MLB Player News
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Carson Kelly C | CHC
Cubs' Carson Kelly: Hits first spring home run
Kelly went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Padres.
Kelly connected in the fifth inning for his first home run of the exhibition slate. The veteran catcher got off to a scorching hot start in 2025 before eventually cooling off, but he still finished with a respectable .761 OPS and 17 home runs across 111 regular-season games. Heading into 2026, Kelly should be Chicago's top backstop again with Miguel Amaya serving in a complementary role. Amaya dealt with a myriad of injuries last year and could push for a larger chunk of playing time this season if he stays healthy, which would allow Kelly to stay fresher but might reduce his fantasy ceiling.
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Yainer Diaz C | HOU
Astros' Yainer Diaz: Return confirmed
Diaz (foot) will be the designated hitter Wednesday and will start at catcher in Friday's Grapefruit League game, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Diaz was delayed due to a foot sprain suffered in the Dominican Winter League, but he isn't too far behind, as he's scheduled to catch in a game before the end of February. Cesar Salazar is Diaz's only backup, so there should be ample playing time available for the latter once he puts the foot sprain behind him.
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Anthony Seigler C | BOS
Red Sox's Anthony Seigler: Nagging knee injury
Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Seigler is nursing a knee injury that he first suffered in the Dominican Winter League, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.
Seigler felt fine at the beginning of camp, but now the knee is barking again. It's not clear whether he will be sent for testing or will simply rest for a bit. Acquired from the Brewers in a trade this offseason, Seigler is competing for a reserve role with the Red Sox.
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Danny Jansen C | TEX
Rangers' Danny Jansen: Pops first homer of spring
Jansen went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run and a walk in Monday's Cactus League game against the Angels.
Jansen pieced together a few strong at-bats during Monday's exhibition. He struck for a two-run home run in the top of the first inning to get his squad on the board, and he later drew a six-pitch walk in the top of the fourth. Jansen hit second in the batting order Monday after being slotted in as the No. 3 hitter in his spring debut Saturday, though this is likely a strategy to get him as many at-bats as possible early in spring training games.
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Drew Millas C | WAS
Nationals' Drew Millas: Making first start of spring
Millas (finger) will start at catcher and bat third in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.
Millas is fully healthy for spring training after he missed the final month of the 2025 season while recovering from surgery to repair a fractured right index finger. The 28-year-old backstop went 0-for-2 while playing four innings behind the plate in his spring debut during Saturday's win over the Astros and will now get his first start of the spring.
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Carter Jensen C | KC
Royals' Carter Jensen: Singles in spring debut
Jensen started at catcher and went 1-for-3 in Sunday's Cactus League win over the Brewers.
Jensen was out of the lineup for the Royals' first two games before making his spring debut Sunday, grounding out in his first two at-bats before pulling a single into right field in the sixth inning before being lifted. One of the most highly touted catching prospects in baseball, the 22-year-old mashed during his brief stint with the Royals in 2025, slashing .300/.391/.550 with nine extra-base hits and 13 RBI across 20 games in September. The presence of franchise icon Salvador Perez is worth noting, but Jensen should still see regular action in the Kansas City lineup in 2026, whether behind the plate or at designated hitter.
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Drake Baldwin C | ATL
Braves' Drake Baldwin: Goes yard Sunday
Baldwin went 2-for-2 with a solo home run in Atlanta's Grapefruit League game against the Twins on Sunday.
The 24-year-old backstop took Taj Bradley deep in the third inning, the only run Atlanta scored off the right-hander. Baldwin took home NL Rookie of the Year honors in 2025, slashing .274/.341/.469 over 124 games with 19 homers and 80 RBI, and he'll be a key part of Atlanta's offense this season.
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Moises Ballesteros C | CHC
Cubs' Moises Ballesteros: Officially with team
Ballesteros reported to spring camp Sunday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Ballesteros has officially joined the Cubs for spring camp after dealing with visa issues entering the United States. Just 22 years old, Ballesteros could compete for the Cubs' DH job after slashing .298/.394/.474 with two homers, 11 RBI and 12 runs across 66 plate appearances for the team in 2025.
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Gary Sanchez C | MIL
Brewers' Gary Sanchez: Making 2026 spring debut
Sanchez (knee) will DH and bat second in Sunday's spring training game against Kansas City.
Sanchez missed the final months of the 2025 season with a knee injury, but he's seemingly fully recovered from the injury. The veteran catcher returns to Milwaukee after a one-year stint in Baltimore, where he slashed .231/.297/.418 with five home runs, 24 RBI and 13 runs scored across 101 plate appearances. The 33-year-old catcher is slated to back up William Contreras, but could see occasional playing time at DH.
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Moises Ballesteros C | CHC
Cubs' Moises Ballesteros: Expected to report Saturday
Ballesteros (personal) is expected to report to spring camp Saturday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.
After working through visa issues that have delayed his entry into the United States, Ballesteros will finally be able to begin preparing for the regular season. The 22-year-old's poor defense will likely keep him from starting behind the plate with the Cubs, but after slashing .298/.394/.474 across 66 regular-season plate appearances last year, he could earn a job as Chicago's primary DH.