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Spring Training Update: Early surprises headline the first week

2027 MLB Spring Training

With the first week of Spring Training in the books, contenders are beginning to emerge while several clubs are still searching for answers. Here’s a look around baseball.

Hottest Teams

The New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins share the best record in the Grapefruit League at 6-2. Out west, the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers have matched that mark to lead the Cactus League.

Still Looking for Wins

After opening the spring with three consecutive victories, the San Diego Padres have cooled off considerably, dropping five straight.

The St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, and Seattle Mariners have each managed just one victory. Both Baltimore and Seattle sit at 1-6.

Top Performers

Juan Soto has been the Grapefruit League’s most dangerous hitter, leading the circuit with a 1.792 OPS. In the Cactus League, Ketel Marte has been even better, posting a 1.896 OPS.

Lars Nootbaar has already collected seven doubles after hitting 25 during last year’s regular season, while Mike Trouthas made an immediate impact with the Yankees following the blockbuster offseason trade. Through eight games, Trout is batting .417 with three home runs, eight RBIs, and a 1.440 OPS—nearly .400 points higher than teammate Aaron Judge’s 1.061 mark.

Offseason Additions Off to Fast Starts

Several high-profile newcomers are settling in with their new clubs.

  • Jazz Chisholm Jr., now with the Rangers, is batting .273 with a home run and three RBIs through 22 at-bats.
  • Nico Hoerner has been one of Pittsburgh’s brightest spots, hitting .389 with a home run and five RBIs in 18 at-bats.
  • Kris Bubic, who signed with the Cubs, owns a 3.00 ERA with five strikeouts over six innings despite two abbreviated starts.
  • Brandon Woodruff, the Diamondbacks’ marquee free-agent signing, is 1-1 with a 7.50 ERA and seven strikeouts through his first six innings.
  • Bryce Harper has seen limited action with the Dodgers, batting .222 with one RBI in just nine at-bats.

While it’s still early and spring statistics often come with a grain of salt, several contenders are already building momentum as Opening Day draws closer.

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