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Opening Day is here, and the Twins Daily Social Club is ready to celebrate. Tomorrow, we’re coming together at BlackStack Brewing to celebrate the start of the 2026 season as the Minnesota Twins face off against the Baltimore Orioles. After a long offseason, the first pitch is finally here, and we’re excited to kick things off with all of you! If you joined us last year, you know how special this setting is. BlackStack brings the perfect mix of space, energy, and great beer, making it an ideal home for a full afternoon of baseball, community, and celebration. And for those coming for the first time, you’re in for a good one. We can’t wait to kick off the season together, and we’ve got a full lineup of fun planned from first pitch all the way through the final out (and beyond). Expect games, raffles, and plenty of prizes. And getting in on it is easy. Just RSVPing and showing up puts you in the running, and jumping into the games throughout the day gives you even more chances to win! Among the highlights: free 2026 Winter Meltdown pint glasses for attendees (make sure you RSVP to snag yours), plus a chance to win BlackStack gift cards or merch and a pair of tickets to the Twins Home Opener at Target Field when they face the Tampa Bay Rays. Not a bad way to start the season. More than anything, though, this day is about being together again. Sharing a drink, reacting to every big moment, and settling back into the rhythm of baseball with people who get it. We’re excited to see you all. Opening Day only comes once a year – let’s make it count! EVENT DETAILS RSVP: bit.ly/4sgSTnG What: Twins Daily Social Club's Opening Day Watch Party Cost: Free When: 1 pm, March 26, 2026 Where: Blackstack Brewing, 755 Prior Ave N, St Paul, MN View the full article

MIAMI, FL — At one point, Andrew Nardi "did not see the light at the end of the tunnel." Lower back inflammation took away not only his entire 2025 season, but prevented him from doing "normal life stuff" without experiencing pain. But after an impressive showing in spring training, the left-handed reliever will find himself back on the Miami Marlins 26-man active roster for Opening Day. "Seeing last year the difficulty he went through, did everything he could to try to get back, and there were times when it was just hard to pinpoint what was going on," said manager Clayton McCullough. "(Physical therapist) Mike Chamberlain deserves a lot of credit as well. Him and Nardi kept trying to find a way to figure this thing out. I think our excitement grew as spring training begun because he started to hit some markers that he hadn't hit. He was able to throw more regularly." The 2025 season, which saw the Marlins win 79 games and remain in the National League Wild Card race up until the very end, was a very tough one for Nardi. He had to watch it all unfold from the dugout. There were low points when he couldn't even put his socks on. Early in the 2025-26 offseason, the Marlins had enough doubts about his recovery that they reportedly considered non-tendering him. "I was struggling, but I stayed positive as much as possible and kept grinding through it," Nardi told Fish On First. "Thankfully, took a turn." It wasn't until the 27-year-old started doing pilates that he noticed a change. Then, one of his buddies recommended posture restoration, which is a specialized physical therapy approach that identifies and corrects common, asymmetrical postural patterns caused by habit, muscle imbalance, and uneven neurological function. "From the first one, I just felt decompression in my spine for the first time in almost a year," Nardi said. "That definitely got the ball rolling and eventually, got my body to just trust the process and trust itself more." Part of maintaining his physical health is doing posture exercises three times a day. Nardi still entered 2026 with some ongoing discomfort. It wasn't until early February that he started to feel better, then his timeline was pushed back again due to a blood blister on his left hand. The first couple pitch design and live batting practice sessions hadn't lived up to what he expected, with his fastball velocity sitting in the high 80s, but in his first Grapefruit League outing on March 10, he struck out the side, averaging 93.8 mph and topping out at 94.6 mph. "It was the first time in a while where I had some jitters going, so I was definitely super excited," Nardi said. Nardi would finish spring training tossing 5 ⅓ shutout innings, allowing just one hit, which came in his second outing. He struck out nine total against three walks, and he only surrendered a hard-hit rate of 28.6%. It came down to the final days of camp, but on Sunday, right before the final spring game, the Marlins announced that they optioned Cade Gibson (the other lefty competing for a spot) to Triple-A and reassigned Tyler Zuber to minor league camp. WU9ZbERfWGw0TUFRPT1fVWdGV0FWRURVZ0FBQ0FBQVVnQUhDVlZRQUZoUlVsSUFCd1pSVlF0UkJnQlVWZ0JV.mp4 Nardi's goal this upcoming season is to "go back to my 2023 self," which consisted of a 2.67 ERA, 3.60 FIP, 11.46 K/9 and 3.30 BB/9 in 57 ⅓ innings pitched. He was especially successful when coming into games with inherited runners that season, but struggled with that in 2024. "We will try to be judicious with these back-to-backs early on in the season," McCullough said regarding the bullpen in general. "We'll see how (Nardi) feels after. It's going to be different the first time he gets into a major league game again and expend some of that energy. Andrew is a healthy pitcher that we'll have to go post, but also, like him and the others, will always read and react with what information they're telling us, how they're recovering to then help guide us to availability." Along with John King, Nardi will be one of two left-handed pitchers in Miami's bullpen for the time being. Last season, Marlins lefty relievers combined for only 107 innings pitched, the fifth-lowest total in the majors. "Having a couple of them, some battle-tested, high quality left-handed pitchers to go in and help us get out of a particular jam against a left handed hitter or a particular part of the lineup that it's more advantageous to have them? Sure, I think that's great," McCullough said. "But it's just as important—or more—that they're just two really good pitchers that give our bullpen a lot of depth and flexibility." The Marlins will have two more workout days at loanDepot park before their highly anticipated Opening Day matchup against the Colorado Rockies on Friday at 7:10 p.m. View the full article

“I would say it’s probably a very unique story.” Jason Gilman never imagined that one phone call after his season with Division III Kean University ended would change the trajectory of his baseball career. Gilman, who wound up being a 16th-round pick in the 2025 draft by the Boston Red Sox, recalled the events that brought him to pro baseball. “I was actually on my way touring University of Virginia and I get a call. I wound up answering it and it winds up being an agent... at the time, I would say advisor. I took it [the call]. Learning about the draft process, learning what it entails. I’m very new to the [draft] scene, I don’t know many people who were drafted around me. Being a D3 [athlete], it’s not like teammates get that look often. And this is actually 12 days before the draft,” Gilman explained. To say things quickly changed for Gilman is an understatement. His 2025 season was one of complete dominance for the left-handed pitcher, helping to lead Kean University to a 41-11 record and making it all the way to the NCAA Division III College World Series. Gilman himself pitched like an ace for the team, going 14-1 in 15 games, 14 of them starts. He finished the season with a 2.08 ERA in 112 1/3 innings and struck out 150 batters while walking just 32. And when it mattered most, Gilman stepped up. With his team facing elimination after losing their first game of bracket play in the finals, Gilman took the mound against top-seeded Johns Hopkins University and left everything out on the field. “We were facing elimination and we’re playing the number one seed. It was a do-or-die game and win or lose, I knew it would probably be my last outing at Kean. So, it was definitely leave it all out on the field,” the southpaw reflected. And he did just that. Leading the team from the mound, Gilman pitched a complete game, allowing three runs, two earned, on eight hits and striking out 14. He would not leave the mound until his team won the game, tossing a whopping 152 pitches as he led them to a 5-3 victory and keeping their championship dreams afloat. Although Kean lost the next game 5-4 and was eliminated by Endicott College, Gilman can always say he gave it his all. And while his plans for the draft changed drastically with less than two weeks to go, Gilman prepared for his future, committing to Ole Miss to play a fifth year of baseball at the NCAA level. Instead, the Red Sox called and altered everything. After signing, Gilman did not get into any games but instead was assigned to the team’s complex in Fort Myers. During his time there, he was slowly eased back into baseball shape and was placed on the same throwing program as others in his draft class. It was an opportunity to learn what it was like to be in a professional organization and what was expected from them. And, in a sense, it was a precursor to his first spring training. “It helped me a lot. I became familiar with the staff, the people, other players and my draft class. We started to create some bonds. It’s been helpful,” Gilman said about the two months down at the complex. But it wasn’t just forming bonds that occurred, as the team had Gilman begin to work on his physical conditioning. “If you look at me, I was one of the smaller pitchers in our draft [class]. Right away I needed to gain weight and throw harder. It wasn’t stuff right on the mound but taking care of your body, eating the right way and working hard in the weight room. As we got closer to spring training and in spring training, we’ve done a lot of stuff for velocity. That’s been my number one goal." And now that he’s had the taste of his first spring training, Gilman has better expectations of professional ball. A pitcher who only had Division III experience has now made his way to the best league in the world. He will likely pitch in affiliated ball once the minor-league season kicks off. For a pitcher who grew up loving baseball, nothing beats it. “I was a kid and I just started throwing a ball. Apparently, it was my first toy, so that’s pretty cool.” Pretty cool indeed. View the full article

It was not long ago that fans, pundits, and everyone in between were praising New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos for his play during the 2024 campaign and the magical postseason run that followed. But, as the team enters a 2026 season that may be largely defined by new faces, the 26-year-old will have a chance to become an essential part of an October push. “We’re not putting too much into results right now,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters of Vientos. “The biggest thing for him is just continue to see the ball well, continue to make hard contact, and continue to work hard defensively. The corner infielder struggled badly in spring training, hitting a paltry .057/.108/.171 in 11 games. His -34 wRC+ suggests he was 134% worse than the average hitter during the exhibition slate. And yet, Mendoza's faith seemingly hasn't wavered. “He’s going to be a big player for us. He’s going to be a big bat, and we’re counting on him. I’m pretty confident that we’re going to get a really good version of Mark Vientos.” Mark Vientos' Make-or-Break Case In 2026 What Went Wrong in 2025 After a 2024 season that saw him crank 27 home runs, bring in 71 RBIs, and post a .837 OPS, Vientos regressed last season, only hitting 17 home runs, collecting 61 RBIs, and recording a .702 OPS despite playing in more overall games. Put simply, Vientos found fewer barrels in 2025. According to Baseball Savant, he posted a barrel% of 11.5% last season. This was down from 14.1% in 2024. Additionally, the former second-round pick saw his walk rate dip. Vientos spoke openly about falling short of expectations last season and was aware that his name was being discussed ahead of the trade deadline. “I see it as it’s a good thing,” Vientos told MLB.com last season. “It’s a good thing that I’m being talked about. You can see it as like, ‘Damn, it’s bad.’ But I see it as, ‘Man, I’m that important in the league that I’m being talked about in trade rumors.’ There's value in a 26-year-old player with a 132 wRC+ season on his résumé, but the Mets didn't feel strongly enough about his prospects to come back from a down year to avoid signing Jorge Polanco and Bo Bichette to cover the infield corners. Vientos will have to work his way up the depth chart after losing his starting spot last year. What Can Go Right in 2026? At a bare minimum, Vientos will have to find the same swagger and comfort that made him thrive two summers ago. It is possible that a revamped clubhouse culture that is not fresh off a run to the NLCS could be an environment that allows that youngster to find his footing. From a more granular perspective, there were aspects of his metrics last season that could be viewed as positive developments. While he struggled to find as many barrels and work as many walks, his HardHit% rose while his K% went down. At his best, Vientos could be a player who mashes more than 30 home runs per year. Any path towards becoming this kind of slugger would require him to avoid strikeouts and continue to hit the ball hard. Adjustments could help place 2025 in the rear-view mirror without having to completely overhaul what has made him an intriguing bat. How Will This Impact the 2026 Mets? The franchise’s decision to move on from longtime first baseman Pete Alonso has placed the 2026 club in a position where any kind of slugging would be a welcome sight. While David Stearns and the front office acquired players like Bo Bichette and Marcus Semien, who boast solid track records as it pertains to hitting in the clutch, there is still value in having an individual whose strength is hitting the ball over the fence. It's fastest way to produce runs, after all. If Vientos can be that for the Mets, the structure of the lineup will change. He'll have to move beyond his horrid spring training quickly in order to remain relevant in a bench or platoon role, but his potential remains, at the very least, untapped. We'll have to see if he can respond to the pressure of a make or break season in 2026. View the full article

Jays Centre is counting down the top 50 Blue Jays in franchise history. Check out prior entries in the series here: Introduction 50 to 46 45 to 41 40 to 36 35 to 31 30 to 26 25 to 21 20 to 16 15 to 11 When ranking the greatest players in Toronto Blue Jays history, the top 10 is where subjectivity truly takes over. By this point, every name carries All‑Star credentials, franchise records, postseason moments, and plenty of fans ready to defend them. Unless you were there for the franchise’s first pitch, how can one possibly compare players from different eras? But that’s the fun of this top 50 list. Players 10 through 6 capture the '80s to the present day. Jesse Barfield, George Bell, Tom Henke, Vernon Wells and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. all feel “right” in the top 10. Yet, we can still argue the exact order. On my personal ballot, I had several of these players placed quite differently within the top 25. That doesn’t diminish their legacies. Instead, it highlights how rich and layered Blue Jays history has become. This tier represents the bridge between franchise icons and generational cornerstones. Each player defined an era, shaped the identity of the team, and left a mark that still resonates. No. 10: Jesse Barfield Accolades & Notes All-Star Two-time Gold Glove winner Led AL outfielders in assists four times Key contributor to multiple AL East contenders One of the strongest throwing arms in franchise history Jesse Barfield at No. 10 is where the real debate begins. There is no question Barfield was an elite defender and a crucial piece of the Blue Jays’ rise in the mid-to-late 1980s. His throwing arm was legendary. Runners didn’t test him, and when they did, they often paid for it. Offensively, he had power, patience and stretches where he looked like one of the most complete outfielders in baseball. That said, this is the ranking that feels most aggressive. On my personal ballot, I had Barfield closer to #25, not because he wasn’t great, but because his peak was relatively short compared to others in this tier. He never finished higher than ninth in MVP voting, never won a Silver Slugger and was gone before the team achieved true relevance. Because he was part of the Jays’ best-ever outfield along with George Bell and Lloyd Moseby, he definitely deserves a spot in the top 25. Barfield represents excellence, not transcendence. His defense elevates his case significantly, but when stacked against players who either carried the franchise offensively or defined championship moments, #10 feels like the upper limit of his case rather than the natural fit. Still, he absolutely belongs in the top 50, and his role in establishing a winning culture cannot be ignored. No. 9: George Bell Accolades & Notes 1987 American League MVP Three-time All-Star Three-time Silver Slugger Led MLB in home runs and RBI (1987) One of the most feared power hitters of his era George Bell is the most decorated hitter on this list, and perhaps the most underappreciated. An MVP Award matters. It always does. Bell’s 1987 season remains one of the greatest offensive years in Blue Jays history: 47 home runs, 134 RBI, and a relentless middle-of-the-order presence that powered a division-winning club. For several seasons, pitchers approached Bell with genuine fear. Despite that, I had Bell higher than this… at No. 6. Who doesn’t remember the start of the 1988 season? On April 4, 1988, Bell became the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit three home runs on Opening Day (against the Royals in Kansas City). Bell’s best seasons were elite by any standard. He was a top-five hitter in baseball, not just on the Blue Jays. While his defense and longevity weren’t strengths, his offensive impact during the franchise’s first true powerhouse era was immense. His catch to clinch the 1985 American League East title is indelibly etched into Blue Jays lore. Bell’s legacy suffers slightly from timing. He didn’t win a World Series ring or enjoy a farewell tour. However, when evaluating pure dominance in a Jays uniform, his resume stacks up with almost anyone. Ranking him ninth feels conservative, even if understandable. No. 8: Tom Henke Accolades & Notes Franchise leader in saves (217) Two-time All-Star AL saves leader (1987) World Series champion (1992) One of the most reliable closers in MLB history Tom Henke is the gold standard for relief pitching in Toronto. And one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Before the era of specialized bullpens and velocity-obsessed closers, Henke simply went out and ended games. His calm demeanor, consistency and durability made him a manager’s dream. Sure, he might have looked like your grade nine science teacher, but his fastball and forkball earned him the nickname “The Terminator.” When the ninth inning arrived, the game was effectively over. I personally ranked Henke at No. 9, just one spot lower, and that speaks to how tightly packed this group is. Relievers are always tricky on all-time lists. Their impact is enormous, but their opportunities are limited. Henke maximized every one of those opportunities. What elevates Henke into the top 10 is his role in championship baseball. While his peak came slightly before the World Series years, his presence helped build the bullpen culture that carried Toronto to back-to-back titles. He wasn’t flashy, but he was foundational. No. 7: Vernon Wells Accolades & Notes Three-time All-Star Three-time Gold Glove winner Silver Slugger Award Over 1,000 hits and 200 home runs with Toronto Franchise cornerstone during a difficult era Vernon Wells is one of the most polarizing great players in Blue Jays history. During his prime, Wells was everything you want in a franchise player: power, defense, leadership and durability. He played hard, represented the organization well, and carried some less-than-quality rosters. His best seasons placed him among the elite centre fielders in baseball. However, context matters. I had Wells at No. 12, not No. 7. The reason is simple: His prime coincided with one of the least successful stretches in franchise history. That’s not his fault, but legacy rankings inevitably account for team impact. Wells never played in a postseason game with Toronto, and his late-career decline was steep. His final contract with the Jays was a seven-year, $126 million extension signed in 2006. At the time, it was the richest deal in franchise history. That contract was a reflection of his contributions during his peak. For several seasons, he was the face of the franchise, and his all-around game earns him a legitimate spot in the top 10, even if this ranking feels slightly generous. No. 6: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Accolades & Notes Five-time All-Star 2021 AL MVP runner-up Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner One of the best offensive seasons in franchise history Face of the modern Blue Jays era Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the most difficult player to rank on this list, because his story is still being written. Guerrero has already delivered one of the greatest seasons any Blue Jay has ever had. His combination of power, plate discipline, and charisma has redefined what a modern franchise star looks like. He is the centrepiece of the current era and the player opposing teams game-plan around. I personally had Guerrero at No. 7, not No. 6, simply because longevity still matters. He hasn’t yet compiled the counting stats or postseason resume of others in this tier. But if his career continues on its current trajectory, this ranking will age well and may soon look conservative. Guerrero’s inclusion here is less about what he’s done and more about what he represents: a generational talent who has already met the moment and seems poised for even greater heights. What makes rankings like this meaningful isn’t precision, it’s conversation. Barfield may feel too high. Bell may feel too low. Wells might be overrated by some, Henke underrated by others, and Guerrero still premature. All of those viewpoints can coexist, because each player here earned their place through excellence, not circumstance. Ranks 10 through 6 aren’t just a list. They’re a reflection of eras, values and evolving standards of greatness. And that’s exactly how it should be. View the full article

Jays Centre is counting down the top 50 Blue Jays in franchise history. Check out prior entries in the series here: Introduction 50 to 46 45 to 41 40 to 36 35 to 31 30 to 26 25 to 21 20 to 16 15 to 11 When ranking the greatest players in Toronto Blue Jays history, the top 10 is where subjectivity truly takes over. By this point, every name carries All‑Star credentials, franchise records, postseason moments, and plenty of fans ready to defend them. Unless you were there for the franchise’s first pitch, how can one possibly compare players from different eras? But that’s the fun of this top 50 list. Players 10 through 6 capture the '80s to the present day. Jesse Barfield, George Bell, Tom Henke, Vernon Wells and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. all feel “right” in the top 10. Yet, we can still argue the exact order. On my personal ballot, I had several of these players placed quite differently within the top 25. That doesn’t diminish their legacies. Instead, it highlights how rich and layered Blue Jays history has become. This tier represents the bridge between franchise icons and generational cornerstones. Each player defined an era, shaped the identity of the team, and left a mark that still resonates. No. 10: Jesse Barfield Accolades & Notes All-Star Two-time Gold Glove winner Led AL outfielders in assists four times Key contributor to multiple AL East contenders One of the strongest throwing arms in franchise history Jesse Barfield at No. 10 is where the real debate begins. There is no question Barfield was an elite defender and a crucial piece of the Blue Jays’ rise in the mid-to-late 1980s. His throwing arm was legendary. Runners didn’t test him, and when they did, they often paid for it. Offensively, he had power, patience and stretches where he looked like one of the most complete outfielders in baseball. That said, this is the ranking that feels most aggressive. On my personal ballot, I had Barfield closer to #25, not because he wasn’t great, but because his peak was relatively short compared to others in this tier. He never finished higher than ninth in MVP voting, never won a Silver Slugger and was gone before the team achieved true relevance. Because he was part of the Jays’ best-ever outfield along with George Bell and Lloyd Moseby, he definitely deserves a spot in the top 25. Barfield represents excellence, not transcendence. His defense elevates his case significantly, but when stacked against players who either carried the franchise offensively or defined championship moments, #10 feels like the upper limit of his case rather than the natural fit. Still, he absolutely belongs in the top 50, and his role in establishing a winning culture cannot be ignored. No. 9: George Bell Accolades & Notes 1987 American League MVP Three-time All-Star Three-time Silver Slugger Led MLB in home runs and RBI (1987) One of the most feared power hitters of his era George Bell is the most decorated hitter on this list, and perhaps the most underappreciated. An MVP Award matters. It always does. Bell’s 1987 season remains one of the greatest offensive years in Blue Jays history: 47 home runs, 134 RBI, and a relentless middle-of-the-order presence that powered a division-winning club. For several seasons, pitchers approached Bell with genuine fear. Despite that, I had Bell higher than this… at No. 6. Who doesn’t remember the start of the 1988 season? On April 4, 1988, Bell became the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit three home runs on Opening Day (against the Royals in Kansas City). Bell’s best seasons were elite by any standard. He was a top-five hitter in baseball, not just on the Blue Jays. While his defense and longevity weren’t strengths, his offensive impact during the franchise’s first true powerhouse era was immense. His catch to clinch the 1985 American League East title is indelibly etched into Blue Jays lore. Bell’s legacy suffers slightly from timing. He didn’t win a World Series ring or enjoy a farewell tour. However, when evaluating pure dominance in a Jays uniform, his resume stacks up with almost anyone. Ranking him ninth feels conservative, even if understandable. No. 8: Tom Henke Accolades & Notes Franchise leader in saves (217) Two-time All-Star AL saves leader (1987) World Series champion (1992) One of the most reliable closers in MLB history Tom Henke is the gold standard for relief pitching in Toronto. And one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Before the era of specialized bullpens and velocity-obsessed closers, Henke simply went out and ended games. His calm demeanor, consistency and durability made him a manager’s dream. Sure, he might have looked like your grade nine science teacher, but his fastball and forkball earned him the nickname “The Terminator.” When the ninth inning arrived, the game was effectively over. I personally ranked Henke at No. 9, just one spot lower, and that speaks to how tightly packed this group is. Relievers are always tricky on all-time lists. Their impact is enormous, but their opportunities are limited. Henke maximized every one of those opportunities. What elevates Henke into the top 10 is his role in championship baseball. While his peak came slightly before the World Series years, his presence helped build the bullpen culture that carried Toronto to back-to-back titles. He wasn’t flashy, but he was foundational. No. 7: Vernon Wells Accolades & Notes Three-time All-Star Three-time Gold Glove winner Silver Slugger Award Over 1,000 hits and 200 home runs with Toronto Franchise cornerstone during a difficult era Vernon Wells is one of the most polarizing great players in Blue Jays history. During his prime, Wells was everything you want in a franchise player: power, defense, leadership and durability. He played hard, represented the organization well, and carried some less-than-quality rosters. His best seasons placed him among the elite centre fielders in baseball. However, context matters. I had Wells at No. 12, not No. 7. The reason is simple: His prime coincided with one of the least successful stretches in franchise history. That’s not his fault, but legacy rankings inevitably account for team impact. Wells never played in a postseason game with Toronto, and his late-career decline was steep. His final contract with the Jays was a seven-year, $126 million extension signed in 2006. At the time, it was the richest deal in franchise history. That contract was a reflection of his contributions during his peak. For several seasons, he was the face of the franchise, and his all-around game earns him a legitimate spot in the top 10, even if this ranking feels slightly generous. No. 6: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Accolades & Notes Five-time All-Star 2021 AL MVP runner-up Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner One of the best offensive seasons in franchise history Face of the modern Blue Jays era Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the most difficult player to rank on this list, because his story is still being written. Guerrero has already delivered one of the greatest seasons any Blue Jay has ever had. His combination of power, plate discipline, and charisma has redefined what a modern franchise star looks like. He is the centrepiece of the current era and the player opposing teams game-plan around. I personally had Guerrero at No. 7, not No. 6, simply because longevity still matters. He hasn’t yet compiled the counting stats or postseason resume of others in this tier. But if his career continues on its current trajectory, this ranking will age well and may soon look conservative. Guerrero’s inclusion here is less about what he’s done and more about what he represents: a generational talent who has already met the moment and seems poised for even greater heights. What makes rankings like this meaningful isn’t precision, it’s conversation. Barfield may feel too high. Bell may feel too low. Wells might be overrated by some, Henke underrated by others, and Guerrero still premature. All of those viewpoints can coexist, because each player here earned their place through excellence, not circumstance. Ranks 10 through 6 aren’t just a list. They’re a reflection of eras, values and evolving standards of greatness. And that’s exactly how it should be. View the full article

The San Diego Padres are counting on Xander Bogaerts to hold down the shortstop position in 2026, but recent history says he won't be out there every day. Injuries have sidelined him for long stretches in each of the past two years, and he'll be playing his age-33 season this year. Those are troubling signs for a player who's entering Year 4 of an 11-year, $280 million contract. Utility man Mason McCoy and second baseman Jake Cronenworth are next on the depth chart, but each player has his drawbacks. McCoy is a glove-first infielder with a .494 OPS in 84 career plate appearances, while Cronenworth was regularly replaced for defense late in games when he filled in for Bogaerts last year. Sung-mun Song will also factor into the equation eventually, but he'll open the season on the injured list while tending to a lingering oblique strain. Here's how the position looks heading into Opening Day: Padres Shortstops At A Glance Starter: Xander Bogaerts Backup: Jake Cronenworth, Sung Mun Song Depth: Mason McCoy Prospects: Francisco Acuna, Ryan Jackson Padres' fWAR Ranking Last Year: 16th out of 30 Padres' fWAR Projection This Year: 16th out of 30 The Good Bogaerts remains a plus defender according to the metrics. Statcast put him in the 93rd percentile in outs above average (OAA) and the 87th percentile in fielding run value last year. Both marks were, by far, career highs. Statcast's plus-7 run value was also a career best. His offense was not very exciting, but he remained a solid contact hitter, with a 17.0 percent K rate (76th percentile). His 89.0 mph average exit velocity and 11.1-degree launch angle were both his highest since 2021, and his 39.2 percent hard-hit rate was his highest since 2022. Those peripherals contributed to a .267 xBA, his highest since '21. He handled certain off-speed and breaking pitches well, posting a plus-8 run value against sliders and a plus-6 run value against changeups. Interestingly, Bogaerts has put speed back to his game in his 30s. Last year, he set a career high with 20 stolen bases and was caught just twice. He has posted double-digit steals in each of his first three seasons with the Padres. The Bad Bogaerts' offensive prime with the Boston Red Sox is a distant memory. Last year, he put up a pedestrian 104 wRC+ and .720 OPS in 552 plate appearances. He was the least effective against fastballs, even though his whiff rates against them were better than his career norms. He registered a minus-9 run value against four-seamers and a minus-10 run value against sinkers. Not so coincidentally, his bat speed was in the 50th percentile. There was also a further decline in durability. Last year, he missed almost a month in August and September with a foot fracture. In 2024, he was out from mid-May to late July with a left shoulder fracture he suffered while diving for a ball. He has appeared in 136 and 111 games, respectively, the past two seasons. There isn't much at the position in the upper levels of the farm system. Francisco Acuna, 26, posted a 1.119 OPS with two homers in 12 games at Triple-A El Paso last season, but just a .706 OPS in 109 games at Double-A San Antonio. Ryan Jackson, 24, played at three levels last year in his first full pro season, getting as high as Double-A. He produced a .494 OPS in 19 games for San Antonio. The Padres took him in the 17th round of the 2024 MLB Draft. The return of Song will be key to the entire infield picture, but he'll also have to displace someone (likely Ty France) on the active roster when he returns, limiting depth elsewhere on the roster. The Bottom Line Bogaerts will be the starter if healthy -- a big if after the injuries. If Song remains out or limited by his oblique, San Diego could stand to add a backup who would be an upgrade over McCoy. View the full article

The Boston Red Sox have made their final decision on who the No. 2 catcher will be, reassigning everyone but Connor Wong prior top Opening Day. From a track record standpoint, that makes sense; the was the starting catcher in 2024 and again in 2025 before an injury had him lose the job to Carlos Narváez. However, his performance across 2025 in spring training allowed a competition to form with veteran Matt Thaiss. A competition that Rob Bradford of WEEI said on air was a “legit competition” as of March 8. Wong in 2025 saw his stock within the organization fall due to two factors, the first being his broken left pinkie finger that occurred in early April, and then just an overall subpar season that saw him hit .190/.262/.238 with eight doubles and seven RBIs. After the season concluded, Wong underwent a right-hand carpal boss excision which some felt could have influenced his hitting. Coming back from a hand injury isn’t always easy for a batter, especially during the season, and while no one expected Wong to replicate his 2024 season, his regression in 2025 was much worse than anyone could have imagined. Thankfully for the Red Sox, Carlos Narváez stepped up during Wong’s absence and claimed the starting catcher’s position for himself. When Wong returned from the injured list in early May, Narváez remained as the starting backstop while Wong became the backup. Wong has struggled at times behind the plate when it pertains to blocking pitches and framing, though he did improve upon the latter last year. Prior to 2025, he was, at worst, average when it came to pop time and throwing out baserunners, but both areas of his game regressed in 2025. Offensively, Wong did not play enough to qualify for any rankings, but if he did, he would have been near the bottom of the league in exit velocity, hard-hit percentage, barrel percentage, squared-up percentage and launch angle sweet spot percentage. That's simply an unplayable profile for someone who isn't an elite defender behind the plate. While some have hoped that Wong could bounce back in 2026, his performance in spring training left many wondering if the Red Sox might go in a different direction. In 13 games of action, he hit .129/.229/.161, good for a 3 wRC+. Of course, it’s spring training and you shouldn’t look too much into statistics from it (remember how Trayce Thompson looked like one of the best hitters in the spring of 2025?), but you can’t help but wonder if Wong’s time as the backup catcher is nearing its end. The biggest factor that leads to this conversation is that Wong still has an option left. Should the Red Sox lose faith in his abilities, the team can stash Wong in Triple-A and see if they can’t get him back on track offensively. While he’s unlikely to put up numbers like 2024 again (.280/.333/.425 with 24 doubles, a triple, 13 home runs and 52 RBIs), he could be much closer to how he was in 2023 (.235/.288/.385). Not perfect, but serviceable as a backup. Thaiss, who is in camp as a non-roster invitee, signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on January 31. Prior to his demotion, he appeared in 10 games. While he also struggled offensive (.190/.346/.190 with one RBI), he made a lasting impression on the coaching staff with far-improved defensive work and a patient plate approach. Thaiss is not the greatest offensively with a career stat line of .210/.320/.332, but those numbers would be an improvement over Wong’s 2025 season and would come with a (marginally) better defensive catcher. In a previous statement, Alex Cora spoke highly of Thaiss, saying he was “impressing people here” per Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. “His swing is really good. He’s left-handed. He’s been able to control the pitching staff. He’s a guy who has been catching our eye.” Besides Cora being impressed with how Thaiss has been in camp, the biggest reason that the conversation has grown is due to Thaiss’ upward mobility clause. If that clause is triggered, Thaiss can be offered to the other 29 teams and if one of them are willing to give him a roster spot, then the Red Sox are forced to either promote him or trade him to the team that offered him the spot. If no one offers him a spot, then he can still be sent to Triple-A and be stashed in Worcester. However, should the Red Sox look to add Thaiss to their active roster, there will need to be a corresponding 40-man roster move. For the past two seasons, the team has struggled to get offensive production from their backup catchers and have tried an array of players to fix the issue. Thaiss may not be perfect, but after a 2025 season that had the Red Sox try out options such as Blake Sabol and Ali Sanchez behind the plate due to injuries, Thaiss may end up being an upgrade for the backup position if chosen. For now, Wong remains Plan A, but his leash with the team is shorter than ever before. View the full article

Opening Day is upon us in MLB! Let’s make some predictions for the Chicago Cubs season! Pete Crow-Armstrong has an extension in place. What does it mean for him and the Cubs? Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-north-side-baseball-podcast/id1798599313 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/75wMGhBwlrDDYPt3kaF453 Listen on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-the-north-side-baseball-po-268998437/ Listen on Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/eey7h6ih Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@northsidebaseball View the full article

As the 2026 Minnesota Twins campaign gets underway, it's important to resist the temptation to overstate the stakes of certain things and to overreact to spring developments. That said, it sure feels like this year will be the pivotal one in the Twins career of Brooks Lee, one way or the other. Lee is going into this season as the clear starting shortstop. After 139 games in 2025 and some struggles at the plate and in the field, he gets the peace of mind that he will be an everyday guy to start the year. It's an opportunity—but because of the team's other options and the magnitude of his failures so far, it's also something like a last chance. He had a solid spring, batting .308 and controlling the strike zone well, but consistent power and on-base ability have been absent in his first year-plus in the majors. He mashed in his last season of collegiate ball, slugging 15 bombs and 25 doubles, with a monster 1.125 OPS as a switch-hitting middle infielder. The upside seemed endless, but now, he's had 712 big-league plate appearances and we're still waiting for that upside to show. Meanwhile, the Twins have very talented infielders in their farm system, like Kaelen Culpepper and Marek Houston, who are fighting for their opportunity in The Show. In 2025, Lee batted .236 with a .285 OBP, tallying only 32 extra-base hits. The year before, Lee impressed in his brief stint in St. Paul, with a .308 average and 15 XBH in just 25 games. He was dominant at points in the minors, and clearly has the talent to be a main part of this Minnesota Twins core moving forward into the rebuild. Any way you look at it, Lee has been falling short of the mark so far as a big leaguer. He struck out in just 17.5% of his plate appearances last season, but had an average exit velo of 88.6 MPH; a 90th-percentile exit velocity of 101.2 MPH; and a 5.9% walk rate, all three of which are well below the league average. He's also below-average in mobility at shortstop, and doesn't steal any bags. He worked a lot on his quickness this offseason, so hopefully he'll be able to make an impact in other categories when he slumps at the plate. He's showed the ability to punish fastballs, which is important, but he has to learn to control the zone better and hit offspeed stuff. The biggest thing working against Lee at this point might be the state of the franchise. The Twins desperately need some definitive proof of who their core will be moving forward. This might be a long season with not many wins, but a lot of questions will be answered as we get deep into this summer. I'm curious to see what kind of hitting philosophy Lee will be implementing this season. There have been a lot of changes in that dugout, and a new voice might be just what he needs to internalize a successful plan for his at-bats. He doesn't strike out, but he doesn't hit many hard line drives, either. It would be incredible to see a change in approaches up and down this lineup, and Lee would be a prime beneficiary of such a change. Hopefully, Lee can get comfortable as the everyday leader of this infield and start driving the ball gap to gap like everybody knows he can. If not, though, he might run out of chances by next Opening Day. View the full article

In the aftermath of losing both Kyle Stowers and Esteury Ruiz to injuries, the Miami Marlins are in agreement with right-handed-hitting outfielder Austin Slater, Craig Mish of SportsGrid reported on Tuesday. It is a one-year major league free agent deal, which the club has yet to confirm. Slater, 33, spent the 2025 season with the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees. Between those two teams, he slashed .216/.270/.372/.642 with five home runs, 13 RBI and a 78 wRC+. Before being dealt to the Yankees at the trade deadline, Slater posted a 100 wRC+ (right at league average), but then his production took a major dip, with a hamstring injury limited his availability down the stretch. This offseason, Slater signed a minor league deal with the Detroit Tigers. In 15 spring training games, he posted a 126 wRC+, but did not make the club and instead triggered his opt-out. With Ruiz expected to miss 6-8 weeks with an oblique strain, the Marlins had several internal options, including fellow righty outfielders Andrew Pintar and Kemp Alderman. Instead, they'll turn to a veteran entering his 10th MLB season who becomes the oldest player on their 40-man roster. Despite the struggles this past season, Slater has a lifetime OPS of .787 against left-handed pitching. The Marlins will face two left-handed starters this weekend in Kyle Freeland on Opening Day and José Quintana on Sunday. Expect Slater to start both of those games. Slater is mainly a corner outfielder at this stage of his career, but he does have more career games in center field (235) than any other position. There is a notable connection between Slater and Marlins. Current general manager Gabe Kapler was the manager of the San Francisco Giants from 2020-23. Slater played for him throughout that period and enjoyed the best seasons of his career. The most likely corresponding roster move to add Slater to Miami's 40-man roster and 26-man active roster will be to place starting pitcher Adam Mazur on the 60-day injured list, as he underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery earlier this month. Once official, this will be the Marlins' fifth major league free agent signing of the 2025-26 offseason. The others were Pete Fairbanks, Chris Paddack, Christopher Morel and John King. View the full article

The Chicago Cubs and Pete Crow-Armstrong are both closing in on a long-term extension, per Jeff Passan and other reporters. Is locking down the 30-30 center fielder and Gold Glove honoree a smart move at this point in his career? We dive into everything from PCA's top metrics to the reason he's on the Cubs in the first place and ultimately whether this is a wise decision or not. Enjoy! View the full article

Jays Centre is taking a close look at every position on the Toronto Blue Jays heading into the 2026 season. Check out prior entries in the series here: Catcher First Base Second Base Third Base Left Field Toronto Blue Jays Right Fielders at a Glance Starter: Addison Barger Backup: Nathan Lukes Depth: Jesús Sánchez, Myles Straw, George Springer, Jonatan Clase Prospects: Yohendrick Pinango, RJ Schreck Blue Jays Right Field fWAR in 2025: 13th out of 30 (1.9) Blue Jays Right Field FGDC Projection for 2026: 12th (2.3) For the 2021-2025 period, Toronto’s fWAR production from right fielders ranks 13th-highest (11.9 fWAR). The best fWAR during these seasons was from the Yankees (30.5), the next closest was Houston’s 21.1. During those seasons, Toronto’s highest ranking was ninth place in 2021 and 2022; the lowest in 2023 (18th). Overall, cromulent performance. So, what does 2026 look like for Toronto’s right fielders? The Good Oh, yes, there are tables! The first is a summary of the FanGraphs Depth Charts’ 2026 projection for Toronto’s left and right fielders. I also used this table in my left fielder analysis because it shows that manager John Schneider has some flexibility to move corner outfielders between right and left field. This flexibility will be advantageous when constructing the starting lineup and for in-game substitutions. 2026 Projected fWAR LF RF Corner Jesús Sánchez 1.2 0.2 1.4 Addison Barger 1.0 1.0 Davis Schneider 0.4 0.4 Nathan Lukes 0.6 0.4 1.0 George Springer 0.1 0.6 0.7 Myles Straw - - - Projected 2026 Total 2.4 2.3 4.7 2025 Total 2.6 1.9 4.5 Toronto's Projected 2026 Rank 11 12 13 Toronto's 2025 Rank 13 13 11 Source: Depth Charts courtesy of FanGraphs According to Depth Charts’ estimate, Blue Jays right fielders will produce the 12th-highest fWAR among MLB teams. That projected performance lags two of Toronto’s American League East rivals: the Yankees (7.0) and Red Sox (3.2). To no one’s surprise, Aaron Judge, with his 2026 6.6 fWAR, is the projected Right Field King of the American League East. Notably, Toronto’s projected fWAR leader in right field is Barger (1.0), whom Depth Charts also has with a 0.9 fWAR estimate at third base. The second table shows the career and 2025 OAA and FRV values for the right fielders. The first matter to note is that the projected starter in right field is Barger, who has logged 955 innings there, including 368 with the Buffalo Bisons. At the MLB level, in 587 innings, Barger has posted career OAA and FRV numbers of -4 and +2, respectively. His positive FRV score is due to his throwing ability. For the 2024-2025 period, Barger’s Fielder Throwing Runs is +5, tied with Fernando Tatis Jr. and Wilyer Abreu, each of whom logged considerably more innings in right field than Barger. On an FRV/1200 basis, Barger posted a +10 FRV/1200, much higher than Tatis and Abreu, both of whom have +3 FRV/1200. If Barger can improve his OAA numbers as he gains experience, he could become one of MLB’s better defenders in right field. Concerning Toronto’s other right fielders, both Lukes and Sánchez have produced better-than-average OAA and FRV/1200 marks. I expect Lukes will be Barger’s most-frequently used right field backup, but Sánchez and his MLB experience will spend time in right field. However, Springer’s best days as a right fielder appear to have passed. In 2025, he recorded a -5 OAA and a -6 FRV in 284 innings. Springer may see playing time in Toronto’s right fielder in 2026, but we should expect below-average defence. Straw has roamed an MLB right field for a total of 71 innings in his career (0 OAA and FRV scores). Yet, if Straw is called upon by John Schneider, given his fielding resume, he should be fine in right field. Right Field Innings RF OAA Per 1200 RF FRV Per 1200 Career 2025 Career 2025 Career 2025 Jesús Sánchez 2,778 724 2 2 2 3 Addison Barger 587 413 -8 -12 4 -3 Nathan Lukes 551 446 9 11 13 13 George Springer 6,681 284 0 -21 -1 -25 Source: FanGraphs The Bad In 2025, Toronto batters had 6,180 plate appearances, 1,680 (26%) of which were against left-handed pitchers. Blue Jays right fielders produced a 58 wRC+ (27th highest) versus lefties. Overall, Toronto’s right fielders posted a 104 wRC+ (12th best), including a 120 wRC+ when facing right-handers (MLB’s 10th best). Alas, a final table. Career Plate Appearances Career wRC+ LHP RHP Total LHP RHP Overall Jesús Sánchez 378 1,681 2,059 41 111 98 Addison Barger 126 601 727 53 104 95 Nathan Lukes 72 488 560 83 109 106 George Springer 1,672 4,702 6,374 134 128 130 Myles Straw 707 1,572 2,279 74 83 80 Source: FanGraphs Suppose the primary right fielders for the 2026 Blue Jays will be Barger and Lukes. Accordingly, as the table below shows, their career wRC+ numbers do not scream, “Look out, Judge, we’re coming for the Right Field King crown!” Against left-handed pitchers, Barger’s career wRC+ is 53 and Lukes’ is 83. Yikes! When facing right-handed pitchers, Lukes’ career 109 wRC+ is slightly better than Barger’s 104. Toronto’s 2026 right field crew appears to be noticeably better defensively than offensively. However, there is hope. Namely, the emergence of Barger as a particularly good MLB hitter. The key data points supporting this opinion are as follows: During Toronto’s 2026 postseason run, Barger generated a .376 xwOBA in 68 plate appearances. He produced a .343 xwOBA against left-handed pitchers in 15 plate appearances. Barger’s 2026 spring training numbers have been noteworthy. According to TJStats.ca, Barger has a .367 xwOBA in 44 plate appearances. His xwOBA versus lefties is .409 in 13 plate appearances. (Editor's Note: These stats were taken prior to Sunday's game, in which Barger went 3-for-4.) Of course, the postseason and spring training numbers both carry the small-sample-size warning, along with the questionable quality of spring training competition caveat. However, given Barger’s performance after the 2025 regular season concluded, the benefit of additional MLB experience, and the magic of David Popkins and his fellow hitting gurus, Barger is poised to perform better at the plate, including versus lefties, than his Depth Charts projection and career record to date. The Last Word The FanGraphs Depth Charts 2026 corner outfield projections place the Blue Jays at 13th in MLB (4.7 fWAR), which lags three of their American League East rivals: Yankees (9.6), Red Sox (6.8), and Orioles (5.2). Among right fielder crews, Toronto’s projected fWAR slots behind the Yankees and Red Sox in the division. As a group, the Blue Jays’ right fielders should be above average defensively. The question to be answered is whether Toronto’s right field crew will hit better than projected. On the negative side of the ledger, Barger and Lukes have below-average career wRC+ marks when facing left-handers. Regular season history suggests that Toronto’s 2026 right fielders will not be lefty mashers. However, there is room for optimism on that front. Barger appears ready to take the next step as a bona fide MLB hitter, including when facing lefties, as evidenced by his 2025 postseason and 2026 spring training results. However, the optimism meter should be dialled back a little if Barger’s 2026 batting performance versus lefties is much closer to his career .243 wOBA than his spring training .485. Time will tell. View the full article

The Miami Marlins (deservedly) took some flak throughout the 2010s and early 2020s for seemingly ignoring their history. Fans wanted to reminisce about the franchise's two World Series titles and their favorite players, but the Marlins insisted on highlighting the present and the future at every opportunity. They struck a more appropriate balance entering the 2022 season by raising banners in honor of the 1997 and 2003 squads. Those were displayed atop a videoboard in left field near the foul pole. Just one problem: those banners were positioned in front of giant windows, and on sunny afternoons, they looked practically transparent. After four seasons of this awkwardness, the Marlins have made a few changes. As Fish On First's Isaac Azout observed on Tuesday, the banners are now next to the right field foul pole, in front of concrete instead of glass. The closest seats to them are in Section 302, but nobody's view will be obstructed. While the old banners were primarily white, the new ones are teal. This project was completed in less than a week. Last Tuesday, when loanDepot park hosted the World Baseball Classic final, the banners were still in their original position. Speaking of teal, the club's new alternate uniforms featuring that color will debut this Sunday. View the full article

The always-tinkering Milwaukee Brewers made a surprising move less than 48 hours before Opening Day, acquiring right-hander Jake Woodford from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for right-hander K.C. Hunt, a prospect, and cash. Woodford, 29, is coming off a 2025 in which he made 22 relief appearances for the Arizona Diamondbacks. To make room for Woodford on the 40-man roster, Akil Baddoo was transferred to the 60-day injured list. More to come. View the full article

This winter, the Cubs will face a wave of tough decisions about the future of their corner outfield spots. Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are each due to hit free agency, a year after the team watched Kyle Tucker depart via that very road. For now, though, those two are anchors in left and right field, respectively—as long as Suzuki, whose season debut will be delayed by a sprained PCL, can move well enough to resume that duty after a year as the designated hitter. The Starters LF: Ian Happ RF: Seiya Suzuki The Backups Matt Shaw Michael Conforto Dylan Carlson 40-Man Roster Depth, Prospects, Other Kevin Alcántara Justin Dean Chas McCormick Kane Kepley THE GOOD Entrenched as the everyday left fielder since 2022, Happ has won four consecutive Gold Glove Awards for his elite defense. The luxury of having a consistently excellent defender managing the unpredictable elements at Wrigley Field should not be taken for granted. It feels like another lifetime in which Happ was Joe Maddon’s super-utility player after he got called up to the bigs in 2017. He's a much more well-rounded player now, despite being less versatile defensively. Happ has been a reliable hitter for the Cubs since he was named to the All-Star game back in 2022. He finished that year with 4.3 WAR after batting .271/.342/.440. He's been wonderfully consistent (in terms of seasonal production, though not always from month to month) since then. In 2025, he batted .243, but put up that same .342 OBP and still slugged .420. He also finished last season with 4.0 WAR. It's not unreasonable to expect similar results in 2026, barring unforeseen circumstances. With Tucker in the fold last year, Suzuki was limited to just 48 games played in any outfield position; he appeared in 102 games as the designated hitter. He's struggled in the outfield since coming to the United States, but when he's hitting, it matters little. His value comes from his offensive production. In 651 plate appearances last year, he hit .245/.326/.478, with 32 homr runs. THE BAD Suzuki will begin the campaign on the injured list, which immediately exposes the team's lack of exciting depth in the corners. Currently, the Cubs' depth chart lists Matt Shaw as the primary back up for both spots. Last year, the Cubs asked Shaw to switch to playing third base, moving him off the middle infield in earnest for the first time. He did a great job with that transition. The Cubs are hoping he can have similar success with another move to the outfield. If he can handle the defensive responsibilities in right field, that could allow Suzuki to be the designated hitter more frequently. Shaw will need to take a step forward in his development at the plate. In 2025, he changed his batting stance frequently in hopes of finding a solution to some of his offensive struggles. He finished the year with a .690 OPS that couldn't be less helpful in telling the story of his season. He started miserably, got red-hot for a prolonged period after the All-Star break, and then went cold again at the end of the year. His total offensive package looked better this spring, but those games don't count—and the questions about his nous as an outfield defender are very much open. Conforto came to camp on a minor-league deal, and while he flashed the skills that have made him an above-average hitter over a long big-league career, there are also some red flags. He's going to swing and miss a lot; he's not a good defender anymore. He might not have made the team, had Suzuki or Chas McCormick stayed healthy all spring. The surest way for the Cubs to get what they want out of right field is not to have to play him there terribly often. Unfortunately, the same can be said for Alcántara, the towering and tantalizing could-be slugger who looks overmatched against high-end pitching too much of the time. Carlson, Dean and McCormick are meant as buffers against calamity—glove-over-stick guys who can back up in center as well as the corners. If any of them play a meaningful amount in right or left, it means much has gone wrong. The best outfield prospect the team had was Owen Caissie, whom they traded to Miami for starting pitcher Edward Cabrera. THE BOTTOM LINE The Cubs have two reliable veteran options to start in the corner outfield positions. Happ will continue to be a cornerstone of this team during the 2026 season, and if Suzuki returns quickly and in form, he'll be the middle-of-the-lineup bat a right fielder is supposed to be. Most people within the organization would love it if Alcántara could play his way into the conversation of getting opportunities to take on the major-league right field spot, but only time will tell. He will need to get off to a fast start in 2026, and he'll have to do it in Iowa, where the team optioned him Tuesday. These spots are vital to the team's overall plan to win the division, but to begin the season, they're also shrouded in uncertainty. View the full article

On the face of it, the Brewers might appear to have a problem. The top four prospects on the Brewer Fanatic Top 20 (Jesús Made, Luis Peña, Jett Williams, and Cooper Pratt) are all shortstops, and there’s only one shortstop in the lineup. The logical assumption might be that the Brewers would have to trade one (and possibly two) of these four players, all of whom are top-100 prospects in the game. Well, the Brewers sent a three-word message to fans thinking along those lines with the March 20 lineup card for their first Spring Breakout game: Not so fast. All four shortstops were in the starting lineup. The Brewers put Williams at third base, Made at second base, Peña at designated hitter, and Pratt at shortstop. In other words, Milwaukee has demonstrated that they are perfectly capable of fitting all four of their top prospects into a lineup. So, how might they fit all four onto a 26-man roster, perhaps as soon as 2027? Let’s look at each of them. Jesús Made The most exciting position-player prospect the Brewers have landed since Jackson Chourio, Made is making the same rapid rise. He got a taste of Cactus League action and was not overmatched. He also put on some serious weight, which could signal an increase in power production that could go along with his speed and defense. Made could stick at short, but the Brewers may want to slide him over to third base or second base (where he appeared on the Spring Breakout lineup card), partially to have the power normally associated with the position, but also because Made’s glove is not quite the best at shortstop among the prospects. He looked rough at second in early action this spring, but it's just a matter of acclimation; he has all the tools to thrive there. Luis Peña The Brewers signed Peña in the same international free agent class as Made, and Peña’s proven a capable player at short, second base, and the hot corner. While Made is a switch-hitter, Peña only hits right-handed. He also appears to have more raw power. There is talk of moving Pena to the outfield, but he could also serve as a super-sub, filling in across the diamond and still racking up plenty of plate appearances. Jett Williams Williams, acquired in the Freddy Peralta trade, mostly has played shortstop, second base, and center field. The Brewers gave him reps at third base in Maryvale, and he’s heading to Triple-A Nashville, likely to get more of those reps. His hit tool is the big question; he has ample speed to play well in center and his approach generates plenty of pull-side contact in the air. Like Peña, he appears to be a versatile option with an above-average bat, though of these four, he's easily the least likely to actually stay at shortstop. He's also the most experienced and comfortable of the set in the difficult task of moving between positions from day to day and week to week. Cooper Pratt Pratt was a sixth-round selection whom the Brewers roped in with an above-slot signing bonus that cracked seven figures. That investment has worked out well for Milwaukee. Pratt picked up a Minor League Gold Glove, but he’s also displayed some very good OBP skills and speed on the basepaths, and he’s got the frame for some extra pop. That said, even if he ends up more of a Jeff Cirillo-plus type of offensive player, he becomes an excellent option at shortstop. The Brewers have given Pratt some work at second base, but he is probably the best defensive option at shortstop of the four top names the Brewers have. If they do choose to keep all of them, Pratt is the most likely to unseat Joey Ortiz and take over at short in the majors. Overview Depth is the name of the game in Milwaukee. It's why Pat Murphy thinks his team got better this winter, not worse. It's how they can stay ahead of the pack even when they have to trade key players or watch them leave as free agents. The team did run out of steam offensively in the 2025 playoffs, and building a deeper bench with more offensive punch would make that outcome less likely in 2026 and beyond. Keeping all four of these so-called shortstops, while perhaps not the conventional wisdom, could be the route they choose—and rightfully so. View the full article

As we continue to count down through the top Kansas City Royals prospects, voted on by our Royals Keep writing team, here are numbers 10 down to 6: Asbel Gonzalez, Drew Beam, Ramon Ramirez, Josh Hammond, and Sean Gamble! View the full article

Jays Centre is counting down the top 20 prospects in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. Check out prior entries in the series here: No. 20 to 16 No. 15 to 11 No. 10 No. 9: OF Yohendrick Pinango (New Hampshire, Buffalo) PA H 2B 3B HR OPS wRC+ wOBA K% BB% SwStr% Whiff% PULL% CENT% OPPO% LD% GB% FB% IFFB% SB CS SB% 90th EV 533 117 29 2 15 .790 122 .362 20.1% 13.1% 7.5% 20.2% 42.3% 23.1% 34.6% 23.0% 24.7% 34.3% 28.0% 6 0 100% 108.8 Yohendrick Pinango had a breakout season with the Jays in 2025, just after getting acquired from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Nate Pearson at the 2024 trade deadline. Pinango was always and still is a data darling, but he finally parlayed that into real-life results this past season. He was Rule 5 eligible this offseason, and the Jays left him unprotected, to the dismay of many prospect watchers and analysts, but he was not selected, and the Jays subsequently re-signed him to a minor league contract. The outfielder was merely an afterthought in the roller coaster trade deadline for the Jays in 2024, as they made a flurry of trades, and he struggled to perform in his first stint in the Jays organization. Pinango got out of the gates hot in 2025, however, torching Double-A New Hampshire in his second go-around there. In 47 games and 192 plate appearances, Pinango scorched for a 169 wRC+, slashing .298/.406/.522. He was promoted to Triple-A Buffalo and fell back down to earth, hitting just under the league average; however, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Despite Pinango’s performance dropping off after reaching Triple A, the underlying metrics still supported stronger results from him going forward. Pinango paired strong contact metrics (87.4% zone-contact rate, 20.2% whiff rate) with consistent hard contact due to his fast bat speed (91.9 mph average exit velocity, 108.8 mph 90th percentile exit velocity). He is also disciplined, although a bit passive, with a 39.2% swing rate and just a 25.6% chase rate. The issue with his offensive profile is his launch angles. When Pinango is making the most impact on the ball, his launch angles are suboptimal, resulting in lower liners or grounders instead of balls lifted in the air. He’s able to spray the ball with his current launch angles, being adept at hitting the ball the other way. Still, there is a ton of power for Pinango to unlock if he can start lifting the ball consistently. If he can tap into that, he could have 20-plus home run power. Defensively and on the basepaths, Pinango is quite limited. He did steal 100% of the bags that he attempted in 2025, but he runs poorly, which carries over to his defense. His already limited defensive profile due to his build and height forces him to play corner outfield, and with his below-average speed, he’s below average there as well. That limits his floor and ceiling, as his bat is the only carrying tool for Pinango. The Jays are still quite loaded in the outfield, with Daulton Varsho, George Springer, Jesús Sánchez, Myles Straw, Nathan Lukes, RJ Schreck, and Jonatan Clase all potentially being ahead of Pinango on the depth chart. When Anthony Santander gets healthy, he’ll also be in the mix. Pinango's path forward to the major leagues will need to come off of an excellent second stint in Triple A, where he will hope to show that his underlying batted ball data can turn into real production. View the full article

As prospect season ramps up, outlets across baseball are refreshing top-100 rankings for 2026, and for the local nine, the news is relatively good. Despite several Minnesota prospects battling minor injuries this spring, the system's overall talent remains impressive. Using the traditional 20-to-80 scouting scale (where 50 represents major-league average), several Twins prospects stand out for their pure hitting ability. To qualify for this list, each player appears on MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 Twins prospects. Hit Tool Standouts Honorable mentions include Marek Houston, Billy Amick, and Bruin Agbayani, each of whom has shown promising bat-to-ball skills with a 50-grade hit tool, but just missed the cut. Houston has a lot to prove with his hit tool this season after being Minnesota’s first-round pick in 2025. Amick has been floating around on top Twins prospect lists, but hasn’t put all his tools together. Agbayani might be a new name to Twins fans, as he was Minnesota’s sixth-round pick in 2025 from high school in Hawaii—but, like fellow 2025 draftee Quentin Young, he has big-league bloodlines and a high ceiling. That said, here are the top five hit tools in the Twins system. 5. C Khadim Diaw: 50-grade hit tool Diaw’s development has been interrupted more than once, but his ability to hit has shown up whenever he’s been healthy. He produced at a high level in college (.348 average, .985 OPS) and carried that same approach into pro ball. Even in limited action, he has consistently found ways to get on base (.422 OBP) and control at bats (11.8 BB%). His game is not built around power, instead prioritizing contact and a polished approach early in counts. Diaw demonstrates a mature understanding of the strike zone, rarely expanding unnecessarily and effectively limiting swing-and-miss (17.8 K%). The challenge for him moving forward is simply staying on the field long enough to let that skill play out over a full season. 4. SS Kaelen Culpepper: 55-grade hit tool Culpepper has translated his college approach (.314 BA) well into professional baseball (.294 BA in 2025). He maintains consistent contact and shows the ability to use all fields, helping him avoid prolonged slumps. His bat speed allows him to handle velocity, and he does damage when pitchers challenge him in the zone, with a .585 slugging average on contact (SLGCON). There is still some refinement needed. Offspeed pitches can give him trouble, particularly when he expands the zone. However, if he tightens that area of his game and lifts the ball more frequently, there could be another level to unlock offensively. 3. OF Hendry Mendez: 55-grade hit tool Few hitters in the system demonstrate Mendez’s feel for the strike zone. He has built a reputation for controlling at-bats, often walking (13.6 BB%) as much as he strikes out (13.2 K%). That kind of balance is rare, and points to a hitter who understands exactly what he's trying to do at the plate. The next step in his evolution is adding impact. Mendez has historically put the ball on the ground too often, limiting his extra-base production. In 2025, he slashed .299/.399/.439, with 31 extra-base hits in 118 games. Encouragingly, there were signs last season that he is beginning to elevate more and tap into his strength without sacrificing his elite contact ability. His SLGCON rose from .468 in 2024 to .522 last year. 2. OF Gabriel Gonzalez: 55-grade hit tool Gonzalez rebounded in a big way last season, climbing multiple levels to Triple-A and forcing his way into the organization’s long-term plans. His calling card has always been his natural ability to put the bat on the ball, and that skill remained intact even during tougher stretches. In 123 games last season, he hit .329/.395/.513 with 38 doubles and 15 home runs. What stood out most in his recent performance was the added balance. He cut down on strikeouts (14.5 K%), showed a bit more patience (8.7 BB%), and paired his contact ability with sneaky pop. He will likely always be an aggressive hitter, but if he continues to refine his pitch selection, there is everyday upside here. 1. OF Walker Jenkins: 60-grade hit tool Jenkins sits at the top of this list for a reason. When healthy, he looks every bit like a middle-of-the-order hitter with both average and power upside. His left-handed swing is smooth and repeatable, allowing him to consistently square up pitches and drive the ball with authority. Last season, he slashed .286/.399/.451, with 29 extra-base hits in 84 games. There will likely be comparisons to Joe Mauer’s swing (whether fairly or unfairly) throughout his career. Despite missing time early in his career, Jenkins has advanced quickly and already reached the upper levels of the minors at a young age. He combines strong plate discipline (13.5 BB%) with the ability to impact the baseball, a rare blend that gives him one of the highest offensive ceilings in the system. Minnesota’s farm system continues to lean on polished hitters who bring a mix of contact ability and developing power. While injuries have slowed a few of these players at different points, the underlying tools remain strong across the board. The encouraging part for the Twins is the variety within this group. From high-contact table setters to potential middle-of-the-order bats, there is a blend of skill sets that could complement each other at the big league level. If even a couple of these hitters reach their ceilings, the organization will be in a strong position to sustain offensive production for years to come. Do you agree with the rankings above? Who has the best hit tool that isn’t on this list? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View the full article

The Twins aren't the favorites in the American League Central, but don’t count them out just yet. If a few things break their way, there’s a real path to the top of the division. Here’s exactly what has to happen for that to become a reality.View the full article

Welcome to the Miami Marlins podcast directory, highlighting talented creators of Marlins-related audio programming. This information has been updated entering the 2026 regular season. The embedded Spotify players below will have the most recent episode of each pod queued up for you to listen to for free. The majority of them are also available via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, YouTube, etc. There is probably too much content being produced collectively by these podcasts during the Marlins regular season to digest to every second of every episode. What a wonderful "problem" to have. Fish On First: A Miami Marlins Podcast Hosts: AJ Ramos, Kevin Barral, Isaac Azout, Ely Sussman and Jeremiah Geiger Shows: Fish Unfiltered and Fish On First LIVE Miami Marlins Podcast Hosts: Jack McMullen and Stephen Strom Shows: Marlins Rewind, Side Sessions and Hot Stove Show Turn 2 with Scott & Troy Hosts: Scott Kornberg and Troy Johnston Battered Marlins Fans Hosts: Daniel Solana and Branton Griffin Bleav in Marlins Host: Johnny Campbell Play Ball Marlins (Spanish) Hosts: Alfre Álvarez and Yordano Carmona Here are some additional podcast channels that frequently cover the Marlins, though not exclusively: Bullpen Mafia Un Podcast de las Mayores (Spanish) View the full article

Jesus Made is the no. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline, and the Milwaukee Brewers' top pipeline talent. With how versatile he is, how much he's impressed in spring training, and the maturity he holds, is there any way that Made makes his major league debut in 2026? Today, we break down all aspects to answer that very question. View the full article

Owen and Jesse debate what success looks like for the Blue Jays coming into a season with high expectations but a crowded American League East before breaking down the extensions of General Manager Ross Atkins and Manager John Schneider. The guys then talk about Trey Yesavage's Injury that will have him starting the season on the injured list. The second half of the pod is when Owen and Jesse pick over/ under for players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, and Addison Barger, and get some bold predictions about the upcoming season off their chests. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jays-centre-podcast/id1846108462 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bi7SzfpcqMo5xYWnbCeoL Listen on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-the-jays-centre-podcast-300304824/ Listen on Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/2qk9wqxd Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayscentre View the full article

The San Diego Padres learned a lot about their team following more than a month at the Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona. With the exception of a few minor injuries (plus the season-ending surgery for reliever Bryan Hoeing), the Friars came out of camp mostly healthy. That made for a competitive situation all around camp, which produced some unexpected results. As the Padres get ready for Opening Day against two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park, let's take a look back at each of the position groups (rotation, bullpen, position players) to see who stood out—for reasons good and bad. Padres' Camp Stars Jase Bowen The outfielder certainly opened eyes this spring and made a push to supplant Bryce Johnson as the backup outfielder. Bowen tied for the most games played (24), had the most at-bats (54) and hits (16), tied for the team lead in homers (4) at the conclusion of spring training. Yet to make his MLB debut, the 25-year-old has just 36 games of Triple-A experience, so he will report to Triple-A El Paso and probably be the first call-up if the outfield needs reinforcement. Randy Vasquez While he stumbled a bit in his last to spring outings, the right-hander was otherwise stellar this spring. Vasquez was suddenly put in the spotlight when the Padres brought in Buehler and right-hander German Marquez, which put his seemingly safe job in the rotation somewhat in jeopardy. But he responded by not allowing a run in his first two starts, which has secured his spot among the starting five. He now sits as the No. 3 starter following a setback in Joe Musgrove's timeline, so he has a chance to further improve his standing on this team after a solid 2025. Bradgley Rodriguez The young right-hander showed why he will be a big part of the Padres' bullpen not only this year, but in the future. The 22-year-old has appeared in a team-high 10 games and allowed just one earned run (two total) in 9⅔ innings (0.83 ERA), striking out 12 and walking five. Rodriguez's status regarding the Opening Day roster is still up in the air as it will depend on how the bullpen is configured. However, he will see plenty of action in the majors this season as the inevitable opportunities arise. Padres' Camp Busts Mason McCoy The shortstop simply never put himself in position to make the Opening Day roster with his bat. He is just 7-for-41 (.171/.227/.268) this spring, although three of his hits are for extra bases. McCoy has played in 37 games with the Friars over the last two seasons, posting a slash line of .183/.275/.225. He is a glove-first player, having committed just one error with the Padres, but if he wants to be more than an emergency call-up, he will need to improve his offensive contributions. He did have a .272/.354/.450 slash line in 90 games at Triple-A El Paso in 2025. Marco Gonzales When camp began, there was real talk that the veteran left-hander might be in the rotation. That dissipated once the Friars made a few moves to bolster the starting group. Still, Gonzales didn't do himself any favors with what he did this spring; he worked to a 10.80 ERA in five appearances and 13⅓ innings. Now, Gonzales missed the entire 2025 season with left flexor tendon surgery, so shaking off some rust would be understandable. Going to Triple-A El Paso to begin the season will give him the opportunity to get back on track and make himself an option should the Friars need him. Manuel Castro The 23-year-old right-hander had a chance this spring to elevate his profile as he awaits to make his MLB debut. Instead, Castro struggled in six appearances that covered 5⅔ innings. He allowed five runs on eight hits with two walks and two strikeouts for a 7.94 ERA. Castro struggled with walks at Triple-A El Paso last year, issuing 23 in 32 innings, while striking out 30. Those 24 games were his first taste of Triple-A, so a little extra seasoning may be what he needs. View the full article