Several prospects received good news on March 23, as JJ Wetherholt and Carson Benge will both start 2026 on their respective teams’ MLB roster. Some veterans received positive news, as well, including Reds first baseman Nathaniel Lowe.
Lowe makes Reds
The Reds selected the contract of first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, ensuring that he’ll make the team’s Opening Day roster.
Lowe had a good camp for the Reds, as he slashed .262/.354/.571 with three home runs and seven extra-base hits across 18 Cactus League games.
With Lowe, the Reds have three players who can play first base, although Lowe is the only one of the bunch who is a left-handed hitter. Sal Stewart and Spencer Steer, the latter of whom also played corner outfield in camp, are also options.
Reliever moves
Washington selected left-hander Cionel Perez‘s contract, as he locked up a spot in the Nationals’ bullpen.
The Tigers, meanwhile, signed Connor Seabold to a Major League deal. Seabold struck out 13 over 6.2 IP with the Blue Jays in Toronto’s exhibition schedule.
Tolle among Red Sox demotions
The Red Sox optioned six players to Triple-A Worcester on March 23. Most notably, that list included pitcher Payton Tolle.
Tolle pitched well with the Sox in Florida, as the left-hander struck out 13 over 10 innings and allowed just one walk.
Additionally, Boston optioned Tyler Uberstine, Mickey Gasper, Zack Kelly, Nate Eaton, and Tyler Samaniego.
Twins option two
The Twins optioned Ryan Kreidler and Eric Wagaman to Triple-A St. Paul on the 23rd.
Wagaman, acquired in the offseason, slashed .256/.341/.333 with one home run (his only extra-base hit) in 18 contests.
Other moves
The Nationals recalled pitcher Josiah Gray on March 23, a paper move as he was placed on the 60-day IL with a right flexor strain. Additionally, Washington optioned Orlando Ribalta and Christian Franklin to Triple-A Syracuse.
Houston optioned Shay Whitcomb and Spencer Arrighetti to Triple-A Sugar Land.
The Cubs optioned outfielder Kevin Alcantara and pitcher Javier Assad to Triple-A Iowa.
Texas optioned Michael Helman and Alejandro Osuna to Round Rock.
Tampa Bay acquired Minor League infielder Cooper Bowman from the Athletics for relief pitcher prospect Gerlin Rosario.
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