Baseball Season Preview

The most wonderful time of the year has arrived. Baseball fans across the country are once again eager to watch their favorite teams begin a new season filled with hope and anticipation.

As February arrives, Spring Training officially gets underway, giving fans their first look at new rosters, breakout prospects, and teams preparing for the grind of the regular season. From position battles to roster decisions, every game helps shape what the upcoming season may hold.

Before the regular season even begins, the excitement is already building as the World Baseball Classic showcases Major League Baseball’s biggest stars representing their home countries. One of those stars is Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who will suit up for Team USA. The World Baseball Classic will run from March 5–17, lighting up iconic venues such as the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan, Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, and loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.

After the World Baseball Classic, anticipation for the regular season continues to build, and fans can begin to feel the energy in the air with sunny days, packed ballparks, and double plays ahead.

Teams to Pay attention to

The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off back-to-back World Series wins in 2024 and 2025, and they’re gunning for a third straight title. This offseason, they made a big move by signing closer Edwin Díaz from the Mets to a three-year, $69 million deal. The bullpen just got a serious upgrade, and the Dodgers are looking as stacked as ever.

The Seattle Mariners are back and hungry after a strong 2025 season. Most of their core players are returning, and they’re ready to fight for the AL West crown. If they keep playing like last year, they’re definitely a team you don’t want to sleep on.

The Baltimore Orioles are looking to make some noise this season in the American League East. With Pete Alonso joining the squad, their lineup got a serious power boost, and fans are excited to see how he and the rest of the young core can push the team into playoff contention. The Orioles are a team on the rise, and they could surprise a lot of people this year.

The San Diego Padres are an intriguing team to follow this season. They’ve got a fresh voice in the dugout with former Padres pitcher Craig Stammen stepping in as manager for the first time — a leadership shake‑up that’s got fans curious to see how things unfold. With key players signed and a mix of veterans and young talent, the Padres could definitely surprise in the competitive National League West.

Key Players to watch in 2026:

Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) – The ultimate two-way superstar! Ohtani dominates both on the mound and at the plate, delivering jaw-dropping home runs one inning and strikeouts the next. Every time he’s on the field, fans are in for a show.

Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners) – Power, power, power! Raleigh slammed 60 home runs last season and took home the Home Run Derby crown. He’s one of the league’s top catchers, and you never know when he’ll turn a game around with one swing.

Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates) – The young ace is a strikeout machine. With back-to-back Cy Young Awards already in the bag, Skenes is a force on the mound who can take over a game in an instant.

Freddy Fermin (San Diego Padres) – Clutch alert! Fermin comes through in the biggest moments and shines behind the plate too. Last season, he blasted a game-winning single to center that scored Bryce Johnson, helping the Padres punch their ticket to the playoffs.

Personally, I'm excited to see what happens within the next couple months for baseball and more than ready to be at the ballpark again.

See you at the ballpark!