The NBA is taking action after Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic's latest interaction with officials.
At the 4:35 mark of the third quarter in the Lakers' 110-97 win over the New York Knicks on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena, Doncic attempted to draw a charge on Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara on a fast break, but no foul was called and the Knicks got a transition layup.
While still laying on the floor, Doncic rubbed his fingers together on both hands, making the universal money sign.
Two days later, Doncic has been fined $50,000 for "directing an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture toward a game official," NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations James Jones announced via a statement released by the league on Tuesday.
This is the latest instance of Doncic butting heads with referees. On March 6, he received his 15th technical foul of the season, putting him just one call away from an automatic one-game suspension. He's currently the player with the second-most technicals in the NBA, behind only Dillion Brooks.
Luka Doncic stats
Gesture aside, Doncic played as well as he has all season in Sunday's game, scoring 35 points on 44% shooting with eight rebounds and four assists. His season averages are on par with his career numbers and his 32.5 points per game leads the NBA, positioning himself to win the scoring title and as a legitimate contender in the MVP race.
Lakers guard Luka Doncic has been fined $50,000 by the NBA. He's one technical foul away from an automatic one-game suspension. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Lakers star Luka Doncic was fined $50,000 on Tuesday for directing an "inappropriate and unprofessional gesture toward a game official" during the Lakers' win over the New York Knicks on Sunday, the NBA announced.
The moment came during the third quarter when Doncic didn't get the charge call after stepping in front of Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara in transition. Diawara dumped off a pass to Josh Hart for an easy layup, while Doncic, lying flat on his back under the basket, looked at the closest official and rubbed his fingers together as if flashing money.
Doncic was not penalized during the game, which the Lakers won 110-97, but he has had his battles with referees this season. With 15 technical fouls, he is just one away from a mandatory one-game suspension. He is one technical foul behind league leader Dillon Brooks.
Doncic did later draw a charge in the game. He has drawn a career-high 12 charges this season, which ranks third on the team. The Lakers lead the NBA in charges drawn with 53, led by Marcus Smart's 16 and Austin Reaves' 14.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) â Pig Johnson had 19 points, Andrij Grbovic scored 14 and No. 12 seed Arizona State turned away a second-half run by Baylor for an 83-79 victory over the No. 13 seed Bears in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament on Tuesday.
Santiago Trouet added 13 points and nine rebounds, Noah Meeusen scored 12 points and Massamba Diop had 11 for the Sun Devils (17-15), who advanced to play fifth-seeded Iowa State in the second round on Wednesday.
Cameron Carr led all scorers with 25 points and Isaac Williams IV had 15 before fouling out for the Bears (16-16), who are staring at their first non-winning season since 2006-07. Tounde Yessoufou also had 14 points but was 0 for 5 from 3-point range.
Every indication is that Arizona State intends to move on from coach Bobby Hurley after this season, when his contract is up. But his team apparently has every intention of pushing off that coaching change as long as possible.
After a couple of late-season wins over Utah and No. 14 Kansas, the Sun Devils jumped ahead early on Baylor, which beat them just a couple of weeks ago in Waco, Texas. They built a double-digit lead midway through the first half and led 44-35 at the break.
Baylor trailed by as many as 15 in the second half before it began to chip away at its deficit, at one point scoring on nine consecutive trips down the floor. By the time Diop accidentally tipped Dan Skillings Jr.'s miss into his own bucket, the Bears closed to within 67-64 with 6:01 remaining in the game.
Trouet answered at the other end for Arizona State, though, and Williams fouled out moments later on a drive to the basket. The Sun Devils promptly ran off eight consecutive points, building a lead they could take to the finish.
Up next
Arizona State has quick turnaround before playing the Cyclones in the second round.
Baylor will miss out on the NCAA Tournament for the first time in seven editions.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 20: Jarrett Allen #31 celebrates with Max Strus #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 20, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Max Strus suffered a Jones fracture on his left foot in late August. Initially, the timeline was shaping up that he would make a return to the floor within three to four months. Well, here we are in March, and Strus is reportedly going to make his long-awaited return shortly.
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Reintegrating someone like Strus is a good problem to have, as his ability on ball combined with his perimeter shooting is a boon for any team. With the Cavaliers making serious moves at the deadline, there are a lot of things that have changed since Strus last donned the Wine and Gold.
There are many interesting lineup combinations and questions that bringing Strus back in the fold introduces. How will the Cavaliers balance ramping Strus back up to playing shape while also configuring the bench minutes for the postseason? How will Strus play with James Harden, and will it benefit Strus to have Harden setting up the opportunities?
The obvious question is whose minutes will be impacted the most by the return of Strus? The Cavaliersâ wing room currently has many players who feel they deserve playing time, with Jaylon Tyson, Keon Ellis, Dean Wade, NaeâQwan Tomlin, and now Max Strus. Tomlin has already been weaned out of his minutes over the last month or so. Where does Strus land in that pecking order?
These are fascinating and important decisions for the Cavaliersâ coaching staff as they prepare for the postseason.
Strus has remained a frequent topic of discussion despite his absence this season. In many ways, he has been viewed as the final missing piece of this version of the Cavaliers. With his return now on the horizon, the team will finally move beyond the hypothetical scenario of what this roster could look like at full strength.
Thatâs always been a lot of expectation to place on the return of one player.
Still, Strus has previously established himself as an emotional and competitive tone-setter for the Cavaliers. Regardless of what his on-court production looks like over the final stretch of the season, his presence could prove to be a meaningful addition as Cleveland turns its focus toward its postseason ambitions.
The Toronto Raptors take care of business against bad teams, but against good ones... not so much.
Tonight, they visit the Houston Rockets, who would qualify as a good team, ranking sixth in the NBA in net rating.
My Raptors vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks break down why it will be more of the same when these teams tip off at the Toyota Center in Houston, at 8:00 pm ET on Tuesday, March 10.
Raptors vs Rockets prediction
Raptors vs Rockets best bet: Rockets -5 (-110)
Despite sitting in a playoff spot, it’s clear the Toronto Raptors haven’t yet unlocked how to be a truly good team.
They play great defense (sixth in defensive rating) and have a solid starting lineup, but the team lacks depth and rim protection.
Against teams currently in the Top 10 of net rating, the Raps are 6-17 straight up and 8-15 against the spread, with five of the outright wins coming against early-season versions of Cleveland and Charlotte.
The Houston Rockets have their problems, but rank sixth in net rating, and Alperen Sengun will be a matchup nightmare.
Raptors vs Rockets same-game parlay
The Raptors will keep this game close with their Top-10 defense, and the Rockets rank eighth in defensive rating. Both teams are also in the bottom third in pace, so I like the Under here.
The Rockets' length and size will be a problem for Toronto throughout the game, allowing them to pull away late. Houston also has an edge on the glass, leading the NBA in rebounding rate.
The Raptors miss a lot of shots, so there will be a lot of boards up for grabs for the great rebounding Rockets. And with the Rockets' size, Poeltl should get more run tonight.
Raptors vs Rockets SGP
Alperen Sengun double-double
Amen Thompson double-double
Jakob Poeltl double-double
Raptors vs Rockets odds
Spread: Raptors +5 | Rockets -5
Moneyline: Raptors +165 | Rockets -200
Over/Under: Over 219.5 | Under 219.5
Raptors vs Rockets betting trend to know
The Raptors have hit the game total Under in 33 of their last 50 games for +14.30 Units and a 26% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Rockets.
How to watch Raptors vs Rockets
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
TSN, SCHN
Raptors vs Rockets latest injuries
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Tonight's Coast 2 Coast Tuesday tips off at 8:00 PM ET, when the Boston Celtics go head-to-head with the San Antonio Spurs. Then, at 11:00 PM, the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Los Angeles Lakers in a Western Conference showdown. Live coverage begins at 7:00 PM ET with NBA Showtime on NBC and Peacock.
See below for additional information on how to watch each game and follow all of the NBA action on NBCSN and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.
Tonight's matchup marks the third and final meeting of the season between the two teams. The Lakers won the first two contests in October.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off a 119-92 loss to the Orlando Magic last Saturday. Their 92 points were the second-fewest scored this season. Additionally, Minnesota finished with season lows in field-goal percentage (35.7%) and three-point percentage (22.5%).
Despite the loss, the Timberwolves are 8-2 in their last 10 games. Anthony Edwards is on pace for career-highs in scoring (29.6ppg) and shooting marks. The sixth-year guard has nine games this season with over 40 points.
The Timberwolves currently sit third in the Western Conference.
After winning five of their last six games, including the last two, the Lakers are fifth in the Western Conference, just one game behind the Timberwolves for the third.
However, the Lakers have played just 18 games with their Big Three: Luka Doncic, Lebron James, and Austin Reaves. James has missed the last two games and is listed as questionable for tonight.
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. Sunday Night Basketball coverage will also be available on NBC and Peacock. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
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NEW YORK (AP) â Luka Doncic has been fined $50,000 for making a gesture toward an official during the Lakers' 110-97 win over the Knicks, the NBA announced Tuesday.
The incident occurred with 4:35 remaining in the third quarter on Sunday when Doncic fell backward after contact from Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara, who was driving to the basket. Doncic threw his hands up and did a âmoneyâ gesture toward the official by rubbing his fingers together.
Diawara shoveled the ball to Josh Hart, who scored the layup and cut the Knicks' deficit to 74-65.
The fine makes up roughly 0.109% of Doncic's $46 million salary this season.
Doncic went on to score next for the Lakers and finished with a game-high 35 points and added eight rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Lakers (39-25) host the Timberwolves (40-24) on Tuesday night.
It’s been tough to count on the Golden State Warriors this season, but the formbook suggests they’ll like tonight’s matchup against the Chicago Bulls.
Golden State has won eight of the last 10 meetings between these teams, and my Bulls vs Warriors predictions point to Chicago’s Josh Giddey as the only obstacle to a similar script on Tuesday.
Get the lowdown on this March 10 battle with my free NBA picks and betting angles.
Bulls vs Warriors prediction
Bulls vs Warriors best bet: Josh Giddey Over 8.5 assists (-112)
The Chicago Bulls have been racking up losses, but that hasn't stopped Josh Giddey from continuing to deliver standout numbers. He’s coming off a triple-double at the weekend, and he’s dished 9+ assists in four straight outings.
Giddey’s playmaking goes up a notch on the road, and it helps that Chicago ranks eighth in the NBA in 3-point percentage this season.
With the Bulls playing with tanking freedom this month, the Aussie is on pace to match his 9.8 assists per game mark from November. I’m not scared off by his recent ankle issue, especially against a Golden State Warriors team that allowed 119 points in Utah last night.
Bulls vs Warriors same-game parlay
Although the Bulls have the rest advantage, I’m trusting the Warriors’ impressive 19-13 home record and the motivation to make amends for last night’s disappointing loss. Meanwhile, Chicago is 2-8 SU in its past 10 games.
Brandin Podziemski has a Giddey-like impact for Golden State, and that should translate to another do-it-all stat line. The Warriors guard has hauled in 7+ rebounds in eight of his last nine contests and drained 3+ triples in four straight outings.
Bulls vs Warriors SGP
Warriors moneyline
Brandin Podziemski Over 6.5 rebounds
Brandin Podziemski Over 2.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Enter Sant-man
Podziemski and Gui Santos are keeping the long hair/headband combo alive, and this SGP taps into their expanded roles for a Warriors squad missing Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler.
There’s also substance to go with the style, as the pair combined for 29 points and 16 rebounds last night.
Bulls vs Warriors SGP
Brandin Podziemski Over 6.5 rebounds
Brandin Podziemski Over 2.5 threes
Gui Santos Over 15.5 points
Gui Santos Over 7.5 rebounds
Bulls vs Warriors odds
Spread: Bulls +6 (-110) | Warriors -6 (-110)
Moneyline: Bulls +195 | Warriors -240
Over/Under: Over 227.5 (-110) | Under 227.5 (-110)
Bulls vs Warriors betting trend to know
Chicago is 10-20 SU on the road this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Warriors.
How to watch Bulls vs Warriors
Location
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Date
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
CHSN, NBC Sports Bay Area
Bulls vs Warriors latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) â Jenna Guyer scored 21 points, Maddy Skorupski added 13 and Green Bay won its third straight Horizon League Tournament championship, pulling away from Youngstown State for a 57-49 victory on Tuesday.
The top-seeded Phoenix (25-8) advanced to its 21st NCAA Tournament by outscoring the second-seeded Penguins 17-10 in the fourth quarter to break open a tight game.
Guyer, the conference player of the year, was 7-of-11 shooting and 6 of 7 at the free-throw line. Skorupski had five steals and six rebounds.
Paulina Hernandez scored 12 points, Sophia Gregory added 11 and Casey Santoro had nine points and nine rebounds for the Penguins (24-9), who were vying for their first Horizon tourney title in their 25 years in the league.
Guyer scored the first five points in a 9-0 fourth-quarter run and Green Bay opened up an eight-point lead with 2 1/2 minutes remaining. The teams exchanged 3-pointers then Skorupski, who moments earlier made a diving save on the other end of the floor, hit a couple free throws for a 10-point lead â the game's largest â with 43.1 seconds left.
Trailing by three at halftime, Green Bay's Meghan Schultz scored the first five points and seven total in the third quarter. Kristina Ouimette hit a couple of late midrange jumpers and the Phoenix took a 40-39 lead into the fourth quarter.
After shooting 52% in the first half and taking a 28-25 lead at the break, the Penguins finished at 38%, as did Green Bay. The Phoenix had 10 more points off turnovers and nine more at the free-throw line.
Grizzlies vs 76ers best bet: Jaylen Wells Over 13.5 points (-120)
There’s been lots of drama surrounding the Memphis Grizzlies this season, but Jaylen Wells is a clear bright spot for the future. The youngster is averaging 12.7 ppg, and he’s put up 17.2 points per contest in March so far.
While Memphis lost on Monday, Wells had another impressive showing, pouring in 17 points. He’s hit the Over in four of his last five appearances, even scoring 24 last week against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Wells is averaging 13.9 ppg on the road compared to 11.9 at home, and he had 14 points earlier this season against Philly, who are without several key players here.
Grizzlies vs 76ers same-game parlay
Olivier-Maxence Prosper has been shooting the triple well lately. While he only takes 2.2 attempts per night, draining 0.9 for a 40% clip.
He’s cashed the Over in three straight, and the volume has been higher. Prosper has taken at least four treys in each of those games.
GG Jackson is averaging 11 ppg, and that number has shot up to 15 ppg in March. The youngster is coming off an 18-point showing against Brooklyn, and he’s hit the Over in points in two of his last three contests.
Grizzlies vs 76ers SGP
Jaylen Wells Over 13.5 points
Olivier-Maxence Prosper Over 1.5 threes
GG Jackson Over 13.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Threes pouring in
Wells has cashed the Over in three of his last four. Memphis just allowed the Nets to shoot 51% from deep, and with Philly depleted, Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre will get lots of shots.
Grizzlies vs 76ers SGP
Olivier-Maxence Prosper Over 1.5 threes
Jaylen Wells Over 2.5 threes
Quentin Grimes Over 2.5 threes
Kelly Oubre Over 2.5 threes
Grizzlies vs 76ers odds
Spread: Memphis +3 (-110) | Philadelphia -3 (-110)
Moneyline: Memphis +130 | Philadelphia -155
Over/Under: Over 227.5 (-110) | Under 227.5 (-110)
Grizzlies vs 76ers betting trend to know
The Memphis Grizzlies have hit the Team Total Over in 15 of their last 17 games (+12.70 Units / 65% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. 76ers.
How to watch Grizzlies vs 76ers
Location
Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Tip-off
7:00X p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Southeast-Memphis, NBC Sports Philadelphia
Grizzlies vs 76ers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
FORMER CUBS IN RANGERS CAMP: Chris Martin, Joc Pederson, Ryan Brasier. Of note: Andrew McCutchen signed with the Rangers for what is likely his final season.
CUBS SPRING LEADERS (minimum 15 AB): BA, Dansby Swanson, .467. OBP: Dylan Carlson, .571. SLG: Swanson, 1.067. OPS: Swanson, 1.567. HR: Swanson, Carson Kelly, Jefferson Rojas, 2. RBI: Swanson, Rojas, Pedro Ramirez, MoisĂŠs Ballesteros, 6. SB: Ramirez, Matt Shaw, Scott Kingery, 4.
Here are todayâs particulars.
The Cubs lineup was not available at posting time. Please check BCB social media for the Cubs lineup.
Cade Horton will start for the Cubs. Other Cubs pitchers scheduled today: Ethan Roberts, Ryan Rolison, Collin Snider and Vince Velasquez.
Jacob deGrom will start for the Rangers. Other Rangers pitchers scheduled today: Kumar Rocker, Chris Martin, Cole Winn and Gavin Collyer.
No TV or radio today. Thatâs really kind of a shame because this is a good pitching matchup, even if neither starter is likely to go more than four innings.
Please visit our SB Nation Rangers site Lone Star Ball. If you do go there to interact with Rangers fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
As we have done in the past, weâll have a first pitch thread at five minutes to game time and one overflow thread, 90 minutes after game time. For today, that will be 3 p.m. CT and 4:30 p.m. CT.
These threads will not post individually onto the front page; instead, you can find links to them in the box marked âChicago Cubs Game Threadsâ at the bottom of the front page. There will also be a StoryStream on the front page with all the game thread links, as well as the recap after the game is over. The pitcher photos and regular-season stats will return on Opening Day.
We are still four months away from the 2026 MLB Draft, but of course that doesnât stop pundits from releasing the first of what will be many mock drafts.
Baseball America on Monday unveiled their 1.0 version of the draft, predicting each teamâs first-round selections. Among the first 30 picks of this yearâs draft, Atlanta will possess two of them â selecting at 9th and 26th overall.
In recent drafts, the Braves have gone extremely heavy on arms with their first couple of selections. However, the franchise bucked that trend in 2025, selecting Nevada high school shortstop Tate Southisene with the teamâs first selection and following that up by taking Florida State shortstop Alex Lodise with their second choice.
Obviously it remains to be seen if the Braves will dip back into the pitching well once again in this yearâs draft, but one of the sports top media outlets has the team going right back to the positional player pool not once, but with both of their first selections.
9th overall pick â AJ Gracia, OF, University of Virginia
The pundits at Baseball America have the Braves going the collegiate bat route with their first pick in the upcoming draft, selecting University of Virginia outfielder AJ Gracia 9th overall.
A two-year standout player at Duke University, Gracia transferred to Virginia during the offseason and has continued to rake with the Cavaliers. In 120 games played with the Blue Devils, Garcia batted .299 to go along with 29 homers and 112 RBI.
Since joining Virginia, Gracia has continued to develop into one of the premier bats in the collegiate ranks this year. In 16 games so far this season, the 21-year-old is hitting .362 with an OPS of 1.243 in addition to six homers and a dozen RBI to his credit as well.
While the power and contact rates are exactly what you want from a top-10 selection, what really makes Gracia stand out is his discipline at the plate. In 130 NCAA games, he has only struck out 98 times while walking 117 times. Itâs that kind of judgement at the plate that has catapulted Garcia into the top-10 discussions.
Defensively, Gracia is almost destined for one of the corner outfield spots as his speed isnât what youâd typically want from a centerfielder. His arm isnât the best, so right field may be out of the question, but if can work if youâre in a pinch.
If he continues to hit the way he has early on in the season, thereâs a strong chance Garcia isnât available for the Braves to take him at 9th overall. However, if theyâre able to land him, it would be a tremendous pickup of a guy who will undoubtedly move fast in whatever system he finds himself in.
26th overall pick â Rocco Maniscalco, SS, Oxford High School (AL)
With their second pick â 26th overall â the Baseball America writers have the Braves going the high school route by taking one of the youngest players in the upcoming draft in Maniscalco.
Maniscalco popped onto the radar of scouts back in 2024 when his former teammate Carter Johnson â who was eventually taken by Miami as a second round choice â when he was playing as a freshman for Oxford.
Standing at 6-foot-2 as a switch-hitter, there is plenty to like in what Maniscalco brings to the table. His tools are very solid across the board for someone his age and thereâs enough there in his frame to project some raw power to come into play as he continues to develop.
According to MaxPreps, Maniscalco has played in seven games so far for Oxford in which he his hitting .500 with a double and an RBI to his credit as well.
A Mississippi State commit, it will likely take a sizable signing bonus to lure him away from the Bulldogs. However, if youâre Atlanta and can land premium bats with a ton of room for development like Maniscalco, breaking the bank should be a no-brainer.
Carlos Santana (team Dominican Republic) bats in World Baseball Classic exhibition game. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Inspiration.
Before looking at offense, it must be said that in the last two seasons Carlos Santanaâs defense at first base was elite. In 2024 he won the Gold Glove at first base, and in 2025, he was one of the three nominees. Averaging the last two seasons, his yearly Outs-Above-Average (OAA) was 11 (truly elite).
The Diamondbacks will benefit from the synergy of four excellent infield defenders (Santana at first base, Ketel Marte at second base, Geraldo Perdomo at short stop, and Nolan Arenado at third base).
The interesting question is, âHow well will Santana bat?â
Worth seeing would be a grand slam.
In his career so far, Carlos Santana hit 6 grand slams. His latest grand slam happened last season. Certainly, it could happen in 2026.
The oldest Diamondback to hit a grand slam was Steve Finley. On 5 May, 2004 he hit a grand slam against the Mets. It increased the win probability from 85% to 98%. Steve Finley was 39 years old (plus almost two months). Data from Stathead in Baseball Reference.
Honorable Mention goes to the Diamondbacksâ Lourdes Gurriel Junior. He hit a grand slam in the 2023 World Series. But he was a relatively young 30 years old.
If/when Carlos Santana hits a grand slam for the Diamondbacks, he will become the oldest Diamondback to hit a grand slam in either the regular season or the postseason. He will be 39 years old (prior to April 8) or 40 years old (on April 8 or later). Carlos Santana has a realistic chance to break a record!
His batting has strengths and weaknesses.
In 2019, Carlos Santana won a Silver Slugger award. Six years later, in his age 40 season, his batting is on the declining side of the aging curve. The question is not whether he will again win a Silver Slugger award. Instead, the question is whether his batting will be better than league average.
Last season, one weakness was a career high swinging at out-of-zone pitches (25.1%) with a career low contact rate for out-of-zone pitches (53.6%) per FanGraphs. However, his first 11 PAs in spring training showed improvement in contact percentage (26.3% O-swings with 80% contact).
Another weakness is that last season, his batting performance dropped against sliders and sweepers (based on 22 balls in play against those pitches against left-handed pitchers per Baseball Savant).
Although he is a switch hitter, he bats better against left-handed pitchers.
A strength is that against left-handed pitchers, when he puts the first pitch in play, his batting results are monstrous (.333 OBP, .850 SLG, and .477 wOBA per Baseball Savant).
Another strength is that against left-handed pitchers is that when he hits line drives, his batting results are great (.519 OBP, .556 SLG, and .471 wOBA per Baseball Savant).
To answer the interesting question: Itâs likely he will hit above-league average against left-handed pitchers.
His mental game is a good fit with the Diamondbacks.
Carlos Santana prepares every day. That reflects his strong desire to play well and that reflects excellent mental discipline.
Carlos Santana focuses on playing hard one day at a time. That reflects his focus on making a positive impact in every game and that reflects his strength in ignoring distractions.
In 2023, the Diamondbacks made it to the World Series and lost. Players needed to mentally deal with that loss. Carlos Santana had previously dealt with a similar loss.
ââŚDisappointment? I donât think there was any disappointment after losing to the Cubs in the World Series, because I felt like a champion. Yes, we felt like champions, even though we didnât win it all. Crazy, right? We lost, but we still felt very grateful to God. And I think the main reason we felt like champions is because we fought until the end. We gave it everything we had. Somebody had to lose. We lost, but this town loved us the same as if we won. And we loved them right back.â â Carlos Santana, April 2017
How to know itâs him.
If a fan sees a Diamondbacks player wearing shorts and tall socks (baseball attire that he is comfortable wearing), and if that fan hears other players calling him grandpa, then they can be sure itâs Carlos Santana. Perhaps an easier way to be sure is to look at the number on his Diamondbacks jersey (it is #41).
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Caleb Durbin #17 of the Boston Red Sox makes a leaping catch during the first inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 22, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
To the extent that there ever was any intrigue about whether Caleb Durbin, Marcelo Mayer, or someone else would be playing third base for the 2026 Red Sox, you can put that intrigue to bed. Alex Cora, while going out of his way to clarify that he wasnât announcing anything official, basically made it official: âCaleb, heâs playing third base again. Weâll probably decide that next week. But I feel very comfortable with him at third base. Honestly, (the intrigue) is more for (reporters). Itâs kind of like, âWhat are we going to do?â Five (straight) days of playing third base. He played the whole season⌠Like, what are we looking for? Two ground balls in spring training. You know, soâŚâ Got it, Alex, thanks for the update! (Sean McAdam, MassLive)
Despite being ready to give the third base position to Durbin, the Red Sox are still not ready to give second base to Marcelo Mayer. What is it that the Sox brass is still waiting to see from him? Better swing decisions. (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)
If Mayer doesnât get the opening day job, weâll probably be looking at Isiah Kiner-Falefa pairing up with Trevor Story up the middle. But Nick Sogard is in the conversation as well, and he has the mental advantage of already knowing what it feels like to fight for a roster spot. (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
Someone who wonât be competing for a roster spot this spring, though, is Triston Casas. Yesterday, he made it official that he will not be healthy enough to participate in any Grapefruit League games:
Triston Casas said he will not play in any Grapefruit League games. He had hoped to, but he won't be ready in time, he said.
His next rehab hurdles include baserunning and sliding. he hasn't gotten to those yet.
Casasâs power bat will be missed. Though it wonât be missed quite as much if Masataka Yoshida and Jarren Duran continue performing the way they are right now in the World Baseball Classic. The two outfielders/DHs have arguably been the best performers in the tournament right now, as the Red Sox organization as a whole is putting on a show. (Ian Browne, MLB.com)
Garrett Crochet, though, still doesnât regret his decision to decline the invitation to play for Team USA. Heâs focused on getting his mechanics right for the regular season. (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 5: Sung-Mun Song #24 of the San Diego Padres hits a home run during a Spring Training game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Stadium on March 5, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Diego Padres were not incredibly involved in the bigger free agents on the board this offseason. Their one marquee signing came in KBO superstar Sung-Mun Song. The Friars signed him to a four-year, $15 million contract a few weeks after the Winter Meetings in December 2025.
Throughout the offseason, Song has figured to act as a super-utility player in the 2026 clubhouse. His bat may not translate as well over to MLB as his glove will. But heâs able to play all over the infield and is learning how to play the outfield so that the club can insert him wherever and whenever.
The delayed ramp-up to spring
During batting practice in January, Song sustained an oblique injury. This halted his introduction to Spring Training and led to him begin Cactus League play late.
But once he joined the team, he began to prove to be exactly what the Padres hoped he would be. In 19 plate appearances Song notched four hits (including one home run) and three walks.
Itâs a far cry from the incredible numbers that Song put up in the KBO. From 2024-25, Song managed a .328/.398/.524 slash line and 45 home runs. But, given time, itâs likely he could produce during the regular season.
Defensively heâs managed quite well. Song has played two games at second base, four at third, and one at shortstop. He has yet to make his debut in the outfield but has been near-perfect in the various infield roles, with only one error across 31.0 innings between the three positions.
The injury stalling his MLB debut
Unfortunately, after belting his first home run of the spring in Thursdayâs 27-6 rout against the Seattle Mariners, Song exited the game with a tight oblique. Itâs now being reported that his status for Opening Day may be in question.
Song himself said that he feels âfineâŚplay[ing] defense and running,â but that he has difficulty hitting. Manager Craig Stammen stated they would rather wait for Song to be fully rehabilitated as opposed to taking him on and off the injured list throughout the season.
Thankfully the soreness wasnât a total recurrence of the injury so it shouldnât take nearly as long to heal from it. That being said, Song has only played light catch. Heâs yet to swing or bat or field a ball since Thursdayâs game.
The question of the Opening Day roster
Whether or not Song makes it to the clubhouse on Opening Day seems to be a question of his health more so than his performance. If the oblique problem is fully solved by March 26 then heâs an easy selection for the utility role.
Itâs uncertain if Song will make the 26-man roster, but if he doesnât it will create a spot for someone else. Possible options include hot hitters Jose Miranda and Samad Taylor, as well as 2025 Gold Glove winner Ty France.
Whatever the case, Song will hopefully be a major piece of San Diegoâs plans for 2026. If he can battle back from the oblique injury, heâll easily be one of the Friarsâ most interesting players to watch this season.
Kurt Helin
Raphielle Johnson
