The Chicago Cubs are firing up Cactus League play again this afternoon, but don’t expect the big guns just yet. I’m betting we’ll see a lineup stacked with prospects and minor leaguers—guys who’ve been itching for a shot.
The regulars who just rolled into town after traveling? Give ‘em a minute to shake off the road dust. This schedule’s been a total mess, and after locking in an 0-2 start, I’m crossing my fingers it doesn’t throw them into a funk when the real MLB season kicks off. They’ve got a week to figure it out—here’s hoping.
Reds Lock In Jose Trevino Early
Over in Cincinnati, the Reds made a move I can’t help but respect, even if it stings to admit it. They snagged veteran catcher Jose Trevino from the Yankees this offseason, and clearly, they saw something special. They’ve already extended the 32-year-old with a deal that hands him $5.25 million in 2026 and 2027, plus a $6.5 million team option for 2028 with a $1 million buyout. He was already set for 2025 at $3.425 million, so this is a bold early commitment.
Trevino’s not gonna light up the scoreboard—his bat’s pretty quiet—but behind the plate? Elite defender. Plus, he’s got all those soft skills you want in a catcher: leadership, grit, the works. Paying a backup catcher that much a year ahead feels steep, but honestly? Smart play by the Reds. Which is why I hate it.
Alex Verdugo Lands With the Braves
Alex Verdugo finally has a home, inking a $1.5 million deal with the Braves. Here’s the twist: they can option him to Triple-A to start, letting him ramp up for the season. The 28-year-old’s been sliding downhill for a while—last year with the Yankees, he hit a measly .233/.291/.356 with an 83 wRC+. I’m honestly shocked he scored guaranteed money, even with the minors clause.
For the Braves, it’s a quirky overpay for flexibility—having a guy like Verdugo stashed as depth. Me? I’d rather roll with MLB prospects like Kevin Alcántara or Owen Caissie at Triple-A for that role, prospect status aside. They feel like the real deal.
Shane Smith Sticks With the White Sox
The White Sox gave their top Rule 5 Draft pick, Shane Smith, some good news: he’s made the team. That means he’s not heading back to the Brewers unless the Sox decide he’s a complete washout—and with their roster, why wouldn’t they hang onto an intriguing pitcher? They’ve got nothing to lose, and if there’s even a whiff of future upside, he’s worth keeping all year. It’s a small hit to the Brewers’ pitching depth, but they left him unprotected for a reason—guess they saw him as replaceable swing depth. I’m rooting for the kid to shine in Chicago.
Quick Hits: Suspensions, Million-Dollar Cards, and More
Arizona Diamondbacks relief prospect Listher Sosa got slapped with an 80-game suspension after a positive PED test. Rough break for him.
Then there’s the Paul Skenes rookie debut patch card—holy cow, it’s a phenomenon. That thing sold at auction for $1.11 million. Get this: that’s 50% more than Skenes will pocket in salary this year. MLB collectibles are wild right now. Speaking of big money, the Tokyo Series raked in over $40 million in gear and collectible sales, per Fanatics. They’re calling it their biggest event ever. Insane.
Mariners’ Nintendo Patch—A Perfect Fit?
The Mariners landed a uniform patch sponsor, and it’s Nintendo—how cool is that? It’s a match made in heaven, but man, that patch is huge. Kinda takes over the jersey, if you ask me. Still, I love the vibe. And since we’re on the topic, if you’re into Nintendo Switch games or gear, Amazon’s got some deals worth peeking at [here]. Check it out if you’re in the mood—I couldn’t resist the plug.-