MLB spring training has officially started as pitchers and catchers report to camps in Arizona and Florida, with all 30 teams preparing for Opening Day on March 25. Rosters are being finalized while teams integrate new offseason signings and prepare for the World Baseball Classic, where top players from around the world will compete.
Several notable developments have emerged during the early days of spring training, including injuries, position changes, and high-profile signings that are shaping the 2026 season.
Injuries Sideline Rockies’ Kris Bryant, Rockies Add Tomoyuki Sugano
The Colorado Rockies announced that Kris Bryant remains sidelined, having been placed on the 60-day injured list due to degenerative lumbar disc disease affecting his lower back. Since signing a substantial seven-year, $182 million contract in March 2022, Bryant has been frequently limited by injuries, appearing in only 170 games for the Rockies.
To bolster their pitching staff, the Rockies have signed Japanese right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano to a one-year deal worth $5.1 million. Sugano, 36, joined the Rockies after a 10-10 record with a 4.64 ERA in 30 starts for Baltimore last season. Before joining MLB, Sugano spent 12 years with Japan’s Yomiuri Giants, earning three Central League MVP awards in Nippon Professional Baseball.
Juan Soto to Shift from Right to Left Field with Mets
New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns revealed that Juan Soto will move from right field to left field for the upcoming season. Soto has experience playing both corner outfield positions but primarily occupied right field over the last two seasons. Although his defensive runs saved at right field last year were a negative seven, Soto’s offensive output was outstanding: he hit 43 home runs, drove in 105 RBIs, swiped a National League-leading 38 bases, and registered 6.2 wins above replacement with a .263/.396/.525 slash line.
Francisco Lindor Faces Possible Surgery After Stress Reaction Diagnosis
The Mets are evaluating shortstop Francisco Lindor for a stress reaction in his left hamate bone, with surgery a possible outcome. Should Lindor require surgery, he may be sidelined for approximately six weeks. Lindor is coming off elbow surgery last October and had a productive 2025 season, hitting 31 home runs, driving in 86 runs, stealing 31 bases, and compiling 5.9 wins above replacement. He finished the year with a .267/.346/.466 slash line and is a five-time All-Star with four Silver Slugger awards.
Justin Verlander Returns to Tigers in One-Year Deal
The Detroit Tigers have re-signed veteran pitcher Justin Verlander, bringing the 43-year-old future Hall of Famer back to the team where he first rose to prominence. Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, agreed to a one-year contract worth $13 million. His career totals include 266 wins, tying him with legends Bob Feller and Eppa Rixey for 34th place all-time, and 3,553 strikeouts, ranking eighth in MLB history.
Verlander’s return strengthens an already formidable Tigers rotation that features two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and recent free-agent acquisition Framber Valdez. Verlander contributed to Houston Astros’ World Series championships in 2017 and 2022, and now aims to capture his first title with Detroit since the franchise’s last in 1984.
Phillies Seeking Trade for Outfielder Nick Castellanos
The Philadelphia Phillies are actively pursuing a trade involving outfielder Nick Castellanos, according to team president Dave Dombrowski. Castellanos, 33, is entering the final year of a five-year, $100 million contract but struggled during the 2025 season, posting a career-low -0.8 wins above replacement and a .250/.294/.400 slash line. His defense was also a concern, with -11 defensive runs saved in right field over 138 starts.
Ketel Marte Expresses Commitment to Diamondbacks
Despite offseason trade rumors, Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte has affirmed his happiness staying with the team as spring training begins. Marte stated,
“We talked a lot and hashed some things out, talked it all through and everything is great.”
He also added,
“[GM] Mike [Hazen] knows I love the D-backs, I love my teammates. Everyone knows what type of player I am, and I’m just happy it all worked out and [that] I’m here.”
Marte’s positive outlook follows general manager Mike Hazen’s admission that while the team listened to offers, no serious trade nearly materialized.
In his nine seasons with Arizona, Marte has earned three All-Star selections, two Silver Slugger Awards, and finished top-five in National League MVP voting twice. He was also the MVP of the 2023 NL Championship Series and will represent the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Diamondbacks’ Andrew Saalfrank to Miss Entire Season After Surgery
Arizona’s left-handed pitcher Andrew Saalfrank will miss the 2026 season following shoulder surgery, a setback confirmed by the Diamondbacks on Monday. Saalfrank, 28, had been expected to play a crucial role in the bullpen after posting a stellar 1.24 ERA over 28 appearances in 2025.
The cause of his injury remains undisclosed, and Arizona manager Torey Lovullo plans to provide additional updates. The pitching staff is already facing challenges, as relievers A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez, along with ace starter Corbin Burnes, recover from elbow surgery and are expected back midseason.
Saalfrank reflected on the difficulty of his injury, stating,
“the game of baseball can be a brutal one, but it’s also given me some of the best moments of my life, and I don’t expect that to change moving forward.”
Spring Training Outlook and What to Watch Ahead
As teams finalize spring training preparations, the cascading effects of injuries and roster changes are setting a tense and uncertain tone for the 2026 MLB season. The Rockies’ continued lack of availability of Kris Bryant underscores the ongoing battle with injuries that have hampered their lineup. Meanwhile, the Mets face crucial decisions around key players Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor, whose health and adjustments could significantly impact their competitive outlook.
The return of Justin Verlander to the Tigers adds veteran leadership and depth to a rotation eager to pursue a World Series after decades of drought. The Diamondbacks’ situation, including Kenel Marte’s commitment and Saalfrank’s injury, reflects the balancing act teams must manage between optimism and setbacks.
With Opening Day approaching swiftly, all eyes will be on player health, position shifts, and emergent talent as teams vie for postseason positioning in what promises to be a compelling season filled with both challenges and opportunities.
