Veteran OF Grichuk on Yanks' Opening Day roster
Veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk, 34, has made the Yankees' Opening Day roster.
MLB
22nd March 2026
Nationals release right-handed reliever Smith
The Nationals have released right-handed pitcher Drew Smith from his minor league deal.
OF Slater exercises release clause in Tigers deal
After not making the Opening Day roster, outfielder Austin Slater has exercised the release clause in the minor league contract he had signed with the Tigers.
Manaea to begin in bullpen as Mets set rotation
The Mets will employ a five-man rotation to begin the season, with Sean Manaea slated to come out of the bullpen in a piggyback role, manager Carlos Mendoza said.
21st March 2026
What I'm seeing from MLB prospects: Chase Petty, Luis Hernández shine in Breakout Game
The Giants were missing several of their top prospects, but Dakota Jordan impressed, while the Reds had several strong performances.
Yankees option outfielder Jasson Domínguez to Triple-A, losing out to veterans despite strong spring
Jasson Domínguez had a strong spring training performance for the New York Yankees. However, the team announced that the outfielder is being optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after he lost out in a tight roster crunch.
Rookie Painter makes Phils' roster as No. 5 starter
Rookie right-hander Andrew Painter has made the Phillies' Opening Day roster as the No. 5 starter, manager Rob Thomson announced Friday.
Nationals option top prospect Crews to Triple-A
Nationals top prospect Dylan Crews was optioned to Triple-A because of hitting woes.
Yankees option outfielder Dominguez to Triple-A
The Yankees optioned outfielder Jasson Dominguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday.
Aaron Judge addresses Team USA's perceived lack of fun during WBC
The captain of Team USA said "any chance he gets," he'll wear Team USA’s uniform again. That next opportunity could be the Olympics in 2028.
Marlins send P Garrett down, keep Junk as starter
The Marlins optioned lefty Braxton Garrett to Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday, leaving the door open for right-hander Janson Junk as the team's No. 5 starter.
Family of ex-Yankees player Gardner sues resort
The family of former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Costa Rican resort where their 14-year-old son Miller was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning last year.
Twins shape roster, cut Hendriks, Chafin, Urshela
Righty Liam Hendriks, left-hander Andrew Chafin and infielder Gio Urshela were released from minor league contracts by the Twins on Friday.
Clase, Ortiz put on unpaid non-disciplinary leave
As they await trial for an alleged pitch-rigging scheme, Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were transferred to unpaid non-disciplinary leave Friday following an agreement between Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association.
MLB power rankings: As the 2026 season begins, can anybody keep up with the Dodgers?
Opening Day is around the corner, less than a week away. Every club, at least for now, is undefeated, their record unblemished, their highest hopes undashed. But while no games have been played, not all 30 teams are created equal.
Nationals option Dylan Crews, No. 2 pick in 2023, to Triple A
Crews, the first position player taken in the 2023 draft, hit only .208 last season and .107 this spring.
MLB places Emmanuel Clase, Luis Ortiz on unpaid leave as part of gambling probe
Both pitchers were on non-disciplinary paid leave since July. They will remain on leave but will not be paid until further notice.
Live chat with Eno Sarris at 11am PT on March 20!
We are officially less than a week until Opening Day. Chat live with Eno Sarris about his predictions for the 2026 season, his starting pitching rankings and more….
Dual MVP gold Judge, Ohtani card sells for $2.16M
The 2025 Topps Chrome dual MVP gold Logoman card featuring game-worn patches taken from Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani jerseys -- numbered 1-of-1 and signed on-card by the reigning MVPs -- has sold via Fanatics Collect for $2.16 million.
Let's preview the NL West. Plus: Bold 2026 MLB predictions
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
20th March 2026
Potential busts to avoid in 2026
Who does Tristan H. Cockcroft think will underachieve in 2026? We have the names to steer clear of when drafting your rosters.
'The best is still yet to come': Why Wyatt Langford is an AL MVP sleeper pick
The Rangers' outfielder has gone from overhyped to overlooked. That could change in 2026 for the 24-year-old.
Olney: The 7 things I took away from MLB spring training
What did you miss at major league camps this spring while watching the World Baseball Classic? Here's what stood out to us from Florida and Arizona.
2026 Topps Heritage Baseball odds breakdown: What to know before you buy
What the odds sheet tells us is different about Topps' annual retro-designed baseball set.
What I'm seeing from MLB prospects: Guardians arms, Denzer Guzman impresses, Ethan Holliday struggles
Roldy Brito looks like a Rockies prospect to watch, and the Angels' Nelson Rada continues to show a strong hit and run tool but no power.
What's this MLB season actually going to look like? Leave us your mailbag questions
Leave your questions for Andy McCullough's weekly MLB mailbag.
From spectacle to typical, WBC players return to spring training with lots to do, and fast
“It’s not that fun,” San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts admitted. “[but] Spring training, do you need it? Yes, I do need it.".
Four months ago, this Rockies prospect couldn't speak. Now, he's back in baseball
Braylen Wimmer had surgery for a brain tumor in November. With the support of friends and family, he's worked his way back to baseball.
10 bold MLB predictions for 2026: Roman Anthony for MVP, the return of Mike Trout and more
The Astros' Cam Smith breaks out and the Royals' offense leads them back to the playoffs. These and other bold predictions for 2026.
Cy Miz? A Roman MVP? 10 bold predictions for the 2026 MLB season
The Astros' Cam Smith breaks out and the Royals' offense leads them back to the playoffs. These and other bold predictions for 2026.
Bo Bichette embraces New York spotlight, aims to be 'one of the best players in the game'
Bichette: "I’ve never chased the analytics or anything like that. ... I’ve always just played it my way.".
Astros LHP Sousa (oblique) to start season IL
Astros left-hander Bennett Sousa will begin the season on the injured list, manager Joe Espada said Thursday.
Mets experiment with pitch calls from the dugout
The Mets are experimenting in spring training games with calling pitches from the dugout, following in the footsteps of the division-rival Marlins.
Rays' 2026 jerseys to feature patch made of fabric from original Tropicana Field roof
Returning to Tropicana Field for the 2026 MLB season, the Tampa Bay Rays will wear a patch on their jerseys that incorporates fabric from the roof that was torn off the stadium during Hurricane Milton in 2024. The Rays announced Thursday that their jerseys will feature a sponsored patch for Webull, an online investment platform whose offices relocated to St.
World Baseball Classic title game draws record-shattering 10.8 million viewers
Venezuela's win over the U.S. drew more than double the audience that tuned in for a Japan-U.S. showdown in 2023, according to Fox.
Manfred likes idea of summer World Baseball Classic but Red Sox manager sees hold-up
A midseason WBC could help solve one problem the tournament encounters early: readiness.
WBC title game ratings nearly double from 2023
This year's World Baseball Classic championship game between Venezuela and the United States was seen by 10,784,000 viewers on Fox and Fox Deportes, nearly double the viewership for Japan's victory over the U.S. in the 2023 final.
Giants' Birdsong to undergo Tommy John surgery
San Francisco Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the entire season.
Italy's World Baseball Classic espresso machine, other game-used items up for auction
Key items from the World Baseball Classic are now available to purchase through MLB auctions.
Back with Phillies, Bryce Harper is zoned in on better at-bats, 140-walks goal
For Harper, everything is about his decisions in 0-0 counts. He is focused on being more selective and has set an ambitious walks goal.
Tampa Bay Rays will wear patches stitched with pieces of wrecked Tropicana Field roof
As the Rays move back into their hurricane-damaged stadium, their new patch with Webull offers a tangible reminder of the long road there.
Previewing the AL East. Plus: Bryce Harper, class act
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
MLB further embraces sports betting in deal with prediction platform Polymarket
MLB is currently mired in a betting scandal involving several pitchers. MLB and Polymarket execs say deals like this make the game safer.
Rays SS Walls (oblique) to start season on IL
Rays shortstop Taylor Walls will open the season on the injured list because of his right oblique, creating the possibility that prospect Carson Williams could make Tampa Bay's opening roster.
Blue Jays righty Yesavage to begin season on IL
Manager John Schneider said Thursday that Trey Yesavage will begin the season on the injured list due to a shoulder impingement.
Profar gets full PED ban after appeal resolved
Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar will miss the entire 2026 season after his appeal of a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs was resolved.
Longtime Mets broadcaster Rose plans to retire
Longtime Mets broadcaster Howie Rose announced Thursday he is planning to retire at the end of the season after spending four decades with the organization.
Opening Day: Schedule, matchups, previews and more
We have you covered on everything you need to know to get ready for the start of the 2026 season on March 25.
Barry Bonds joins Netflix as MLB analyst for 2026 season
MLB’s all-time home-run leader is taking on a new post-career challenge. Former San Francisco Giants legend Barry Bonds is joining Netflix as a baseball analyst for the 2026 season, the company announced Thursday.
Where was Team USA's star closer?! How pitching restrictions rocked an otherwise epic WBC
The 2026 World Baseball Classic was another success story. But issues with pitcher usage are still holding it back.
Howie Rose, the fans' soundtrack of so many Mets summers, puts it in the books
The longtime New York Mets radio play-by-play voice announced his retirement on Thursday.
MLB joins prediction space with Polymarket deal
MLB has named Polymarket as the league's official prediction market exchange and announced an information sharing agreement with the CFTC, the federal body that oversees the growing industry.
WBC's success may lead to midseason tourney
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred says the continued growth and success of the World Baseball Classic could lead to a midseason competition in the future.
Blue Jays rookie SP Trey Yesavage to begin season on IL due to right shoulder impingement
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Trey Yesavage will begin the 2026 season on the injured list due to a right shoulder impingement, the team announced Thursday.
Blue Jays rookie SP Trey Yesavage to begin season on IL with a right shoulder impingement
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Trey Yesavage will begin the 2026 season on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement, the team announced Thursday.
Howie Rose, longtime Mets radio announcer, says he will retire after 2026 season
Longtime New York Mets broadcaster Howie Rose announced Thursday that the 2026 MLB season will be his final one behind the microphone.A message from @HowieRose: pic.
How Brent Rooker overcame failure to become an All-Star slugger
The designated hitter struggled early in his career -- but he's now a powerhouse hitter and leader.
What do the first two rounds of a perfect draft look like?
Tristan H. Cockcroft and Eric Karabell reveal the ideal outcome for the first two rounds.
19th March 2026
World Baseball Classic: Rob Manfred talks about possibility of moving tournament to midseason
The World Baseball Classic is thriving. While not on the level of the Olympics just yet, interest seems to be at an all-time high for the baseball tournament, with Team USA’s win over the Dominican Republic in the semifinals drawing more viewers than the 2025 MLB All-Star Game.
This Week in Sports Trivia: March 19, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
7 questions with the Cardinals' Chaim Bloom: Offseason trades, what he learned in Boston and more
The Cardinals' president of baseball operations talks to The Athletic about his first official offseason on the job.
Is Las Vegas still the right choice for NBA expansion? We asked our experts
Las Vegas is home to successful NHL and WNBA franchises, and an NFL team. Soon, MLB will join them. Could it also be fruitful for the NBA?.
Can Vladimir Guerrero Jr. carry his big-stage performances back to the Blue Jays?
Guerrero continues to demonstrate a knack for the big moment. Now the Blue Jays hope he can recreate that approach over the regular season.
The 2026 Aces Project. MLB insiders rank starting pitchers: Who’s ‘just a guy’ and who’s No. 1?
We asked a group of executives, scouts and analysts to rank the best pitchers in baseball. Here are their picks.
Jac Caglianone, Shane Baz and other breakout MLB candidates for 2026
These players aren't technically prospects anymore, but they are still early on enough in their careers to make significant changes.
Shohei Ohtani eager for bigger pitching workload in 2026: 'He expects perfection'
In his first spring training pitching appearance, the Dodgers star reached 99 mph and looked like the Cy Young candidate he aims to be.
Brewers LHP Harrison exits start with blister
Kyle Harrison, who has been competing for a spot in Milwaukee's starting rotation, left Wednesday because of a blister on his left index finger.
Ohtani fans 4, hits 99 mph in spring mound debut
Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani made his spring training pitching debut, giving up one hit and two walks while striking out four over 4? ? scoreless innings.
Mariners' Crawford gets cortisone shot in shoulder
Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford's status for the start of the season remains uncertain as he continues to deal with a shoulder problem.
Durbin wins 3B job for Red Sox; Mayer likely 2B
Caleb Durbin, who was acquired in a trade with the Brewers just before spring training, will be the starting third baseman for the Red Sox on Opening Day.
Shohei Ohtani hits 99.9 mph, strikes out 4 in spring training pitching debut
Shohei Ohtani made his first appearance on the mound in spring training on Wednesday. He sure looked like Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar threw 4 1/3 shutout innings against the San Francisco Giants, striking out 4 while walking 2 and allowing only 1 hit.
Omar López shined as Team Venezuela manager, showing he can 'lead on a big stage'
López is a cherished member of the Astros organization who has now demonstrated on a big stage that he can be an elite manager.
Red Sox reworked contract with Danny Coulombe after issues with physical: Source
After the Red Sox raised concerns with his initial physical, Coulombe's contract was restructured with a lower base pay but roster bonuses.
Could Amtrak rail yard sale in the South Loop lead to a new Chicago White Sox stadium?
Justin Ishbia's private equity firm is purchasing land in the South Loop, sparking speculation it could be a site for a future Sox ballpark.
Cole throws scoreless inning in his spring debut
Gerrit Cole returned to a mound to pitch in a game after a 377-day absence and threw a scoreless first inning Wednesday for the Yankees in an exhibition game against the Red Sox.
Top prospect Harry Ford, a key offseason acquisition, among Nationals' latest cuts
Ford was acquired from the Mariners. He'll start the year in Triple A but could still factor heavily in the catching plans later this year.
Gerrit Cole works around two hits, shows improved velocity in first Yankees start since Tommy John surgery
It’s only spring training, but the New York Yankees had a lot on the line during Wednesday’s game against the Boston Red Sox. First and foremost, after missing all of last season due to Tommy John surgery, ace Gerrit Cole returned to the mound.
Jays' Berríos won't be ready for start of season
Blue Jays pitcher José Berríos won't be ready for the start of the season after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right elbow.
An eerily similar WBC defeat for USA. Plus: Previewing the AL Central
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
Even in Team USA defeat, the World Baseball Classic is a win for all of baseball
Despite being denied gold, Bryce Harper and the U.S. couldn't help but relish in the beauty of the WBC.
How to Follow the Game, Even When You Can’t See It Live
When previous commitments keep you from catching your team on television, keep up with it using free apps that quietly deliver scores and more to your phone.
18th March 2026
Jackson Chourio, Roman Anthony among must-draft players
Here's a list of 20 names to keep in mind when drafting your 2026 rosters.
'I'm a sucker for a challenge': Why Moneyball pioneer chose to take on Coors Field
Paul DePodesta is back in baseball -- and he plans to fix the Colorado Rockies.
Bryce Harper met the moment at World Baseball Classic, but a title again proved elusive
Harper's actions before, during and after the WBC final against Venezuela showed his understanding of his place in the game.
Salvador Perez gets touchstone moment with Venezuela in what could be final WBC
The veteran catcher was at the center of the 3-2 victory over the United States Tuesday night.
Mark DeRosa on managing Team USA: ‘It would be 100 percent yes to do it again’
DeRosa's two teams at the WBC have both lost in the championship game.
MLB All-Under-25 Team: Paul Skenes, Nick Kurtz, PCA headline an exciting crew
Several big-name stars have aged out, but they've been replaced by a slew of powerful bats and electric arms.
How can Samurai Japan and others improve their standing ahead of the next WBC?
The final date has yet to be decided, but the next tournament could be in 2030, meaning many of these teams will look remarkably different.
Venezuela's historic WBC title fueled by power, pitching — and passion
Emotional scenes and joyful tears punctuated Venezuela's unlikely WBC championship: "We feel the jersey. We feel our country.".
MLB Hope-O-Meter fan survey: How are you feeling about your favorite team in 2026?
We want to know how you feel about your team. Pull no punches. Or, indulge your barely-hidden glee.
Was Team USA complacent in the WBC? We answer your questions
Many thought other teams always looked like they were a lot more invested than Team USA. Was that just optics or something deeper?.
The All-WBC team: Arráez, Nola, Tatis — and of course, Shohei — all shine in tourney
From household names to no-names, this WBC had it all when it came to standout players.
U.S. laments another WBC loss as star offense lags
Team USA, boasting one of the most talented rosters ever assembled, failed to live up to its billing Tuesday night and could only watch as Venezuela celebrated its first World Baseball Classic championship.
Venezuela outduels USA to capture first WBC title
Venezuela won the World Baseball Classic for the first time, rebounding from Bryce Harper's tying home run in the eighth inning to beat the United States 3-2 on Eugenio Suárez's go-ahead double in the ninth.
Reports: Kahnle, Red Sox reach minor league deal
Relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle and the Red Sox have agreed to a minor league contract, according to multiple reports.
Which stars will represent the United States in the next WBC? Way-too-early roster predictions
Team USA just lost to Venezuela -- but the future is still bright. Here's who could play for the U.S. in the next World Baseball Classic.
Star-studded Team USA upset as Venezuela wins first WBC title
Venezuela broke a 2-2 tie on Eugenio Suárez's ninth-inning double to deny the United States a championship.
Ohtani set for spring training pitching debut Wed.
Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to make his first pitching appearance in spring training Wednesday for the Dodgers against the Giants.
Cubs' Suzuki has minor knee sprain; IL stint TBD
The Cubs say Seiya Suzuki suffered a minor ligament sprain in his right knee during the WBC and will be evaluated this week before they determine whether he will go on the injured list.
MRI reveals Seiya Suzuki strained PCL in WBC; Cubs yet to decide if he will go on IL ahead of Opening Day
An MRI revealed that Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki has a strained PCL after injuring his right knee Saturday while trying to steal second base during Samurai Japan's 8-5 loss to Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals.
