The first week of official 2025 Spring Training workouts is in the books, as we draw closer and closer to Opening Day. It was marked by several notable injury updates, plus signings and several notable names reporting for camp. Here’s what went down during Week #1 of MLB Spring Training.
Stanton may miss Opening Day
The Yankees got 114 games in the regular season last year out of Giancarlo Stanton, the third consecutive season the former MVP played less than 130. The star slugger dealt with injuries yet again — and Stanton is hurt yet again heading into 2025 Spring Training.
Manager Aaron Boone stated Stanton has tendinitis in both elbows, meaning he could be out for Opening Day against the Brewers. However, the Yankees aren’t putting a timetable on his return.
“We’re just going to be smart with it…I’m expecting him to be OK. It’s just a matter of when we’re going to start really rolling it out to feel like — give us the best chance to get as much of him as we can,” Boone told reporters this weekend.
The Yankees manager also said this has been a recurring issue and will likely be a concern throughout 2025.
With Juan Soto no longer in The Bronx, and question marks abound the Yankees lineup, losing Stanton for any period of time is a tough blow. But, Stanton hasn’t had a season where he hasn’t landed on the IL since 2018.
Yelich is on track to return
Brewers OF/DH Christian Yelich stated he should be ready for Opening Day, significant after he missed the second half of 2024 after unsuccessful back rehab, and ultimately, needing surgery.
Back problems have been an issue for Yelich over the last few years. However, he had his best season since 2019 last year, as Yelich slashed .315/.406/.504 (.909 OPS) with 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases.
As for other Brewers-related news, Sal Frelick entered camp in Arizona heavier — which, was the plan. The 2024 NL Gold Glover was up to 189 pounds during his physical, up from the 167 he was at to the end of 2024.
Frelick’s never been an SLG guy and likely never will be. The former first-round pick is a hit-first player with a penchant for putting bat to ball and using his speed to his advantage. However, a leaner, stronger Frelick could mean he’ll not be able to gas out throughout the year.
That’s exactly the mindset behind what the Brewers entailed for him this offseason (h/t MLB.com).
Bregman reports to Red Sox camp
This past weekend, Alex Bregman reported to Red Sox after signing a three-year, $120MM deal to take his act to Boston. However, where he’ll play remains unclear.
Manager Alex Cora wouldn’t commit to what position the Red Sox plan to stick him. However, Cora said he thinks Bregman would be able to take to second just fine.
As we noted when Bregman signed, the ex-Astro is a former Gold Glover with very good range. However, the Sox have Rafael Devers on their roster. Devers is a below-average fielder at third but the issue is the logjam in their lineup.
Boston has Triston Casas entrenched at first, and Masataka Yoshida as the team’s primary DH. Casas doesn’t have much in the way of defensive versatility. And with Yoshida, he’s a fringe outfielder Boston doesn’t like to use much in the field.
So did Arenado
Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado‘s name was also thrown around this winter. St. Louis was adamant about dealing the former NL MVP finalist, whose offensive performances have been down over the last two seasons. However, no deal came to fruition.
Arenado talked about the whirlwind offseason but noted he’s now focused on the 2025 campaign. “‘I’m excited to get to work. I’m a ballplayer, and I’m really focusing on getting ready for the season.”
The Cardinals third baseman confirmed he was willing to waive his no-trade clause to ” five or so” teams, a list that reportedly included the Red Sox, Yankees, and Dodgers.
Signings, signings, signings
The Nationals signed Paul DeJong on February 16, adding to their current collection of infielders that includes CJ Abrams, Jose Tena, and Luis Garcia Jr.
DeJong blasted 24 home runs last season, success he attributed to getting back to his old swing mechanics. He can play short and third.
As for the Twins, Ty France will head to Minnesota after spending last year with Seattle and Cincinnati.
France hasn’t been the same since the second half of 2022. Between 2023-24, France slashed .243/.323/.366 (.688 OPS) over 298 games, a far cry from the .813 OPS he had with Seattle in 2021.
The 30-year-old can get on base, as France has a natural habit of getting hit. He led the Majors in hit by pitches in both 2021 and 2023. On the other hand, France hasn’t hit for much pop over the last two seasons, even though he was a 20-home run player in 2022.
It made sense for the Twins to target a first baseman after Minnesota lost Carlos Santana to free agency. Aside from France, Minnesota also had Jose Miranda and Edouard Julien as first base options.
Other notable news
As we noted earlier in the week, we received updates on various injured players.
- Ronald Acuna Jr. stated he’s close to 100% after a torn ACL last spring.
- The Guardians provided injury updates on David Fry and Shane Bieber, among others.
- Yankees right-hander Marcus Stroman reported to camp after past trade rumors.
- Outfielder Starling Marte confirmed the Mets tried to trade him in the offseason. Not only did the Mets add Juan Soto but also ex-Ray Jose Siri.
- Anthony Rendon will be out “long-term” thanks to hip surgery.
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