MLB Player News

The seven-time All-Star and eight-time Gold Glove award-winning third baseman saw his support rise exponentially since drawing just 10.2% of the vote in 2018 -- his first year on the ballot. He them jumped to 17.2%, 35.3%, 52.9% and 63.2% with each passing year before finally breaking through the barrier. He’s the first player in the history of the voting process that has drawn less than 15% in his first year on the ballot and still gone on to get elected by the BBWAA. Rolen was the only player voted in on Tuesday, as Todd Helton (72.2%), Billy Wagner (68.1%), Andruw Jones (58.1%) and Gary Sheffield (55%) fell short of the mark. He’ll be joined in Cooperstown on induction day by Fred McGriff -- who was voted in by the Contemporary Era Committee in December.

Ohtani will not pitch during the World Baseball Classic, which concludes nine days before the Dodgers’ opener, so it’s unclear how built up he’ll be initially. Still, the Dodgers will just work with it, even if Ohtani isn’t ready to throw more than two or three innings initially. With early days off, they could have another starter piggyback off of him the first couple of times through the rotation.

The Padres needed to clear a spot on their 40-man roster for the official addition of Griffin Canning on Tuesday and unfortunately Ornelas drew the short straw this time around. The 25-year-old slashed a healthy .289/.384/.450 with 10 homers and 57 RBI in 371 plate appearances at Triple-A El Paso in 2025.

The deal also includes a mutual option for the 2028 season. The financial terms of the deal have still yet to be disclosed. Canning registered a 3.77 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and a 70/35 K/BB ratio across 76 1/3 innings with the Mets during the 2025 campaign. He should secure a spot at the end of the Padres’ rotation.

Lovullo noted Kevin Ginkel, Paul Sewald and Ryan Thompson as potential options that want the ball in the ninth inning. Then at some point during the season the Diamondbacks will get Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk back, which will cause further chaos at the back end of their bullpen. Fantasy managers who are trying to speculate for saves here may be better served looking elsewhere.

The Marlins noted that initial testing looked good and Junk isn’t dealing with any swelling yet, but they’re going to be extra cautious at this stage of the spring. As of now, there’s no reason to anticipate that the 30-year-old hurler won’t be ready for the start of the regular season.

The 29-year-old right-hander entered spring training fully healthy after missing the entirety of the 2025 season with knee and wrist injuries. The Red Sox are still taking a cautious approach and bringing him along slowly though. Crawford is expected to function in a swingman role for the Red Sox to open the 2026 season.

The 27-year-old infielder spent the entire 2025 season at Triple-A Rochester with the Nationals where he slashed .256/.343/.318 with one homer, 25 RBI, 26 stolen bases and a 70/44 K/BB ratio across 393 plate appearances. He’s slated to begin the season as extra infield depth at Triple-A Charlotte.

Stephenson entered camp roughly a week behind the other pitchers after ending the 2025 season on the injured list due to inflammation in his pitching elbow. When healthy, he certainly has the stuff do get outs in the ninth inning, though he’ll need to figure out a way to stay off of the injured list if he’s going to challenge for save chances at the back end of the Halos’ bullpen.

By all accounts the session went well. The 25-year-old right-hander has yet to be ruled out for Opening Day and appears to be progressing nicely in his recovery. If healthy, he’ll be squarely in the mix to open the season as the Angels’ closer.

The dynamic 28-year-old outfielder isn’t dealing with an injury, but the Mets want him to work on strengthening his lower half given his extensive injury history. No word yet on when he’ll make his spring debut for the Mets, but he still has plenty of time to get ready for the start of the regular season.