MLB Baseball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 21, 2026, 8:30 PM ET
MLB Roster Moves & Bullpen Adjustments
As clubs finalize their 26-man rosters ahead of the regular season, several teams made significant developmental and veteran cuts over the past 24 hours. The Baltimore Orioles optioned starting pitcher Dean Kremer to the minors, a surprising move given he led the staff last year in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts, suggesting the team is opting for a deeper, perhaps staggered, rotation plan to begin the year. In contrast, the New York Yankees solidified their veteran presence by officially naming 34-year-old Randal Grichuk to the Opening Day roster, signaling confidence in his performance during camp. Meanwhile, the Washington Nationals released right-handed reliever Drew Smith from his minor league agreement, signaling an end to his immediate future with the club.
The movement extended to high-ceiling prospects and established major league bullpen arms in other organizations. The Pittsburgh Pirates reassigned 19-year-old top prospect Konnor Griffin to minor league camp Saturday, prioritizing further development over immediate big-league exposure for the highly touted teenager. In the relief corps, the Texas Rangers granted veteran reliever Ryan Brasier his outright release after he previously spent time with the Red Sox and Cubs, while the Oakland Athletics cut outfielder Austin Slater, prompting him to immediately exercise a release clause in the minor league contract he held with the Tigers.
Finally, the New York Mets revealed an unconventional plan for their starting rotation, with manager Carlos Mendoza confirming that left-hander Sean Manaea will begin the season in a piggyback role coming out of the bullpen, supporting a primary five-man rotation structure as the season commences.