TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 25: Cincinnati Reds Infielder Sal Stewart (27) smiles during the MLB regular season game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Toronto Blue Jays on September 25, 2026, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart has been named one of the three finalists for the 2026 National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award. That’s not just obvious conjecture, either – it’s on the books, as Major League Baseball revealed on Monday afternoon that Sal, New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge, and St. Louis Cardinals shortstop JJ Wetherholt will each finish in the Top 3 of voting turned in by the Baseball Writers Association of America this year.
Your 2026 @officialBBWAA NL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award finalists:
The writing had been on the wall for months that these three would likely end up the finalists, though each managed to make their way to this point in very different fashion.
Sal, of course, burst out of the gate with a fury in April, taking home NL Rookie of the Month honors after a torrid first month of the season. He hit a swoon mid-year, though, before once again rocketing to the same honor for the month of August to become the obvious frontrunner for the end of year award. He topped 30 homers and 100 RBI, thresholds that have made rookies virtual locks for winning in each season in which that has happened, though his September slump and defensive positional adjustment as a primary 1B has him lagging behind his peers in terms of WAR.
Wetherholt surged due to the latter, his defense at shortstop legitimately Gold Glove worthy. His offense doesn’t stack up as well next to Sal, but as a premium defender he’s already cemented a solid baseline value that may sway enough voters who lean on analytics his way. However, he finished the season in a slump (.619 OPS across his final 62 games) and even missed a pair of weeks due to injury in September.
If I were to be honest and remove my homer lense, I think it’d be hard for me not to suggest that it’s Benge that deserves the honor. His 118 OPS+ this season actually tops Sal’s 117 mark, and he did it while posting a 20/20 season that saw him hit .282 with a .346 OBP and solid positional defense all across the outfield. The former 1st round pick is, quite literally, precisely the kind of outfielder the Reds have been searching for over and over again for decades now, and the Mets stumbled right into him.
It’s a pretty classic stage for argument, really. The slugging 1B with piles of traditional counting stats. The defensive whiz whose value came from many places other than his bat. The all-around building block who does everything pretty well. And don’t forget that the team who’s rookie wins the honor gets draft pick compensation at the end of the 1st round of the 2027 MLB Draft (and the bonus pool money that comes with it)!
We’ll find out which one takes home the award next Monday, November 9th.
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 23: Carson Benge #3 of the New York Mets takes batting practice prior to the game between the New York Mets and the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Courtney Kramer/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It’s official: Carson Benge has been named one of three finalists for the National League Rookie of the Year Award, along with the Reds’ Sal Stewart and the Cardinals’ JJ Wetherholt. The winner will be announced live on MLB Network on November 9.
The NL ROTY race is the most hotly contested of this year’s major awards cycle, with each of the AL awards having clear frontrunners and the other NL awards expected to result in a pair of unanimous decisions (the Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong for MVP and the Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski for Cy Young). Stewart led the field in offensive counting stats, posting 32 homers and 111 RBIs, the most by a rookie since Pete Alonso drove in 120 for the Mets in 2019. Wetherholt, despite a late-season trip to the 10-day injured list that that hindered his chances, still managed to lead all NL rookies with 4.6 fWAR on the back of his 100th-percentile Fielding Run Value and 91st-percentile Baserunning Run Value).
Benge, the most well-rounded of the bunch, led the majors in Arm Value and became the 18th rookie to record a 20/20 season (the first was former Mets World Series champion Tommie Agee). Benge bolstered his case by batting .321 with an .896 OPS over his final 48 games, and .396 with a 1.080 OPS over his 13 games.
Nolan McLean, who posted a 3.16 ERA with 194 strikeouts over 179.2 innings after his cup of coffee in the majors in 2025, will likely finish in fourth place — just shy of finalist status. McLean was named a Gold Glove Award winner on Sunday night, becoming the first rookie pitcher ever to win the award.
The 23-year-old Benge is the Mets’ first finalist for the Rookie of the Year Award since Kodai Senga finished as runner-up to the D-backs’ Corbin Carroll in 2023. Benge is also the first Mets position player to receive any votes for the award since Andrés Giménez, who finished tied for seventh in 2020. The Mets have had six winners over their 65-year history: Tom Seaver (1967), Jon Matlack (1972), Darryl Strawberry (1983), Dwight Gooden (1984), Jacob deGrom (2014), and Alonso (2019).
The BBWAA (Baseball Writers Association of America) announced the finalists for the major 2026 awards during a live broadcast on MLB Network on Monday evening.
The finalists consist of the top-three vote getters for each of the five major awards across both leagues. For the first time, BBWAA writers will be voting for a Reliever of the Year. Winners will be announced at the dates below.
November 9: Rookie of the Year Award
November 10: Manager of the Year Award
November 11: Cy Young Award, Reliever of the Year Award
From free agency and roster deadlines to a potential MLB lockout, here’s everything you need to know about the key dates and biggest questions surrounding the 2026-27 offseason.
Remember Ben Hutton? Well, the former Vegas Golden Knights defenseman might be getting another chance to stick around in the NHL.
The New York Islanders announced Monday that they've signed Hutton to a professional tryout (PTO), giving the 33-year-old a chance to earn a spot on their roster.
Hutton spent the last five seasons in Vegas. And if you're good at math, you've probably already figured out that he was part of the Golden Knights' Stanley Cup-winning team in 2023.
He wasn't exactly the guy everyone was buying jerseys for, but Hutton was one of those players you didn't mind seeing in the lineup. He knew his role, didn't need much attention and was there when the Golden Knights needed him.
And believe it or not, he actually had his best goal-scoring season last year.
Hutton scored six goals in 55 games, a career high, and added nine assists to finish with 15 points. He also played seven games during Vegas' run to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, recording one assist.
For a guy who spent much of his time in Vegas as a depth defenseman, that's not a bad way to finish his tenure.
Hutton has been around the NHL for quite some time, too. He broke into the league with the Vancouver Canucks in 2015 and later played for the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs before joining the Golden Knights in 2021.
He's played 575 NHL games over his career, putting up 139 points on 30 goals and 109 assists.
And while his numbers probably won't blow anyone away, Hutton does have something a lot of players would love to have on their résumé: a Stanley Cup championship.
He also has a gold medal from the 2016 IIHF World Championship with Canada, so winning isn't exactly unfamiliar territory for him.
Whether he ends up sticking with the Islanders remains to be seen. A PTO doesn't guarantee a contract, and Hutton will have to earn his place.
But for Golden Knights fans who remember him from that 2023 championship team, it's good to see a familiar face getting another opportunity.
Nov 1, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg (1) reacts after a LA Clippers foul during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Golden State rookie forward Lendebrog really Yaxcelled last night in his 37-point, 4 rebound, 6 assist effort in the Warriors’ 124-112 win over the Clippers. After the game, he confessed that he caused himself some grief by briefly pursuing a 40-point night.
I’ve never been a stat chaser in my life. […] I’m a guy that loves ethical hoops. I’m a guy that loves efficient basketball and I kind of, like, didn’t do for that the last 2-3 minutes. […] If it comes to me, it does. If I don’t get it, then I wasn’t meant to get it that day.
He correctly noted that after he did try to take some threes to get there the Clippers came roaring back late. I will point out, though, that he was being egged on largely by his teammates, specifically De’Anthony Melton, and it’s here that I will put a pin in praising the rookie for speaking with a degree of humility and poise that makes him extremely likable.
Melton gets that not many opportunities like a 40-point night come along in a players’ career — unless they happen to wind up like LeBron James, etc. — and was, in my mind, simply pushing his teammate to grab an achievement that was in a bucket’s reach. I don’t see a problem with that, and it’s a credit to Melton for being supportive of a rookie teammate rather than antagonistic. Last week, Take Two posted a video of Yaxel being interviewed by some NBA vets (Drew Gooden and Aaron Gordon) and they made it clear that the game is a lot different today than it was when they got started, specifically in the arena of rookie hazing; but, you never know with these things. It’s at least a positive to see that his teammates like him as much as the fans have started to.
But getting back to Yaxel’s comments after the game. This is some special stuff. He’s certainly making strides on the court, but this is, what, his third post-game presser with some memorable commentary? “Lost all respect” for Luka, “try not to wet the bed” after the Luka rematch, and last night? We are not even 10 games into the season!
It sure does feel like we’re on the ground floor of… something. Hopefully, something special. At least, that’s how it’s trending. But “ethical hoops” is an interesting self-tag. The game’ll humble you, the notion of ethical hooping is tricky in its own right — it is, effectively, a smarty pants way of saying “not a ball hog” — and players and fans are always looking for a vector for their venom. How he reacts to the jeers and mockery will be the real test of character, because how he’s playing all but guarantees a backlash.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 10: Aaron Wiggins #2 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during a preseason game on October 10, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Luther Schlaifer/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Hawks (3-4) aim at redemption against a severely shorthanded Indiana Pacers (2-5) team tonight.
Injury report:
A player health update presented by @emoryhealthcare for tonight’s game at Indiana:
Jalen Johnson (left ankle sprain): Out Jock Landale (left hip strain): Out Mouhamed Gueye (left foot fracture): Out Henri Veesaar (torn right ACL): Out pic.twitter.com/c2nObyJSmm
Kingston Flemings will also miss this game due to a one-game suspension he picked up for an offense he committed last game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Starting lineup:
G CJ McCollum
G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
F Dyson Daniels
F Luguentz Dort
C Onyeka Okongwu
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Start Time: 7:30 PM EDT
TV: Peachtree TV (WPCH), Atlanta News First (WANF)
Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)
Streaming:Amazon Prime, NBA League Pass (out of market), Youtube TV (NBA League Pass out of market)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 22: Drew Anderson #38 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Comerica Park on September 22, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today is the deadline for option decisions, as well as for reinstating players off the 60-day injured list. The Tigers just released their flurry of moves, most notably exercising their $10 million club option for 2027 on RHP Drew Anderson, and declining their 2027 option on RHP Kenley Jansen. They’ll pay the veteran closer, just two saves shy of becoming the third closer in MLB history to reach 500 for his career, two million to buy out the $12 million club option. In addition, they made a surprise move, signing RHP Jacob Waguespack to a one-year, $1.3 million guaranteed deal for 2027. Waguespack’s contract comes with an extra $200K in potential bonuses he can earn next season.
Probably the most surprising part of the Tigers decisions today was the fact that they reinstated seven of eight players from the 60-day injured list. The only player they didn’t reinstate was left-hander Bailey Horn, who had Tommy John surgery during the season and is expected to miss all of the 2027 season. He was placed on unconditional release waivers along with RHP Sawyer Gipson-Long.
The Tigers did reinstate OF Kerry Carpenter, OF Parker Meadows, OF Wenceel Perez, OF Matt Vierling, RHP Reese Olson, RHP Will Vest, and INF Trey Sweeney. OF Corey Julks was outrighted and is now a free agent, while RHP Yilber Diaz was designated for assignment.
Some of the players they kept still aren’t going to make it through the offseason, as the Tigers 40-man roster now stands full at 40 players. Keeping Carpenter, Meadows, Vest, and Olson were obvious moves, but hanging onto Matt Vierling yet again doesn’t appeal to me at all. Sweeney and Perez don’t really have much path to a future role either. And of course we have no real updates on any of their medical conditions.
The Tigers still have to add prospects Josue Briceño and Max Anderson to the 40-man soon, and so two more players will have to come off the 40-man to make that happen. And of course any free agent signings or claims of players who have to go on the 40-man will require a corresponding move to open a spot.
One real surprise here to me is Waguespack. He was certainly effective for the Tigers, putting up a 2.49 ERA, but the 32-year-old just doesn’t get many whiffs and isn’t notably good at limiting hard contact either. Yilber Diaz is still wild but has a lot hotter stuff and is six years younger.
Still, this is only temporary housekeeping, and further moves will alter the 40-man roster anyway. Waguespack is a little cheap insurance for now, until we see if there are major moves in free agency or whether everyone is largely waiting for the lockout. It still seems fairly likely that the Tigers will try to pursue a one-year deal with another starting pitcher for depth before the December 1 lockout. They’ve gone after a cheap depth starter early in the offseason with some regularity in the Scott Harris years.
The Detroit Tigers today made the following transactions:
– Exercised their 2027 club option for RHP Drew Anderson. – Declined their 2027 club option for RHP Kenley Jansen. – Signed RHP Jacob Waguespack to a one-year, $1.3 million guaranteed major league contract for the 2027…
To make room on the 40-man roster: – LHP Bailey Horn and RHP Sawyer Gipson-Long have been placed on unconditional release waivers. – OF Corey Julks has been outrighted off the 40-man roster and is now a free agent. – RHP Yilber Diaz has been designated for assignment.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 02: General Manager Randy Flores of the Houston Astros answers questions from the media at an introductory press conference after signing a contract with the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on November 02, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Astros finally have their new general manager, but the circumstances surrounding his hiring and the search for their next manager raise some familiar questions about who’s really calling the shots in Houston.
Astros fans, you finally have your new general manager in Randy Flores, but the entire process surrounding his hiring seems to reek of exactly what I warned you about before the offseason even began.
Jim Crane is still running the show, and I’m not convinced that’s about to change anytime soon.
Don’t get me wrong. Flores has an impressive background in scouting, player development and talent evaluation after spending more than a decade in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. He deserves an opportunity to prove himself, and I certainly hope he’s successful. But the way the Astros arrived at this decision raises some legitimate questions about how much authority their new general manager will actually have.
Let’s start with the hiring process itself.
Flores was reportedly among the early candidates interviewed for the position, but the search continued, creating the impression that Houston was looking elsewhere. Then came Milwaukee Brewers assistant general manager Matt Kleine, who certainly appeared to be Crane’s preferred choice.
After all, Crane practically paraded Kleine around like a brand-new toy at the Houston Sports Hall of Fame ceremony a few weeks ago. When an owner brings a potential general manager candidate to a high-profile public event like that, it’s hard not to believe he’s sending a message about the direction he wants to go.
Then, suddenly, things changed.
Kleine didn’t get the job, and the Astros pivoted back to Flores.
Why?
That’s the million-dollar question, and it’s one I believe deserves considerably more attention.
Was it because Kleine reportedly wanted the title of president of baseball operations rather than general manager? Was Crane unwilling to create that position or give someone that level of responsibility?
Or was it something I’ve been concerned about all along: that an established or highly regarded executive considering this opportunity would want the autonomy to run baseball operations without constantly looking over his shoulder at the owner?
We may never know exactly what happened behind closed doors, and I’m not suggesting Flores was an unqualified or undesirable choice. But the circumstances certainly make you wonder.
Because the biggest question surrounding the Astros hasn’t changed. It’s not who Jim Crane hires. It’s how much freedom he’s willing to give that person to do the job.
During Monday’s introductory press conference, Crane indicated that Flores would have full authority over baseball operations decisions.
That’s certainly what Astros fans want to hear.
The problem is that I find it extremely difficult to believe.
Crane has developed a reputation for being heavily involved in baseball operations, and his hands-on approach has become an increasingly significant part of the conversation surrounding this franchise. Whether it’s personnel decisions, roster construction or the influence of trusted advisors like Jeff Bagwell, the perception is that very little happens without Crane’s involvement.
And let’s be clear: Crane owns the team, spends the money and has every right to be involved. Nobody is questioning that.
But there’s a significant difference between an owner who provides financial resources and organizational direction and one who wants to have a substantial say in every major baseball decision.
If you’re going to hire someone to run your baseball operations department, you have to trust that person’s judgment and allow him to build the team according to his vision.
Otherwise, what’s the point?
Another interesting part of the press conference was Crane’s apparent belief that the Astros aren’t far away from being one of baseball’s better teams again.
Rather than suggesting a significant reset or organizational overhaul, Crane seems convinced that a few calculated moves can keep Houston competitive and potentially put the team back among the American League’s legitimate contenders.
That’s certainly an optimistic way of looking at a team that finished 81-81, has obvious deficiencies in the outfield, questions surrounding its starting rotation and a farm system that needs considerable improvement.
I’m not saying this team needs to be completely torn apart and rebuilt from the ground up. There is still plenty of talent on this roster, and with the right moves, the Astros can absolutely remain competitive.
But there’s also a difference between being competitive and being a legitimate World Series contender.
And that’s where the pressure on Flores begins immediately.
He’s essentially being handed a roster with significant holes while being told that the expectation is to get this team back among baseball’s best without taking a step backward.
That’s a difficult assignment for any general manager, particularly one taking over an organization with a strong-willed owner who has made it clear that winning now remains the priority.
Then there’s the other major piece of this offseason puzzle.
Who gets to pick the Astros’ next manager?
This might ultimately tell us more about the power structure of the organization than anything Crane said during Flores’ introductory press conference.
I find it particularly interesting that the Astros were already exploring managerial candidates before Flores was officially hired.
One of those names is former Astros catcher Brad Ausmus, who has longstanding ties to the organization and a close relationship with Jeff Bagwell, one of Crane’s most trusted baseball advisors.
Ausmus was reportedly at Daikin Park for discussions before the Flores hiring was announced.
Now, I’m not saying Ausmus wouldn’t be a qualified candidate. He’s managed at the major league level, understands the organization and has spent recent seasons working with the New York Yankees.
But if the Astros ultimately hire someone who has strong personal relationships with Crane and Bagwell, it’s fair to wonder whether that decision came from the new general manager or the people who were already running the organization before he arrived.
On the other hand, Flores has connections of his own that could make this search extremely interesting.
Take Albert Pujols, for example.
The former Cardinals superstar has expressed interest in becoming a major league manager and has already established himself as a successful manager in winter baseball. His previous discussions with the San Diego Padres reportedly involved demands that complicated the possibility of him landing that position.
Given Flores’ lengthy tenure with the Cardinals, it’s not difficult to imagine Pujols receiving consideration if he’s interested in the Astros job.
And then there’s a name I believe deserves serious attention.
Former Astros third baseman Morgan Ensberg.
Ensberg has spent years developing his managerial résumé in the minor leagues, including successful stops throughout the Tampa Bay Rays organization. He’s also someone who understands Houston, the expectations that come with playing here and what it takes to succeed in this market.
Perhaps most interestingly, Ensberg and Flores were teammates at USC, giving them a personal connection that could make him an especially intriguing candidate.
I wouldn’t overlook Ensberg as a legitimate sleeper in this process.
But regardless of whether the next manager is Ausmus, Pujols, Ensberg or someone else entirely, the hiring will provide an important early indication of just how much influence Flores actually has.
If Flores is truly empowered to run baseball operations, shouldn’t he have the final say in selecting the person who will be responsible for managing the roster he constructs?
Shouldn’t the general manager and manager share a philosophy about player development, roster usage, analytics and the overall direction of the team?
And shouldn’t that relationship be established without the owner or his closest advisors determining the outcome before the general manager even gets comfortable in his new office?
Those are reasonable questions, and they’re questions that aren’t going away simply because Crane stood behind a microphone and said the right things.
Look, I want Flores to succeed. Astros fans should want him to succeed. This organization has enjoyed an incredible run of success under Crane’s ownership, and nobody wants to see that championship window close permanently.
But this franchise is also at a crossroads.
The Astros have watched important pieces of their championship teams leave, their organizational depth diminish and their margin for error become increasingly smaller. They need strong leadership, smart personnel decisions and a clear plan for both the present and the future.
What they don’t need is another general manager who is held responsible for every failure while lacking the authority to make the decisions necessary to prevent those failures.
That’s ultimately my biggest concern.
The Astros didn’t just need to hire a new general manager. They needed to establish a clear direction and a structure that gives that general manager the best possible chance to succeed.
Maybe Flores is the right man for the job. Maybe he and Crane will develop a tremendous working relationship and prove all the doubters wrong.
I certainly hope that’s the case.
But after watching how this entire process unfolded, I’m not ready to simply take Crane at his word that things are going to be different.
The next managerial hire will be our first real indication of whether Randy Flores is running the Houston Astros’ baseball operations department or simply occupying the office while Jim Crane continues making the important decisions.
And believe me, that distinction matters.
Astros fans, stay tuned.
Because this offseason has only just begun, and something tells me the most interesting developments are still to come.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 03: JJ Wetherholt #26 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on prior to the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Monday, August 3, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Urakami/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The BBWAA Awards Finalists have been announced which includes Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and MVP. The St. Louis Cardinals JJ Wetherholt has been chosen as a finalist for the Rookie of the Year award according to MLB Network. JJ’s 2026 stat line is impressive, but likely would have been greater if not for a wrist injury which plagued him during the second half of the season:
NL MVP Finalists include the Cubs Pete Crow-Armstrong, Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers and the Brewer’s Brice Turang. NL Cy Young finalists include Jacob Misiorowski of the Brewers, Chris Sale from the Braves and Cristopher Sánchez of the Phillies. NL Reliever of the Year finalists are Jhoan Duran of the Phillies, Trevor Megill from the Brewers and Mason Miller of the Padres. NL Manager of the Year finalists include Don Mattingly from the Phillies, Pat Murphy of the world champion Brewers and Walt Weiss from the Braves.
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 28: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons handles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 28, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s already time for a rematch, huh? The Detroit Pistons face the Charlotte Hornets for the second time this season. In the first matchup, the Pistons prevailed 97-89 behind a Cade Cunningham and Daniss Jenkins one-two punch at point guard. Cunningham had 30 points and seven assists, and Jenkins scored 14 points off the bench. They also got great contributions from Paul Reed (16 efficient points) and an all-around masterclass from Ausar Thompson, who tallied seven points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. It featured a great 31-point performance from the blossoming Brandon Miller and one of the season’s earliest head-scratchers. Naz Reid had seven points and six rebounds at halftime, but Hornets coach Charles Lee benched Reid for the entire second half for not meeting the “standards” of the team. Nothing stood out as egregious, and folks chalked it up to mixing up some defensive assignments and a lack of hustle. It was a surprising but short-lived kerfuffle (Reid’s been back in the lineup ever since). But I wouldn’t be surprised if the Hornets power forward is looking to make a statement against Detroit so as to truly put the situation to rest.
The Hornets are struggling to find their offense after moving on from LaMelo Ball and getting a bum hand via injuries — Kon Knueppel and Grant Williams are both going to miss the game tonight. That means the league’s least potent (statistically) offense is going to go up against the league’s most miserly defense (statistically). Detroit’s goal is to make that gulf clear and even wider at the end of the night than it was at the beginning.
Game Vitals
When: 7:30 p.m. ET Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina Watch: TV: TV20 Detroit | Streaming: DAZN-Detroit Odds: Pistons -5.5
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (5-1)
Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, John Collins, Paul Reed
Charlotte Hornets (3-4)
Dennis Schroder, Coby White, Brandon Miller, Naz Reid, Moussa Diabate
Hutton, 33, recorded 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 55 games with the Vegas Golden Knights last season, setting a career high in goals. He added one assist in seven games during Vegas’ run to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.
Over parts of 11 NHL seasons with the Vancouver Canucks (2015-19), Los Angeles Kings (2019-20), Anaheim Ducks (2020-21), Toronto Maple Leafs (2020-21), and Golden Knights (2021-26), Hutton has totaled 139 points (30 goals, 109 assists) in 575 career games. He was a part of Vegas’ 2023 Stanley Cup Championship team. The Brockville, Ontario native was originally selected by Vancouver in the fifth round (147th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft.
Prior to his professional career, Hutton spent three seasons at the University of Maine (2012-15), recording 65 points (28 goals, 37 assists) in 108 games. He was named to the NCAA East Second All-American Team in 2013-14, when he posted 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists) in 35 games.
Internationally, Hutton represented Canada at the 2016 IIHF World Championship, earning a gold medal and recording one assist in five games.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 27: Ryan Jeffers #27 of the Minnesota Twins looks on during a game between the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers on September 27, 2026 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
According to every national baseball writer on the planet, the Twins have officially sent a qualifying offer to catcher Ryan Jeffers. Jeffers has until November 17th to decide whether or not to accept the one year, $23.15M contract.
Eight players received the one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer today. The deadline to accept it is Nov. 17.
Randy Arozarena (Mariners) Seiya Suzuki (Cubs) Brandon Lowe (Pirates) Trevor Rogers (Orioles) Adrian Morejon (Padres) David Bednar (Yankees) Jake Bauers (Brewers)…
The qualifying offer is a one year deal based on the average of the top 125 MLB salaries. If players decline the QO, they will remain free agents eligible to negotiate with anyone in the league. However, the team that signs a QO player will forfeit a draft pick, while the team losing the QO player will gain one. The specifics of the picks lost or gained depend on whether teams pay the CBT or are revenue sharing recipients and the size of the contract the player receives. Players are only eligible to receive the qualifying offer if they have never received it in the past and spent the entire of the previous season on that organization’s roster (e.g. Tarik Skubal is not eligible since he was traded midseason).
In the Twins’ case, they would receive a pick immediately following the first round if Jeffers signed with another team for $50M or more. If he signed for $50M or less, the pick would fall after the second round and Competitive Balance Round B. However, Jeffers would be much better off taking the big, single season payday and re-entering the market next season rather than taking a multi-year contract for less than $50M, so you can bet on the Twins receiving an extra first round pick should Jeffers sign elsewhere.
If the Twins signed anyone else on that list, say Brandon Lowe to fill the hole at second base, they would forfeit their third-highest selection in the upcoming round, which would be their Competitive Balance Round A selection if Jeffers went elsewhere or their second round pick if he stayed. If they signed two players off that list (now we’re dreaming), both their third and fourth highest selections would be lost.
Jeffers is in an interesting position with the qualifying offer. By AAV, the highest paid catcher in the league is the Mariners’ Cal Raleigh at $17.5M. After him, Philly’s JT Realmuto checks in at $15M and the Dodgers’ Will Smith is third at $14M. So on the one hand, Jeffers would, at least briefly, be the highest paid catcher in baseball by nearly $6M. On the other, it’s a one year deal and a poorly placed foul tip could place any future earnings in jeopardy.
Looking at the usual mix of contenders, there also aren’t many that need a starting catcher. The Yankees absolutely would want Jeffers, and pursued him at last year’s trade deadline, but there have been questions in recent years about how willing the Steinbrenners are to run up their payroll beyond the current levels. The Blue Jays are set with Alejandro Kirk. The Red Sox and Rays picked up their long-term catchers at the 2026 trade deadline in Adley Rutschman and Liam Hicks, respectively. The Tigers have last year’s All-Star starter in Dillon Dingler, while the Rangers are reportedly looking to shed payroll this offseason. And on the NL side, really only the Cubs have a hole at catcher and money to spend, but they also have to rebuild their starting rotation on the fly after losing all five of their starting pitchers to free agency.
In reality, the best option for everyone involved might be a return to the Twins. Minnesota needs a bridge to Vahn Lackey and the pending lockout has some usual big market players behaving oddly. It’s why the Twins were able to sign Carlos Correa to a one year deal after the last lockout. Scott Boras is great at maximizing player earnings, and he’s smart enough to know that no one is touching a $20M+ AAV for a free agent catcher. Taking the QO and re-entering the market next year without the risk of losing draft picks is the best path to Jeffers getting the most money anyway.
Amid a trying start to the season, the Philadelphia Flyers have learned lots about their current team, and lots about their prospects as well. Most importantly, while dealing with a rash of injuries, the Flyers discovered that many of their top prospects are ready to do battle at the NHL level.
The emergence of 2023 first-round pick Oliver Bonk, for example, is deservedly oft-talked about. After all, the 21-year-old defenseman came into the season with only one game of NHL experience, and didn't make the roster out of training camp initially.
Now, he seems to be firmly entrenched as a top-four defenseman on this young Flyers team, which he's only made younger by entering the fray.
Of course, for every player filling a big role, another player has to fill the smaller roles, and that is exactly what 2023 draft classmate Cole Knuble has done in the bottom-six for the Flyers.
Playing in what is just his first full season of professional hockey after three years in the NCAA with Notre Dame, Knuble survived just six AHL games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms before being called up by the Flyers.
Six NHL games later, and it's looking like Knuble might never be back in the AHL.
In his second NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres, the 22-year-old scored twice, opening the scoring and providing the dagger in the 3-1 win. Then, Knuble helped snap the three-game losing streak that followed, scoring an empty-netter to seal the deal in Sunday's 6-3 win over the Utah Mammoth.
Rather quickly, Knuble's hockey IQ, nose for net, speed, and forechecking have made him an indispensable piece in the Flyers' bottom-six, a role he could occupy for the foreseeable future.
"It's definitely something I take pride in," Knuble said after Monday's Flyers practice. "You kind of evaluate your game based on certain things, like bringing energy and forechecking, maybe a couple hits. So, I think I'm getting better at it."
After taking the time to soak in his son's NHL debut earlier in October, former Flyers standout Mike Knuble has been giving Cole some pointers here and there as the youngster's time with the big club continues.
"We talked about last night [vs. Utah], like learning, getting better at forechecking, and that kind of becomes your go-to, like that's your goal," Cole said of dad Mike. "Maybe in the past we judge games based on how much I had pop. Still want to make plays, but taking pride in the forecheck, I would say."
Knuble has played up and down the lineup during his brief stint with the Flyers, including on the first line with Trevor Zegras and Christian Dvorak, and the fourth line with Sean Couturier and Noel Acciari.
"That was fun last game, playing with those two," Knuble said. "Obviously, two veterans, so it's pretty easy to play with them. They're predictable."
Like Denver Barkey before him, Knuble's combination of skill, versatility, motor, and intelligence trump his average 5-foot-10 size, and he's fast become an important player for the Flyers, maybe sooner than most had expected.
The Vegas Golden Knights have finally unveiled their Hometown Remix jerseys, and judging by the early reactions, not everyone is ready to go all in.
The casino-inspired design features a black base with green and gold accents, roulette-themed sleeves and a jade-green shoulder pattern resembling a casino table. Playing-card symbols and custom numbers add to the gambling theme, while a reference to 2017 pays tribute to the franchise's first season.
The jerseys are part of a league-wide collaboration with Fanatics, with all 32 NHL teams receiving special uniforms celebrating their hometowns.
Vegas will wear them five times this season, beginning Nov. 15 against Vancouver, followed by games against Carolina, Buffalo, Columbus and Winnipeg.
Fans can purchase them through the Golden Knights Team Store, Fanatics and select team retail locations.
Did the Golden Knights Get It Right?
I've already received multiple text messages from close friends telling me they don't like these jerseys. Others have said the complete opposite. The reaction has been pretty mixed.
Well, here's what I think. I actually think they're pretty cool.
Here's the thing. These jerseys are supposed to incorporate elements of your hometown, and if you're making a jersey about Las Vegas without putting some green on it, you're kind of missing the point.
This town is all about money. Gambling, casinos and entertainment are a huge part of what makes Vegas what it is.
And nothing says casino culture quite like this sweater.
Could they have done more? Sure.
I think they could've added a little more flair, maybe something representing other countries and cultures. After all, tourists fly into Vegas from all over the world to gamble, attend shows and enjoy everything else this city has to offer.
But I'm not an artist, so I couldn't tell you exactly how they should've pulled that off. And honestly, outside of that, I don't really see what else they could've added without overdoing it.
I like the black, the green and the overall concept. It represents Vegas, and that's what matters to me.
Would I buy one? I think so.
If another fan doesn't like it enough to spend money on it, who cares? It's not the end of the world.
We're here to watch hockey anyway, right?
And if the Golden Knights are winning games in these jerseys, I doubt anyone will care too much about what they're wearing.
Eric Samulski
