Morning Baseball Briefing – February 15
By Morgan Davis · Sun Feb 15 2026
Padres Active in Late-Offseason Signings – San Diego added OF Nick Castellanos on a 1-year deal (Phillies covering $20M) plus RHP Griffin Canning and Germán Márquez to bolster rotation depth. (ESPN, MLB.com) D-backs Lock In Key Arms – Arizona re-signed RHP Paul Sewald (1-year) and reached agreement with Zac Gallen (1-year) to avoid arbitration, keeping rotation and bullpen pieces intact heading into spring. (ESPN) World Baseball Classic Begins March 4 – Team USA pitching staff features historic depth with Skenes, Skubal leading the charge. Edwin Díaz confirmed his return post-injury was an "easy decision." (ESPN, MLB.com, Baseball America) Spring Training Ramps Up – Pitchers and catchers have reported; position players join over the weekend. Gerrit Cole says he feels "good" and may pitch in exhibition games; Ohtani focused on staying healthy and eyeing Cy Young contention. (ESPN, MLB.com) College Baseball Season Underway – Opening weekend featured upsets and breakout performances. Top 2026 draft prospects Cameron Flukey, Jackson Flora, and Liam Peterson begin their race for top college pitcher. (Baseball America) Reds Sign Nathaniel Lowe to Minors Deal – Former Rangers 1B joins Cincinnati on minor-league contract with spring training invite, adding veteran depth. (ESPN)