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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 Right Field Toronto Blue Jays Shortstops at a Glance Starter: Andrés Giménez Backup: Ernie Clement Depth: Leo Jiménez, Addison Barger, Davis Schneider Prospects: Josh Kasevich, Arjun Nimmala, JoJo Parker, Juan Sanchez Blue Jays SS fWAR in 2025: 12th out of 30 Blue Jays SS FGDC Projection for 2026: 17th out of 30 Entering 2026, the Toronto Blue Jays can expect their shortstop position to be constantly under the microscope. After all, the departure of star shortstop Bo Bichette in free agency most certainly has left a huge void for the Blue Jays to fill going forward. Fortunately for Toronto, shortstop is one of those positions at which the team has sufficient pieces to potentially overcome the dire situation. So, what does the depth chart look like for the Blue Jays for now and the future? The Good With Bichette leaving the organization, there is one clear benefit that the Jays can capitalize on, which is the instant boost in defense at the shortstop position. With multiple-time Gold Glove winner (at second base) Andrés Giménez taking over as the team’s everyday shortstop and multiple-time Gold Glove finalist (at third base and utility) Ernie Clement as the trusted backup, the Blue Jays have perhaps their best defensive unit at the position since Troy Tulowitzki left town. Not to mention the fact that they have also had the defensively sound Leo Jiménez knocking on the door the past couple of years, waiting for his chance. Moreover, with Toronto valuing positional versatility in recent years, they could potentially even slot Addison Barger or Davis Schneider in at shortstop if an emergency arises. On top of that, in a situation in which Giménez, Clement and Jiménez all falter in taking on the role, Toronto appears to have an MLB-ready shortstop waiting in the wings in Josh Kasevich. Kasevich showed exactly what he could provide to the team with a strong spring showing in training camp. In 20 games of action, the 25-year-old infielder impressed with a .306/.375/.500 slash line (.875 OPS) with four runs scored, one home run and five RBIs. He also added two stolen bases, along with showing strong plate discipline with three walks and only two strikeouts in 40 total plate appearances. If that wasn’t enough, the Jays also have three more promising top prospects deep in their system that could be potential stars when they make the majors: Arjun Nimmala, JoJo Parker and Juan Sanchez. All three players are currently ranked among the top 10 prospects in the Jays’ organization, with both Nimmala and Parker among the top 100 prospects in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. With a pipeline of riches at the position, the Blue Jays should be set for the foreseeable future. The Bad Even with their immense depth at the position, remember that the Blue Jays lost a superstar in Bichette, who has averaged 20+ home runs and 90+ RBIs per season, along with a career OPS of .806 and bWAR of 20.9. With the current setup at shortstop for Toronto, one shouldn’t expect that kind of offensive output from the position for a while, at least not with the likes of Giménez and Clement at the helm. Giménez is coming off a dismal offensive campaign in 2025; his .598 OPS was among the worst in the league for those who played a minimum of 100 games. His best MLB season came in 2022 when he managed career highs in home runs (17) and RBIs (69). As for Clement, he has posted back-to-back 9+ home runs and 50+ RBIs campaigns, while setting his career-best mark in runs scored with 83 last season. But as one can see, those numbers are far from the elite offensive production that Bichette provided on an annual basis during his time with Toronto. In addition, Jiménez has yet to secure a permanent MLB gig with the Jays after struggling to perform offensively during the past two years. As for Kasevich, he has yet to make his major league debut, so whether or not his spring training and limited minor league success could actually translate to the majors is still a question to ask. As for those that could ultimately reach Bichette’s potential, all three of Parker, Nimmala and Sanchez could one day become that player. But, unfortunately, they are still years away from their eventual arrival in the big leagues. The Outlook With the Toronto Blue Jays in win-now mode after a successful 2025 campaign that saw the team make it all the way to the World Series, the pressure will be on Giménez to make significant contributions right from the get-go when he officially takes over as the starting shortstop on Opening Day (March 27). The Blue Jays can ill afford to experiment with their lineup too much in their quest to repeat as World Series contenders. At the same time, the shortstop position could very well be in flux throughout this season, as any struggles by the starter could lead to other options being utilized to hopefully rectify the issue promptly. As a result, it is possible Jays fans will see a carousel of players utilized at the position, including the possibility of the Jays trading for a new shortstop at the deadline if all of their MLB-ready options falter. But one thing is for sure: in the not-so-distant future, the shortstop position will no longer be a worry for years to come, once names like Nimmala, Parker, and Sanchez start to reach the big show. View the full article

The Chicago Cubs officially have one of the better first basemen in baseball, the first time they can say that since the departure of Anthony Rizzo back in 2021. Things seemed bleak at first base for some time; we saw Frank Schwindel and Patrick Wisdom for too long. Past-their-prime veterans Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini were supposed to be the bridge to slugging prospect Matt Mervis, but he is long gone as well. Most were a bit stumped prior to the 2024 season when the Cubs traded teenage pitching prospect Jackson Ferris and top outfield prospect Zyhir Hope for an aging prospect without a clear defensive position. Then, when they almost immediately announced he would be transitioning to first, it made their outlook even more confusing. Michael Busch was regarded as one of best hitters of the 2019 draft when the Dodgers selected him out of UNC with the 31st overall pick. He made his debut in 2023 and hit .167 in 81 plate appearances while playing a subpar second and third base. Going into 2024, the Dodgers had Busch, Kike Hernandez, Miguel Vargas, Chris Taylor, Gavin Lux and Miguel Rojas competing for work in the infield behind Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy. Although Busch was expendable at that point, he was still the 51st ranked prospect in baseball, and would become the Cubs’ number four organizational prospect behind Cade Horton, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Owen Caissie. Fast-forward two seasons and now Busch is picking up down-ballot MVP votes and leading the Cubs in home runs. First starting off as a platoon player, Busch began starting everyday early in 2025 and is one of the set-it-and-forget-it players in the lineup. Chicago Cubs First Basemen At A Glance Starter: Michael Busch Backup: Tyler Austin (On IL), Jonathon Long Depth: Moises Ballesteros, Owen Miller (minors), Christian Bethancourt (minors) Prospects: B.J. Murray The Good: Well, Michael Busch is pretty darn good. The 28-year-old lefty broke out massively in 2025, slashing .261/.343/.523 with 34 home runs, 90 RBIs, and serving as the leadoff hitter for the Cubs’ first postseason run since 2020. You’d have to go back all the way to 2019 when Kyle Schwarber hit 38 homers to find a higher total than Busch’s. His 4.6 WAR was tied for third on the team, trailing only Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner. As for first basemen league-wide, he was tied with Bryce Harper and only trailed Matt Olson, Freddie Freeman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Pete Alonso. Under the hood, the statcast numbers show a player who is blossoming into one of the top offensive forces in the game. His average exit velocity of 92.2 was tied for 18th in baseball, his barrel percentage of 17.1 was 11th, and he finished 10th in xwOBA at .378. In a game where luck is certainly a factor, Busch is showing consistent, quality contact that cannot be considered a fluke. In fact, Busch’s wOBA of .369 shows he was a little unlucky last season. Defensively, Busch posted a .996 fielding percentage and 2 DRS that placed top six amongst MLB first basemen. He is not going to win four gold gloves like Rizzo, but he will make the routine plays while bailing out a few bad throws from the Cubs' excellent infield. For 2026, Busch is an integral part of a lineup that is half proven veterans and young studs who need to establish themselves as bona fide contributors. He is the team’s most important left-handed bat who will be relied upon to play 150+ games again (he played in 155 last season). The Bad: Did you notice how the entire previous section only mentioned Michael Busch? That is because he is the the majority of what is good about the Cubs’ first base situation. Across the infield, Matt Shaw is lined up to backup at any of the three other spots, with top prospect Pedro Ramirez looking close to MLB ready. In the outfield, Kevin Alcantara is deserving of an extended look, if one of the starters goes down. But first base? It really seems like Busch or bust, since offseason signee Tyler Austin will be missing the first month or more of the season. Even if Austin was healthy to start the year, he's still a 34-year-old with 0.9 career WAR, who hasn’t played in the majors since 2019. He’s had a cumulative .945 OPS in the NPB over the last six seasons, but banking on any sort of production in his return stateside is wishful thinking. After Austin, the cupboard runs bare very quickly. Craig Counsell’s old friend Owen Miller is down in the minors and has first base experience. He went 8-30 this spring and brings an extra element of speed to the table. One-game wonder Christian Bethancourt is back with the organization and has enough experience at the cold corner to be considered another unexciting option. Moises Ballesteros played four innings of first base last season, but is currently penciled in as the starting DH. From a fan’s perspective, the most exciting option if Busch were to miss time would be prospect Jonathan Long. The Long Beach State alum is coming off an excellent AAA season where he hit .305 with an .883 OPS and 20 homers, but needs to hit the ball in the air more to reach his power potential. Long sits outside of the top 100 MLB prospects and has a long-term outlook of being a potential role player, rather than a difference maker in the middle of the lineup. The point here is that Busch needs to stay healthy or else there becomes a massive hole in the lineup. The Bottom Line: There are depth questions here after Busch, but the Cubs have an ascending star at first base. Even if his home run total isn’t as high as last season, the Cubs are counting on their leadoff hitter to propel them back to the postseason. In terms of his contract, he is still pre-arbitration and has four years of team control remaining. There are few other first basemen in baseball producing like Busch and not taking up a huge portion of their team’s payroll. He won’t be this cheap forever, so fans need to enjoy this while it lasts. First base is a position of strength for the Cubs again. View the full article

The 2025 San Diego Padres were one of the meekest teams in Major League Baseball. As a collective, both their 152 home runs and .138 isolated power ranked 28th in the league. Plenty of context goes into that, of course. Regardless of the particulars, though, this was a team that was not built for power. It remains to be seen how much the on-paper dynamic has changed ahead of 2026. Yes, the team went out and signed Sung Mun Song, Miguel Andujar, and Nick Castellanos to shore up their offensive depth. But Song's game may need time to adjust, Andujar is more platoon-dependent on the power side, and Castellanos is coming off some of the worst offensive production of his career. The volume approach could very well work, but there's also a wide array of outcomes for the team's current construction. Which is why the offensive progression of someone like Jake Cronenworth becomes essential in the broader context of the latest iteration of the Padres. It was four full seasons ago now that Cronenworth peaked in the power game. His .194 ISO in 2021 isn't just a mark that he's failed to top since then, but one that he hasn't come within 40 points of in subsequent seasons. Cronenworth's 11 home runs in 2025 were his second-fewest in a full season, while his .131 ISO last year represented a bottoming-out in that regard. That doesn't mean Cronenworth has been without value, however. In the years since he last demonstrated such consistent power, Cronenworth's earned his keep via patience. His 10.3 percent walk rate since 2022 ranks 65th among 306 qualifying players, and his walking at a 13.4 percent clip in 2025 ranked 12th. It helped that only six players in the league saw more pitches than Cronenworth's 4.22 per plate appearance last year, while his chase rate finished in the 86th percentile. There's value in that, even as an average baserunner for the bigger bats in the lineup. But with vastly different potential outcomes awaiting the Padres offense in 2026, it'd behoove him to adjust in a way that taps into the power of old at least on occasion to drive up his value beyond what it reads in the on-base percentage column. Luckily, Cronenworth appears poised to do just that. The following is a distribution of the various swing factors Cronenworth demonstrated in 2025: There isn't a whole lot in there to indicate that Cronenworth should be finding power outcomes upon contact. His attack angle was below league average and the swing path was right around it. So, while the latter indicates he was steeper to the ball, he wasn't gaining elevation upon contact. Additionally, he posted an attack direction that generated up-the-middle-contact. Low line drives up the middle yield base hits, certainly. But produce power outcomes they do not. Toss in a swing that sits just below league average in its speed while operating with a length that isn't exactly short, and there aren't really any factors lending themselves to the idea of power in Cronenworth's case. Thus far in the spring, though, Cronenworth has concentrated on improving in a few of these areas. His bat speed, for one. A more consistent bat path — perhaps one that doesn't invoke a steep angle to shallow contact — is on the agenda as well via improving his lower half balance throughout the swing. While bat tracking data isn't widely available for exhibition games, the results have been there thus far for Cronenworth. Now on the verge of Opening Day, his spring output included a .167 ISO and 57.4 percent hard-hit rate. He started elevating, too, with a 34.4 percent groundball rate that sits lower that any regular season clip he's posted in his career. He also hit the first opposite field homer of his career earlier in the month (even if the spring training of it all doesn't allow it to count). It's a small sample (50 plate appearances), but the adjustments have been on display within the spring window. It'll be interesting to see not only how the improvement sustains, but whether the changes are later reflected in his visual mechanics. It cannot be overstated how valuable such improvements sustaining into the regular season would be for both Cronenworth and for the Padres. While their volume approach to the roster could lead to some improvement in the power game, an everyday player getting back to his previous upside in that regard would be absolutely massive. Parlaying patience with improved quality of contact could very well have Jake Cronenworth among the most important pieces of this roster in 2026. View the full article

Seiya Suzuki will start the season on the Cubs' Injured List, Craig Counsell announced. Chicago's veteran slugger is a key piece in their starting lineup, and his injury tips over a few dominoes. Suzuki spent the majority of 2025 as the Cubs' designated hitter, which could open up some availability for the squad's top prospect in Moises Ballesteros. He also spent some time in right field, which means a former first-rounder in Matt Shaw may be in line for some more playing time. View the full article

Kaelen Culpepper, Mick Abel, and John Klein all have the tools and opportunity to take a big step forward in 2026. Each could make a real impact on the Twins' season, and even one breakout performance could change how this team looks long-term. View the full article

It isn't often that a Division III player gets drafted. Jason Gilman did just that, and it was thanks to his mindset and ability on the mound. The left-handed pitcher will begin his first professional season in 2026 and will look to continue from where he left off at Kean University. Talk Sox's Nick John sits down and has a conversation with the young hurler. View the full article

The week ahead of Major League Baseball's Opening Day always carries a certain sanguine energy to it. The optimism that permeates throughout each fanbase at the outset, typically juxtaposed against the transition from winter into spring, is unique to baseball. Of course, a team can always add some extra juice to that by extending one of its most exciting players. The Chicago Cubs have done just that, by striking an agreement on a long-term agreement with Pete Crow-Armstrong. The budding star will now be a Cub for even longer than the five years for which they controlled him before arriving at a deal. Mind you, Crow-Armstrong wasn't the only player the Cubs could have opted to extend ahead of the season. Nico Hoerner is a free agent after 2026. Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are, too—to say nothing of Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, and Jameson Taillon. We could discuss the merits of each sticking around (or not sticking around) beyond this season, but there was no question that Crow-Armstrong would be the player best-positioned for this kind of deal this spring. There are a few things to consider when deeming a player to be worthy of an extension, especially within the framework of a team with multiple candidates for one. The context of their current deal is likely at the top. Players far from free agency (like Crow-Armstrong) and those bordering on indispensable but nearing free agency (like Hoerner, Happ and Suzuki) fit at opposite ends of the spectrum. Projectability is another key issue. You want to ensure a player is going to sustain or improve their levels of performance for at least a certain portion of a contract. Then, you get into the more unquantifiable narrative impact. While payroll and performance are going to rank at the top of a team's considerations, a player who adds a certain vibe and positive attention to the organization is going to have value that extends beyond either sheet. Some of that is an oversimplification. The farm system bears an impact. The condition of the payroll beyond the individual player does, too, in addition to myriad other factors that the average outsider mind may not even consider. But it's the broad criteria that feeds into an easy rationale as to what made Crow-Armstrong such an appealing extension candidate. The context of his current contract is an easy component to navigate. Crow-Armstrong hasn't yet hit arbitration; he's eligible for his first year of it next winter. From there, it's four years of arbitration prior to free agency following the 2030 season. With continued improvement at the plate (read: plate discipline), it's possible that growth could work in conjunction with the areas in which he already excels to drive a high, continually-ascending price in arbitration. As such, the Cubs were able to ensure cost certainty with one of the most important players on their roster as they continue to build toward the future. It should be noted that the phrase "continued improvement" is also doing quite a bit of heavy lifting in that previous paragraph. Age alone, however, indicates that a certain degree of projectability still exists within Crow-Armstrong's profile. It's big speed, big power, and elite defense, yes. It's also wild aggression and, subsequently, a whole lot of swing and miss. It may be unreasonable to suspect improvement is nigh there; aggressive hitters generally tend to remain aggressive throughout their career. Any refinement in the approach, though, should be able to yield offensive outcomes that aren't necessarily better on the whole, but at least more sustained after he began to fizzle some in the second half. Stronger outcomes would be nice, but Crow-Armstrong extending last year's pace through September would also serve the same purpose of offensive ascension. In either scenario, you're talking about a 30-homer, 30-steal player with a Gold Glove in his back pocket building on those benchmarks. Locking that in is essential. From there, you get into the narrative impact. This is where Crow-Armstrong really begins to lend credence to the idea of extension worthiness. The Cubs are not completely constructed for aesthetic appeal. They are comprised of several good players that are fundamentally sound in multiple respects. However, they don't do anything loud. It's a collection of largely reserved personalities relying on efficiency in multiple aspects of their game to drive success. From that perspective, Crow-Armstrong is easily the most exciting player the Cubs have to offer. A blend of elite defense, upper-percentile speed, and 30-homer power will do that. This is true to the extent that he's in the same Javier Báez tier of stop-what-you're-doing-and-watch television. In doing so, he transcends Chicago baseball in capturing attention at a more national level. Marketability matters, especially for a league that doesn't do it particularly well. Pete Crow-Armstrong might not be the Chicago Cubs' best player. He may not be their most important player. But the compounding of the different elements he brings, along with the context of his career and contractual trajectory, all feed into the idea that he was absolutely the right person, in the right place, at the right time to offer this kind of extension. Even in the face of others that might merit the same kind of offer. The narrative favors him as a "face of the franchise" type, succeeding the likes of Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo while managing to secure an even longer-term future within the organization. In all, not a bad return for in that fateful trade for Báez five years ago. View the full article

The Kansas City Royals have finished their Spring Training season, which concluded with a two-game set in Arlington against the Texas Rangers. The Royals went 9-21, which was the worst record in the Cactus League. However, as Royals Review mentioned today, poor performance in Spring Training doesn't always correlate to regular-season futility. Despite the poor results in Arizona (mostly due to many key Royals players participating in the World Baseball Classic), Kansas City is looking to improve on its 82-80 record from a season ago. A key to that will be the bullpen, which ranked 7th in reliever ERA last season. Carlos Estevez, acquired in free agency, was key to that bullpen's overall success in 2025. In 67 outings and 66 IP, he posted a 2.45 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and saved 42 games. Those stellar metrics helped him earn a spot on the American League All-Star roster. Additionally, Estevez was the first Royals closer to lead the league in saves since Dan Quisenberry. Thus, the Dominican-born righty became a fan favorite in Kansas City due to his late-inning prowess and end-of-game celebration (which was a hat tip to Dragon Ball Z). Unfortunately, it has not been a rosy spring for Estevez in his second season in Kansas City. In five outings and innings pitched, he posted a 7.20 ERA, 1.80 WHIP, and 12.70 FIP. He also had a -4.0% K-BB%, a 30% HR/FB rate, and a mere 49% strike rate. Safe to say, even for a veteran pitcher, who is "ramping up" this spring, the results were especially poor and have gotten the attention of worried Royals fans. Thus, let's dive deeper into what Estevez has produced this spring, and why the Royals may need to brace for some serious regression from their 33-year-old closer in 2026. The TJ Stuff+ Metrics Have Been Brutal for Estevez This Spring When it comes to evaluating pitchers in the spring, looking at pure results can be misleading at times. Often, pitchers toy with different grips or pitch mixes to prepare for the upcoming season. They do this because Spring Training results matter a whole lot less to the club than regular-season ones. As a result, they try these changes in a relatively pressure-free environment. However, one constant that can give fans an idea of how a spring went for a pitcher is their velocity and "stuff". When using TJ Stuff+, TJ Stats' pitch modeling metric, Estevez fared pretty poorly this spring, as illustrated in his TJ Stats summary below. Overall, Estevez posted a TJ Stuff+ of 92, which is eight points below average. His four-seamer, which he threw the most at 49.6%, had an 89 TJ Stuff+, which is alarming. Furthermore, his slider and changeup didn't fare much better in TJ Stuff+, with marks of 95 and 94. The highest grade he had of his three pitches this spring was his changeup, which had a 46 grade (his four-seamer and slider had 37 and 33 grades, respectively). For context, here's a glance at his TJ Stats summary last season. Estevez's four-seamer was 15 points higher in TJ Stuff+, and his overall TJ Stuff+ was 11 points higher. His slider had a 107 TJ Stuff+, which was 12 points higher than his mark this spring. There wasn't much difference between last year's changeup and this spring's. His changeup had a 95 TJ Stuff+ a season ago, only one point better than his changeup TJ Stuff+ in Spring Training. A big factor in this TJ Stuff+ difference is velocity. His four-seamer last year averaged 95.9 MPH. This spring? It averaged 89 MPH. The slider averaged 87.4 MPH last year, but only 81 MPH this spring. Lastly, the changeup averaged 87.9 MPH last season and only 82 MPH this season. Basically, he's seen a 5-6 MPH decline in all of his pitches, a huge red flag. A couple of MPH difference? Okay, maybe he's still getting ramped up. However, those bigger MPH differences signify either a lingering injury or that the stuff just isn't there. Some have pointed out that this is "normal" for Estevez and that he has traditionally shown these kinds of velocity issues as he ramps up and prepares for the regular season. However, his TJ Stuff+ and velocity last spring, while down, weren't as alarming as what we have seen this spring. Below is his TJ Stats summary for 2025. His overall TJ Stuff+ was 98, with his four-seamer having a 95 mark, his slider having a 104 mark, and his changeup having a 99 mark. Those are all considerably better than what Estevez demonstrated stuff-wise this spring. Furthermore, Estevez's four-seamer velocity was four MPH higher, his slider was 4.9 MPH higher, and his changeup was 1.5 MPH higher. Even though his pitch TJ Stuff+ and velocity were down last spring, they were at reasonable levels where a bounceback was feasible. In terms of TJ Stuff+ and pitch velocity, unfortunately, Estevez hasn't demonstrated that same promise this spring. What Has Contributed to Estevez's Stuff and Velocity Issues? I wanted to see, in his last outing of the spring against the Rangers, if the TJ Stuff+ or velocity would look any better than what we saw in Arizona or at the World Baseball Classic. However, it was more of the same in those two areas, though Estevez did a good job generating whiffs against Texas. Now, the TJ Stuff+ was two points better than his Spring Training average, which was encouraging. However, the velocity was pretty much the same on the pitch (89.3 MPH), and the TJ Stuff+ wasn't that much better on the slider or changeup. Overall, Estevez posted a 92 TJ Stuff+, which matched his overall TJ Stuff+ this spring. In terms of velocity in his last outing, his pitch velocity chart showed him sitting around 89-90 MPH, with him topping out around 91 MPH by the end of his outing, as illustrated below. For a power pitcher who relies on his four-seamer, that kind of middling velocity is concerning. It becomes even more maddening when compared to his pitch velocity chart from Opening Day a year ago. Last year, his four-seamer sat in the mid-90s. And that was DOWN from what fans were expecting, mostly due to Estevez overcoming some nagging injuries in the spring. He saw an uptick later in the year, once he was fully recovered. Which makes one wonder: Is Estevez dealing with a lingering injury that is causing this velocity problem? If so, the Royals have kept a lid on it. To be fair, that has been a trademark of the Royals since JJ Picollo and Matt Quatraro took over as general manager and manager, respectively. They have often shared little detail about injuries, keeping the media and fans in the dark until the last possible moment. A key example of this is Michael Massey, whose Opening Day status remains in flux even though he's been out of commission with a calf injury sustained a couple of weeks ago. Is it possible that Estevez is dealing with something that's affecting his velocity and stuff? It's hard to imagine that he's seen such a dramatic drop from last year to this spring due to "age" or "not being warmed up." While regression was to be expected for Estevez this year, this kind of stuff and velocity decline feels like a massive anomaly. The Royals will need to finalize their roster by Wednesday. Thus, one has to wonder if Estevez may be put on the IL to deal with whatever is affecting his velocity. What Do the Royals Do With Estevez? If Estevez is dealing with an injury, even a minor one, he will likely be put on the 15-Day IL. The Royals can't afford to give away losses, especially in a division that will remain competitive, especially in the wake of the Detroit Tigers adding their top prospect to the Opening Day roster. Thankfully, the Royals have reinforcements in the bullpen to handle a short Estevez stay on the IL. After all, Picollo made adding to the bullpen a priority this offseason, which made sense when looking at Estevez's Statcast percentiles from a year ago. While he was effective, many of his lackluster Statcast percentiles suggested he also benefited from some luck a season ago. His .330 xwOBA last year, especially given his .254 actual wOBA, is a sign that he was due for regression in 2026. Thus, Picollo was wise to add to the bullpen this offseason with Alex Lange and Matt Strahm, both of whom have closing experience. They also have Lucas Erceg, who closed games in 2024 and returns for his third season with the Royals. (Spoiler alert: In my Bold Predictions piece, I predicted that Erceg would have more saves than Estevez.) Another one who could contribute in Estevez's possible absence is Eli Morgan, who's had a fantastic spring as a non-roster invitee. In nine outings and 10.1 IP, the former Guardians setup man is posting a 0.87 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 1.94 FIP, 29.3% K%, and 19.5% K-BB%. While the fastball velocity isn't great, and he doesn't generate as many groundballs as one would hope for a pitcher with his stuff profile, he pretty much exceeded in every other area this spring with the Royals, as illustrated below. Morgan has earned a spot on the Opening Day roster, and he would be a nice fill-in for Estevez as he recovers on the IL. Furthermore, when Estevez is ready to return, the Royals can send Morgan to the Minor Leagues because he still has a Minor League option remaining. If they do not add him to the 40-man roster on Wednesday, he could opt to become a free agent and could sign with another team. After his stellar spring, a team likely would take a waiver on Morgan. Starting Estevez on the IL wouldn't be the start the Royals expected back when pitchers and catchers reported in February. However, the Royals' bullpen has the depth to absorb this loss for now, especially with Erceg, Strahm, and Lange all capable of handling spot duties in the ninth inning. Furthermore, resting Estevez for a little bit also gives an opportunity to Morgan, who could be a sleeper reliever for this Royals bullpen in 2026. View the full article

Hired during the offseason to replace Rocco Baldelli as Minnesota Twins manager, Derek Shelton brought with him a new mantra: hunt the good. The idea is that, in a game where failure is relentless, players should make a concerted effort to focus on positives and growth rather than dwelling on negativity and frustration. It will be a valuable mindset for fans to adopt here in 2026. Despite proclamations from new ownership figurehead Tom Pohlad that the Twins hope and expect to be competitive this year, the reality is that projection systems forecast them as a sub-.500 team, and betting lines in Vegas have them pegged as one of the worst teams in all of baseball. Anything can happen, and there are certainly pathways to being a surprise contender in the lukewarm AL Central, but especially after losing their No. 1 starter at the beginning of camp, the odds of the 2026 Twins being a good team are slim. My personal expectation is that they will lose close to 100 games. But even if that comes to fruition, it doesn't mean we as fans can't have a lot of fun this season, or find meaning within the action. (I will remind you that the Twins lost 90+ games in four of the first five years in this website's life. And we were having a ball!) But we'll have to know where to look. With that in mind, this season preview special will spend less time focusing on the anticipated sub-par overall results for the 2026 Twins, and more time helping elevate the interesting narratives and stories worth of your attention — many of which will have major implications on the team's ability to resurrect as a contender in 2027. Let's hunt the good. Expected Opening Day Roster Catchers: Ryan Jeffers, Victor Caratini Infielders: Josh Bell, Kody Clemens, Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee, Royce Lewis, Tristan Gray Outfielders: Trevor Larnach, Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, Austin Martin, James Outman Starting Pitchers: Joe Ryan, Taj Bradley, Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson, Mick Abel Relief Pitchers: Cole Sands, Taylor Rogers, Justin Topa, Anthony Banda, Eric Orze, Kody Funderburk, Zak Kent, Cody Laweryson Position by Position Roster Preview Throughout spring training, I gradually rolled out breakdowns of the outlook and depth of each position on the Twins. Below you can find a quick summary of each, and click through for the full story. Catcher: Entering his free agency walk year, a motivated Jeffers takes over as primary starter while newcomer Caratini joins the timeshare. First Base: Expect a heavy rotation (with middling upside) that features Bell, Clemens, Caratini, and at some point Eric Wagaman. Second Base: Keaschall's presence makes it one of the most exciting, high-upside positions. He'll look to evade sophomore regression and improve defensively. Third Base: Twins need Lewis to at least stay on the field, because they are lacking for immediate contingencies behind him. But we know what he can do. Shortstop: Searching for a new SS identity in the post-Carlos Correa era, Twins are putting all their eggs in the Lee basket for now. Left Field: The old guard (Larnach, Martin) look to fend off newcomers (Outman, Alan Roden) and top prospects for playing time. Center Field: Coming off his best season and a run with Team USA in the WBC, Buxton is locked in and hoping to keep building on his health and production. Right Field: Wallner figures to play almost everyday, with an underrated track record of production and limited platooning possibilities in right. Designated Hitter: At least three players on the roster are probably best suited for DH, which is not a great reflection of the club's general defensive aptitude, but sets a stable floor here. Starting Pitcher: Injuries and question marks plague the veteran rotation core, increasing the urgency for promising younger arms to turn the corner. Lots to like there. Relief Pitcher: The journey to rebuild the bullpen after completely dismantling it at last year's deadline begins, and it's bound to a bumpy road. Key Stories of Follow in 2026 Okay, I'll admit that tour through the roster was perhaps not the cheeriest exercise, but we had to keep it real. As we turn our attention to the people and storylines worth following closely this year, we'll shine a spotlight on some legitimately exciting and intriguing areas of focus. Sorting through a deep and talented pitching group The Twins are hopeful their wave of emerging arms — acquired largely through high draft picks and bold trades — will carry them back to the contention. There's a lot of promise to be found here. Pitchers like Taj Bradley, Mick Abel, Zebby Matthews, Simeon Woods Richardson, and maybe even prospects like Connor Prielipp and Kendry Rojas should have no shortage of runway if healthy. In tough competitive times, a baseball season becomes much easier to follow when you're looking forward to watching the starting pitcher almost every day. The new young core arrives Whether or not the Twins want to admit it, they're rebuilding. But I can see why they'd bristle at the connotation of the term. Selling hope in a rebuild is difficult when the prospects meant to drive it are still many years away, and their impact remains entirely theoretical. Luckily, Minnesota's pipeline is about to start paying off. Three of their top five prospects (Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Prielipp) have already reached Triple-A and a fourth (Kaelen Culpepper) is likely to start there this year. It's not always going to be pretty right away, but fans are going to get to start seeing these vaunted talents in 2026 rather than just hearing about them. And in cases like Rodriguez, who dazzled everyone in spring camp before being optioned, it's not hard to envision immediate success and notoriety. Read more: Twins Daily 2026 Top 20 Prospects: Recap and Analysis Royce Lewis at a career crossroads Lewis remains closely connected to the last truly great moment in Twins history — that 2023 postseason breakthrough where his home-run swing carried the offense. Lewis' early emergence remains ingrained in our memories, and he's fully focused on tapping back into that form. The stakes are extremely high for him, and for the team. Peak Royce elevates this team in a dramatic way. Even a rebound to solidly above-average would make a big difference over last year's 83 OPS+. If we get more of the same, this lineup is going to struggle, and his days in Minnesota are likely numbered. But right now we can dream on much more, even in the wake of a quiet spring. Meet the new bosses, same as the old bosses? During the offseason, the Twins implemented new leadership at every level. Derek Shelton replaced Rocco Baldelli as manager. Jeremy Zoll replaced Derek Falvey as head of baseball ops. Tom Pohlad replaced his brother Joe as executive ownership chair. It remains to be seen how much will actually change, especially since none of these none of these new titleholders seem to represent a remotely radical departure from the previous occupant. But any kind of shakeup is welcome in the aftermath of a total two-year collapse. Let's embrace this opportunity for a fresh start and hope these newly appointed leaders can earn back the shattered confidence of fans. Behold the greatness of Byron Buxton This is what's got me most invigorated. Buxton finally turning the corner on injuries and blossoming as a true superstar has been easily the most uplifting aspect of the last two years, and hopefully it will continue to be a resounding source of joy in the season ahead. Let's hear from you as we count down the hours until first pitch of the 2026 season. Are you feeling more optimistic about the team's outlook than me? If not, what's going to be compelling you to tune in and follow along this year? It's been a long and weird offseason, but baseball is finally back. View the full article

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