Last updated: March 24, 2026, 7:30 AM ET
Spring Training Final Cuts & Roster Shocks
Major League Baseball rosters are solidifying following a chaotic offseason, though several high-profile names are facing immediate absences due to injury. The Atlanta Braves rotation suffered another setback as right-hander Spencer Strider was diagnosed with an oblique strain and will begin the season on the injured list. Similarly, the New York Mets will open without veteran infielder Gavin Lux, who landed on the IL with a right shoulder impingement, delaying his debut with the club following a shoulder issue. These immediate absences contrast sharply with positive news for others; two-time All-Star Brandon Woodruff cleared medical hurdles and is slated to start the Brewers' fifth game on March 31 against the St. Louis Cardinals.
The final days of camp saw several clubs confirming their Opening Day rosters with surprising inclusions and notable omissions. The Texas Rangers locked in veteran presence, with 39-year-old Andrew McCutchen earning a spot after posting an impressive .444 batting average, three doubles, and a home run this spring, while rookie Carter Baumler received immediate assurance from manager Skip Schumaker that he had made the team during a mound visit. Conversely, the New York Yankees decided against placing Luis Gil in the starting rotation, suggesting the prospect will begin his season in the minor leagues. The Cardinals made a high-profile commitment to youth, officially selecting JJ Wetherholt, the seventh pick from the 2024 amateur draft, for the roster, and the Mets named Carson Benge the starting right fielder after the prospect sizzled with a .366 average.
Injury & Performance Setbacks Continue
Pitching woes continued to plague high-profile arms, as evidenced by Roki Sasaki’s latest spring outing for the Los Angeles Dodgers where he struggled significantly, walking six batters and surrendering five earned runs across just two-plus innings. While the Cubs navigate the absence of Seiya Suzuki, who starts the year on the IL following a strained knee ligament sustained during the World Baseball Classic, the team is close to securing a long-term commitment with breakout center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong finalizing a multi-year deal. On the transaction front, the Detroit Tigers reinforced their bullpen depth by securing right-handed reliever Connor Seabold on a one-year split contract, though this move was coupled with placing Beau Briske on the 60-day injured list due to ongoing physical issues.
Front Office Stability Amid Winter Chaos
In front office news, the Toronto Blue Jays ensured continuity by announcing extensions for both their leadership group; manager John Schneider secured a two-year deal while General Manager Ross Atkins signed on for five more years through the 2029 season. These extensions come after an offseason that saw massive player movement, including significant contracts like Kyle Tucker’s deal with the Dodgers and reports detailing Pete Alonso’s relocation decision which were summarized in a recent guide. The flurry of offseason activity and recent roster finalizations set the stage for the upcoming Opening Day matchups following a winter that rocked the league's player distribution.