MLB AI Avatars Arrive: Astros, D-Backs Gear Up for 2026

Welcome to the AI Era: MLB Avatars Are Here

Look out baseball fans, the age of AI is coming for your favorite players. MLB stars have agreed to let a tech company create AI versions of themselves to chat with fans and sell digital goods. That’s right , not only can you buy a bobblehead of your favorite player, you might soon be chatting with his digital twin about tacos and launch angle. It’s a bold new world, and not everyone’s convinced it’s a good thing.

While the idea of 24/7 access to AI avatars might sound cool, the implications are murky. Players get to keep control over their likeness and interests, but there’s a fine line between interaction and exploitation. From a betting standpoint, this has no on-field impact , yet. But don’t be surprised if AI avatars start pushing promotions or even offering “insider” insights. Proceed with caution, and maybe keep your betting advice to the real humans for now.

Astros All-In on 2026 (Because They Have To Be)

The Houston Astros are entering the season with one clear goal: get back to the playoffs , or else. General Manager Dana Brown and Manager Joe Espada are both in the final year of their contracts, and owner Jim Crane isn’t exactly handing out extensions like sunflower seeds in the dugout. The message? Win now or pack your bags.

Pitching is the name of the game in Houston. With injuries derailing their 2023 campaign, the Astros are going with a six-man rotation to ease in their newest import, Tetsuya Emi, fresh out of Japan’s NPB. He’ll join Hunter Brown, Mike Burrows, Christian Javier, and likely Lance McCullers , assuming McCullers can rediscover his velocity. The team is also giving a long look at Spencer Arrighetti and bullpen breakout AJ Blubaugh as depth options.

Jeremy Peña’s improved plate discipline has the team excited, and Jake Myers is testing a balky calf in hopes of locking down center field. Meanwhile, Zach Cole, a classic Astros development story, is being given every chance to win a left field job. If he can trim the strikeouts and keep flashing that power, he could be a serious factor.

Josh Hader is back and healthy, but don’t expect him to be the multi-inning hero of old. After a two-inning outing led to a shoulder injury last year, the Astros are likely to keep him in a traditional ninth-inning role. From a betting angle, this makes live betting on Astros games a little more predictable when it comes to bullpen usage.

Offensively, it’s the usual suspects: José Altuve at second, Yordan Álvarez at DH, and Carlos Correa back in the mix thanks to an injury to Isak Paredes. But the infield is crowded, and a trade of Paredes or Christian Walker could bring in the left-handed outfielder they sorely need. Watch the roster moves closely , a mid-spring trade could shift the Astros’ betting outlook significantly.

Diamondbacks Ready to Strike Again

Over in the desert, the Arizona Diamondbacks are trying to build on last season’s progress by tightening up their defense and keeping the bullpen from imploding. Their big move was trading Blaze Alexander to the Orioles for Cage Stroud, a bullpen arm they hope can bring some stability.

The D-backs didn’t get the offers they wanted for Ketel Marte, so he stays , for now. They also brought in Nolan Arenado and Carlos Santana to shore up the infield, though Santana’s presence could limit playing time for top prospect Jordan Lawlar. Keep an eye on how Lawlar is deployed in spring , if he’s stuck on the bench, his Rookie of the Year odds might not be worth the sprinkle.

The offense will rely heavily on the top four hitters. Corbin Carroll is swinging better and aiming for a higher average. Gabriel Moreno is a potential breakout if he can dodge the injury bug. And let’s not forget about Pradomo, who added power last year and could be a sneaky fantasy and prop bet darling if he continues to develop.

On the farm, Tommy Troy and Ryan Bliss are making noise. Walsh Mat and Geno Grover are also in the mix, and with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. likely to miss the first couple months, there’s a real opportunity in the outfield. Alek Thomas seems locked into center field, but watch for Tim Locastro to make a versatile impact.

The biggest question mark remains the bullpen. The team is hoping for bounce-backs and better health. Manager Torey Lovullo will be under pressure to juggle the arms more effectively this year. If the bullpen can hold up just enough, the D-backs could be a sneaky over team in win totals and a fun underdog play early in the season.

Other News and Notes

The Tigers made waves with Tarek Skubal’s arbitration win, netting him a record-setting $32 million. It’s a big win for the MLBPA and could reshape future arbitration cases. While Detroit insists they won’t trade Skubal, the timing of other moves raises eyebrows. Keep tabs on that situation if the Tigers start slow , Skubal could become a hot trade target and a big swing for futures markets.

Meanwhile, Mickey Lolich, a Tigers legend known for his incredible durability, passed away at 85. His 376 innings pitched in 1971 is a number we will never see again (unless the rules change dramatically or someone invents bionic arms).

Lastly, the Giants and Royals are on deck for full team previews. But in the meantime, keep an eye on the Arizona rotation. Corbin Burnes is expected back around the All-Star break, and while a reunion with free-agent ace Zac Gallen isn’t likely, the door isn’t fully closed. If Gallen returns, that’s a major boost to Arizona’s playoff hopes.

Takeaways

• AI avatars of MLB players are coming, but don’t bet your bankroll on their hot takes just yet.
• The Astros are in "all or nothing" mode with a six-man rotation and a crowded infield that could spark trade action.
• The Diamondbacks are banking on internal growth and defensive upgrades while hoping their bullpen holds up.
• Watch for spring training surprises , Zach Cole and Tommy Troy could be early-season prop bet goldmines.
• Don’t sleep on the Skubal situation in Detroit. If the Tigers stumble, trade rumors will heat up fast.