WBC 2026: Team Japan players who could be MLB's next stars  —  Three years ago, Japan toppled the United States to win the World Baseball Classic thanks to Shohei Ohtani's two-way exploits, punctuated by his strikeout of Mike Trout to seal the victory.  Ohtani was the star of the show, but he wasn't the only star.

Passan's MLB season preview: Predictions, fantasy tips, more  —  The 2026 MLB regular season is less than two weeks away, with the New York Yankees visiting the San Francisco Giants in a March 25 season opener followed by a full schedule of Opening Day games the next day.

Texas Rangers adding to bullpen, finalizing contract with veteran lefty reliever  —  The move helps address two potential issues in the Rangers' bullpen. … SURPRISE, Ariz. — The ongoing work-in-progress that is the Rangers' 2026 bullpen will add another veteran candidate to the mix.

D-backs' Corbin Burnes Reaches Major Recovery Milestone  —  An encouraging step forward. … Arizona Diamondbacks' rehabbing ace Corbin Burnes threw his first bullpen session since sustaining an elbow injury that would require Tommy john surgery in 2025 on Friday, according to a report …

Brewers hopeful Quinn Priester (wrist) avoids surgery  —  The Milwaukee Brewers' rotation will be without right-hander Quinn Priester for the start of the regular season because of an ongoing wrist issue.  —  Speaking Thursday from spring camp in Goodyear, Arizona, Brewers manager Pat Murphy …

Utley to be inducted into Phillies Wall of Fame on Aug. 7  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - This summer, Chase Utley will be inducted into the Phillies' Wall of Fame.  —  In 2027, he could be headed to Cooperstown, N.Y.  —  Phillies owner John Middleton on Thursday morning announced that Utley …

Bazzana returns to Guardians camp after ‘crazy emotion’ of the Classic  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — A lively atmosphere enveloped the Tokyo Dome on March 4, as a flurry of fans cheered on Chinese Taipei during its World Baseball Classic matchup against Australia.  In the seventh inning, Travis Bazzana flipped the script.

Dominican Republic ties WBC HR record with walk-off blast that ousts Korea  —  Share full article  —  MIAMI — The party just won't stop for the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic.  —  Austin Wells crushed a first-pitch cutter in the bottom of the seventh inning …

Progress for Snell, but he and Dodgers know patience is key  —  Ohtani tosses bullpen session with Team Japan in Classic warm-up  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — Dodgers camp may be winding down, but Blake Snell's figurative spring is just beginning.  —  The Dodgers' left-hander threw …

This Royals reliever has strong pitching metrics.  Can it lead to breakout year?  —  AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.  — Royals traded Zerpa, got OF Isaac Collins and also acquired reliever Nick Mears.  — Mears posted a 33.5% chase rate, 2.1 BB/9 and 95.4 mph heater.

I watched Gerrit Cole's latest big step in his Yankees return.  Here's what I saw  —  Share full article  —  TAMPA, Fla. — A power washer who had to be stopped.  A malfunctioning PitchCom.  A spotty Automated Ball-Strike system.  —  Gerrit Cole barreled through it all as The Athletic documented …