Happy Monday, baseball fans. We’re officially in the same month that Spring Training gets underway - yes, pitchers and catchers are just days from reporting.
The offseason clock is ticking down, the hot stove is cooling off, and rosters are starting to take their final shape. What we’re seeing now?
That’s pretty close to what we’ll get when the regular season opens.
Let’s dig into some of the key headlines making the rounds today, especially if you’ve got your eye on the NL Central.
Eugenio Suárez Returns to Cincinnati
One of the more intriguing moves of the week: Eugenio Suárez is back in the NL Central - and back in a Reds uniform. It’s a one-year deal, so it’s more of a reunion than a long-term commitment, but for fans who remember his power-hitting days in Cincinnati, it’s a nostalgic return.
For opposing pitchers in the division, it’s a familiar headache. Suárez brings veteran presence and pop to a Reds lineup that’s looking to turn some heads this season.
One year or not, this could be a savvy move for a team trying to stay competitive in a wide-open division.
Luis Arraez to the Giants - and Staying at Second
Luis Arraez is heading to San Francisco, and he’s doing it on his terms. The Giants landed the contact-hitting machine after assuring him he’d be their everyday second baseman.
Arraez has made it clear that he sees himself as a second baseman first, and now he’ll get that opportunity in the Bay Area. For a Giants team that’s been reshuffling its infield puzzle, locking in Arraez at second brings both stability and one of the most consistent bats in the league.
Shohei Ohtani Sits Out WBC, Eyes Regular Season Return
Shohei Ohtani won’t be pitching in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, but the good news for Dodgers fans is that he still expects to be ready for the regular season. Ohtani’s two-way brilliance has been the talk of baseball for years, and while we won’t see him on the mound just yet, all signs point to his bat being in the lineup come Opening Day. The Dodgers are playing the long game here - and with the kind of investment they’ve made, that’s exactly the right call.
Jacob Wilson, A’s Agree to Long-Term Deal
The A’s made a bold move by locking up All-Star infielder Jacob Wilson to a seven-year, $70 million deal. It’s a significant investment for a franchise that’s been in a state of flux, but Wilson’s talent is undeniable.
He’s a cornerstone piece, and this contract signals that Oakland is serious about building around him. In a market where young stars are increasingly being extended early, this is a move that gives the A’s some stability moving forward.
White Sox Swing a Sox-to-Sox Trade for Jordan Hicks
The White Sox added some serious velocity to their bullpen by acquiring Jordan Hicks in a trade with the Red Sox. Hicks, known for lighting up radar guns, gives Chicago a high-octane option late in games - and if he can harness his command, he could be a game-changer. For a White Sox team looking to rebound, this is the kind of upside play that could pay off in a big way.
Bounce-Back Watch: Five Players to Keep an Eye On
Every season has its surprises, and a big part of that comes from players who rediscover their form. This year, five names are drawing attention as bounce-back candidates for 2026.
Whether it’s due to injury, inconsistency, or just a down year, these players have something to prove - and the tools to make it happen. Keep an eye on this group; one or two of them could be major difference-makers.
Padres Keep Making Moves Despite Ownership Uncertainty
Even with a potential sale looming, the Padres aren’t slowing down this offseason. San Diego continues to stay active, making moves that suggest they’re not content to sit back and wait for clarity in the front office. It’s a bold approach, and one that shows the team is still focused on competing - ownership questions or not.
Other Notes Around the League
- Mike Bates, a three-time first-round draft pick who never played a professional game, has passed away.
- Davy Andrews compiled the best wall-smash plays of 2025 - a fun look at the fearless outfielders who treat fences like mere suggestions.
- Michael Baumann explores whether there’s still a role for platoon players in today’s game - a fascinating question as front offices continue to chase efficiency.
As the countdown to Spring Training continues, teams are making their final tweaks, players are ramping up, and fans are starting to dream again. Baseball’s almost back - and the 2026 season is already shaping up to be full of storylines worth watching.