Get ready to grab your gear—MLB Spring Training is officially underway. Pitchers and catchers from all 30 teams have started arriving in Arizona and Florida, gearing up for the season opener on March 25. Rosters are set, featuring new off-season signings, alongside the exciting buildup to the World Baseball Classic, where top international talent competes on a global stage.
Here’s a summary of the latest updates and last-minute trades as teams prepare for Opening Day:
February 11th
Orioles Sign Chris Bassitt
The Baltimore Orioles secured pitcher Chris Bassitt with a one-year, $18.5 million deal. Bassitt, who played the last three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, posted an 11-9 record with a 3.96 ERA in 2025. He was an All-Star in 2021 with the Athletics and led the AL with 16 wins in 2023.
Nick Castellanos Likely to Be Traded Soon
The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly planning to trade right fielder Nick Castellanos within two days. The two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger winner has been told not to attend Phillies’ spring training as negotiations continue.
Francisco Lindor Undergoes Surgery
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor had surgery to fix a fractured hamate bone in his left hand but manager Carlos Mendoza is hopeful he’ll be ready for the start of the season. Lindor suffered from hand and wrist pain, and while the typical recovery is six weeks, his history of overcoming injuries gives the team optimism.
Hamate Injuries Rising
Lindor is the third notable player to suffer a hamate injury early this spring, joining Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll and Orioles’ Jackson Holiday. Mendoza commented on the unusual spike, noting it’s a tough break but part of baseball’s realities.
Houston Astros’ Star Closer Arm Soreness
Josh Hader is dealing with biceps inflammation, casting doubt on his availability for Opening Day. Hader, a six-time All-Star, had a strong 2025 but his season ended early due to a shoulder injury.
Corbin Carroll Out for World Baseball Classic
Arizona Diamondbacks’ outfielder Corbin Carroll fractured his right hamate bone during batting practice and will miss the World Baseball Classic. The two-time All-Star will have surgery and may start the season on the injured list.
Jackson Holiday to Miss Start of Season
Baltimore Orioles’ second baseman Jackson Holiday will not be ready for Opening Day after undergoing surgery for a fractured hamate bone in his right hand. Holiday had been injured during batting practice and is recovering.
Toronto Blue Jays’ Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Out for Months
Blue Jays’ switch-hitting outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (incorrectly named Santander in the original) will miss the next five to six months following surgery on his left labrum. The player was limited by shoulder issues in 2025 and is under a five-year, $92.5 million contract.
February 10th
Kris Bryant on Injured List; Rockies Sign Tomoyuki Kanno
Colorado Rockies placed Kris Bryant on the 60-day injured list due to lower back issues. Meanwhile, they signed Japanese right-hander Tomoyuki Kanno to a one-year, $5.1 million contract to bolster their rotation.
Juan Soto Shifts to Left Field for Mets
Mets’ Director of Baseball Operations David Stearns announced Juan Soto will move from right to left field next season. Soto, a six-time Silver Slugger, had a solid first year with the Mets despite a negative defensive value in right field.
Justin Verlander Rejoins Tigers
Future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander signed a one-year, $13 million deal with Detroit, returning to the team where he first rose to prominence. Verlander, an eight-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner, hopes to lead the Tigers toward their first championship since 1984.
February 9th
Phillies Push Hard to Trade Nick Castellanos
Philadelphia’s President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski confirmed they are actively trying to move outfielder Nick Castellanos, who is in the final year of a $100 million contract but struggled with both offense and defense in 2025.
Ketel Marte Happy to Stay with Diamondbacks
Despite offseason trade speculation, Ketel Marte expressed satisfaction with remaining in Arizona and building on his lengthy tenure, which includes multiple All-Stars and Silver Slugger honors.
Andrew Saarfrank Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery
Diamondbacks pitcher Andrew Saarfrank will miss the entire 2026 season after shoulder surgery. This setback adds to an already depleted pitching staff that is missing key arms recovering from elbow surgeries.
Fan Take:
This wave of injuries and roster moves shows just how unpredictable and intense baseball can be even before Opening Day. For fans, these developments could reshape team dynamics and competitive balance, making the 2026 MLB season one to watch closely for both heartbreaks and heroic comebacks.
