INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The injury-depleted Indiana Pacers have been dealt another blow, announcing Monday that second-year forward Johnny Furphy is expected to miss the rest of this season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Furphy was hurt during the third quarter of Sunday's 122-104 loss at Toronto. Team officials issued a three-paragraph statement Monday saying the Australian was taken to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and an MRI confirmed the extent of the injury. Indiana is in New York to face the Knicks on Tuesday.
Furphy is yet another addition to an expansive injury list headlined by two-time All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has been ruled out for the rest of this season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Game 7 of June's NBA Finals.
Starters Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith and key backups Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell have all missed games with injuries this season. The result: Indiana has the league's second-worst record at 13-40. The absences, however, gave Furphy, a second-round draft pick in 2024 out of Kansas, a chance to show what he could do in 21 starts. He was averaging 5.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
The Pacers also could be dealing with yet another injured player — new center Ivica Zubac, who Indiana acquired last week in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. He's been dealing with an ankle injury since December and Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said recently that Zubac won't play until he's “really ready.”
Freddy Peralta throws a bullpen session during spring training Feb. 9.
PORT ST. LUCIE — Freddy Peralta threw a bullpen session Monday to his primary catcher for the first time this spring, under the watch of the team’s new pitching coach.
There is much newness to the Mets, to which the ace right-hander is a significant component.
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But now comes the other side of it, as Peralta begins the acclimation process to his new team.
Some introductions won’t be necessary: Peralta had Tobias Myers, Devin Williams and Tyrone Taylor as teammates with the Brewers.
Many others have become acquaintances over his eight major league seasons.
His exposure to the team’s pitching group, headed by new pitching coach Justin Willard, was immediate following the trade that sent Peralta and Myers from Milwaukee on Jan. 21 for Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams.
And upon arriving to camp, Peralta said he’s been impressed with the amount of information he’s been provided.
“When I got over here, they knew all my stuff and a lot of things that I got surprised by, but that’s good,” Peralta said.
Freddy Peralta throws a bullpen session during spring training Feb. 9. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
Those surprises have included learning about the progression of his slider over the past four seasons, and how frequently he’s used the pitch, down to his preferred grips.
The purpose isn’t to change Peralta — who finished fifth in the National League Cy Young Award voting last season after pitching to a 2.70 ERA in 33 starts for the Brewers — but to inform him.
“It’s been very comfortable, because they have been asking me how I do things and how I do my stuff, what I have been doing and we just communicate all that,” Peralta said. “We have been working together. It’s not like, ‘We have this new idea, and I think you can do this now.’ It’s been very nice and easy. I feel happy about that because they are not trying to change somebody. They are just trying to communicate and it will help to keep me doing what I have been doing.”
Peralta expects a seamless transition throwing mainly to Francisco Alvarez, who tops the Mets depth chart at catcher.
Luis Torrens also has extensive experience as the team’s primary backup.
“[Alvarez] has got a lot of energy, a lot of potential and I saw that before I became his teammate and I am very excited to see what we’re going to accomplish together,” Peralta said. “We had some conversations already, he caught my bullpen today and it was great. I think the relationship we are going to have is very important.
“But I think I am pretty easy to know, too. I don’t think it’s going to take that long, probably, but hopefully we get to know each other right before the end of spring training. That’s all we need, but I think it’s not going to take that long.”
Freddy Peralta throws on the field during spring training on Feb. 9. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
Peralta, Nolan McLean, Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, David Peterson and Kodai Senga are the main rotation pieces, with depth options Jonah Tong and Christian Scott in the mix.
Peralta, an early arrival to camp, said his first days in the clubhouse have been welcoming.
“I know a lot of guys here and we’ve never played together, but we have been seeing each other during the season and we’ve been playing many times and it’s awesome, man,” Peralta said. “I have been getting a lot of love from everybody.”
Peralta is not participating in the World Baseball Classic this spring, instead pouring his energy into his first camp with the Mets.
“I’m just focusing on what I need to do and meeting everybody,” Peralta said. “Get my workouts done and try to stay healthy.”
The Boston Celtics just made an announcement their fans have been eager to hear.
The franchise said star forward Jayson Tatum, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon in May, was assigned to participate in portions of a G League practice Monday, Feb. 9. Following that session, the Celtics will recall Tatum, where he’ll continue his rehab with the team.
The Celtics said they would issue future updates when appropriate.
Tatum, 27, had suffered the injury during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, but has remained a steady presence around the team through its first 53 games of the season.
The announcement doesn’t necessarily mean Tatum will return to game action imminently, but it does carry significant implications.
Here’s everything you need to know about Jayson Tatum’s recovery from his Achilles tendon rupture:
Jayson Tatum injury update: What does it mean for a potential return?
Does this mean Tatum will absolutely return at some point during the 2025-26 season? Not necessarily. Is it a positive sign? Yes, overwhelmingly so.
Achilles tendon ruptures are complicated injuries that require calculated and arduous rehabs. That Tatum has progressed to the point of limited participation in practice signals that he has advanced to a certain level of competence.
In September, Tatum told USA TODAY Sports that he hadn’t fully ruled out a return to the court for the 2025-26 season, so this aggressive timeline indicates that Tatum and the Celtics may be considering a pathway toward a return.
To be sure: the practices will be controlled and the franchise will push Tatum only as far as he’s able. And even then, they will exercise prudence and will closely monitor how he responds to the sessions.
But, if Tatum is to return this season, he’d eventually need to return to practice and a return this soon should build optimism.
Still, there will be plenty of work left to do for Tatum, and the most challenging part of his recovery will almost certainly be mental. After extended absences, players often feel the need to be tentative or cautious out of fear of reaggravating the injury. Tatum may face similar concerns, and he may even feel he’s lost some explosion or speed.
But even though Achilles ruptures used to be considered career-ending injuries, modern medicine has allowed plenty of players to return to full health and participation after suffering them.
Boston has surpassed expectations and is 34-19, which is currently third in the East. If Tatum is cleared and able to return, he would instantly add a massive boost of scoring, playmaking and rebounding for the Celtics.
It would also make the Celtics a real threat to win the Eastern Conference
Jayson Tatum stats
Last season, Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game.
In the third quarter of the Indiana game in Toronto on Sunday, the Pacers' Johnny Furphy went up and threw down a huge dunk, but he landed awkwardly and crumpled to the ground, grabbing his right knee. Clearly it was something serious.
The reactions said it all. It was hard on all of the Pacers.
Great concern for Johnny Furphy, who suffered a right leg injury and was taken back to the locker room in a wheel chair. pic.twitter.com/Aga2nd0u7x
Furphy suffered a torn right ACL and had surgery to repair that on Monday in New York, the Pacers announced. He is out for the remainder of this season, and likely much of next season as well.
It's a rough setback for Furphy, 21, who was starting to find his place on this team during his season. He had moved into the starting lineup (for 21 of the last 22 games) and on the season was averaging 5.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. He's not out there as a scorer so much as a quality defender and rebounder, plus someone who knows how to work off the ball.
Furphy, the No. 35 overall pick in the 2024 draft, is under contract with the Pacers for next season at $2.3 million, with the team holding a $2.5 million option for the 2027-28 season as well.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 14: JoJo Romero #59 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws a pitch during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on September 14, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Most seem to agree that the St. Louis Cardinals have had a very active and successful offseason, but how likely is it that they still might trade JoJo Romero? There are many questions including if, to who and when.
As of today, the St. Louis Cardinals are only days away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida. There are still rumblings that the trade winds haven’t stopped blowing yet as JoJo Romero is reportedly still being discussed with other teams. While I can’t confirm that anything is close, a trade of JoJo is still possible. The most recent reporting I can find about Romero’s status came from MLB Trade Rumors just a few days ago on February 6. They asked their audience if they believe the St. Louis Cardinals will complete another trade before opening day and nearly 66% said yes.
The teams that reportedly have expressed the most interest in JoJo Romero are the New York Yankees, the Seattle Mariners and the Baltimore Orioles also according to MLB Trade Rumors. I’ve also seen mock trades suggested from the Toronto Blue Jays, but cannot confirm if that interest is serious. I thought there was a chance we’d see JoJo moved along with Brendan Donovan when his trade to the Seattle Mariners happened, but the fact that it didn’t makes me think that Chaim Bloom may have a different timeline in mind for JoJo.
I’m wondering now if the St. Louis Cardinals are going to try and position JoJo Romero as a closer and then move him at the trade deadline when that market might be hot. That’s a gamble, but it might be the frame of mind that Chaim Bloom and his team have now that the ramp up to the season gets closer. I am reminded of an interview that the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had with JoJo late last season about what he learned from former Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley. Could it be that the Cardinals will set up closer by committee with JoJo and Riley O’Brien sharing that role?
Do you think that the St. Louis Cardinals will trade JoJo Romero? If the answer is yes, do you think it should happen before Opening Day or at the trade deadline? If no, why are you in favor of holding onto him? I think we’ll find out sooner rather than later of what the St. Louis Cardinals are thinking about the future of JoJo Romero whether he’s a prime trade opportunity now or a bigger trade chip as a closer near the deadline this summer.
The New York Rangers signed defenseman Travis Dermott to a professional tryout with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League.
Could we actually see Dermott in a Rangers uniform?
With the NHL Olympic break running up until Feb. 26, Dermott will get an opportunity to get into some game action in the AHL.
Dermott’s PTO will last 25 games and can be terminated at any point.
Given the fact that the Rangers are in the midst of “retooling” the roster, they’ll likely need depth reinforcements, with more trades likely to be made by the Blueshirts before the March 6th NHL Trade Deadline.
Carson Soucy was already dealt to the New York Islanders, and we’ve seen the Rangers attempt to fill the vacant spot with recent waiver pick-up Vincent Iorio.
Because of Dermott’s NHL experience, he may have a leg up over some of the other defensemen in Hartford to be called up if need be.
The 29-year-old defenseman has played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers, and most recently, the Minnesota Wild through the course of his eight seasons in the NHL.
In 348 career games, Dermott has recorded 16 goals, 46 assists, and 62 points while averaging 15:50 minutes per game.
In the latest sign that Jayson Tatum appears on a path to return to the Celtics before the end of the season, he has been assigned to the Celtics G-League team for a day of practice, Boston announced Monday.
Jayson Tatum will be assigned to participate in portions of the @MaineCeltics practice at the Auerbach Center this afternoon.
Following this practice, Tatum will be immediately recalled to the Boston Celtics, where he will continue his rehab process.
An assignment to a G-League team to get in a practice is now a common part of an injury return, even LeBron James was assigned to the G-League for a day this season. NBA teams do not practice much — especially this deep into the season, when recovery remains the most important thing — so assigning a player to a G-League team means he can get in a full practice while the team has the day off.
There remains no timetable for Tatum's return, but when asked, the organization says he is "making progress" in his recovery from a torn Achilles.
Tatum suffered that injury last May, in Game 4 of the Celtics' second-round series against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Recovery time for an NBA player from a torn Achilles is generally around 10-12 months, which could have Tatum back in March. At 34-19, Boston sits as the No. 3 seed in the East, and it's easy to envision how the return of their best player could spark a deep Celtics' playoff run in an open conference. That said, Tatum admitted he is re-thinking a return, in part because he doesn't want to rush his physical process, and in part because this team has found an identity without him this season and he doesn't want to parachute in and mess it up.
Tatum may be thinking about it, but a G-League assignment is a sign he is nearing a return.
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 22: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13, Jurickson Profar #7 and Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves celebrate after winning the game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Monday, September 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kathryn Skeean/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Good evening, folks. I hope your week has gotten off to a solid start and that this evening goes well for you, as well.
OK, so that may be a slight oversimplification, but not by much, as the Yankees are set to open spring training with a roster mostly identical to the one at the end of 2025, when they were boat-raced by the Blue Jays in the ALDS — 24 of the 26 players on the roster for that series are back in the organization.
Their decision to essentially run it back has not sat well with the fan base, and will loom throughout the year until something changes, but their brain trust insists it was the right path to take because of how strongly they felt about their roster by the end of 2025 and believing that it can bear better fruits over the course of a full season.
Cody Bellinger singles during the Yankees’ Sept. 27 game against the Orioles. Robert Sabo for the NY Post
“I disagree it’s the same team running it back,” said Brian Cashman, entering his 29th camp as general manager and the final year of his current contract. “There’s going to be some differences and the competition’s going to be different, too. In some cases, some teams got better. In other cases, some teams you could argue maybe got a little worse. Our division’s the best in baseball.
“But long story short, one series [the ALDS], make-or-break, is not going to define what we think our capabilities are. We all understand in postseason baseball, you got to bring your best baseball every series and if you don’t, you’re going home. It doesn’t mean that we weren’t capable of great things. We just didn’t get the job done in that time frame against the Toronto Blue Jays.”
Of course, the Yankees are still eight long months away from actually getting a chance to flip the script in the postseason, as they try to end a World Series championship drought that is entering its 17th year.
But their work to get there begins now, with pitchers and catchers reporting Wednesday and position players set to follow Sunday.
The reality is that two of the biggest culprits in the ALDS were Max Fried and Carlos Rodón, who combined to give up 13 runs in 5 ¹/₃ innings, but are not going anywhere as important staples of the rotation.
The offense that led the majors in runs during the regular season also came up short when it mattered most, but the Yankees are bringing that unit back in full as well.
The biggest potential difference this season is that the Yankees expect to have Gerrit Cole back at some point in the first half (they hope by June) after he missed all of last season with Tommy John surgery.
What version of the former AL Cy Young winner they are getting remains to be seen, but even a slightly diminished one would bolster a potential powerhouse rotation along with Fried, Rodón (who hopes to return from his own elbow surgery by early May) and a full season of 2025 rookie phenom Cam Schlittler plus a mix of Luis Gil, Will Warren, Ryan Weathers and eventually Clarke Schmidt.
Aaron Boone is pictured during the Yankees’ Oct. 7 playoff game. Charles Wenzelberg
But Fried, Schlittler, Warren and Rodón are all coming off career-high workloads, so the Yankees may handle their buildups carefully this spring in an attempt to keep them healthy.
Then there is the lineup, where the returns of Cody Bellinger — which loomed over the whole offseason before he signed a five-year, $162.5 million contract late last month to remain in pinstripes — and Trent Grisham on the qualifying offer ensured it would look the same.
Amed Rosario is pictured during the Yankees’ Oct. playoff game. Charles Wenzelberg
But questions still remain, including whether they are too left-handed, whether Grisham can repeat his breakout season, what Anthony Volpe will look like when he returns from shoulder surgery around May and whether he will simply reclaim his starting shortstop role or have to fight José Caballero for it.
“I feel like our roster flexibility’s better, night in and night out, going in,” manager Aaron Boone said.
The biggest changes involve the bullpen, where the Yankees let Devin Williams and Luke Weaver walk in free agency but have not yet filled their spots with established options.
They took their big reliever swings last summer at the deadline when they acquired David Bednar, Camilo Doval and Jake Bird with mixed results, but now will have them for a full season.
The wild card is whether the Yankees will have any of their young pitching prospects — a la the hard-throwing Carlos Lagrange — emerge as bullpen options as early as this spring.
Otherwise, there will be plenty of familiarity this spring around the confines of George M. Steinbrenner Field — both in the personnel and the yearning for a different October ending.
“It’s just going to be a little bit of a different mix, a little different feel,” Cashman said. “Everything’s different. It’s a different year, and we’re looking for a different result, meaning a better result.”
The motion for a temporary injunction has been denied by Judge Daniel Pruet, according to The Tuscaloosa News ― part of the USA TODAY Network ― on Monday, Feb. 9. That means the 7-foot center's time with the Crimson Tide and return to college basketball are over.
The decision overturns the temporary restraining order by Judge James Roberts Jr. that Bediako received on Jan. 21 against the NCAA that made him immediately eligible.
Bediako originally played for Alabama from 2021 to 2023 before appearing in 82 games across three seasons in the G League.
“I respectfully ask the Court to uphold the NCAA eligibility rules challenged in this case, which are essential to the integrity of college sports, to the educational mission they serve, and to the opportunities they provide for current and future student-athletes,” Sankey wrote in the affidavit.
Bediako appeared in five games for the Crimson Tide, averaging 10 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in 21.6 minutes. He had 12 points in Alabama's 96-92 win over Alabama on Saturday, Feb. 7.
The NCAA's argument against Bediako’s eligibility is that he signed multiple professional contracts since leaving Alabama after the 2022-23 season, which make him ineligible to return to the sport, according to the organization’s longstanding eligibility rules.
Bediako's return to college basketball is happening during a period when several former G League players have been added to college rosters for this season.
NCAA statement on Charles Bediako being ruled ineligible
NCAA President Charlie Baker released a statement on Bediako being ruled ineligible on Monday, Feb. 9.
“Common sense won a round today. The court saw this for what it is: an attempt by professionals to pivot back to college and crowd out the next generation of students," he wrote in a statement released on social media.
NCAA President Charlie Baker statement: “Common sense won a round today. The court saw this for what it is: an attempt by professionals to pivot back to college and crowd out the next generation of students. College sports are for students, not for people who already walked away…
"College sports are for students, not for people who already walked away to go pro and now want to hit the ‘undo’ button at the expense of a teenager’s dream. While we’re glad the court upheld the rules our members actually want, one win doesn't fix the national mess of state laws. It’s time for Congress to stop watching from the sidelines and help us provide some actual stability.”
Will Alabama have to forfeit games Charles Bediako played in?
No, Alabama will not have to forfeit the games Bediako played in because he was eligible due to a TRO. He appeared in five games with the Crimson Tide, with the team going 3-2.
Alabama beat Auburn 96-92 on Saturday, Feb. 7, and defeated Texas A&M 100-97 on Feb. 4. The Crimson Tide also had a 90-64 win over Missouri. They lost to Tennessee and Florida in that span.
I keep this page updated every time a deal goes down, and with the 2026 NBA trade deadline behind us, it’s time for another update.
Capologist. Have you heard this term? Given the complexities of the NBA salary cap, full of terminologies like options, luxury tax, first and second apron, mid-level exception, and Bird rights, you may feel like you need a PhD to understand it. You don’t. You just need this page, you capologist, you!
Fear not. We are collaborating with SalarySwish to leverage their data to answer any and all questions you could have about the Suns’ roster construction.
So bookmark this page, because this is where you’ll find answers to all of your questions, updated in real-time, with context and updates as they occur.
Now, onto the info…
Phoenix Suns Roster, Salaries, Draft Picks, Cap Space and More
Here is a table with all of the Suns’ salary information, courtesy of our friends at SalarySwish:
With all that data to unpack, let’s break down a few key takeaways, what they mean, and the questions they raise.
FAQ
How much salary cap space do the Suns have?
First, a refresher of the thresholds for the 2025-26 season:
— Bright Side of the Sun (@BrightSideSun) July 16, 2025
The team currently has one roster spot open, but with three two-way contracted players, the team will most likely fill that final spot with one of them. My guess? Jamaree Bouyea.
How much will the Suns pay in luxury taxes this year?
In short? As noted above, nothing. This team was the most expensive team in NBA history a season ago. Now? From a cap hit perspective, they are the 11th cheapest in the league.
What draft picks do the Suns have?
It can get confusing, but this is where the Suns have landed after all their wheeling and dealing. The short version? Phoenix holds seven draft picks, though many come wrapped in conditions that make them more decorative than practical.
San Diego Padres Miguel Andujar (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
No one would argue the San Diego Padres’ biggest offseason need was upgrading the depth of the starting rotation. But it would not hurt to add another bat to the mix. Well, the Friar Faithful should be excited about the recent free agent signing of Miguel Andujar.
No question, the Padres have added a proven bat in Andujar. Scouts describe him as one of the top contact hitters in baseball without a natural position. His presence should provide stability at the designated hitter position or off the bench. It was something that was missing from the roster last season.
All of Andujar’s faults are fixable
Andujar is not the smoothest fielder, but he will not embarrass you if called upon to play in the field. He does have a strong, accurate arm, but poor footwork and a lack of range have made him a defensive liability. Possibly, a change of scenery and working with a new coaching staff could unlock his potential as a defender. Spring Training provides a setting where Andujar can transform into a serviceable utility player.
The Friars are not expecting him to play the field every day, but part of his role is to give Manny Machado, Ramon Laureano, and Fernando Tatis Jr. an occasional day off. Keeping them fresh will come in handy during the grind of a major league season.
Another aspect that needs improvement is his below average baserunning skills. Andujar is labeled a station-to-station runner because he fails to get a good lead off the bag. This might be the season where he becomes more aggressive in taking an extra base to put himself in scoring position.
Let’s not kid ourselves, Andujar is in San Diego for one reason — to hit
The right-handed hitter batted .318/.352/.470 with 10 HR and 44 RBI in 94 games with the Athletics and Cincinnati Reds last season. It was his best offensive production since his rookie season in 2018. Andujar hit .297/.328/.527 with 27 HR and 97 RBI in 149 games with the New York Yankees.
The Friars expect his bat to shine in the bottom third of the batting order. Andujar’s power numbers will not jump out at you, but he can drive a ball into the gaps with runners in scoring position. There is room for improvement, as Andujar’s bat control is too good to not be able to provide more production at the plate. The Padres’ offense has been missing another proven bat for too long.
It is time for Andujar to outperform his career batting numbers. The Friar Faithful are hoping for his 2026 results to be promising. If so, the Padres should have a very successful season.
MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 01: New York Yankees pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga (43) pitches during the game between the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins on Friday, August 1, 2025 at LoanDepot Park in Miami, FL (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
If you’ve only been following the Major League deals Arizona Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen has made over this offseason, you’re likely very disappointed in the lack of pitching additions via Free Agency, aside from Merrill Kelly and Taylor Clarke. However, GM Mike Hazen has actually made quite a few additions at the minor league level, and this article I’ll be going over the majority of them, while gauging their chances at cracking an MLB roster in 2026.
The Likely Five
There’s five pitchers that GM Hazen signed to minor league contracts that I think are the most likely to contribute at some point in 2026, with the major caveat of ‘if healthy’.
Makakilo just did a great writeup on Loáisiga, which I suggest you go read for a much more in depth look at him. Out of all the players in this group, Loáisiga likely has the best chance at providing positive value at the MLB level in 2026.
Law was an effective reliever from 2019 through the 2024 season, especially in 2023 when he posted a 3.60 ERA for the Reds, and even more so the following year, when he put up an even better 2.60 ERA for the Nationals. Unfortunately, Law is coming off a forearm injury that left him sidelined for all of 2025, but he hasn’t thrown an inning since the 2024 season, so how healthy and effective he can be is really in question.
Hatch was a somewhat effective reliever back in 2023, when he put up a 4.08 ERA for Toronto and Pittsburgh. Hatch would head to Japan to play for the Hiroshima Carp but it wasn’t exactly a succesful stint, considering he put up a 7.36 ERA, but his 5.65 FIP and 3.73 xFIP show that he wasn’t nearly as bad as the results indicate. He’d come back to the states last season and pitch for the Kansas City Royals, but spend the majority of his season for them playing in AAA Omaha.
In AAA, Hatch was acceptable, putting up a 4.22 ERA, 4.12 FIP, and 4.09 xFIP, but he’d allow a run to score in his only inning of work at the MLB level. The Royals would go on to designate hatch for assignment, and he’d then get claimed on waivers by the Minnesota Twins. Hatch would actually get into eleven games and 33 innings pitched for the Twins, but he’d put up a 5.82 ERA (4.81 xERA) and an even worse 6.02 FIP and 5.29 xFIP.
Shawn Dubin’s most valuable season came in 2024, when he put up a 4.17 ERA (3.98 xERA, 3.72 FIP, 4.29 xFIP) in 45.1 innings pitched in 31 games for the Houston Astros. In 2025, he wasn’t nearly as effective for the Astros; after 25.2 innings with a 5.61 ERA, which was bad enough that he’d get Designated For Assignment. The Baltimore Orioles would claim him off waivers, and he’d appear in seven games and pitch eight innings down the stretch. Dubin would have six scoreless appearances before he gave up three runs in his final outing of the season. I actually think this may be one of the more underrated signings by Hazen this offseason, especially if the Dubin of 2024 and down the stretch with Baltimore shows up in 2026
Campbell was excellent for the Seattle Mariners in his pro debut, pitching 28.2 innings in 27 games with a 2.83 ERA. His advanced metrics weren’t nearly great, as evidenced by the 3.86 xERA, 3.32 FIP, and 4.15 xFIP. The Red Sox were particularly impressed by Campbell, who’d acquire him in the offseason for Luis Urias. The 2024 season saw Campbell beset by injuries; first a shoulder impingement in April, right elbow inflammation in September along with minor 7 day IL stints in-between the two.
He’d appear in just 6.2 innings at the MLB level with a 16.20 ERA. In 2025 Campbell spent the majority of the season in AAA, where he’d put up a 3.90 ERA in 57.2 innings. At the MLB level, he’d appear in only 7.2 innings while putting up a 7.04 ERA, 5.01 xERA, 4.83 FIP, and 4.14 xFIP. The biggest positive for his 2025 season was his velocity being not only higher than the 93.8 vFA he put up in his injury plagued 2024 season, but at 96.1 it was a full 1.1 MPH faster than where was averaging in his healthy 2023 season.
The Other Guys
Then there’s guys who have yet to make their MLB debuts, some of whom have made it as high as AAA amd some of whom have only just made it to the AA level in 2025. Of the latter group of players, unless one of them dominates the hitter friendly confines of the Texas League and Pacific Coast League in a sustained run of pitching, it’s unlikely any of them make it to the MLB level, or contributes any positive value. Gerardo Carrillo RHP, Indigo Diaz RHP, Junior Fernández RHP, are all guys that fall into this category.
Then there’s the Rule 5 guys, who although they aren’t minor league free agents, the process is basically the same as far as the AAA portion goes. The Diamondbacks didn’t select anyone in the MLB phase of the Rule 5 draft this past December, but they did take select three players in the AAA phase, two of which are pitchers, so I’ll discuss them here.
First up is RHP Sean Harney, who has had a hectic 2025 season. Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 8th round of the 2022 draft out of the University of Kentucky. Harney was traded to the Mets for future considerations (international bonus pool money) in December of 2024. The Mets then traded him (again) to the Cardinals at the end of March for international bonus pool money. Finally he’d end up with the Diamondbacks a year later in the Rule 5 draft, who then assigned him to AAA Reno. Harney has only reached the AA previously, last year pitching for the Cardinals AA affiliate, he put up a 4.24 ERA in 34 IP. Considering how challenging it can be to find success pitching in the PCL for the first time, I would be shocked if Harney has enough success to earn a promotion to make his MLB debut.
The other pitcher the Dbacks took in the rule 5 draft is RHP Antonio Menendez, also out of the Tampa Bay Rays farm system, though without the St Louis Cardinals as the middle man. Menendez was extremely solid in AA in 2024, putting up a 3.14 ERA, 3.47 FIP, and 3.66 xFIP in 63 innings. In 2025 he was even better, putting up a 1.99 ERA in 22.2 IP, though his 3.45 FIP and 4.25 xFIP show that improvement may have been influenced by luck and excellent fielders behind him. Either way, he’d get a promotion to AAA and his stretch of dominance would come to an end as he’d have 8.31 ERA, 5.02 FIP, and 4.48 xFIP in 21.2 IP at that level. I could actually see Menendez finding success in 2026 in his second go around in AAA, and I think he stands a better chance to make it to the big leagues in 2026.
“It’s when there’s a bunch of noise and a bunch of talking, it’s just you go out there and play and don’t have fun,” Vientos said Monday. “It’s just like, ‘I gotta win. I gotta win.’ And I feel like we put too much pressure on ourselves last year.”
It’s a team that had the major leagues’ best record in mid-June before beginning a freefall that culminated with the Mets going 21-32 over the final two months to miss the playoffs by one victory.
That’s over now, and Vientos — as one of the players who underperformed last season following his breakout 2024 — is focused on ensuring there isn’t a repeat.
Last season Vientos produced a .233/.289/.413 slash line with 17 homers and 61 RBIs.
Vientos had one strong month — August — but had an otherwise disappointing year in which he lost his starting job, leaving the 26-year-old’s future within the organization in question.
Mark Vientos is pictured at spring training Feb. 9. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
“It was just inconsistency overall,” Vientos said. “I think it starts with the routine and stuff before the game starts. I was inconsistent in that part and then that just kind of showed in my season. I didn’t feel good for most of the year. I didn’t have a routine to fall back on, that could keep me steady.”
He will begin camp without a true position, after the team signed Jorge Polanco and Bo Bichette to anchor the corner infield positions.
Vientos could see occasional action at first base behind Polanco and receive at-bats in a part-time DH role.
He’s also still taking grounders at third base in case he is needed.
Vientos indicated spring training will have a different feel following the departures of Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil and Edwin Díaz, but roster turnover is a natural part of the game.
Mark Vientos connects on a single during the Mets’ Sept. 28 game. Charles Wenzelberg
“I feel like there’s always a new group of guys every year, so it’s not really something different,” Vientos said. “I have [Brett] Baty still, I have [Francisco] Alvarez, [Ronny] Mauricio. Those are guys I have known since the beginning and they are still here with me, so it’s awesome to be around them still.”
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 20: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons plays against the Charlotte Hornets at Little Caesars Arena on December 20, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Troy Weaver vindicated? The Detroit Pistons are facing an incredibly dangerous Charlotte Hornets team, and a bunch of that credit must go to head coach Charles Lee. He’s gotten his team to buy in, unlocked its mishmash of high-level offensive talent, and the Hornets have gone from cute story to real danger climbing up the standings in the East. Lee, of course, was the head coach candidate whom Troy Weaver wanted to hire two years ago before he was overruled by Pistons owner Tom Gores and Vice Chairman Arn Tellem, who forced Detroit’s general manager to hire Monty Williams instead. We all know how that worked out.
The Hornets enter tonight looking for the franchise’s first 10-game winning streak since 1998, which is also the last time the team had a 50-win season. The Hornets started too slowly to reach 50 wins this season, but they are a better team than their record suggests, and this performance is no mirage. While they are justifiably known for that potent offense, which has been the best in the NBA during the team’s nine-game win streak, the defense is no pushover. Over that same span, it ranks fifth in the NBA, one spot better than the Pistons. Detroit will likely need to win with its defense, as it has all season, but will need to do so without Ron Holland, who is out tonight for personal reasons.
Detroit loves a statement game this season, and hopefully, they realize this can be one of them.
Game Vitals
When: 7 p.m. ET Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina How: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit Odds: Pistons -2.5
