Get ready for an exciting MLB spring training season! After a long winter, baseball is back, and this year promises to be a real doozy. With the defending champion Dodgers aiming for an unprecedented three-peat, the introduction of the ABS challenge system, and the highly anticipated World Baseball Classic, there's plenty to keep an eye on. But today, we're focusing on five key storylines that will shape the spring and potentially the entire 2026 season.
The Blue Jays' Redemption Arc
The Toronto Blue Jays came agonizingly close to dethroning the Dodgers in the 2025 World Series, falling just two outs short. Since then, they've been on a mission to prove they're a force to be reckoned with. This winter, the Blue Jays opened their wallets wide, spending nearly $337 million to bring in some serious talent. The crown jewel of their acquisitions is starter Dylan Cease, who signed a seven-year, $210 million deal. But will Cease live up to his ace potential? And can Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto replicate his 41-homer season from 2023? If so, the Blue Jays could be a formidable force on paper. Spring training will reveal if their big spending pays off.
Mets' Makeover
The New York Mets are looking like a whole new ballgame this season. Longtime fan favorites Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, and Starling Marte have all moved on, making way for a wave of new additions. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns has been busy, clearing the deck and bringing in some fresh faces to avoid another disappointing end to the season. The big signings include Bo Bichette, Devin Williams, Jorge Polanco, and Luke Weaver. But will these new pieces fit together seamlessly? Bichette will be a full-time third baseman for the first time, and Stearns has focused on adding pitching and defense. We'll have to wait until spring training to see if this new-look Mets team can gel.
Orioles' Bounce Back Attempt
The Baltimore Orioles had a rough 2025 season, failing to live up to the hype after a promising 2024 campaign. This offseason, they've been busy trying to turn things around. They signed Pete Alonso to a massive five-year, $155 million deal, hoping his powerful bat will anchor their lineup. Since his debut, Alonso has been on a home run tear, with only Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber hitting more. The Orioles also brought in closer Ryan Helsley, re-signed righty Zach Eflin, and made some trades to bolster their roster. But can they rely on their young core, including Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Jackson Holiday, to step up? New manager Craig Albernaz has a tough job ahead, balancing the old and new to create a cohesive unit. Will the Orioles be able to put 2025 behind them and contend in 2026?
Padres' Sale Saga
The San Diego Padres have been making headlines for all the right and wrong reasons over the past five years, and now they're in the news again due to an impending sale. More than two years after owner Peter Seidler's death, the Seidler family is taking bids for what could be the most expensive MLB sale ever. With one of the league's best ballparks and a passionate fan base, the Padres' franchise value has skyrocketed. In 2025, they sold out 72 home games and finished second in league-wide attendance. Interested parties include Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob, Premier League owners Dan Friedkin and José E. Feliciano, and Clearlake Capital, Feliciano's private equity firm, which owns Chelsea. The Seidler family is seeking a sale price of around $3 billion, which would shatter the previous record set by Steve Cohen's purchase of the Mets in 2020.
The Looming Lockout
As we look forward to the 2026 season, dark clouds are gathering on the horizon. MLB's collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on December 1, and with the hard-won deal coming to an end, labor peace seems unlikely. The financial inequity in baseball has widened significantly since the last agreement in March 2022. Owners are pushing for a hard salary cap, while the MLBPA is unlikely to budge on that front. The league also needs to revamp its revenue-sharing system to ensure fairness, which may involve pooling all TV revenue and distributing it evenly. Another issue is the potential development of an international draft to replace the current signing pool system, which favors teams with deep pockets. Both sides are dug in, and most expect a lengthy lockout that could impact the 2027 season. The vibe around the 2026 campaign feels like a last hurrah before massive changes shake up the sport. Teams have been spending big this offseason, perhaps in anticipation of a chapter closing. Expect plenty of CBA and lockout talk this spring before we can fully focus on the 2026 season.
