MLB Player News

The former fifth overall pick, Hobgood hasn’t pitched since appearing in eight games with the Orioles’ Low-A affiliate in 2011. Now a full year removed from rotator cuff surgery, he should be on track to resume his career in Baltimore’s minor league system, and is confident that he’ll be able return for the start of the 2013 season.

Murakami was initially announced as being scratched from the lineup today because he was stuck in traffic behind a car accident, but he showed up just in time to get the start at first base. He grounded out in his first at-bat and then delivered a 108-mph smash for a single in the third. His two-run double in his final at-bat was well struck to center, getting projected at 408 feet, but it would have been caught just short of the wall had Seiya Suzuki not lost it in the sun.

Taillon is going to pitch for Team Canada in the WBC, but it didn’t appear today that he was making any special preparations to be ready for the tournament, as his velocity was down about two mph from last year. That probably suits the Cubs just fine; they don’t need him peaking in mid-March.

Hodge was the victim of the one hit against him being a fly lost in the sun, but that doesn’t excuse him throwing just eight of his 25 pitches for strikes. Hodge, who had a 1.88 ERA and nine saves as a rookie for the Cubs in 2024, finished last season in the minors and seems likely to return there to open 2026. He had a 6.27 ERA in his 36 major league appearances last season.

Lee spent much of last season in Triple-A with the White Sox content to go with two rookie catchers in Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero, but he did come back up for the final five weeks, allowing the team to use one of its catchers at DH. That might again be the plan this season, as the White Sox have left themselves plenty of flexibility to keep Teel and Quero in the lineup at the same time. Plus, Lee is out of options, so the White Sox would risk losing him if they tried to send him down.

Miranda took Alex Hoppe deep to tie the game at 3-3 in the seventh inning. The Padres signed Miranda as a non-roster invite in December, and while he has an uphill battle ot make the team, it’s worth noting that he isn’t far removed from MLB success. Obviously, he’d need to win an everyday job before fantasy managers would need to even consider Miranda for 2026.

Arroyo went opposite-field on a two-run shot off Jagger Haynes. His double was also hit to right field from the right side; showing off the 21-year-old’s impressive power potential. Arroyo is one of the best infield prospects in baseball, and while he doesn’t have the same kind of upside as a Colt Emerson, it would not be a massive upset if he reached the majors in 2026 He’s someone who has to be monitored in all eligible formats.

Not only did Arenado swat a solo blast in his debut with Arizona, but he did it against his long-time former employer in the Rockies. The 34-year-old has not posted an OPS above .800 since 2022, but while it’s hard to imagine him ever reaching his previous success, it’s feasible he’ll be a competent option again in 2026.

Witt Jr. showed off his wheels with the three-bagger in the Cactus League opener. He “only” hit six triples after reaching 11 in both the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, and he’s a good bet to be closer to double-digits in the category again in 2026.

Perez’s first game in Arizona was a good one; homering off Nathan Eovaldi and doubling off Trey Supak. The 35-year-old is no longer in contention for the best fantasy catcher in baseball, but there’s still enough pop in his right-handed bat for him to be a relevant player in 2026 and beyond.

“I think I won’t be playing for a few days,” Mayer told reporters. “I’ve still got to take some live BPs, hit off the Trajekt, a little bit, kind of get my wrist exposed to that stuff.” Mayer did note that his wrist is in a “great spot,” but it’s understandable that the team wants to take every precaution with the 23-year-old after he underwent wrist season in August. Mayer is more of a long-term play for fantasy players, but his talent makes him a player that’s worth monitoring for 2026 as well.