On the heels of a pair of signings, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world today:
1. Kelly, D-backs await MRI results:
Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly was scratched from a scheduled live batting practice over the weekend due to mid-back tightness, according to a report from Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. Kelly and manager Torey Lovullo indicated at the time that the decision was mostly precautionary, but Kelly was still sent for an MRI in order to determine the severity of the issue. Those results are expected back today, writes Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. The veteran Kelly has already been named as the team’s Opening Day starter for 2026, but an injury could end up scuttling those plans. If a trip to the injured list is needed, that could settle the question of who will join Kelly, Zac Gallen, and Ryne Nelson in the rotation; Brandon Pfaadt, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Michael Soroka are vying for the final two spots.
2. When will the pitching market heat up?
Both Michael Conforto and Thairo Estrada found new homes on minor league deals this morning, and first baseman Rhys Hoskins did so yesterday. A number of the top remaining positional free agents have begun coming off the board, but we haven’t seen as much action with the final few names on the pitching market. Starters like Lucas Giolito, Zack Littell and Tyler Anderson remain available, while the relief market still includes names like Michael Kopech, Danny Coulombe and Tommy Kahnle. Whether these pitchers are willing to sit out a significant portion of Spring Training in order to get the best deal possible remains to be seen, but most clubs are just one or two injuries away from feeling pressure to add depth. When will the dam break?
3. Camp battles beginning around the league:
With Spring Training games now underway, players around the league with uncertain roles are set to battle for various jobs. In many cases, that’s due to a surplus of viable options with minimal established talent. The Astros’ outfield, for example, has a number of intriguing players like Cam Smith, Joey Loperfido, and Zach Cole, but only Jake Meyers figures to be handed an everyday job coming into camp. Over in Milwaukee, manager Pat Murphy indicated the Brewers have not yet settled on roles for their high leverage relievers. That leaves 2025 closer Trevor Megill to try and fend off Abner Uribe, Jared Koenig, and any other challengers if he wants to keep his ninth-inning job for 2026. Similar situations will play out around the league, creating plenty of intrigue as fans and teams get back into the swing of another baseball season.
