The heart of Spring Training lies in hope. It’s the belief that anything can happen, a fresh start where the struggles of the previous year fade away and something new – and potentially wonderful – arrives. It’s about optimism.
It’s the feeling that every player is in the best shape of their life, that every team starts on equal footing and that the season begins with a clean slate and limitless possibilities. Above all, it’s about looking forward.
As pitchers and catchers commence reporting to Spring Training – some as early as Tuesday! – let’s focus on the positive. Here are a few storylines to watch, players and teams poised to take the next step.
Elly De La Cruz Ready to Deliver on Potential
Is there a better example in Major League Baseball of a player who looks born to play the game than Dominican Republic native Elly De La Cruz? (Perhaps Shohei Ohtani is a close second.) De La Cruz can do it all, and seemingly in a way that few others can. He possesses incredible power, blazing speed, a strong arm, and, let’s not forget, a smile that embodies the joy of playing – and watching – this game.
There have been flashes of brilliance, moments where he puts it all together and looks like the best player on the field. But a closer appear reveals areas for improvement – a need to draw more walks, reduce strikeouts, and improve his fielding (he’s led MLB in errors for two consecutive years). He hasn’t yet put together a full season worthy of MVP consideration, but many believe he’s capable of doing so.
There were positive signs last year: his strikeout rate decreased, he played in every game despite a lingering hamstring issue, and his batting average improved. However, the errors persisted, and he stole significantly fewer bases. Still, at just 24 years old, De La Cruz has plenty of time to develop. The question isn’t *if* he’ll take over the game, but *when*. This spring could be the start of that ascent.
Can Last Year’s Cy Young Winners Repeat?
There’s plenty of young pitching talent to be excited about, but for those looking for historic performances, all eyes are on Tarik Skubal of the Tigers and Paul Skenes of the Pirates, the 2025 Cy Young Award winners.
Both were dominant in 2025, and if they can replicate – or even improve upon – that success in 2026, it will be something truly special. Only Randy Johnson and Pedro Martínez have won the Cy Young Award in consecutive seasons since 1999-2000. Skenes currently boasts an ERA below 2.00, and maintaining that figure for another campaign would mirror Martínez’s trajectory.
Meanwhile, if Skubal can secure his third consecutive Cy Young Award, he’ll become the first pitcher to do so since Johnson (1999-2001), virtually guaranteeing his place in Cooperstown. The only pitchers to win three Cy Young Awards who aren’t in the Hall of Fame are Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and the recently retired Clayton Kershaw – all of whom are likely to join the Hall five years after their careers conclude – and Roger Clemens.
For fans eager to witness brilliance on the mound, these two pitchers offer a compelling storyline – and a chance to build history.
Rehabbed Pitchers Poised for Return
Three elite pitchers – Gerrit Cole of the Yankees, Zack Wheeler of the Phillies, and Corbin Burnes of the Diamondbacks – are all at different stages of their rehabilitation from significant injuries. Each could return to action at some point this year. Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated last week that Cole won’t be rushed, but there’s optimism he’ll be back in the first half of the season.
Wheeler underwent thoracic outlet decompression surgery in September, and according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, his return could be “closer to April 1st than January 1st.” Burnes announced last week that he expects to be back from his Tommy John surgery in July. These are three of the best pitchers in the game, and their potential return – and return to form – would be a major boost to their respective teams.
Can the Braves Stay Healthy?
No team has been more plagued by injuries than the Atlanta Braves. After consecutive 100-win seasons, they appeared poised to dominate the National League East for years to come. But injuries to key players have derailed their plans, resulting in a 76-86 record in 2025 and their first playoff absence since 2017.
Atlanta is hoping for a different outcome this year, with a healthy roster featuring Spencer Schwellenbach, Ozzie Albies, Sean Murphy, Austin Riley, Reynaldo López, and, most importantly, Ronald Acuña Jr., who has played in just 144 games over the past two seasons. The division is getting tougher, and injuries have prevented the Braves from keeping pace. A competitive battle between the Mets, Phillies, and Braves would be a welcome sight for fans, but it will require Atlanta to stay healthy.
A Surprise Playoff Team Emerges
It would be exciting to spot a team make a surprising run this season. Potential candidates include…
…or perhaps a team no one is expecting. Either way, it’s always quality to see a new face in the postseason.
The World Baseball Classic Delivers Another Ohtani-Trout Moment
Three years ago, the World Baseball Classic was thrilling from start to finish, but its defining moment came in the final when then-Angels teammates Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout faced off with the championship on the line.
Is it too much to ask for something similar this year? Perhaps a different matchup – Skenes pitching against Ohtani, for example – but the magic of the World Baseball Classic is bringing together the best players in the world, representing their countries with a sense of urgency and pride. That’s what makes it special. We can hope for another moment like that, and many more.
A Postseason to Rival Last Year
The 2025 World Series was unforgettable. In fact, the entire postseason was electric (that Blue Jays-Mariners ALCS clash was particularly memorable). It was a postseason so captivating that the offseason flew by. That’s what happens when history is made: playoff games that stretch into the early hours of the morning and become instant classics. So why not ask for more?
