Last updated: March 22, 2026, 10:30 AM ET
Pre-Season Roster Moves & Contracts
Major League Baseball teams finalized several offseason and pre-season personnel decisions, highlighted by the Phillies locking up ace Cristopher Sanchez with a new six-year contract extension that secures their top left-hander for the immediate future. Conversely, several veterans found themselves seeking new opportunities after not making Opening Day rosters; outfielder Austin Slater exercised a release clause in his minor league deal with the Tigers after failing to secure a spot, while the Rangers formally granted veteran reliever Ryan Brasier his release. In related moves, the Nationals also trimmed pitching depth, releasing right-hander Drew Smith from his minor league agreement just days before the season commences.
Rotation & Bullpen Setups
Clubs continue to adjust their pitching alignments as the regular season launch approaches, evidenced by the Mets planning a piggyback start for Sean Manaea, who will begin the year coming out of the bullpen as part of a five-man rotation configuration set by manager Carlos Mendoza. Meanwhile, the Orioles made a surprising roster decision concerning Dean Kremer, who will begin the year in the minors despite leading the team last season in victories, innings pitched, and strikeouts, signaling a strategic move to manage workload or service time early on. Further down the prospect pipeline, the Pirates reassigned top-19-year-old prospect Konnor Griffin to minor league camp Saturday, indicating he will not be ready for immediate major league impact.
Injury Updates & Player Disputes
Opening Day availability remains a concern for several key players stemming from recent international competition, most notably the Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki, who will miss the season opener against Washington due to a minor ligament strain suffered in his right knee while competing in the World Baseball Classic. Shifting focus to post-WBC conduct, Tampa Bay's Randy Arozarena issued a public apology to Mariners teammate Cal Raleigh following expletive-laced comments directed toward Raleigh during the tournament, aiming to smooth over clubhouse chemistry issues ahead of the new campaign. As rosters formally settle, the Yankees confirmed that 34-year-old veteran Randal Grichuk made the Opening Day roster, securing a spot in the outfield rotation.