Milwaukee rolled nine runs on 10 hits in the first two innings of NLDS Game 1 against Chicago, powered by Jackson Chourio who logged three hits in two frames—a historic postseason feat. He later exited with an injury as the Brewers built a commanding 9-1 lead.

Chourio’s 21-homer, 78-RBI, 86-run regular season and his age-21 promise loom over the series as Game 2 arrives Monday at Milwaukee. Chicago responds with roster tweaks (Ben Brown added) while broader wildcard chatter centers on starting-pitcher matchups and the league’s marquee teams navigating injuries and rotations toward the next phase.

Baltimore locked in José Barrero on a minor league deal with a spring training invitation, aiming to deepen depth for 2026. The 28-year-old former Reds top-five prospect brings multi-positional value and a chance to rebound after mixed MLB time and solid Triple-A numbers in 2025.

Barrero split 2025 between Memphis, St. Louis, and Norfolk, posting a strong 2025 Triple-A line before a brief, tough MLB stretch with the Cardinals. His versatility—SS, 2B, 3B, CF, RF—gives the Orioles insurance against injuries, with a real upside if he flashes power and speed in spring and AAA already showed carryover.

Texas promotes Skip Schumaker to manager on a four-year deal after Bruce Bochy steps away, with Schumaker having spent a year in an advisory role in the Rangers’ front office. Schumaker, 45, is the 2023 NL Manager of the Year with Miami and inherits a club that led MLB in ERA and set a franchise fielding record, yet must balance a strong pitching staff with a continued run-production push in 2026. Bochy remains in an advisory lane as internal continuity takes precedence for Texas’ next chapter.

Two ALDS contenders square off in Toronto as the Yankees and Blue Jays open with Luis Gil vs Kevin Gausman. The Jays earned the top seed after posting an 8-5 edge in the season series, while New York advanced by beating Boston in the Wild Card. Cam Schlittler dazzled with eight shutout innings and 12 strikeouts, and Aaron Judge along with Anthony Volpe hit .364 in the set. Toronto’s offense led MLB with a .265 team average and 4.9 runs per game, though Bo Bichette’s knee could swing the series. The opener hinges on Gil’s command against Gausman, bullpen leverage, and current sportsbook trends.

Texas Rangers promote Skip Schumaker to 21st full-time manager, elevating him from senior advisor after Bruce Bochy’s departure. Schumaker previously guided Miami to 84 wins and a postseason berth in 2023, earning NL Manager of the Year. The 2025 Rangers went 81-81, blending young talent with veterans, and Schumaker inherits a club in transition heading into 2026.

His front-office exposure and clubhouse leadership signal a modern, data-informed approach in the dugout. The challenge is translating that into daily lineup decisions, bullpen usage, and player development within a loaded AL West race.