Players with the most to prove for each MLB team this spring

From top prospects to veterans looking to bounce back, here's a look at one player from each club who has the most to prove in Spring Training

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Full-squad workouts in Spring Training have begun, and there will be several players looking to prove themselves after injuries, underperformance or other factors put them in a more precarious position than they'd like to be entering the 2026 season. Whether it's a former top prospect who has yet to make a sustained impact in the Majors, a veteran reliever looking to bounce back from a poor showing in 2025, or even a newly acquired slugger set to make his Major League debut after becoming a star in Japan, this article examines one player from each MLB team with the most to prove entering camp.

Why it matters

Spring Training is a crucial time for players to establish themselves and prove their worth to their teams. Strong performances can earn players starting jobs, roster spots, and opportunities to contribute at the Major League level. Conversely, poor showings can jeopardize a player's standing within the organization. This article highlights the key players from each team who have the most riding on their Spring Training performance as they look to secure their roles and make an impact in 2026.

The details

The article covers one player from each of the 30 MLB teams who has the most to prove this spring. The players range from top prospects looking to break through, to veterans aiming to bounce back from injuries or down seasons. The piece provides context on why each player is in the spotlight and what they need to accomplish to solidify their standing with their respective clubs.

  • Spring Training workouts have begun across Major League Baseball.

The players

Kazuma Okamoto

The Blue Jays gave Okamoto a four-year, $60 million deal to replace Bo Bichette, and the Japanese star will need to quickly adjust to MLB pitching to live up to that investment.

Colton Cowser

After Cedric Mullins was traded, Cowser is expected to be Baltimore's everyday center fielder, so he'll need to prove he can handle the position defensively and bounce back offensively after a rough 2025 season.

Shane McClanahan

The Rays' ace missed most of the 2023 and 2024 seasons due to Tommy John surgery and a nerve issue, so he'll need to prove he's fully healthy and can recapture his dominant form from 2021-22.

Kristian Campbell

After a strong start to his rookie season, Campbell struggled mightily and ended up back in the minors, so he'll need to show he can be a consistent contributor at the MLB level.

Jasson Domínguez

The Yankees' top prospect saw his playing time diminish in the second half of 2025, and with a crowded outfield, he'll need to prove he deserves regular at-bats in the Majors.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.