Posts

Posted on

NBA Draft rumors: Darryn Peterson not working out for Jazz, who are torn between him and Cam Boozer

We are one week out from the 2026 NBA Draft, which means a lot of rumors — and even more spin — are flying around the league. Here are some of the latest rumors and reports, along with context on how seriously to take the reports.

Darryn Peterson not meeting with Jazz

Kansas guard Darryn Peterson — widely projected as the No. 2 pick in this draft — has refused to visit or work out for the team with the No. 2 pick, the Utah Jazz, a story first reported by Shams Charania and Jeremy Woo of ESPN. For the record, widely projected No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa has worked out for Washington with the No. 1 pick as well as Utah.

Now comes word from the well-connected Tony Jones at The Athletic that the Jazz are "genuinely torn" between using their pick on Peterson or Duke big man Cameron Boozer (or Dybantsa, if Washington shocks the league and takes Peterson).

The Jazz are drawn to Peterson's ability to score at a high level. They love Boozer's ability to pass, rebound and process the game at a high level. That Boozer is firmly in the mix at No. 2 is a testament to how much the Jazz like him, being that he isn't a clean positional fit. The Jazz already have Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen at his position, but Boozer is so talented that it may not matter for the Jazz.

A few thoughts on all of this:

• League sources told NBC Sports weeks ago that Danny Ainge and the Jazz front office could not possibly care less whether Peterson ever worked out for them or not — if they grade him second on their board, they will take him. Jones from The Athletic echoed that same idea. If Peterson wants to know how this plays out, he should ask Jazz wing Ace Bailey, who tried the same thing a year ago and Utah did not care then and selected him.

• ESPN's Woo reports that the medical reports on Peterson — who missed a number of games last season for Kansas due to injuries, and left others early due to cramping — did not raise any major concerns or red flags, and are not considered an issue by teams.

• Most teams have had Peterson ranked ahead of Boozer on their draft boards because they see a higher ceiling with the dynamic point guard. Utah, however, has drafted well in recent years, and if they see something with Boozer, it is worth noting. As a general rule, teams at the top of the draft take the best player regardless of position, but if it's basically a tie, then position comes more into play.

• As much as Jazz fans would welcome it, do not expect Utah to trade up to get the No. 1 pick and Dybantsa, who played his prep and college ball in Utah. Washington would want a "godfather" offer to move out of the top spot, reports Brian Windhorst of ESPN. The only reason Utah should consider a big offer (Ace Bailey, a future first-rounder and this year's No. 2 pick) is if it has Dybantsa rated much higher than Peterson. League sources NBC Sports has spoken with don't see that kind of massive drop-off (if any) between the two.

• It's worth noting that both Peterson and breakout Jazz point guard Keyonte George both want to play the one and both share an agency (Wasserman). It's not hard to connect the dots there if you're looking for motivation for some of this drama.

Other draft notes

• Oklahoma City reportedly is very open to trading the No. 17 pick in this year's draft, according to multiple reports. They likely keep the No. 12 pick.

• Miami controls the No. 13 pick, but if the Heat trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, then control of that pick would go to Milwaukee. That would give the rebuilding Bucks two lottery picks, No. 10 and 13.

• Arizona guard Brayden Burries has "drawn interest" from the Warriors at No. 11, reports Anthony Slater of ESPN. The problem for Golden State is that it's unlikely he'll still be on the board at that point.

• It's no secret that the Sacramento Kings like Darius Acuff Jr., the point guard out of Arkansas, and will take him with the No. 7 pick if he is still on the board. However, multiple reports say that Brooklyn likes him a lot at No. 6, so he may not fall to the Knicks unless they are willing to give up another asset to one up a spot.

Posted on

Utah Jazz Free Agency: Walker Kessler offer revealed, Kessler not happy

According to Tim MacMahon on Utah ESPN 700 Radio, Walker Kessler has received an offer from the Utah Jazz for a 5-year, $ 140 M deal, but apparently it wasn’t enough.

MacMahon was asked if he thinks that Kessler wants to play in Utah, and he responded: “… for more than 5 years, $140M.” It also sounds like there are some real frustrations with how the Jazz have gone about his contract situation. Apparently, the Jazz feel that they can have any hurt feelings improve over time once the contract is signed.

To be honest, it’s a pretty surprising attitude from Kessler, who has shown a lot of potential but not necessarily some concrete production. Utah is right to hold strong in this situation because the worst thing they can do is start handing out max deals to every player on the team. They already have big contracts with Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., they have Keyonte George coming up, and then who knows what happens with Ace Bailey eventually.

We know from Sam Amick that there are teams interested in Kessler, like the Lakers, the Hawks, and others, so it’s not like the Jazz don’t have options. If Kessler is trying to force his way out, he may get just that, but don’t be surprised if he ends up in places he didn’t expect, like Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland.

Posted on

Walker Kessler ‘at odds’ with Jazz front office, Lakers among interested teams

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 31: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball during the first half of the Emirates NBA Cup game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 31, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Jazz 118-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Despite the identity of the Lakers undergoing a massive recent change, one of the players most consistentlylinked to the teamin the trade markethas been Walker Kessler.

The Jazz big man was once seen as the perfect complement to Anthony Davis and can now be viewed as the lob-catching, defensive anchor in the paint for the Luka Dončić version of the team.

The assumption, however, was that, with Kessler being a restricted free agent this summer, it would take a big offer sheet to lure him away from Utah. However, that may no longer be the case.

In a surprising bit of reporting on Monday night, Sam Amick of The Athletic revealed that Kessler and the Jazz front office are not seeing eye-to-eye and the big man might be making plans for his next team.

Kessler, the 24-year-old who was taken 22nd overall out of Auburn by the Memphis Grizzlies before his rights were traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves and eventually the Jazz in 2022, was already known to be frustrated by Utah’s choice not to offer him an extension last summer. And now, with the Jazz choosing to leverage the realities of restricted free agency against him as a way to minimize his market, sources say he is strongly considering the prospect of a basketball future outside Utah.

It wouldn’t take much to already link the Lakers to Kessler, given their history. On top of that, though, J. Kyle Mann of The Ringer appeared on Zach Lowe’s podcast on Tuesday and connected the two parties yet again.

“I think you could see some teams across the league who are in need of maybe an asset that be ‘distressed’ that they maybe think could perform what they might end up having to pay for him. I’ve heard teams like the Lakers kicking [his name] around.”

When Kessler is healthy, he’s been one of the league’s best young rebounders and defenders. He would be a natural fit with the Lakers in their search for a big man of the future.

However, injuries have been a problem for him in his young career. Last season, he appeared in just five contests before undergoing surgery on his torn labrum. In the 2024-25 season, he played in just 58 games. However, the Jazz have been one of the most egregious tankers in the league in the last few seasons and a lot of those missed games came in the second half of the season, so that could be the reason for him missing games.

As it stands, the Jazz front court is already crowded with Kessler, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen. That comes before the potential addition of AJ Dybantsa or Cam Boozer at the top of the 2026 NBA Draft, too.

It’s hard to know what a deal for Kessler would require, particularly if he wants to leave. The Jazz still hold the cards in this situation, but it would be in their best interest to try to acquire an asset in a trade, especially given how many forwards and centers they already have on the roster.

With the draft quickly approaching, it could be something to monitor.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

Posted on

Knicks vs. Spurs delivers highest NBA Finals ratings since 1998 (when Jordan was still a Bull)

Bring together the long-suffering fans of the biggest media market in the NBA — with a team that was hard not to root for — against a player unlike any other and a rising dominant force, and you had ratings gold.

This year's NBA Finals between Jalen Brunson's New York Knicks and Victor Wembanyama's San Antonio Spurs drew the largest audience to watch the NBA Finals since Michael Jordan was still with the Bulls, 28 years ago. The Finals averaged 20.6 million viewers across ABC and ESPN, but beyond the record viewership, there was also record social media engagement and merchandise sales. Some of the highlights include:

• Game 5, when the Knicks closed out the series, averaged 24.5 million viewers and peaked at 33 million viewers at 11:15 p.m. ET. That makes it the most-watched NBA Finals Game 5 since 1998, and the most-watched NBA game since Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals (when LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers completed their comeback from 3-1 down on the Golden State Warriors).

• The NBA Finals delivered the highest share for a Finals on record (38.3).

• It wasn't just the Finals, this most-watched postseason in 28 years across ABC/ESPN, Amazon Prime Video and NBC/Peacock.

• The NBA Finals generated a record 15 billion views and counting on social media, the most ever for an NBA Finals and nearly triple the previous record set in 2025.

• In the first 24 hours following their clinching win in Game 5, the Knicks set an all-time Fanatics merchandise record for any championship team ever across all sports.

• The 2026 NBA Finals set a new league record for merchandise sales across NBAStore.com, Fanatics, team stores and third-party retail.

Posted on

ESPN projects a down season for the Suns next year in early power rankings

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 01: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives around Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on April 01, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In their first power rankings since the New York Knicks won the NBA Finals, ESPN is projecting the Suns to potentially take a step back in the 2026-27 season after a surprising year the season before.

Ranked 15th in their previous rankings, ESPN has the team 21st, with the Milwaukee Bucks being the only other team to experience a six-spot drop from where they sat the previous year, as Milwaukee deals with a future potentially without Giannis Antetokounmpo. The network ranks the Suns 10th in the conference.

Finishing 45-37 on the year, the Suns disappointed in postseason play. After sitting in the seventh spot for most of the regular season, they lost in the 7/8 play-in game to the Portland Trail Blazers and fell to the eighth seed, where they were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

With the new tanking protocols going into effect, many teams are making moves to level up for the 2026-27 campaign, including the Utah Jazz, while teams like the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks are looking to get key players back and benefit from another year of development for their young players. As a result, the Western Conference projects to be tougher next season than it was this year, which doesn’t bode well for a Phoenix team that ended the year 7-15 in its final 22 games, including postseason contests.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 22: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

With key contributors Jordan Goodwin, Collin Gillespie, and Mark Williams set to become free agents (Williams is a restricted free agent, meaning the Suns can match any offer he receives from other teams), Phoenix has a lot of decisions to make this offseason regarding whether it wants to run back the same roster it had this past season or make some changes. Additionally, Dillon Brooks is eligible for an extension after having a career year in his first season with the Suns.

On the bright side, rookies Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming now have a year under their belts in the NBA, and Jalen Green projects to be healthier than he was this past season after missing more than half the year with a hamstring injury.

With the draft next week and free agency to follow, the Suns’ (and their opponents’) rosters could look very different from what they did a season ago, and any rankings for next season at this time should be taken lightly.

Posted on

‘Hockey Night in Canada’ NHL broadcasts won’t return to CBC next fall

TORONTO (AP) — “Hockey Night in Canada,” a program featuring NHL games that has been part of the national fabric for nearly 75 years on CBC television, will not return to the public broadcaster next season.

A sublicensing agreement between Rogers Communications and the CBC that allowed the show to air on the network expired at the end of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The two sides did not extend the partnership for the 2026-27 season, the first year of Rogers’ 12 year, $11 billion broadcast rights deal with the NHL. The CBC previously aired national games on Saturdays, along with all four playoff rounds each year.

“After a successful 12-year partnership, Sportsnet and CBC today announced the public broadcaster will no longer carry NHL broadcasts after the current season as it moves forward with a new sports programming strategy following the unprecedented success of the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games,” Sportsnet and the CBC said Tuesday in a joint statement. “Watching hockey on Saturday night is a time-honoured tradition for Canadians, and Sportsnet is privileged to continue delivering that tradition."

While the CBC still holds the “Hockey Night in Canada” trademark and could incorporate the brand into future coverage, it’s the first time the traditional program won’t be available to Canadian viewers via the public broadcaster.

“It’s definitely a bit of an end of an era,” CBC Sports executive director Chris Wilson said in a phone interview. “But we’re choosing to look at it more as an opportunity as opposed to a loss.

“But (we) fully understand that it’s going to take an opportunity away from some Canadians to see it on CBC. But that’s unfortunately where we landed, and we’re excited for the next chapter.”

The CBC first aired “Hockey Night in Canada” on television in 1952. It was a Saturday night mainstay for generations of hockey fans.

Broadcasters like Dick Irvin, Bob Cole, Ron MacLean, Don Cherry, Dave Hodge and Foster Hewitt — to name a few — helped provide the soundtrack that Canadians would cherish.

Traditional baby blue blazers — complete with a puck and stick "Hockey Night in Canada" logo on the jacket pocket — were as familiar as the announcers’ voices.

“The CBC’s interest in sports has basically been in amateur sports for quite a while, and other professional sports are on sports channels (like) Sportsnet or TSN,” Hodge said in a phone interview. “Obviously, hockey is on both of those as well. And lately it has come that it’s almost indistinguishable that a game is on this channel or that channel, they all look the same.

“Nobody wears any baby blue jackets with ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ crests to identify it as a Saturday night game. I think that this was coming. It was inevitable.”

Things began to change when Rogers first secured a 12 year, $5.2 billion rights deal with the league in 2013, with many games available on the Sportsnet broadcast platform.

The telecom giant and the CBC agreed on a sublicensing deal for English-language broadcasts of “Hockey Night in Canada," and a separate French-language deal was made with TVA.

Under the setup, Sportsnet produced the games, retained editorial control and managed the advertising.

The CBC’s inclusion helped broaden the reach across the country. It also kept the tradition intact and allowed the broadcaster to promote some of its own programming.

“It was the original appointment television for Canada every Saturday night,” said James Nadler, chair of the radio and television arts media program at Toronto Metropolitan University.

The NHL postseason ended Sunday night when the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup. The 2026-27 regular season will likely begin in late September.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Posted on

Game Discussion for St. Louis Cardinals vs San Diego Padres Tuesday Night

Jun 3, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Andre Pallante (53) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals will continue their brief homestand against the San Diego Padres Tuesday night as Andre Pallante will answer the bell for the Cardinals. RHP Michael King is scheduled to start for the Padres. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45pm at Busch Stadium.

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!
Posted on

Colorado Rockies vs. Chicago Cubs game discussion: Ryan Feltner vs. Edward Cabrera

Jun 11, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ryan Feltner (18) delivers a pitch in the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

In Game 1, the Colorado Rockies bullpen managed to blow a lead, gifting the Chicago Cubs a walk-off win (shrimp style).

Tonight, they will look to even the series. .

Starting for the Rockies is Ryan Feltner in what will be his ninth start for in 2026.

Worth noting, he will be facing the Cubs for the second-straight start after facing them last Thursday at Coors Field. In that game, Feltner suffered the loss in a 9-3 Rockies loss, allowing six runs on four hits across 4.1 IP. He surrendered four runs in the fourth and two in the fifth after retiring each of the first nine batter he faced to begin the game.

The righty has a 5.20 ERA in 36.1 IP. He’s struck out 26, walked six, and given up two home runs. Feltner has a 1.21 WHIP. 

Taking the mound for the Cubs will be RHP Edward Cabrera.

Currently, he has an ERA of 4.86 in 63.0 IP. He’s struck out 58 while giving up 33 walks and 13 home runs with a 1.41 WHIP.

And now to the details.

First Pitch: 6:05 pm MDT

TV: Rockies TV

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

SB Nation site:Bleed Cubbie Blue

Lineups:

For the visiting Rockies:

Rockies @ Cubs Lineup (6.16.26) McCarthy, Castro, Rumfield, Goodman, Johnston, Carrigg, Sullivan, Tovar, Julien, Feltner

And the home Guardians:

Rockies @ Cubs Lineup (6.16.26) Crow-Armstrong, Bregman, Busch, Suzuki, Happ, Horner, Shaw, Amaya, Swanson, Cabrera

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

Posted on

Game 75: Twins at Rangers

Jun 11, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Zebby Matthews (52) pitches in the second inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

First Pitch: 7:05 PM CDT

TV: Twins.TV

Radio: TIBN, LosTwins.com, WCCO 830, The Wolf 102.9 FM, Audacy App

Know thine enemy:Lone Star Ball

Zebby Matthews gets the start tonight for the Twins, and he’s hoping to not give up 7 earned runs as he’s done in 2 of his last 3 starts. If he can avoid the long ball I think he stands a pretty good chance, and he should be helped by the fact that the Rangers don’t hit many home runs (ranked 22nd in MLB).

The Rangers will counter with RHP Kumar Rocker, their 3rd overall draft pick from 2022. He features a slider, sinker, 4-seam, a cutter, and a change-up. Expect to see primarily sliders and sinkers from Rocker, and because of that, lots of ground balls.

Today’s Lineups

TWINSRANGERS
Trevor Larnach – LFJoc Pederson – DH
Byron Buxton – CFJosh Jung – 3B
Kody Clemens – RFWyatt Langford – LF
Royce Lewis – 1BBrandon Nimmo – RF
Josh Bell – DHEzequiel Duran – SS
Brooks Lee – 3BJake Burger – 1B
Luke Keaschall – 2BJosh Smith – 2B
Tristan Gray – SSAlejandro Osuna – CF
Alex Jackson – CElias Diaz – C
Zebby Matthews – RHPKumar Rocker – RHP

Posted on

Game 73 Game Day Thread – Minnesota Twins @ Texas Rangers

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 15: Joc Pederson #3 of the Texas Rangers reacts after hitting a two home run against the Minnesota Twins during the third inning at Globe Life Field on June 15, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Minnesota Twins @ Texas Rangers

Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 7:05 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

The Shed

RHP Zebby Matthews vs. RHP Kumar Rocker

Today’s Lineups

TWINSRANGERS
Trevor Larnach – LFJoc Pederson – DH
Byron Buxton – CFJosh Jung – 3B
Kody Clemens – RFWyatt Langford – LF
Royce Lewis – 1BBrandon Nimmo – RF
Josh Bell – DHEzequiel Duran – SS
Brooks Lee – 3BJake Burger – 1B
Luke Keaschall – 2BJosh Smith – 2B
Tristan Gray – SSAlejandro Osuna – CF
Alex Jackson – CElias Diaz – C
Zebby Matthews – RHPKumar Rocker – RHP

Go Rangers!

Posted on

Former Buffalo Sabres Forward Calls It A Career

A former Buffalo Sabres draft pick and forward is hanging up the skates. 

The NHL Alumni's official X account shared that former Sabres forward Luke Adam has announced his retirement. 

Adam was selected by the Sabres in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, 44th overall. From there, he played his first four NHL seasons with the Sabres from 2010-11 to 2013-14.

In 87 games with the Sabres over that span, Adam posted 15 goals, 11 assists, 26 points, and 64 hits. His best season with the Sabres was in 2011-12, though, as he set career highs with 10 goals, 10 assists, and 20 points in 52 games. 

Adam played his final season at the NHL level during the 2014-15 campaign with the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, he played in just three games for the Blue Jackets that year, where he was held off the scoresheet.

While Adam did not spend a lot of time at the NHL level, he put together a long career over multiple leagues. From 2016-17 to 2022-23, he played in the German DEL. He also split the 2023-24 season in both Czechia and Slovakia's leagues before spending each of the last two seasons in the ECHL with the Tahoe Knight Monsters. 

Adam was still an impactful player in the ECHL this season, as he recorded 20 goals, 27 assists, and 47 points in 69 games. However, instead of continuing his career, the 35-year-old is now ready to hang up the skates. 

Posted on

Braves vs Giants chat and discussion: Grant Holmes vs Adrian Houser

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 3: Grant Holmes #66 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Truist Park on June 3, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr.Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Atlanta Braves are finally back home after a round trip that they likely would like to forget. Spencer Strider was injured and the Braves’ offense struggled mightily.

Since the start of June, only three teams in MLB have scored fewer runs than the Braves and only five teams have had a worse rotation ERA. That clearly is a trend that the Braves would like to turnaround. Fortunately, the Braves finally got back Drake Baldwin which now turns a weakness to a strength.

Grant Holmes is taking the mound tonight against Adrian Houser. Holmes and Houser are both struggling of late so this could be a shootout between the two teams. Holmes has shown he really needs to be in the bullpen since he struggles the second time through the order, and Houser is likely only going to keep a rotation spot because he can eat innings.

Here is to hoping the Braves can get back on the right track. Follow along in the comments. First pitch is at 7:15 pm EDT.

Lineup

Preview

Posted on

Blank: Astros Were Right to Let Framber Valdez Walk

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 15: Framber Valdez #59 of the Detroit Tigers gestures to the crowd during his return to Daikin Park before a game against the Houston Astros on June 15, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Sometimes it’s okay to say goodbye.

That may be a difficult reality for Astros fans to accept, especially when it involves a player who played such a significant role in the organization’s success over the years. But after hearing Framber Valdez’ comments during his first return to Houston since signing with the Detroit Tigers, it became clear that some fans were bothered by the fact that the Astros apparently never reached out to him or made a serious effort to bring him back before or during free agency.

The question many fans have asked is simple: Why?

The answer is equally simple.

As good as Framber Valdez was throughout most of his Astros career, the version of Valdez that approached free agency was not the same dominant pitcher Houston had relied on for years. There was a time when every time he took the mound Astros fans felt confident their team was going to win. He was one of the most reliable starters in baseball and a key piece of multiple playoff runs.

But over his final season or two in Houston, there were signs of decline.

The flashes of brilliance were still there. The dominance would occasionally show up. However, so did the warning signs. His consistency slipped. There were more rough outings, more runs allowed, and diminished returns on both his velocity and command. Even his trademark breaking pitches didn’t seem to have the same effectiveness they once did.

When evaluating whether to commit a massive long-term contract to a pitcher, performance isn’t the only factor.

The Astros also had to consider Valdez’s emotional volatility.

Whether you believe his actions involving César Salazar were intentional or not, the optics were poor. More importantly, it reinforced concerns that have existed throughout much of his career. When things went wrong, Valdez often struggled to maintain his composure.

Astros fans have seen it before.

There were games where frustration appeared to overwhelm him. Instead of staying focused and working through adversity, he would abandon his approach and simply throw pitches over the plate. Postgame interviews occasionally featured comments that seemed to shift blame toward teammates or others rather than accepting responsibility himself.

Those concerns weren’t limited to the mound.

Valdez’s defense was also a recurring issue. Opposing teams understood that forcing him to field his position could create opportunities. Bunts and slow rollers often turned into adventures, and his throwing accuracy became a liability at times.

There were also documented disagreements regarding defensive positioning and game-planning strategies. One notable example came during a 2024 game against the Angels when frustration over the pitching plan appeared to contribute to a disastrous seven-run inning.

Yet the biggest factor in the Astros’ decision was likely the simplest one.

Age and mileage matter.

Valdez was already over 30 years old and had accumulated a significant workload on his arm. Baseball history is filled with examples of pitchers signing lucrative contracts after turning 30, only to see injuries and declining performance follow shortly thereafter.

General managers don’t get paid to reward past accomplishments. They get paid to project future performance.

Dana Brown and the Astros front office had to determine whether committing major money and years to Valdez made sense moving forward. Based on the available evidence, they concluded it did not.

And they were right.

That’s not to say fans aren’t justified in feeling disappointed. Valdez was a fan favorite and an important part of the Astros’ success. If you believe he earned at least a phone call or a conversation out of respect for everything he accomplished, that’s a fair argument.

But loyalty can only take a franchise so far.

The Astros had to make a baseball decision, and this appears to be one they got right.

The fact that Houston’s replacements haven’t performed particularly well this season is a separate discussion entirely. The Astros deserve criticism if their plan to replace Valdez has failed. However, that doesn’t automatically mean they should have re-signed him.

His results with the Tigers haven’t matched the best years of his Astros tenure, and the same emotional concerns have resurfaced. Most notably, during a recent game against the Red Sox, Valdez hit Trevor Story with a 94-mph fastball, was ejected, suspended six games, and later denied responsibility for the incident despite widespread criticism.

For Astros fans frustrated by another beloved player leaving town, the reaction is understandable. Houston has watched a long list of fan favorites depart over the years.

But not every goodbye is a mistake.

When you examine the total picture, his age, workload, declining performance, defensive shortcomings, emotional volatility, and the financial commitment required, the Astros’ decision to let Framber Valdez walk was the correct one.

Sometimes it’s okay to say goodbye.

Posted on

How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 09: Adrian Houser #12 of the San Francisco Giants pitches in the top of the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Oracle Park on June 09, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Francisco Giants begin a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves this afternoon.

Taking the mound for the Giants will be right-hander Adrian Houser, who enters today’s game with a 5.54 ERA, 5.18 FIP, with 46 strikeouts to 24 walks in 65 innings pitched. His last start was in the Giants’ 6-3 loss to the Washington Nationals last Tuesday, in which he allowed three runs on four hits with six strikeouts in four and a third innings.

He’ll be facing off against Braves right-hander Grant Holmes, who enters today’s game with a 4.05 ERA, 5.26 FIP, with 59 strikeouts to 29 walks in 66.2 innings pitched. His last start was in the Braves’ 6-5 loss to the Chicago White Sox last Tuesday, in which he allowed three runs on four hits with two strikeouts and two walks in three and two thirds innings.

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

Game #73

Who: San Francisco Giants (29-43) vs. Atlanta Braves (46-25)

Where: Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia

When: 4:15 p.m. PT

Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area

National broadcast: n/a

Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM

Posted on

San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - JUNE 15: Will Wagner #7 of the San Diego Padres fields the ball against the St. Louis Cardinals in the third inning at Busch Stadium on June 15, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) | Getty Images

San Diego Padres (37-34) at St. Louis Cardinals (39-31), June 16, 2026, 4:45 a.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO

Listen: 97.3 The Fan

Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

  • Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
  • Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
  • Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!