Get ready for the buzz of MLB Spring Training! It's an exciting time as pitchers and catchers from all 30 teams are gearing up for the upcoming season. With Opening Day set for March 25, the rosters are taking shape, and the World Baseball Classic is just around the corner, adding an international twist to the mix. Here's a rundown of the latest news and developments as we head into the home stretch before the season kicks off.
The Orioles' Big Move: Chris Bassitt Signs On
In a move that's sure to generate buzz, the Baltimore Orioles have signed pitcher Chris Bassitt to a one-year, $18.5 million deal. Bassitt, who spent the last three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, brings a solid track record to the team. In 2025, he finished with an impressive 11-9 record and a 3.96 ERA. But here's where it gets interesting: Bassitt was an All-Star with the Athletics in 2021 and led the American League with 16 wins in 2023. This signing could be a game-changer for the Orioles.
Trade Talk: Castellanos on the Move?
The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly looking to trade right fielder Nick Castellanos, a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner. According to a report, Castellanos has been told not to report to Spring Training as the team works on a potential deal. This move could shake up the Phillies' lineup and create an opportunity for a new player to step in. And this is the part most people miss: Castellanos' contract is up at the end of the season, so the Phillies might be looking to make a move now.
Injury Woes: Lindor's Surgery and the Hamate Bone Mystery
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza is optimistic about Francisco Lindor's recovery after the shortstop underwent surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his left hand. Lindor, known for his resilience, has played through injuries before, including broken toes and a low back injury. Mendoza believes Lindor will be ready for Opening Day, but the timeline is tight. Interestingly, Lindor is not alone in this injury. Other players, like Corbin Carroll and Jackson Holliday, have also suffered hamate bone injuries during Spring Training. When asked about this trend, Mendoza downplayed it, saying, "It's baseball." But the question remains: Is there a pattern here, or is it just a coincidence?
Astros' Hader Faces Arm Soreness
Houston Astros star closer Josh Hader is dealing with "arm soreness," and imaging has revealed bicep inflammation. Hader, a six-time All-Star, had an outstanding 2025 season, but his status for Opening Day is now in question. Last season, he dominated with a 2.05 ERA and 76 strikeouts. Will he be ready for the start of the season? Only time will tell.
World Baseball Classic: Carroll Out, Holliday to Miss Opening Day
Arizona Diamondbacks star outfielder Corbin Carroll will miss the World Baseball Classic due to a broken right hamate bone. Carroll, a two-time All-Star, was set to play for Team USA but will now undergo surgery. Meanwhile, Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday will also miss Opening Day after sustaining a similar injury. These injuries are a blow to both teams and the World Baseball Classic, as these players were expected to make an impact.
More Injuries: Santander and Sugano
Anthony Santander, the switch-hitting outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, will be out for the next five to six months due to left labral surgery. Santander, who signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal, has been limited by injuries in recent seasons. Additionally, Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, who signed with the Baltimore Orioles last year, is recovering from a degenerative lumbar disc disease. Sugano, a former MVP in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, will miss at least two months.
Position Changes and Hall of Fame Returns
The Mets have announced that Juan Soto will shift from right field to left field next season. Soto, a six-time Silver Slugger, has extensive experience at both positions but primarily played right field over the last two years. This move could impact the Mets' defensive strategy. On the other hand, Justin Verlander, a future Hall of Famer and three-time Cy Young winner, has returned to the Detroit Tigers, where he became a breakout star. Verlander signed a one-year, $13 million deal, bolstering an already impressive rotation.
Trade Rumors and Speculation
The Philadelphia Phillies are actively trying to trade outfielder Nick Castellanos, whose contract is up at the end of the season. Castellanos' 2025 campaign saw him post a career-low -0.8 wins above replacement. Meanwhile, Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte has put trade rumors to rest, expressing happiness to stay with the team. Marte, an All-Star, has been a key player for the Diamondbacks for nine seasons.
Injury Update: Saalfrank Out for the Season
Arizona Diamondbacks left-handed pitcher Andrew Saalfrank will miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing shoulder surgery. Saalfrank, who had a strong 2025 season with a 1.24 ERA, was expected to be a key part of the bullpen. This injury adds to the Diamondbacks' pitching woes, as they are already without relievers A.J. Puk, Justin Martinez, and ace starter Corbin Burnes for the first few months of the season.
So, what do you think? Are these moves and injuries setting the tone for the upcoming season? Will the Orioles' signing of Bassitt pay off? And what about the mystery of the hamate bone injuries? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
