What to watch for (26 Feb)

Nolan McLean (Mets)

The 24-year-old is the Mets’ #1 overall pitching prospect and an early favourite for NL Rookie of the Year. He made a significant impact when he debuted last season posting a 2.06 ERA over 48 innings, with a 30.3% strikeout rate and a 1.04 WHIP.

McLean is a power pitcher with a high 90s fastball. His signature pitch and strikeout weapon is his sweeper. Watch how effective this pitch is today. Leave it over the plate and it could be punished.

Matthew Liberatore (Cardinals)

Liberatore made a strong Spring debut last week when he pitched 2 scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts, allowing only 2 hits and no walks. He comes into this game with some momentum and is projected to be the Cardinals’ Opening Day starter. Look for his new splitter, a pitch he is reportedly working on to improve his effectiveness against righties.

Steven Matz (Rays)

Matz is being stretched out to transition back to a starter role after being a high-leverage reliever for the last two seasons. We’re just looking for health here and a fastball velocity around 94 mph. He throws a lot of strikes and rarely walks batters. Look for more of this.

Garrett Crochet (Red Sox)

This will be Crochet’s 2026 spring training debut. Apparently, he has a new splitter, so we’re excited to see what that looks like. He led the AL last season with 255 strikeouts. Expect a few more today!

Elmer Rodriguez (Yankees)

Elmer caught my eye in an impressive spring training debut last week when he threw three scoreless innings against the Orioles. He’s the #82 overall prospect per MLB Pipeline. Elmer uses five different pitches with a sinker that touches 99 mph on occasion. Look to see whether he can continue his momentum as he’s putting his hand up to be called up during some stage this season.

Braxton Garrett (Marlins)

Braxton missed the entire 2025 season after elbow surgery. So, as ever in these situations, you’re just looking to see whether he looks healthy. The Marlins need him healthy after the offseason trades of Cabrera and Weathers.

Nick Pivetta (Padres)

Pivetta makes his first start this spring. He is coming off a dominant 2025 season where he finished 6th in the NL Cy Young voting. He posted a 2.87 ERA with 190 strikeouts. Look to see if he maintains his elite command and contact suppression.

Chase Burns (Reds)

Burns threw two hitless, scoreless innings last week in his spring debut; however, he struggled with his control, throwing only 15 out of 32 pitches for strikes and walking 3 batters. Burns is in a battle for the fifth spot in the Reds’ rotation, so each outing is critical for him. Look to see if his changeup can be effective.

Joey Cantillo (Guardians)

Look for his “Vulcan” changeup. Its one of the bnetter changeups in baseball. He has also revamped his slider to generate more misses. Lets see what this looks like. With Cantillo we want to see him walk less hitters too. In 2025, he had a 10.5% walk rate.