Pablo López to have season-ending Tommy John surgery

2026 is already void of Pablo Days. | Stephen Maturen / Getty Images

As many suspected once the news of Pablo López’s ligament tear broke, the right-hander’s season is over.

One day into the 2026 season, the Twins lost their #1 starter to an elbow injury during live batting practice. López will now spend the season recovering after doctors reconstruct his elbow.

In terms of roster construction, this immediately knocks askew any perceptions of trying to win with this roster constructed from pockets sewn shallow. Joe Ryan, who spent last year in Cy Young contention, stays at the top of the rotation unless or until he gets traded; behind him, the Twins have a handful of back-of-rotation players, at least one of which now have to elevate their play if the team hopes to, as ownership insists, win with the guys they have.

We’ve already discussed on the site the different options Minnesota has to fill out their rotation, whether through elevated an untested player or bringing in someone still on the market. But whichever option the front office chooses, the team now lacks one of their best players, an energetic fan favorite.

The news of López’s surgery was not a surprise, but to all Twins fans, it was a disappointment, and fewer and fewer will be looking forward to the 2026 season. It’s still baseball, but the excitement that comes with spring has faded.

Friday Bantering: Eric Lauer and Other Jays Notes

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Eric Lauer #56 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 15th inning in game three of the 2025 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After that Canada/Finland, I’m sure I’m five pounds lighter.

Tomorrow, we get our first real fake baseball game of the year. The Jays are playing the Philles in Dunedin. It is a 1:00 pm start time and it will be on Sportsnet 1. Eric Lauer is listed to start the game.

And speaking of Lauer, he told Gregor Chisholm that, he felt, the Jays told him he would be in the starting rotation this season. But, after adding, Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, there might not be a spot for him.

“It is a little frustrating,” Lauer admitted during an interview with the Star this week. “I mean, I was told last year some things, like, for certain would happen this year, and then we made some moves.

“We got some great guys, so I’m not mad about that, but I think I’m still in a position where I’m in a great spot to produce and all I have to do is go out there and do it.”

I do feel for him. He was terrific last year, and, generally, that would mean he would have a spot in the rotation. But the team does have to do what they think is best, they had the chance to improve the pitching staff. It would be wrong not to do it.

Having the extra arm is great for the team, but not so great for Eric. If he starts the season in the bullpen and stays there for a couple of months, it would be hard to see him switching back to the rotation. If he really wants to be a starter, I guess he could ask for a trade, though it might be hard to leave a team that made it to the World Series.

He is a free agent after the season. If he were to get 30 starts and pitch the way he had last year, he’d be looking at a big contract. If he is a long reliever, he would likely be looking at far less of a payday.


Beyond that there isn’t a lot for Jays’ News:

  • Kevin Gausman talked about the possibility of retiring after the season. I’m expecting that he’ll be good enough this year to get offers that he would have a hard time refusing.
  • Shane Bieber is further ahead than the Jays thought he would be. He’s throwing ‘120 feet’. There is no rush to get him onto the mound, but he might get there sooner than we figured.
  • Shi Davidi tells us that Ricky Tiedeman feels good, thinks he’s ready to contribute and that he threw two simulated innings yesterday.

Happy Friday.

Live Game Discussions for All St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training Games Here

Feb 16, 2026; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt (77) during spring training workouts at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

I don’t have anything especially profound to share with you other than one new fact. We’ll have live game discussion threads for all of the St. Louis Cardinals regular season games obviously, but also now for all of the Spring Training games.

In a normal world, there wouldn’t be a lot to talk about during Spring Training, but the St. Louis Cardinals are in a pivotal year where there should be plenty to discuss. How does JJ Wetherholt look so far? Do Jordan Walker’s swing decisions look any better? We’ll have so many opportunities to overanalyze and overreact to everything and anything the St. Louis Cardinals do until they break camp for the regular season.

First Spring Training game is Saturday, February 21 at 12:05pm central time as the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Washington Nationals. I plan to be here and I invite you to the Spring Training baseball discussion party, too.

Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training Gameday Thread, #1

SCOTTSDALE, - MARCH 16: A general view of Salt River Fields prior to the 2024 Spring Breakout Game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Saturday, March 16, 2024 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Jill Weisleder/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

And so, it begins! The first time our D-backs have taken the field since September 28, and we now begin the slow march towards Opening Day, in slightly less than five weeks. You may be looking at the line-up above, and be going “Who?” with regard to our first starting pitcher of the season, Thomas Hatch. Well, unless you did the smart thing, and have been reading our series on non-roster invitees, anyway. 🙂 But to save you a click, he seems very much like a depth piece, with underwhelming numbers, and the peripherals don’t exactly stand out at great either. Still, someone has to throw these innings.

After Hatch, we should expect to see some or all of these over the rest of the game: RHP Andrew Hoffmann, LHP Philip Abner, RHP Isaiah Campbell, RHP John Curtiss, RHP Taylor Rashi and RHP Bryce Jarvis.

Otherwise, and with the obvious exception of right field, this looks – at least for the first couple of innings – quite close to what might be our Opening Day line-up. But plenty of time for things to change, between now and then. The good news. Today’s game will be a free broadcast through dbacks.tv. You just need to register with an email address. The bad news? It’s the Rockies broadcast, so you should probably expect only tangential mention of the Diamondbacks. Still, it’s baseball, and you can watch it. Beats working, certainly.

2026: Spring Training Game #1: Open Game Thread

One upshot of the Mariners’ deep playoff run in 2025 is that fans have been gifted with the shortest offseason in Mariners history. It’s been exactly four months since Game 7 of the ALCS. Those four months have contained multitudes: a rollercoaster of emotions, the stages of grief, one of the most exciting free agent signings of the last decade in Josh Naylor, and somehow the same offseason discourse that we have every year.

All of that has led us here.

It’s not quite an Opening Day lineup. Julio isn’t playing the field. Luke Raley is leading off. Michael Arroyo and Colt Emerson are getting some run, which means Cole Young and Brendan Donovan will wait to make their Spring Training debuts. Dane Dunning is neat, but hopefully won’t be a significant part of the 2026 Mariner rotation.

But it doesn’t particularly matter who’s in the lineup. It’s baseball. It’s televised baseball. The frigid weather in Seattle tells us it’s still winter, but the sunny warmth of Peoria we can see through the screen gives us a preview of what’s to come.

Oh yeah, and the Padres play too.

It’ll be all Dane Dunning can do to keep Padres legends Nick Castellanos and Ty France under control, lest this game get out of hand.

Game time: 12:10 PM PT

Watch: The shiny new Mariners.tv (the successor to Root, if you were living under a rock all winter)

Listen: Seattle Sports 710 AM

If you’ve never commented before, a game thread is a great place to get your feet wet because the energy tends to move quickly. Think of the game thread like you’re watching a game with friends (or a friend of a friend, if you’re new here) – sort of a virtual living room or neighborhood bar – and treat it with the same respect you’d give the time and talents of real-life people (including your overworked and underpaid bartenders, aka the mods and staff). Even if you’re not ready to jump into the conversation yet, signing up for an account and signing in gives you a better experience on the site and is recommended, and as a bonus helps us out as a site as well.

Join the conversation!

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Game Thread: White Sox (0-0) at Cubs (0-0)

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 15: Chase Meidroth (L) #10 and Munetaka Murakami #5 of the Chicago White Sox high five during spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch on February 15, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Even if there are some of you out there who, for whatever twisted reasons, root for the White Sox to lose, on one thing we should be able to agree: Beat the Cubs, always.

That includes a Cactus League opener on the road, with roughly three players likely to be in the White Sox lineup on Opening Day:

Jonathan Cannon, possibly THE mystery man at Camelback Ranch with regard to outcomes (heck, anywhere from Opening Day starter if he kills in Arizona to outright released if he picks up where he left off in 2025), gets the nod to start. As Malachi Hayes surmised earlier today, Cannon is on the outside looking in to the 2026 rotation — but the competition is open.

And there are a number of bubble players in the lineup as well, who figure to see a lot of game action as the White Sox bench gets sorted out: Curtis Mead at third base, Derek Hill in center, Korey Lee DHing, Tristan Peters in right and Tanner Murray playing shortstop.

No White Sox TV broadcast today, but you can catch the radio call at WMVP-AM 1000. First pitch is at 2:05 p.m. CT.

Carlos Carrasco will start spring training opener for Braves

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 07: Carlos Carrasco #59 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on August 07, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We’re officially one night’s sleep away from getting the Grapefruit League underway for the Atlanta Braves. With that being said, the team sure took their time before letting everybody know who’d be playing and most importantly, who’d be starting on the mound over in Port Charlotte against the Tampa Bay Rays.

As it turns out, ol’ Cookie Carrasco will be getting the ball to start the first game of spring training for the Braves. Atlanta Braves beat writer for MLB.com Mark Bowman also reported that Mike Yastrzemski, Jonah Heim, Eli White and Jorge Mateo will be playing as well.

As you would imagine since this is a spring training road game in February, we aren’t going to see too many big names in action away from CoolToday Park in North Port. Instead we’re going to see a very young squad with the aforementioned veterans peppered in there, alongside Carlos Carrasco making the start. Carrasco figures to be a very long shot to make the rotation for Opening Day but he’ll be getting the opportunity to hopefully make a good impression in his spring debut.

Bowman also mentioned that John Gil will play, albeit coming off of the bench. There’s a lot of excitement surrounding John Gil lately, as he is entering 2026 following a very good 2025 campaign and has already been garnering a lot of positive attention during spring training so far. It sure seems like he’ll be one of the main prospects to keep an eye on as the spring training progresses and he’ll certainly be one to keep an eye on during tomorrow’s contest.

So while we won’t see a lot of the familiar faces that we’ve grown used to over the years with this current era of the Atlanta Braves, we’re still very, very close to seeing the Atlanta Braves in action once again. Happy days are here again.

Longest-tenured Dodgers list enters a new era

Aug 19, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) is greeted by catcher Will Smith (16) after hitting a two run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Last season was a year of roster transition for the Dodgers, who cut ties with longtime mainstays Chris Taylor and Austin Barnes in May, then Clayton Kershaw retired after 18 seasons. Those were the three longest-tenured players on the team.

So let’s look at the current roster and find the new deans. If we go by date added to the 40-man roster, Max Muncy is the longest-tenured Dodger, having joined them on April 17, 2018. If we go by date joining the organization, it’s catcher Will Smith, who signed on June 21, 2016 after getting drafted in the first round. Each are second on the other list, and both will be around for a while. Muncy signed through 2027 with a club option in 2028, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if that goes even longer through the end of his career. Smith is signed all the way through 2033.

For purposes of accounting, if a player reached free agency and re-signed with the Dodgers without going anywhere else, I included them as having stayed continuously. Evan Phillips, who was non-tendered in November but re-signed last week, still counts has having been a Dodger since they claimed him off waivers during the 2021 season, for instance. Neither Smith nor Muncy have reached free agency since joining the Dodgers.

A few other fun facts about the Dodgers 40-man roster:

  • Edgardo Henriquez, born in June 2002, is both the second-youngest Dodger on the roster (one month older than Ronan Kopp) and fourth-longest-tenured, having signed in September 2018.
  • Andy Pages, born in December 2000, is the fifth-youngest Dodger and the third-longest-tenured, having signed in March 2018.
  • Ryan Ward was just added to the 40-man roster in November but has yet to play a game in the majors, but he was drafted in the eighth round in 2019 and is the fifth-longest-tenured player by date acquired.
  • Mookie Betts and Brusdar Graterol are tied for fourth-longest on the 40-man roster, both acquired back on February 10, 2020, and are tied for seventh-longest in the organization.
PosPlayer2026 ageBirthdate40-manAcquired
3BMax Muncy35Aug 25, 1990Apr 17, 2018Apr 28, 2017
CWill Smith31Mar 28, 1995May 27, 2019Jun 21, 2016
RHPBlake Treinen38Jun 30, 1998Dec 15, 2019Dec 15, 2019
RHPBrusdar Graterol27Aug 26, 1998Feb 10, 2020Feb 10, 2020
SSMookie Betts33Oct 7, 1992Feb 10, 2020Feb 10, 2020
LHPAlex Vesia30Apr 11, 1996Feb 12, 2021Feb 12, 2021
RHPEvan Phillips31Sep 11, 1994Aug 16, 2021Aug 16, 2021
1BFreddie Freeman36Sep 12, 1989Mar 18, 2022Mar 18, 2022
OFAndy Pages25Dec 8, 2000Nov 15, 2022Mar 1, 2018
IFMiguel Rojas37Feb 24, 1989Jan 11, 2023Jan 11, 2023
SPGavin Stone27Oct 15, 1998May 2, 2023Jun 17, 2020
RHPBobby Miller27Apr 5, 1999May 23, 2023Jun 22, 2020
SPEmmet Sheehan26Nov 15, 1999Jun 16, 2023Jul 23, 2021
IF/OFKiké Hernández33Aug 24, 1991Jul 25, 2023Jul 25, 2023
RHPKyle Hurt28May 30, 1998Sep 12, 2023Feb 12, 2021
SPLandon Knack28Jul 15, 1997Nov 14, 2023Jun 29, 2020
DH/SPShohei Ohtani31Jul 5, 1994Dec 11, 2023Dec 11, 2023
SPTyler Glasnow32Aug 23, 1993Dec 16, 2023Dec 16, 2023
SPYoshinobu Yamamoto 27Aug 17, 1998Dec 27, 2023Dec 27, 2023
OFTeoscar Hernández33Oct 15, 1992Jan 12, 2024Jan 12, 2024
LHPJustin Wrobleski25Jul 14, 2000Jul 7, 2024Jul 26, 2021
SPRiver Ryan27Aug 17, 1998Jul 22, 2024Mar 28, 2022
IF/OFTommy Edman31May 9, 1995Jul 29, 2024Jul 29, 2024
RHPBen Casparius27Feb 11, 1999Aug 18, 2024Jul 23, 2021
RHPEdgardo Henriquez24Jun 24, 2002Sep 24, 2024Sep 25, 2018
LHPJack Dreyer27Feb 27, 1999Nov 19, 2024Aug 3, 2021
SPBlake Snell33Dec 4, 1992Nov 30, 2024Nov 30, 2024
2B/CFHyeseong Kim27Jan 27, 1999Jan 3, 2025Jan 3, 2025
LHPTanner Scott31Jul 22, 1994Jan 23, 2025Jan 23, 2025
SPRoki Sasaki24Nov 3, 2001Mar 17, 2025Jan 22, 2025
CDalton Rushing25Feb 21, 2001May 14, 2025Aug 1, 2022
RHPWill Klein26Nov 28, 1999Jun 2, 2025Jun 2, 2025
IFAlex Freeland24Aug 24, 2001Jul 29, 2025Aug 1, 2022
RHPPaul Gervase26May 23, 2000Jul 31, 2025Jul 31, 2025
OFAlex Call31Sep 27, 1994Jul 31, 2025Jul 31, 2025
RHPBrock Stewart34Oct 3, 1991Jul 31, 2025Jul 31, 2025
LF/RF/1BRyan Ward28Feb 23, 1998Nov 6, 2025Jun 11, 2019
LHPRonan Kopp23Jul 28, 2002Nov 18, 2025Jul 23, 2021
RHPEdwin Díaz32Mar 22, 1994Dec 12, 2025Dec 12, 2025
OFKyle Tucker29Jan 17, 1997Jan 21, 2026Jan 21, 2026
OFMichael Siani26Jul 16, 1999Feb 3, 2026Feb 3, 2026
sorted by date added to 40-man roster

Colorado Rockies spring training game no. 1 thread: Thomas Hatch vs. Antonio Senzatela

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 10: Antonio Senzatela #49 of the Colorado Rockies delivers a pitch during a bullpen session at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 10, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kyle Cooper/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Baseball is finally back!

After one of the most interesting offseasons in franchise history, the new era of Colorado Rockies baseball finally begins today with the first game of Cactus League play. The Rockies open up play against their roommates, the Arizona Diamondbacks, at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

Antonio Senzatela will take the pill for the Rockies, kicking off what may be an important spring training for the veteran right-hander. 2025 was a disastrous year as Senzatela struggled to be effective and was eventually relegated to the bullpen. However, one of the important things was that he was able to stay healthy. Under the new leadership, Senzatela is aiming to expand his pitch-mix and prove himself a capable starter in the final guaranteed year of his contract.

For the Diamondbacks, Thomas Hatch will make his first start of spring training. Hatch signed a minor league deal with Arizona after posting a 5.82 ERA in 12 appearances, including one start, with the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins last year. He made 18 starts with the Royals’ Triple-A affiliate, recording a 4.22 ERA in 91 2/3 innings and joins a field of players battling for one of the few rotation spots for the Snakes.

And now to the details.

First Pitch: 1:10 MDT

TV: Rockies.TV

Radio: 850 KOA

Lineups:

For the visiting Diamondbacks:

and the home Rockies:


Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

2026 DRaysBay Community Prospect List: Vote for No. 20

ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 13: Tré Morgan #25 of the Tampa Bay Rays calls his shot during the 2024 MLB Futures Skills Showcase at Globe Life Field on Saturday, July 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Previous Winner

Tre’ Morgan, 1B/LF
23 | L/L | 6’0” | 215
AAA | .274/.398/.412 (119 wRC+) 402 PA, 8 HR, 8 SB, 15.9% BB, 19.2% K

Morgan continued to hit without power in 2025, a great discouragement for some evaluators, but his present 50-grade hit tool and feel for the zone allow a major league projection. He continued his improved, quieter two-strike approach in 2025 that built on his success retooling his swing in the AFL last year. The Rays gave Morgan 14 starts in Left Field last season, and Baseball America called the defense “playable,” but his value is tied to his plus-plus defense at First.

RankPlayerPositionVotesTotalPercentageLast Season
1Carson WilliamsSS142556%1
2Brody HopkinsRHP192576%8
3Jacob MeltonOF142850%NA
4Theo GillenOF142654%13
5Ty JohnsonRHP122548%15
6Daniel PierceSS132357%NA
7Jadher AreinamoINF152854%NA
8TJ NicholsRHP132846%NR
9Michael ForretRHP83324%NA
10Santiago SuarezRHP113037%16
11Anderson BritoRHP72825%NA
12Xavier Isaac1B92832%3
13Caden BodineC102540%NA
14Brendan SummerhillOF112741%NA
15Slater de BrunOF102540%NA
16Nathan FlewellingC82631%NR
17Trevor HarrisonRHP92635%10
18Jose UrbinaRHP132650%25
19Tre’ Morgan1B/LF152560%4

Morgan pulled 15 votes in the previous round, tied for the second most in any poll this off-season. We didn’t get a poll up on Wednesday, sorry about that friends, but we are back at it for an interesting vote over the weekend. In the round for No. 19 only one player had multiple votes other than Morgan, and that was Baumeister (8). Next round adds Fabricio Blanco.

Candidates

Jackson Baumeister, RHP
23 | 6’4” | 224
AA | 4.62 ERA, 4.15 FIP (15 GS) 62.1 IP, 19.5% K, 9.6% BB
AFL | 6 ER (1 HR), 9.0 IP (4 G, 3 GS), 10 K, 9 BB

A shoulder injury derailed what should have been Baumeister’s coming out party, as his previously plus breaking ball was expected to carve up Double-A. After a tough start to the year and two months on the sidelines, Baumeister returned in August and salvaged the season with a brilliant finish. The tough luck continued, however, in the Arizona Fall League, where a line drive struck him in the head, but he escaped without significant injury. Currently, Baumeister has taken on a fastball/slutter profile, with a slow curve in his back pocket, and has shown teachability and pitchability over the years. The former Seminole currently thrives on his frequently used major league fastball that may be better challenged by a promotion to Triple-A.

Fabricio Blanco, SS
17 | S/R | 5’11” | 161

A bat-first middle infielder, the Venezuelan is an elite prospect within the context of the international signing process, with some believing he’s the best Rays signee this off-season, despite gathering only a $1 million bonus. He can barrel up from both sides of the plate, but may settle into a right handed swing in the long term, with quick hands. He has the ability and instincts to stick at short, with a high-IQ approach and gritty demeanor.

Homer Bush Jr.
24 | R/R | 6’3” | 215
AA | .301/.375/.360 (122 wRC+) 546 PA, 0 HR, 57 SB, 8.8% BB, 17.9% K

Acquired in the 2024 Jason Adam trade, the starting center fielder at Double-A passed the test of advanced pitching, but just barely. He lacks in-game power due to a lack of use of his lower half in his swing, and he whiffed more often than you can for long term success with a low-power approach. His calling cards are Rays-grade defense and plus-speed, having notably swiped 57 bags in back-to-back seasons.

Cooper Flemming, SS
19 | L/R | 6’3” | 190

One of the best high school bats in the 2025 draft, Flemming surprisingly fell into the Rays laps in the second round. He has a too-quiet swing that lacks the load necessary to hit for power, but he’s historically compensated for that with a high contact rate that would have rated him as first round material if his defense projected to stick. The Rays were able to convince him to forgo an education at Vanderbilt by going above slot ($2.3m, Comp-A money).

Brailer Guerrero, OF
20 | L/R | 6’1” | 215
A | 249.338/.399 (119 wRC+) 222 PA, 6 HR, 9 SB, 11.3% BB, 29.3% K
AFL | 2 H, 0 HR, 2 SB, 3 BB, 16 K, 29 PA

Good news: the $3.7 million 2023 signee made the leap out of the complex league in his final teenage season. Bad News: He was injured yet again, with hamstring and knee injuries limiting him to 51 games for Charleston. The Rays tried to make up for lost time with an aggressive assignment to the AFL that resulted in only two hits in 29 plate appearances. He makes loud contact from a quick, quiet swing which he pre-loads by reaching back for even more power. He appears to make early decisions to swing, leading to a bit extra whiffs against anything off-speed, but that could easily clear up with some consistent playing time.

OF Victor Mesa Jr.
24 | L/L | 5’11” | 195
AAA (MIA) | .301/.368/.510 (136 wRC+) 171 PA, 7 HR, 4 SB, 9.9% BB, 16.4% K
MLB (MIA) | 6 H (1 HR), 5 BB, 5 K (81 wRC+) 38 PA

This Cuban power bat already made his major league debut with Miami last year after bouncing back from a spring hamstring injury, and was dealt to the Rays in February. He profiles as a fourth outfielder but has an option remaining, so the organization may send him down for regular playing time and one last chance for something more in development. If not, he’s a center field capable on defense, which goes a long way for a platoon bat. In the running for the nicest guy in baseball.

Austin Overn, OF
23 | L/R | 6’0” | 175
A+ (BAL) | .242/.367/.386 (127 wRC+) 341 PA, 8 HR, 43 SB, 15.5% BB, 28.2% K
AA (BAL) | .266/.326/.427 (112 wRC+) 136 PA, 5 HR, 21 SB, 6.6% BB, 25.0% K

Acquired in the Shane Baz trade, Overn was once a top draft prospect after committing to baseball over football at USC, but surprisingly struggled as a draft-eligible sophomore. That didn’t stop Baltimore from taking him in the third round (97th overall) in 2024. Now a professional, Overn overhauled his swing in the first half of 2025, and earned an early promotion to Double-A for his efforts, where he didn’t look overmatched. His biggest threat is his speed, which raises his floor and gives him an easy projection to a major league bench thanks to plus defensive instincts (BA gave 70’s to his run and field tools). His offensive profile is buoyed by his ability to work the count, but evaluators would like to see him punish fastballs more often for him to be considered a regular.

Aidan Smith, OF
21 | R/R | 6’2” | 190
A+ | .237/.331/.388 (114 wRC+) 459 PA, 14 HR, 41 SB, 11.5% BB, 31.2% K

Acquired in the Arozarena trade, Smith became the prince who was promised, a five tool athlete with a strong bat, good face, and a preternatural glove in center field. That promise unraveled a bit in 2025, with his strikeout rate rocketing nine percent and his power stroke faltering after facing harder velocities in High-A, causing both his hit and power grades to drop into the 40’s. It was a full transformation into a “center field” profile, but with his ceiling that’s not a compliment. He plays with a fire, but the dip in contact rate left some evaluators feeling burned.

Brayden Taylor, 2B/3B
24 | L/R | 6’0” | 180
AA | .173/.289/.286 (77 wRC+) 437 PA, 8 HR, 17 SB, 14% BB, 27.7% K
AFL | .264/.400/.472 (.384 wOBA) 65 PA, 1 HR, 5 SB, 12 BB, 19 K

Taylor entered 2025 as a top-100 prospect after demolishing High-A (154 wRC+), and left 2025 as an afterthought on prospect lists, although he was selected as an Arizona Fall League “Fall Star” in between, where he worked to keep his chase rate low and his hard hit rate high. The juice must have been worth the squeeze, as the Rays have elected to invite Taylor to major league Spring Training this year.

Victor Valdez, SS
17 | R/R | 6’1” | 186

A pretty swing with a low whiff rate earned Valdez a big payday this winter — $3.5 million — with as good of a power projection as you can reasonably ask for from a a teenage bat, having been given a 25+ home run projection by Baseball America, who also praise his plus foot speed, bat speed, and control of the zone. Reports say he has ever improving lateral movements on defense, with smooth actions and a strong arm. If it all clicks, it’s a middle-of-the-order bat on the left side of the infield. At signing, the Rays gave him a comp to Francisco Lindor. It will be interesting to see if his first professional season can solidify the five tool profile.

How to watch Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers: TV, live stream info for Sunday's game

Reviving a rivalry that has been among the NBA's best for decades, the Los Angeles Lakers will play host to the Boston Celtics in a Sunday night matchup on NBC and Peacock.

This will be the second meeting this season between the teams that rank first and second in NBA championships (18 for the Celtics; 17 for the Lakers).

Boston beat L.A. 126-105 at home on Dec. 5 as Jaylen Brown scored 30 pts. Austin Reaves had a game-high 36 for the Lakers, who were without Luka Doncic (personal reasons) and LeBron James (sciatica & left foot arthritis).

Boston has won five of the past seven between the teams that have met a record 12 times in the NBA Finals (Boston is 9-3 and won the first eight titles; L.A. won the most recent in 2010 over seven games).

See below for additional information on how to watch the Celtics-Lakers matchup and a breakdown of the game. Also check out the schedule for the NBA on NBC and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the 2025-2026 season.

Click here to sign up for Peacock!


How to watch Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers:

  • When: Sunday, Feb. 22
  • Where: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California
  • Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
  • TV: NBC
  • Live Stream: Peacock

Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers preview:

At 36-19, the Celtics have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference and have won seven of the past eight behind five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown, who is on pace for career highs in scoring (more than 29 points per game), assists and field goals made.

In a 121-110 road victory Thursday over Golden State, Brown led Boston with 15 rebounds and 13 assists as the team contiued to excel in the absence of Jayson Tatum, whose return could be on the horizon.

The four-time first-team All-NBA forward has been out all season with the torn right Achilles suffered in last year's playoffs, but Tatum has practiced with the Celtics' G League team this month and has attended nearly every Boston game. I've grown an appreciation for the game and for my teammates and just guys around the league," Tatum said. "I’ve just been sitting back and being able to watch guys kind of take that next step. It's been kind of cool to see.”

He's been watching a team that remains heavily reliant on the 3-pointer: The Celtics are 17-0 when shooting over 40% from long range.

The Lakers are on the path to the playoffs but are trying to shore up weaknesses on defense, ranking in the bottom half of the league in opponent points per game and defensive rating. Among Western Conference teams with a winning record, only Denver has been worse defensively.

Los Angeles also lacks punch from its bench on offense, ahead of only Houston in the lowest points totals per game outside the starting lineup. The Lakers also rank outside the top 25 with 10 3-pointers per game.

On the positive side, L.A. has been clutch with a 15-3 record in games with a scoring margin within five points in the final 5 minutes of regulation. No other team has fewer than nine losses in clutch games.

With injuries to LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves that sidelined the star trio for significant stretches (they shared the court in only 10 of the first 54 games), the Lakers still are on track for a 50-win season and perhaps their best ball is ahead (especially with the recent acquisitions of Luke Kennard and Gabe Vincent).


How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:

Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.

Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.

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NBA on NBC 2025-26 schedule:

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Community Prospect List: Jancel Villarroel ranked No. 42

View from behind Jancel Villarroel during an at-bat.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 14: Jancel Villarroel #89 of the Houston Astros bats during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros at Cacti Park at the Palm Beaches on Friday, March 14, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Trevor Gallagher/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

We’re so close to two very pivotal things! The start of baseball, and the end of the Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List. On Saturday, the San Francisco Giants play their first Cactus League game of the year. On Wednesday, we wrap up the communal rankings of the top 44 prospects in the organization.

Taking home the most votes on the last ballot is catcher Jancel Villarroel, who makes his CPL debut as the No. 42 prospect in the system.

Villarroel, a right-handed hitter, is one of the newest prospects on the farm, as he came over just before the start of camp in the Kai-Wei Teng trade. So we’ve yet to see him don a Giants jersey.

The recently-turned 21-year old signed with the Houston Astros late in 2022 out of Venezuela, and had a strong 2025. He spent the bulk of the year with Houston’s Low-A affiliate, where he posted a .746 OPS and a 123 wRC+, with six home runs in 85 games, and 20 stolen bases in 27 attempts. That earned him a late-season promotion to High-A, where his numbers came down a bit: he had a .699 OPS, a 91 wRC+, two home runs in 15 games, and no stolen bases.

While Villarroel didn’t post a great batting average (.259 across the two levels), like so many players the Giants have targeted lately, he kept the strikeouts in check, running just a 17.8% rate, made even better by a 10.4% walk rate.

There are questions about how Villarroel will perform as he climbs the ladder. He’s a very short player, listed at 5’8 and probably not much taller than that. He’s played all over the diamond (he has a not-insignificant amount of time at first base, second base, and all three outfield spots), but his lack of speed and agility make it hard to see him playing up the middle, and his lack of power makes it difficult to envision a career at a corner, so it’s probably catcher or bust. But catchers who can hit are always valuable, and that’s the hope with Villarroel, who should open the year as the primary catcher for High-A Eugene. It will be fun getting familiar with one of the organization’s newest members!

Now let’s add to the list. For the final time, we have some new names to choose from.

The list so far

  1. Bryce Eldridge — 1B
  2. Josuar González — SS
  3. Jhonny Level — SS
  4. Bo Davidson — CF
  5. Dakota Jordan — CF
  6. Luis Hernández — SS
  7. Gavin Kilen — SS
  8. Carson Whisenhunt — LHP
  9. Blade Tidwell — RHP
  10. Keyner Martinez — RHP
  11. Jacob Bresnahan — LHP
  12. Trevor McDonald — RHP
  13. Argenis Cayama — RHP
  14. Luis De La Torre — LHP
  15. Trevor Cohen — OF
  16. Jesús Rodríguez — C
  17. Parks Harber — OF/3B
  18. Carlos Gutierrez — OF
  19. Drew Cavanaugh — C
  20. Daniel Susac — C
  21. Gerelmi Maldonado — RHP
  22. Josh Bostick — RHP
  23. Lorenzo Meola — SS/2B
  24. Will Bednar — RHP
  25. Yunior Marte — RHP
  26. Joe Whitman — LHP
  27. Joel Peguero — RHP
  28. Alberto Laroche — RHP
  29. Trent Harris — RHP
  30. Carlos De La Rosa — LHP
  31. Diego Velasquez — 2B
  32. Lisbel Diaz — OF
  33. Maui Ahuna — SS
  34. Cam Maldonado — OF
  35. Victor Bericoto — OF/1B
  36. Reid Worley — RHP
  37. Jack Choate — LHP
  38. Rayner Arias — OF
  39. Nate Furman — 2B
  40. Jakob Christian — OF
  41. Juan Sánchez — LHP
  42. Jancel Villarroel — C

Note: Clicking on the above names will link to the CPL where they were voted onto the list.

No. 43 prospect nominees

ScottBandura — 24.6-year old OF — .626 OPS/88 wRC+ in AA (186 PA); .838 OPS/136 wRC+ in High-A (373 PA)

Sabin Ceballos — 23.5-year old 3B — .670 OPS/102 wRC+ in AA (420 PA)

Reggie Crawford — 25.2-year old LHP — did not pitch in 2025; 1.04 ERA/4.07 FIP in AAA in 2024 (8.2 IP); 4.66 ERA/4.93 FIP in AA in 2024 (9.2 IP)

JoseOrtiz — 21.7-year old OF — .803 OPS/134 wRC+ in Low-A (66 PA)

Jean CarlosSio — 21.10-year old INF — .808 OPS/130 wRC+ in High-A (122 PA); .821 OPS/129 wRC+ in Low-A (385 PA)

Charlie Szykowny — 25.7-year old 3B/1B — .816 OPS/122 wRC+ in High-A (549 PA)

TylerVogel — 25.3-year old RHP — 18.00 ERA/6.47 FIP in AAA (2 IP); 1.13 ERA/2.42 FIP in AA (16 IP); 2.83 ERA/3.86 FIP in High-A (41.1 IP)

Note: Each player’s first name links to their Baseball-Reference page, and their last name links to their Fangraphs page. All stats are from the 2025 season.

Adam Silver talks potential new tanking remedies for next season with team GMs

During All-Star Weekend, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, "We're going to be scrutinizing everything we see going forward" regarding teams tanking, and that the league would be looking at "every possible remedy."

During a Thursday phone call with all 30 general managers, an adamant Silver said tanking needs to be curtailed for the integrity of the game and laid out potential remedies, according to multiple reports. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, some of the potential moves discussed by Silver included:

• Freezing the lottery odds at an earlier, specific date (hypothetically, All-Star weekend), so teams don't have a motivation to play poorly during the season's stretch run.

• Limiting draft protections to 1-4 or lottery (top 14), eliminating what Utah and Washington are doing this season where they are working to protect top-eight protected picks.

• Not allowing teams to pick in the top four in consecutive years.

• Including all the play-in teams in the lottery.

• Flattening the lottery odds so every team has the same chance.

All of those "solutions" would create new challenges. Freeze the lottery odds at the All-Star break and teams will start tanking earlier, in the heart of the season. Taking away teams' ability to pick in the top four in consecutive years takes a key team-building tool for smaller markets — it's how San Antonio got so good right now.

Even Silver's owners are not all on the same page.

Mat Ishbia of the Suns said tanking was for losers.

Mark Cuban said the NBA should embrace tanking.

In the end, there may be no solution because landing a high pick and getting a player such as Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, Cooper Flagg or Victor Wembanyama (to name just the recent examples) changes the fortunes and value of a franchise. Teams are going to do what it takes to give themselves the best chance to win. Flatten the lottery odds and the league has to accept the risk that a good team — and if the pick was traded, maybe the league's best team — could end up with the No. 1 pick. Teams are trying to sell their fan base either on winning ("we are contenders/very good right now, so come watch us") or on hope for the future. Reduce the bad teams' lottery odds, and you reduce that hope.

There is no easy answer. But Silver is determined to do something.