MLB 2026 spring training — five pitchers flying under the radar

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Five spring training performances worth tracking before the season opens: the Cubs' 24-year-old righty who posted 14 swing-and-misses in 12 innings using a new sweeper grip developed in the Arizona fall league. The Marlins lefty who has added 2mph to his fastball through a mechanics adjustment and is now sitting 94-95 instead of 91-92. Atlanta's reliever who converted to a starter role in winter ball and is showing starter durability without losing his elite slider. The Royals fourth starter who nobody is talking about because they finished last year but whose ERA+ was 128 in the second half. And the Padres' 22-year-old whose stuff is legitimately top-30 in baseball already.

Five spring training performances worth tracking before the season opens: the Cubs' 24-year-old righty who posted 14 swing-and-misses in 12 innings using a new sweeper grip developed in the Arizona fall league. The Marlins lefty who has added 2mph to his fastball through a mechanics adjustment and is now sitting 94-95 instead of 91-92. Atlanta's reliever who converted to a starter role in winter ball and is showing starter durability without losing his elite slider. The Royals fourth starter who nobody is talking about because they finished last year but whose ERA+ was 128 in the second half. And the Padres' 22-year-old whose stuff is legitimately top-30 in baseball already.

Boston vs Minnesota defense is a genuine debate. I slightly favor Boston but I recognize that schedule strength argument is real.

The Giannis health tracking is the most important NBA story right now. Milwaukee's offense reverts to league-average without him as the primary creator.