What is the story about?
Happy Wednesday, everyone! We’re inching ever closer to Truck Day, which means we’re closer than ever to pitchers and catchers reporting. Baseball is almost back! We’re turning our attention to the World Baseball Classic today, as reports are out that Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve will both miss the WBC due to insurance issues. Bo Bichette has pulled out of Team Brazil, while Nolan Arenado joins Team Puerto Rico.
We’ve also got some offseason report cards, and some free agent speculation.
Let’s just
jump right into it!
- Rick Rizzs, the longtime voice of the Mariners, has announced that he will retire after more than 50 years calling professional ball. The 2026 season will be his last. (MLB/Mariners)
- Ben Clemens thinks the Mets are having one heck of an offseason.
- Jay Jaffe does his best to predict the next five years of Hall of Fame elections.
- Michael McDaniel explains why Max Scherzer might hold out to sign with a team until after Opening Day.
- Jim Bowden looks at some big names who could still be traded before Opening Day. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- This is a bummer for Team Brazil.
- Chandler Rome reports that Carlos Correa won’t be playing in the World Baseball Classic as he failed ot receive insurance. (The Athletic subscription required)
- Michael Baumann assesses the move of Harrison Bader to the Giants.
- David Adler looks at some players who could be poised to be the breakout stars of 2026.
- An all-underrated players team to spotlight some undervalued talent. Story by Anthony Castrovince.
- Tim Capurso looks at the nine best signings of the offseason.
- Ken Rosenthal spotlights Brady Anderson, who has been teaching players for years, but only just got his first coaching job at age 62. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Well, this isn’t ideal.
- Amanda Vogt looks at the most baseball town in America.
- Jose Ramirez will be a Guardian for life as Cleveland locks him down for the long haul. Story by Davy Andrews.
- Ben Clemens reports that the White Sox have signed Seranthony Dominguez.
- Mark Feinsand reports on which teams have won the offseason.
- Karl Rasmussen shares that Mookie Betts will coach the Celebrity All-Star Game.
- Freddy Peralta says he would consider a multi-year deal with the Mets. (AP)
- Yasiel Puig used to be the most exciting player in baseball, and now he’s in legal hot water. Story by Sam Blum. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Aaron Judge is a repeat cover star. (Funny that this came just one day after they said there would be no cover star this year, though…)
And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.
