MLB Player News

Steele has been throwing since October, but this was the first time that he was able to get up on the mound and do so. Barring any setbacks, he remains on track to return at some point during the first half of the 2026 season.

Baltimore’s newly-minted skipper added that he’s eager to work with the former top prospect this spring to get him back on track. Kjerstad missed the final two months of last season at Triple-A Norfolk with an undisclosed medical issue. The positive news is that he’s made a full recovery and will be a full-go at the outset of spring training. The 26-year-old former second-overall pick has faded from fantasy relevance in recent years but a clean bill of health and a different manager could help revive his career. His most likely path to regular at-bats involves prying playing time away from top prospects Dylan Beavers and Samuel Basallo in a hybrid role between right field and DH. He’s a name to watch in spring training, especially in deeper mixed leagues.

Mark Bowman of MLB.com adds that Kim suffered the injury when he fell on ice while in Korea. He underwent surgery in Atlanta on Sunday to repair the injury. That means the slick-fielding 30-year-old won’t be available to help out the Braves until the end of May at the earliest estimate. In the meantime, the Braves are likely to slot in Mauricio Dubón as their starting shortstop.

Song suffered the injury during a recent batting practice session and will be shut down from baseball activities until mid-February, which coincides with the Padres kicking off spring training in Arizona. The 29-year-old Korean infielder is expected to occupy a versatile multi-position role in his San Diego debut and offers some appeal in deeper fantasy formats. He’s expected to be a full go early in camp, but the recurring nature of oblique injuries makes this a developing situation worth monitoring for fantasy managers.

Jones completed his first bullpen session since undergoing internal brace procedure on his right elbow last May. The electrifying 24-year-old former top prospect represents the ultimate X-factor for Pittsburgh’s loaded rotation mix as he continues his rehabilitation process, which typically carries a shorter recovery timeline than a full Tommy John reconstructive surgery. He was outstanding in his Pirates debut back in 2024, finishing with a sparkling 4.00 FIP, 1.19 WHIP and 132/39 K/BB ratio across 121 2/3 innings over 22 starts. While durability and workload concerns temper his immediate fantasy ceiling, all signs point toward Jones making a meaningful impact at some point in the early portion of next season. He’s a worthwhile late-round lottery ticket in all fantasy drafts this spring.

There’s a shroud of mystery and uncertainty swirling around Casas as he continues to work his way back from last year’s serious knee injury. The Red Sox acquired veteran slugger Willson Contreras to take over at first base, which likely limits the former top prospect to DH until further notice. It’s too early to write Casas off completely since he’ll be just 26 years old on Opening Day but there are more questions than answers at this stage of his career. There should be some clarity regarding his immediate outlook and role based on how he performs in Grapefruit League action. He seems likely to open the year back in Triple-A Worcester but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him make Boston’s season-opening roster, especially if the Red Sox decide to move either Jarren Duran or Masataka Yoshida.

Gurriel underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee back in September and is likely to be sidelined until at least the second half of next season, even if he makes a lightning-quick recovery. The 32-year-old corner outfielder is entering the final year of his deal with Arizona and could make an impact for fantasy managers over the final few months once he makes it back. There should be a clearer return timeline once he’s officially cleared to resume baseball activities. The Diamondbacks decision to ship Jake McCarthy to the division-rival Rockies reads like a quiet vote of confidence in top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt, who hit .309/.423/.498 with nine homers and 19 steals in 300 plate appearances over 66 games for Double-A Amarillo this past season, and now enters spring training with a real opportunity to compete for a starting role while Gurriel is sidelined.

Crawford added that he’s fully healthy entering spring training after missing last season with knee and wrist issues that ultimately required a mid-summer procedure on his wrist. The 29-year-old figures to transition to a versatile swingman role, likely operating in long relief for the Red Sox next season, but he could be in the mix for one of their final rotation spots along with veterans Johan Oviedo and Patrick Sandoval in addition to top prospects Connelly Early and Payton Tolle.

If all goes well, Eflin could be part of the season-opening rotation, but it’s also possible he’ll start off on the injured list. Eflin re-signed with the Orioles on Sunday after becoming a free agent at season’s end. He’s guaranteed $10 million next season, with a chance to earn up to an additional $5 million if he proves healthy.

If Santander is healthy, the Blue Jays will almost assuredly give the 30-year-old a spot in their starting lineup after signing him to a five-year, $92.5 million deal last year. However, he won’t have a long leash. With George Springer locked in at designated hitter, Santander would need to start in right field, but the Blue Jays also have Myles Straw, Davis Schneider, and are firmly in the mix for Kyle Tucker. The key for Santander will be getting healthy in time for spring training, and then the team can go from there.