Last updated: March 22, 2026, 4:30 PM ET
Preseason Injury Woes & Roster Adjustments
The slate of final roster decisions continues to be shaped by preseason setbacks, as the Mets confirmed shuffling their outfield plans after Mike Tauchman required surgery to repair a torn meniscus, sidelining the 35-year-old who had been recently projected for a roster spot following a minor league signing Mets roster shuffle. Compounding the injury news, the Cubs will open without Suzuki as Seiya Suzuki is slated to miss Thursday’s opener against Washington due to a minor ligament strain sustained in his right knee during the World Baseball Classic Cubs opener delayed. On the pitching side, Baltimore decided to option Dean Kremer to the minors despite his excellent prior campaign where he led the Orioles in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts, while the Pirates also reassigned top prospect Griffin to minor league camp, signaling the 19-year-old Konnor Griffin will begin the year developing outside the majors Orioles option Kremer.
Contract Stability & Player Relations
In contrast to the immediate roster uncertainty, the Phillies secured their ace by agreeing to a new six-year contract extension with left-hander Cristopher Sanchez, locking down a key component of their rotation heading into the regular season Sanchez extension agreed. Meanwhile, off-field player conduct issues surfaced as Tampa Bay’s Randy Arozarena publicly issued an apology to Raleigh for the expletive-laced comments directed at his Mariners teammate during the recent World Baseball Classic tournament Arozarena apologizes WBC. Furthermore, the Rangers opted to grant release to reliever Brasier, cutting the veteran right-hander who previously pitched for the Red Sox and Cubs, signaling the end of his tenure in Arlington as clubs finalize their bullpens Rangers cut Brasier.