Committee, provide an alternative path for enshrinement, reconsidering players not elected by the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). These committees also consider non-players such as managers, executives, and umpires. To be elected, an Era Committee candidate must receive 12 of 16 votes from a panel that typically includes longtime coaches, executives, and Hall of Fame players. The smaller voting pool generally results in a slightly lower standard for induction compared to the BBWAA, which requires 75% approval from a larger body of media members.

The Milwaukee Brewers have placed left-hander DL Hall on the 60-day injured list, with Adam McCalvy ofMLB.combreaking the news. This decision sidelines Hall until late May at the earliest and creates a roster spot for lefty Jose Quintana, who has now been officially signed. Hall had been dealing with a lat strain since February 12th, and the Brewers initially shut him down for at least two weeks. However, three weeks have passed with little information on his progress, and Hall had not even been cleared to start playing catch until recently.
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According to McCalvy, Manager Pat Murphy indicated that Hall is expected to resume playing catch at the end of this week. The extended recovery timeline underscores the Brewers' cautious approach in managing Hall's injury, aiming to ensure his full recovery before returning to the mound. As the team navigates these challenges, they are hopeful that Hall can make a strong comeback later in the season.

Rangers outfielder Adolis García received some positive news following his MRI for an oblique injury sustained on Tuesday. Manager Bruce Bochy informed reporters on Wednesday that the oblique strain is "pretty mild," and García is expected to be ready for Opening Day. The 32-year-old outfielder was an All-Star in 2023 and finished 14th in MVP voting before an injury in the World Series cut his breakout postseason short.
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García experienced a significant decline in performance in 2024, posting a .224/.284/.400 slash line with a 0.3 WAR. Despite last year's struggles, those optimistic about the Rangers' playoff chances this season are counting on a rebound from García. His return to form will be crucial for the team's success as they aim to make a strong showing in the upcoming season.

Konnor Griffin, the Pirates’ first-round pick in the 2024 Draft, has been making quite an impression during his first Spring Training camp. When Griffin singled in his first at-bat on February 23, manager Derek Shelton's reaction was likely shared by many fans—excitement over the hit, followed by astonishment at realizing Griffin was born in 2006. As the Pirates' No. 2 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Griffin has shown why he is highly regarded, highlighted by his first professional home run against the Orioles on Saturday.
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Griffin, who was born during Daniel Powter's "Bad Day" reign at the top of the Billboard charts, is eager to absorb as much as possible from his time with the big league team. “Being around the big league team, I’m just trying to learn as much as I can,” Griffin said earlier this Spring Training. “It’s a great opportunity to grow my game and see how things are run at the big league level.” His precocious performance and dedication to learning have been evident, and the Pirates are hopeful that Griffin will continue to develop into a key contributor for the team's future success.

The San Diego Padres have signed veteran infielder Jose Iglesias to a minor league contract, as reported by multiple sources. Iglesias, 35, will join the Padres' major league camp with the opportunity to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Last season, Iglesias had a stellar year with the New York Mets, posting a .337 batting average with four home runs and 26 RBIs in 85 games. His impressive performance helped the Mets reach the National League Championship Series. Despite his success, the Mets did not retain him, leading to his new opportunity with the Padres.
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Iglesias brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Padres' infield. Over his 12-year career, he has played multiple positions, including shortstop, second base, and third base. With a career batting average of .283, Iglesias is known for his consistent hitting and solid defense. As he joins the Padres, Iglesias will look to make an impact and secure a spot on the major league roster, adding depth and experience to the team's infield options.

The Oakland Athletics have shut down left-hander Brady Basso with a shoulder strain, interrupting what had been a strong spring training for the 27-year-old pitcher. Basso, who made his Oakland debut last season, had been vying for a spot on the big league roster. In his seven appearances for the A’s, he posted a 1-1 record with a 4.03 ERA and had not allowed a run over 4 1/2 innings this spring. The team announced the injury prior to their spring training game against Texas and stated there is no timeline for his return.
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In other injury updates, left-hander Ken Waldichuk has resumed throwing in the bullpen as he recovers from Tommy John surgery performed last May, with an estimated 13-month recovery period. Additionally, third baseman Brett Harris is dealing with a strained left oblique. Harris hit .146 in 36 games for the A’s last season. The team remains cautious with their injured players as they prepare for the upcoming season.