The games may not have counted. But the lessons sure did.
For teams around the Majors, the past six weeks under the sun in Florida and Arizona delivered some important revelations that could impact them well beyond the start of the regular season.
With the help of our beat reporters, here is the most important thing each club learned at Spring Training this year.
Jump to: AL East | AL Central | AL West | NL East | NL Central | NL West
AL EAST
Blue Jays: No amount of pitching depth can ever be enough
Over and over again, we’ve been left to wonder where the Blue Jays’ latest pitching addition will fit in. Each time, it takes care of itself. Max Scherzer’s signing looked like complete excess at the time, but Shane Bieber has been delayed by forearm fatigue and José Berríos has run into elbow issues. On top of that, Trey Yesavage will begin the season on the IL with a right shoulder impingement. If we’ve learned anything here, it’s that the Blue Jays’ rotation will take on a dozen different shapes as the year goes on. In a perfect world, they’ll reach a point where 7-8 healthy starters are competing. For now, all of that excess depth is already saving the Blue Jays from what could have been an ugly situation.
Orioles: Pete Alonso is the type of leader this team had been missing
Alonso’s numbers during his seven-year MLB career are impressive, and they’re a big reason why the O’s signed the slugging first baseman to a five-year $155 million deal. But the 31-year-old brings much more to the team than that, as he showed every day of Spring Training. Whether it was rallying the pitchers together during fielding practice or giving teammates hitting tips from the top step of the dugout during games, his leadership qualities were on display quite often in camp. A veteran addition to a Baltimore core that is still quite young, Alonso’s leadership, knowledge and experience could help get the O’s back on track after a disappointing 2025.
Rays: Shane McClanahan looks like himself
As a group, the Rays’ outfield has arguably been the highlight of Spring Training. On an individual level, though, nothing has been more significant than the way McClanahan has looked in his return to the rotation. The two-time All-Star hasn’t pitched in a Major League game since August 2023 due to Tommy John surgery and a nerve issue in his left triceps, but he has checked every box in his gradual build-up this spring. The lefty’s velocity keeps ticking up with every outing, and his changeup remains a devastating weapon. His innings will surely be managed, which is why he’ll round out the season-opening rotation in the No. 5 spot, but he has answered questions about his potential effectiveness every time he’s taken the mound.
Red Sox: Roman Anthony appears ready for stardom
Considering that Anthony took just 257 at-bats before his season-ending oblique injury in 2025, the expectations heading into this season feel rather high, even for a player with such immense talent. But when Anthony was added to Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, he couldn’t have been more comfortable in the spotlight, belting two key home runs and being named the left fielder for the All-Tournament team. With a keen batting eye, raw power and solid defensive skills, the 21-year-old appears ready to become one of MLB’s most impactful stars.
Yankees: These Yankees are pitching rich
There was a lot of early talk about how the Yankees were “running it back,” and that’s largely true -- most of the faces are familiar. But this spring underlined the group’s potential pitching upside, helmed by Max Fried and set to receive a full year of Cam Schlittler, with reinforcements like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón on the way. Ryan Weathers is a project, but Will Warren had a strong spring. No one may have generated more attention than Carlos Lagrange, whose triple-digit heat has the righty banging on the big league door. Elmer Rodriguez and Ben Hess could also see time in the Bronx this year.
AL CENTRAL
Guardians: Chase DeLauter looks ready for takeoff
We’ve known DeLauter (the Guardians’ No. 2 prospect and No. 46 overall, according to MLB Pipeline) has plenty of talent, and that it has just been a matter of him staying on the field. But he's blown that prognostication out of the water this spring while crushing Cactus League pitching. He has a special blend of power and plate discipline that has been on full display, and he has been steadily durable. It's exciting to dream on how that could translate into the regular season, in which he's set to be a key fixture in a Cleveland lineup that could use his thump.
Royals: There’s some good pitching depth
The Royals will break camp with the five starters we expected them to: Cole Ragans, Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Kris Bubic and Noah Cameron. Bailey Falter is likely to appear out of the bullpen as a swingman/long reliever. That means Ryan Bergert will begin the season in Triple-A as the first pitcher the Royals turn to when they need depth, and Stephen Kolek won’t be far behind as he rehabs from an oblique strain. What this spring showed was that Bergert probably deserved to be on the team -- but the Royals ran out of room. That’s a great problem to have, and they know they’ll be relying on Bergert throughout the season.
Tigers: Kevin McGonigle can handle shortstop
The Tigers have a decision to make on whether to promote their top prospect (No. 2 overall) to the Majors for Opening Day, but any question about his defense should be pretty well answered. Alternating between shortstop and third base for most of Spring Training, McGonigle showed the ability to react and adjust at both, making fundamental plays consistently along with a handful of gems. His ability to turn the double play at either spot is impressive, particularly with a quick release.
Twins: The kids are coming
This may be a transitional year for the Twins, but if it is, it may be a transition to an exciting future. The club’s top prospects showed out in a big way this spring, headed by Emmanuel Rodriguez, whose power and speed combination flashed throughout camp. Rodriguez is joined by Walker Jenkins, Kaelen Culpepper and Gabriel Gonzalez on the offensive side, and thrilling young arms like Kendry Rojas and Connor Prielipp. Every one of them gave reason to be excited this spring.
White Sox: The team is prepared
Stop us if you’ve heard this before, and with the White Sox, you have. But under manager Will Venable and his staff, the 2026 White Sox have carved out an identity before the first pitch of the regular season has been thrown. That identity took root in the second half of 2025, with the young core getting valuable on-field experience and seeing consistently positive results. Now the focus is on winning games, with an aggressive style of taking extra bases whenever possible and making the right plays defensively.
AL WEST
Angels: There are finally some impressive young arms in the organization
The Angels have been quietly building solid pitching depth with plenty of upside, as 19 of their Top 30 prospects are pitchers and several showed off impressive velocities both in camp and during Spring Breakout. No. 2 prospect Ryan Johnson pitched his way onto the Opening Day roster for a second straight year, while No. 19 prospect Walbert Urena also could make the club. No. 5 prospect George Klassen is also on the cusp of the Majors while No. 1 prospect Tyler Bremner could impact the rotation despite being selected just last year as the No. 2 overall pick in the Draft.
Astros: The rotation could be a strength
Despite losing workhorse starter Framber Valdez to free agency following last season, the Astros have built what is shaping up to a formidable rotation, which is anchored by American League Cy Young finalist Hunter Brown. The Astros’ two biggest offseason additions, Japanese star Tatsuya Imai and Mike Burrows, have had terrific springs and should slot in nicely behind Brown. If Lance McCullers’ strong spring carries into the season, that would be a huge development. Then there’s Cristian Javier, who’s looking for his first full healthy season since 2023.
Athletics: This offense is going to absolutely rake
From reigning American League Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz and runner-up Jacob Wilson, to middle-of-the-order threats Shea Langeliers, Brent Rooker and Tyler Soderstrom, a Lawrence Butler intent on bouncing back, and now Max Muncy, who has taken a big step forward as arguably the A’s top hitter this spring, there is no easy out in this lineup. Entering Saturday, the A’s led the Majors this spring in home runs (52) and ranked second in OPS (.860) and runs scored (178).
Mariners: Farm system thriving -- with potential contributors in '26
When your team has legitimate World Series aspirations like Seattle does, the farm system isn't supposed to be the main story. But the high-upside trio featuring infielder Colt Emerson (MLB Pipeline’s No. 9 overall prospect) and starting pitchers Kade Anderson (No. 21) and Ryan Sloan (No. 33) have shined enough to where they’ve boosted their chances of being part of Seattle’s plans in 2026. Emerson will be their shortstop of the future, Anderson will be among their next wave of homegrown starters and the 20-year-old Sloan has all the makings of an arm that might record consequential outs in October. It’s rare that you see an organization with as much big league talent potentially leaning on prospects in an anticipated playoff run. And that’s what’s made this camp so fascinating.
Rangers: Addition by subtraction may have been the correct play offensively
The Rangers offense has had two straight years of regression across the board. The front office didn’t undergo a full-scale overhaul of the position player group, instead deciding to trade Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo and non-tender Adolis García and Jonah Heim. In a small sample this spring, it’s paid off, with Texas averaging 6.1 runs per game (5.16 R/G in 2025 Spring Training). Spring Training stats only mean so much, but there’s clearly been a collective change in approach at the plate up and down the lineup.
NL EAST
Braves: The kids may be needed early
The starting pitching depth was depleted as Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep and Joey Wentz were all lost during Spring Training. But J.R. Ritchie (Braves No. 2 prospect) and Didier Fuentes (No. 3) provided indication they could be reliable if called upon during the early part of the season. Along with these two pitching prospects making a strong impression, the team was encouraged to see both Grant Holmes and Reynaldo López show that they have both distanced themselves from the injuries that shut them down last year.
Marlins: Off to the races
Miami fielded one of the Majors’ youngest clubs in 2025, and the team wants to capitalize on that athleticism this upcoming season. Entering Sunday, the Marlins had stolen 45 bases -- second most this spring -- and been caught only 10 times. Position players wore GPS units during camp to monitor workload and competed for the fastest sprint speeds. With the expectation of more close games in 2026, every 90 feet will matter for Miami.
Mets: The rotation could be much improved
At least, that’s the hope for a starting unit that imploded over the final four months of last season. While concerns linger about Sean Manaea’s fastball velocity, the Mets no longer need Manaea to lead their rotation. Instead, Freddy Peralta is here, looking every bit like the multi-time All-Star he’s been. Nolan McLean may eventually supplant Peralta as the team’s ace, while Clay Holmes and David Peterson could form one of the more impressive back-end tandems in baseball. Then there’s Kodai Senga, the wild card of this six-man rotation. He looked better than ever in Spring Training, producing a 1.86 ERA over three starts while flashing 99 mph heat. If Senga can maintain that success into the regular season, it will be a boon for the Mets.
Nationals: Measured approach with development, health
This was exemplified when the Nationals optioned 2023 No. 2 overall pick Dylan Crews to Triple-A after he struggled in camp. They also optioned catcher Harry Ford (No. 71 overall prospect) to get consistent playing time, and right-hander Josiah Gray will begin the season with the Red Wings instead of in the starting rotation as he builds back up from Tommy John surgery. Said first-year president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, “If we were just focused on winning this coming year and not focused on anything beyond that, we're probably mortgaging the whole future for the present, which I'm not sure a lot of organizations would do right now."
Phillies: The bullpen might be better
The Phillies haven’t had a certified closer since Jonathan Papelbon left the team in 2015. They’ve got Jhoan Duran now. Phillies relievers love the fact that they should have more defined roles in 2026. The ninth inning is Duran’s. Behind him are right-hander Brad Keller and left-hander Jose Alvarado. Behind them are right-handers Orion Kerkering and Jonathan Bowlan and left-handers Tanner Banks and Kyle Backhus. Rob Thomson said before camp that this might be the best bullpen he’s had since becoming manager in June 2022. Nothing he’s seen this spring has changed his mind.
NL CENTRAL
Brewers: They are going to miss Freddy Peralta
Brandon Woodruff won't be ready for Opening Day and Quinn Priester is sidelined for a month or so by thoracic outlet syndrome. Kyle Harrison ended the spring managing a minor blister issue and Logan Henderson was optioned down after being slowed by a sore elbow. Jacob Misiorowski will start Opening Day after making only 14 starts as a rookie. The Brewers love the promise of this young group of starting pitchers and think they’ll once again be among MLB’s best run-prevention units, but they are already missing the stability provided by Peralta in recent years. Such is life in a small market, where teams are constantly turning over established talent for young players with upside. The Brewers’ recent track record suggests they will make it work.
Cardinals: Young at heart
The Cardinals are not going to be pushovers even though they are one of the youngest teams in the Major Leagues -- at least that’s what they showed during Spring Training. Cardinals Nation will see a newcomer like second baseman JJ Wetherholt (MLB Pipeline's No. 5 prospect) make his mark on offense, while opposing hitters are expected to have problems with right-hander Michael McGreevy. If the Cardinals are going to win more than they lose, they have to pitch well, play great defense and play small ball in the batter’s box. St. Louis doesn’t have the power to wait for the three-run homer unless players like Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker provide the thump that’s needed.
Cubs: Shota Imanaga looks primed for a big comeback
Imanaga was never quite the same after a hamstring injury in May last season, leading to a situation where he was trying to gain back velocity at the expense of command. It created issues with allowing homers (31 in 25 starts) and the Cubs cautious about handing him the ball in October. After renegotiating his contract over the winter, Imanaga showed up to camp in great shape and with his delivery back in order. The lefty averaged 90.8 mph on his fastball in 2025, but has been around 92.5 mph this spring with multiple pitches topping 94. He had one spring start with 25 whiffs, too. It all could point to Imanaga looking more like the pitcher who was an All-Star and Cy Young contender in 204.
Pirates: Offseason moves can make a difference
After Pittsburgh finished last in MLB in runs scored last season, the Bucs’ front office took its offseason assignment seriously. The offense saw a nice boost this spring with newcomers Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn and Marcell Ozuna slotted into the lineup. Sure, it’s a small sample size, but the heart of the lineup is looking a lot more formidable than it did in 2025, and those guys bring proven bats that can only benefit the Pirates as they work to move toward contention -- and get ace Paul Skenes a little more run support -- in 2026.
Reds: Even when you think there's enough pitching, you need more
That's paraphrasing an adage manager Terry Francona often uses and it could come into play during the first half. From the rotation, Hunter Greene will be out until at least July after having bone chips removed from his right elbow via arthroscopic surgery. Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson both missed all of 2025 with injuries and will have to be watched closely, which could preclude deep outings. And Chase Burns is only in his second year of pro ball and his power right arm will be protected, especially as he improves range of motion and his between-starts routine. While the Reds' starting pitching depth is still enviable, they can ill-afford an injury to Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo or Brady Singer that would test that depth.
NL WEST
D-backs: Jordan Lawlar looks good in the outfield
With shortstop Geraldo Perdomo signed to a long term contract and looking like a breakout star, the Diamondbacks wanted to find a place for Lawlar to play. Lawlar, an outstanding prep shortstop, was selected sixth overall by Arizona in the 2021 MLB Draft. He went to the Dominican Republic this winter to play center field for a couple of weeks. This spring he has played both center and left and has shown a natural ability to play out there. It looks like he could finally have a runway to some consistent playing time in the Majors.
Dodgers: Back-to-back champs are playing the long game
The Dodgers will start the season with Blake Snell, Gavin Stone and Tommy Edman -- among others -- on the injured list. They are carrying a struggling Roki Sasaki in their rotation, and they optioned two top-performing pitchers -- starter River Ryan and reliever Kyle Hurt -- to ease them back from Tommy John surgery. Due to factors in and out of their control, the Dodgers' Opening Day roster may not contain their 26 best players, but that's OK. They're more concerned about being at full strength when the games matter most.
Giants: Pitching depth can go fast
The Giants felt good about their stable of arms coming into the spring, but they were quickly reminded that you can never have enough pitching. Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Landen Roupp and newcomers Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle remain on track to fill out the Opening Day rotation, but the Giants will have to navigate the season without Hayden Birdsong, who will undergo Tommy John surgery on Wednesday. Losing Birdsong will put more pressure on other young starters like Trevor McDonald, Blade Tidwell, Carson Seymour and Carson Whisenhunt to take steps forward and show that they can be capable fill-in options during the regular season.
Padres: The rotation is on shaky ground
The Padres boast arguably the best -- and deepest -- bullpen in baseball. They’re probably going to need it. There were major question marks in the starting rotation at the start of camp. Then, they signed a few starters. And now? There are still major question marks in the starting rotation. Joe Musgrove and Griffin Canning will miss the start of the season with injuries. Michael King hasn’t looked himself since last May. Nick Pivetta missed a Cactus League start with “arm fatigue.” The upside is undeniable. But it all feels a bit precarious, especially with the hodgepodge of veterans who might be counted on to cover major innings this summer.
Rockies: Two rookies look like they’re ready
The Rockies beefed up the starting rotation and the position player group so they could avoid simply turning to young players, ready or not, when a hole developed. But two rookies -- first baseman TJ Rumfield, who has yet to debut, and third baseman Kyle Karros, who debuted last August -- have put up springs worthy of starting lineup slots. There will be more experience overall, with Michael Lorenzen, Tomoyuki Sagano and Jose Quintana joining the rotation, and second baseman Willi Castro and outfielder Jake McCarthy being added to the lineup. But Rumfield and Karros do not look out of place in the season-opening lineup.