With spring training officially underway, the baseball world is already buzzing-and for good reason. One early trade has already dropped, and with camps filling up, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow. Here are three key developments to keep an eye on this weekend:
1. Dodgers Pitchers and Catchers Report for Duty
The reigning World Series champs are the final team to get their spring workouts going, with pitchers and catchers reporting today. It’s a new chapter in Los Angeles, and you can feel it in the air.
For the first time in over a decade, there’s no Clayton Kershaw walking into camp. The future Hall of Famer has officially stepped away from the game, and while his presence will be missed, the Dodgers aren’t exactly short on star power.
Two big names will be donning Dodger blue for the first time: Edwin Díaz, the electric closer, and Kyle Tucker, a dynamic outfielder with a bat that can change a game. Both are expected to play pivotal roles in what L.A. hopes will be another deep postseason run.
The Dodgers also made a couple of moves to shore up their positional depth. Enrique Hernández is back on a one-year deal, bringing his trademark energy and versatility.
And Max Muncy, a staple in the Dodgers’ infield, inked another short-term extension-cementing his place as a veteran leader in the clubhouse. It’s a familiar core with some fresh firepower, and the Dodgers are wasting no time getting to work.
2. Zac Gallen Watch: Where Will He Land?
The starting pitching market has thinned out quickly. Chris Bassitt just signed with the Orioles, joining a wave of veteran arms who’ve found new homes-Justin Verlander is heading to Detroit, while José Quintana landed in Colorado.
But one name still hanging in the balance? Zac Gallen.
Baltimore had been one of the more obvious suitors for Gallen, but with Bassitt now in the fold, that door may be closing. The Padres and Diamondbacks still make sense on paper, but financial flexibility could be a sticking point for both clubs.
Then there’s Atlanta. The Braves just lost Spencer Schwellenbach for an extended stretch due to elbow issues, and while Gallen would be a strong fit, the cost-both in dollars and draft compensation-might be too steep for them to pull the trigger.
Gallen is running out of time to join a camp without falling behind the curve. Unless a surprise injury opens up a new opportunity, the market for him is tightening fast. He’s one of the best arms still available, but the clock is ticking.
3. What’s Next for Nick Castellanos?
Nick Castellanos is officially a free agent after the Phillies released him yesterday, ending a drawn-out and increasingly tense standoff. He’s now free to sign with any team for the league minimum, but there are more questions than answers about where he fits.
Castellanos is coming off a rough season at the plate, and his defensive limitations have always been part of the equation. Still, his bat has shown flashes in the past, and there are teams-like the Padres, Guardians, and Royals-that could use a right-handed hitter in their outfield or DH mix.
But the bigger story might be what led to his exit. After being pulled for a defensive replacement in Miami, Castellanos reportedly brought a beer into the dugout mid-game and got into it with manager Rob Thomson.
Teammates had to step in to defuse the situation. That moment, symbolic of a fractured relationship, likely sealed the deal for his release.
Now, Castellanos faces a pivotal moment in his career. Can he find a team willing to take a chance on his upside?
Or will this incident make clubs think twice? Either way, he’s a name to watch as spring training unfolds.
Spring is here, and so is the drama. From roster shakeups to free-agent dominos still waiting to fall, the next few days could set the tone for the entire 2026 season. Stay locked in-baseball’s back.