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.

Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker left the team’s split-squad game against the Nationals on Tuesday due to left knee pain. Walker departed in the third inning and will undergo further evaluation to determine the extent of his injury. The 22-year-old, a former first-round pick, is one of the Cardinals’ most promising prospects. However, after a strong rookie season in which he hit .276 with 16 homers and 51 RBIs in 117 games, Walker's performance significantly declined last year. He posted a .202 batting average with five homers and 20 RBIs in 51 games with the big-league club.
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Despite last season's struggles, Walker played 85 games for Triple-A Memphis, where he hit .263 with nine homers and 37 RBIs. The Cardinals, who have missed the playoffs for the past two seasons, are relying on players like Walker to bounce back and contribute to the team's success. Walker is competing for a spot in the outfield alongside Lars Nootbaar and Michael Siani, with Michael Helman, recently acquired from the Twins, also in the mix. The Cardinals hope Walker's injury is not severe and that he can return to form to help the team in the upcoming season.

The Cleveland Guardians' highly regarded outfielder Chase DeLauter underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a sports hernia, sidelining him for the first couple of months of the season. The 2022 first-round draft pick sustained the injury during a pregame workout on February 28. After an examination by Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia on Monday, DeLauter's diagnosis was confirmed, and surgery was recommended. The Guardians have indicated that DeLauter, who was projected to start the season at Triple-A Columbus, will begin his rehab in Arizona this week. The typical recovery timeline for similar cases ranges from eight to twelve weeks.
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Last season, DeLauter showcased his potential across three minor league levels, posting a .261 batting average with eight home runs and 24 RBIs. At Triple-A Columbus, he impressed with a .304 average, two homers, and seven RBIs in just 23 at-bats. As DeLauter embarks on his recovery, the Guardians and their fans remain hopeful for his return to the field, where he can continue to build on his promising career and contribute to the team's success.

CJ Abrams's first All-Star season took an unexpected turn when the Washington Nationals optioned him to Triple-A Rochester late in the 2024 season. The demotion came just before the conclusion of the Triple-A season, with the Nationals clarifying that the decision was due to an "internal matter" rather than Abrams's performance. Reports later revealed that Abrams had been at a casino until 8 a.m. on the day of a 1 p.m. game against the Chicago Cubs, where he went 0-for-3 with a walk in the loss.
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Despite the controversy, Nationals manager Davey Martinez has stated that he and Abrams are back on good terms. The reconciliation between Martinez and Abrams is a positive development for the team as they look to move forward from the incident. Abrams remains an integral part of the Nationals' roster, and his return to form will be crucial for the team's success in the upcoming season. As both parties put the past behind them, the focus now shifts to building on Abrams's promising talent and contributions on the field.

Roki Sasaki's debut as a Los Angeles Dodger on Tuesday night was nothing short of spectacular, with his fastball clocking in at 98 mph and three shutout innings to his name. However, the true testament to his performance came from the words of the hitters he faced. Austin Hays described Sasaki's pitches as "nasty," TJ Friedl called them "heavy," and Austin Wynns simply said they were "electric." Sasaki's impressive outing also earned high praise from future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona, who termed the 23-year-old's first spring training appearance as "impressive."
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Sasaki, who joined the Dodgers in January after a competitive recruiting process involving the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays, struck out five batters in the team's 4-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Camelback Ranch. With just two weeks remaining before the Dodgers begin the 2025 MLB season in Japan, Sasaki's performance reaffirmed why the team is confident in starting him in the second game of the high-profile series. Having excelled with the Chiba Lotte Mariners over the past four years, Sasaki's transition to the Dodgers looks promising, and fans can expect more electrifying performances from the young pitcher.

For the third consecutive year, the New York Mets topped Major League Baseball in spending, amassing $1.36 billion in payroll and luxury tax over the past four years under owner Steve Cohen. This staggering sum surpasses what the Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Tampa Bay Rays have collectively spent on players over the past 21 seasons. The Mets set a new regular payroll record of $333.3 million in 2024, breaking their previous record of $319.5 million set in 2023, when they became the first team to exceed the $300 million mark.
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In 2024, the Mets' total expenditure reached an all-time high of $430.4 million, including $97.1 million in luxury tax. This record-breaking figure follows their 2023 spending of $420 million, which included a $100.8 million tax. As a result, the Mets have significantly impacted the overall MLB payouts, which have now surpassed $5.1 billion. The Mets' substantial financial commitment demonstrates their determination to remain competitive and underscores the growing financial dynamics within Major League Baseball.

Following Jose Quintana’s signing with the Milwaukee Brewers, Kyle Gibson remains the top unsigned starting pitcher on the market. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the 37-year-old former All-Star intends to pitch this season. To stay prepared, Gibson has been throwing live batting practice to college hitters, ensuring he is not starting from scratch when he signs with a team. Morosi reports that Gibson has been able to throw up to 60 pitches in these sessions, showcasing his readiness to step back onto the mound.
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With Opening Day just over three weeks away, teams may have concerns about a pitcher's readiness if they are not currently in camp. Despite this, Gibson's efforts to stay in shape by pitching to non-professional hitters should help him remain generally on track. As free agent starters like Lance Lynn and Spencer Turnbull also seek opportunities, Gibson's determination and preparation could make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their rotations ahead of the regular season.

The Boston Red Sox have reached a minor league agreement with right-handed pitcher José De León, as reported by Francys Romero. De León hinted at the deal on social media, and it has now been confirmed. Once a highly-touted prospect in the Dodgers' system, De León's career has been hampered by injuries, preventing him from securing a consistent role in the majors. Over six partial seasons, De León has played for four different teams but has never reached 20 innings in any single season.
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De León's most recent MLB stint was with the Minnesota Twins two years ago, where he allowed nine earned runs in 17 1/3 innings, striking out 17 batters while issuing five walks. Now 32, De León is looking to make a comeback and prove his worth with the Red Sox organization. As he works to regain his form, Boston will be hoping that De León can tap into his potential and provide valuable depth to their pitching staff.

The Chicago Cubs are bringing back reliever Yency Almonte on a minor league contract, as reported by Jesse Rogers of ESPN. The team had outrighted Almonte off their 40-man roster at the end of last season. The 30-year-old pitcher joined the Cubs as part of last winter’s Michael Busch trade. During his time with the Cubs, Almonte made 17 appearances in Craig Counsell’s middle relief group, allowing seven runs (six earned) over 15 2/3 innings, striking out 20 opponents while issuing eight walks.
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Unfortunately, Almonte's season was cut short by a shoulder strain, which led to season-ending surgery in July. Despite this setback, the Cubs have decided to give Almonte another opportunity to prove himself and contribute to the team's bullpen. As he works his way back from injury, the Cubs will be hoping to see the return of his effective pitching form in the upcoming season.