The Buffalo Sabres could go a number of different ways as the NHL is in the midst of trade season following the NHL Draft and the opening of free agency on July 1. With the departure of winger Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram, GM Jarmo Kekalainen is expected to seek out offensive reinforcements to make up for the 44 goals lost by their departures.
Over the next few weeks, we will continue to look at potential options for the Sabres. Some of the possibilities are not going to match Tuch’s stats, but any additions could provide some relief to the pressure that youngsters Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich, or Noah Ostlund will be under to make up the deficit.
Kekalainen ideally would like to replace the 60-to-70 point production that he lost with Tuch, and another possibility is someone the former Columbus GM is quite familiar with and that is Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko. The 25-year-old was a 2018 second round pick who spent three seasons with SKA St. Petersburg before coming to North America in 2022.
In four NHL seasons, has exceeded the 20-goal mark each year, with a career-high 31 goals in 2024-25. Marchenko has one year remaining on a three-year bridge deal at a $3.85 million AAV and has one more year before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Similar to the report that Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski would not sign a long term extension with Columbus, the big Russian winger indicated he would not be staying with the Blue Jackets past the remaining two years of control.
Zach Benson signs contract extension with the Sabres
Columbus GM Don Waddell was able to quiet the heated trade chatter regarding Werenski, but there still appears to be some talk about Marchenko, with teams like Montreal looking for top-six scoring help. The Sabres could be a viable option for the winger, since he does not have any no-trade protection and Kekalainen has a number of NHL ready assets with years of control that Waddell would be looking for in return.
There may be no haste on the part of the Blue Jackets, since they have control of Marchenko for two years, but the Sabres need to add a scorer to replace as much of Tuch’s production as possible might make them willing to move a promising youngster like Noah Ostlund in a trade that Waddell cannot turn down. The fact that Marchenko would not be a one-year rental makes him more valuable to any interested team, and given the Sabres hope of building on their Atlantic Division title and playoff run last season, they may be willing to pay the price that Columbus is looking for.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 07: Pavin Smith #26 of the Arizona Diamondbacks walks to the dugout after striking out during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on July 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Diamondbacks News
One Step Forward, One Step Back Zac Gallen surrendered four runs in the first inning before settling down and pitching decently afterward. Arizona’s offense, after an eight-run outburst on Monday, left their mojo at home and managed to only claw across one run.
Padres Beat Gallen, Snakes in First Inning Zc Gallen had yet another bad first inning, allowing four earned runs in the frame. Despite 27 outs to get tie things back up and then take a lead, Arizona’s offense only managed to scratch out one run, despite having base runners.
How to Watch Diamondbacks Baseball Tonight This is yet another game that yet another service is required to view the Snakes take on the Friars tonight in a battle for second place in the NL West. Tonight’s coverage will be brought to you by ESPN.
ZiPS zStats for Hitters at the Midway Point The Arizona Diamondbacks, despite their offensive woes, do not show up here in the categories of underachievers like it feels like they should for those of us watching them all the time.
First-Half MVPs for Each Team Corbin Carroll makes the list with honourable mention going to Eduardo Rodriguez for his all-star caliber pitching.
Kansas City Royals slugger Jac Caglianone is the latest to commit to participating in the Home Run Derby on Monday in Philadelphia.
The 23-year-old Caglianone joins Ben Rice from the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero in the competition. The other five participants have not yet been announced.
Five Kansas City players have previously participated in the event: Bo Jackson (1989), Danny Tartabull (1991), Mike Moustakas (2017), Salvador Perez (2021) and Bobby Witt Jr. (2024). None have come away with the title.
Witt was the runner-up in 2024 when he hit 50 home runs in total. He hit 13 HRs in the final round, one shy of Teoscar Hernandez’s 14.
In his first full season with the Royals, Caglianone is hitting .258/.322/.455 (77-for-299) with a team-high 14 home runs and 33 RBIs in 85 games. His 14 home runs have averaged 418 feet in length, which is tied for the best average in the majors this season.
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 13: Major League Baseball Robert D. Manfred announces Dax Kirby as the thirty-eighth overall pick by the New York Yankees during the 2025 MLB Draft presented by Nike at Coca-Cola Roxy on Sunday, July 13, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
We are now just a few days out from the start of the 2026 MLB Draft. Both here at Pinstripe Alley and around the media, you’ll fine plenty of analysis and mock drafts projecting who the Yankees and the rest of the teams will be selecting, and how those players could pan out in the future.
This is not that. Instead, we’re going to be taking a look at the history of the 35th, 63rd, and 99th overall picks, the Yankees’ first three available slots in 2026 (due to some tax and free-agent signing penalties), and looking back at who have managed to make something from those slots over the years. Those three picks aren’t going to have the hype or pedigree that come with an early selection, but it’s definitely still possible to get some talent from those picks. Let’s see what history can tell us.
Pick 35
The best player to ever come out of the 35th pick wasn’t selected by the Yankees, but does have a history in the Bronx: Johnny Damon. The Royals took him 35th overall in 1992, and he went on to an 18-year MLB career. The most notable of which, of course, came with the Yankees and Red Sox, helping each franchise to a World Series title.
Another “Hall of Very Good-er” was taken at this spot, with four-time All-Star pitcher Mark Langston going there in 1981. Super center fielder Aaron Rowand also went there, as seven 35th picks overall have had career rWARs over five. One of those is the most notable recent 35th pick: Brent Rooker. The A’s DH and outfielder is already done for 2026 following knee surgery, but has been a very productive hitter in recent years, swatting 99 homers between 2023-25.
The Yankees only ever selection at 35 came back in 1969. They selected New Jersey high school pitcher Peter Helt, but didn’t come to an agreement to sign him. At least according to this Facebook post, he went on to play college baseball at Michigan (where he was a captain), but didn’t get drafted after that and never played minor-league ball.
Pick 63
The team’s next pick will come at 63rd overall. That spot has produced a no-doubt Hall of Famer, as the Orioles took slugger Eddie Murray there back in 1973. The O’s inked him to a deal and “Steady Eddie” went on to hit 504 home runs, over 300 of which came with Baltimore.
If the early career hype can keep going, it’s certainly possible another star could come out of No. 63. That’s where the Brewers took their flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski in 2022 out of a little known JuCo, Crowder College. There’s obviously still a long way to go in his career, but “The Miz” definitely has Hall of Fame potential at his peak.
Darren Oliver, Jason Kipnis, Zane Smith, and former Yankee Elliott Maddox all had 15+ rWAR career after going 63rd. (However, Maddox didn’t sign that year and ended up getting re-drafted two years later.)
The Yankees have had this exact pick twice, both in the 2000s. They took Jason Arnold in 2001 and J.B. Cox in 2005, but neither ended up reaching the major leagues.
Pick 99
The team’s last top 100 pick will come at 99th overall. There are no elected Baseball Hall of Famers from this spot, but there’s someone who arguably should be, as the Tigers picked Lou Whitaker there in 1975. Whitaker had a productive 19-year career in Detroit, winning the 1984 World Series, and eventually getting his No. 1 retired by the team. It took his longtime double-play partner Alan Trammell a long time to get to Cooperstown, but Whitaker has never gotten remotely close. He only garnered 2.9 percent when he appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2000, but further reexamination of his career with more modern metrics make him look much more favorable, as he was a stud both at the plate and in the field.
There are not a ton of success stories in recent years from the 99th overall pick. Reliever/opener pioneer Ryne Stanek is probably the most recognizable name to come out of this slot in the last 20 years.
Over the years, the Yankees have had the 99th pick on three occasions. They took outfielder Steve Madden there in 1980, but didn’t come to terms with him. In 2004, they selected pitcher Christian Garcia. He never made the majors with the Yankees, eventually getting released in 2010. Garcia did end up having a brief MLB career with the Nationals. Most recently, the team picked Trevor Hauver 99th in the COVID-shortened 2020 draft. The Yankees later used him as part of the Joey Gallo trade with the Rangers. Hauver is still in Texas’ organization, but hasn’t made the big league level as of yet.
As said before, the 99th pick hasn’t produced any Baseball Hall of Famers, but there’s a reason I specified “Baseball.” In 1979, football legend Dan Marino was taken by the Royals out of Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. He probably made the right choice in attending Pitt and later going to the Dolphins in the NFL.
For a bonus, here’s a quick rundown of some famous picks from the Yankees’ other spots this year (focusing on anyone who actually signed), if not only to offer a reminder that gems and contributors can be found anywhere:
127th: Starter Marty Pattin (1965), reliever Mike Timlin (1987), infielder Dee Strange-Gordon (2008)
160th: Reliever Hunter Gaddis (2019)
189th: Infielder Casey Blake (1996)
218th: Utilityman Mark McLemore (1982) and outfielder Will Venable (2005)
248th: Infielder Ben Oglivie (1968) and reliever Scott Eyre (1991)
278th: Relievers Scott Williamson (1997) and Tony Watson (2007)
338th: Infielder Dan Uggla (2001) and catcher John Jaso (2003)
428th: Outfielder Kenny Lofton (1988)
458th: Outfielders Mike Cameron (1991) and Jermaine Dye (1993)
So, there’s the history of the Yankees’ first few picks in this year’s draft. Hopefully, they can take some players who can rewrite the history of those numbers in the coming years.
The New York Islanders' summer business has churned to a halt, as most teams start to breathe for a few months.
The Islanders, as expected, did not undergo any major surgery. They did lose longtime captain and franchise stalwart Anders Lee to free agency, where Lee signed with the Utah Mammoth.
The #Isles are making #NHL history by becoming the first team to let fans design an official jersey.
One fan's creation will become the club's 2027-28 Third Jersey.
The Islanders signed Matias Maccelli to a one-year, $2.25 million deal. Depth one-year signings in Matthew Kessel ($850,000) and Vitek Vanecek ($1 million) made up the rest of New York's business on July 1.
With all the dust settled, the Islanders currently have a team cap hit of $101,002,083 million. The new cap ceiling sits at $104,000,000, meaning the Islanders have $2,997,917 in cap space remaining.
However, that cap number is based on the Islanders carrying three goalies and 20 skaters, with Vanecek on the books.
In reality, Vanecek likely begins in Hamilton, with his entire hit getting buried.
That one change gives the Islanders just under $4 million in cap space.
With that type of money, they have plenty of room if they choose to offer a one-year deal to any of the remaining free agents.
If they make no other changes, the Islanders could carry one of Isaiah George ($913k cap hit), Victor Eklund ($974k cap hit), Mitchell Chaffee ($850k cap hit), or Liam Foudy ($850k cap hit).
That gives additional wiggle room, even if only in a small amount.
The Islanders can save that space for Matthew Schaefer's likely $3.5 million in bonuses for 2026-27.
Next summer, the Islanders will begin with over $40 million in cap space before any trades or extensions for Simon Holmstrom and Emil Heineman.
The entire setup for this summer is about flexibility, and that's exactly what the Islanders have.
The Cubs (51-40) and the Orioles (42-50) continue their three-game series Wednesday night at Camden Yards with Chicago looking to win their third in a row following last night’s 5-2 win to open this series.
Chicago won 5-2 last night thanks in large part to six shutout innings from Matthew Boyd. The lefthander gave up just three hits and struck out seven to earn his fourth win of the season. Alex Bregman, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Dansby Swanson drove in runs for the Cubs. Baltimore managed just six hits in the game in total and didn't get on the scoreboard until the seventh inning, when Adley Rutschman delivered a two-run single. Cubs’ catcher Miguel Amaya scored three runs, while Bregman drove in two. With the win, the Cubs remain in second in the NL Central but are still a full seven games behind the Brewers. The loss dropped the O’s into the cellar in the AL East.
Tonight's pitching matchup features Colin Rea (6-5, 4.74 ERA) for the Cubs against Dean Kremer (1-1, 3.18 ERA) for the Orioles. Rea’s most recent start came on July 1 against the Padres. In a 23-3 win, Rea allowed six hits and two runs over five innings. This will be Kremer’s second start since returning from injury earlier this month. In his first start since April, Kremer limited the White Sox to four hits and one run over six innings on July 1.
Despite a myriad of injuries to its pitching staff, the Cubs sit atop the Wild Card standings. The Orioles’ season continues to take on water. They sit 4.5 games back of the final wild card spot.
Lets dive into tonight’s matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
The Latest Odds: Cubs vs. Orioles
The latest odds as of Wednesday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Chicago Cubs (+105), Baltimore Orioles (-126)
Spread: Cubs +1.5 (-191), Orioles -1.5 (+157)
Total: 10.0 runs
Probable Starting Pitchers and their Stats: Cubs vs. Orioles for July 8
Cubs: Colin Rea Season Totals: 89.1 IP, 6-5, 4.74 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 68K, 34 BB
Orioles: Dean Kremer Season Totals: 17.0 IP, 1-1, 3.18 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 20K, 3 BB
Who’s Hot? Who’s Not! Cubs vs. Orioles
Pete Crow-Armstrong has hit safely in 7 consecutive games (11-24)
Alex Bregman is 3-9 with a couple of doubles in his last 2 games
Dansby Swanson is 11-26 over his last 7 games
Pete Alonso has hit safely in 3 of his last 4 games (5-15)
Adley Rutschman has hit safely in 5 straight games (7-22)
Samuel Basallo is 6-19 over his last 7 games
Michael Conforto is 3-4 including 1 HR in his career against Dean Kremer
Jackson Holliday has struck out in 4 of his 5 ABs against Colin Rea
Gunnar Henderson is 2-5 in his career against Rea
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top Betting Trends & Insights: Cubs vs. Orioles
The Cubs are 38-53 on the Run Line this season
The Orioles are 45-47 on the Run Line this season
The OVER has cashed 50 times in Baltimore’s 92 games this season (50-39-3)
The OVER has cashed 49 times in Chicago’s 91 games this season (49-41-1)
Expert picks & predictions: Cubs vs. Orioles
Rotoworld Bet Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s game between the Orioles and the Cubs:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Orioles on the Run Line.
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 10.0
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
With two days to go until a final resolution, the Philadelphia Flyers officially have the last remaining active offer sheet in the NHL with Leo Carlsson.
On Wednesday, ahead of their 5 p.m. deadline, the Utah Mammoth matched the one-year, $4.775 million offer sheet tendered to forward Barrett Hayton by the New Jersey Devils, setting some precedent for the Flyers and Anaheim Ducks.
Hayton, 26, is eligible to sign a contract extension on Jan. 1, but cannot be traded for one calendar year, and like Carlsson, there is little logic being followed by the matching team.
Hayton played bottom-six minutes for Utah last year and agreed to sign with the Devils by taking them up on the offer sheet, so by matching, the Mammoth pass up on a second-round pick for a player who tried to leave, won't play significant minutes, and could leave for nothing as an unrestricted free agent this time next year.
The Ducks have until 5 p.m. Friday to match the Flyers' eye-watering five-year, $90 million ($18 million AAV) offer sheet for Carlsson, and if they don't, they will receive four first-round picks from the Flyers.
Like Hayton, Carlsson provisionally agreed to leave his team, and the Flyers can offer Carlsson much more from a hockey perspective than the Ducks as currently constructed.
And should the Ducks match the Flyers' Carlsson offer sheet, they will have to do major roster surgery to become cap-compliant, with an already terrible defense, a shallow forward group, and a number of veteran forwards with prohibitive no-trade lists that greatly limit the potential suitors they'll have on the trade block.
But, with Hayton, the Mammoth, and the Devils all square without much fanfare, all eyes around the NHL now turn to the Flyers and Ducks.
The Flyers have entered uncharted territory with their bold move, and the final outcome, one way or another, will send shockwaves through the NHL in short order.
The Phillies (51-41) won the series opener versus Cincinnati (41-49), 4-1. The Reds as a team struck out 18 times with three walks and five hits, while the Phillies had eight hits, including Kyle Schwarber's MLB-leading 31st home run.
Chase Burns makes his final start before the All-Star break with the Reds. Burns has been spectacular in the first half of the year with a 10-1 record, 2.40 ERA, and 116 strikeouts to 31 walks. The Reds have won five straight games and nine out of the past 10 when Burns is on the mound. Overall, the Reds' bats are going cold during a 3-7 stretch over the last 10 games.
Philadelphia has started July with a 3-3 record behind some rocky pitching performances, excluding yesterday's of course. After losing 15-1 to the Royals on Monday, the Phillies bounced back with a much-needed win. The Phillies have a 5.88 ERA in that six-game span (23rd) and opponents are hitting .306 (29th), while boasting the most strikeouts (71).
Let’s dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.
Game details & how to watch Phillies at Reds
Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Site: Great American Ball Park
City: Cincinnati, OH
Network/Streaming: ESPN
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
Odds for the Phillies at the Reds
The latest odds as of Wednesday:
Moneyline: Cincinnati Reds (-143), Philadelphia Phillies (+119)
Spread: Phillies +1.5 (-175), Reds -1.5 (+144)
Total: 9.0
Probable starting pitchers for Phillies at Reds
Wednesday’s pitching matchup (July 8): Chase Burns vs. TBA
The Phillies’ Brandon Marsh is hitting .305 with 98 hits, 15 home runs and 46 RBI over 321 at-bats
The Phillies’ JT Realmuto is hitting .200 with 43 hits and 50 strikeouts over 215 at-bats
The Reds’ Elly De La Cruz is hitting .270 with 76 hits, 13 home runs, and 41 RBI over 282 at-bats
The Reds’ Matt McLain is hitting .190 with 51 hits and 83 strikeouts over 268 at-bats
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Phillies at Reds
The Reds are 47-43 ATS
The Phillies are an MLB-worst 35-57 ATS
The Reds are 51-38-1 to the Over, ranking fifth-best
The Phillies are 48-39-5 to the Under, ranking fourth-best
The Reds are 21-24 ATS at home
The Phillies are an MLB-worst 18-28 ATS on the road
Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Reds and the Phillies
Rotoworld Bet Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Wednesday’s game between the Reds and the Phillies:
Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Reds on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Reds at -1.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Under on the Game Total of 9.0
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MARCH 12, 2026: Skylar King #29 of the Boston Red Sox looks on prior to a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Lee Health Sports Complex on March 12, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Worcester and Portland were both victims of rain-outs on Tuesday night, but there was still good baseball being played from the farm. Let’s get into it.
Outside of Ronny Hernandez going 3-for-3 with a home run and Yoelin Cespedes hitting his 15th long ball of 2026, the Grasshoppers (Braves High-A) didn’t really allow too much offensive contact from Greenville, but when you have a start like the one Jojo Ingrassia had, you don’t need too much help (though it’s always nice to reach that six-run mark.) Ingrassia, the lefty from Cal State Fullerton who turns 24 this month, was absolutely dealing; he had a perfect game going through five innings and only ended his night from giving a home run up that scored the first two baserunners he allowed. Still, retiring 17 of your first 17 is nothing to sneeze at. He struck out ten and between him and Griffin Kilander, only one Greensboro runner even reached scoring position all night.
Salem was certainly aided on Tuesday by a six-run eighth inning to put this one on ice, but a big factor in this big win against the Fireflies was their nine hits with runners in scoring position. The team had 21 total on the night, and five batters had at least three hits, but none were as important as the 4-for-6 line leadoff hitter Skylar King amassed over the night, starting with a home run that you can watch below with the very first at-bat of the game. By the next inning, the 2025 15th round draft pick had his triple hitting into the gap in right field. The rest was history. It’s even sweeter that this cycle came in King’s hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. Although King is hitting just .231 even with these four hits, he definitely has power potential.
The Devils made the one-year, $4.775 million offer sheet to Hayton on July 1 after the Mammoth had announced it had traded for Vincent Trocheck and signed Anders Lee to a three-year deal with a $5.4 million cap hit. If Utah hadn't matched, the Devils would have given the Mammoth a second-round pick.
The Mammoth have $4.5 million left in cap space after the move. The only complication with matching is Utah can't trade Hayton for a year, and that takes him to unrestricted free agency.
But Utah indicated Hayton is a key part of its plans.
"Barrett is a key piece of our team and important to what we are building here in Utah," Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong said in a statement. "He’s strong in the faceoff circle, plays both sides of the puck and can play with anyone in our forward group. We are grateful to be able to count on Barrett in our lineup next season."
Here's more to know about the Mammoth matching the offer sheet:
"I’m fired up to get back with my teammates and remain in Utah,” he said in a statement released by the team. “I’ve been with this core group for my whole career and it’s exciting that we have an opportunity to do some special things next season in front of the best fans in the NHL."
Barrett Hayton statistics
The 2018 No. 5 overall pick had 25 points in 67 games last season, but had a career-best 20 goals, 26 assists and 46 points in 2024-25. That includes a hat trick on Feb. 22, 2025.
All told, he has 65 goals and 155 points in 358 career games with Utah and the Arizona Coyotes.
With the offer sheet matched, the Devils could still look for a depth center via the trade route. Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright, whose numbers the last two seasons are similar to Hayton's, is reportedly available in a trade.
What's up with the Leo Carlsson offer sheet?
The Anaheim Ducks have two days left to match the Philadelphia Flyers' five-year, $90 million offer sheet to Leo Carlsson that makes him the league's top-paid player. The Ducks would receive four first-round picks from the Flyers if they don't match.
Since the offer sheet, the Ducks have re-signed defensemen Pavel Mintyukov and Tyson Hinds, leaving them with $9 million in cap space if they match. That won't be enough to re-sign Cutter Gauthier long-term unless they move out a player or two.
Follow the NHL with USA TODAY
The NHL never rests, and USA TODAY is keeping tabs on the league all year long with reporters covering every team and transaction. Follow the news on our NHL hub. Get our USA TODAY Sports newsletter in your inbox every morning and join our WhatsApp channel to get the latest updates right in your texts.
When does the 2026-27 NHL season begin?
The schedule for the 2026-27 NHL season will be released on July 16, with the opening day games announced on the 15th. The season typically begins in early October.
NHL key dates 2026-27
July 15: Opening day schedule announced
July 16: Full NHL schedule announced
July 20: Arbitration hearings begin
September: Training camps open
October: 2026-27 NHL season begins
December 18-20: 2026 NHL Global Series Germany (Blackhawks vs. Senators in Dusseldorf)
February 6: NHL All-Star Game at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
The Los Angeles Dodgers (-228) host the Colorado Rockies in a series-deciding Game 3.
My Rockies vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks expect some offense given the weather and starting pitching matchup between Gabriel Hughes and Roki Sasaki.
Who will win Rockies vs Dodgers today: Rockies moneyline (+206)
I can't lay the juice with Roki Sasaki, who's allowed 19 earned runs in his last four starts (1.88 WHIP and 8.82 FIP).
The Colorado Rockies have the better numbers at the dish in the last 14 days (134 wRC+ and .390 wOBA), as the Los Angeles Dodgers have been struggling (99 wRC+ and .317 wOBA).
Since L.A. has been held down by ineffective starters like JP Sears and Michael Lorenzen lately, it's not a bad time for Gabriel Hughes (2.94 FIP in the Minors) to make his first MLB start. Play this to +200.
COVERS INTEL: The Rockies are poised for success against Roki Sasaki's three-pitch arsenal as they have strong numbers against four-seamers (sixth in runs above average), splitters (ninth), and sliders (11th).
Rockies vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Over 9.5 (-118)
With temperatures in the high-70s and the wind blowing out to center field at 8 mph at the time of first pitch, runs should come in bunches.
Sasaki's allows a wealth of hard contact (fourth percentile barrel rate, ninth percentile hard-hit rate). He's walked 11 batters in his last four starts alone, and Colorado (9.6% walk rate against RHP in the last 14 days) will be happy to take the free passes.
L.A.'s bullpen has an unsavory 1.48 WHIP (24th) in the last 14 days, while Colorado has a 4.39 SIERA (24th).
JD Yonke's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 26-25, -2.9 units
Over/Under bets: 35-17, +17.2 units
Rockies vs Dodgers weather
Rockies vs Dodgers odds
Moneyline: Rockies +223 | Dodgers -228
Run line: Rockies +1.5 (+108) | Dodgers -1.5 (-115)
Over/Under: Over 9.5 (-115) | Under 9.5 (-103)
Rockies vs Dodgers trend
The Dodgers have cashed the Over in nine of Roki Sasaki's last 12 starts. Find more MLB betting trends for Rockies vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Rockies vs Dodgers and game info
Location
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
First pitch
10:10 p.m. ET
TV
Rockies.TV, SportsNet LA
Rockies starting pitcher
Ryan Feltner (3-2, 4.27 ERA)
Dodgers starting pitcher
Roki Sasaki (3-5, 5.40 ERA)
Rockies vs Dodgers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The San Diego Padres are -140 favorites to take the series lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday night.
I think the home team is overpriced, and my Diamondbacks vs. Padres predictions and MLB picks reflect that on July 8.
Who will win Diamondbacks vs Padres today: Diamondbacks moneyline (+120)
Michael King’s profile is littered with red flags. His 5.08 xERA and 5.14 FIP are noticeably higher than his 3.81 ERA over the last month, indicating he is poised to take a step back.
The Arizona Diamondbacks haven’t hit righties well of late but they’ve avoided strikeouts, ranking 25th in K% over the last two weeks. That should allow them to put the ball in play consistently.
The San Diego Padresrank dead last in GB% vs. righties the past 30 days, putting a cap on their offensive ceiling.
Diamondbacks vs Padres Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-115)
For King’s faults, he does a good job of keeping the ball in the park. He has allowed 0.88 homers per nine innings this season, and playing in a pitcher-friendly environment against a team sitting dead last in homers per fly ball will make his life easier.
The Padres have improved their averages of late but they are still consistently putting the ball in the dirt, limiting their power.
Neither team is much of a homer threat, and it’s difficult to score in bulk without quick-strike attacks.
Bet the Under to -125.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 53-42, +1.85 units
Over/Under bets: 51-41-4, +6.49 units
Diamondbacks vs Padres weather
Temperatures in the low 70s are projected with winds blowing east. Pitcher-friendly conditions for this time of year.
Diamondbacks vs Padres odds
Moneyline: Arizona +125 | San Diego -145
Run line: Arizona +1.5 (-165) | San Diego -1.5 (+140)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-105) | Under 8.5 (-115)
Diamondbacks vs Padres trend
Arizona has hit the Game Total Under in 29 of the last 45 games (+14.85 units, 30% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Diamondbacks vs. Padres.
How to watch Diamondbacks vs Padres and game info
Location
Petco Park, San Diego, CA
Date
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
First pitch
10:10 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Diamondbacks starting pitcher
Jose Cabrera (0-1, 4.73 ERA)
Padres starting pitcher
Michael King (5-7, 3.52 ERA)
Diamondbacks vs Padres latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JUNE 21: Jac Caglianone #14 of the Kansas City Royals hits a home run in the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s just what it says on the tin.
Jac Caglianone just announced on MLB Network that he’ll be doing the Home Run Derby!
Junior Caminero and Ben Rice are the only other confirmed names so far, with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber lurking. pic.twitter.com/o7O5N6YY6u
— Baseball Is Dead (@baseballisdead_) July 8, 2026
While Jac Caglianone is not (currently) an All-Star, though there’s still a remote chance he could be selected as an alternate for a player who is injured or opts out between now and then, but he will still be participating in the Home Run Derby.
Caglianone is tied for 19th in the American League with 14 home runs, but as noted in the above clip, he is tied for the longest average home run distance this year in a minimum of 10 blasts. The Royals also provided a bevy of home run-related trivia for Jac in their press release this morning:
Caglianone, 23, will be the sixth Royal to participate in the Home Run Derby, following Bo Jackson(1989), Danny Tartabull (1991), Mike Moustakas (2017), Salvador Perez (2021) and Bobby Witt Jr.(2024). No Royal has won the Home Run Derby but Witt Jr. was the runner-up in 2024, when he hit 50 home runs in total, including 13 in the final round, 1 shy of Teoscar Hernández’s 14.
He hit 6 home runs in a span of 5 games from June 18-23, including a 2-HR game on June 21 vs. St. Louis and another 2-HR game two days later on June 23 at Tampa Bay.
Among American League players age 23 or younger, his 14 home runs rank tied for 3rd, trailing only Junior Caminero(26) and Nick Kurtz (20).
Caglianone participated in the 2024 Arizona Fall League Home Run Derby. During his collegiate career at the University of Florida, he set the school’s single-season home run record (35) and the career record (75). He homered in 9 consecutive games from April 6-19, 2024, matching the NCAA Division I record.
Only Junior Caminero, Nick Kurtz, and Kody Clemens have hit more home runs in the AL since the beginning of June. Caglianone joins the Yankees’ Ben Rice and the Rays’ Caminero in the field of competitors, but we’re still waiting to see who the other five will be. Kyle Schwarber has indicated he will participate if his back feels alright, but that’s still to be determined.
If Jac could become the first-ever Royals’ Home Run Derby Champion, he would also be awarded this sick Home Run Derby Victory Chain.
I’d love to be able to get a replica during next season after Jac hammers his competition. I hope you’re all looking forward to Monday night on Netflix at 8 PM EDT/7 PM CDT. I know what I’ll be doing!
Before we cast our stones for me writing up a $1.61 priced prop, let us all take a moment to appreciate how cheap this is for one of baseball's premier hitters to simply do the floor.
Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber enters today with an elite rating on Batters-Box, while also carrying nearly 70% arsenal coverage against Cincinnati Reds right-hander Chase Burns. Across 262 elite ratings dating back to the last three seasons, Schwarber records at least one hit 61.07% of the time.
Over his last 60 plate appearances against right-handed pitching, Schwarber is batting .320 with a .560 SLG, .977 OPS, and a hard-hit rate north of 74%.
Meanwhile, Burns has struggled against left-handed hitters in his recent outings. Over his last 60 left-handed batters faced, he is allowing a 70.4% elevation rate, a 10.8% barrel rate, and an expected slugging percentage of .501.
At home against lefties this season, Burns is allowing them to elevate the baseball nearly 72% of the time. We just need a base knock, but I would not go much further than this -161 price.
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ESPN
Bryce Harper Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-116)
Another mispriced prop in my book is Bryce Harper Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI, currently priced at -116.
This season, when Harper has received an elite rating on Batters-Box, he's gone Over this prop 73% of the time. Sure, the sample size is only 15 games, but over the last three seasons, he has gone Over 1.5 HRR in 55% of his 191 opportunities.
On top of that, Harper owns a 95% arsenal coverage rating against Burns' entire pitch mix. He has been locked in against right-handed pitching as of late, batting .320 with a .400 OBP, .607 SLG and .957 OPS over his last 60 plate appearances against right-handed pitching. During that stretch, he's also producing a 61.5% hard-hit rate and a 12.8% barrel rate.
We already know how much trouble Burns has had against left-handed bats in his recent outings. I think both Harper and Schwarber are in excellent spots this evening. Take this up to -120.
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ESPN
Dillon Dingler Over 1.5 total bases (-102)
One of my favorite looks on the day is Detroit Tigers slugger Dillon Dingler to go over his bases prop this evening.
The Tigers catcher has been seeing the ball extremely well over the last few weeks, posting a .510 SLG and .827 OPS while generating a 54% hard hit rate and 71.8% elevation rate against the last 60 left-handed pitchers he has faced.
Dingler also owns an elite rating on Batters-Box today, where he has an 85% arsenal coverage against Athletics left hander Jeffrey Springs' pitch mix.
Springs has struggled in his most recent outings, especially against right-handed bats. The last 60 righties he has faced are elevating the baseball at nearly an 80% clip. Yes, nearly 80%!
Those hitters are also posting a .358 xBA, .781 xSLG and .372 xwOBA, while generating a 16.3% barrel rate during that span. Getting this near even money is well worth the squeeze. I would play this down to -110 at the most.
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: DSN, NBCS-California
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 277-520, -16.4 units
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
NEW YORK — Tyler Tolbert grinned and said he’d give himself until midnight before turning the page on one of the most historic stretches a batter ever has enjoyed.
His place in the record books probably will last a lot longer.
The Kansas City Royals outfielder, typically a defensive specialist and pinch runner, tied a major league record with hits in 12 consecutive plate appearances, reaching the mark with an infield single against the New York Mets for his fifth hit in a wild 16-12 comeback win.
Batting ninth, the right fielder hit a two-run homer in the second inning and singled in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh. Tolbert’s last three hits were infield hits.
Tolbert matched the record set by Chicago’s Johnny Kling in 1902 and equaled by Walt Dropo of the Detroit Tigers in 1952. The bat Tolbert used will be sent to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
“I’m truly lost for words, honestly,” Tolbert said. “I don’t know. It hasn’t really hit me, to be honest.”
With a chance to break the record, Tolbert finally was retired in the ninth on a fly ball to right against A.J. Minter to finish 5 for 6.
“He’s a good pitcher and broke the streak,” Tolbert said. “All I can do is just smile. I’m just grateful for the journey and opportunity.”
The remnants of the announced crowd of 32,734 gave Tolbert an ovation, and his teammates applauded while gathering on the top step of their dugout. Following the game, the Royals celebrated Tolbert with a Champagne toast in the visiting locker room.
“It’s nice — I guess everybody’s kind of in tune, knowing what was happening,” Tolbert said. “I appreciated the fans supporting me and cheering me on, trying to get the next one. When I was on deck, they were like, ‘Go for another one. Go for another one.’
“More importantly, just my teammates man, they were locked in,” Tolbert added. “Just awesome. Look in the dugout and everybody’s smiling. Brings a smile to my face, too.”
Tolbert, listed at 5-foot-10, was selected by the Royals in the 13th round of the 2019 draft and stole at least 48 bases in every minor league season from 2021 through 2025 before debuting in the bigs on March 31, 2025.
“I just couldn’t be more proud of him, the way he competes,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “His effort, energy, attitude — he lifts everybody up everyday. And for him to have those individual accolades are really special. The way the guys celebrated him right there was really cool.”
Tolbert was a career .247 hitter with one homer, seven RBIs and 28 stolen bases in 91 big league games, when he went 2 for 2 against Philadelphia before being lifted for a pinch hitter. He then started at shortstop and went 5 for 5 with a homer, his first of the season.
“He’s a sparkplug,” teammate Nick Loftin said “I’m happy that he’s able to find some success and consistent (at-bats). Now he’s going to Cooperstown.”
Tolbert is the first player with consecutive five-hit games since Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, who pulled off the feat Aug, 22-23, 1970.
“It’s always good to see your hard work pay off,” Tolbert said, “But like I said, back to work. That’s just my mindset.”
COVERS INTEL: The Rockies are poised for success against Roki Sasaki's three-pitch arsenal as they have strong numbers against four-seamers (
Kyle Schwarber
Dillon Gingler