5 Players Off to Roaring Starts in New Uniforms

Early-season success for new faces in new places across MLB

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:03am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented baseball players and game action, using bold colors and overlapping shapes to capture the energy and excitement of the early season.New faces in new places are making an early impact across MLB, with several players breaking out in the first two weeks of the 2026 season.Today in Pittsburgh

Several players have made strong first impressions with their new teams in the opening weeks of the 2026 MLB season, including Marlins outfielder Owen Caissie, Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan, White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami, Pirates outfielder/first baseman Ryan O'Hearn, and Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez.

Why it matters

Getting off to a hot start with a new team can set the tone for the rest of the season and help players quickly integrate into their new clubhouses. These early-season performances are generating excitement and optimism for the players' new franchises as they look to improve on their 2025 results.

The details

Owen Caissie, the centerpiece of the trade that sent Edward Cabrera to the Cubs, has hit two home runs with nine RBIs and a .948 OPS in his first 31 plate appearances for the Marlins. Brendan Donovan, acquired by the Mariners in a three-team trade, is slashing .323/.432/.581 with two home runs in his first nine games. Munetaka Murakami, the White Sox's big international signing, has hit four home runs with an .892 OPS in his first 42 plate appearances. Ryan O'Hearn, who signed a two-year deal with the Pirates, has three home runs, 11 RBIs, and a 1.160 OPS in his first nine games. Framber Valdez, the Tigers' big free-agent signing, has allowed just one earned run over 12 innings in his first two starts.

  • Through the Marlins' first 10 games of the 2026 season.
  • In his first nine games (37 plate appearances) with the Mariners.
  • In his first 10 games (42 plate appearances) with the White Sox.
  • Through his first nine games with the Pirates.
  • In his first two starts of the 2026 season with the Tigers.

The players

Owen Caissie

A 23-year-old outfielder for the Miami Marlins, acquired in a trade with the Cubs.

Brendan Donovan

A 29-year-old third baseman for the Seattle Mariners, acquired in a three-team trade with the Rays and Cardinals.

Munetaka Murakami

A 26-year-old first baseman for the Chicago White Sox, signed as a free agent from Japan.

Ryan O'Hearn

A 32-year-old outfielder and first baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates, signed as a free agent after playing for the Orioles and Padres.

Framber Valdez

A 32-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, signed as a free agent.

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What they’re saying

“He's built for this. He's been everything that we imagined as far as his impact in the clubhouse, who he is as a person, his play on the field defensively, as well as the power and plate discipline.”

— Will Venable, Manager, Chicago White Sox

What’s next

The players will look to continue their strong starts as the season progresses, with their new teams hoping the early-season success is a sign of things to come.

The takeaway

These early-season performances by new faces in new places have generated excitement and optimism for their respective teams, who are hoping the players' hot starts will translate to sustained success throughout the 2026 season.