The early stages of the 2026 MLB season have already delivered a number of talking points.
Rookies are grabbing attention with stellar starts to their major league careers. We’ve also seen bullpen concerns and a surprising team leading the standings in Miami.
Yankees’ Pitching off to a Strong Start
The Yankees’ pitching staff has the potential to be overpowering by season’s end, boasting a 1.01 ERA through six games. This is reliant on the team maintaining good fortune with injuries.
The Yankees only allowed three runs in their first four games. Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole are both making progress in their rehabilitation from arm surgery.
Cole is expected to return in early June. Rodon should be back in the next couple of months, although hamstring tightness experienced this week might slow his return. Luis Gil is set to take the fifth spot in the rotation on April 10. Rotation spillover could further strengthen the Yankees’ bullpen later in the year.
Dodgers Focus on Sasaki’s Development
Roki Sasaki’s spring training was difficult, with 26 of 52 batters reaching base against him, including 15 walks. His regular-season debut saw him pitch into the fifth inning, allowing one run and two walks.
While not dominant, it was a building block, especially given Sasaki’s lack of confidence beforehand. The Dodgers have affirmed their commitment to giving Sasaki opportunities to start, emphasising the need for continued progress. — Gonzalez
Rookie Bats are Sizzling
Chase DeLauter and Munetaka Murakami have made history by homering in each of their first three major league games, joining an exclusive club as only the third and fourth rookies to achieve this feat.
Kevin McGonigle made an instant impact with a four-hit debut, while JJ Wetherholt celebrated his arrival in the major leagues by hitting his first home run in his debut game.
Mariners Secure Future Talent
The Mariners previously finalised long-term deals with Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh. They have now secured infielder Cole Young, who they hope will reach the big leagues soon.
With the season still in its early stages, it remains to be seen which teams will maintain their strong starts and which players will continue to impress.