Get ready for an action-packed baseball season as all 30 teams kick off their spring games this Saturday, offering fans a unique opportunity to catch up with every team in action. Here’s a breakdown of what to watch for each team as the Spring Training schedule officially begins, with a focus on key players, competitions, and storylines that will shape the upcoming season.
American League East
Blue Jays: All eyes are on Okamoto as he makes his highly anticipated Blue Jays debut at third base. While his offensive prowess is well-known, the real test will be how he handles the hot corner in the big leagues, especially against right-handed power hitters. A smooth start with a few ground balls would be a promising sign.
Orioles: Kremer takes the mound before joining Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic. The right-hander, who logged a team-high 171 2/3 innings last season, is expected to be a key back-end arm in the Orioles’ rotation, but the team’s depth could lead to a six-man rotation.
Rays: Caminero and Aranda will be in the spotlight before they depart for the World Baseball Classic. The Rays’ revamped lineup still revolves around their top hitters, and their early performances will be crucial. Don’t miss the debut of the new Rays.TV broadcast, available for free on the MLB App/MLB.TV.
Red Sox: Tolle, MLB Pipeline’s No. 19 prospect, is in the mix for the fifth rotation spot. His offspeed command will be key as he competes for a role in manager Alex Cora’s loaded starting rotation. Catch his Grapefruit League debut against the Twins on NESN.
Yankees: Carlos Lagrange, the flame-throwing righty, takes the mound in the Yankees’ spring home opener. After touching 102.6 mph against Aaron Judge, expectations are high for the 6-foot-7 pitcher. Tune in on the YES Network/Gotham app to see him in action.
American League Central
Guardians: The rotation competition heats up as Logan Allen and Joey Cantillo start against the Reds and Brewers, respectively. Allen’s performance is crucial before he joins Panama for the World Baseball Classic. Watch on Guardians TV presented by Progressive.
Royals: The pitching competition is fierce, with Stephen Kolek and Ryan Bergert vying for roster spots. Both impressed last season and could force tough decisions this spring. Catch their starts in the Cactus League opener against the Rangers.
Tigers: Kevin McGonigle, MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 prospect, starts at shortstop as manager A.J. Hinch looks to integrate the 21-year-old into the lineup. McGonigle has an outside shot at making the Opening Day roster. Watch on MLB TV/Tigers.com.
Twins: Joe Ryan and Byron Buxton will be in action before joining Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Ryan starts on the mound, and Buxton is expected in center field. Catch the game on Twins.TV.
White Sox: Munetaka Murakami makes his on-field debut, but he’ll soon join Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic. Shortstop Colson Montgomery, who hit 21 home runs as a rookie in 2025, will also be in the spotlight. Watch on CHSN.
American League West
Angels: José Soriano starts against the Dodgers, looking to build on a solid 2025 season. Consistency is key for the right-hander. Most regulars will play, except Mike Trout, who debuts next week. Watch on MLB TV.
Astros: The outfield competition is wide open after several moves. Cam Smith, Zach Cole, Joey Loperfido, and Taylor Trammell are all in the mix, with Jake Meyers the only sure starter in center field.
Athletics: Leo De Vries, the A’s No. 1 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 4 overall, makes his Spring Training debut. The 19-year-old shortstop is expected to start the season in the Minors but could push for a Major League call-up in 2026.
Mariners: Colt Emerson, the Mariners’ No. 1 prospect, is a key storyline. The 20-year-old could be part of the 2026 plans, possibly even on Opening Day. His versatility in the infield will be on display in Cactus League games.
Rangers: The second base battle is on, with Josh Smith leading but far from a lock. Ezequiel Duran, Cody Freeman, and others are in the mix for the starting spot.
National League East
Braves: Mike Yastrzemski debuts as the primary left fielder in Saturday’s opener against the Rays. Veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco gets the start. Most regulars will play in Sunday’s home opener.
Marlins: Robby Snelling, MLB Pipeline’s No. 39 prospect, starts and pitches one inning. The 22-year-old Minor League Pitcher of the Year aims to prove he’s big league-ready.
Mets: Brandon Waddell, a surprise contributor last year, starts the Grapefruit League opener. He’s likely headed to Triple-A but is positioning himself as a call-up option. Watch on SNY or listen on WCBS 880 AM.
Nationals: Shinnosuke Ogasawara and Eder make their spring debuts in split-squad games. Ogasawara starts against the Cardinals, while Eder faces the Astros at home. Stream the home game for free on Nationals.TV.
Phillies: Justin Crawford is expected to start in center field against the Blue Jays. While he doesn’t need to be an All-Star, solid defense and offensive production are key.
National League Central
Brewers: Brice Turang, Jackson Chourio, and Joey Ortiz play before joining their World Baseball Classic teams. Keeping them healthy and game-ready is a priority. Listen on the Brewers Radio Network.
Cardinals: JJ Wetherholt, MLB’s No. 5 prospect, is the face of the Cardinals’ future. Expected to man second base, he could make his Major League debut on Opening Day.
Cubs: Matthew Boyd starts against the Rangers before joining Team USA. The 35-year-old had a strong 2025 season, making his first All-Star Game.
Pirates: Ryan O’Hearn, the Pirates’ key offseason signing, debuts. His bat and positional flexibility will be closely watched, especially with Marcell Ozuna’s signing increasing his time in right field.
Reds: The battle for the fifth rotation spot begins with Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Julian Aguiar all pitching. Burns and Lowder, in particular, had impressive debuts in previous seasons.
National League West
D-backs: Manager Torey Lovullo wants position players in games quickly, but pitchers will be young arms until Michael Soroka starts next week. Watch on Dbacks.TV.
Dodgers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto makes his likely only spring start before joining Samurai Japan. Coming off a heavy workload, he faces a busy year defending both a Classic title and a World Series championship. Watch on SportsNet LA.
Giants: Hayden Birdsong starts against the Mariners, aiming to rebound from command issues last season. He’s building a case for the 2026 Opening Day roster. Listen on KNBR 680.
Padres: The rotation battle intensifies with Walker Buehler and Germán Márquez in the mix. Matt Waldron, out of options, needs a strong showing to secure a spot. Watch on Padres.TV.
Rockies: Gabriel Hughes, the Rockies’ No. 14 prospect, pitches in relief against the Diamondbacks. Coming off a full, healthy season in the Minors, he’s part of the rotation depth picture. Watch on MLB TV.
Controversial Take: With so many teams relying on young prospects and international players, the question arises: Are teams prioritizing long-term potential over immediate results? This strategy could pay off in the future, but it may also lead to growing pains in the present. What do you think? Is this the right approach, or should teams focus more on proven veterans? Share your thoughts in the comments!
