Welcome to the first of several weekly digests on important updates coming out of the Cactus League spring training camps. With the Dodgers and Padres set to officially open the 2024 season with a two-game series in Korea in just five weeks, their camps have started early this year. In fact, pitchers and catchers have already been in action for a week now for those two teams so there’s much to talk about already.
Not only do the early starts generate newsworthy items but the significant new additions to both rosters have created an abnormally high level of interest in their first few days of camp. Fortunately, the major signings for both the Dodgers and Padres were pitchers so there’s an opportunity for immediate impressions. Add in Shohei Ohtani’s early batting cage work and there’s already plenty to analyze.
Cactus League Catch-up for Week 1
1. All Eyes on Ohtani
There’s never been a free agent signing like Ohtani’s before, given the combination of his generational talent and unique contract structure. It’s also rare for a mega-contract to go to a player coming off of major elbow surgery. While pitching is largely out of the question for Ohtani this year, the expectation is that he’ll still bring his MVP-caliber batting skills to the already-loaded Dodger’s lineup. Thus, it’s no surprise that all eyes were on Ohtani’s first Cactus League batting cage session.
Shohei Ohtani took his first on-field swings since his elbow surgery pic.twitter.com/EJjxnkeuh7
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) February 12, 2024
2. Yamamoto Dazzles in First Bullpen Session
If anyone shared Ohtani’s buzz in the first days of camp it was his new pitching protege Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Not only was this week Yamamoto’s first appearance as a Dodger, but it was also his first pitching appearance as a major leaguer. Much like Ohtani’s batting cage spectacle, Yamamoto’s first-ever bullpen session was a showstopper for coaches, players, and media. And Yamamoto didn’t disappoint as he showed flashes of what led to his recent three Nippon League MVP awards that wowed his teammates.
Gavin Lux weighed in on Yoshinobu Yamamoto's bullpen session, calling it "really nasty" 👀
What are you most excited about from Yamamoto this coming season?
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) February 10, 2024
3. Matsui Showcases His Elite Stuff
The Padres also brought in a top pitching talent from Japan this offseason with Yuki Matsui, but with far less hype than Yamamoto. While Matsui isn’t a generational talent like Yamamoto, he does have high-end reliever upside in the major leagues. In the last three years of Japanese pro ball, Matsui proved a dominant closer with a 1.42 ERA, a 12.7 K/9 ratio, and 95 total saves. Now the only question is if he’ll continue his career in the closer role for the Padres. The other likely closer candidate, Robert Suarez, is featured in the early footage shared below for what should make for an interesting closer battle this spring training.
Robert Suarez and Yuki Matsui throwing in the bullpen: pic.twitter.com/Hxvrp9LEdJ
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 13, 2024
4. Glasnow Gets Ramped Up
Yet another important offseason acquisition for the Dodgers, the trade for Tyler Glasnow gives the Dodgers a potential high-end starter. Glasnow looked poised to return to his 2021 form last year, coming off of Tommy John surgery, until his season was derailed by an oblique injury. After an offseason trade, he finds a fresh start with full health to regain his dominant pitcher status. Currently ranked as the No. 10 overall pitcher in our pre-season rankings, it won’t be a surprise to see his ranking change with early Spring Training performances.
POV: You're catching Tyler Glasnow's first bullpen. pic.twitter.com/ngQuAR3aIR
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 10, 2024
5. Machado Makes Strides Toward Full Health
Most of last season’s fantasy managers were left perplexed by Manny Machado’s subpar output. Coming off a strong season in 2022 and batting behind newly added slugger Juan Soto entering last year, Machado seemed like a prime candidate to return to MVP-caliber production. Late in the season, we started to learn the reason behind his season-long struggles as he was playing with tennis elbow. Immediately after the season ended Machado underwent corrective surgery with hopes of being in full health by 2024 Opening Day. The opening day status is still uncertain at this time so seeing glimpses of his rehab progression will offer fantasy managers valuable insight into his draft value.
Manny Machado, who underwent right elbow extensor tendon repair surgery in October, was first throwing a ball against padding and is now playing catch. pic.twitter.com/9u6oiyprg0
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 13, 2024
Stay tuned for more updates every week as we keep tabs on the other Cactus League teams that are set to report in full around President’s Day. If there’s a player you would like us to spotlight in an upcoming Cactus League catch-up article let me know by commenting below or reaching out on X @TheToddMpls.
For more of the great fantasy baseball rankings and analysis you’ve come to expect from FantraxHQ, check out our full 2024 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit! We’re here for you all the way up until Opening Day and then on into your championship run.