MLB Baseball 8 Hours

Last updated: March 24, 2026, 12:30 AM ET

MLB Roster Finalizations & Spring Surprises

As Opening Day approaches, several clubs finalized key roster decisions, locking in young talent and veteran presences. The Texas Rangers informed rookie right-hander Carter Baumler during a mound visit that he had secured a spot on the major league roster, a major development for the young arm. Meanwhile, the Cubs are nearing an agreement with center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, whose breakout performance last season ensured his return to the lineup. Veteran leadership remains vital in Texas, as 39-year-old Andrew McCutchen earned his roster spot by posting an impressive .444 batting average with three doubles and a home run during exhibition play for the Rangers.

The Milwaukee Brewers confirmed that two-time All-Star Brandon Woodruff will avoid the injured list and take the mound for the team's fifth game on March 31, provided his recovery from a lat strain remains on track. In St. Louis, the Cardinals elevated top prospect JJ Wetherholt, the seventh overall pick in the 2024 draft, directly to the Opening Day roster, signaling high expectations for the former West Virginia star to contribute immediately. The New York Mets also rewarded stellar spring performance, with manager Carlos Mendoza naming Carson Benge the starting right fielder after the phenom hit .366 throughout Grapefruit League action.

Finally, roster adjustments continue in Detroit where the Tigers executed a personnel move by signing right-handed reliever Connor Seabold to a one-year split contract, while simultaneously moving Beau Briske to the 60-day injured list due to his ongoing ailment. These final cuts and placements reflect the intense competition seen across the league as teams seek to optimize their 26-man rosters for the season opener later this week.