CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 15: A general view of signage prior to game three of the American League Championship Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on October 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We have two games today, maybe for the last time this year. I’d be fine with the Dodgers losing in four games.
The early game is the Rays/Guardians game, which was moved to 1:00 Eastern because of bad weather expected to hit today. It is supposed to be 21C this afternoon, so very nice weather for an mid-October game. They are expecting rain this evening.
Lineups:
Today’s Lineups
RAYS
GUARDIANS
Yandy Diaz – DH
Steven Kwan – LF
Jonathan Aranda – 1B
Jose Ramirez – 3B
Junior Caminero – 3B
Chase DeLauter – RF
Victor Mesa – RF
Jo Adell – DH
Chandler Simpson – LF
Nathaniel Lowe – 1B
Liam Hicks – C
Travis Bazzana – 2B
Jonny DeLuca – CF
Patrick Bailey – C
Richie Palacios – 2B
Petey Halpin – CF
Taylor Walls – SS
Brayan Rocchio – SS
Griffin Jax – RHP
Gavin Williams – RHP
Tonight’s Brewers/Dodgers game is an 8:00 Eastern start time.
The Brewers don’t have a listed starter yet, but it is likely lefty Shane Drohan (7-5, 4.19) though they might go with an opener. Tyler Glasnow (5-2, 3.53) starts for the Dodgers.
The Dodgers say that Skubal and Yamamoto aren’t available for relief tonight.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 13: Freddy Peralta #51 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts after striking out Petey Halpin #0 of the Cleveland Guardians to end the top of the sixth inning during Game Two of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It’s a pivotal game 3 in Cleveland as the Guardians and Rays wills square off to see which team will grab the ALCS lead Thursday afternoon. RHP Griffin Jax will get the start for the Rays while the Guardians will give the ball to RHP Gavin Williams. First pitch has been moved up to noon central time due to incoming inclement weather in the Cleveland area expected later Thursday. Game broadcast available via Fox/FS1.
Oct 13, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash (16) speaks to the media after game two of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians in the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Detroit Red Wings made a major move on Wednesday, officially inking forward Alex DeBrincat to a seven-year, $91 million extension, taking care of one of the most important matters of business they were facing.
However, there still remain multiple other issues that remain unsolved, the most pressing of which is the status of unsigned RFA defenseman Simon Edvinsson.
Edvinsson, who completed his three-year entry-level deal, is in the midst of a stalemate with the Red Wings despite reporting to Training Camp without a contract; Edvinsson returned to his native Sweden, reportedly frustrated with the lack of progress on an extension.
However, the Swedish blue liner has since returned to North America, but as of now, there haven't been any reports of the two sides bridging their gap.
Interim Red Wings GM Shawn Horcoff, who held a media availability session in the wake of DeBrincat's extension on Wednesday, made it clear that he has "no intention" of trading Edvinsson despite the defenseman's alleged preference to be moved.
As far as what kind of deal that Horcoff prefers to ink Edvinsson to, he indicated that they have to be open-minded to all possibilities.
“I think we’re open to anything,” Horcoff said. “I think the details of it we’ll still keep to ourselves, but again, when you’re trying to sign a player, you have to be open-minded to kind of all options. And we certainly are.”
Horcoff also reiterated in no uncertain terms that the preference of the club, who selected Edvinsson with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, is to get him signed.
"I think Simon is someone that’s very hard to come by," Horcoff said. "We’ve spent a lot of time developing him, we drafted him. And again, he’s a player that we value here, that I value especially, and I know everyone in that locker room does as well."
So far in his NHL career, Edvinsson has skated in 175 games, and has tallied 19 goals with 41 assists, while racking up 158 penalty minutes.
His size and reach make him a valuable commodity for the Red Wings - and naturally, there are plenty of other NHL teams that would line up to acquire him if given the chance.
The Red Wings have until December 1 to extend Edvinsson, as they still own his rights as an RFA; otherwise, he'll be ineligible to play in 2026-27.
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Beyond Skubal, there are other intriguing, high-upside starting pitchers such as Michael King.
If the Mets want a starter who profiles more as a No. 2 or No. 3, they could reunite with Clay Holmes, who was a strong clubhouse presence during his two seasons in Queens.
The relief market isn't flush with upper echelon arms, but Adrian Morejon stands out as a potential game-changer.
Looking beyond the major league free agents, Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato is expected to be posted and sign with a big league team this winter. Like Skubal, Sato would be a logical target given New York's glaring need at first base.
But not every player the Mets sign will be a big name.
To that end, here are five under-the-radar free agents David Stearnsand the front office should target this offseason...
RHP Michael Soroka
The Mets should be targeting a franchise-altering ace or at the very least someone (like King) who profiles at the top of the rotation. But after leaving their starting staff short each of the last two seasons -- and that shortage helping to derail each campaign -- New York also needs to bring in a second legitimate rotation option who can pitch in the middle or back end of the rotation.
Soroka, coming off a strong season for the Diamondbacks, could fit the bill.
Once an emerging ace, Soroka's career was derailed after his breakout 2019 season with the Braves due to a torn Achilles suffered during the 2020 shortened season. He didn't return to big league action until 2023, and struggled with inconsistency (4.91 ERA) and injuries (forearm, shoulder, biceps) as he spent time with the Braves, White Sox, Nationals, and Cubs between 2023 and 2025.
This season for the Diamondbacks, Soroka bounced back, posting a 3.41 ERA (3.19 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP in 116.0 innings (21 starts, one relief appearance) while walking 2.3 batters per nine and striking out 8.8 per nine.
In 2026, Soroka's fastball and breaking stuff graded out as elite, via Baseball Savant. His two most utilized pitches were the four-seam fastball and slurve, which he threw 32 percent of the time each. The slurve (which recently became a weapon for Soroka) was especially effective, with hitters slugging just .226 against it (.267 xSLG). Soroka's advanced metrics were a bit of a mixed bag, but he was above average to elite when it came to average exit velocity allowed, chase percentage, strikeout percentage, walk percentage, and hard-hit percentage.
Soroka's injury history and lack of recent innings are concerns, but his upside and age (he'll be entering his age-29 season) are pluses. And if he's a backend option in a rotation with a new ace at the top, the risk is mitigated.
LHP Alex Vesia
The Mets traded their two left-handed relief cogs (Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter) at the deadline because they were both pending free agents, which created an opportunity for Nate Lavender.
Lavender, whose elite extension results in the ball jumping on hitters, ran with his chance while putting up a 1.66 ERA (1.85 FIP) and 0.73 WHIP in 21.2 innings while striking out 10.8 per nine. Hard-throwing Cionel Perez, who is arbitration-eligible, is another left-handed relief option if the Mets tender him a contract.
Either way, it would make sense for New York to pursue another left-handed reliever, with Vesia a potentially strong fit.
Vesia has been a weapon for the Dodgers since 2021, with a 2.66 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 328.0 innings. He misses bats at a prodigious rate (12.0 strikeouts per nine in his six seasons in Los Angeles), but can also be prone to bases on balls (his career walk rate is 4.3 per nine and it was 5.0 per nine in 2026).
Ahead of his age-31 season and coming off another stellar year, Vesia should be in demand.
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga
The Mets had interest in Loaisiga during the 2024-25 offseason before he ultimately returned to the Yankees. So it would make sense for them to have interest again.
After becoming one of the key cogs in the Yankees' bullpen, Loaisiga's seasons in 2023 and 2024 were seriously impacted because of Tommy John surgery. He returned for the Yanks in 2025, but didn't round back into form until this past season.
Apr 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In 67.0 innings for the Diamondbacks in 2026, Loaisiga had a 2.42 ERA (2.88 FIP) and 1.03 WHIP while allowing just three homers all year and walking a minuscule 1.7 batters per nine.
In 2026, Loaisiga was in the 93rd percentile or better in average exit velocity allowed, chase percentage, barrel percentage, hard-hit percentage, and ground ball percentage.
RHP Tyler Mahle
Mahle, who would fit near the back end of the rotation, is coming off a season where he compiled a 3.99 ERA and matching 3.99 FIP for the Giants and Braves over 149.0 regular season innings. He was also terrific in the playoffs for Atlanta, with a 1.35 ERA in 13.1 innings over two starts (one each in the Wild Card Series and NLDS).
He's not someone whose stuff will wow you, but his four-seam fastball has graded out well each of the last two seasons despite not being overpowering. Mahle's other main pitch is a splitter that opposing batters slugged just .354 against in 2026.
Mahle's career ERA in 10 big league seasons with the Reds, Rangers, Twins, Giants, and Braves is 4.01.
Tommy John surgery in May of 2023 wiped out the better part of two seasons for Mahle, but he's exceeded 120 innings in four of his six full big league seasons, and 112 innings in five of six.
1B Ty France
The Mets should be seeking a first baseman, and France will be one of the most intriguing names on the market.
What will be interesting to watch is whether the price to sign him stays relatively low because of the offensive player he was during the first seven seasons of his career (108 OPS+), or if it spikes after how France performed for the Padres in 2026.
In 133 games for San Diego, France slashed .295/.363/.502 (.865 OPS, 139 OPS+) with 21 homers and 24 doubles. Was it an aberration or a late breakout from a player in his age-31 season?
What's not in question is how good France's first base defense has been the last two seasons. He won the NL Gold Glove in 2025 after being in the 96th percentile in OAA, and followed that up by being in the 93rd percentile in OAA in 2026.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 08: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks in action against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on October 08, 2026 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The annual NBA GM poll was released on Thursday, and we got a rare result.
A Knick leads one of the 48 questions that were asked to the executives.
It wasn’t too long ago that you’d need a magnifying glass to find a mention of the Knicks in a positive light, but now they’re all over the place, particularly with the captain himself, Jalen Brunson.
When asked who the NBA’s “best leader” is, the executives moved away from the perennial choice, Steph Curry, and crowned Brunson at the top with 53%. The longtime Warrior clocked in at 20%, followed by SGA and a bunch of players who received one vote, including Wemby (somehow).
But that isn’t the only mention in this long survey.
One year after receiving a single vote to win the NBA Finals, the Knicks got… one. All but two executives voted for either the Spurs or the Thunder, boo.
The big difference is that, while just 30% of executives picked the Knicks to finish atop the East (a firm second behind Cleveland), that’s shot up to 60% this year. All but one executive picked them to finish in the top two.
In the positional rankings, one-fifth of them drank the Kool-Aid after the NBA Finals. Brunson was picked as the NBA’s top point guard in 20% of responses, trailing only SGA.
OAKAAK (sigh) Mitchell Robinson finished second in “Most Underrated Player Acquisition”, getting 17% in his new green and white gigs (ew).
After not getting a single vote in the category last year, OG Anunoby got one vote when asked about the league’s best perimeter defender. I’m not sure what Alex Caruso is doing to get 17% here, but hey.
When it comes to defensive versatility, nobody should be shocked that Wemby is No. 1, but OG finished tied for fourth with 10% with Bam Adebayo. He also received a vote for in general versatility.
It’s not just the players getting love. Mike Brown got three votes for “Best Coach”, only trailing savants Mark Daigneault and Erik Spoelstra. I guess when you get a ring, you join an exclusive club.
He also got 10% when asked about the best leader of men, or “Best Motivator of People”. In this one, he finished fourth, behind Spo, Joe Mazzulla, and Steve Kerr.
Coach Brown also received votes in the in-game adjustments and offensive categories, but far too few. Did they not watch that playoff run? Yet, 17% of executives believe the Knicks’ offense will be the most efficient this year, trailing only OKC and Denver. Make that make sense.
Knicks assistants Darren Erman and Chris Jent got shoutouts in the “Best Assistant Coach” category, one that was won by Jeff Van Gundy and Billy Donovan, two ex-head honchos who are much more known quantities.
When asked who would make the best coach one day, the retirement of Chris Paul opened the door for Mike Conley to win this category in a landslide. Brunson came in third, trailing playoff foe T.J. McConnell. Hm.
The Knicks are not a fun watch sometimes, so I can’t be mad that only one executive voted for the reigning champions on that, but that depends on your definition of fun. They’re fun in the sense that no game is ever over until it’s actually over, but that more cause heart palpitations and not blockbuster excitement.
What I am mad at is that only 20 percent voted for MSG as the best home-court advantage. Seriously? Tied for first were OKC (which is fair) and Denver, which I feel is more geography-based than anything.
Finally, when it comes to what player you want taking the shot with the game on the line, it should be obvious, no?
Well, according to executives, it’s still Curry. Brunson did go from receiving just one vote to finishing in second at 17%, but it seems a lot of people are still stuck in 2016.
Oct 14, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers (9) reacts after hitting a two-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning in game three of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Weather in Cleveland means daytime baseball (LCS Edition).
The Cleveland Guardians will host the Tampa Bay Rays for Game 3 of the ALCS. The Guards took Game 1 before the Rays evened things up by taking Game 2.
To accommodate some rain, they will play at 1 pm ET. As a result, NLCS Game 4 between the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers will move up an hour to be played at 8 pm ET.
The Brewers have a chance to eliminate the Dodgers today after a Dave Roberts masterclass last night / an epic at-bat by Jake Bauers. C’mon, Brew Crew – job’s not finished.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEPTEMBER 11: Griffin Jax #22 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates with teammates after clinching a playoff spot after the game against the Houston Astros at Tropicana Field on Friday, September 11, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Alex Zadorozny/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 12: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on during Game One of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Monday, October 12, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Hello, and welcome back to Thursday playoff baseball. Today, there are two games, one that starts at noon and the other that starts around 7 p.m. Theoretically, you can watch both! I mean, if you’re not working.
First Game: Tampa Bay Rays at Cleveland Guardians
Series tied, 1-1
12 PM CST
The first game up is Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, which is tied 1-1 between the Cleveland Guardians (who won Game 1) and the Tampa Bay Rays (who won Game 2). The series now shifts to Cleveland. Originally, it was scheduled for yesterday but postponed until today because of the weather.
For the home team, Gavin Williams takes the mound. Williams, who has the size to play tight end for the Browns, has appeared in three games so far this postseason, including two starts. In those two starts, both against the White Sox, he struck out 11 in 5 innings and then 12 in 5-and-2/3 innings. Overall, he’s pitched 11-and-2/3 innings while allowing two earned runs on six hits and walks while striking out 24. Those numbers are good for a 1.54 ERA, 0.53 FIP, and 0.943 WHIP.
Opposing him is 31-year-old right-hander Griffin Jax. Today will be Jax’s first career playoff start. During this year’s playoffs, he tossed two innings against the Yankees in which one run on one walk and one hit while striking out 4 in a 4-3 Rays victory in New York. He picked up a hold. During the season, Jax pitched in 34 games with 23 starts while pitching just over 112 innings. Somewhat oddly, he never faced Cleveland.
Lest we forget: Cleveland traded Junior Caminero to Tampa Bay for a pitcher who never appeared in a game for them. Whoops.
Game Deux: Milwaukee Brewers at Los Angeles Dodgers
Milwaukee leads, 3-0
7 PM CST
Could tonight be the death knell for the Los Angeles Dodgers? Say it isn’t, Joe!
Actually, fine. As I imagine most people outside of Los Angeles are, I’m rooting against the Dodgers in this series. And if they somehow pull an ‘04 Red Sox, I’ll be rooting against them in the World Series. I like Dave Roberts enough, but I’m tired of the Dodgers constantly winning.
Neither the Brewers nor Rays have ever won a World Series, and Cleveland hasn’t won it since 1948.
Plus, the Dodgers are the only remaining big market team, and with a lockout—NOT A STRIKE—I’d rather see a little guy win it all. It hasn’t happened since the Royals captured the crown.
Alright, enough of that. As of this writing, there isn’t a whole lot available about the lineups. I’m not even sure who’s starting for the Brewers.
L.A., meanwhile, will send out righty Tyler Glasnow. This will be Glasnow’s second start of the postseason after he pitched 4-and-2/3 against the Braves just over a week ago, a game the Dodgers won, 4-1. He only allowed one hit but walked five while striking out the same number.
If the Dodgers want a shot at forcing a Game 5, he’ll need to be sharper. Much sharper.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: A Los Angeles Dodgers groundscrew worker paints the postseason logo on the field before the Milwaukee Brewers workout prior to the NLCS at Dodger Stadium on October 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The ALCS comes back to life today as the Tampa Bay Rays travel to Cleveland to take on the Guardians for the third game of the series. With the series tied 1-1, the Guardians look for a little bit of home-field advantage because historically, the winner of Game 3 when a seven-game set is tied has gone on to win 71 of 102 times.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers are on the brink after the Milwaukee Brewers secured a 6-2 victory Tuesday night to now lead the NLCS 3-0. If they can win tonight, it would be a bit of revenge for the Brewers after they were swept by the Dodgers in the NLCS last year. Milwaukee is also on the brink of reaching their first World Series in 44 years.
Tampa Bay Rays (1-1) at Cleveland Guardians (1-1) — 11 AM MDT
Pitching Matchup: RHP Griffin Jax (8-10, 3.53 ERA) vs. RHP Gavin Williams (14-8, 3.76 ERA)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 17: Oneil Cruz #15 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a two run RBI single in the second inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on September 17, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the couch watching the LCS once again this season.
It’s been 34 years since the Pirates were in the NLCS themselves, where they lost to the Atlanta Braves in seven games. This season, however, they managed to play pretty well against the top teams in the league. Here’s a look at how they did against the final four teams in the playoff bracket.
Cleveland Guardians: 2-1
The Pirates visited Cleveland for a three-game set shortly after the All-Star break. After getting rained out on Friday afternoon, the teams played a doubleheader on Saturday and came out with a split: the Pirates won 7-1 in the afternoon but lost 5-3 in the evening. The Pirates followed that up with another 7-1 victory on Sunday, giving them a series victory.
Tampa Bay Rays: 2-1
The Pirates got a crack at the Rays early in the season, in mid-April, for a weekend series at PNC Park. They pulled out a 5-1 victory against the Rays to start the series but fell 8-7 in 13 innings on Saturday. They finished off the series with a 6-3 victory on Sunday, which gave them a series win and a 13-9 record going into a six-game road trip.
Los Angeles Dodgers: 1-5
The Pirates struggled the most this season against the four top teams in the league when they faced the Dodgers during their three-game set in Pittsburgh in early June. They dropped two out of three and managed to win the middle game of the series 9-8. The Dodgers led 6-1 in the bottom of the seventh, but the Pirates managed to score eight runs in the seventh and eighth innings combined to pull out a 9-8 victory.
When they went to Dodger Stadium in August, they were swept in a three-game weekend set.
Milwaukee Brewers: 7-6
The Pirates got to know the Brewers very well over the course of the season, facing off against their division rival 13 times. In the first half of the season, the Pirates visited Milwaukee in late April, winning 2 out of 3 games and even pulling off a sweep just before the All-Star break, capped off by a 14-5 victory on July 12.
They didn’t find that same success in the second half, losing 3 out of 4 in the first week of August at American Family Field. They played a weekday series in the middle of September, dropping the first two contests at home, but a 7-4 victory on September 17 gave them the season series victory, 7-6.
Overall: 12-13
The record against the Dodgers definitely brings this record down, but overall, the Pirates have proven that they can compete against the top teams in the league. That is a strong sign for what’s to come in 2027.
Bordeaux No 8 takes on Gloucester in Champions Cup to underline hole he will leave Borthwick for the World Cup
Swines are swirling above Twickenham, the cows have returned to their roots and hell is an icy sub-zero. Steve Borthwick has been given a free pass to pick one player based outside England. The consensus is that Jack Willis – Toulouse captain and two‑time Top 14 player of the season – would be the obvious choice. The smart money, however, would be on Borthwick picking brother Tom in a flash.
For clarity, this is not going to happen. It is not World Cup season without a cause celebre but the reality is that you, dear reader, have more chance of selection. Still, the story of the younger Willis warrants re-examining. Firstly because his decision to head for France after receiving an enhanced contract was unprecedented. Secondly because for Bordeaux he is pulling up trees, forests and anything else in his way this season. England’s No 8 depth is shallow and Willis is the type of player Borthwick would give his right arm for. After Bordeaux have begun their Champions Cup defence at Gloucester on Friday, chances are his left too.
Matias Maccelli will start the New York Islanders' game against the Ottawa Senators on the top line alongside Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri. That's how the Islanders ended their Tuesday night on Long Island with a 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks.
The 26-year-old recorded his first goal as an Islander while also earning the primary assist on Kyle Palmieri's go-ahead tally at the 5:38 mark of the third period:
“Maccelli started on the fourth line, and he was buzzing, so we moved him up, and he created the winning goal," Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer said on Tuesday night. "
Maccelli takes Emil Heineman's spot up there, with the Swedish forward skating alongside Casey Cizikas and Simon Holmstrom on their fourth line.
The 26-year-old, whom the Islanders signed July 1, is riding a four-game point streak into Thursday's game, with a goal and four assists over that span. He was held scoreless in the Islanders' season-opening 2-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs and in their home-opening 6-0 win over the New Jersey Devils a few days later at UBS Arena.
The Islanders didn't change any other lines, including the defense, as they'll keep Matt Kessel in there for a second straight game. He recorded a point in 13:51 minutes of ice time, earning the primary assist on Palmieri's opening goal on Tuesday.
Semyon Varlamov will make his second start of the season:
Varlamov to make second start of the season.
Thought he was off his angle a few times vs. #NYR.
Still looking to find his game after so much time away. Reps is the only way to do that. #Isles have to tighten their game up a bit. https://t.co/k1jn1JQqSz
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 13: Brayan Rocchio #4 of the Cleveland Guardians throws to first base after tagging out Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays at second base in the fourth inning during Game Two of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Well, we’re officially eight days away from the beginning of the 2026 World Series. Next Friday’s series opener looks like it’ll be a battle between a pair of low-payroll teams that aren’t Los Angeles or New York. You gotta know that makes commissioner Rob Manfred and the other owners mad. If you ask any actual baseball fan though, it’s going to be glorious seeing a team that hasn’t won the World Series in decades finally be able to lift that trophy. We got a few more games before we find out the matchup, but if the right team wins today we could know at least have of the teams in this year’s Fall Classic by tonight.
Rays at Guardians (10:00 AM PST)
Based off the first two games this series looks like it could go the distance. What else would you expect from two scrappy young teams like these two? Both organizations are absolutely desperate for the chance to hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy. The Guardians are on a 78-year drought, which is longer than the Rays have even been in existence. Still, they’ve never tasted that final win of the season and won’t let Cleveland get an easy trip to the Fall Classic. This’ll be a critical Game 3 as the team that wins this morning is in the driver’s seat.
The visiting Rays will have right-hander Griffin Jax (8-10, 3.53 ERA) taking the ball for this critical contest. A mid-season acquisition last year, Jax converted to a starter this year to solid results. He was remarkably consistent throughout the year for someone converting to the rotation for the first time in five years. Jax will now be pitching in the biggest game of his life to date as he seeks to get the Rays to within two games of the World Series. Tampa might have a short leash with him though; he only went two innings in his lone postseason start this year, when he allowed just one run on a hit and a walk against the Yankees.
As for the Guardians, they have their own righty in Gavin Williams (14-8, 3.76 ERA) taking to the hill this morning. Williams has already made two starts (plus one relief appearance) this postseason, all against the White Sox in the previous round. The 27-year-old has stepped his game up at the perfect time for the Guardians. He’s gotten double-digit punchouts in his two starts but he’ll now be facing a much harder lineup with the Rays. And like Jax, it’s not hyperbole to say this is the biggest game of his life… so far.
And Cleveland’s starting nine, courtesy of skipper Stephen Vogt:
While the Rays-Guardians series looks like it’ll be a battle through the weekend, the Brewers are in complete control over the reigning champion Dodgers, up 3-0 in the series and just one more win away from their first World Series appearance since 1982. Like the Rays, they’ve never tasted the glory of a World Series win so they’re coming into tonight’s game as motivated as you can imagine. The Dodgers just don’t look like they have it this year as injuries and age are finally catching up to them. You never to say it’s a done series prematurely but there’s only ever been one team to come back from an 0-3 deficit and this Dodgers team doesn’t seem like they have the same energy of the ‘04 Red Sox.
The Dodgers will hope that veteran Tyler Glasnow (5-2, 3.53) can prolong their season a couple more days with a strong start. The right-hander has, once again, battled injuries all year but is healthy for when it matters most. He looked like he was ready for the moment in his lone postseason start to date. Glasnow pitched into the fifth inning against the Braves in the previous round, allowing just one run on one hit. His outing wasn’t without its warts as he also issued five free passes to Braves batters. If he does that again then this series might not make it back to Milwaukee.
Milwaukee meanwhile has yet to announce their plans for tonight’s game so stay tuned!
We could find out one team in the World Series by the end of the day. Stakes are getting higher and higher for everyone still alive! Should be another great day for playoff baseball!
When the NBA season tips off on Tuesday, teams can only have 15 guaranteed contracts on the roster (plus three two-way contracts).
Three teams — the Lakers, Grizzlies and Bucks — currently have 16 or more guaranteed contracts on their rosters. Each team is exploring trades to reach 15 players, but may end up just waiving someone, reports NBA insider Jake Fischer.
The Lakers have been exploring for months a 2-for-1 trade that could send a combination of Jarred Vanderbilt (who has looked like an odd man out in the rotation much of this preseason), Jaden Hardy and Dalton Knecht to get a player back. There were rumors they explored that kind of trade for Buddy Hield, but it never came together. They are still looking, according to Fischer.
If the Lakers have to waive someone and eat the salary, Knecht — the 2024 No. 17 pick out of Tennessee — appears to be the guy. After two seasons, he has fallen out of favor in JJ Redick's rotation.
Memphis has 16 guaranteed contracts, plus Jaylen Wells, who is on a non-guaranteed deal but, from all reports, is likely to make the opening-day roster. That means the team needs to trade or waive two players. Signs seem to point to Kris Murray and Micah Peavy — two players the Grizzlies traded for this summer — as the most likely to go.
Milwaukee technically has 17 players, so two must go, but with Pete Nance on a non-guaranteed deal, he is likely one of them. Reports out of Milwaukee suggest veteran Caris LeVert could be the other guy. Milwaukee traded for him this summer primarily to acquire two second-round picks, he is on an expiring $14.8 million contract, and he has struggled in the preseason.
If the Bucks can find a trade, it is more likely to be for someone of value around the league like AJ Green or Kevin Porter Jr., who could net the Bucks a second-round pick or two.
