Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) connects with a pitch during the fifth inning of the Cleveland Guardians' home opener against the Chicago White Sox, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co
The Guardians managed to sweep the Athletics this weekend and their magic number to clinch a playoff berth is 3 with 6 to play. (Magic number is six to win the division and get a first round bye).
Zack Meisel and T.J. Zuppe covered the playoff scenarios on the Selby is Godcast today.
We are rooting for the Royals and then Rockies, the Mariners and the Athletics, the Mets and the Twins, and the Orioles and Reds. We want the White Sox, Rangers, Astros and Blue Jays to lose, in other words.
Among those hires were Josef Boumedienne, who will join the club as Vice President of Hockey Operations; Josh Burke, Hockey Operations Data Engineer; Brooks Christensen, Amateur Scout; and Killian Hamilton, Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Throughout the off-season, the Panthers lost several members in different departments. Leading up to the season the Panthers have made additions to ammend those losses.
Boumedienne joins the Panthers after serving as the GM of Sweden’s men’s national ice hockey team for the past two seasons, including at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games and the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.
Following his NHL career, Boumedienne worked as the director of European scouting for the Columbus Blue Jackets for nine seasons.
Another notable name is Christensen. In July, the Everett Silvertips of the WHL announced that Christensen would leave the organization to join the Panthers, but Florida recently announced the move.
Christensen served as the Silvertips' director of scouting for two seasons and won a WHL championship. Before that, he worked as the GM of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in the BCHL.
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 20: Jake Burger #21 of the Texas Rangers runs the bases after a two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Globe Life Field on September 20, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning.
Shawn McFarland writes that the patchwork pitching for the Texas Rangers finally came undone in the series finale loss to Toronto on Sunday.
Kennedi Landry writes that despite the Sunday setback, the Rangers embark on the season’s final week atop the American League West by a game.
McFarland writes that the Rangers are gasping, panting, and wheezing toward the finish line but they do so with their goal still in sight.
Landry notes that the Rangers will have to forge ahead without Cal Quantrill as their second half rotation savior landed on the IL for the remainder of the regular season.
McFarland checks out the scenarios for the remaining week of the season where the Rangers are still vying for the postseason.
MLB dot com’s Brent Maguire checks out what’s still at stake in the season’s final week with, among them, the AL West still undecided.
And, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel ranks the potential playoff rotations as the Rangers would probably just be happy with a healthy arm or two.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 7: Jesus Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies is doused with water bottles from Kyle Schwarber #12 and Brandon Marsh #16 (left) after the complete game win against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 7, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Heather Barry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
All signs point to the Phillies treating Luzardo as a reliever to begin the postseason. When asked if the Phillies are entertaining either scenario — Luzardo as a starter or Luzardo as a reliever — Mattingly said, “Yes.”
It’s interesting that the team is considering doing this with Luzardo considering what he has meant to the rotation this year. It does speak to the confidence they have in Aaron Nola continuing his late season resurgence and how that effectiveness would carry over into the playoffs. But with Luzardo possibly moving to the bullpen for the first round of the playoffs, the question about usage with him becomes noteworthy.
How would they even use him?
If it is the wild card round, does he only pitch in one game? They can’t possibly expect him to go back to back games at all during a three game series, especially when there is no off day at all in that round. Even then, when in a game is he deployed? Would he only be used before Duran? Is he used a fireman whenever there is trouble brewing? Is there a strict inning he can be used in? These are all interesting questions to consider.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 19: Alejandro Kirk #30 of the Toronto Blue Jays can't make the catch as Wyatt Langford #36 of the Texas Rangers runs toward home plate during the sixth inning at Globe Life Field on September 19, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Tampa Bay Rays, the New York Yankees, and the Boston Red Sox have all punched their ticket to the postseason. With the final week of the 2026 MLB regular season already upon us, several other American League squads are playing for a place in October, too.
Even the Rays and Yankees technically have to decide who wins the AL East, with the former enjoying a hefty advantage heading into the final week, needing just one win over the Bombers to secure it. After that, there are two wide-open divisions and an exciting competition for the last Wild Card spot.
Here’s where every team stands in the race:
Tampa Bay Rays
Remaining games: 4 @ Yankees, 3 @ Phillies Current record: 95-60 Current position in division/Wild Card race: 1st in AL East (6 games ahead of NYY)
Final week outlook: The Rays have been, far and away, the top team in the American League by win-loss record, and unless something really crazy happens, they will enter the postseason with a first-round bye and wait for the winner of the battle between the top two Wild Cards—the Yankees and Red Sox—in the Division Series. They’ll still try to play competitive games after clinching, as they certainly wouldn’t say no to having home-field advantage over NL teams in a potential World Series matchup* as they seek their first championship in franchise history, but the pressure this week is much lighter.
*We’re keeping the focus on the AL in this post, but for those curious, Tampa Bay’s 95-60 record currently trails the Dodgers’ 96-60 and the Brewers’ 98-58. Atlanta trails at 92-64. The Dodgers have the Padres and Giants to end 2026 while the Brewers have the Phillies and Cardinals, and the Braves have the Reds and Marlins.
Remaining games: 4 vs. Rays, 3 vs. Orioles Current record: 89-66 Current position in division/Wild Card race: 2nd in AL East (6 games behind TB); 1st in Wild Card race (5.5 games ahead of 2nd Wild Card spot, held by BOS)
Final week outlook: Unless they sweep the Rays and Orioles, the Yankees virtually have no chance of winning the AL East crown. Instead, they will likely enter the postseason as the top Wild Card team, as they have a healthy cushion over the Red Sox, their likely foe in the Wild Card round. The odds of that series being at Fenway rather than Yankee Stadium are extremely low, especially since New York has the tiebreaker over Boston.
Boston Red Sox
Remaining games: 3 vs. Guardians, 3 vs. Cubs Current record: 84-72 Current position in division/Wild Card race: 3rd in AL East, 2nd in Wild Card race (5.5 games behind NYY for top WC spot, 4 games ahead of CHW, owners of the 3rd WC spot)
Final week outlook: The Red Sox are highly unlikely to move from the second AL Wild Card spot, since they have a four-game cushion over the White Sox, owners of the third slot, and are 5.5 games behind the Yanks for the top one. They’ve been all but locked into this spot for awhile now and just clinched their playoff berth yesterday with Houston’s loss to Atlanta.
Cleveland Guardians
Remaining games: 3 @ Red Sox, 3 @ Royals Current record: 81-75 Current position in division/Wild Card race: 1st in AL Central (1 game ahead of CHW)
Final week outlook: Eyeing their third consecutive division title and seventh since 2016, the Guardians are currently one game up in the race for the AL Central, but need to avoid a tie with the White Sox at the top because Chicago owns the tiebreaker. Cleveland is peaking at the right time, though, and José Ramírez is finally starting to show some signs of a breakthrough at the plate. If that’s the case, they will be dangerous with a strong young core and two aces at the top: AL strikeout leader Gavin Williams and Rookie of the Year contender Parker Messick. Second baseman Travis Bazzana isn’t too shabby of a rookie, either.
Remaining games: 3 @ Royals, 3 vs. Rockies Current record: 80-76 Current position in division/Wild Card race: 2nd in AL Central (1 game behind CLE), 3rd in Wild Card race (3 games ahead of HOU and TOR, 5 ahead of BAL)
Final week outlook: Chicago’s lack of quality starting pitching seems to have caught up to them in September, but they are still a dangerous team that is trending towards its first postseason appearance since 2021. They have a chance to win the AL Central: all they need to do is finish in at least a tie with the Guardians, and though both the Pale Hose and Guards will face the Royals this week, the Southsiders have an easier other foe in the Rockies. Remember, winning the division would likely even give Chicago the second seed in the AL and a first-round bye to face the victor of the AL West/last Wild Card matchup.
It’s already been an improbably great season for the White Sox, as merely getting a winning season would’ve been a huge success for a team that lost a modern record 121 games in 2024 and 102 last year. But missing out at this point would still be quite the disappointment.
Texas Rangers
Remaining games: 3 vs. Mets, 3 @ Twins Current record: 78-78 Current position in division/Wild Card race: 1st in AL West (1 game ahead of HOU)
Final week outlook: If the Rangers finish with more wins than the Astros, they will capture the AL West despite their thoroughly mediocre record (the Mariners’ deeply disappointing 2026 really made the division a mess). It’s a key week in Texas, as the range of outcomes is wide: they could win the division and finish as high as the second seed if they can best the AL Central champ’s line; they could be the final Wild Card squad, or they could miss the playoffs entirely for the third year in a row since winning it all in 2023 behind two-time World Series MVP Corey Seager.
It’s important to note that the Rangers need to beat the Astros by at least one game to take the AL West crown because Houston owns the tiebreaker. The Rangers own tiebreakers against the Orioles, Guardians, and Blue Jays, and lost against the White Sox and, as explained, the Astros. The AL West winner is a near-lock to face the worst Wild Card team in the first round, though they will host the best-of-three.
Remaining games: 3 @ Orioles, 3 vs. Reds Current record: 77-79 Current position in division/Wild Card race: tied with HOU for 4th in Wild Card standings, 3 games behind the 3rd spot (CHW)
Final week outlook: Last year’s AL champs can’t win their division: their only path to the playoffs is the third and final Wild Card spot. With that in mind, however, they would need to finish ahead of both the White Sox and the Rangers because both of them own the tiebreaker against Toronto. It sure doesn’t help that ace Dylan Cease was scratched from his next start and is undergoing an MRI.
The Jays tied the season series against Houston, which, in the event of a tie at the third WC spot between them, would take us to intra-divisional record to decide. There, Toronto is 25-24 against AL East opponents, and the Astros are 22-24 vs. AL West foes, presently giving the Jays the edge, though that could change this week since they both face intra-divisional rivals.
For what it’s worth, Toronto won the tiebreakers against the Guardians and the Orioles.
Houston Astros
Remaining games: 2 @ Mariners, 4 @ A’s Current record: 77-79 Current position in division/Wild Card race: tied with TOR for 4th in Wild Card standings, 3 games behind the 3rd spot (CHW)
Final week outlook: Much like the White Sox in the AL Central, the Astros are one game behind in their division and own the tiebreaker against the Rangers, so all they need to do is catch them by the end of the week. They have lost three straight, though, with a -59 run differential, so despite the best efforts of MVP frontrunner Yordan Alvarez, they aren’t particularly good. We have seen plenty of mediocre squads make it in the past, so they definitely have a chance — especially since they get to play the mostly-hapless M’s and A’s this week.
Houston can still qualify via the last Wild Card, but the division presents a smoother path. Since we’re running through them, they own tiebreakers vs. the White Sox, Guardians, and Rangers, losing vs. the Orioles and tying vs. Toronto.
Baltimore Orioles
Remaining games: 3 vs. Blue Jays, 3 @ Yankees Current record: 75-81 Current position in division/Wild Card race: 6th in Wild Card standings, 5 games behind the 3rd spot (CHW)
Final week outlook: At this point, the Orioles need a miracle to get in. They needed to sweep the Brewers this past weekend to put themselves in a position to compete. Instead, they got swept themselves. Baltimore won tiebreakers against the White Sox and the Astros, and lost against the Rangers, Guardians, and Blue Jays. But again, they have essentially no shot whatsoever. That final weekend series in the Bronx could’ve been interesting; alas.
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 29: Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Grant Holmes #66 studies the electronic tablet during the Sunday afternoon MLB game between the Kansas City Royals and the Atlanta Braves on September 29, 2024 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Okay, the Braves clinched the division. It felt like it was a long time coming at some point, and then they reeled off a sweep of the Astros in Houston, and here we are. That it happened without any kind of collapse is a testament to just how profoundly bizarre the 2026 Braves team is: they continue to maintain the fourth-best record despite a below-average wRC+ and position player fWAR rank, carried entirely by pitching and the ability to win when outproduced. (Seriously, after June I figured that the team would collapse if the offense didn’t rebound to notably above average, irrespective of what else happened. Instead, the team continued to be below-average offensively through any cut except something like, mid-July onward, including July-onward, August-onward, and September and the best it could register through any arbitrary starting point through the present was 12th, but here we are. Way to go Braves, sorta.)
But, today, I want to ask about something that many of you may not care about, but has been bugging me for a while.
If you recall, in the offseason, I ran a long series of posts like this. In those posts, I provided some commentary on projected production for a handful of Braves players, and then y’all submitted guesses/prognostications of WAR production for each, as well as a confidence level.
Well, the season is nearly in the books, and it’s time to score them. (There’s also a few other questions scattered in there, including how the Braves’ rotation would perform, their overall record, whether they’d miss Jonah Heim, etc. etc. The question of how to score those is a little different, though related, but probably simpler.) The problem is, I’m not actually sure how to score them. I could pick one of the methods that has rattled around my head, but I figured I’d throw it to you all, in case there’s some kind of consensus or crowdsource-based solution that works better than anything I’ve been able to come up with.
The “issue” is that everyone submitted a single guess, and a single confidence level, but WAR is a cardinal value. Sure, we could score things by just going, “if you were right, you get a point multiplied by your confidence level; if you were wrong, you lose a point multiplied by your confidence level,” but this means that if a guy had a 3-WAR season, someone who picked 4 WAR would lose the same number of points as someone who picked 0 WAR, assuming the confidence was the same. We could do “distance from” but that raises the question of how the math should work — is it like, you get +X (where X is confidence) if you nailed it, you get zero (irrespective of confidence) if you’re 1 WAR off, and you start losing points scaled by confidence for being 2 WAR off or more? Anyway, you get the idea — it’s complicated-ish, or more to the point, there’s just a lot of ways to go about it.
I’d say the two main criteria are: 1) you want to reward people for being closer (and reward less or punish more for being further); and, 2) you want to scale things by confidence. But other than that, how we get there is what I’m soliciting input on.
So, whadda ya got? (For me, discussing this is probably more interesting than whatever else transpires with the Braves at this point.)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 05: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen #1 of the Buffalo Sabres protects the net against Egor Chinakhov #59 of the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 5, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
The Penguins’ preseason roster for their first of just four games has an intentional element to it. There are some veterans getting into the action – you wouldn’t see Bryan Rust or Kris Letang play the first preseason game in the past – but the key area is a level below for all the candidates to win a job on the fourth line or just stay on the roster at all.
Aside from Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen, almost every other fringe forward is getting a chance to play tonight in a very visible area to try and make their case. In recent days Filip Hallander has settled into practicing with Hendrix Lapierre and Justin Brazeau. In the last practice on Sunday, Elmer Soderblom skated with Tristan Broz and Connor Dewar.
If those two lines stay united for tonight’s game, that is the primary area to watch as far as which players might rise to the occasion and make a name for themselves. That includes Avery Hayes, who has been mostly on the periphery so far in camp, yet is a player the team knows they might have a little something in as a potential difference-maker from the fourth line with his speed and ability to chip in goals that he has showcased at the NHL level in the past.
It would be poetic, though perhaps not helpful for the final decision, if a player like Hayes ends up showing out tonight and makes a crowded picture even more jumbled. There’s already so many candidates in the mix and it would serve to stand as a reminder that clarity isn’t always gained from a single preseason game.
That said, let’s see how the PK splits go and which players get turns there. What is the path for players like Lapierre and Broz at center, considering conventional thought would be the last available center spot in the lineup belongs to Blake Lizotte (who is not playing tonight)? What to do at wing, where Dewar’s looking to hold onto a spot but there are no small number of potential contenders to slide into the fourth line (Hallander, Brazeau, Soderblom, Hayes, from the players dressing tonight and saying nothing of McGroarty and Koivunen)?
Lots of questions, perhaps some answers will start to sort themselves out tonight via game performances. Or maybe not. It’s always worth wondering just how much one single data point will mean in the larger focus of how to sort out the lineup, but there are only a small handful of these exhibition opportunities, so they now have a heightened importance.
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As far as the opponent, some quick thoughts on Buffalo. As a visiting team early in the preseason, they aren’t bringing a ton of talent to measure up against. Only Conor Sheary and Jiri Kulich (who like Hallander is working back after a blood clot knocked him out for much of last season) are bonafide NHL level forwards, though some others like Tyson Kozak and Justin Danforth played enough games in recent seasons to count as veterans.
The Sabres are also bringing Aidan McDonough tonight, who they signed to an NHL contract this summer. McDonough, 26, was among Wilkes-Barre’s better players last season, working on AHL contract. He actually led the team in regular season scoring since a good bit of that team (McGroarty, Koivunen, Hayes, Broz) either missed time AHL to injury or from being on the NHL roster at different times during the year. McDonough will surely be motivated to show out against many familiar faces. Buffalo is also bringing Jack Rathbone, once briefly a WBS player. Those two, along with Sheary, make up the former Penguins involved tonight.
Sheary, 34, by the way, signed a one-year, one-way contract worth the league minimum ($850k) with Buffalo for the 2026-27 season. He had a so-so year with the Rangers last season (seven goals and 11 assists in 62 games) which was good enough to get another contract and hang on for one more year.
Overall though, the Buffalo lineup is a dud. Sheary’s 17 points last year is by far their highest scorer. Almost their whole NHL team is not making the trip to Pittsburgh tonight. It would be tough to bring less talent and still hit the eight ‘veteran’ players that the league mandates for a preseason game. Buffalo gets there thanks to players like Kozak, Metsa but it’s barely anyone worth noting for the immediate future in the NHL.
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Another key area worth watching will be in net, as both young AHL goalies who are trying to become NHL goalies this season are dressing for the game. As mentioned above, it’s not like Buffalo brought an incredible amount of talent for them to face. The Pens are dressing Trevor van Riemsdyk and Letang, plus potentially the very good pair of Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke, so maybe the Pittsburgh defense will look alright tonight? One would have to hope for that based on the team strengths on paper, anyways. It’s a big opportunity for Sergei Mursahov and Joel Blomqvist tonight to get out there and do their thing in net.
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Along those lines, while the vast fourth line competition will eat up a lot of oxygen, it’ll be fun to see what the presumed line of Kuzmenko-Kindel-Rust can do in a game. It’s an exhibition and most will be moving with 75-85% intensity, but the Pens are certainly dabbling in giving Kindel some pretty good wingers at the start of preseason. Rust is only one quick decision away from going back to his regular spot on Sidney Crosby’s line, but can this group show some chemistry and reason to stay united in the near future? It’ll be interesting to watch. Based on the lineups, you’d think they’ll get the lion share of any power play looks too.
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The game starts at 7:00pm will be broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh+ and is on the radio on 105.9 the X, as well as the Penguins’ app. I looked in ESPN+ and saw this game already in the preview section, so it looks like it will be streaming there for out of market viewers.
Marcus Bontempelli and Bailey Smith are runners-up
Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos has finally claimed his first Brownlow Medal in a runaway victory with a record-breaking 47 votes.
The 23-year-old surged to a perfect nine votes from his first three games, led from round 11, then registered six consecutive best-on-ground performances to seal victory by round 21.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 20: A detail shot of a Howie Rose Retirement logo prior to the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Sunday, September 20, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Meet the Mets
The Mets said their final goodbye to Queens for the 2026 season while Howie Rose said his final goodbyes to the airwaves. I suppose the rest doesn’t matter quite as much.
Striker’s double rescued a 2-2 draw and extend his unbeaten record against sides coached by Gian Piero Gasperini
Gian Piero Gasperini could not keep himself from smiling. His Roma team had just squandered a two-goal lead at home to Inter but as he crossed the Stadio Olimpico pitch to greet the man who had led the visitors’ comeback, his lips formed into a grin.
“He always scores against me”, explained a laughing Gasperini when he was asked what he had said to Lautaro Martínez a short while after. “I told him to stop it! He does it to everyone, though. He’s a great champion, everyone thinks very highly of him, even if he makes all of us suffer.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Kyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts to a foul ball off his leg in front of Andrew Knizner #19 of the San Francisco Giants and umpire John Tumpane #74 during the third inning at Dodger Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — Kyle Tucker didn’t start on Sunday, one day after fouling a ball off his right knee, but the Dodgers right fielder insisted that he felt fine. This was more of a chance to pair a rest day for Tucker with Monday’s scheduled off day for the team.
“[The off day] wasn’t planned. I just felt that after he took one off the knee, this would have been 10 in a row for him,” manager Dave Roberts said Sunday. “He’s playing well, played a lot. It’s a chance to give him two days, then six in a row to finish the season.”
The injury was in a much higher spot on his leg than the right shin fracture that cost him two months on the injured list during the 2024 season while with the Houston Astros.
Tucker did pinch-hit in the eighth inning on Sunday, and he’s second on the Dodgers in games played (148), starts (141), and plate appearances (602), trailing only Freddie Freeman in all three categories. Tucker is playing the best baseball of his season at the moment with five home runs in his last 10 starts, hitting .417/.500/.972 since September 9.
Notes
Speaking of playing in the outfield on Tuesday, the Dodgers will likely activate center fielder Andy Pages off the injured list to play in the series opener against the San Diego Padres, after he missed the last 27 games after a fastball broke his left hand on August 21.
Pages at the end of this season will have two years, 155 days of major league service time and will be eligible for salary arbitration for the first time as a Super Two player, among the top 70 percent in service time among major leaguers with two years but not yet three years of service time. MLB Trade Rumors last week projected the cutoff for Super Two players this offseason to be two years, 134 days.
Longtime Dodgers third base coach Joey Amalfitano and knuckleballer Charlie Hough were honored on the field at Dodger Stadium prior to Sunday’s game as the 2026 winners of the the Tommy Lasorda I Bleed Dodger Blue Award. This is the fifth year of the award, timed close to Lasorda’s birthday, which is Tuesday.
Oct 24, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) and twin brother Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) stand on the court during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Athleticism is not a blanket term when it comes to its application in NBA games. There are a thousand different ways athleticism can manifest itself on a basketball court beyond slamming home an alley-oop. These days, it feels like NBA teams are looking less at how a player tests on their max vertical leap, and more at their balance, deceleration, and body control. I realize the incoming exercise is a bit silly for this reason, but I’m going to do it anyway.
A year ago at this time, we previewed the best shooters in the NBA. While that list doesn’t feel like it’s changed much over the last 12 months, any look at the sport’s best athletes has significantly more fluidity. Zion Williamson, Aaron Gordon, and Zach LaVine would have been a lock a few years ago, but they aren’t on this list today. It might seem obvious that someone like Ace Bailey should have been on this list a year from now, but he was one of the final cuts this year.
With the start of the 2026-27 NBA season just around the corner, here’s our list of the best athletes in the NBA. The focus here was mostly on explosiveness. Who did I overlook? Leave your snubs in the comment section below.
Amen Thompson, G, Houston Rockets
Thompson was one of two players to dunk 200+ times last season despite being only 6’7 and lacking a jump shot that defenses have to respect. The 23-year-old should be a staple on All-Defensive teams moving forward, and his ridiculous explosion gives him a strong foundation to continue to develop his skill level offensively. I predicted Thompson would be the most athletic player in the league from day one when he was entering the 2023 NBA Draft, and I think I nailed it.
Ausar Thompson might be a tenth of a step below his twin brother in terms of burst, but he’s still an overwhelming athlete on the wing for the Detroit Pistons. He could be the scariest on-ball defender in the league going forward while also being excellent as a defensive playmaker away from the ball.
VJ Edgecombe, G, Philadelphia 76ers
It was easy to see Edgecombe was going to be a freak athlete during his one year at Baylor, and he’s already making game-breaking plays in the NBA after one year in the league. It’s going to be fascinating to see how he’s deployed as the Sixers’ fifth option this season.
Daniels is perhaps the NBA’s best thief on the defensive end, setting several age-based steals records during his first season in Atlanta in 2024-25. He can’t shoot at all, but his athleticism still makes him a pretty decent offensive player with his ability to hit the glass and fly in transition.
Bam Adebayo, C, Miami Heat
Adebayo is a wrecking ball defensively in the middle of the Miami defense with rare mobility for a player who is so strong with such a low center of gravity. His intersection of size, strength, quickness, and explosiveness allows him to play so much bigger than his size, and serves as the foundation for one of the NBA’s best overall defenders.
Beringer basically got redshirted by the Wolves as a rookie last season, but he has some ridiculously fluid highlights for an NBA center whenever he steps on the floor. Minnesota will be counting him on him to backup Rudy Gobert this season, and I bet he’ll produce some spectacular moments.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Miami Heat
Giannis is the oldest guy on this list at age-31. He still has incredibly rare movement ability for his size. It will be fascinating to see how he ages into his mid-30s with a game so dependent on being the biggest athletic freak around.
Scottie Barnes, F, Toronto Raptors
Barnes has become one of the best forwards in the league, and he could be primed for an All-NBA season next to Kawhi Leonard this year in Toronto. He’s so long and strong and mobile, and plays with a ferocity on the glass, all of which should make him an annual contender for an All-Defense spot. I can’t wait to see Barnes, Leonard, and Collin Murray-Boyles defend together.
Kel’el Ware, C, Milwaukee Bucks
Ware is a great lob threat with a huge catch radius and crazy bounce for a 7-footer. Helping Ware put it all together will be one of the top objectives of new Bucks coach Taylor Jenkins after the Giannis trade.
Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs
I wouldn’t keep Wemby off this list. Guys who are 7’5+ are usually statues, but Wembanyama is ridiculously flexible and fast. There’s never been anyone like him before, and his overall athleticism is a huge part of the appeal.
AJ Dybantsa, F, Washington Wizards
Dybantsa is truly a quick-twitch athlete at 6’9, 220 pounds, with a 7-foot wingspan. His wicked first step and explosion around the rim is going to make him an elite scorer before long.
Ron Holland, G, Detroit Pistons
Holland hasn’t really established himself yet as he enters this third season, but his crazy explosiveness makes him one of the league’s better per-minute wing defenders and a great transition scorer. He may have too much overlap with Thompson as non-shooters to make it in Detroit, but if the Pistons move on, some team should be willing to take a chance on him as a “second draft” type. Read my feature on Holland’s journey to the NBA here.
Minott has been a super disruptive defender who flies in the open floor and can jump out of the gym when he gets the chance. He’s improved his shooting and handle enough to get a real chance this season in Brooklyn.
Castle looks like a linebacker playing basketball, only there’s never been a linebacker who could detonate one of the greatest tomahawk dunks of all-time in the NBA Finals. Like many of the players on this list, he’s another great defender and poor shooter. The Spurs should hope he can cut down on the turnovers as much as improve as a shooter.
Peyton Watson, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
Watson is the platonic ideal of a toolsy wing who needed to grow into his body and his game. He took some strides over a small sample last year with the Nuggets, and now the Cavs are betting big on him to help take their team to the next level.
Ja Morant, G, Portland Trail Blazers
I was on the fence about putting Morant on this list, but ultimately still believe he’s one of the league’s most explosive guards. I kind of hate the fit next to Damian Lillard in Portland this year, but at the same time Morant still feels like a good bounce-back candidate after a couple disappointing seasons.
Buzelis finished No. 7 in total blocks last year while also crushing 79 dunks in 77 games. Him and Wembanyama were the only players in the NBA with such a lofty intersection of dunks, blocks, and made threes.
Jalen Duren, C, Detroit Pistons
Duren looks like he was cut out of stone as a 250-pound big with a 7’5 wingspan and rare explosiveness. He crushed 189 dunks last year, fourth most in the league, but his athleticism often shows up in more impressive ways when he’s attacking off the dribble.
OG Anunoby, F, New York Knicks
Anunoby still deserves a spot on this list at age-29. He plays with great balance on both ends for someone with such a strong frame. His tip-in to win Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals will be replayed for as long as the NBA exists.
Derrick Jones Jr., F, Los Angeles Clippers
Jones felt like the most explosive guy in the league in his young days, and he’s still a freak at age-29. He won the 2020 dunk contest, and not just because Dwyane Wade rigged it.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Jackson Chourio #11, Garrett Mitchell #5 and Luis Lara #18 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrate after a 1-0 victory against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 19, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to week 26 of our 2026 NL Central Power Rankings — let’s rank some teams!
1. Milwaukee Brewers (98-58); 5-1 this week; Clinched NL Central
The Brewers just keep rolling, with another 5-1 week as they took two of three from the Pirates in Pittsburgh before sweeping the Orioles on the road, guaranteeing a winning road trip with three games to go.
Jackson Chourio, Bo Naylor, and William Contreras all homered this week, while Joey Ortiz led the team with seven hits, including a double and a triple. It was a fairly balanced attack overall, as 12 players had at least one RBI, led by three apiece for Chourio, Christian Yelich, and Cooper Pratt.
Robert Gasser led the rotation with one of the best starts of his young career, working seven scoreless in a 1-0 win on Saturday night, allowing just three hits and three walks while striking out a pair. Jacob Misiorowski made two short starts, totaling eight scoreless innings with a team-high 11 strikeouts. Shane Drohan, Chad Patrick, Antonio Senzatela, Garrett Stallings, and Abner Uribe all had scoreless weeks for the bullpen, totaling 13 2/3 innings with 17 strikeouts.
Milwaukee now wraps up the road trip with three games in Philadelphia before returning home for three games with the Cardinals next weekend.
2. Chicago Cubs (87-69); 4-2 this week; Magic Number of 1 for NL Wild Card
The Cubs had a solid week against the Braves and Reds, taking two of three from both to move to 87-69 on the season and putting them one step closer to clinching a playoff spot, as their magic number sits at just one, meaning they need a win or a D-backs loss to lock things up.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is just stat padding his NL MVP victory at this point, slugging four homers, swiping two bags, and driving in nine as part of a 10-hit week to lead the Cubs. Six others added a homer apiece, including Michael Conforto and Seiya Suzuki, who each had six hits on the week.
David Peterson, Shota Imanaga, Kevin Gausman, and Matthew Boyd all turned in solid starts this week. Peterson led the way with a pair of victories, allowing two runs over 12 innings with 14 strikeouts, while Imanaga went six innings with one run allowed and eight strikeouts. Gausman went 5 2/3 innings with two runs allowed and six strikeouts, and Boyd went five innings with two runs allowed (one earned) and four strikeouts. Daniel Palencia, Colin Rea, Caleb Thielbar, and Ryan Zeferjahn totaled 7 1/3 scoreless innings for the bullpen, striking out eight.
Chicago closes out the regular season with a three-game set at Wrigley against the Marlins before visiting the Red Sox for three games over the weekend.
3. Pittsburgh Pirates (79-77); 4-2 this week; Eliminated from Postseason
The Pirates started the week with a pair of losses against the Brewers but bounced back to win four straight, salvaging the finale against Milwaukee before sweeping the Royals.
Brandon Lowe slugged four homers and drove in eight this week, while Oneil Cruz and Rafael Flores added two homers each. Konnor Griffin tied Cruz and Flores with nine hits this week, with three doubles and four RBIs.
Wilber Dotel turned in the best week among Pittsburgh’s “starters” as he worked as the opener and made two relief appearances, totaling 4 2/3 innings with one run allowed and four strikeouts. Brandon Eisert, Antwone Kelly, Mason Montgomery, and Yohan Ramírez combined for 15 1/3 scoreless innings in relief, striking out 17, with Montgomery picking up three saves.
Pittsburgh wraps up the regular season with three games against the Cardinals at PNC Park before three games in Detroit against their interleague rivals.
4. St. Louis Cardinals (76-80); 2-4 this week; Eliminated from Postseason
The Cardinals had another rough week, going dropping two of three to both the Giants and Nationals to wrap up their home slate for 2026.
Iván Herrera helped guide St. Louis to a win on Sunday with a pair of homers as part of a six-hit week, while Leo Bernal and Alec Burleson also homered this week. Bernal also led the team with nine hits, driving in four.
Quinn Mathews turned in a pair of solid outings, totaling 13 2/3 innings with four runs allowed and 11 strikeouts. Matthew Liberatore also had a quality outing, going six frames with one run allowed and two strikeouts, while George Soriano and Ryne Stanek led the bullpen, totaling 2 2/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts.
St. Louis spends the last week of the season on the road, as they’ll visit the Pirates and Brewers for three games apiece.
5. Cincinnati Reds (72-84); 2-5 this week; Eliminated from Postseason
The Reds are just waiting for the 2026 season to come to a close, as they’re coming off yet another rough week, losing three of four to the Dodgers and two of three to the Cubs in their final homestand of the season.
Elly De La Cruz led the offense with two homers and a double as part of a seven-hit week, also swiping three bases. JJ Bleday, Dane Myers, and Sal Stewart also homered, with Stewart’s six hits ranking second on the team.
Andrew Abbott had the best start of the week, which isn’t saying much, as he went just 4 2/3 innings with one run allowed and five strikeouts. While the rotation had a rough week, the bullpen fared much better — Tejay Antone, Graham Ashcraft, Brock Burke, Luis Mey, Emilio Pagán, and Tony Santillan totaled 15 scoreless innings, striking out 15.
Cincinnati closes out the year on the road, visiting the Braves and Blue Jays for three games each.
Apr 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Peyton Pallette (41) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images | David Dermer-Imagn Images
“I feel bad for the guys because they really competed hard and we could have won all three games,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “In games like this, people always remember the big hit late in the game, but usually these games are won or lost earlier, and we didn’t capitalize on some opportunities. It was a tough weekend and a tough road trip. We didn’t play our best.”
“We go with Cruzy there and we really have a lot of confidence in him,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro told reporters in Pittsburgh. “He’s been throwing the ball well and Lowe just had another big hit for them.”
Jaylon Thompson writes the Vinnie Pasquantino capped off a hot series with a pinch-hit home run.
Captain Salvador Perez started Sunday’s game at first base. The Royals are rotating Pasquantino, Perez and Jac Caglianone in the batting order down the stretch. Pasquantino made the moment count. He finished 5-for-9 in the three-game series and has now homered six times in his last 20 games.
“My role is changing a little bit, so trying to get use to that,” Pasquantino told reporters in Pittsburgh. “Felt pretty comfortable. You kind of know in those situations you want to be aggressive. You want to try to get a good pitch to hit. See the situation in the game and try to make something happen.”
However, Kansas City’s loss didn’t completely dampen the evening for Jensen. The 23-year-old catcher’s 25th home run, a solo shot off fellow rookie Bubba Chandler in the third inning, set the franchise single-season rookie record. Bob Hamelin had previously held the mark since 1994, when he connected 24 times in a strike-shortened season. Hamelin, known as “The Hammer,” won the American League Rookie of the Year Award.
“It means a lot to me,” said Jensen, who’s enjoying a milestone-filled season in the leadoff spot. “There is a lot of hard work that is put into this. I don’t think this is the end of my story. I’d like to think that it’s just the beginning. It’s been a really fun ride, especially to take it with such great teammates and coaches.”
Lamkin showed signs that a breakout was coming in his first Spring Training, and he carried that into the season by moving past High-A Quad Cities after only six starts and striking out 15 over 11 1/3 innings in his first two Double-A starts. His regular season ended there with a shoulder strain, but he’d shown enough when healthy to become Kansas City’s third-ranked pitching prospect. He’s slated to appear in the Arizona Fall League, and his 91-94 mph fastball and 80-83 mph slider (the latter of which had a 55 percent whiff rate in ‘26, per Synergy) along with his above-average control will gain a bigger audience.
