Following an MLB offseason filled with surprises, spring training is finally here.
The New York Mets concluded a major offseason transformation by trading for ace Freddy Peralta. The Baltimore Orioles added slugger Pete Alonso to the American League East, while Alex Bregman departed the division to join the Chicago Cubs. plus, the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines by signing top free agent Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract.
Now that pitchers and catchers are reporting in Arizona and Florida this week, we’ll begin to see how these changes will affect the upcoming season. We’ve consulted our ESPN MLB experts to prepare for spring training, highlighting the stars and storylines they are most eager to follow as baseball returns for the 2026 season.
What is the one thing you are most excited about as spring training begins?
Buster Olney: I’m eager to see how quickly some prospects can accelerate their ascent to the major leagues. Kevin McGonigle, the Detroit Tigers’ infielder compared to everyone from Dustin Pedroia to Alex Bregman, could be a factor in the big leagues this year… but when? Will Colt Emerson secure a spot on the Seattle Mariners’ roster in April, May— or even sooner? And when will Konnor Griffin become part of the conversation in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ camp? The potential these players represent is the epitome of excitement in baseball.
Alden Gonzalez: There’s a unique energy surrounding Dodgers camp. This vibe has been present ever since Shohei Ohtani arrived at Camelback Ranch three springs ago and has intensified with each star addition and championship victory. This time, the overarching narrative will center on the Dodgers’ ambition for a three-peat, set against the climate of an escalating labor dispute fueled by their spending. With newcomers Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz joining an already star-studded roster, excitement is palpable.
Ohtani is set to prepare for a full, unrestricted two-way season; Roki Sasaki looks to establish himself in his second year; Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow aim to prove they can still shine in the later stages of their careers; and promising young talents like River Ryan, Emmet Sheehan, Ryan Ward, and Josue De Paula will also be present as fans from around the globe look on. Expect an abundance of storylines and intrigue.
Jeff Passan: Traditionally, pitchers would report to camps after months of not throwing, spending those six weeks rebuilding arm strength. Hitters would show up believing they’d regain their swings after taking the offseason off. Nowadays, winters have turned into training opportunities, allowing players to elevate their skills, and spring training will showcase who made the most of that time. Expect to see pitchers with added velocity and hitters with revamped swings ready to make an impact. These developments could spell the difference between postseason play or not, and the first few weeks of spring training will highlight those winter standouts.
Jesse Rogers: It may not be glamorous, but watching players leverage the automated ball-strike system (ABS) for challenges will be fascinating. We’re accustomed to umpires making these calls; it’s what we know. Now, players can use technology to contest those decisions. With limited challenges available per game, the strategic element in utilizing them will be engaging to follow. While it might not have a significant impact during spring training games, observing the process will certainly be intriguing.
Which player who changed teams this winter are you most interested in seeing in his new uniform?
Bradford Doolittle: I have always believed in the potential of Luis Robert Jr. to return to star-level performance, and if that happens with the Mets, it could become a major storyline. While his inconsistent durability and production may not be completely blamed on the shortcomings of the Chicago White Sox’s organization, he has only played for them thus far. This presents a genuine fresh start for him, with new influences and substantial pressure to perform well quickly. I’m keen to see if this change revitalizes Robert’s career. If not, he may be on the verge of losing his elite status.
Jorge Castillo: Devin Williams faced a tough time during his short stay with the New York Yankees. Now, he’s across town, taking on the role of replacing Edwin Díaz—a fan favorite and arguably the best closer in baseball—as part of the Mets’ comprehensive overhaul. Williams’ underlying metrics indicate he was largely unlucky last season, as he experienced strong stretches but lost the closer job twice and allowed earned runs in 17 of 67 regular-season appearances. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns—who oversaw the Brewers when Williams became one of baseball’s top relievers—believes he can bounce back, warranting a three-year, $51 million contract. The Mets intended to pair Williams with Díaz, but with Díaz opting for the Dodgers, now the pressure is on Williams to restore his previous form.
Gonzalez: Few players can transform a culture like Alex Bregman. That’s precisely why the Cubs were excited to acquire him this offseason, a year after narrowly missing out on him. A member of the team’s front office referred to him as “a transformative presence.” also, Bregman deepens the lineup, allowing Matt Shaw to transition into a utility position where he should thrive. With the Cubs bolstering their bullpen and adding potentially impactful starter Edward Cabrera, Bregman might be the key player to elevate them in the National League Central.
David Schoenfield: After a 101-win season with a young team in 2023, the Orioles appeared poised for a bright future. Instead, they fell to 75-87 in 2025, triggering a much-needed overhaul for 2026. Their significant move included signing Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract after the Mets displayed little interest in retaining him. Alonso could provide the jolt a stagnant offense requires; last year, no Oriole hit more than 17 home runs, and Gunnar Henderson led the team with just 68 RBIs.
Who is one player from our top 100 prospects list you are most looking forward to seeing this spring?
Olney: The Mets’ Nolan McLean stood out as the organization’s best pitcher towards the end of last season. His poise on the mound was remarkable, and his ability to spin the ball was impressive. Having recently transitioned from a position player to a pitcher, he’s still early in mastering his skills, yet he already appears seasoned. The Mets will need him to excel again this season.
Castillo: George Lombard Jr., at just 20 years old, posted a .695 OPS in 108 Double-A games last season, yet the expectations for him are exceedingly high—perhaps unfairly so. This is typical for the Yankees’ top prospect, especially as fans look for a replacement for Anthony Volpe at shortstop. Kiley McDaniel ranked Lombard 20th on his top 100 prospects list, highlighting his defense, baserunning, and power as the foundation for a potential everyday player with star capability. Whether he debuts this season will hinge on his minor league performance and the Yankees’ needs, but the franchise sees him as a crucial part of their future.
Passan: Kevin McGonigle plays with a distinctive edge. Proudly representing his Philadelphia roots, he demonstrates that size—standing at 5-foot-10—does not define talent. At 21 years old, McGonigle is the best pure hitter in the minors and has consistently impressed since being drafted 37th overall by Detroit in 2023. With both positions on the left side of Detroit’s infield still up for grabs, McGonigle has a chance to come into camp and earn a spot. While the AL rookie field is competitive, the Tigers have compelling reasons to include McGonigle: securing a full year of service time (172 days on the major league roster) will grant them a prospect promotion incentive draft pick should he win the Rookie of the Year or finish in the top three for MVP voting within his first three years.
Schoenfield: All eyes will be on Konnor Griffin during Pirates camp, but keep an eye on Bubba Chandler as well. Ranked as the top pitching prospect by Kiley McDaniel’s top 100, Chandler has been described as a “right-handed Blake Snell.” With a fastball averaging 97.8 mph in the minors, he made his MLB debut last season, registering 31 innings and pushing his heater up to 98.9 mph. even with mediocre numbers in Triple-A (4.05 ERA, 4.8 walks per nine), he walked just four batters with 31 strikeouts in the majors, where he appeared focused. He might be prepared to dominate right away, providing a formidable duo alongside Paul Skenes.
What is one position battle (or rotation battle) you’ll be watching closely over the next month?
Olney: The Toronto Blue Jays have a surplus of corner/DH candidates, making their decisions interesting. George Springer ranked among the best offensive players in the AL last year, while Addison Barger and Nathan Lukes played vital roles in the team’s October success. Toronto signed corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million contract, leading to the assumption that he will be a key player. Anthony Santander is coming off an injury-shortened year after signing a $92.5 million deal. If everyone is healthy, who will be sidelined?
Doolittle: The Phillies’ aging roster resembles last year’s lineup, but center field represents an opportunity for youth and athleticism. This hinges on Justin Crawford nailing down the starting position during spring training. That’s the plan, so he’ll have every chance to prove himself. I appreciate players like Crawford with a skill set centered around high averages and speed. yet, until we see that talent translate against top-tier pitching, skepticism remains. Crawford’s ability to claim the position is crucial, as it could potentially position him in the NL Rookie of the Year race. This journey commences this week.
Passan: With the Mariners trading Ben Williamson to acquire Brendan Donovan, they’ve set up a battle for their final infield spot between two former first-round picks: Cole Young (21st in 2022) and Colt Emerson (22nd in 2023). Emerson boasts the better prospect pedigree but is only 20 years old, with only 27 plate appearances in Triple-A. Young, 22, struggled in his major league debut last year but performed well at second base. He could slot in there while Donovan plays third, or Emerson could seize the job, pushing Donovan to second. Regardless, the Mariners’ collection of young position players is on the cusp of making a significant impact on the big league roster. The team that just missed the World Series last year is ready to make another run.
Schoenfield: The Mets will be an intriguing team to watch. Can rookie Carson Benge earn the starting job in left field? He’s ranked as the No. 15 prospect, but struggled during a late-season call-up to Triple-A (.178 in 24 games). A job is also at stake between Brett Baty and Mark Vientos. Can Baty transition to left field if Benge needs more time in the minors? And what about the starting rotation? If the Mets deploy a six-man rotation, is Kodai Senga healthy enough to return with his usual velocity? Could Jonah Tong establish himself this spring alongside rookie Nolan McLean in the rotation? Plus, will Luis Robert Jr. serve as a more expensive version of Tyrone Taylor, or can he rediscover his impressive 2023 performance?
Which team are you far more interested in today than you were a year ago at this time?
Castillo: The Marlins hit rock bottom in 2024, losing 100 games with a last-place finish in the NL East after reaching the postseason in 2023. With Skip Schumaker—the 2023 NL Manager of the Year—moving on, the outlook was bleak. Expectations were low entering last season, yet the Marlins exceeded them, finishing 79-83, third in the division. Under president of baseball operations Peter Bendix, the Marlins are implementing unique strategies, such as having starters throw live bullpen sessions between outings, and manager Clayton McCullough called pitches from the dugout in the final week of the previous season. The future looks bright with one of the best starting rotations in baseball—even after trading Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers—along with a promising young core and a farm system ranked 10th in baseball, according to McDaniel. Signing Pete Fairbanks to close games should bolster their chances in 2026, potentially enough to surpass expectations and make another postseason run.
Doolittle: While the Pirates aren’t expected to make a leap on the scale of the Blue Jays, their offseason moves ignite hope for a Paul Skenes playoff appearance in 2026. This time last year, Pittsburgh’s inactivity led to significant frustration. The Bucs should be active in adding offensive talent—their lineup has improved, but still isn’t elite. Unlike the borderline playoff teams from the NL East and NL West, Pittsburgh has a chance at making a stand in the Central division race. Should that happen, the prospect of Skenes and Bubba Chandler lining up for a 3-6 wildcard matchup would be very intriguing.
Gonzalez: The Orioles needed a transformative offseason, and Mike Elias, their under-fire president of baseball operations, delivered. The addition of Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward brings vital right-handed hitters to the top of the order. plus, Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge bolster the bullpen, while Shane Baz trades in to stabilize a rotation in need of help. Combining these new players with an exciting young core of Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, and Samuel Basallo—who all have room for improvement—gives the Orioles a genuine shot at success in the competitive AL East. yet, they must add another front-line starter, especially now that Framber Valdez is off the table.
Rogers: Quick question: which team hit as many home runs in the second half of last season as the AL champion Blue Jays? Surprisingly, it’s the White Sox. And they’ve added Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, who will be captivating to watch. plus, shortstop Colson Montgomery, who was sent to the White Sox spring facility early last season for swing adjustments, showed remarkable improvement, hitting 21 home runs in just 71 games. While Chicago may not claim the AL Central title, they could significantly boost their offensive output if they continue building on their success from 2025.
