Spring Training Buzz: Castellanos Changes Positions, Harper Speaks Out, and Players Embrace Big Spending
Spring Training is officially underway, and baseball’s getting loud again - not just from the crack of the bat, but from some candid player comments and a few eyebrow-raising roster moves. Let’s break down the biggest stories making waves across the league as camps open.
Nick Castellanos Heads West - and to First Base
Nick Castellanos is switching coasts and gloves. Released by the Phillies, the veteran slugger is heading to San Diego and will be trying something new: first base. It’s a fresh start for a player who’s been a fixture in the outfield for most of his career.
Why the change? Well, there’s some backstory here.
Castellanos’ time in Philadelphia didn’t exactly end with a standing ovation. Reports suggest a rocky relationship behind the scenes, possibly tied to a now-infamous beer-related incident that didn’t sit well with the clubhouse or front office.
Whatever the root cause, the Phillies decided it was time to move on.
Now, the Padres are betting on Castellanos’ bat - and his ability to adapt defensively. If he can handle the corner infield spot, it could be a sneaky-good move for a team looking to retool on the fly.
Bryce Harper Keeps It Real on Dombrowski, Dodgers
Bryce Harper has never been one to hold back, and he didn’t disappoint this week. When asked about Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski’s recent comments, Harper responded with the kind of unfiltered honesty fans have come to expect. While the specifics of Dombrowski’s remarks weren’t detailed, Harper didn’t shy away from addressing them head-on.
He also had something to say about the Dodgers' headline-grabbing offseason. Alongside Manny Machado, Harper praised Los Angeles for going big in free agency - a sentiment that might raise some eyebrows among small-market purists but makes perfect sense from a player’s perspective. After all, when teams spend, players benefit - and so do fans who want to see stars on the field.
Around the League: Position Changes, Comebacks, and Clubhouse Peace
Plenty of other storylines are brewing as teams shake off the offseason rust:
- A number of players are trying out new positions this spring, including Castellanos. It’s a reminder that adaptability is becoming just as important as raw talent in today’s game.
- Riley Greene is coming off a strong 2025 campaign with the Tigers, but he’s not satisfied.
His focus this spring? Cutting down on strikeouts and becoming an even more complete hitter.
If he can take that next step, Detroit’s rebuild could get a serious boost.
- Tarik Skubal, already one of the most electric arms in the game, is apparently adding “barista” to his résumé. Okay, maybe not officially, but the lefty’s off-field hobbies are as intriguing as his on-field dominance.
- Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor have reportedly squashed whatever tension existed between them in the Mets clubhouse. That’s big news for a team with sky-high expectations and no room for internal drama.
- The Astros have signed the son of a franchise legend to a minor league deal, adding a touch of nostalgia to their spring storyline. Baseball, after all, is a game of generations.
- Emmanuel Clase is making headlines after reports surfaced that he may have rigged a pitch during the postseason. Details are still emerging, but it’s a development worth keeping an eye on.
- And yes, someone got a tattoo that’s already being called one of the coolest in baseball. Because of course they did - it’s Spring Training, and baseball’s back.
Looking Ahead
From roster shakeups to clubhouse dynamics, there’s no shortage of intrigue as teams ramp up for the 2026 season. Whether it’s a veteran like Castellanos learning a new position or stars like Harper and Machado weighing in on the state of the game, this spring is already delivering the kind of storylines that remind us why we love baseball.
So grab your coffee - or your glove - and get ready. The road to Opening Day is underway, and it’s already full of surprises.