Overview
- Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet confirmed he turned down Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, citing innings management and the recent birth of his daughter after a 213-inning 2025 workload.
- Boston rebuilt its rotation with Sonny Gray, Ranger Suárez and Johan Oviedo and continues to explore a trade for a right‑handed infielder or bat as infield roles remain unsettled.
- Righthander Kutter Crawford’s buildup was delayed by a flu bout that cost him about 10 pounds, though he has resumed bullpen sessions in Fort Myers.
- The Cubs report with major additions Alex Bregman (five years, $175 million) and Edward Cabrera, using camp to sort a versatile bench, potential DH at-bats for Moisés Ballesteros and late-inning bullpen roles.
- Yankees manager Aaron Boone previewed an early rotation of Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, Ryan Weathers and Luis Gil as Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole work back, with bullpen depth still under scrutiny.