The second full week of 2025 MLB Spring Training featured the first slate of games. Not only did we receive our first look at ABS — which was used almost instantly — but also saw Alex Bregman and Juan Soto, among others, make their debuts for their new teams. Here’s a look at the most notable headlines out of Week #2.

Who will play third base in Boston?

Arguably the most notable storyline over the past week was with the Red Sox, and specifically, who will play at third base come the start of the regular season.

Alex Bregman, who signed a three-year deal with Boston in February, spent most of his MLB career at third base, is a former Gold Glove winner, and has significantly better range than Rafael Devers. Devers, however, doesn’t want to move.

“Third base is my position…I don’t know what their plans are. I know we had a conversation. I made it clear, kind of what my desires were and whatever happens from here, I don’t know,” Devers told the media on February 17.

Triston Casas backed Devers up, stating “I think [Devers] is our third baseman…He’s done it for a really long time now, and I think he’s only getting better at the position.”

Bregman was more diplomatic, stating he’ll play wherever in Boston. It’s worth noting that Bregman played at third base in his spring opener on February 23.

Altuve to the outfield?

In other position-related news, Jose Altuve is getting looks in left field. It’s a move that’s been rumored for weeks at the point.

Earlier in the winter, Altuve stated he would move to left to accommodate Alex Bregman if he re-signed with Houston. And in early February, Joe Espada hinted at the idea to give Houston more flexibility.

This past week, Altuve got work in at left field. The shuffle comes amidst personnel changes for the Astros. Kyle Tucker is gone, as is Bregman. Isaac Paredes is now the Astros’ projected third baseman.

The Astros have given Yordan Alvarez time in left field over the years, specifically at home where his defensive inefficiencies would be masked. Alvarez, however, is set to get more in the DH spot. Which, opens up the door for Altuve — who’s seen his defensive ability slip in recent years — to move off second.

Mauricio Dubon, a utilityman, could benefit from the move. As could prospect Brice Matthews, a natural shortstop but blocked with the presence of Jeremy Pena.

Another factor in the equation is Nolan Arenado. Arenado reportedly rejected a trade to go to Houston this winter. But, the Astros are reportedly re-engaged, as Arenado is more open to the idea of joining Houston.

MLB confirms end of deal with ESPN

This past week, Major League Baseball announced that its partnership with ESPN will end after 2025. It followed the New York Times report on February 20 that stated both sides opted out of their negotiated deal. The deal was to end after the 2028 season if the opt-out had not been exercised.

MLB was reportedly unhappy with the “worldwide leader” in sports’ coverage of the network, which heavily features the NFL and NBA during its daytime programming.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred stated in November that he was interested in having all of the league’s TV rights on the table as part of negotiations no later than the 2028 season. But in the interim, MLB will have to figure out where the games aired by ESPN previously will be on for 2026.

ESPN currently has the rights for Sunday Night Baseball, the Home Run Derby, select international games, and the AL & NL Wild Card Rounds.

News from Yankees camp

The Yankees were in the headlines numerous times over the last seven days.

Aaron Judge, speaking to the media this past week, disagreed with ex-teammate Juan Soto‘s statement that he felt the Mets gave him the best chance to win. Judge’s partner-in-crime, Giancarlo Stanton, said he’s unsure if he’ll be available on Opening Day. Stanton said he hadn’t swung a bat in “three or four” weeks.

However, arguably the biggest news came from the front office.

The Yankees rescinded their long-holding grooming policy, allowing players to grow well-trimmed beards. The policy was instituted by former owner George Steinbrenner and saw players with notable beards and/or hairstyles need to adapt to fit in The Bronx.

Johnny Damon shed his long beard and hair after joining the Yankees. And arguably most notable, Oscar Gamble had to cut down his afro, a move that also cost him an endorsement deal (one Gamble confirmed Steinbrenner reimbursed him).

But aside from that, current Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner stated he would consider supporting a salary cap — on certain conditions.

Steinbrenner wants a floor tied to the salary cap, which would force teams on the low-end of the salary lexicon to spend more.

“I have been on the record already saying that I would consider supporting a cap depending on what the cap is and contingent on the fact that there’s also a floor so the clubs that I feel aren’t spending enough money on payroll to improve their team would have to spend more,” he told the media in Florida this past week.

Last month, Steinbrenner stated that it’s hard to keep up with the Dodgers’ spending.

Signings

Aside from the Pirates signing Andrew Heaney, there wasn’t too much action in the free agent market — as expected.

Ross Stripling signed a Minor League deal with the Royals, while Kevin Pillar reportedly joined the Rangers. Left-handed pitchers Matt Moore (Red Sox) and Ryan Yarbrough (Blue Jays) also found homes.

The Brewers signed a pair of outfielders, in Mark Canha and Manuel Margot, both on Minor League deals.

Canha was a revelation for the Brewers in 2023, driving in 33 over 50 games with a .800 OPS after Milwaukee acquired him from the Mets. A hefty team option forced the Brewers to trade him to Detroit in November 2023. Canha posted a solid .344 OPS but didn’t hit for much power between the Tigers and Giants, leading to a .690 OPS.

Margot, meanwhile, spent his 2024 season in Minnesota. He’s a fast, defensively sound outfielder who could make the Brewers’ Opening Day roster. Blake Perkins has a shin injury and is set to miss the start of the year.