Baseball will officially be back next week, with the start of the spring training schedule in the Cactus and Grapefruit leagues. And while most top free agents find themselves in Florida for camp this year, the spring parks around Arizona will feature plenty of star talent to follow over the next two months.
As spring training gets underway, here are 10 players in the Cactus League to watch.
Shohei Ohtani in Game 7 of the World Series at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada, Nov. 1, 2025. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images1. Shohei Ohtani — LA Dodgers
Someone to watch no matter the setting, Ohtani will report to camp with an added dimension this spring: Preparing for a full season of two-way duties for his first time as a Dodger. The team has said it will be cautious with his pitching workload this year. So how well he ramps up this spring could help determine his regular-season usage plan.
Cubs’ Kyle Tucker runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Milwaukee Brewers, Oct. 9, 2025. AP2. Kyle Tucker — LA Dodgers
The top player in this year’s free-agent class will be closely watched in his first spring camp with the Dodgers. While Tucker is already a four-time All-Star, and has the potential to vie for an MVP, he struggled over the second half of last year with the Cubs. His spring performance should provide an indication if he’s back on track.
Zach Neto runs the bases after hitting a home run during the third against the Minnesota Twins, Sept. 10, 2025. AP3. Zach Neto — LA Angels
The former first-round pick has become the most productive player on a struggling Angels team and among the top-fielding shortstops in MLB. If Neto can take another step this year, it could make the team’s slim playoff hopes feel like more of a possibility.
Angels’ Mike Trout is all smiles after his solo home run against the Houston Astros, Sept. 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. AP4. Mike Trout — LA Angels
Something else that would help the Angels? Getting an injury-free, bounce-back campaign from the three-time MVP winner. In his prime, Trout’s power, speed and defense made him a spectacle to watch even in Cactus League play. Now, many eyes will be upon him, as he tries to shake off his struggles from the last two years.
Chicago Cubs infielder Alex Bregman during a news conference in Chicago, Jan. 15, 2026. AP5. Alex Bregman — Chicago Cubs
Hope is in abundance at Cubs camp, thanks to the offseason arrival of Bregman, a three-time All-Star and Gold Glove third baseman. Bregman’s $175 million signing this offseason is supposed to help push the Cubs over the hump. This spring will offer the first indication of whether he can.
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong in the fourth inning of a game, Aug. 31, 2025. AP6. Pete Crow-Armstrong — Chicago Cubs
The other key to the Cubs’ success this season will be their young toolsy outfielder Crow-Armstrong, who last year played like an MVP during the first half of the year before dropping off down the stretch. If PCA cements himself as a star, it could make the Cubs real contenders. But even if he doesn’t, his speed and athleticism still make him a fun spring watch.
San Francisco’s Rafael Devers prepares to bat at his team’s Oracle Park, Sept. 27, 2025. Getty Images7. Rafael Devers — San Francisco Giants
The Giants made Devers the linchpin of their rebuild when they traded for him (and his $313 million contract) last year. Now, entering his first full season with the club, his performance could dictate whether the Giants are serious playoff contenders.
Mariners’ Cal Raleigh hits his 60th home run during the game against the Colorado Rockies in Seattle, Sept. 24, 2025. AP8. Cal Raleigh — Seattle Mariners
Coming off his historic 60-homer season, the question now is whether Raleigh was a one-hit wonder (at least, as a legitimate MVP candidate) or can cement himself as one of the game’s biggest stars. If he accomplishes the latter, the Mariners will dream of their first trip to the World Series.
Chicago’s Munetaka Murakami attends spring training camp at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, Arizona, Feb. 10. Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images9. Munetaka Murakami — Chicago White Sox
Offseason Japanese signing Murakami arrives in the majors with big power but also big questions. He could hit 40 home runs. He could also strike out 200 times. One thing is for sure: He’ll be fascinating to watch, especially in a hitter-friendly Cactus League environment that could lead to some towering blasts.
Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. sprints to first against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, Calif., Sept. 27, 2025. Getty Images10. Bobby Witt Jr. — Kansas CityRoyals
If you haven’t seen the 25-year-old shortstop in person, you’re missing out. Witt Jr. has quietly become one of the best players in the sport over the last few seasons, earning a Platinum Glove award and a batting title with his dynamic all-around skill set.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post SportsFacebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!






