Cubs PCA & Nico Extensions, Shane Baz Deal, Pratt Contract + Opening Weekend Reactions!

The 2026 MLB season is off to a wild start, and we’re breaking down the biggest contract news plus early-season takeaways! The Chicago Cubs locked up two key pieces long-term: Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA) on a 6-year/$115M extension (no options, buys out two free-agent years — he can hit free agency at age 31, includes assignment bonus if traded, and escalators that can push the total to $133M). They also extended Nico Hoerner on a 6-year/$141M straight deal (no options, $5M signing bonus, $10M deferred — present-day value ~$137.5M) with a full no-trade clause. The Baltimore Orioles secured young starter Shane Baz with a 5-year/$68M straight extension (no options or escalators, no deferred money, buys out two free-agent years, ~$13.6M luxury tax hit with lower salaries early on). Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers inked top shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt to an 8-year/$50M deal (includes two club option years worth ~$15M each). Pratt just debuted at AAA — no MLB timetable yet. Plus, Opening Weekend reactions: Rookies are stealing the show with massive performances from Chase DeLauter, Munetaka Murakami, Owen Caissie, Sal Stewart, JJ Wetherholt, and Kevin McGonigle. Mike Trout looks like his old self and might be back for real. Is Shea Langeliers an early MVP candidate? We also dive into the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system — thoughts on the early chaos? Injury updates: Jackson Chourio fractured his left hand (2-4 weeks), and Andrew Vaughn has a hamate bone injury (4-6 weeks). We analyze the contract details, winners/losers, and what it all means for the 2026 season!