MLB Player News

Bauers is strictly a platoon guy, but the other three often play against lefties. Crochet, though, isn’t a typical southpaw, and all three regulars could use a blow anyway; the Brewers are playing for the 11th straight day and none of the three have had a day off during the span. It’s the first time Yelich has been out of the lineup since May 1, Turang since May 7 and Frelick since May 13. In their places, the Brewers have William Contreras DHing, Andruw Monasterio playing second and Daz Cameron getting a rare start in right.

Ohtani will ramp up his throwing program this spring, which complicates his availability for the international showcase where he’ll serve as Japan’s full-time DH. He’s expected to make a final decision at some point in the coming weeks depending on how he’s feeling physically. The 31-year-old two-way superstar will open the regular season as part of the Dodgers’ six-man rotation mix. He’ll be the first-overall selection in nearly every fantasy draft this spring.

Ryan remains on track for a normal spring training after missing all of last season recovering from elbow surgery that he underwent back in 2024. The 27-year-old top pitching prospect will be worth monitoring closely in camp to see how his stuff rebounds, but he’s likely ticketed for Triple-A Oklahoma City to open the year given the Dodgers’ surplus of established rotation options. He could make a significant impact for fantasy managers when injuries take their inevitable toll and create a path for him to pitch in Los Angeles.

Graterol missed last season recovering from shoulder surgery and figures to be brought along slowly this spring following the extended layoff. The hard-throwing 27-year-old is a true X-factor for Los Angeles’ bullpen mix but he’s likely ticketed for middle relief with Edwin Díaz, Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia handling the high-leverage work.

Edman added that he recently resumed baseball activities after undergoing surgery last November on his right ankle. The versatile 30-year-old is expected to focus primarily on second base this upcoming season after dealing with recurring ankle issues throughout last year. It would likely be Hyseong Kim taking over at the keystone in his absence. He’s more of a late-round draft and stash candidate in fantasy drafts this spring.

Basallo’s ability to generate consistent hard contact at such a young age locks him in as one of the premier fantasy prospects heading into next season. The 21-year-old scuffled in his first taste of the majors last season, managing a .559 OPS with four homers over a 31-game cameo, but the underlying power profile remained firmly intact. Pete Alonso’s arrival clouds the playing-time picture by pushing Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo into reserve roles, though Basallo — who signed an eight-year, $67 million contract last August — still appears to have a path to regular at-bats splitting time between catcher and DH. He’s in intriguing high-upside late-round selection in all fantasy drafts this spring.

Hays represents an interesting dice roll for the rebuilding White Sox since they should be able to flip him to a contending team for a prospect package at the trade deadline. The 30-year-old veteran drew interest from the Mets, Yankees and Cardinals this offseason but will take over as one of Chicago’s corner outfield options in the aftermath of the Luis Robert Jr. trade earlier this month. He posted a respectable .266/.315/.453 slash line with 15 homers and seven steals across 103 games for the Reds last season. He projects as a borderline top-60 outfielder for fantasy purposes, which limits his appeal to deeper formats as a low-ceiling, late-round selection in drafts this spring.

The cosmic ideal of a modern-era journeyman reliever, Bowman has quietly bounced between five organizations — Orioles, Mariners, Diamondbacks, Twins and Yankees — over 48 appearances since 2023, compiling a perfectly serviceable 5.10 FIP and 45/21 K/BB ratio across 59 1/3 innings during that span. He’ll compete for one of the final spots in Minnesota’s bullpen during spring training.

Hopkins boasts one of the more imposing power arsenals of any pitching prospect in baseball, featuring triple-digit fastball velocity paired with a curveball and changeup that frequently touch 90 mph. The 24-year-old flamethrower has a chance to reach Tampa Bay at some point this upcoming season following a dominant run at Double-A Montgomery last year where he finished with a pristine 2.72 ERA — 3.33 FIP — and 141/60 K/BB ratio across 116 innings. He’s an elite pitching prospect that fantasy managers should be monitoring closely during Grapefruit League action.

Emerson made a notable leap in the power department last season, slugging 16 homers across 130 games at three levels before finishing the year just a step from the majors at Triple-A Tacoma. The 20-year-old’s above-average hit tool and power/speed blend cements him as a top-20 dynasty prospect entering spring training, and he’s widely viewed as Seattle’s shortstop of the future with a big-league debut likely sooner rather than later.

Lindor won’t be able to play after undergoing a cleanup procedure in his right elbow during the offseason. The 32-year-old is expected to be ready for spring training, but one of the best shortstops in the league won’t be on display for the event. Jose Altuve also won’t participate for Team Venezuela due to insurance issues.