Athletics first baseman/outfielder Tyler Soderstrom went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's Grapefruit League win over the Texas Rangers, and he's gone 3-for-7 with two RBI, two runs, a walk, and a strikeout in his three spring games. The 24-year-old left-handed slugger is part of the A's exciting mix of young players. He signed a seven-year, $86 million contract extension in December after slashing .276/.346/.474 with a career-high .820 OPS, 25 home runs, 93 RBI, 75 runs scored, and eight stolen bases in 624 plate appearances over 158 games played in his first full season in the big leagues in 2025. With Nick Kurtz locked in at first base, Soderstrom will be the A's regular in left field going into the 2026 campaign. His batted-ball metrics indicate his breakout was for real, especially as he made more contact.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are expected to approach shortstop prospect Konnor Griffin with a long-term contract extension this spring, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Despite being only 19 years old with just 21 games of experience beyond High-A in the minor leagues, Griffin is the No. 1 prospect in the sport and is trending toward beginning the 2026 season as Pittsburgh's starting shortstop. If the 2025 Minor-League Player of the Year isn't on the Opening Day roster, it shouldn't be long before he makes his MLB debut. Passan writes that Griffin has "top-of-the-scale power and speed with a nifty glove and a shotgun-blast arm." His work ethic is also off the charts. If he makes the Opening Day roster, Griffin would be the first teenage hitter to debut on Opening Day since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1989. A contract extension this spring would accelerate his timetable to the big leagues and continue to raise his ADP in fantasy baseball drafts.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said on MLB Network on Thursday that designated hitter Yordan Alvarez will see time in left field this season. Espada discussed how Alvarez enjoys playing left field, so the skipper believes it's important to get him some time on defense. It also allows the Astros to get some other players looks in the DH spot. It's unclear if it will be enough to give the Cuban left-handed slugger outfield eligibility in fantasy leagues, but if it is, it will make Alvarez even more attractive as a potential bounce-back candidate after his injury-plagued 2025 season. The 28-year-old three-time All-Star and former American League Rookie of the Year only played in 48 games and hit .273/.367/.430 with a career-worst .797 OPS, six home runs, 27 RBI, and 17 runs scored. Durability is the issue for Alvarez, but if he can stay healthy, he could easily post his fifth 30-homer season.

Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (hamstring) is expected to make his return to the lineup on Sunday or Monday, according to Shawn McFarland. Jung was pulled from Thursday's lineup as a precaution due to a hamstring issue. He was initially expected to return on Friday, but the team is giving him a few extra days to rest. It's early in camp, so teams are usually going to be extremely cautious with players, even with minor issues. When healthy, Jung has good upside, but keeping him on the field has been a struggle. Last season, Jung slashed .251/.294/390 with 14 home runs and 61 RBI in a career-high 131 games. The 28-year-old could be worth a look as a late-round option due to his power upside.