Overview

• Shohei Ohtani is working to return as a two-way player for the Dodgers, aiming to pitch by May while starting as a designated hitter on Opening Day.
• The Dodgers' rotation gains strength with new additions Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with Sasaki expected to debut in the Tokyo opener against the Cubs.
• Yankees bolster their rotation by signing Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal, complementing Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole who chose to stay with the team.
• Terry Francona begins his tenure as Cincinnati Reds manager, focusing on developing young talent like Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene after a challenging 2024 season.
• Injury updates include Dodgers relievers Michael Kopech and Evan Phillips likely starting the season on the injured list, while Angels' Anthony Rendon faces extended recovery after hip surgery.