Spring Training Buzz: Trout’s Return to Center, Castellanos’ Fresh Start, and Cohen’s Captain Call
Spring training is officially underway, and while the Los Angeles Dodgers chase a potential three-peat, the rest of Major League Baseball is buzzing with storylines that could shape the 2026 season. From a future Hall of Famer returning to his comfort zone in the outfield, to a slugger looking for redemption in a new city, to a bold front-office stance in Queens-there’s no shortage of intrigue as camps open across Florida and Arizona.
Mike Trout Is Headed Back to Center Field
Mike Trout is going back to where it all began-center field.
After spending much of last season in right field and at designated hitter, the Angels’ longtime superstar is set to reclaim his spot in the middle of the outfield. First-year manager Kurt Suzuki believes Trout is still the best option to handle center, and the 34-year-old is more than ready for the challenge.
“I just feel comfortable out there,” Trout said. “I feel like I’m at my best when I’m in center.”
It’s a notable move, especially considering Trout’s recent history with injuries. But interestingly enough, he believes the switch could actually be easier on his body.
“Honestly, I felt like when I was in center, it was less on my body than the corners,” Trout explained. “To be honest, right field, I felt like I was running a lot.
But it’s just like a preference thing. Talking to some other outfielders and they’re saying that they feel the same way sometimes; center is less on your legs.”
That might sound counterintuitive at first-center field typically covers more ground-but Trout’s instincts and experience in the position may allow him to move more efficiently and avoid the stop-start bursts required in the corners. If he can stay healthy, this shift could be a key piece of the Angels’ plans to stay competitive in a loaded AL West.
Nick Castellanos Looks to Reboot in San Diego
Nick Castellanos’ exit from Philadelphia wasn’t exactly storybook. His bat cooled off, tensions with manager Rob Thomson boiled over, and a dugout incident involving a beer raised eyebrows across the league. But now, in San Diego, Castellanos has a clean slate-and he’s owning his past missteps.
“I let the emotions get the best of me in the moment,” he said. “Going forward, possibly if I see things that frustrate me or I don’t believe are conducive to winning... [It’s about] not letting things just pile up over time so when I address it, it’s less emotional.”
That kind of self-awareness could go a long way in a Padres clubhouse that’s seen its own share of ups and downs in recent years. Castellanos still brings value with his power and veteran presence, and if he can channel that edge in a positive direction, he could be a difference-maker in the heart of San Diego’s lineup.
The Padres are betting on a bounce-back-and Castellanos sounds like a player motivated to deliver one.
Steve Cohen Shuts Down Mets’ Captain Talk
In New York, Mets owner Steve Cohen is making it clear: there won’t be a team captain under his watch.
“As long as I’m owning the team, there will never be a team captain,” Cohen said. “That was my decision. My view is the locker room is unique, and let the locker room sort it out year in, year out.”
It’s a firm stance from an owner who’s never been shy about making bold declarations. Reports suggest some players pushed for a captain last season, but Cohen’s philosophy is to let leadership emerge naturally within the clubhouse, without the need for formal titles.
Whether that approach fosters cohesion or creates questions about accountability remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: in Cohen’s Mets universe, the players will have to lead from within-no “C” on the jersey required.
With spring training just kicking off, these storylines are only beginning to unfold. But whether it’s Trout chasing one more elite season in center, Castellanos looking to rewrite his narrative, or the Mets navigating their identity under Cohen’s ownership, the early headlines are already setting the tone for what’s shaping up to be another compelling MLB season.