PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 24: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees walks in from the dugout prior to the game against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 24, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
MLB.com: In what should come as a surprise to nobody, Yankees ace Cam Schlittler won the 2026 American League Cy Young Award. Courtesy of an AL-leading 1.95 ERA, which ranks third in franchise history, he became the seventh Yankee to receive the honor, and the first since Gerrit Cole in 2023. Moreover, he was the unanimous selection, having broken away from his main competition, Dylan Cease, with a dominant finish to the season.
MLB Trade Rumors | Charlie Wright: As has been the case frequently in recent years, the Yankees head into the offseason looking for an upgrade at third base, as the most recent attempt to gain stability at the position, Ryan McMahon, struggled mightily both at the plate and in the field in 2026. To that end, the Yankees appear to have interest in former Phillies infielder Alec Bohm. A batter with a career OPS+ of 101, Bohm struggled mightily in his contract year, posting a .249/.315/.383 slash line (87 OPS+); unfortunately, in a week year at the position, he might just represent the closest thing to a sure thing — at least, on the free agent market.
NJ.com | Randy Miller: Speaking to reporters at the GM Meetings, Brian Cashman all but confirmed that the team will not be bringing back Jazz Chisholm Jr., listing Anthony Volpe, José Caballero, and Max Schuemann as options at the keystone next year. While he did not explicitly say the team had no interest in bringing him back, and in fact went very much out of his way to praise Chisholm’s ability on the field, work ethic, and character as a person, he did lump him in with Harrison Bader, Luis Severino, and Gleyber Torres — players who had lackluster contract seasons and who were, ultimately, not pursued in free agency.
New York Post | Greg Joyce: The Yankees staff will have quite the shakeup next season, as bench coach Brad Ausmus has been hired to be the next manager of the Houston Astros. The former catcher, who has spent the last three years in the Yankees’ dugout as Aaron Boone’s right hand man, had interviewed for both of Houston’s recent vacancies (GM and manager), and will now officially return to the organization he spent ten years with as a player.
The Athletic | Brendan Kuty: (subscription required) Ausmus will not be the only person departing the organization: earlier in the day, it was reported that hitting coach James Rowson had accepted a job as “offensive coordinator” with the San Francisco Giants. Soon after, The Athletic reported that Aaron Bates, who had served as co-hitting coach with the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2023, had emerged as an early favorite for the job within the baseball community.
The Vancouver Canucks seem to have developed a fondness for former Ottawa Senators.
Both players the Senators have lost on waivers this season are now members of the Canucks organization, following Vancouver's claim of defenceman Cameron Crotty from the Minnesota Wild this week.
The Senators placed Crotty on waivers in late October, hoping to send him to Belleville. Instead, the Minnesota Wild claimed the 27-year-old Ottawa native, bringing his time with his hometown club to an end.
Cam Crotty, now with the Canucks, spoke last month about his approach to the game and fighting for his role (Senators YouTube).
But Crotty's NHL stay in Minnesota turned out to be brief.
This week, the Wild attempted to send him to their own AHL affiliate by placing him back on waivers. That's when the Canucks stepped in, putting in a successful claim of their own.
Crotty was originally selected by the Arizona Coyotes in the third round of the 2017 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-3, right-shot defenceman appeared in six games for the Senators last season and another three this season before being placed on waivers.
He was primarily a depth option for the Senators, providing insurance on D while splitting his time between the NHL and AHL.
In hindsight, the Sens might have been wise to keep Crotty around as their seventh D instead of 21-year-old Carter Yakemchuk, who's been a healthy scratch in five the past six games.
As for Meriläinen, the Canucks got him directly from the Senators on September 25 after the Senators exposed him to waivers during training camp. Meriläinen will best be remembered here for his fantastic run as the club's emergency starter two years ago.
In 12 appearances in relief of injured goalies Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg, Meriläinen went 8-3-1 with a 1.99 goals against average and a .925 save percentage. Without him, the Sens probably would have missed the playoffs for an eighth straight season.
That led the Sens to believe he was ready for full-time backup duty last season, but things didn't pan out. He appeared in 20 NHL games, posting an 8-10-1 record with a 3.51 goals-against average and an .860 save percentage. He was eventually sent back to Belleville and replaced with free agent backup James Reimer.
Crotty and Meriläinen weren't expected to play a major role in Ottawa this season, but losing both assets for nothing wasn't ideal. That's how it goes when you have a team with depth. The rules are set up to make sure NHL-level players don't get buried in the minors.
Of course, both men are glad to be wanted in the NHL, but at 3-16-1, they're now hoping the Canucks have better days ahead.
LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 11: William Contereras speaks to Greg Amsinger after winning the Flow Mayor Award during the 2026 MLB Awards presented by MGM Rewards at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Tonight was the yearly MLB Awards show. In addition to the All-MLB teams announcement, several other awards were announced at the show. Here’s a breakdown of the awards presented tonight.
Prior to the awards show, a new award that was introduced by the BBWAA this season is the Reliever of the Year award. Trevor Megill was named in the top three for the NL and ended up finishing third in the vote. Mason Miller of the Padres ended up taking the award as a unanimous winner, receiving all 30 first-place votes. Megill was on 27 of 30 ballots, earning two second-place and 11 third-place votes with 66 total points. Megill barely finished ahead of Adrián Morejón of the Padres, who received 64 points. Aaron Ashby (ninth place, six points) and Abner Uribe (12th place, two points) also received votes for the award. Miller also won the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award that was presented during the awards show.
On the AL side, Louis Varland of the Blue Jays won the BBWAA AL Reliever of the Year Award. He barely beat Cade Smith of the Guardians, who finished second. While Smith was the only AL reliever named on all 30 ballots, Varland received 16 first-place votes to take the award. Bryan Baker of the Rays rounded out the top three. Baker also won the Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year Award.
One Brewer took home some additional hardware. William Contreras earned the Flow Mayor Award, formerly known as the Entertainer of the Year Award. From his on-field celebrations to his style off the field, Contreras provided plenty of entertainment throughout this season. Contreras’ brother, Willson, presented him with the award, which is a diamond toothpick.
Though no other Brewers took home awards, they were represented on stage a few times. A few members of the Brewers were on hand as they celebrated their World Series win. Also, both Contreras brothers were on stage with Jackson Chourio to honor Team Venezuela as winners of the World Baseball Classic this spring.
While Brewers’ President of Baseball Operations Matt Arnold had a chance to take home another Executive of the Year Award, he didn’t win it this time around. Instead, it went to Rays’ President Eric Neander, who rebuilt the Rays from back-to-back losing seasons to the best team in the American League. He also oversaw the team as they had to rebuild following the damage from Hurricane Milton, which forced the Rays to relocate to Steinbrenner Field for a season. Neander did shout out Arnold in his speech, saying, ‘I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I never wanted to be you more.’
Looking at the other awards, Yordan Alvarez of the Astros was one of the big winners of the night. He took home three different awards: the AL Hank Aaron Award, AL Comeback Player of the Year, and Outstanding DH Award. Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals won the Hustle & Heart Award. Going back to the NL, Pete Crow-Armstrong won the NL Hank Aaron Award, and Zack Wheeler took the NL Comeback Player of the Year Award.
With Erik Karlsson returning to the SAP Center once again on Wednesday night, it seems apropos to take a look back at the trade that sent him out of the Bay Area and to the Steel City.
The initial trade was completed on August 3, 2026 and was as follows. Erik Karlsson ($1.5 million retained), Dillon Hamaliuk, and a 2026 third-round draft pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins with Mikael Granlund, Mike Hoffman, Jan Rutta, and a 2024 first-round pick heading to the San Jose Sharks.
Penguins' Half of the Tree
First, we'll address the Penguins side of things, simply because it's a little quicker.
Erik Karlsson is still patrolling the Penguins' blue line and is still performing at a point-per-game pace. With that being said, he's going to continue being in the rumor mill for the foreseeable future unless the Penguins either trade him or start performing at a higher level to compete for a playoff spot.
Hamaliuk, the Sharks' 55th overall selection in the 2019 NHL Draft, wasn't offered a qualifying offer at the end of the 2023-24 season and became a free agent. Currently, he is unsigned and most recently played for the ECHL's Fort Wayne Komets last season.
The third-round pick was then traded to the Detroit Red Wings for Elmer Soderblom in March of 2026. It continued to be a trade asset when the Red Wings then sent it to the St. Louis Blues as part of a deal to bring Justin Faulk to the Motor City. Last but not least, the Blues traded the pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs as a part of a package for Brandon Carlo. The Maple Leafs selected Zac Olsen with the pick.
The Sharks' Tree
Now, we'll take a look at how the trade broke down for the Sharks. First off, Jan Rutta and Mike Hoffman's contracts expired. Hoffman's at the end of the 2023-24 season and Rutta's the following summer.
Granlund was traded to the Dallas Stars along with defenseman Cody Ceci ahead of the 2025 Trade Deadline. The Sharks got the Stars' 2025 first-round pick and a 2025 fourth-round pick that originally belonged to the Winnipeg Jets in return. The Sharks used the picks to select Joshua Ravensbergen and Zack Sharp respectively.
The Sharks then packaged the first-round pick which ended up being 14th overall with a second-round pick that originally belonged to the New Jersey Devils to move up to the 11th overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft which they used to select Sam Dickinson. The Buffalo Sabres, who received the two picks, selected Konsta Helenius and Adam Kleber.
The Sharks still have $1.5 million of Karlsson's cap hit, but his current contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
All-in-all, the Karlsson trade directly resulted in the addition of two of the Sharks' top young assets in Dickinson and Ravensbergen. It's safe to say three years down the line, things seem to have worked out for the Sharks.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 11: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs steals the ball from Jalen Smith #25 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center on November 11, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Spurs’ win streak has reached 10 games. Despite looking lackadaisical and digging a hole for themselves early in their visit to Chicago, they managed to mount a second-half comeback to beat the Bulls 124-119.
It’s hard to predict when a trap game is coming, but when the Bulls, losers of seven straight heading into the matchup, made the Spurs, winners of nine in a row, look helpless in the first half, it seemed like Wednesday’s bout was going to be one of them. The NBA has a way of humbling even the teams that are steamrolling opponents because on any given night, the tables can turn. Early on, the play of De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama was enough to keep up with a shockingly hot Chicago team that simply couldn’t miss, but as the minutes passed, and especially when the bench checked in, San Antonio found itself looking at a mounting deficit and not a lot of answers on how to reduce it.
There were a lot of reasons for the struggles in a first half in which the Silver and Black gave up 70 points. The Bulls’ five-out look, with Jalen Smith at center, prevented Wemby from being the defensive presence he normally is at the rim. Some questionable lineups from Mitch Johnson predictably struggled on both ends, with the ones featuring Luke Kornet really floundering, as the big man couldn’t make an impact in any area. Fox and Wembanyama did well, but the offense as a whole featured either a lot of hesitation or guys forcing the issue and trying to score one-on-one instead of making a terrible Chicago defense move. It was the perfect storm of poor play from the Spurs and surprisingly good minutes from their opponent.
Trap games will happen, and they normally don’t mean much, so when the Silver and Black were down 22 in the second quarter, it was reasonable to assume their streak might end sooner than it should have, and that was fine. As they trimmed the Bulls’ lead to 14 heading into the break, a comeback appeared possible, but it seemed like it would require adjustments in strategy and attitude that, after such an underwhelming start, didn’t look all that likely. Then, as the second half started, the Spurs decided that, actually, they wanted their 10th win in a row, and that was that.
The ball started moving, and there was no hesitation going to the basket. Harper came alive, both dishing out assists and scoring, while Wemby continued to dominate, roaming more on defense and consistently making the right play on offense. Even the bench, which had been dreadful earlier, held its own thanks to an active Kornet and good minutes from the three forwards.
The Spurs looked like the juggernaut they are in the third, as they tend to do when they don’t make unforced errors and play with energy, instead of the timid team that opened the game. It helped that the Bulls came back to earth after a scorching first half from beyond the arc, but the opponent rarely matters when San Antonio starts operating near its highest level. Heading into the final frame, the visitors led by one.
The Spurs only got the lead to 15 at a point in the fourth quarter, which is hardly large enough in the modern NBA to be confident about it being secure, but while the box score didn’t accurately reflect how in control San Antonio was, it was obvious to those watching. After showing the low floor that has Mitch Johnson worried in the first half, the Silver and Black had their sky-high ceiling in full display in the second. Consistency is still not the team’s strong suit, but as long as they keep winning, no one should really be too worried about the ups and downs of November games.
Game notes:
Wembanyama has been Tim Duncan-esque in the way he doesn’t need to have loud games to have great ones. There were spectacular moments involving him, as they always are, but without looking otherworldly, he easily logged 32 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks. It’s too early in his career to start taking his greatness for granted, but he has been making the game look so easy lately that it might start happening if we are not careful.
De’Aaron Fox played the perfect Robin to Wemby’s Batman in the first half as a scorer, dropping 17 points. Dylan Harper took over the role in the second half, scoring 11 points of his total 18. Harper finished with 10 assists while Fox had nine. On a night in which Stephon Castle struggled, the other starting guards stepped up.
With Devin Vassell still out, Julian Champagnie got another start and had a decent game, finishing with 12 points, two assists, and two steals on 35 minutes of play. Curiously, he didn’t log a rebound. It’s the second time it has happened this season. Last season, it didn’t happen a single time in 82 games. Rebounding is one of Champagnie’s strengths, but the different roles and lineups might be affecting his ability to secure boards.
Like most of the team, the bench was bad in the first half, but had a much better showing in the second half, with 21 of the 30 points scored by the non-garbage time subs coming in the last two quarters. Keldon Johnson, who is looking like a much better passer, also had four assists. Everyone did their job, which helped the Spurs tremendously.
Next game: vs. Warriors on Friday
The Warriors have been better than expected this season, but Stephen Curry had to leave the game on Wednesday against the Rockets with an injury, so they could be missing their engine in their visit to San Antonio.
Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart was ejected after he threw a punch and just barely grazed the face of Golden State Warriors forward Charles Bassey.
The incident came with 21 seconds left to play in the third quarter of a game Wednesday, Nov. 11, during a stoppage.
Just before the punch was thrown, Smart and Bassey got tangled up under the rim when trying to box out during a Warriors possession. The two continued to jaw at each other up the floor. Then, when play halted, Smart squared up and threw a right-handed hook that nearly landed on Bassey’s cheek. Bassey had moved his head backward to avoid contact. Officials later said that Smart made contact to Bassey’s nose.
Marcus Smart was assessed a flagrant 2 and ejected after throwing a punch at Charles Bassey. pic.twitter.com/50qOhVowK3
One official immediately grabbed Bassey and separated him, while players from both teams swarmed around Smart to deescalate. Several Warriors players on the floor also took exception to the punch and were shouting at Smart, who then walked off the floor and headed straight into the locker room, surely aware that he would be tossed for the gesture.
Officials then reviewed the sequence and determined that Smart would draw a flagrant foul 2, which draws an automatic ejection.
Smart scored 6 points on 2-of-2 shooting and added 2 rebounds and 1 assist prior to his removal. Bassey was not disciplined whatsoever for his role in the matter.
"Marcus, I just talked to him, he said they got wrapped up and his elbow that he had hurt got bent up. And so he said something to him and Bassey said 'What you going to do?' and he did it," Udoka said.
Bassey shared his view of the altercation postgame as well. He called Smart's play throughout the game "dirty" and said the altercation was Smart showing "fake toughness."
Charles Bassey on Marcus Smart throwing a punch at him: “Fake toughness.”
“I don’t think he was trying to play. I think he was trying to get himself out of the game.” pic.twitter.com/ZxbgvUDeY9
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 11: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on November 11, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Utah Jazz lost to the Orlando Magic, with a final score of 123-108 in a game that where the Jazz showed signs of life, until the latter half of the fourth quarter.
Once again, Darryn Peterson played well. He finished the night with 20 points, four rebounds, five assists, on 7-19 from the field and 2-9 from deep.
Notably, Peterson is reading the floor better already. He’s reading the drop big on free-throw line extended screens better; tonight he fainted a screen rejection, then stepped into open space after the defense bit on the fake. He’s adjusting his driving angles by attacking the rim perpendicularly; tonight he created space against the shot-blocker by creating contact against the blocker’s chest and leveraging rim as a shield. And on defense, his hands are as active as ever, ending the night with a block and a steal.
We must sing Ace Bailey’s praises as well. More than anyone else on the roster, Bailey has adjusted his playing still to fit the needs of the team. He attacks the glass and defends the perimeter relentlessly. And as evidenced by his 4 blocks tonight, he’s developed as a phenomenal secondary rim-protector. It’s not secret that his shot has struggled, but he managed to finish the night with 18 points, along with seven rebounds and two assists.
For Orlando, Franz Wager matched a career-night with 38 points, with eight rebounds and an assist. While injuries have hampered the Magic as well, the trio of Wager, Desmond Bane, and Anthony Black accounted for 85 of Orlando’s 123 points, proving insurmountable for Utah.
The winless streak extends to 10. With this loss, the Jazz’s chances of partaking in post-season play are infinitesimally small. Thanks to our friend Dan Clayton at Salt City Hoops, we can see that only one team in the last 20 yearshave made postseason after starting 1-10 (let alone, 1-11):
Teams this century to start 1-10 and make the playoffs
'21-22 NOP. Zion misses the year. They start 1-5 w/ BI leading the way, then he gets hurt and they fall to 1-12. BI comes back, then they get McCollum at deadline, finish 18-14 to grab 9th spot, then win both play-in games.
Who knows? Darryn Peterson proving that he’s the budding star we thought he was seems like a great starting point for beating the odds. Utah take a one-stop road-trip to Houston to take on the Rockets on Friday.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 25: Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 of the Chicago Cubs bats in a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on September 25, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Major League Baseball had their MLB Awards event tonight and that just means that the Awards for Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong just keep rolling in. Tonight Crow-Armstrong was named the winner of the Hank Aaron Award for the National League. The Aaron award goes to the best offensive performers in each league. Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez won the award for the American League.
In addition to winning the Hank Aaron Award tonight, Crow-Armstrong was also named as the center fielder fof First Team All-MLB team. Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was named as the third baseman for the Second All-MLB Team.
The Hank Aaron Award is decided by a vote by a panel of Hall of Famers as well as a fan vote that accounts for 30 percent of the totals.
Crow-Armstrong becomes the fourth Cub to win the Hank Aaron Award, which has been handed out annually since 1999. Sammy Sosa won the inaugural award in 1999. Aramis Ramírez earned the award in 2008 and Kris Bryant took home the trophy in 2016.
So far, Crow-Armstrong has taken home the Hank Aaron Award, a Gold Glove for center field, the Platinum Glove, First Team All-MLB honors and The Sporting News’ Player of the Year Award. There’s only one more award to come, as well all expect him to be named the National League Most Valuable Player by the BBWAA tomorrow.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 09: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards gets to the basket next to John Collins #20 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on November 09, 2026 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
Game Info
When: Thursday, November 12th at 7:00 p.m. ET
How to watch: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Injury Report
Wizards: Jamir Watkins – Out (Knee), Tristan Vukcevic – Out (Hip), Reece Beekman – Out (Shoulder), Justin Champagnie – Out (Foot)
Pistons: Ugonna Onyenso – Game Time Decision (Foot), Isaiah Joe – Out (Hip), Jalen Duren – Out (Hamstring)
Pregame notes
After four games away from Capital One Arena the Wizards return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night in hopes of snapping a five-game skid. the Pistons contributed a 122-111 loss in Detroit on Monday night despite a season-high 44-point performance from Anthony Davis.
Washington is playing the second game of a back-to-back after falling 114-101 to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, while the Pistons haven’t played since Monday night in Detroit.
Davis has been the Wizards’ best player through the first 11 games of the season, averaging 25.7 points and 9.7 rebounds — leading the team in both while pacing Washington with 1.3 steals per game.
Trae Young has also provided a consistent presence in Washington’s backcourt, averaging 18.5 points and a team-high 8.7 assists per game. Young has helped establish the Wizards’ offensive identity, creating opportunities for Davis and the rest of Washington’s young core including Kyshawn George who has emerged as another important piece of that group.
The third-year forward is averaging 17.9 points, 4.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds through 11 games. His ability to handle the ball alongside Young, create for teammates and score from all three levels has given Washington another reliable offensive option.
AJ Dybantsa is averaging 16.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in seven appearances. The No. 1 overall pick has continued to show his scoring ability as he adjusts to the NBA, giving Washington another young player capable of making an impact offensively.
A pair of young Yankee stars were named to the official All-MLB Team at the MLB Awards Show in Las Vegas—one last serving of pomp and circumstance before a long and soon-to-be contentious winter. Newly-minted AL Cy Young winner Cam Schlittler was named to the All-MLB First Team at starting pitcher, while Ben Rice took home Second Team honors at designated hitter.
Schlittler, who was announced as the AL Cy Young winner a few hours prior to the ceremony, became the third Yankee starting pitcher to receive an All-MLB selection since their introduction in 2019 (in part as a way to salute full season production rather than just a good first half helping an All-Star selection). Max Fried was named to the Team in 2025; Gerrit Cole was previously a First Team honoree in 2023 and 2021 and a Second Team choice in 2020.
Schlittler’s prowess on the mound was unimpeachable in 2026, as he pitched to an AL-best 1.95 ERA in 193.2 innings.
Ben Rice is the first Yankee DH to receive an All-MLB nod. Rice made the All-Star team in 2026 behind a volcanic first half in which he was one of the best hitters in baseball. His overall statline cooled somewhat during the stretch run, in large part due to the prolonged absence of Aaron Judge, but he still finished with 41 home runs and 97 RBI, posting an .897 OPS (149 wRC+). Amazingly, despite the Yankees’ early dismissal from the playoffs in the ALDS, Rice’s four home runs were the most hit by anyone in the 2026 postseason.
Overall, seven Yankees were given All-MLB nominations. Luis García Jr. (1B), Jazz Chisholm Jr. (2B), Cody Bellinger (OF), David Bednar (RP), and Brent Headrick (RP) were put up for consideration in addition to Rice and Schlittler. With stiff competition throughout the league at those premium position groups, it’s perhaps not a surprise to see those latter five names fall short of selection. Bellinger, for his part, has a solid consolation prize in the form of the Platinum Glove he took home earlier in award season.
Below are the full First and Second Team All-MLB honorees:
Schlittler and Rice have already been linked to each other in several ways: their shared home state of Massachusetts, their modest prospect pedigrees at the time they were drafted, and their similarly-timed breakouts as stars in the Bronx. Now, they share All-MLB honors together in 2026. Here’s to more award-worthy campaigns from those two in the future!
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 8: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at American Airlines Center on November 8, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After completing a season series sweep of the Indiana Pacers on Monday, the Dallas Mavericks (7-4) hit the road once more to start a weekend road trip. That trip starts Thursday, as Dallas visits the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-3). Dallas has won three contests in a row since suffering back-to-back losses against the Kings and Spurs. Meanwhile, the Wolves have been resting since Sunday, when they beat the Utah Jazz at home. Minnesota has won four consecutive contests.
Someone’s streak will come to an end Thursday night. Before the game tips off, here are a few things to know.
Ball-in
The Wolves have been without Anthony Edwards since he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on October 29th. You might think that has slowed the Wolves down a bit, but in fact has not. Minnesota has won five of six without their franchise cornerstone, with four of the five wins being by double digits. Edwards averaged over 33 points per contest this season, and the Wolves have made up for it in a collective manner.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 02: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates his three-point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first quarter at Target Center on November 02, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Some days it’s Lamelo Ball, who is averaging 18 points and six assists per game. Other days, it’s Jaden McDaniels, who is averaging a career best 17 points per game. Other nights, it’s Ayo Dosunmu, who has excelled in his new starting role by averaging 18.1 points per game on nearly 47% shooting from deep. That doesn’t even include defensive stalwart Rudy Gobert, former Warrior Jonathan Kuminga, or bench scorers in Terrence Shannon Jr. or Bones Hyland. Suffice to say, even without their all-world star, these Wolves can still hunt.
Cooper’s conquests
DALLAS, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 8: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates his three-point basket during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at American Airlines Center on November 8, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There isn’t a ton that hasn’t already been said about Cooper Flagg. The guy is an unbelievable player already, and there are still levels to go. One of the things that kept flagging (pun intended) during the two-game skid Dallas endured recently was Cooper’s willingness, or lack thereof, to really trust his shot and let it fly from deep. Well, don’t look now, but Cooper has gone six for his last eleven from long range over the last two games. In both of those games, Flagg shot over 60% from the floor. The outside shot opens up so much more inside the arc for him to operate and get downhill. It’ll be worth watching Flagg in this one, as the Wolves have the length on the perimeter and Gobert in the middle to potentially fluster Flagg.
Breaking habit
As I was sitting down to write this preview, I was thinking to myself that Dallas hasn’t beaten Minnesota in a while. What I failed to realize is just how long it’s been. The Mavericks haven’t beaten the Wolves since this game.
As the great man Drake once famously wrote, Nothing was the Same. For the Mavs, yes, old friend Luka Doncic was still around the last time Dallas won a game against Minnesota. Kind of illustrates just how drastically different directions these franchises took since their Western Conference Finals meeting in the summer of 2024. Perhaps these Mavericks can find their winning ways once again against the Wolves.
How to watch
KFAA Channel 29 or your Mavs TV app will have you covered locally for this one. Outside of Dallas, NBA TV will have the broadcast. The radio broadcast will be on KRLD 105.3 The Fan. Tipoff is scheduled for just after 7:00 p.m. CT from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
MILWAUKEE, WI - NOVEMBER 11: Nate Ament #15 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 11, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks put up an early fight against the Los Angeles Lakers but ultimately fell short, losing 123-112. Tyler Herro led all Bucks scorers with 27 points and seven assists, while Jaime Jaquez Jr.—coming off the bench for the first time this year—dropped 25 points. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 30 points, while Sandro Mamukelashvili led the Lakers’ second unit with 23 off the bench.
Earlier in the day, it was announced that Myles Turner would rest, Kel’el Ware would start, Nate Ament would start at SF, and Tyler Herro would be available. That lineup got off to a hot start, with Herro hitting a mid-range floater before Brayden Burries showed incredible body control, scoring over Walker Kessler with a tricky little finger roll. Of course, Luka Doncic needed just four minutes to score nine points—and he hardly broke a sweat—as the Lakers pulled out a 14-7 lead. Jenkins began rotating through the bench early, and tried several lineups and looks that kept LA on their toes. One of these rotations was Jaime Jaquez Jr., who seemed to have a respawn point under the hoop and, almost at Luka speed, scored eight points to keep the game within one possession for the rest of the first. Bucks down 30-28 after one.
Milwaukee stayed aggressive on defense to open the second, which helped keep the Lakers within striking distance. After LA built their lead back to eight, came the highlight of the night: Nate Ament posterizing Kessler on the fast break to snap the cold streak. Whew. Jaquez continued his effective play, matching Herro through the middle of the second with 13 points to lead the team in scoring. However, Milwaukee then hit their usual cold stretch, allowing the Lakers to piece together a 7-0 run that pushed their lead back to nine before the half. Accordingly, Herro had to check back in to quell the run, matching Luka’s 19-point half with 18 of his own. The Lakers would not slow down, though, and the Bucks went into the locker room down 50-61. Despite the hot-and-cold shooting, there was a lot to like from the first half, including the Bucks almost matching the Lakers’ shot total (44 to 46) and matching the assist total with 14.
Both teams got off to a slow start in the third because of disruptive wing defence. The Bucks, however, were less effective at closing out on defensive possessions, which allowed the Lakers to get multiple shots per possession and turn the tide. Their lead grew to 17 by the 5:20 mark, and as Milwaukee announcer Marques Johnson alluded to, the Bucks were trying to hold on tight to a rope that kept gradually being pulled away. And yeah, that is what it felt like: Milwaukee didn’t exactly give the game away, but they didn’t help themselves either, with too many defensive rebounds slipping away. Other than Herro and Jaquez Jr., no other Bucks player reached double figures by the end of the third, and the Bucks were now well behind at 73-94.
Former Buck Sandro Mamukelashvili opened the fourth quarter with a driving layup to bring his point total to 23, proving to be a real difference-maker. Milwaukee just couldn’t find its groove, shooting 2/11 through the first six minutes, with the deficit still hovering around 20. By then, the Bucks had scored just six second-chance points for the game (!) to the Lakers’ 31, illustrating their lack of front-court presence. During garbage time, however, Milwaukee stitched together a 13-0 run, which at least showed some continued hustle from a young team, but it ultimately masked another blowout loss.
Stat That Stood Out
Nine: The number of first-quarter assists for the Bucks. For the rest of the game, the Bucks notched just 16.
Obscene Overreaction
The Bucks need a primary playmaker, and while the recent returns haven’t been stellar, Milwaukee should consider starting Jakucionis to see if he can set the table and help others find their shots. There really isn’t a single player who would not benefit from the Bucks having a primary playmaker; someone who can help control the tempo and distribute the ball. This year will be all about development, and the Bucks need to see if Jakucionis can fill a reliable true point guard role.
MILWAUKEE, WI - NOVEMBER 11: Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 11, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
The start of this game had all the makings of a game in Milwaukee amidst a November road trip.
The Lakers entered the game with Quentin Grimes (right finger sprain) being the only player unavailable but left it with Luka Dončić rolling his ankle, Austin Reaves tweaking his left heel and Collin Sexton bloodied after an incidental headbutt with Ryan Rollins.
Despite the start and the injuries, Los Angeles took care of business and carries a six-game win streak into Phoenix to close out its first extended road trip of the season.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
The box score didn’t treat LaRavia the best this game, but his impact continues to defy counting stats. Fifty-fifty balls, defense, running in transition, all factors in the Lakers being a plus-14 while LaRavia was on the floor.
I thought Kessler started this game a bit too passive around the rim defensively and it set the tone for the rest of his game. Nonetheless, he was yet again a crucial conduit between the Lakers’ defensive and offensive production.
It took Thybulle a half to really make his impact felt, but he continues to be a steady producer on both sides of the ball. Steals, deflections and threes have defined his impact this season and it was the same tonight.
Luka makes it nine straight 30-point games but tweaked his ankle with around four minutes left in the game and the Lakers up by 20. Dončić was good, again, but started this game with a questionable shot diet and committed some lousy turnovers.
Of course you take the good with the bad, but Dončić’s start of the game held him back from this being another all-around great game.
Before leaving the game with his injury, Reaves was the ying to Dončić’s yang, providing the Lakers with balance, a steady shot diet and conservative ball handling. If it weren’t for the injury, Reaves was well on his way to yet another efficient 20-plus-point outing.
Mamu is stringing together some of the best games of his Lakers tenure. His connectivity was on full display tonight, draining threes and seemingly switching onto everyone on defense. His ability to relieve stress both in transition and in the half-court on offense remains invaluable.
Should Reaves or Dončić miss time, having someone like Mamu is a luxury.
Speaking of continued production, Williams remained a consistent bench player tonight. His defensive intensity, especially on Tyler Herro leading to a scuffle, is an important aspect in keeping an otherwise below-average group above water. It also helps when he makes his threes.
It’s been an up-and-down season for Sexton thus far, but he continues to show improved poise when handling the ball in the non-Luka minutes. However, it still feels like he takes up a little too much of the usage when sharing the floor with Reaves.
This road trip was good for the rookie, who got some real minutes in a couple of games. Tonight was evidence that Carr is still getting his footing and adjusting to the pace of the game. Aside from diving on the floor for a ball he lost, I feel we’re still yet to really see how much of an impact he can have on the floor.
Grade: B-
Jarred Vanderbilt
Vando played just nine minutes, but each of them was impactful. He brought instant energy in his first shift and continues to show improved aggression around the rim. He’s had four points.
Bronny James, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney
James, Hardy and Looney each played four minutes of garbage time after Dončić rolled his ankle and, yet again, almost blew a lead. Each of them was a minus-13 in their shift. Hardy has the greenest light in the NBA, James remains passive and susceptible to pressure and Looney took the floor for the first time in weeks (give him some grace).
JJ Redick
Redick admitted that tonight could have easily been a trap game given how the team started. Many will also dock him for keeping Dončić in the game with four minutes left while up 20 when he eventually tweaked his ankle, but his explanation that the star wouldn’t have been out there if Sexton didn’t go down was reasonable.
JJ Redick told reporters that had Collin Sexton not exited the game early, he would've been on the floor instead of Luka Doncic when Doncic suffered his ankle injury late in the game.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 26: Jackson Chourio #11 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates with Brice Turang #2 after scoring in the third inning during Game Three of the 2026 World Series presented by Capital One between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Monday, October 26, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Entering the eighth year of the All-MLB team, the Brewers have had five players earn the best-at-their-position honors, and another five earn All-MLB Second Team honors. Tonight, three more were added to the first team: Brice Turang, Jacob Misiorowski, and Jackson Chourio. William Contreras also made it on the Second Team at catcher, his second time making it (First Team in 2024).
This award season, the Brewers had seven players nominated for All-MLB honors: Turang, Contreras, Chourio, Misiorowski, Jake Bauers, Trevor Megill, and Abner Uribe. Only the Dodgers, Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, and Braves had more players nominated this season.
As we’ve already seen from the defensive awards, Turang was, without a doubt, the best second baseman in baseball. In just his fourth season in the big leagues, Turang continued to prove himself as one of the best middle infielders in baseball. Despite watching his batting average drop 20 points and racking up 21 more strikeouts than a year ago, Turang saw a big increase in RBIs, doubles, and a few more home runs. The First Team All-MLB honor is the first time he’s been selected for this award, after he made the Second Team a year ago.
For Chourio, it’s his first honors of his career, doing so despite playing in just 127 games after an injury kept him out for the first month of the season. Chourio became the youngest player in MLB history to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases in each of his first three seasons. This season, not only was he clutch, but he hit well, batting .291, a career best, while walking 47 times.
As for Misiorowski, he caps off what is officially the most First Team All-MLB winners in Brewers franchise history. On the same night that he won his first Cy Young Award, Miz earns his first career All-MLB award. Miz had an out-of-this-world season, leading all of MLB with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts; he also was the only pitcher in baseball with a complete-game shutout.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 11: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on November 11, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Few players in NBA history have been able to single-handedly raise an offense’s floor and ceiling like Harden. His ability to score from anywhere, manipulate defenders with his body, and make every pass made him nearly unguardable in his prime — while also allowing him to remain effective into his late 30s. However, that offensive consistency hasn’t been there yet for the Cavs at the start of the season.
Harden needs his scoring and playmaking to work in concert with each other if he’s going to elevate an offense. When he’s scoring well, he draws the attention of the entire defense, which leaves teammates open for easy shots. But when he isn’t able to create space off the dribble or connect on the outside shot, defenders can stay home with their assignments. And when they are staying home, those openings for Harden to set up teammates just aren’t there. Everything is based on his scoring.
Over the last handful of games, we saw just how bad things can look when Harden isn’t scoring. Defenses don’t have to respect him and send multiple players his way. Things then become stagnant, and the entire offense suffers because of it. Against the Knicks, we witnessed the inverse.
The difference in this one was shotmaking. Harden found a scoring rhythm in the second quarter with his outside shot. This caused his defender to guard him much closer on the perimeter, making it easier for him to get inside the paint. The Knicks chose not to send multiple defenders his way, which allowed him to continue his effective scoring and close this game out with nine clutch fourth-quarter points.
It’s not too much of a stretch to say that the success of the entire team depends on Harden. Everything offensively rises and falls with his play. The Cavs need to see this version of Harden much more often than they have.
Second star: Karl-Anthony Towns
21 points on 7-of-11 shoooting, 11 rebounds, 8 assists
Towns is playing the best basketball of his career. His unique skill set allows him to affect the game in so many different ways. He proved that again here with his outside shooting, playmaking, and rebounding.
The Cavs bigs tried to contain Towns — his offense was just better than their defense.
Mitchell provided timely scoring while also being a good decision-maker. He correctly got the ball out of his hands and to his teammates when New York threw doubles at him. And his teammates rewarded him for doing so with the win.
Cleveland also did much better at controlling the glass. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has talked about rebounding being something everyone on the court needs to be involved in. Mitchell chipping in went a long way in making sure rebounding wasn’t an issue.
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Duds of the game
New York’s wings: OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart
The Knicks’ incredible championship run was partially fueled by phenomenal play from their three starting wings. Likewise, their inability to show up to this game is a big reason why the Cavs were able to come away with a win.
Anunoby was helpful defensively, but couldn’t find the range from the field, going 3-for-9. Bridges played just 17 minutes and was benched down the stretch due to being a complete non-factor. And Hart couldn’t find his shot and wasn’t an impactful rebounder.
Swing players often decide games against two high-powered teams like this. In this contest, New York’s supporting pieces just didn’t show up.
We’ve yet to encounter a moment that was too big for Thomas. He played with a confidence that’s rare to see in a rookie making his debut at MSG against the defending champions.
Thomas is first and foremost a scorer. We saw that again as he was able to create off the dribble and knock down open threes when the ball swung to him on the perimeter.
Atkinson has been able to continue putting Thomas in the rotation because of how he can positively influence the game in areas besides scoring. Defensively, he did a good job of guarding his man, didn’t get lost off-ball, and forced two steals. Thomas was also effective at attacking the offensive glass as he came away with three offensive rebounds.
Thomas is scoring, but he’s also doing a lot of the little things right that you need to in order to be a rotation player. This was another good outing for a rookie who has made nights like this feel routine.
Tyrese Proctor
15 points on 6-of-12 shooting, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Proctor showed the wide array of skills that he has. He initiated the offense as a secondary ball-handler, knocked down outside shots when the ball swung to him, and was helpful defensively.
This was exactly what you want to see from someone who’s trying to prove that he should stay in the rotation when Sam Merril and Nae’Qwan Tomlin return from injury.
Watson’s defensive effort made up for his poor shooting. He was seemingly everywhere on defense and secured the victory with a chase-down block on Deuce McBride.
The Cavs controlled the glass, won the possession battle, and ultimately won the game.
Main takeaway from this game: Talent isn’t the issue for the Cavs
This game doesn’t fix all that has been wrong with the Cavaliers at the start of the season. Nor does it show that they’re going to put the pieces together and become the team they have the potential to be. It does, however, demonstrate that the Cavs have the talent to beat anyone.
The Cavs were impressive on both ends of the floor. Offensively, their two elite guards controlled the game while still making way for role players like Proctor and Thomas to make meaningful contributions.
Defensively, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley made it difficult to score inside and kept the Knicks off the free-throw line. Watson also made a sizeable impact as a point-of-attack defender and weak-side rim protector. This resulted in New York becoming more of an outside-shooting team than they would’ve liked.
In short, this was a complete performance.
The Cavs have had other impressive wins this season, but they haven’t been able to back any of them up with anything substantive. At this point, we don’t know what team we’ll see on a nightly basis, and there’s no evidence that they’re creating sustainable habits that will help them in the postseason. This win will only be different if they can actually build off it from a process and results standpoint.
