It’s March, and you know what that means. Major League Baseball is back. Not just the laid-back, easygoing MLB spring training games where everyone’s working out the kinks. No, we’re talking about real games that actually count in the standings. And sooner than you think, too.
The Cubs and Dodgers will take the field for the Tokyo Series on March 18-19, marking the first official MLB games of the season. That’s right, while the rest of us are still adjusting to daylight saving time, meaningful baseball will already be happening on the other side of the world.
And if that’s not enough to get the juices flowing, we’re only three weeks away from the big Opening Day, when all 30 teams will be in action on March 27.
But until then, let’s talk rumors—because, as we all know, the baseball world never really slows down.
Phillies, Schwarber Discussing an Extension
According to The Athletic, Kyle Schwarber and the Phillies have reportedly kicked around the idea of an extension.
Now, before anyone gets too excited, let’s be clear—this is more of a “broad discussions” situation rather than a “pen hovering over the dotted line” moment.
No deal is imminent, but the fact that talks have even started is notable.
Schwarber is in the final year of his four-year, $79 million contract and is set to make $20 million this season.
He’s been an absolute home run machine in Philadelphia, launching 131 bombs over the past three years while maintaining a respectable .344 on-base percentage. At nearly 32 years old, an extension in the range of two or three more years at a similar salary wouldn’t be shocking.
And it’s not just Schwarber the Phillies have to think about. J.T. Realmuto and Ranger Suárez are also creeping toward free agency. While Realmuto has signaled he’s open to an extension, these things don’t always come together easily. Philadelphia has some decisions to make in the coming months.
Yankees Looking at J.D. Martinez
Meanwhile, the Yankees might be bracing for a Giancarlo Stanton-sized problem up in the Bronx. Stanton hasn’t played this spring due to elbow trouble, and now he’s away from the team tending to a personal matter.
With Opening Day looming, the Yankees are checking in on free-agent slugger J.D. Martinez, according to the New York Post.
At 37, Martinez is not quite the fearsome hitter he was in his prime, but he can still provide some pop. Particularly as a designated hitter, he is exactly what the Yankees would need from if Stanton’s situation drags on.
Last season with the Mets, Martinez posted a .235/.320/.406 slash line with 16 home runs. That doesn’t tell the full story though. His first half was solid (.806 OPS), but his production fell off in the second half (.623 OPS). He was mostly riding the bench when the Mets made their postseason push.
Martinez has had a slow free-agent market before. He didn’t sign until March 23 last year—so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him wait things out again.
But if the Yankees are serious, they could offer him an immediate role and a chance to hit in a lineup that should provide plenty of opportunities for RBI.
Countdown to MLB Opening Day
With the first regular-season games just around the corner and teams still finalizing their rosters. The next few weeks could bring some surprises.
Will the Phillies lock up Schwarber before the season starts? Will the Yankees pull the trigger on Martinez?
One thing’s for sure: MLB is back, and the hot stove isn’t quite done cooking yet.
