MLB Player News

Mize figures to compete for a back-end rotation spot in spring training, though he may ultimately end up in a long-relief role in 2025, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Tarik Skubal is the unquestioned staff ace, and Reese Olson and newcomer Alex Cobb figure to slot in behind him. Top prospect Jackson Jobe also seems likely to grab a rotation spot this spring, which would leave Mize and the likes of Brant Hurter, Keider Montero and others to compete for the fifth spot. Mize, the top pick of the 2018 draft, has flashed potential as a starter in the majors but has yet to truly live up to his potential. Injuries have been part of the issue, so the Tigers may decide to shift the 27-year-old into long relief in the hope of keeping him healthier and more effective.

Jobe seems likely to claim an Opening Day rotation spot if he has an effective spring, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Jobe made his MLB debut last year and has a ton of upside, so the Tigers understandably want to see him claim a rotation spot right out of the gates. It's possible that the 22-year-old needs a little more seasoning in the minors, though it seems as if he's ready to make a big impact in 2025 either way. While there will likely be some growing pains, Jobe has overpowering stuff and could be a breakout fantasy performer once he gets comfortable against MLB hitters. He's already a top dynasty target and should pick up steam in redraft formats.

Jung (wrist) is the mix for an Opening Day bench role this spring, though he may also begin the year at Triple-A Toledo, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Jung made his MLB debut in 2024 and slashed .241/.362/.304 in 34 games. The 24-year-old still has plenty of upside, though with the Tigers adding Gleyber Torres in the offseason, their infield is now a bit more crowded in the short term. That could leave Jung to compete with the likes of Andy Ibanez, Zach McKinstry and others for a utility role off the bench. Jung underwent minor wrist surgery in December, but he should be ready to go for spring training, and a strong exhibition showing would help his cause.

Whitlock (elbow) said last Monday that he expects to have a "regular spring training," Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. "They've got me built out, so I'll just join right in with the group and just go from there," the pitcher said.

Transitioning from starter to reliever hastens Whitlock's return to action. The right-hander won't need to build up to the 70-80 pitch range over the spring, which gives him a chance to be available for Opening Day.

Garcia (knee) had a normal offseason progression following eight weeks of rehab after the end of the 2024 season, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Garcia dealt with a left patella tendon injury during the 2024 season, but neither he nor Texas president of baseball operations Chris Young believe it was the cause of the slugger's down year. An All-Star in 2023, Garcia slumped to a .684 OPS last year and started chasing more pitches, dropping from the 42nd percentile to the 17th. He noted there was extra movement in his swing and worked during the offseason to eliminate it.

Leiter lost his arbitration case against the Yankees on Saturday and will make $2.05 million in 2025, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Leiter posted a 4.98 ERA and 1.71 WHIP after being traded from Chicago to New York at last season's trade deadline. His underwhelming performance in pinstripes likely caused the arbitrators to side with the club and will ultimately result in him making $450,000 less than the $2.5 million he filed for. The 33-year-old righty is expected take on a role in middle relief for New York in 2025.

India (ankle) said Saturday that he has talked with the Royals about playing third base and left field in addition to second base, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

India has never fielded a position other than second base at the major-league level, though he served primarily as a third baseman in the minors back in 2019. Left field, on the other hand, will be a completely new experience for the 28-year-old, but he cited his athleticism as a reason to believe he'll succeed in the new role. The Royals will likely start India in left field several times during spring training, though it's unclear how often he will venture away from the keystone once the regular season begins.

Cecconi will build up as a starter during spring training, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Cecconi, who was acquired from Arizona during the offseason, worked as a starter and reliever with the Diamondbacks, although he was knocked around in both roles. The Guardians' front office was concerned about starting depth entering the offseason, and they've worked to address that, adding Cecconi and Luis Ortiz, but there are still unknowns. Both Gavin Williams and Triston McKenzie had rocky campaigns in 2024, which opens a crack for Cecconi to emerge as a member of the rotation that opens the season.

Brennan and Jhonkensy Noel enter spring training in a competition for the starting job in right field, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Brennan made most of his starts in right field in 2024, but the left-handed hitter platooned at the position in the second half after the righty-swinging Noel was called up late June. Brennan burst onto the scene in 2022 but failed to replicate his success the last two seasons, hitting just 13 home runs with a .673 OPS over 252 games. The Guardians would like to get more power out of the corner outfield positions, particularly after the team traded Josh Naylor during the offseason. Enter Noel, who went deep 13 times in 67 games after his call-up. He presents issues, too, so the eventual starter may emerge from outside this duo.

Noel and Will Brennan enter spring training in a competition for the starting job in right field, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Those two platooned in right for the second half of 2024, and that arrangement could return this season. The Guardians would like to have a bat that replaces the power lost when Josh Naylor was traded to Arizona. Brennan hasn't replicated the promise he showed when he first appeared in the majors in 2022. The right-handed hitting Noel bopped more home runs (13) and slugged higher (.486) than Brennan (eight, .388), but he could be a liability against righty pitching and needs to improve selectivity at the dish to become a lineup regular. Noel had a 31.8 strikeout percentage with a chase percentage of 45.0, both among the lowest in MLB. If neither player delivers what manager Stephen Vogt wants, Cleveland could seek another option.