MLB Player News

It was determined that Rodriguez bet on baseball while he was with the White Sox organization, but that he didn’t appear in any games he played in or compromised the outcome. He’ll be eligible to return in the summer of 2025.

The Cubs will need to add Conforto to the 40-man roster, and that will likely come closer to Opening Day than not. The 33-year-old didn’t exactly tear up the Cactus League with a .635 OPS coming into Saturday, but he did enough to win a job with Seiya Suzuki (knee) and Tyler Austin (knee) both unavailable to begin the year. Conforto should see playing time against right-handed pitching, but his lack of success since 2020 makes him a wait-and-see option at best.

It’s still disappointing no non-contender claimed Noel off waivers when the Orioles managed to sneak him through in January. He’s gone 8-for-21 with two homers this spring, and while he’ll never completely overcome his contact issues, he’s still just 24 and more interesting than some of the guys getting jobs as fourth and fifth outfielders.

Those three batters were Christian Cairo, Trea Turner and Bryson Stott. Although Wells has given up four runs in 7 2/3 innings this spring, his 12/1 K/BB is really nice. His roster spot is assured, and he should be in contention for a setup role in Baltimore’s pen.

Stott’s fantastic spring has seen him go 5-for-7 with a homer and two walks against left-handed pitching. Still, it’s going to be hard not to platoon him once again, just because Edmundo Sosa is maybe the game’s best right-handed platoon infielder. Stott has been fine against lefties; his .251/.324/.342 line isn’t great, but that it’s paired with excellent defense makes him more than adequate. Stott still offers a fair amount of mixed-league value while sitting against lefties, but he might be a better bet next year, assuming that Sosa exits in free agency.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters that the team isn’t sure yet if Suzuki will open the year on the bench, or if the team will place the outfielder on the injured list. Suzuki was diagnosed with a PCL sprain in his right knee, and it’s not a surprise that the 31-year-old won’t be healthy enough to be in the lineup. It’d be an upset if Suzuki doesn’t hit the 15-day injured list before the campaign begins.

Arenado has his second homer of the spring with a solo shot off Jalen Beeks. The 34-year-old has looked the part in exhibition season with a .400 average and 1.067 sugging percentage, although it’s worth noting that has come in just 21 plate appearances.

Thomas shellacked a three-run blast off off Austin Gomber. The 25-year-old has raked in the Cactus League with a pair of homers and a .370/.452/.778 slash. He’s slated to play in left to begin the year, but while he is a former prospect of note, he hasn’t produced enoug hto trust as a fantasy option yet.

Thomas was exceptional this spring with a 1.319 OPS over 19 games, but he was never going to make the Opening Day roster barring an injury or something unforeseeable. The 25-year-old will be the first outfielder up if needed.

Emerson will not make the Opening Day roster, which isn’t a huge surprise; especially with Cole Young playing so well. The 20-year-old is one of the best infield prospects in the sport and has a chance to contribute in several fantasy categories, but he likely won’t get a chance to do that in the majors until closer to May at the earliest.