MLB young core rankings, Nos. 30-21: Why Mets, Phillies have long way to go
Which teams have the best building blocks for the present and imminent future? We've ranked all 30 clubs according to their top eight player...MARCH 25
One MLB player to watch from every team: Juan Soto one-and-done with Yankees?
From top prospects debuting to international players moving stateside to young talents potentially becoming stars, here's who we're most exc...MARCH 25
Luke Raley - Comes to life in spring finaleRaley went 2-for-3 with a three-run double in a Cactus League tie with the Cubs on Sunday.
ImpactRaley's acquisition in the Jose Caballero trade to the Rays was lauded at the time, given the 29-year-old's positional versatility and the fact he was coming off the best season of his career at the plate in 2023. However, an utterly forgettable start to Cactus League play that saw Raley go 1-for-23 over his first 10 exhibitions was the source of plenty of frustration. Nevertheless, Raley's bat came around over the latter portion of the Mariners' spring training slate, as he finished 6-for-17 with Sunday's two-bagger and three RBI over his last six contests. Jesus Cano of MLB.com reports that Raley is expected to have a key reserve role this season and serve as a left-handed source of power, and adds that manager Scott Servais never lost confidence in the offseason acquisition despite the early struggles. "He's really strong," Servais said. "You can see it even when he just misses them. He hits them high and he's going to be more consistent. I thought his at-bats were really good today."
MARCH 25•ROTOWIRE
Best bets: 2024 Chicago Cubs World Series odds, win total and moreWith 1B/OF Cody Bellinger leading the way, the 2023 Chicago Cubs scored 819 runs, went 83-79 (.512) and placed 2nd in the NL Central. Scorin...
MARCH 25•AZCENTRAL.COM
Miles Mastrobuoni - Cracks Opening Day rosterThe Cubs informed Mastrobuoni on Monday that he'll be included on the Opening Day roster, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.
ImpactMastrobuoni's ability to win a spot on the Opening Day roster spot initially seemed to be tied to the health of Nick Madrigal (hamstring), but even though Madrigal looks poised to avoid a stint on the injured list to open the season, the Cubs will apparently have room for both players as utility options. Though he's capable of filling in at second base, third base, shortstop and both outfield spots and brings quality speed to the table, Mastrobuoni's status as a left-handed hitter means that he won't be a candidate for a platoon role. Instead, Mastrobuoni is likely to see most of his limited opportunities in the late innings as a pinch runner or defensive replacement.
MARCH 25•ROTOWIRE
Hayden Wesneski - Optioned to Triple-AThe Cubs optioned Wesneski to Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
ImpactWesneski struck out 12 over 11 innings this spring but also allowed 12 runs. The right-hander should join Iowa's rotation and could eventually help the Cubs either in a starting or relief role.
MARCH 25•ROTOWIRE
Best bets: 2024 Seattle Mariners World Series odds, win total and moreThe 2023 season was a roller coaster ride for the Seattle Mariners, who finished with an 88-74 record. They went from 1st place in the AL We...
MARCH 25•AZCENTRAL.COM
