Some take into account it only a superstition. Others view it as extra of a mythological or biblical inevitability. Both manner, Friday the thirteenth usually carries troubling associations.
Misfortune. Unfortunate. Terrifying. All generally used adjectives to explain the day and every part that comes with it.
Spring coaching has handed its midpoint, with groups already making preliminary cuts and planning roster strikes in anticipation of the season starting. Opening night time is lower than two weeks away.
With the season quickly approaching and it being “a day of dread”, Yardbarker’s staff of MLB writers bought collectively to determine one worrisome remark from every MLB staff by way of the primary half of spring coaching. Simply what issues do every staff nonetheless want to deal with earlier than Opening Day?
(Spring coaching stats listed are by way of Wednesday’s video games except in any other case famous.)
AL East
Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Davis Schneider (36)
Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Pictures
Baltimore Orioles | Did the O’s do sufficient to deal with the pitching employees? |
Baltimore pitchers mixed to put up a 4.60 ERA in the course of the 2025 season, tied with the Marlins for twenty fifth within the large leagues. The Orioles entered the offseason figuring out that they’d have to make additions to assist bolster the pitching employees, earlier than finally including Shane Baz and Andrew Kittredge by way of commerce and Chris Bassitt and Ryan Helsley in free company. The birds opted to not chase arms on the prime of the free agent market, however will that call come again to chunk them?
Boston Red Sox | May it’s potential to have an excessive amount of pitching? | It’s straight contradictory to baseball’s oldest mantra, however may Boston even have too many arms in camp this yr? Not together with the already-injured guys, the membership has 11 pitchers at spring coaching who made at the very least 5 begins final season (within the higher minors or increased). A handful of these arms (specifically, Connelly Early and Payton Tolle) may be optioned to Triple-A Worcester to start out the season, however how Alex Cora chooses to align the remainder of the group behind Garrett Crochet stays unclear.
New York Yankees | A Rule 5 gamble isn’t working |
There was surprisingly plenty of dialogue to come back out of the Yankees’ resolution to pick out right-hander Cade Winquest in December’s Rule 5 Draft, the primary time the membership has made a choose there in 11 years. After an uneventful offseason that noticed the staff return largely the identical roster as a season in the past, Windquest seemed like New York’s large bullpen addition, however he’s appeared overmatched in spring coaching, exhibiting each a drop in velocity and a lack of command along with his pitches. His probabilities of making the Yankees’ bullpen are quickly sporting skinny.
Tampa Bay Rays | Bother behind the plate | Tampa Bay backstops totaled -0.6 bWAR in the course of the 2025 season, hitting a mixed .187/.289/.306 (70 OPS+) with simply 34 XBH (19 2B, 1 3B, 14 HR). Eight completely different gamers have seen time behind the plate this spring for the Rays, hitting a collective 13-for-90 (a .144 batting common) by way of Wednesday’s video games. Somebody will finally have to step up and win this job.
Toronto Blue Jays | Davis Schneider appears misplaced on the plate |
2025 was, with out query, an enormous yr for the Blue Jays as a membership, however it additionally proved to be a pivotal season for Davis Schneider. He slashed .234/.361/.436 (119 OPS+) in 227 PA for the yr whereas seeing time at second base, third base, and each outfield corners. After Bo Bichette departed in free company, Ernie Clement will see extra taking part in time, however so, too, ought to Schneider. Solely, this spring he’s managed a meager 2-for-21 begin with 6 SO.
— Aaron Somers
AL Central
Cleveland Guardians pitcher Joey Cantillo (54)
Rick Scuteri-Imagn Pictures
Chicago White Sox | Will the center infield hit? |
Chase Meidroth, Colson Montgomery and Lenyn Sosa have struggled in spring coaching, combining for 19 hits in 100 plate appearances coming into Thursday. Montgomery, particularly, is being counted on to be a key a part of the lineup after belting 21 homers in 284 plate appearances for the White Sox in 2025.
Cleveland Guardians | Joey Cantillo wants to search out his footing | Cantillo was a revelation when he joined the Guardians rotation on July 3, posting a 2.96 ERA and a 1.209 WHiP over 67 innings masking 13 begins. He has struggled in spring coaching, permitting 11 runs, 9 earned, on 14 hits and three walks. Because the Guardians will solely go so far as their pitching employees will take them, they want Cantillo to search out his type from the second half of the 2025 season.
Detroit Tigers | The bullpen might be an issue as soon as once more |
The Tigers have regularly struggled to construct a viable bullpen. Whereas Kenley Jansen carried out properly in his two outings throughout spring coaching and the World Baseball Basic, the identical can’t be mentioned of different anticipated high-leverage relievers. Will Vest and Kyle Finnegan have mixed to permit seven runs on 10 hits and two walks over 6.1 innings coming into Thursday – each pitchers are anticipated to be key components of the Tigers’ bridge to Jansen within the ninth inning.
Kansas City Royals | How a lot better will the outfield truly be? | Though a number of mid-tier free agent outfielders would have helped enhance the lineup, the Royals opted for buy-low choices and a commerce for Isaac Collins. Collins, the anticipated beginning left fielder, and middle fielder Kyle Isbel have mixed for 5 hits and 5 walks in 45 plate appearances, placing out 15 occasions. The Royals want each gamers to point out indicators of life offensively for the lineup to point out tangible enchancment.
Minnesota Twins | How wholesome is Joe Ryan? |
The Twins obtained one other damage scare when Ryan tweaked his again whereas carrying his suitcase forward of his spring coaching debut. That debut got here on Tuesday, the place Ryan topped out at 93.5 mph, however solely generated three swings and misses and didn’t strike out a batter over three innings. It is only one begin, however the Twins want Ryan to rapidly return to type if they’ve an opportunity at competing within the AL Central.
— David Hill
AL West
Los Angeles Angels pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (21)
Allan Henry-Imagn Pictures
Athletics | Third base is a thriller | Max Muncy was a legal responsibility within the subject at third base a season in the past, his first within the large leagues, committing six errors whereas recording a .918 fielding share, properly beneath league common (.964). He’s already dedicated two throughout spring coaching, and whereas the Athletics have given him an extended leash, Muncy hasn’t taken command of the place, opening the door for latecomer Andy Ibanez, signed final month, or Darell Hernaiz, who just lately hit a walk-off dwelling run for Puerto Rico within the World Baseball Basic, to take over the recent nook.
Houston Astros | Outfielders quiet on the plate |
The Astros have a crowded infield however a dearth of choices for the outfield, creating an imbalance that might be rectified with an appropriate Isaac Paredes commerce. Taylor Trammell, who has a profession .175 batting common, and Cam Smith, who hit .236 as a rookie final season, are the one Astros outfielders hitting above .300 in spring ball, a regarding growth with the common season weeks away.
Los Angeles Angels | Grayson Rodriguez doesn’t seem all the way in which again | Los Angeles acquired Rodriguez from the Baltimore Orioles for Taylor Ward, who hit a career-high 36 dwelling runs in 2025, and the early returns have been underwhelming. In three spring coaching begins, Rodriguez, who missed all of 2025 and hasn’t started since July 31, 2024, has a 7.88 ERA, permitting seven earned runs in eight innings, with seven strikeouts and 6 walks.
Seattle Mariners | Colt Emerson’s breakout on maintain |
A preferred query coming into spring coaching was if Emerson, the No. 9 prospect in MLB.com’s rankings, may crack the defending AL West-champion Mariners Opening Day roster. However after a gradual climb from Excessive-A, the place he performed 90 video games, to Triple-A (six video games), his progress has stalled in the course of the first half of spring coaching, with Emerson slashing .200/.242/.267 in 30 at-bats.
Texas Rangers | Underwhelming fifth starter competitors | Jacob Latz and Kumar Rocker are the highest opponents for the ultimate spot within the beginning rotation, however neither has fared properly in spring coaching. Latz has allowed 5 earned runs and 7 hits whereas placing out 4 in 8.1 innings, whereas Rocker has given up three earned runs and 7 hits in 4.2 innings, making first-year supervisor Skip Schumaker’s resolution a blind dart throw.
— Eric Smithling
NL East
Washington Nationals left fielder James Wooden (29)
Jim Rassol-Imagn Pictures
Atlanta Braves | An injured beginning rotation | Accidents have decimated the Braves’ pitching employees over the past 12 months. Between these recovering from 2025 surgical procedures or affected by new illnesses this spring, the staff is already going through a season with out Reynaldo Lopez, Spencer Strider, AJ Smith-Shawver, Hurston Waldrep, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Joey Wentz. Veteran left-hander Chris Sale was just lately signed to an extension that might maintain him round till 2028, however with all these accidents, it is simple to query how the Braves can discover arms to eat invaluable innings this season.
New York Mets | Will outfielder Carson Benge be as much as taking part in day by day? | Carson Benge, New York’s No. 2 prospect, is meant to interrupt camp with the staff. The 20-year-old is having an excellent spring, with eight hits, 4 runs, 4 RBI, and a stolen base in eight video games. The difficulty is, the previous 2024 1st-round choose (nineteenth general) is untested. The Mets are asking Benge to step in and play day by day after buying and selling away long-time left fielder Brandon Nimmo in the course of the offseason. Benge shall be going through plenty of strain to provide instantly within the Large Apple.
Miami Marlins | Sandy Alcantara continues to wrestle |
The 2022 Cy Younger Award winner missed all of 2024 as a consequence of Tommy John Surgical procedure, which affected his skill to be his All-Star self, going 11-12 with a 5.36 ERA (worst of his profession) in 31 begins. Alcantara’s struggles in 2025 have carried over into spring coaching, with the right-hander having a 6.75 ERA, permitting three earned runs, a stroll, and 5 strikeouts. Within the final yr of his five-year ($56 million) contract (however has a membership choice for 2027), Alcantara is the Marlins’ greatest asset to commerce to assist the rebuild they’re in, however he must get again to his 2022 self to have worth.
Philadelphia Phillies | Lack of outfield depth | Philadelphia’s outfield in 2026 tasks to have prime prospect Justin Crawford in middle subject, Adolis Garcia in proper subject, and a platoon in left between Brandon Marsh and Otto Kemp. Every carries questions. Crawford has hit at each degree within the minors, however is unproven. Garcia is coming off back-to-back down seasons in Texas and must return to type. Johan Rojas (suspension pending), Gabriel Rincones Jr., and Pedro Leon are further choices on the 40-man roster, however the Phillies’ lack of outfield depth might find yourself hurting them.
Washington Nationals | Can James Wooden repeat his All-Star season, regardless of spring coaching struggles? | 2025 was a breakout season for James Wooden, who hit 31 dwelling runs and made his first All-Star look regardless of main the NL in strikeouts (221). Wooden hasn’t proven the progress Washington hoped for this spring, hitting .095 with eight strikeouts in 9 video games. The Nationals’ chief energy supply (just one different participant topped 20-homers final season, the since-departed Josh Bell), Wooden is counted on to be a frontrunner for this staff, and he’ll be beneath a microscope this season.
— Zack Cariola
NL Central
Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff
Curt Hogg / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Pictures
Chicago Cubs | A robust lineup, however the depth is weak | Chicago completed second within the NL Central final season and goals to contend for the division crown this yr. The staff added to their playoff-caliber lineup, bringing in third baseman Alex Bregman and beginning pitcher Edward Cabrera. Newly acquired first baseman Tyler Austin’s damage throws a wrench within the bench plans, pushing Matt Shaw up the depth charts at a number of positions. For a staff hoping to contend, having depth questions this early just isn’t supreme.
Cincinnati Reds | All-around pitching well being | Ace right-hander Hunter Inexperienced is out till at the very least July following elbow surgical procedure, and now left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson will miss Opening Day with an indirect pressure. Instantly, the Reds want to search out further arms to cowl all of those innings. Cincinnati should have a full pitching employees, however the membership’s depth is definitely taking a success. The Reds’ pitching employees has the worst ERA in spring training, coming into play on Friday.
Milwaukee Brewers | Rotation is already beat up | Milwaukee is going through the opportunity of a number of starters being unavailable for Opening Day. Brandon Woodruff remains to be discovering his rhythm after coming back from 2024 Tommy John surgical procedure and a lat damage that ended his 2025 prematurely. Quinn Priester has landed on the IL with a wrist damage tied to a thoracic outlet challenge in his shoulder, whereas Logan Henderson has been slowed by elbow soreness.
Pittsburgh Pirates | Infield questions stay | The Pirates spent the offseason targeted on fixing a league-worst offense, buying and selling for Brandon Lowe and signing Ryan O’Hearn and Marcell Ozuna. Nonetheless, questions stay about shortstop because the membership decides between Nick Gonzales, who has performed simply 14 profession video games on the place, and 19-year-old Konnor Griffin, who has but to play above Double-A. Griffin has proven flashes that he is prepared for the majors, however he additionally has a .192 batting common by way of 26 at-bats.
St. Louis Cardinals | The offense is clearly gutted | The Cardinals targeted on beginning their rebuild this offseason, buying and selling away Nolan Arenado, Willson Contreras, Brendan Donovan, and Sonny Grey in separate offers. The lineup has loads of questions remaining. 12 completely different gamers have seen time in left subject this spring, whereas there are additionally questions behind the plate as Ivan Herrera continues to battle knee irritation.
— Taylor Bretl
NL West
San Diego Padres pitcher Walker Buehler (10)
Rick Scuteri-Imagn Pictures
Arizona Diamondbacks | Will hand surgical procedure gradual Corbin Carroll? | All-Star proper fielder Corbin Carroll sustained a damaged hamate bone in his proper hand whereas taking reside batting follow on Feb. 10 and underwent surgical procedure. Carroll made his Cactus League debut on Wednesday after being pressured to overlook the World Baseball Basic. It usually takes hitters months to regain full hand energy after surgical procedure, although.
Colorado Rockies | Who’s on first? |
The primary baseman’s job is up for grabs, and, as of the second, it appears just like the Rockies will go along with a platoon of left-handed-hitting Troy Johnston and right-handed-hitting Blaine Crim. Each had been waiver claims final yr. High prospect Charlie Condon is lurking, although.
Los Angeles Dodgers | Tommy Edman remains to be rehabbing |
The utility participant underwent surgical procedure on his proper ankle simply days after taking part in in all seven video games of the Dodgers’ victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in final yr’s World Collection. Edman was slated to be the first second baseman however remains to be rehabbing and can start the season on the injured listing.
San Diego Padres | Walker Buehler is struggling | Caught in a little bit of a monetary squeeze, the Padres try to fill out the again finish of the rotation with low-cost choices. They thought Buehler, a two-time All-Star, is likely to be a solution, however he has allowed 4 runs and 7 hits in 6.2 innings and never seemed sharp within the Cactus League by way of Wednesday.
San Francisco Giants | Nonetheless brief a top quality starter |
The Giants lack a top quality third beginning pitcher to staff up with Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. Lucas Giolioto remains to be a free agent and would match properly in the midst of the rotation. The Giants, although, appear to be content material with journeymen Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser.
— John Perrotto
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