Three Storylines to Watch as Spring Training Heats Up
With Spring Training officially underway, the baseball world is starting to buzz. Full squad workouts are ramping up, teams are assessing depth, and front offices are stepping in front of the mic to lay out their vision for the season ahead. Here are three key storylines to keep an eye on as we dive into the early stages of camp:
1. Full Squad Workouts Begin Across MLB Camps
The cleats are laced, the gloves are popping, and the first full squad workouts of Spring Training are in motion. Yesterday marked the beginning for a handful of teams, and today brings even more clubs into the fold.
In Arizona’s Cactus League, the A’s, Cubs, Reds, Royals, and Angels are welcoming position players to camp. Over in Florida’s Grapefruit League, it’s a busy day as the Orioles, Astros, Marlins, Twins, Mets, Yankees, Phillies, Pirates, Cardinals, Blue Jays, and Nationals all gear up for their first full-team sessions.
There’s no shortage of fresh faces in new uniforms, either. Alex Bregman is getting his first reps with the Cubs, Pete Alonso is stepping in with the Orioles, and Bo Bichette is now a Met. Kazuma Okamoto, one of the most intriguing international additions this offseason, reports to Blue Jays camp, while Eugenio Suarez (Reds), Jeff McNeil (A’s), Isaac Collins (Royals), and Ryan O’Hearn (Pirates) are also among those breaking in new gear with new teams.
It’s the first real look at how these revamped rosters start to mesh - and while it’s early, these workouts often set the tone for the chemistry and cohesion that can carry into April and beyond.
2. Braves Rotation Depth Being Tested Early
The Braves came into camp with one of the more complete rosters in the league, but early injuries are already testing their pitching depth. Right-hander Hurston Waldrep is dealing with elbow soreness and is scheduled to consult with Dr.
Keith Meister today. While an MRI showed no structural damage, any elbow issue this time of year raises eyebrows - especially when the team is already without Spencer Schwellenbach, who’s on the 60-day IL.
That leaves Atlanta in a bit of a bind. Bryce Elder and Martin Perez are capable arms, but asking them to carry more than originally planned could stretch the rotation thin.
The good news? There are still some experienced names out there in free agency - Lucas Giolito, Zack Littell, and Max Scherzer among them - who could provide immediate help.
Of course, this is the Braves we’re talking about. President of Baseball Ops Alex Anthopoulos has a knack for going off-script.
Whether it’s a trade, a waiver wire pickup, or a surprise internal option, Atlanta has rarely been predictable under his watch. But one thing’s clear: with the regular season inching closer, the Braves may need to make a move to shore up their rotation sooner rather than later.
3. Marlins Leadership Addresses the Media
Down in South Florida, the Marlins are kicking off their Spring Training with a press conference from two of the franchise’s top voices - president of baseball operations Peter Bendix and team owner Bruce Sherman. The duo is expected to speak to the media this morning, offering a window into the organization’s mindset following a busy and, at times, controversial offseason.
The Marlins made several notable moves this winter, dealing away Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers, while bringing in Pete Fairbanks to bolster the bullpen, Chris Paddack to add rotation depth, and Owen Caissie as a potential long-term bat in the lineup. For some fans, that might feel like a net loss in terms of big-league production, but the front office clearly has a long view in mind.
Still, there’s a lot to like about the 2026 version of this Marlins team. A rotation fronted by Sandy Alcantara, Eury Perez, Braxton Garrett, Max Meyer, and Paddack has the potential to be one of the most electric in the National League. Fairbanks gives them a proven closer at the back end, and Caissie - though still developing - brings intriguing upside as a middle-of-the-order threat.
Bendix and Sherman’s comments could shed more light on where they see this team headed, both in the short term and over the course of the spring. With a roster that blends young talent and strategic additions, the Marlins are walking the line between staying competitive now and building for the future.
Final Word:
Spring Training might not count in the standings, but it always counts when it comes to setting the stage. From roster battles to injury updates and front office philosophies, today’s headlines are tomorrow’s storylines. And with full squads now on the field, the 2026 season is officially starting to take shape.