Last updated: March 22, 2026, 12:30 PM ET
Pre-Season Roster Finalizations & Player Movement
As Opening Day approaches, several clubs finalized their rosters while others dealt with late spring injuries and contract modifications. 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 for the immediate future. Conversely, the Cubs will open without Suzuki as outfielder Seiya Suzuki remains sidelined following a minor ligament strain in his right knee sustained during the World Baseball Classic WBC. In Baltimore, Dean Kremer was optioned to the minors despite leading the Orioles in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts last season, signaling the team's preference for other options on the initial 26-man roster.
The movement continued across the league as teams made tough cuts, releasing veterans and reassigning high-ceiling prospects. The Rangers granted their release to veteran reliever Ryan Brasier, formerly of the Red Sox and Cubs, while the Nationals also released right-hander Drew Smith from his minor league agreement. Highly touted Pirates 19-year-old prospect Konnor Griffin was reassigned to the minors camp on Saturday, indicating the organization is prioritizing development time over immediate big-league readiness for the youngster. Meanwhile, outfielder Austin Slater exercised his release clause with the Tigers after failing to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster, immediately testing the free agent market.
Roster Additions & Off-Field Issues
Veteran presence will be noted on the Yankees' roster, as 34-year-old outfielder Randal Grichuk made the Opening Day squad in New York after his spring performance impressed the coaching staff. Separately, international baseball politics spilled into domestic spring training news, as Randy Arozarena issued an apology to Mariners teammate Cal Raleigh for expletive-laced comments directed at him during the recent World Baseball Classic tournament. This apology aims to smooth over tensions stemming from the competitive environment of the international event ahead of regular season play.