What is the story about?
Good morning. This is a little shorter edition than I normally do for this because the overwhelming amount of news over the weekend was about the WBC. I think we have that pretty well covered around here elsewhere. We do have some WBC stuff and some other stuff as well.
- Tigers ace Tarik Skubal had said that he was only going to make one appearance in the World Baseball Classic. But after his start against Great Britain, he said he’s considering agreeing to make one more appearance. Skubal said he found the experience pitching for his country to be very emotional for him.
- Ken Rosenthal writes that no matter what Skubal decides to do, fans should accept his decision. (The Athletic sub. req.)
- Skubal also said that the Tigers have not approached him about a long-term contract extension.
- Another player who had an emotional WBC experience was Great Britain and Angels minor league pitcher Najer Victor after he struck out four stars on Team USA including Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper.
- The importance of the WBC in Japan was highlighted by the Emperor attending the Japan/Australia game. It’s the first baseball game that a sitting Emperor of Japan has attended since 1966.
- Australia captain Tim Kennelly is retiring after the WBC. He hopes to finish his long career in Miami in the single-elimination rounds.
- Mike Axisa explains the insurance issues that have kept some players out of the WBC.
- Axisa also looks at the baseball futures of Team Brazil players Lucas Ramírez (son of Manny) and Joseph Contreras (son of José). And we all feel a little older.
- Andrew Baggarly explains why for teams in the Americas, the WBC is their only chance to qualify for the 2028 Olympics. (The Athletic sub. req.)
- David Adler explains how Team Italy celebrates home runs with espresso.
- Now on to non-WBC news. Braves manager Walt Weiss said he was stunned by Jurickson Profar’s PED suspension. (The Athletic free reg. req.)
- Brittany Ghiroli says that MLB’s drug policy is not strong enough to deter users. (The Athletic sub. req.) Her point is that Profar is still getting paid for 2027, even though the Braves would not have given him a three-year deal if they knew he was using PEDs.
- R.J. Anderson has five prospects who could make Opening Day rosters.
- Brent Maguire has players from the 2024 Draft who could make a big impact in 2026.
- Eno Sarris investigates some intriguing Spring Training roster battles. (The Athletic sub. req.)
- Daniel Kramer wonders who will get the Opening Day start for the Mariners.
- Mike Petriello has some suggestions for the Rockies to start winning more games.
- Jay Jaffe looks at how the Mets are sorting out their options for outfielders. Mike Tauchman is one of the players fighting for a roster spot.
- Ben Clemens praises the control of Blue Jays pitcher Tyler Rogers.
- Andrew McCutchen has signed a minor league deal with the Rangers.
- Angels team president John Carpino has announced his retirement after 23 years in the job. Molly Jolly takes over as the new Angels president, which is a big step up from her previous job as a nursery rhyme character.
- Finally, the Pirates celebrated the 30th birthday of outfielder Jake Magnum with a Pirate-themed birthday cake purchased by Paul Skenes.
