With Opening Day only 16 days away, now is a good time to dive into spring training and see who's been performing well and who's been performing poorly.

Hot, Hot, Hot!:

Cubs Young Guns Smashing Baseballs:

Three Chicago Cubs bats have been leading the way in Arizona. OF Pete Crow-Armstrong, 3B Gage Workman, and 1B Michael Busch are in the top five for the most hits in Spring Training. Workman (14), Crow-Armstrong (13), Busch (13).

Workman and Armstrong have similar stats with 3 HRs each, but Workman has the edge in RBIs with 13. All three players are hitting the ball and hitting for power with each registering 4+ XBHs in their first month of games.

Curtis Mead's Hot Start:

Curtis Mead, a 24-year-old from Australia, has been mashing the ball this Spring Training. The Rays infielder is hitting over .400 with multiple extra-base hits and has looked locked in at the plate every time he steps into the box.

After flashing potential in limited action last season, Mead seems determined to carve out a bigger role in Tampa Bay’s lineup. If this early success continues, don’t be surprised to see him earning consistent reps at second or third base once the regular season rolls around.

Gavin Williams Dealing:

Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams has been one of the most impressive pitchers this spring. In nine innings of work, he’s allowed just one earned run while striking out nine. His fastball has life, and he's shown improved command of his off-speed pitches.

With Cleveland leaning heavily on their young arms, Williams looks like he’s ready to be a key piece in their rotation from Day One.

Cold Starts Causing Concern:

Sonny Gray Slowed by Injury:

Cardinals starter Sonny Gray hasn’t had the spring he or St. Louis fans hoped for. After tweaking his hamstring in early March, Gray has yet to appear in a game.

While the team is downplaying the severity, it’s fair to wonder if this minor setback could bleed into April. For a Cardinals rotation already full of question marks, Gray’s health looms large.

Matt Manning Struggles in Motown:

Tigers righty Matt Manning has had a rough go of it this spring. In multiple outings, he’s struggled with command and given up hard contact, including several long balls.

After dealing with injuries last year, Manning entered camp looking to solidify his spot in the rotation—but so far, he’s looked more like a depth piece than a breakout candidate.

James Outman’s Cold Bat:

Dodgers outfielder James Outman was one of the surprise success stories of 2023, but his bat has yet to wake up this spring. Hitting under .200 with a high strikeout rate, Outman has looked off-balance and out of rhythm at the plate.

It’s still early, and the Dodgers have the depth to let him work through it, but L.A. fans are hoping this is just a temporary slump—not a sophomore setback.

Spring training is just that—training. But while these performances don’t count in the standings, they can offer early signs of who’s ready to roll and who still has work to do. As Opening Day draws closer, all eyes will be on whether these spring trends carry into the regular season—or get left behind in the desert sun.