Morning Baseball Briefing – February 17
By Morgan Davis · Tue Feb 17 2026
Judge Frustrated by Yankees' Slow Offseason : Aaron Judge publicly voiced his impatience with the Yankees' lack of activity as other AL East teams made big moves. Judge said he communicated his frustrations to management during the sluggish winter months. (Source) Cohen: "Never a Captain While I Own Mets" : Mets owner Steve Cohen definitively stated there will be no team captain during his ownership, growing increasingly frustrated after five seasons without a championship. "Each year that goes by, I get more annoyed," Cohen said at spring training. (Source) Padres Extend GM AJ Preller : San Diego locked up general manager AJ Preller with a multiyear extension, rewarding his aggressive roster-building approach. The move comes as the Padres signed Walker Buehler to bolster their pitching staff. (Source) Trout Returning to Center Field : Mike Trout told Angels management he prefers to move back to center field after spending last season in right. The 34-year-old three-time MVP said he's healthy and ready to reclaim his natural position. (Source) Buehler Signs One-Year Deal with Padres : Veteran right-hander Walker Buehler agreed to a minor league deal with San Diego pending a physical. The move adds experienced depth to the Padres' rotation as they push for contention. (Source) Twins' Lopez Leaves Session with Sore Elbow : Pablo Lopez ended his throwing session early due to elbow soreness and will undergo testing. The injury raises concerns for Minnesota's rotation depth heading into the season. (Source) Dodgers Confirm Edman Won't Make Opening Day : Tommy Edman will start the season on the injured list as he continues rehabbing from offseason ankle surgery. Los Angeles had been preparing for his absence but manager Dave Roberts made it official Monday. (Source)