Last updated: March 24, 2026, 3:30 AM ET
Spring Training Pitching & Roster Shocks
Major League Baseball clubs finalized several key rotation spots and roster projections as the final week of spring training concluded, though not without significant setbacks for top arms. The Los Angeles Dodgers saw starter Roki Sasaki continue to struggle, issuing six walks and surrendering five earned runs across just two-plus innings in a recent outing, raising concerns about his readiness. Conversely, the Texas Rangers delivered positive news to rookie Carter Baumler, as manager Skip Schumaker delivered an on-mound confirmation that the right-hander had officially made the Opening Day roster following his final exhibition appearance. Adding veteran depth, the Detroit Tigers signed Connor Seabold to a one-year split deal while simultaneously placing reliever Beau Briske on the 60-day injured list to clear space and address bullpen needs.
Illness & Injury Sideline Stars
The Opening Day injury ledger lengthened considerably Monday, impacting contenders across the league. Atlanta suffered another rotation scare as Spencer Strider was diagnosed with an oblique strain, forcing the right-hander to begin the season on the injured list, a continuation of preseason pitching woes for the Braves. Similarly, the Chicago Cubs confirmed Seiya Suzuki will start on the IL due to a strained knee ligament sustained during the World Baseball Classic, clouding their outfield outlook. In Tampa Bay, new acquisition Gavin Lux will immediately hit the injured list with a right shoulder impingement, delaying his debut with the Rays. Meanwhile, Milwaukee cleared Brandon Woodruff for a timely return, slotting the two-time All-Star to pitch the team's fifth game on March 31 against the truncated after successfully recovering from his own lat strain.
Roster Locks & Contract News
Several teams locked in crucial pieces for their 26-man rosters, including both established veterans and rising prospects. The St. Louis Cardinals slotted top amateur draft pick JJ Wetherholt onto the Opening Day roster, rewarding the seventh overall selection from last year's draft with immediate big-league service time. The New York Mets rewarded Carson Benge's sizzling .366 spring training performance by naming the prospect the starting right fielder. In Texas, 39-year-old Andrew McCutchen secured his roster spot with the Rangers after posting an impressive .444 batting average with three doubles this spring. Furthermore, the Chicago Cubs are nearing a deal to secure breakout center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong on a long-term contract extension, signaling confidence in the young defensive star.
Front Office Stability & Personnel Decisions
Front office stability was secured in Toronto as the organization rewarded manager John Schneider with a two-year extension while simultaneously signing General Manager Ross Atkins to a longer five-year pact, aiming for continuity throughout the coming playoff pushes. Elsewhere, New York Yankees decision-makers left Luis Gil off the initial rotation, meaning the hard-throwing right-hander will likely begin the year developing at the Triple-A level rather than taking a guaranteed spot in the major league starting five. These final roster cuts and contract moves precede a critical period as teams transition from exhibition results, which also included a review of major offseason trades and their impact on the 2026 outlook, into competitive play.