The New York Yankees made a significant move by acquiring Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins, aiming to energize their lineup before the trade deadline. Chisholm, known for his versatility, is set to transition to second base, a new challenge for him as he had primarily played other positions such as shortstop and center field. This change comes after Gleyber Torres's departure to the Detroit Tigers, leaving a vacancy at second.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about Chisholm's potential as the double play partner for Anthony Volpe. While his defensive skills are valued, the Yankees are particularly excited about his offensive capabilities, highlighted by his impressive stats since joining the team. In 46 games, Chisholm posted a .273 batting average with a .500 slugging percentage, showcasing a blend of speed and power that could significantly impact the Yankees' success in the upcoming season.

The Detroit Tigers, coming off a playoff berth, are gearing up for a crucial spring training as they aim to capitalize on a short window to keep reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. The pressure is on as they look to integrate promising players like Jackson Jobe, Gleyber Torres, and Spencer Torkelson into the lineup. Jobe, the third overall pick in 2021, is a key focus with his potential to be a top-tier starter. Torres hopes to rediscover his elite batting form, while Torkelson aims to convert potential into production after a lackluster start to his career.

Additionally, the bullpen sees new faces like Chase Lee, who impressed in the minors, and Trey Sweeney, who might find the stability Detroit seeks at shortstop. With a mix of veteran talent and rising prospects, the Tigers are poised for an exciting season as they navigate their win-now mentality while developing young stars.

The New York Yankees, known for their long-standing facial hair policy established nearly 50 years ago, have made a surprising shift for the 2025 season. Owner Hal Steinbrenner announced that players will now be allowed to sport 'well-groomed' beards. Former Yankee Gleyber Torres expressed his surprise at the new policy, indicating that many current players are eager to embrace this change. Yankees manager Aaron Boone emphasized that the time had come for this adjustment, reflecting a shift in the culture of the team.

Previously, the Yankees adhered strictly to a 'Neatness Counts' policy that prohibited facial hair other than mustaches, a rule that had deterred some players from joining the franchise. Notable players like Brian Wilson and David Price had previously ruled out joining the Yankees due to the restrictive grooming standards. Steinbrenner noted that the change is primarily driven by the desire to attract top talent, recognizing that a focus on winning must adapt to modern adjustments in player preferences.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo will miss the start of the regular season after undergoing surgery on a fractured hamate bone in his right hand. Baddoo, who has been experiencing wrist soreness since spring training, was designated for assignment last December but cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Toledo. His struggles continued last season, hitting just .137 with two home runs in 31 games.

The Tigers are also dealing with injury concerns for Alex Cobb, who is expected to miss the beginning of the season due to hip inflammation. Baddoo's absence creates a more crowded outfield situation for Detroit, with notable left-handed hitters like Riley Green and Kerry Carpenter also in the mix.

The current state of Major League Baseball's starting pitchers is uncharacteristically weak, with no pitcher exceeding 230 strikeouts last season, a notable decline from previous years. Paul Skenes from the Pittsburgh Pirates stands out with an average fastball speed of 98.8 mph, ranking first in ERA but facing injury risks. Tarik Skubal, excelling in multiple pitching metrics, may lack offensive support. Zack Wheeler remains a consistent choice, though his strikeout rate is moderate. Chris Sale, a former Cy Young winner, poses injury concerns as he ages. Dark horse candidates include Blake Snell and Garrett Crochet, both capable of leading in strikeouts but plagued by inconsistencies. Lastly, Jacob deGrom's historical excellence contrasts with recent injury struggles.