"I spilled some of his wine. I crashed into him, spilled some of his wine. So I wanted to see if it was worth it on my arm and how good it was. It was all right," LeBron said postgame.
Ignoring the fact that it looked a lot more like he took a drink of a Coke (maybe Diet Coke) in the video — I fear what a glass that size full of wine would cost in an NBA arena — we'll let the wine joke slide with a laugh.
LeBron ended the night with 15 points, and the 76ers improved to 7-1 on the season with a comfortable win against the Bulls.
PHILLY'S STARTING 5 COMBINED FOR 102 POINTS TO LEAD THEM TO THEIR 4th STRAIGHT WIN
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates with Tyrese Maxey #0 during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 02, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
LeBron James famously loves wine.
Typically, he enjoys drinking it when he’s not playing, but apparently exceptions can be made.
On Monday night, James went into the crowd going after a loose ball in the third quarter of the Sixers’ 126-107 win over the Chicago Bulls. There was a brief stir from the fans. We later found out it was because James had taken a sip from a spectator’s cup.
“I crashed into him, spilled some of his wine,” James said. “So I wanted to see if it was worth it on my arm, man. How good it was.”
So, how good was it?
“It was alright,” he said.
Spoiled by California wines, no doubt, but James is profiling well with his new team.
When James’ agent Rich Paul did his media blitz during his client’s free agency, he mentioned happiness as the biggest factor for the King’s decision.
In the fourth quarter, as the Sixers began to pull away, James found himself guarded by the 6-foot-1, 190-pound Tre Jones. LeBron easily bullied Jones into the post. Jones bit on a fake and Leonard Miller came over to help. James pump-faked again, this time getting Miller in the air, absorbing the contact and burying a short fadeaway.
All of which led to a fun celebration.
And on the next offensive possession, it was Tyrese Maxey’s turn to get into the lane and convert a crazy finish while getting fouled.
“Listen, it’s a long marathon,” James said, “and if you don’t find ways to have fun throughout it — even though you’re working, even though you’re locked in — it could wear on you. So for me, especially at this point in my career, too, being able to just appreciate the moments, the small moments. These fans are great to us. We try to be great to them as well by playing the game the right way, playing the game hard, and then also just being showmen as well.”
James finished the night with 15 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Maxey with 26 points and 11 assists. Jaylen Brown had 25 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Joel Embiid, who was on a minutes restriction while managing plantar fasciitis, recorded 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists. The Sixers as a team had 36 assists on 48 makes.
And let’s not forget about VJ Edgecombe — you know, the guy whose growth was going to be stunted because the Sixers have too many good players. The second-year guard scored a season-high 21 points, his first 20-plus point game on the young season, and dished out five assists.
It was a rewarding scoring night for a guy who’s done all the dirty work for the Sixers’ starting group. Edgecombe said his lower usage rate isn’t his concern, though.
“I don’t get antsy or impatient or anything,” he said. “We’re 7-1 and that’s the most important thing. … And like tonight, I was able to get going a little bit, but once you just find that joy out there, just playing basketball … I was just kind of hard on myself early [this season] because I was missing shots I [usually] make and that’s not on nobody else but me. And like I say, it’s fun when you’re winning. I don’t want to be a cancer because I ain’t getting the shots that I want to get. I’m still learning. I’m in year two.”
The chemistry between the starting group is growing. A 7-1 start is a big help, but there seems to be an eagerness for all of them to learn each other. It’s something that’s been going on since training camp. In fact, a lesson from camp made its way onto the game floor.
James hit Edgecombe with not one but two absurdly accurate bounce passes in transition, but the pair needed to build trust to execute them when it counted.
“There’s a couple times in training camp that he kind of slowed up and didn’t think I’d get the pass there to him,” James said. “And I told him all he has to do is just run, and I’ll try to put it on time, on target as much as I can.”
After the game, Edgecombe described it as a teaching moment. He was rewarded for that diligence.
Against the Bulls, Edgecombe was ready, flushing down multiple transition opportunities.
“If you’re open, he’s going to pass it to you,” Edgecombe said. “The main thing is just being ready. Tonight, I had to run to go get them.”
It’s a fun time to be a Sixer.
And this team is still in the fermentation process.
“It’s a lot of talent, man,” Brown said. “And we like each other and we’re just kind of like building that chemistry of how we can get this thing to a well-oiled machine. So I think we’re taking steps forward every single day. I think we still got a long way to go to be a really, really solid, great team. But we’ve been able to win some games. We started out the season 7-1 and you haven’t seen our best version yet. So that’s a good sign.”
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 11: Evan Phillips #59 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during the eighth inning in game one of the National League Championship Series at American Family Field on October 11, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Obviously, the Nationals will be on the prowl for outside relief help this offseason. We have discussed the idea of signing a big name reliever such as Adrian Morejon. However, I am not convinced that the Nats will be able to outbid teams for Morejon. With that in mind, I think Evan Phillips is a more realistic target.
Despite being on the Dodgers for many years, and even being their closer at points, Phillips has never gotten much recognition. He has posted a 2.36 ERA in 232 appearances for the best team in baseball, yet has remained anonymous. At 32 years old, Phillips is hitting free agency after showing his stuff was better than ever coming off Tommy John Surgery.
Between 2022 and 2024, Phillips made at least 60 appearances each season. However, he went down after just 7 outings in 2025. He did not come back until July, but when he returned, he was a big part of the Dodgers bullpen. Phillips posted a 3.46 ERA while striking out 31.1% of hitters and only walking 5.7%. He was also throwing harder than he was before surgery, and even threw the fastest pitch of his career.
Now that I'm not as checked out as I was during the game, here's Evan Phillips porn, including the fastest pitch he's ever thrown in his career. pic.twitter.com/hc8gEIuWH4
In 2024, Phillips averaged 96.2 MPH on his 4-seamer and 85 MPH on his sweeper. This season, he averaged 96.9 on the heater and 86.2 on the sweeper. His stuff and location metrics were both absolutely elite. Phillips did have some home run problems, but that was not an issue in the past, so I am not that worried.
I think the Dodgers will have some interest in bringing him back, but they already have a strong bullpen. In my opinion, the Dodgers will bring back one of Phillips or Alex Vesia. With the Dodgers, they could always just flex their muscles and get both, but the Nats should try and go after Phillips.
Spencer Nusbaum wrote a piece yesterday about relievers the Nats should consider. Phillips was at the top of the list, and after reading his breakdown, he is my favorite name as well. He has the best combination of stuff, track record, relative youth and closing experience. If the Nats went into 2027 with Phillips as the closer, I would be comfortable.
It’s the Day 1 of free agency, which means it’s time to talk bullpen construction …
And it’s time to look at 10 arms who the Nats should target to close games in 2027:https://t.co/gmwtmW4jCJ
In his career, Phillips has 47 career saves, most of which came in 2023 and 2024. If Phillips wants to be a closer moving forward, getting out of LA would be the best path to do so. I can’t see him getting save chances over the likes of Edwin Diaz and Tanner Scott. However, in DC, the role would be all his.
The price would not be cheap, but he would not cost as much as Morejon or David Bednar. I think a deal in the 3-year $40 million range would get it done. That sounds like a lot, but would you rather spend that money on a high end reliever or a number 4 starter? Most Nats fans would probably go with the closer after last season.
With his elite fastball/sweeper duo, Phillips is elite against right handed hitters. The stuff is also good enough to play against lefties too. Phillips will also feature his cutter more against left handed hitters.
As a cherry on top, Phillips has an elite playoff pedigree. In 17 career postseason outings, Phillips has not allowed a run in 18.1 innings. This October, Phillips was a big part of the Dodgers bullpen, and did not allow a run in 5 outings. He has proven that he is built for the big moments.
Evan Phillips gets a bit lost in the shuffle when discussing free agent relievers, but the more I dive into his profile, the more I like him. Paul Toboni should be on the phone with his representation, trying to get something done. He is not the biggest name, but don’t get it twisted, this would be a statement signing.
Outside of the Tommy John, there is not much to dislike about his resume. Even that injury is not a huge worry for me, given the fact his stuff looked better than ever when he came back.
If the Nats do end up making a bullpen splash, Phillips checks a ton of boxes. He has closing experience, the stuff models love him, he gets a lot of strikeouts while not walking people and he knows what it is like to win. The more I dive into this story, the more I want Evan Phillips to be the Nats closer in 2027.
The impending lockout will shutter the sport a little more than a month from now. The industry and its fans, players and staff can survive a repeat of 2022, when almost the entirety of spring training was knocked out but 162 games were salvaged, thanks to creative scheduling.
The looming storm clouds this time around make it much harder to conceive what a 2027 season will look like – let alone who might unseat the Milwaukee Brewers as World Series champions.
Like the message on manager Pat Murphy’s forearm, however, we are undaunted. Here’s a way-too-early look at the top World Series contenders for 2027 – or perhaps 2028:
The elite
Los Angeles Dodgers
Now that they’ve un-ruined baseball, perhaps they can get back to playing a game and not making a political statement. Before then, though, some significant off-the-field uncertainty awaits.
What will the game’s economic parameters look like when the industry fires back up? Will owner Mark Walter remain under scrutiny from federal investigators, and when might MLB see fit to intervene?
Yet a four-and-out in the NLCS should do this club a lot of good, relative to the extra 10 or so days they played the past two seasons in winning World Series. If 2026 taught them anything, it’s how important a healthy Shohei Ohtani is to the whole operation. Develop a plan to keep him sound and Ohtani, who turns 33 in July, should pay them back with another MVP season.
Milwaukee Brewers
They are slated to lose just first baseman Jake Bauers and veteran Brandon Woodruff, and the deep connections with both players to the franchise certainly opens the door for a return. Beyond that, seven of their regulars will be 28 or younger next season.
And a pitching staff that won 114 games this season, including playoffs, will come out of this postseason having absorbed fewer body blows than so many recent champions who heavily used starting pitchers in relief. Jacob Misiorowski proved he could exceed 190 innings pitched, getting more efficient later in October.
The club may experience some brain drain as copycat clubs try to poach and promote their executive talent, most notably assistant GM Matt Kleine, a candidate for the Astros’ top baseball ops job. But the infrastructure remains rock solid.
The pitching has to be healthier next season. Right? This club won 94 games even with Spencers Strider and Schwellenbach among the many sidelined arms. Chris Sale turns 38 in March and will likely need a similar or even more aggressive innings management. And veteran stalwarts Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuña Jr. performed far below their standards and will be 30 and 29 next year, respectively.
Yet this is a team now driven by Michael Harris II, Matt Olson and Drake Baldwin. We trust GM Alex Anthopoulos will shore up the pitching a little more aggressively than he did last winter and at the deadline. The standard is the standard. If you will.
The pretty good
New York Yankees
Yankees fans don’t want to hear such praise, but posting 94- and 93-win campaigns in consecutive seasons, the latter essentially without Aaron Judge, puts you on the doorstep of elite these days. The New York fan-media industrial complex still clings to the notion that Big Expectations mean Failure without a championship, but let’s face it: This is the era where almost every franchise needs about 10 playoff cracks to stumble into one title.
Sure, it’s been 17 years, but hey, it happens. Bottom line is, the club is still flush with elite pitching that will always give it a chance. The continued development of shortstop George Lombard Jr. remains paramount. How aggressive will owner Hal Steinbrenner be in free agency when his side hustle will be serving on the owners’ labor relations committee, having to play-act that a salary cap is a good thing?
Tampa Bay Rays
They got schooled by the Brewers but also swept the Yankees in the ALDS, doubling down on a season in which they won the AL East by 4 ½ games. This is Tampa Bay, where nothing is permanent, but the core can return if the Rays want it: The offensive big three of Yandy Díaz (club option), Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda remain cost-effective. All-Star starter Nick Martinez will likely decline his mutual option and rental Freddy Peralta figures to move on, but Drew Rasmussen, Griffin Jax and Shane McClanahan are all under contract.
And there’s always new blood. Pitching prospect Brody Hopkins was on the fringes of the playoff roster but should have a solid shot to win a rotation spot whenever the game gets going. New ownership’s had a year to assess the club, a year that saw a billion-dollar boon in public money for a new stadium and then a World Series run. It will be interesting to see how they assess this current “window.”
Should have a shot
San Diego Padres
They’ve paddled very hard underwater to stay up with the Dodgers and while that’s proven futile, they look up at the end of the year and are still one of the best teams in baseball. Trouble is, the offensive core is a year older and most of the pitching staff isn’t bolted down.
Michael King is likely to opt out of his deal. The club figures to exercise its club option on Nick Pivetta. Joe Musgrove should be full go, but how long can he stay healthy? It figures to be another season leaning heavily on their peerless bullpen. But that’s a tough way to do business.
Chicago Cubs
Reality was a little harsh this year: The Cubs finished 14 whole games behind the Brewers, a “rivalry” that turned very one-sided. In signing Nico Hoerner to a six-year extension, the club has firmly decided that this is the core they’re rolling with, led by another long-term investment - pending NL MVP Pete Crow-Armstrong.
That core will lose a key piece in Ian Happ, and like so many of these contenders, starting pitching remains the bugaboo. Heck, the loss of Cade Horton might sting more in 2027 than it did last season; he figures to return in some capacity, at least. Can lefty Justin Steele regain All-Star form after running out of comeback time in 2026?
Toronto Blue Jays
Like the Dodgers, they’ll be sans hangover from a gutting World Series next season. Heck, they got the whole month of October off. Despite Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s disappearing act, this club still had playoff life into the final week of the season. The odds suggest a big bounceback for Vladdy next season.
Jose Soriano can ride shotgun with Dylan Cease as aces all next season. Cody Ponce’s ACL has mended. Spencer Miles has a year under his belt and Louis Varland’s still manning the back end. Could be dangerous.
A puncher’s chance
The Cleveland Guardians gotta lead the list of longshots, simply because they’ve won three division titles in a row while hardly anyone’s watching. And made two ALCS runs in three years. They just might kick that door down with all that power pitching. … That’s come at the expense of the Detroit Tigers, who now have a winter to construct a post-Skubal ballclub. Easy to forget they have a budding MVP in Kevin McGonigle. … Speaking of Tarik, might he end up a New York Met? Even if that comes to pass, there’s got to be several about-faces on a club that at least finished the year on an upswing and with contributions from young players. … Whither the Philadelphia Phillies? We were tempted to bump them up a tier or two, but it’s a little unsettling how the club lurched through most of 2026 while getting 28 to 33 starts from Zack Wheeler, Jesús Luzardo, Cristopher Sánchez and Aaron Nola. Imagine if such good health doesn’t find them next year. … A surprise? Why not the St. Louis Cardinals, young, athletic, efficient and convicted from day one next year.
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Draymond Green’s reputation precedes him, and it was on full display Monday night against the Suns. Green was tossed for a double technical after he tackled Khaman Maluach, then got physical with Dillon Brooks after the play — seemingly trying to choke him.
Not sure we can really call this a “choke,” it was more like he grabbed Brooks’ jersey and twisted it around him, but either way, it was completely out of line. This all kicked off because Maluach ran into Draymond, but it wasn’t exactly the hardest hit we’ve ever seen. Definitely didn’t warrant Green channeling his inner linebacker to tackle Maluach on the play.
We’re now on record watch with Draymond when it comes to career ejections. This incident led to number 26 on his career, needing only three more to tie Rasheed Wallace, who had 29 over the course of his career. It took Wallace 16 years to hit that mark, and this is the 15th year of Draymond’s career — so never say never. Maybe that’s the point of all this? Nail a few more ejections and ensure his place in history.
The NBA has not commented on the incident yet, though it’s possible Green will face a suspension.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 29: Luis Severino #40 of the Athletics pitches against the New York Yankees at Sutter Health Park on May 29, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to Tuesday A’s fans.
It’s been five days since the end of the World Series. You know what that means. Free agency is officially open!
Things are different in baseball this year. We’re all still waiting on the first signings around the league, which usually takes a couple weeks to really kick off. With the possibility of an impending lockout however there may be some free agents that elect to move on their next home faster than normal. That could be a benefit for our A’s.
The team has struggled to attract free agents over the past few years, first because of the Coliseum and now because the Athletics are literally playing in a minor league ballpark. Not to mention this is a young team that hasn’t had any on-field success in years. The team had to massively overpay starter Luis Severino, who just recently exercised his $22 million option for next season. Smart move on his part, since he’s unlikely to beat that annual average on the open market. That’s been the long big signing since the A’s began this move to Las Vegas, with a smattering of smaller moves. Interestingly, while the team now plays in a hitter’s ballpark, the team has only inked two position players (Gio Urshela & Luis Urias).
With the lockout however, there may be more opportunities to ink early contracts. While there’s lot of players who can afford to wait out contract negotiations with the owners, there are also plenty of other players that may be lower-tier options that want to lock in their money now. While the A’s are in the middle of the rebuild and certainly won’t halt the youth movement, we saw last year how quickly injuries can pile up, and it’d be smart for the A’s to get a low ceiling, high floor infielder to bolster that young group.
Or maybe new President Taylor Smith prioritizes improving the bullpen before doing anything else. There’s always lots of relievers on the market every offseason and identifying the right bullpen arms is why he was brought in to the organization. We only have 27 days before the lockout on December 1st and there’s been no word of breakthroughs in negotiations. It could be a long, long time between then and the reopening of free agency next year, so get in your shopping now.
SAN ANTONIO, TX -NOVEMBER 2 : Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs blocks shot from Keynote George #3 of the Utah Jazz in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Our beloved Spurs won five in a row in stylish fashion on Monday night. Seven players scored in the double digits, propelling the team to victory. Dylan Harper led the team with 17 points along with 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Victor Wembanyama dominated on both ends as per usual with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Harrison Barnes, who has been slowly ramping up, had himself 13 points off the bench in the well-balanced win.
Nine out of ten doctors recommend moving the ball through at least three different players before taking a shot in order to get your daily exercise. The tenth doctor recommends candy for breakfast so we’ll just ignore their recommendation unless you’re into that sort of thing. If it seems like the Spurs are starting to hit their stride as team with budding chemistry, even against a lighter strength of schedule compared to the beginning of the season, it does seem like the team is getting accustomed to a new starting lineup and bench.
The mind meld between Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper is a sight to behold. These two probably finish each other’s . . . sandwiches, share HBOMax passwords, and take turns caring for the monstera albo in their joint custody agreement. The strength of this team is definitely at the guard and center position, so it’ll be interesting once Tobias Harris returns (and if the front office adds another big, hint, hint) how the lineup will shake out.
Here in its natural habitat, we see a glimpse of the rarely sighted midrange jumper. While conservation efforts have been noble, over the last two decades the MRJ has been pushed out of its environment by the more aggressive, analytic-friendly three-point shot. Devin Vassell, for his part, has been at the forefront of the conservation movement to save the spotted midrange jumper.
Victor Wembanyama kindly staying close by his teammate to clean the glass. He seems like the type of person to tip 25%, stack plates and utensils before leaving the table, and never, ever snaps at people waiting on tables. Thats our MVP.
Dylan Harper using sleight of hand to clear his own way to the basket. First comes the pledge (the dribble), then the turn (hesi-move to distract the opponent), then he reveals the prestige (slam dunk). Textbook illusionist. Nikola David Bowie Tesla would be proud.
Block, rebound, assist. Lather, rinse, repeat. Apparently there’s a raging internet debate whether you shampoo twice (the repeat part) or just once (lather) and rinse twice (repeat). Personally, I’m on team “once.” Ain’t no one got time to shampoo twice, and shampoo is expensive these days! That’s why I buy Axe Body Wash, Shampoo, Conditioner, and Cement Mix All-In-One. Smell like a bro. Bind sand and gravel in aggregation.
There’s that extrasensory perceptive on-court chemistry at display again. Harper and Castle just out here delivering highlights and superhero levels of ESP powers. Game: blouses.
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Randy Arozarena #56 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates in the dugout during the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Saturday, September 19, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Ray Bahner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Good morning! Catch up on the latest contract news and Mariners roster updates as the free agency period heats up. Eight players received a league-record $23.15 million qualifying offer yesterday, while the overall free-agent pool expanded to 183 players.
The Mariners have extended a Qualifying Offer to Randy Arozarena, which is the average salary of MLB’s 125 highest-paid players and valued at $23.15 million this year. Players have until a Nov. 17 deadline to decide whether to accept, and Arozarena is expected to decline the QO in search of a multiyear deal elsewhere.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 27: Xzavion Curry #53 of the New York Mets delivers the pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning at Citi Field on August 27, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When I was growing up, “X-Force” was my favorite comic book. An X-Men offshoot, the team was a ragtag band of mutant soldiers who took a more aggressive and proactive approach towards their enemies and threats to mutantkind. Among those early team members was a character named Domino, whose mutant power was the ability to subconsciously alter the probability of events to end in beneficial outcomes for her; in other words, luck is always on her side.
Xzavion Curry must also be a mutant with similar luck-influencing powers, because very little about his 2026 season makes sense.
The Mets signed the right-hander to a minor league contract in early May. Prior to joining the organization, he spent the 2025 season in the Miami Marlins and the Colorado Rockies organizations, as well as the Tigres de Quintana Roo of the Mexican League. He struggled at the MLB level with Miami and struggled with their Triple-A affiliate, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. He was solid in a handful of games with the Tigres, but struggled with Colorado’s Triple-A team, the Alburquerque Isotopes. Suffice to say, when Curry was signed, expectations were not particularly high.
The right-hander spent the first two months of his Mets tenure in Triple-A Syracuse, posting a surprisingly solid 4.74 ERA in 49.1 innings, used primarily as a starter. In early July, the Mets called Curry up to the big leagues, and he appeared in four games out of the bullpen, improbably allowing just two runs over 6.0 total innings. He would get sent back down to Triple-A near the end of the month but would find himself back with the Mets before long. Altogether, Curry was optioned and recalled a total of six more times between late July and the end of the season.
In total, the right-hander had a strangely effective season. He pitched the bulk of his innings with Triple-A Syracuse, where he was used as a starter, and emerged as arguably the team’s best pitcher, posting a 3.36 ERA in 72.1 innings over 14 starts and a pair of bullpen appearances, allowing 68 hits, walking 18, and striking out 41. With the Mets, he appeared in 9 games, making 1 start, and posted a 5.48 ERA in 21.1 innings, allowing 22 hits, walking 9, and striking out 15. While a 5.48 ERA is not particularly good, nearly half of the total runs he allowed as a big leaguer came in a singular doomed outing against the Baltimore Orioles, where he allowed six runs in 3.0 innings; if you erase that outing from his ledger, Curry would’ve posted a 3.44 ERA in 18.1 innings at the MLB level.
Now, let’s be frank here: Xzavion Curry really isn’t a good baseball player. He’s better than you or I, obviously, but as compared to his peers and contemporaries, the right-hander is lacking. Over the past few years, statistically, the numbers aren’t great. The stuff? Well, let’s just say his Baseball Savant page is bluer than the Meanie listening to Eiffel 65 while depressed.
Yet, somehow, Xzavion Curry was an above-average pitcher in Triple-A and a fairly cromulent pitcher with the Mets—I’m talking about a Palpatine level of somehow. I spend a lot of time dissecting what players are doing and what they aren’t doing and seeing what works and what doesn’t work, and I’m not really sure how Curry achieved it. Despite all that, Curry made it work where and when it counted, and no one can take that away from him. At 28-years-old, I’m sure he still has the drive to go out there and pitch, and his 2026 likely bought him at least another year in affiliated baseball.
Los Angeles, - October 15: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on after the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-4 to win Game 4 of a NLCS playoff baseball game and advance to the World Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday, October 15, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Free agency officially began last night, as the five-day “quiet period” ended and players became free to negotiate with any team. There could be a mad dash to sign players ahead of the potential transaction freeze once the labor deal expires in December, although uncertainty over what the new rules of the game will be could inhibit teams from making moves.
Here’s a look at the top 30 free agents available this winter, and my predictions for who will sign them and for how much, plus a list of who else is out there. The predictions are difficult to make, since we don’t know exactly what baseball’s economic structure will look like next year. My predictions assume that whatever changes are implemented will be phased in slowly over time.
He is the unquestioned top player available, by a good margin. Skubal won back-to-back Cy Young Awards, but was limited to 158.2 innings last year due to minor elbow surgery this summer. He returned as good as ever, with a 2.73 ERA in 19 starts after his injury, so there shouldn’t be much injury concern. But with pitchers, injuries are always a concern.
Potential suitors: Blue Jays, Cubs, Dodgers, Mets, Yankees Contract prediction: Dodgers, 9 years, $365 million
2. Freddy Peralta, starting pitcher
10-11, 4.42 ERA, 169.0 IP, 8.3 K/9, 0.7 rWAR
Peralta earned Cy Young votes last year, but was a disappointment with the Mets. He turned his season around after being traded to the Rays, allowing just three runs in 34 innings over his last six starts. He posted the highest ERA of his career since becoming a starter, but he still has “ace” potential and should command a top salary.
Potential suitors: Braves, Cardinals, Cubs, White Sox, Yankees Contract prediction: Cubs, 5 years, $115 million
3. Randy Arozarena, outfielder
.281/.381/.484, 670 PA, 26 HR, 5.7 rWAR
Arozarena is the top bat available, coming off a career-high in OPS+ with 148 and a 20/20 season. He led the league in runs scored this year, and finished eighth among all AL players in rWAR. He will turn 32 in February and he was -5 in Outs Above Average in left field this year, so there may be some pause for teams thinking about giving him a long-term deal. Arozarena was tendered a Qualifying Offer, so any team that signs him will have to forfeit draft compensation.
Potential suitors: Blue Jays, Cubs, Mariners, Phillies, Red Sox Contract prediction: Phillies, 4 years, $108 million
4. Seiya Suzuki, outfielder
.270/.368/.473, 634 PA, 26 HR, 5.1 rWAR
Suzuki is also coming off a strong season, with a career-high 81 walks. He has hit 20+ home runs and posted an OPS+ of 125 or better in each of the last four seasons. The 32-year old was a Gold Glove finalist for the first time after having a reputation as a poor defender. He was also given a Qualifying Offer, although the Cubs didn’t sound interested in getting into a bidding war to keep him.
Potential suitors: Blue Jays, Cubs, Mariners, Phillies, Red Sox Contract prediction: Mariners, 4 years, $104 million
5. Trevor Rogers, starting pitcher
10-11, 4.03 ERA, 169.2 IP, 8.3 K/9, 2.2 rWAR
Rogers dominated in 18 starts in 2025 with a 1.81 ERA, but was underwhelming this year. But analytics types love his underlying metrics and stuff after some adjustments made at Driveline bumped his velocity up. He is a health risk, but most of his injuries have been muscle or leg injuries, not in the arm. He was given a Qualifying Offer and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he accepted or took a short-term deal to hit the market after a better season.
Potential suitors: Blue Jays, Braves, Cubs, Orioles, Tigers, White Sox Contract prediction: Orioles, 4 years, $100 million
6. Michael King, starting pitcher
12-10, 3.21 ERA, 185.0 IP, 7.7 K/9, 4.3 rWAR
King declined a $28 million player option in the hopes of landing a long-term deal. He has a 3.15 ERA over the last three seasons since becoming a full-time starter, but he saw a significant decline in his strikeout rate. King has expressed a desire to stay in San Diego, and my guess is the new ownership group keeps him in the fold.
Potential suitors: Blue Jays, Dodgers, Mets, Orioles, Padres, Yankees Contract prediction: Padres, 4 years, $96 million
7. Teruaki Sato, third baseman/outfielder
.306/.383/.609, 614 PA, 39 HR
Teruaki Sato is a left-handed power hitter who smashed 79 homers over the last two seasons for the Hanshin Tigers. The 27-year-old does have some swing and miss tendencies, although many of the same doubts plagued Munetaka Murakami, who hit 35 home runs for the White Sox. He plays third base but could ultimately move to first base or a corner outfield spot. He would need to be posted and signed by December 1.
Potential suitors: Angels, Phillies, Red Sox, Yankees Contract prediction: Yankees, 5 years, $90 million
8. Jazz Chisholm Jr., second baseman
.231/.312/.399, 532 PA, 19 HR, 1.7 rWAR
Chisholm hit a career-high 31 home runs in 2025, winning a Silver Slugger Award. But he regressed badly in his contract year, and could look for a short-term deal to re-establish his value. He is capable of playing second or third base, and although he can have defensive lapses, he fared very well in Outs Above Average.
Potential suitors: Angels, Blue Jays, Braves, Padres, Pirates, Tigers, Rays, Reds Contract prediction: Tigers, 4 years, $88 million, with an opt-out after the first season
9. Adrián Morejón, relief pitcher
9-3, 2.83 ERA, 86.0 IP, 11.2 K/9, 1.9 rWAR
Morejón was an All-Star in 2025, and followed that up with a whopping 107 strikeouts as a lefty reliever. Because he has a deep arsenal, some teams may be interested in seeing if he can start. If he’s a reliever, he’s easily the best one on the market, although he doesn’t have experience as a traditional closer. He is still rather young – he turns 28 in February.t
Potential suitors: Cubs, Dodgers, Mets, Padres, Yankees Contract prediction: Yankees, 4 years, $64 million
10. Brandon Lowe, second baseman
.260/.331/.493, 656 PA, 35 HR, 5.4 rWAR
Lowe signed a long-term deal early in his career, so he’s hitting free agency at age 32. But he timed it right, coming off a career-best 5.4 rWAR season with 35 home runs. His defense was fantastic at second base at +15 Outs Above Average, although some are skeptical that is sustainable. He strikes out a ton, and isn’t very good against lefties, but that kind of pop from a middle infielder is hard to find.
Potential suitors: Angels, Blue Jays, Braves, Padres, Pirates, Reds, Tigers, Yankees Contract prediction: Padres, 3 years, $60 million
11. David Bednar, relief pitcher
7-3, 2.47 ERA, 69.1 IP, 9.9 K/9, 1.9 rWAR
Bednar was optioned to the minors in early 2025, but he tweaked his repertoire with the Yankees, and he will likely cash in on a lucrative deal. He is the top “proven closer” available, leading the league in saves in 2023, and converting 35 last year. He’s already 32, but without a lot of big name relievers available, teams could overpay. The Yankees made him a Qualifying Offer, and they are interested in retaining him.
Potential suitors: Blue Jays, Cubs, Mets, Phillies, White Sox, Yankees Contract prediction: Cubs, 3 years, $54 million.
12. Clay Holmes, starting pitcher
6-8, 3.29 ERA, 101.1 IP, 6.9 K/9, 2.0 rWAR
Holmes became a starting pitcher in 2025, and has been solid in that role for two years, posting a 3.44 ERA over that time. He missed some time this year with a broken leg, and he didn’t finish strong with the Cubs. He’ll turn 34 in February, but he’s a decent mid-rotation pitcher who can induce groundballs.
Potential suitors: Braves, Cubs, Giants, Mariners, Mets, Padres, Reds, Royals Contract prediction: Mets, 3 years, $52 million
13. Kaima Taira, starting pitcher
12-5, 1.36 ERA, 146 IP, 8.7 K/9
Taira is a stocky, 5’8” right-hander nicknamed “Fire Hydrant”, who has spent time as a starter and reliever for the Seibu Lions. As a reliever, he throws in the high-90s with a fastball that can occasionally hit 100, with a mix of splitters and change ups. He will be 27 next season, so he is one of the youngest free agents available.
Potential suitors: Braves, Cubs, Giants, Mariners, Mets, White Sox, Yankees Contract prediction: White Sox, 3 years, $50 million
14. Sonny Gray, starting pitcher
18-5, 2.72 ERA, 169.0 IP, 7.9 K/9, 4.3 rWAR
Gray is coming off a strong season where he led the league in wins, but his declining strikeout numbers at age 36 will give teams pause. He said he wants to win a title next year, but has also cited a desire to stay close to his family in Tennessee.
Potential suitors: Braves, Cubs, Rangers, Rays, Reds, Red Sox Contract prediction: Braves, 2 years, $48 million
15. Jake Bauers, first baseman
.266/.389/.484, 578 PA, 26 HR, 3.3 rWAR
You likely heard multiple times during the postseason that Bauers was prepared to retire two years ago, only his wife got pregnant and needed health insurance, so he gave it one more shot. Good thing he did! Bauers finished with career highs in home runs (26), walks (94), on-base percentage (.389), slugging percentage (.484), and rWAR (3.3). He was a highly-touted prospect, so the talent was always there, the Brewers just unlocked it. He could accept the Qualifying Offer the Brewers made him, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him get a three-year offer.
Potential suitors: Brewers, Diamondbacks, Guardians, Mets, Twins Contract prediction: Mets, 3 years, $48 million
16. Foster Griffin, starting pitcher
15-6, 3.60 ERA, 172.2 IP, 8.2 K/9, 3.3 rWAR
The former Royals first-round pick went to Japan, and returned this year to win 15 games. He’s a “crafty lefty” with a fastball in the low-90s, but very good control and a deep arsenal. He doesn’t have a long track record of success as a big leaguer, but he showed enough that he should get a decent contract at age 31.
Potential suitors: Athletics, Cubs, Nationals, Padres, Rangers, Royals Contract prediction: Royals, 3 years, $48 million
17. Luis Arraez, second baseman
.310/.345/.419, 655 PA, 6 HR, 2.9 rWAR
People pegged Arraez as a butcher at second base and he got just a one-year deal last offseason. He showed them with a remarkable turnaround defensively this year. Teams may be skeptical of his +12 Outs Above Average, but he does not appear to be the liability he once was, and his bat can play at second base more than it could at first. He doesn’t have much power, but he’s perhaps the best contact hitter in the game, and someone will pay for that. It seems like he’s been around forever, but he hasn’t turned 30 yet.
Potential suitors: Giants, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Rangers, Tigers, Yankees Contract prediction: Phillies, 3 years, $46 million
18. Ian Happ, outfielder
.218/.326/.412, 636 PA, 24 HR, 2.9 rWAR
Happ is a four-time Gold Glove winner in left who has hit 20+ home runs in each of the last four seasons. He strikes out a ton, but has drawn 80+ walks in each of the last four years. He’s a switch-hitter who struggles against lefties, but in a fairly thin outfielder market, he could make out well.
Potential suitors: Cubs, Mariners, Orioles, Phillies, Pirates, Reds, Royals Contract prediction: Orioles, 3 years, $45 million
19. Nick Martinez, starting pitcher
15-6, 3.10 ERA, 180.0 IP, 5.5 K/9, 3.9 rWAR
Like Griffin, Martinez went to Japan for a few years, and returned to become an effective MLB starting pitcher. He had a career-best season this year with Tampa Bay, but he has a solid 3.56 ERA over the last three years pitching both as a starter and reliever. He had both the lowest strikeout rate and the lowest walk rate among all starters, so he’s a pitch-to-contact guy. The right-hander is already 36, so he’s probably looking at a two-year deal.
Potential suitors: Astros, Mets, Nationals, Orioles, Rays, Royals, White Sox Contract prediction: Tigers, 2 years, $34 million
20. Gleyber Torres, second baseman
.260/.364/.363, 420 PA, 8 HR, 2.0 rWAR
Torres has had a rough time in the free agent market, despite being a pretty solid top-of-the-order hitter. He was one of the youngest free agents available after the 2024 season, but signed a one-year deal with the Tigers, then accepted their Qualifying Offer the next year. He has been a solid 2-3 WAR player the last two seasons with an on-base percentage over .350, although he doesn’t provide much power.
Potential suitors: Angels, Padres, Pirates, Royals, Tigers Contract prediction: Pirates, 2 years, $32 million
21. Casey Mize, starting pitcher
6-10, 4.32 ERA, 131.1 IP, 7.5 K/9, 1.3 rWAR
Mize was having a great contract year until he was traded to the Padres and was awful down the stretch with a 7.46 ERA in ten starts. He would be looking at a “make-good” one-year deal or an opt out, but he has a good pedigree and is only 29 years old.
Potential suitors: Athletics, Braves, Diamondbacks, Mets, Nationals, Reds, Royals, Tigers Contract prediction: Red Sox, 2 years, $30 million
22. Mike Soroka, starting pitcher
9-5, 3.41 ERA, 116.0 IP, 8.8 K/9, 2.2 rWAR
Soroka is under 30 and can definitely miss bats. The question is whether he can stay healthy. It’s possible a team moves him to the pen to get more out of him, but he showed enough in 21 starts for the Diamondbacks last year that a team will take a chance on him in their rotation.
Potential suitors: Astros, Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Rays, Royals, White Sox Contract prediction: Rays, 2 years, $30 million
23. Kris Bubic, starting pitcher
Bubic is the left-handed version of Soroka – under 30, can miss bats, start or relieve, but could be in the pen to protect him from injury.
Potential suitors: Astros, Giants, Diamondbacks, Mets, Royals, White Sox Contract prediction: Giants, 2 years, $30 million
24. Hiromi Itoh, starting pitcher
10-10, 3.18 ERA, 172.2 IP, 8.3 K/9
Itoh is a durable right-hander who doesn’t wow with velocity, but throws strikes and eats innings. He is a high-floor, low-ceiling pitcher who will likely be a back-end rotation option.
Potential suitors: Athletics, Cardinals, Cubs, Giants, Nationals, Padres, White Sox Contract prediction: White Sox, 3 years, $30 million
25. Shota Imanaga, starting pitcher
11-10, 3.77 ERA, 174.1 IP, 9.0 K/9, 2.0 rWAR
Imanaga has settled in as a solid, mid-rotation starter with excellent control. The 33-year-old lefty is a big-time flyball pitcher that may benefit from getting away from Wrigley Field.
Potential suitors: Angels, Giants, Mets, Padres, Rays, White Sox Contract prediction: Padres, 2 years, $28 million.
26. Dustin May, starting pitcher
7-9, 4.70 ERA, 145.2 IP, 8.9 K/9, 0.3 rWAR
May doesn’t wow anyone with his ERA, but his peripherals looked much better and he’s an analytics darling that many expect will improve in the right situation. He is a big injury risk as a two-time Tommy John surgery survivor. He could be a back-end starter, or maybe he has a second life as a reliever.
Potential suitors: Angels, Brewers, Mets, Padres, Rays, Royals, White Sox Contract prediction: Brewers, 2 years, $24 million
27. Kevin Gausman, starting pitcher
9-12, 4.51 ERA, 177.2 IP, 9.3 K/9, 2.2 rWAR
Gausman had a disappointing season by his standards, posting his highest ERA since 2019. However, he still struck out 184 batters and logged 177.2 innings, demonstrating the durability that has made him one of baseball’s more dependable starters. He’ll turn 36 next season, so he probably won’t get a long-term commitment, but he should be an attractive option for teams looking for a veteran rotation anchor.
Potential suitors: Blue Jays, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Mets, Orioles, Royals Contract prediction: Blue Jays, 2 years, $24 million
28. Ty France, first baseman
.295/.363/.502, 500 PA, 21 HR, 4.5 rWAR
The Royals-killer had a tremendous bounce-back season with the Padres, posting career-best power numbers and a 139 OPS+. He was one of the better contact hitters in baseball, and at 32, he should have several productive seasons left. He doesn’t offer much defensive versatility, but a first baseman who can hit for average and power will have a market.
Potential suitors: Guardians, Mariners, Padres, Pirates, Twins Contract prediction: Guardians, 2 years, $24 million
29. Ryan Jeffers, catcher
.256/.353/.461, 369 PA, 14 HR, 2.8 rWAR
Jeffers is the best of a thin free agent catcher crop that includes Carson Kelly and Tyler Stephenson. The Twins surprisingly made Jeffers a Qualifying Offer, and he’d be wise to accept it.
Potential suitors: Mets, Orioles, Phillies, Twins Contract prediction: Twins, accepts 1 year, $23.15 million Qualifying Offer
30. Raisel Iglesias, relief pitcher
1-2, 2.55 ERA, 60.0 IP, 9.6 K/9, 34 SV, 1.4 rWAR
Iglesias remains one of the most dependable closers in baseball, recording at least 29 saves in each of the last four seasons with a career 2.87 ERA. He’ll turn 37 in January, so he probably won’t get a long-term deal, but he should be able to command a lucrative one-year contract.
Potential suitors: Braves, Cubs, Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, Red Sox, Yankees Contract prediction: Braves, 1 year, $18 million
Other notable free agents: Jason Adam, José Alvarado, Miguel Andujar, Josh Bell, Chris Bassitt, Shane Bieber, Alec Bohm, Matthew Boyd, J.P. Crawford, Mauricio Dubón, Zach Eflin, Zac Gallen, Adolis Garcia, Lucas Giolito, Jonathan India, Kenley Jansen, Carson Kelly, Ha-Seong Kim, Ramón Laureano, Nathaniel Lowe, Tyler Mahle, Jeff McNeill, Cedric Mullins, Emilio Pagán, Joc Pederson, David Peterson, Nick Pivetta, Robbie Ray, Luis Robert Jr., Brady Singer, Edmundo Sosa, George Springer, Eugenio Suárez, Tyrone Taylor, Lane Thomas, Daulton Varsho, Alex Vesia, Taylor Ward, Garrett Whitlock, Brandon Woodruff
This tagline harkens back to 1989 and a Michael Jordan-Spike Lee advertisement for Nike footwear. That’s when athletic footwear was in the early stages of what would become a revolution that remains ongoing.
While that advertising campaign was very much about who wore the shoes and what they might be able to do for the wearer, the quest to improve athletic performance continues. Sure, everyone wants good shoes, but today, the more interesting question is what those shoes — with a little technological boost — can tell players and coaches about performance.
Back in September, I wrote about the Catapult vests players were using to measure their throws and manage workloads. When I was working on that story, I stumbled onto another wearable that Colorado Rockies players and coaching staff are using to gather data to measure and improve player performance: Plantiga force plates.
The technology requires the use of an insole that fits into a player’s shoe. A “pod” is inserted into the insole that does the actual measuring.
According to Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer, Plantiga “is measuring how your body moves, how much force you’re putting into the ground, the workload, all that.”
It’s technology that Brandon Stone, Rockies manager of performance science, explained like this: “Similar to Catapult, Plantiga helps us understand player movement by measuring acceleration and rotation through inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology. We use these technologies as complementary tools within our broader toolbox to better understand player movement and how it may affect on-field performance.”
That’s a lot to take in, but Stone as well as some Rockies coaches and players further explained the technology, which underscores another way in which the organization is using data to support player development.
As Stone put it in a phone interview, “We’re trying to build an ecosystem of tools that help us understand how our players move so that we can help guide or prescribe or change things if we need to. I think ultimately it’s like what dials can we turn a little bit in order to help optimize performance and health.”
What are Plantiga force plates?
According to their website, Plantiga features “[l]ab-grade sensor technology embedded in comfortable insoles. Captures gait patterns, asymmetries, and loads at 416Hz with clinical precision.” (To visit Plantiga’s baseball page, click here.)
“What we’re trying to detect is the smoke before the fire,” Matthew Jordan, the vice president of performance science at Plantiga, told Fast Company. “Imagine you’re at the point where your knee is just at the cusp of the next day it’s going to be like, ‘My knee’s killing me. I can hardly walk.’ We can see in the data before you reach that tipping point.” (Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog is a poster child for Plantiga.)
Take a look at Jake McCarthy’s Plantiga insole and pod:
“You don’t feel them or anything,” said relief pitcher Zach Agnos, who was an early Plantiga adopter.
After a player finishes doing his daily work, he pops out the pod and places it in the Plantiga charging dock located in the Rockies clubhouse. Then, the data is uploaded to the cloud and analyzed. That information is converted into a report that goes to a number of Rockies training staff, including Stone and bullpen coach Matt Buschmann.
Buschmann and Stone worked together when they were with the Toronto Blue Jays, so their collaboration on wearable technology is a logical evolution of their relationship.
“It was a really easy partnership to kind of get off the ground,” Stone said. “I try to be as available as possible during the day in season with the guys, too, so that we’re working hand in hand, and obviously (Buschmann’s) helping guide that from from the bullpen standpoint.”
Here’s how Buschamann explains the relationship between Catapult and Plantiga: “Catapult tells me (a player’s) volume and intensity. That tells you similar things, but it’s going to give us the strategy. So Catapult tells me how hard you’re throwing it. (Plantinga) tells me how you’re doing it that hard, whether you’re doing it differently from in the past, whether you’re doing more off your right leg compared to your left leg.”
And those changes have the potential to be significant.
“So a lot of times,” Buschmann said, “what that can do is tell you if you’re trying to attain something in a different way. That’s not a bad flag. It’s just like, ‘Well why?’ And if that why is because maybe you’re fatigued or maybe you’re dealing with some kind of stiffness or soreness, hopefully, that allows us to see that and kind of stop that before it becomes a larger problem down the road because (in) baseball, a lot of times, injuries are just small things become big things over time.
In other words, Plantiga allows the Rockies to establish a baseline for a player’s movements. Then, the coaching staff can look for changes in a player’s typical movement patterns and make adjustments.
“I would say we build a report off of the data,” Stone said, “and then, it’s just checking in and saying, ‘Is this within the player’s norm?’ And if it’s not, I think what we first do is just ask questions. So we try to aggregate information across the spectrum — and that’s all departments, not just performance science and pitching, but obviously, physical performance, medical and athletic training, mental skills, nutrition. All of those pieces are just as involved. We’re just trying to help say, ‘Okay, if a player’s movement patterns or their ability to be strong and fast and powerful, if those are changing, what’s changing? Why is it changing? And how can we positively impact that?’”
Those differences may be significant in terms of player performance.
“Fatigue is inevitable,” Stone said. “How you fatigue is going to be individual based on you.“
Plantiga gives the Rockies a way to measure that fatigue and then create an adjustment plan.
“Every player has a different amount of strength, power, speed, stuff that we all see,” Stone said, using McCarthy as an example.
“Jake McCarthy is super fast,” Stone said. “We obviously want to preserve that as much as possible. We also know that, based on science and research, he’s going to probably fatigue a certain way, and that way is going to be very individualized to him. So part of it is, as those things happen, are we managing it well? And then, really, all you’re trying to do is, if and when those things ebb and flow, you’re trying to adjust their routines.”
That’s where clear collaboration and communication between Rockies staff and players come into play.
“I think that’s the key relationship between the other performance departments. (The player might need) a recovery routine, a weight room routine, a mental skills routine. It might simply be adjusting nutrition, especially with the way that our travel goes in and out of altitude.”
Rather than seeing Plantiga as a tool for injury prevention, Stone views it a bit differently.
“If we can if we can maintain as robust of a mover and an athlete as he is throughout the year, then by proxy we’re hoping that we’re mitigating compensations or deviations in how they’re accomplishing running, jumping, throwing, swinging, fielding.”
It’s a balance.
“I’d say that Plantiga is, again, a little bit more like, how are they responding to the day-in, day-out work? And how are their general movements locomotively changing? And if those two things are lining up, then we’re working with all the other departments to help potentially adjust a player’s routine so that, again, they can maximize their performance during the game.
What do the players say?
Outfielder Jake McCarthy, who logs a lot of miles between getting on base and running to the outfield throughout the game, is a fan. In the same way that Catapult can help pitchers manager their workloads, Plantiga can assist McCarthy in tracking his work.
“Running is a big part of my game,” McCarthy said, “so I’m like, ‘Hey, man, if you see anything that maybe is a red flag, please let me know.’ So I’m pretty interested.”
He added, “You know how much output force, how much you ran during the day, the speeds you’re running at.”
And he likes knowing the numbers, too.
“I think it’s cool to see the top speeds and stuff like that,” McCarthy said.
Plus, it provides an objective measure of what he’s done.
“If we play a four-hour game where I’m running around in the outfield a ton, they’ll kind of be like, ‘Hey, your workload was way higher than it’s been all year, so maybe make sure you’re drinking enough water, doing some recovery.’ So again, just a ton of stuff to learn from.”
That’s how a position player uses Plantiga. But what about a pitcher?
Zach Agnos provided some insight.
“You wear them when you throw before the game, so it can measure how much you throw in your workload and how much force you’re using, so it basically gets you a gauge on what intensity you’re at that day,” Agnos said.
“A day after you pitch,” he added, “you want to be lower intensity, so you can kind of match up the the workload, and then on the mound, you can pair it up with the biomechanics stuff around the stadium.”
That’s where Stone and his staff come in.
“Our guy Brandon Stone will look at it and let you know what you’re doing well, if something was off a little bit from that night compared to the baseline average for you. So it’s a really good way to not only measure workload but just to kind of get a basis of where you’re at and production of force and all that stuff and transfer.”
Stone commented on an interesting example that included Agnos, who, during the course of the season, moved to the third-base-side of the rubber.
“I would say in-game biomechanics is going to be the first thing that we look at to see if and when we make changes with pitchers,” Stone said. “Ultimately, performance is going to dictate that. But I would say from my role specifically, how are they moving to create that output? And if they’re moving well, then you feel more comfortable about that change.”
Then he added, “And again, I think that’s where generally you can say Plantiga would come in: Does he have the movement capacity to make the move on the rubber? Plantiga would be one of four to five tools that we use within that movement assessment paradigm to say, ‘Hey, we think he’s got the capacity. Okay, we’re going to make the move.’ And then we’re using the in-game data to really help drive if that move has been helpful from a performance standpoint. And then closing the loop is that periodically through the movements assessments with Plantiga is saying, ‘Okay, he’s not compensating based on the move on the rubber.’”
Like McCarthy, Agnos is a fan.
“I think it’s a really good tool for us to have.”
Why does it matter?
Joelle Milholm spent time last month examining how the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers are finding advantages that help them win, including through their use technology.
Like Catapult, the Rockies use of Plantiga shows a team catching up and using technology to improve player performance.
Although the odds are unlikely that Plantiga inserts will transform the Rockies into a Michael-Jordanesque team in 2027, like Mike’s shoes, they’re another implement in the Rockies growing data toolbox.
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - AUGUST 21: Jason Schiavone #44 of the Corpus Christi Hooks rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the second inning during the game between the Midland RockHounds and the Corpus Christi Hooks at Whataburger Field on Friday, August 21, 2026 in Corpus Christi, Texas. (Photo by Vanessa Buentello/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
The Corpus Christi Hooks had an up and down 2026 season, but still had some strong performers. Let’s take a look.
Corpus Christi Hooks 2026 Record: 62-76
The Hooks opened the season going 11-13 in 24 games in April. In May, they had another month just below .500 going 13-14 over 27 games. In June the sub .500 play continued as they went 11-14. In July, the Hooks went 12-12 over 24 games. They played 26 games in August going 11-15. They finished the season in September going 4-8. It was a rough season for the Hooks.
IP – James Hicks (119.0) W – Amilcar Chirinos (6) SV – Amilcar Chirinos (8) SO – James Hicks (104) ERA – Bryce Mayer (2.61)
NOTABLES
Trevor Austin, INF Austin was signed as an undrafted free agent and has made his way to Double-A in 2026, and has really performed well. The 24-year-old finished the season with a .803 OPS while also leading the team in doubles, (22), home runs (21), runs batted in (54) and hits (96). He played four different positions with the majority of his time coming at third base. It was a big time season for the undrafted free agent.
Bryce Mayer, RHP Mayer, the Astros Minor League Pitcher of the Year in both 2025 and 2026, put together an even better season in 2026. The right-hander started a bit slow but quickly turned things around, posting a 2.61 ERA with 100 strikeouts over 69 innings in Double-A. Mayer earned a promotion to Triple-A, where he posted a 5.45 ERA but still showed his ability to miss bats, striking out 40 over 33 innings.
Jason Schiavone, C Schiavone put together a monster breakout season. The 23-year-old catcher got off to a hot start in Asheville hitting .289 with 17 home runs in 35 games. He earned a promotion to Double-A where he hit 14 more home runs to go along with 20 stolen bases. He finished the 2026 season in Triple-A and had 32 home runs and 32 stolen bases, the first 30 HR/30 SB for a catcher in 45 years putting himself in a strong spot for Spring Training in 2027.
Alex Santos II, RHP Santos was drafted by the Astros in the second round of the 2020 draft and has taken a long road through the system, spending multiple seasons in rookie ball before eventually reaching Double-A. After moving to the bullpen this season, Santos has posted a 2.91 ERA with 100 strikeouts over 65.0 innings. He finished the season on a tear posting a 1.09 ERA with 65 strikeouts over 41.1 innings including a 0.77 ERA over 11.2 innings in Triple-A.
Yamal Encarnacion, INF Encarnacion put together a very intriguing 2026 season. While the wRC+ was a little below average, the switch hitting infielder led all of the Astros system (full-season) in stolen bases with 48 while also connecting on 18 doubles, 4 triples and 5 home runs. He is a spark plug type of player and was awarded the Standard Award by the Astros, highlighting his positive impact on and off the field.
Jackson Nezuh, RHP After a breakout 2024 season, Nezuh struggled some in 2025 but he re found his form in 2026. The rtight-hander started the season in Double-A and had a 3.97 ERA with 80 strikeouts in 65.2 innings. He was promoted to Triple-A where he was even better posting. 3.58 ERA with 44 K over 37.2 innings. He totaled 124 strikeouts over 103.1 innings and put himself in contention for a big league spot next season.
Will Bush, C Bush, the Astros 16th round pick in the 2023 draft, had a solid. season in 2026. The catcher played in 99 games for the Hooks and posted a .757 OPS with 13 home runs and 17 stolen bases. Behind the plated, the 22-year-old threw out 17% of base runners. Bush drew a lot of walks too, collecting 73 of them in those 99 games.
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 1: Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 high fives Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game against the Toronto Raptors on November 1, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. 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 Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After a relatively slow crawl to start the season, the Lakers had their first instance of five games in seven days with back-to-backs bookending the stretch.
There was lots of good and some very notable bad. The team earned wins over Toronto and Miami, but also had an ugly loss to the Warriors and a shootout with the Blazers.
So, it gives us plenty to talk about in our latest mailbag. Fire your questions about the Lakers or NBA or WNBA away.
NEW YORK - JUNE 25: (L-R) Jordan Hill, Stephen Curry, Hasheem Thabeet, NBA Commissioner David Stern, Ricky Rubio, Blake Griffin and James Harden pose for a portrait during the 2009 NBA Draft on June 25, 2009 at the WaMu Theatre in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
CONTINUATION OF THE “WHAT IF” WOLVES SERIES. IN THIS SERIES, I PLAY THE ROLE OF TIMBERWOLVES OVERLORD AND GO BACK IN TIME AND RIGHT SOME OF THE WRONGS OF OUR FAVORITE FRANCHISE. SINCE THIS IS THE TIMBERWOLVES, THERE ARE A LOT OF WRONGS. THIS SERIES MAY GO ON FOREVER.
“What If” Wolves Volume 6: “Khan, you bloodsucker!” – Captain James T. Kirk or JetAllen
When the Minnesota Timberwolves acquired LaMelo Ball this offseason, I found myself asking a simple question: did the Wolves finally solve their point guard problem? Early returns are optimistic at this point. Some good games, some not so. But based on history, what else should we expect from this franchise?
The Timberwolves have been through point guard after point guard. None of them seem to last long, if at all. This team has been going through PGs like Spinal Tap goes through drummers. RIP Peter James Bond.
The Timberwolves started off by taking what they thought was a franchise cornerstone in Pooh Richardson, their first-ever draft pick. We have previously discussed why that didn’t work out in the first “What If” Wolves article. Since picking Pooh, the Wolves have struggled to find a franchise player at the one. There have been some solid players, even All-Stars, but they were always short stints. The point guard problem should have been solved by now, and hopefully it finally is with Ball, but repeated mistakes have left this position in a constant state of flux.
I had originally planned to write an article focusing only on the reign of terror brought to this franchise by former General Manager David Kahn. But my liquor cabinet was only half-stocked at the time, and I would need copious amounts of booze to relive that whole ordeal. Instead, we will focus on one issue. One teeny, tiny issue that I consider the biggest mistake in franchise history.
David Kahn was on the job for exactly 33 days (trust me, I counted) when he made quite possibly the greatest trade in Timberwolves history.
Kahn traded former Rookie of the Year Mike Miller and guard Randy Foye to the Washington Wizards for Etan Thomas, Darius Songaila, Oleksiy Pecherov, and the fifth pick in the upcoming 2009 NBA Draft. Only Pecherov would ever play for the Wolves (44 games), but the prize of the trade was the pick. With the addition of the fifth overall pick, MN would now draft back-to-back with the fifth and sixth picks.
With the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Timberwolves selected my (and Leo’s) favorite player of all time, Ricky Rubio.
NEW YORK – JUNE 25: Ricky Rubio, selected number five overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves poses for a portrait during the 2009 NBA Draft on June 25, 2009 at the WaMu Theatre in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Rubio was a dynamic PG from Spain. His list of accomplishments overseas was incredible: he turned pro at 14 years old, won the Rising Star Award, FIBA Young Player of the Year Award, was named Spanish ACB League’s best point guard, Defensive Player of the Year, and won a EuroLeague Championship. Quite the trophy room.
But I believe what put Ricky at the top of the draft class was his final performance of the 2006 Europe Under-16 Championship, where he scored 51 points, grabbed 24 rebounds, had 12 assists, and stole the ball 7 times. One of the greatest games ever played. Rubio also held his own in the 2008 Olympic Finals against the USA, where Ricky went up against the likes of Jason Kidd, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, and Kobe Bryant.
To me, Rubio was a lock with the 5th pick in the draft. But man, did Kahn ever mess up the next pick. This is where the “What If” Wolves will take over, fire Kahn immediately, and take the player that I was begging the Timberwolves to take.
I remember the draft like it was yesterday. I was sitting on the couch at my in-laws’ house. My son was born a few months prior, so we were at the grandparents’ house to get some baby relief. And I was yelling at the television.
David Kahn was on the job for exactly 34 days (trust me, I counted again) when he made the biggest mistake in Timberwolves history.
Kahn had drafted Jonny Flynn.
With Ricky Rubio in the fold, my thoughts were to get him a lights out shooter that can pair with him in the backcourt. Rubio had already proven that he could lock down defensively (yes, bigger guards would have been a problem, but only a few teams had elite big guards that operated out of the post), so the other guard could take on the smaller matchup. So who was the best shooter in the draft? Not Jonny Flynn, I can tell you that.
With the 6th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the “What If” Wolves selected Wardell Stephen Curry II from Davidson College.
NEW YORK – JUNE 25: Stephen Curry, selected seventh overall by the Golden State Warriors speaks to Mark Jones of ESPN during the 2009 NBA Draft on June 25, 2009 at The WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Steph Curry was the best story coming out of the 2008 NCAA Tournament. Curry owned March Madness that year by beating larger schools Gonzaga (40 points), Georgetown (30 points), and Wisconsin (32 points) before eventually losing in the Elite Eight to Kansas (25 points). Curry would leave tiny Davidson College the following year after being named to the All-American First Team, leading the nation in scoring (28.6 ppg), and shooting 41% on three-pointers for his college career. In my eyes, Curry was the perfect complement to Ricky Rubio (Watch how effortless Curry’s game is in the video below).
So why did Kahn select Flynn over Curry?
David Kahn compared Flynn and Rubio to Hall of Famers Earl Monroe and Walt Frazier of the New York Knicks. I can sort of see the familiarities with the flash of Rubio and Monroe along with the defense of Flynn and Frazier. But both Pearl and Clyde could score. Flynn couldn’t shoot a lick, finishing his career shooting 33% from three and 40% overall from the field. Don’t get me wrong, Rubio shot just as bad for his career, but he found a way to average double digits in scoring for his career, plus he was an elite set-up man.
There were also some issues with good ol’ dad when it came to drafting Steph Curry. Dell Curry was a great shooter with the Charlotte Hornets in the 90s (40% career three-point shooter) and taught his boys how to let it fly. He also was trying to force his eldest son to get drafted by the Knicks, who owned the 8th overall pick.
That’s right. Dell didn’t want his kid to go to the Golden State Warriors either. So why did they not listen to the father’s threats? Well, they didn’t have David Kahn as a GM, and since the “What If” Wolves fired Kahn, neither do we. We ignore Dell’s wishes and take Curry right after Rubio.
David Kahn looking over his shoulder as he is about to be fired. | NBAE via Getty Images
Now, if this fantasy scenario plays out according to my plan, the Timberwolves don’t have to wait two years for Rubio’s arrival like in reality. Ricky comes over as an 18-year-old PG prodigy with impervious knees. Steph plays at the shooting guard position offensively. Being off-ball saves his ankles a bit, and his career trajectory starts on a more positive note. Rubio and Curry switch defensively, and both play the passing lanes for easy steals. Rubio now has a more open lane to finish at the rim due to the actual threat of a Curry three-pointer (Wolves shot 34% as a team in 2009-10).
The pace of play is quickened after great outlet passes from Kevin Love. And the “What If” Wolves become a playoff contender for the first time since Kevin Garnett was traded to Boston. Hell, KG might even come back earlier if he gets to play with Rubio and Curry. Rubio may still eventually be traded, or he retires to go back home to Spain, but Curry would then slide over to the point, and all would be right in the world. Curry would go on to possibly beat out KG as the best Timberwolf of all time. As a consolation, he would at least go down as the best point guard. Unless Melo gets us a chip.
Just for fun, here is a top ten list of the most games started at the point guard position for the Timberwolves.
Ricky Rubio – 384 games started (two separate stints)
Pooh Richardson – 212
Luke Ridnour – 201
Terrell Brandon – 197
Mike Conley – 179
Stephon Marbury – 163
D’Angelo Russell – 157
Michael Williams – 150
Jeff Teague – 124
Sam Cassell – 119
Bonus: Jonny Flynn – 89 games started for the Timberwolves (only a three year NBA career)
Bonus Bonus: Stephen Curry – 1065 regular season games started for the Golden State Warriors, 149 playoff games started.
Bonus Bonus Bonus: Steph would’ve been too miserable to start any games with his prized golf courses covered in snow.
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 24: A detailed view of an MLB logo on an on deck circle is seen at Nationals Park on August 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Major League Baseball offseason technically began last week, after the Milwaukee Brewers closed out the World Series last Wednesday, and free agency began on Thursday.
Nine Dodgers became free agents last week, headlined by Tarik Skubal and four relievers who were the longest-tenured pitchers on the team’s 40-man roster. By Monday, all major league contract options were resolved and the free agent pool grew to 183 players, now free to sign with whatever team they want.
Monday, the fifth day after the World Series, was also the day teams could extend qualifying offers to their free agents. Skubal, because he changed teams midseason, was ineligible for a qualifying offer, but eight players on Monday did receive them, a one-year, $23.15 million offer they have until November 17 to accept or decline.
Monday was also the day teams removed players from the 60-day injured list, making them now count against the 40-man roster. For the Dodgers, that meant Ben Casparius, Jake Cousins, Will Klein, and Gavin Stone, giving the team now 37 players on the 40-man roster.
Some teams had roster crunches, and with Monday’s maneuvering 17 different players were claimed off waivers, none by or from the Dodgers, and 30 others were sent outright to the minors and off the 40-man rosters. Nobody was outrighted by the Dodgers yet this offseason.
