Spring Training has officially arrived, signaling that Major League Baseball is back in full swing. Yet despite teams reporting to camp, several key storylines continue to dominate headlines across the league. From potential trades and roster consolidation to injury updates and avoided disasters, the early weeks of the 2026 preseason are already packed with drama.

Three teams in particular — the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, and New York Yankees — are navigating crucial decisions that could shape their seasons. As front offices finalize rosters and evaluate last-minute moves, the league’s rumor mill remains active with speculation and strategic planning.

Yankees Avoid Potential Trade Mistake

The Yankees entered the offseason exploring ways to add offensive depth, and at one point they reportedly considered a trade for veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos. The slugger had been shopped by the Philadelphia Phillies, who were seeking to move his $20 million salary and reset part of their roster.

However, after conducting due diligence and receiving what insiders described as “mixed reviews,” New York ultimately decided against pursuing Castellanos. Instead, the Yankees shifted focus and added veteran hitter Paul Goldschmidt as a right-handed bat off the bench.

In hindsight, that decision may have saved New York from a potentially problematic acquisition. Reports from within Philadelphia suggested that Castellanos struggled with clubhouse chemistry and never fully embraced his role with the team. Concerns about his defensive limitations and strikeout tendencies also factored into the Yankees’ evaluation.

From a performance standpoint, Goldschmidt offered a more dependable alternative. While he may be slightly limited defensively due to positional constraints, his offensive production against left-handed pitching remains elite. Last season, Goldschmidt posted a .981 OPS against southpaws — far superior to Castellanos’ .680 mark in the same split.

The Yankees had considered using Castellanos in a platoon role alongside younger players, potentially at first base or in the outfield. However, his defensive struggles and inconsistent offensive output made him a questionable fit. Ultimately, New York’s pivot to Goldschmidt appears to have been a wise and calculated move.

After parting ways with Philadelphia, Castellanos eventually signed a minimum contract with the San Diego Padres, bringing an end to the trade speculation and confirming that the Yankees narrowly avoided a risky commitment.

Braves Receive Rare Positive Injury Update

While injury news has often plagued Atlanta in recent seasons, the Braves received an encouraging update regarding shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. The offseason acquisition suffered a torn tendon in his finger after an accidental fall on ice in Korea — a non-baseball injury that initially carried a concerning recovery timeline of four to five months.

Kim had re-signed with Atlanta on a one-year, $20 million deal after appearing in 24 games for the team the previous season. His defensive prowess and speed made him an important piece of the Braves’ infield plans for 2026, so the injury was initially viewed as a major setback.

However, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos recently provided a surprisingly optimistic update. According to team officials, Kim could return as early as May — significantly sooner than many initially expected. This timeline suggests he may avoid placement on the 60-day injured list, preserving roster flexibility and allowing Atlanta to maintain stability in the infield.

Kim’s potential early return would be a major boost for the Braves. While he may not be an elite offensive force, he offers a valuable combination of defense, speed, and versatility. In a typical season, Kim is capable of producing around 15 home runs and 30 stolen bases while providing top-tier glove work in the middle infield.

Last season exposed the Braves’ vulnerability at shortstop when injuries forced them to rely on patchwork solutions. If Kim can return near full strength by early May, he could stabilize the position and help the team regain defensive consistency. Even an 80 percent version of his peak performance would represent a significant upgrade.

Orioles Face Roster Crunch and Trade Decisions

Meanwhile, the Orioles are confronting a different type of challenge: too many infield options and not enough roster spots. After an active offseason aimed at boosting immediate contention, Baltimore now finds itself considering trades to balance its roster.

Both Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo have emerged as potential trade candidates. The situation is complicated by injuries and depth concerns. Top prospect Jackson Holliday is expected to miss time with a broken hamate bone in his right hand, creating temporary opportunities for other infielders.

In the short term, Mayo could see action at third base while Jordan Westburg shifts positions. Mountcastle, meanwhile, may serve as depth behind newly signed slugger Pete Alonso and rising catcher/first base option Samuel Basallo.

Despite these short-term needs, Baltimore’s front office continues to explore trade possibilities. Once Holliday returns, the infield will be crowded with right-handed hitters and limited defensive flexibility. Consolidating talent could help address other roster weaknesses, including starting pitching, outfield depth, and left-handed infield options.

Mountcastle appears to be the more likely trade candidate. The 28-year-old is entering the final year of his contract and may not fit into the team’s long-term plans. While his 2025 numbers were modest — a .653 OPS and 83 OPS+ — he previously posted five consecutive seasons with an OPS above .700 and an OPS+ over 100. A bounce-back performance could increase his value on the trade market.

Mayo, on the other hand, represents significant long-term upside. At 24, he remains one of baseball’s most intriguing young prospects and has yet to reach arbitration. His ability to play both third base and first base, combined with his controllable contract, makes him an attractive asset. If Baltimore chooses to shop Mayo, it would likely be in pursuit of a substantial return — potentially a high-level starting pitcher or multiple premium prospects.

Strategic Decisions Could Shape the Season

As Spring Training unfolds, each of these teams faces important decisions that could influence their trajectory in 2026. The Yankees appear relieved to have avoided a potentially risky acquisition, instead opting for a more stable veteran presence. The Braves are cautiously optimistic about a key player’s recovery, offering hope for improved infield stability. Meanwhile, the Orioles must determine how best to manage their surplus of infield talent while addressing roster needs.

For Baltimore in particular, the coming weeks could prove decisive. Consolidating assets through trades may help transform a deep but somewhat imbalanced roster into a more complete contender. Atlanta, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on positive injury news and build momentum after a challenging stretch of seasons. New York’s focus will be on maximizing roster chemistry and avoiding unnecessary risks.

With Opening Day approaching, the MLB landscape continues to evolve. Trades, recoveries, and roster adjustments will shape the competitive balance across the league. As always, the early weeks of the season promise surprises — and the decisions made now could determine which teams ultimately emerge as contenders when October arrives.