Last updated: March 24, 2026, 12:30 AM ET
MLB Roster Finalizations & Opening Day Shakes
As Opening Day approaches, several clubs finalized major roster decisions, though not without significant injury setbacks, particularly plaguing top rotations. The Atlanta Braves rotation suffered another blow as right-hander Spencer Strider was diagnosed with an oblique strain and will commence the season on the injured list, following earlier pitching absences. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers confirmed that two-time All-Star Brandon Woodruff will take the mound for Game 5 on March 31, successfully navigating back from his own lat strain. In Texas, veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen, secured his spot on the Rangers' roster after an impressive spring where he posted a .444 batting average with three doubles and a home run, while rookie right-hander Carter Baumler was informed by manager Skip Schumaker during a mound visit that he had officially made the Opening Day roster.
Injury woes continue to reshape starting lineups across the league, forcing immediate IL placements for key players. The Chicago Cubs will begin the year without star outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who landed on the IL due to a knee ligament strain sustained during the World Baseball Classic, confirmed manager Craig Counsell. Similarly, the Tampa Bay Rays will be without newly acquired infielder Gavin Lux for the start of the season as he deals with a right shoulder impingement, resulting in his placement on the injured reserve list to await shoulder recovery. Compounding the injury news, the Detroit Tigers officially moved reliever Beau Briske to the 60-day injured list and countered by signing right-handed arm Connor Seabold to a one-year split contract to bolster relief depth.
Several highly touted prospects earned their major league call-ups following strong spring performances, setting the stage for exciting debuts. The Chicago Cubs are reportedly close to finalizing a deal locking up center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who emerged as a breakout star in the previous season. The New York Mets designated prospect Carson Benge as their starting right fielder after he sizzled to a .366 average throughout exhibition games, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. Furthermore, the St. Louis Cardinals announced that JJ Wetherholt, the seventh overall pick in the 2024 amateur draft out of West Virginia, will immediately feature on the Opening Day roster. In contrast, the New York Yankees decided that Luis Gil would not secure a spot in the starting rotation and may begin the year in the minors.
Off-field developments included significant managerial stability and a record-setting auction result related to the recent World Baseball Classic conclusion. The Toronto Blue Jays demonstrated confidence in their leadership by announcing a five-year contract extension for general manager Ross Atkins and a concurrent two-year extension for manager John Schneider to continue their tenure. Separately, the financial residue of the WBC continues to emerge, as the jersey worn by two-way Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani during the March 6 victory over Chinese Taipei successfully auctioned for a staggering $1.5 million. All these moves come as the league prepares for Opening Day following a chaotic offseason period marked by massive free-agent signings, including major positional changes like Kyle Tucker’s reported deal with the Dodgers.