MLB Baseball 8 Hours

Last updated: March 21, 2026, 4:30 PM ET

MLB Roster Moves & Bullpen Adjustments

As final rosters crystalize ahead of Opening Day, several veteran players are finding new destinations or securing their spots. The New York Yankees officially placed 34-year-old Randal Grichuk on the Opening Day roster following a strong spring performance, while in Queens, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed the team will utilize a five-man rotation headlined by Sean Manaea starting in a piggyback bullpen role to manage early workloads. Simultaneously, teams trimming their fringe players made moves, as the Texas Rangers granted their release to veteran reliever Ryan Brasier, a former Red Sox and Cub.

The flurry of moves continued across the league with other non-roster players facing immediate decisions. Outfielder Austin Slater exercised an opt-out clause in his minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers after failing to secure a spot on the main roster. Furthermore, the Washington Nationals released right-handed pitcher Drew Smith from his minor league agreement, concluding his bid to make the major league staff this spring after a series of cuts across the league signaled the finalization of 26-man rosters.