MLB Summary

MLB's spring training schedule is set to kick off on February 20, featuring seven games including a matchup between the Yankees and the Orioles in Florida, and the Cubs facing off against the White Sox in Arizona, according to recent announcements.

In roster news, the Toronto Blue Jays have confirmed that pitcher Shane Bieber has opted into his $16 million player option for the 2026 season, choosing to remain with the team and forgoing free agency.

On the injury front, the San Diego Padres will be without veteran pitcher Yu Darvish for the entirety of the 2026 season as he has undergone UCL repair surgery on his right elbow. Additionally, the Arizona Diamondbacks have made moves to reshape their roster by outrightting four players off the 40-man roster, including right-handers John Curtiss and Casey Kelly, as well as lefty Kyle Nelson and infielder Connor Kaiser, according to the MLB.com transaction log.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies have exercised their option on left-handed pitcher Jose Alvarado, committing to a $9 million deal for next season, following his three-year, $22 million extension earlier this year.

The New York Yankees have also made roster decisions, picking up the club option on Tim Hill, while Jonathan Loaisiga has hit the free agent market. On the fan engagement front, the Dodgers' recent World Series Game 7 victory garnered an impressive 51 million viewers across the U.S., Canada, and Japan, making it the most-watched game since the 1991 World Series, as reported by various sources.

As the offseason progresses, discussions are heating up regarding potential trade candidates, with the MLB Trade Rumors Podcast highlighting the top names to watch. Meanwhile, immigration rights activists are urging the Los Angeles Dodgers to decline a potential White House visit to celebrate their championship, citing ongoing concerns regarding ICE raids.

In other news, the Milwaukee Brewers have reached a new deal with Main Street Sports, which operates the FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, although details about the length of the agreement remain unclear.

Lastly, as MLB teams prepare for the 2026 season, early power rankings are surfacing, with Los Angeles, fresh off their championship win, expected to be a top contender going forward. The landscape of MLB is shifting as teams evaluate their strategies and rosters in anticipation of the upcoming season.