The Athletics (41-52) and White Sox (47-45) open a three-game series tonight at Rate Field in Chicago, with both clubs looking to stop recent slides and head into the All-Star Break feeling better about their respective seasons.
The White Sox were swept by the Red Sox earlier this week. Yesterday Boston completed the sweep with a 2-1 win over the ChiSox. Anthony Kay was sharp, allowing four hits and two runs over 5.1 innings but was bettered by Patrick Sandoval who gave up just one run over 4.1 innings in his first appearance in two years following Tommy John surgery followed by a few setbacks. Caleb Durbin provided the offense with a fourth inning home run. The White Sox scored just two runs in the three-game series and have now lost six of their last eight games. The Athletics also enter this series having struggled to score recently. They scored just four runs in their three-game series against the Tigers. Not surprisingly, they lost all three. The A’s have now lost six in a row and nine of their last ten games.
Tonight’s pitching matchup looks to favor Chicago. The White Sox will send right-hander Sean Burke (5-4, 3.56 ERA) to the mound. Burke has quietly been one of Chicago's most consistent starters this season, striking out 106 batters in 98.2 innings while posting a strong 1.22 WHIP. He takes the mound having won four consecutive decisions. In his most recent start on July 4 against Cleveland, Burke was dominant, allowing just one run on seven hits over six innings while striking out 11 and walking none in a 3-1 White Sox victory. Oakland counters with left-hander Jacob Lopez (4-3, 7.04 ERA). Lopez has struggled with command and consistency, posting a 1.84 WHIP. His last appearance came July 7 against Detroit, when he allowed four runs on five hits over three innings while striking out four in a 6-2 Athletics loss.
Lets dive into tonight’s matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.
Game Details and How to Watch: Athletics vs. White Sox
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
The Latest Odds: Athletics vs. White Sox
The latest odds as of Friday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Athletics (+139), Chicago White Sox (-168)
Spread: Athletics +1.5 (-148), White Sox -1.5 (+122)
Total: 9.0 runs
Probable Starting Pitchers and their Stats: Athletics vs. White Sox for July 10
Athletics: Jacob Lopez Season Totals: 53.2 IP, 4-3, 7.04 ERA, 1.84 WHIP, 42K, 34 BB
White Sox: Sean Burke Season Totals: 98.2 IP, 5-4, 3.56 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 106K, 33 BB
Who’s Hot? Who’s Not! Athletics vs. White Sox
Nick Kurtz is without a hit in his last 5 games (0-18)
Kurtz has homered 1 time since June 22
Shea Langeliers is 2-11 over his last 4 games
After hitting .182 in June, Jeff McNeil is 3-15 in July
Sam Antonacci was 4-10 in the series against the Red Sox
Colson Montgomery was 2-4 yesterday to snap an 0-8 skid
Chase Meidroth was 2-10 in the series against the Red Sox
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top Betting Trends & Insights: Athletics vs. White Sox
The White Sox are 53-39 on the Run Line this season
The Athletics are 44-49 on the Run Line this season
The OVER has cashed 52 times in Chicago’s 92 games this season (52-38-2)
The OVER has cashed 41 times in the Athletics’ 93 games this season (44-46-3)
Expert picks & predictions: Athletics vs. White Sox
Rotoworld Bet Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s game between the Athletics and the White Sox:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the White Sox on the Moneyline.
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the White Sox on the Run Line.
Total: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 9.0.
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
Jun 13, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Matt Vierling (8) breaks his bat against the Cleveland Guardians during the seventh inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
The unofficial first half of the season wraps up with a three-game series in Detroit. For whatever reason, recent Phillies teams haven’t done well in “getaway” games, so I’m worried that they might just try to coast through what is somewhat of a “getaway” series. I’m especially pessimistic about Sunday’s game when about half the roster will be looking ahead to All-Star festivities while facing one of the best pitchers in baseball.
Opposition research: Matt Vierling
When the Phillies traded Matt Vierling (along with Nick Maton and Donny Sands) to the Tigers in exchange for Gregory Soto and Kody Clemens, it seemed like a sensible trade. Soto was a lefthanded reliever with two All-Star appearances under his belt, and thanks to the 2022 trade for Brandon Marsh, Vierling was mostly limited to a bench role. (As for the others, Maton never amounted to much, while Clemens had his moments.)
The Philadelphia Phillies are acquiring Gregory Soto and Kody Clemens from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Nick Maton, Matt Vierling and Donny Sands, per @jonmorosi and @JSalisburyNBCS pic.twitter.com/13H0uWtSTr
However, Soto could never find consistency in Philadelphia, while Vierling established himself as a solid, if unspectacular everyday player for the Tigers. Ironically, the Phillies spent years searching for a righthanded platoon complement for Marsh, and Vierling seemed like he would have been a good fit for that role.
The last two seasons have not been kind to Vierling. He spent most of 2025 on the Injured List with a variety of ailments and was limited to 31 ineffective games. He’s been healthier in 2026, but the on-field results have been bad. He’s batting just .199 with five home runs, and his once solid defense in the outfield has gone downhill.
The Phillies could still use another right-handed hitting outfielder, and Vierling is likely very available for a low price. But based on recent performance, it doesn’t seem like he’d be any sort of upgrade on what they already have.
Based on the reactions of Tigers fans, if Vierling was to be traded, they wouldn’t miss him.
I like Matt Vierling as a human but he has one of the worst swings ive ever seen i cant believe it sometimes works
I loathe seeing Matt Vierling in the line up. LOATHE it.
— SledgeHammer Horror (@SledgeHammerHor) July 7, 2026
The next Tigers PR tweet i’m looking forward to seeing :
“Matt Vierling has been designed for assignment and The Detroit Tigers have selected the contact of Max Clark from Toledo “ #RepDetroitpic.twitter.com/MMQ1c0r5Pj
Since their last World Series win in 1984, the Tigers have made it to the Fall Classic twice, winning a grand total of one game across those series. And it sure doesn’t look like that drought is going to end in 2026.
The Phillies’ roster is top heavy (a few stars are carrying an overall subpar roster), but at least those stars have the team in playoff position. The Tigers have three All-Star position players to go along with one of the better starting rotations in the AL, and they’re still seven games under .500.
This comes after a season when they lost 13 of their 16 final games to blow a 10 game lead in the AL Central. (Yes, they still made the playoffs and even won a series, but who cares? That’s still embarrassing.)
The Tigers are likely to trade ace Tarik Skubal because they don’t think they can retain him when he hits free agency in a year. It seems funny that they’d be stingy with Skubal after handing Miguel Cabrera a lifetime achievement contract over a decade ago. (I’d advise Phillies fans not to look at the last few years of Cabrera’s career if you don’t want to have nightmares about the tail end of the Harper/Turner/Schwarber era.)
The bloated, excessive, unnecessary, history-ignoring, common-sense-disregarding Miguel Cabrera contract. Column: http://t.co/lztmoIZhBw
Last week’s answer: In game six of the 1980 World Series, Pete Rose had three hits. EbbyCalvinLaLoosh answered correctly.
This week’s question: The first Phillies vs. Tigers game in history was a 7-2 Detroit win at Tiger Stadium. What former first round draft pick took the loss in that game?
Additional thought about the series
Even with Zack Wheeler on the mound, I have almost no hope for the Phillies winning on Sunday. As mentioned, this team often seems to play poorly in the final game of road trips. Add in the fact that this is the final game before the All-Star Game in Philadelphia, and that lowers their chances even more. And finally, they’ll be facing Skubal, which means I’d put their over under on runs scored in the game at one.
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 13: Atlanta Braves mascot Blooper and Philadelphia Phillies mascot Phillie Phanatic interact during the 2025 MLB Draft presented by Nike at Coca-Cola Roxy on Sunday, July 13, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It’s mock draft season and ahead of Sunday’s draft, any Lookout Landing staffer that Kate could beg/bribe/blackmail into taking part in our staff-wide mock draft has made their selections. As far as who chose to fake GM which teams, there were varied interests at play: some of us picked our “second teams” (may someone love you in this life like Isabelle loves the Rockies); some (Max) wielded their insider knowledge of the industry; some of us went with familiar AL West adversaries; others, like Nick, operated out of pure villainy and spite. The result is a very patchwork mock draft that honestly isn’t any more far afield than several of the mocks we’ve seen, because outside of the first three-to-six picks of this draft, there’s really just no consensus. Onwards!
First Round:
White Sox – C Vahn Lackey, Georgia Tech (Isabelle)
Almost every mock draft has one of Roch Cholowsky or Grady Emerson going first overall to the White Sox, but I couldn’t resist the siren song of potential Gold Glove catcher who took his already strong contact-hitting skills and plugged in his power tool this season – without sacrificing said contact skills. Lackey excels at both the big and little pieces that make up an exceptional catcher, and he’s athletic enough to have some positional flexibility. This pick exposes me as a dedicated Kyle Teel nonbeliever, and I’m not that sorry about it. Catcher is the banana stand of positional player draft picks to me; there will always be value in them, especially one as athletic and projectable as Lackey, and I think the White Sox would do well to take advantage here.
Rays – SS Roch Cholowsky, UCLA (John)
I often like to consider myself the Mark Wahlberg of The Iliad, in that if I’d been there it wouldn’t have gone down like that. Kassandra, I hear and believe you, which is crucial because I’ve never met a gift horse I didn’t like. This one clip-clops into Tampa Bay’s hands, especially if, as Isabelle intimates, the White Sox were to take Lackey and potentially save a bit of money to splash on several later picks. Cholowsky seems like the real deal across the board, a powerful middle infielder who rarely chases or whiffs, the type of player that could fill the hole left by the appalling misconduct of Wander Franco and allow the Rays to swiftly accelerate their infield’s construction towards a full constellation of stars.
Twins – SS Grady Emerson, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX) (Jake)
Quick, before Carlos Correa signed his massive free agent deal back in 2022, who is the last shortstop you can name who played for the Twins? You probably can’t because it’s been a black hole of a position for Minnesota for a long time. (Spoiler alert: it’s probably Mariners legend Jorge Polanco who compiled 8.8 fWAR as a shortstop with the Twins.) Grady Emerson has the ceiling to reverse that weakness. He’s drawn Bobby Witt Jr. comps, was named the best high school baseball player in America, and could move through the minors pretty quickly despite his young age. A slam dunk pick for the Twins at number three.
Giants – OF AJ Gracia, Virginia (Ryan)
I’m the least qualified person on staff to participate in this draft, which makes me perfectly qualified to pick for the Giants. As far as I can tell, taking AJ Gracia at four overall would be a reach. But when I think Giants, I think versatile hitters willing to use the whole field. And Gracia, a centerfielder out of University of Virginia, is lauded for his approach and ability to go the other way consistently.
Pirates – RHP Jackson Flora, UC Santa Barbara (Kate)
I’ve seen a lot of mock drafts that have the Pirates taking a high school outfielder here, but my thinking is the Pirates competitive window is open now and they want someone who’s going to be fast-moving and fit that window. Flora is the best college pitcher in the draft, so I’m smashing the you don’t draft for need button here and taking the 6’5” flamethrower. I did debate going college bat here instead, but Flora is just too good to pass up, and the idea of Skenes, Seth Hernandez, and Flora as a three-headed monster should terrify the NL Central. Some folks are calling them Mariners East.
Kansas City Royals – SS Jacob Lombard, Gulliver Prep HS (FL) (Max)
The Royals would likely be thrilled to see both Lombard and Eric Booth Jr. available at their pick, and I think they’ll capitalize on the situation and opt for the immensely talented shortstop out of Florida. He’s arguably got as high of a ceiling as anyone in this draft and could be a transcendent talent if it all clicks, but the concern around his hit tool carries some pretty legitimate weight to it. Things are decidedly Not Good for the Royals after a few solid years, and Lombard could headline a weaker system as a way to kick off a potential rebuild.
Baltimore Orioles – OF Drew Burress, Georgia Tech (Kate)
The Orioles are said to be in on college bats, and Burress, with his picture-perfect swing, is one of the best. He’s a consistently productive power hitter despite a smaller stature and would be able to move quickly to join the Orioles’ young core. He’s a good defender who could stick in center, even though the O’s have Colton Cowser manning things there for the foreseeable future, but Burress has a safer floor than Cowser, who has struggled to hit consistently in the big leagues.
Athletics – LHP Cole Carlon, Arizona State (John)
Sacramento is poised to pick three times in the top 75 thanks to a competitive balance round B pick after the second round, but they’ll be more limited than in many recent years with numerous excess selections. That’s where I see Carlon as a fit, with massive stuff as a 6’5 southpaw who was a strikeout savant at Arizona State University. He has a fastball-slider combo that is arguably the most potent in the draft, though his remaining repertoire is less advanced. Carlon is a stellar fit organizationally, however, as a player accustomed to thriving in the desert heat. Pitch mixes that elude bats entirely are crucial for a club that will be playing somewhere between Sacramento and Las Vegas in all likelihood by the time he debuts, necessitating massive contact prevention in hitter-happy environments. The A’s took a chance on Jeffrey Springs despite some struggles for getting deep into games, and seem comfortable with a high variance player. Even if things pan out frustratingly for Carlon in the third pitch department, he could swiftly be a triple-digit pumping closer, but the stuff is there for a rotation stalwart.
Atlanta Braves – OF Eric Booth Jr., Oak Grove HS (MS) (Kate)
Here is where the slide for Eric Booth Jr. stops. A Vanderbilt commit, Booth Jr.’s asking price might chill some teams, but he’s arguably the best pure athlete in the draft, and that upside is worth betting on. There’s also something about EBJ that feels very Braves-y of recent vintage, whether it’s the SEC football-playing father or very high Fun Factor in watching him play due to his outstanding athleticism and undeniable swagger.
Colorado Rockies – INF Chris Hacopian, Texas A&M (Isabelle)
When one Armenian has the chance to draft another Armenian, you have to take it. Blind loyalty aside, Hacopian is regarded as one of the most well-rounded hitters in the draft, with a career strikeout rate of 9.5% and consistent contact regardless of swing adjustments. He lacks speed and his defense is a weakness, making it likely he’ll transition to 2B or potentially into the outfield, but that can work for the Rockies, who have enough young athleticism to afford a little productive lumbering. This was a tough pick between Hacopian and Baby Kyle Freeland, Cameron Flukey, but ultimately I’m of the belief that the most successful Rockies teams will feature young 90s rom-com villain position players swatting the ball all over, alongside a stable of wizened, wily starters. Enjoy Flukey, Nats!
Washington Nationals – Cameron Flukey, Coastal Carolina (Ryan)
Everyone needs organizational pitching depth, the Nationals especially. Cameron Flukey is among the best in class, standing 6’6” with a big heater and a big bender to boot. He can access just about every velocity bin between 80-100 mph, though mostly sticks with the fastball and curveball. And he throws them from visually interesting (perhaps deceptive) over-the-top arm action. He missed a couple months with a rib injury, possibly impacting his draft position. It’s not often you find this much projection outside the top 10.
Los Angeles Angels – LHP/OF Jared Grindlinger, Huntington Beach HS (CA) (Jake)
The Angels infamously fumbled Shohei Ohtani’s stint on their roster. With a shot at a sliver of redemption, Los Angeles should be ecstatic to pick Jared Grindlinger, this draft class’s best two-way prospect. One of the youngest players in the class, Grindlinger is all raw tools and moldable clay. The Angels have largely focused on drafting MLB-ready college players over the last half decade in an effort to try and quickly supplement their big league roster. When I chose to represent the Angels in this mock draft, I decided upfront to pick the toolsiest high schooler available, just to break that mold. Grindlinger is a long-term project for their development group that could pay big dividends way down the road.
St. Louis Cardinals – SS Tyler Bell, Kentucky (John)
St. Louis has an enviable position in this draft. While they select just 13th overall, they boast the sixth-biggest draft bonus pool of any club in the league thanks to multiple additional picks accrued through competitive balance awardings and trades (including the Brendan Donovan deal). That’s not the initial draw of Bell, who is a college junior that had a taste of turning down the pros already when he headed to Kentucky for school after being selected in the second round back in 2024 by the Rays. Bell is versatile on both sides of the ball, covering the infield and both sides of the dish with aplomb. St. Louis has turned out many excellent multi-positional performers in recent years, including Donovan, Tommy Edman, and Edmundo Sosa. Bell is a superior shortstop to all of them, while rocking a well-rounded offensive profile that the Redbirds will be eager to cultivate. His selection here will open St. Louis up for several bigger swings in their next few picks.
Miami Marlins – OF Derek Curiel, Louisiana State (Kate)
The Marlins have prized youth and athleticism, specifically power-speed combos, with recent picks, but I have them pivoting here to take an established college bat in Curiel, a member of LSU’s title-winning team alongside Kade Anderson. Curiel, a draft-eligible sophomore, still fits the Marlins’ mold of picking young players, and provides a safe floor to counteract some of the Marlins’ bigger swings in recent years. I had hoped that Hacopian or Bell would be available here because the Marlins could use infield help, and debated between Curiel and one of the college catchers, who I think also makes sense here.
Arizona Diamondbacks – OF Trevor Condon, Etowah HS (GA) (John)
Few clubs target players like this the way the Diamondbacks do. A lefty outfielder with elite speed, a funky, line-drive oriented swing, and maximum effort play? This is the archetype from which Corbin Carroll was born, Jake McCarthy and Alek Thomas were hoped to mold into, and even what Ketel Marte began his career in Arizona as. Condon’s hack is almost a modern Lenny Dykstra, and the Georgia prep is in a position to be a huge asset for Arizona’s massive outfield while utilizing its spacious gaps to run wild and slash triples. While his name and Georgia ties might indicate a relation to UGA star and Rockies farmhand Charlie Condon, there is no connection.
Rojas is far too good for the Rangers to pass up here, and their second rounder last year (AJ Russell) has a similar low-launch, fastball-oriented style that clearly popped on their model. Most have Rojas as the clear-cut number one high school arm in this class, and Texas’ farm system is in no shape to be passing up on potentially elite talent.
Houston Astros – SS Justin Lebron, Alabama (Nick)
I do believe that there’s an outside chance that Jim Crane might believe that he’s got a shot at signing LeBron James here, and push this pick through. But the real-life scouts and analysts would be delighted to find him on the board this late. They can teach him to put the bat on the ball. The rest (power, speed, defense, makeup) is already ready to go.
Cincinnati Reds – OF Sawyer Strosnider, Texas Christian (John)
This is a great get for Cincy at 18. Strosnider has the makings of an absolute star, in an organization that has been staggeringly bereft of consistency or competency, much less excellence in the outfield. The only four seasons with >2.0 fWAR since 2021 for the Reds have been TJ Freidl twice, who is having an atrocious campaign as he’s frequently been wont to do in between, and 2021 where both Jesse Winker and Nick Castellanos had big hitting campaigns. It’s a huge hole, but Strosnider has the goods to overcome it. He’s got plus power and speed, enough to be a center fielder whose skills around the diamond cover every element of the game. He’s only shown some occasional overaggression at the dish, but still draws free passes with aplomb when he’s not slugging bombs.
Cleveland Guardians – C Ryder Helfrick, Arkansas (Jake)
With Bo Naylor looking like a bust at catcher, the Guardians traded for Patrick Bailey to shore up the position in the big leagues. This pick in the draft poses the question, “what if you could have the next Bailey but add a league average bat to the equation?” Helfrick is the best defensive catcher in this draft class with 60 to 70 grades placed on his work behind the plate. He enjoyed a bit of an offensive breakout this year, blasting 18 home runs for the Razorbacks. He still strikes out a ton, which gives him a bit of a Mike Zunino-esque profile, but the ceiling should be high enough to entice Cleveland to pick him here.
Boston Red Sox – 3B Ace Reese, Mississippi State (Kate)
The Red Sox like power and Reese provides plenty of it, having hit 20+ homers in each of his first two collegiate seasons with the Bulldogs. Sure, he’s probably more of a 1B at the next level and he’s already not particularly fast, but no need to hurry around the bases when you’re knocking homers over the Pesky Pole. The whiff rate is a little concerning, which is why this is a pick at 20 instead of a pick at 10, and if it calms down in pro ball after the pressure of the draft is off, the Red Sox will have added an advanced power bat to a system that’s already rich, varied, and deep.
San Diego Padres – SS Archer Horn, St. Ignatius Prep (CA) (Max)
Toolsy California prep with tons of helium? Sounds like a Padre.
Detroit Tigers – RHP Coleman Borthwick, South Walton HS (FL) (John)
Resist the urge to say his name in the cadence of Big man Blastoise as you might, it comes to you in the night. Borthwick is a 6’6, 260 lbs threat of a youth that is a straightforward answer to the question of “why is the United States so underwhelming at men’s soccer?” The athletic righty is a two-way player as a prospect, capable of being a third baseman who can slug, but it’s unlikely we’ll see him afforded the opportunity in the pros. Still, he’s sitting mid-90s with a great heater and multiple solid breaking pitches as an 18 year old, with a compact and tidy delivery he repeats well. While it’s unlikely Seattle goes prep pitcher from our perspective, this would be the guy if he falls to the M’s. As it is, I’ve termed the Tigers to take the polished prep, whose solid system is laughably tilted towards position players.
Chicago Cubs – RHP Liam Peterson, Florida (Kate)
The Cubs would be thrilled to see Peterson at 23: a 6’5” hurler who leads with his fastball but also possesses a wipeout slider, a hammer curve, and a changeup. With long levers and a whippy delivery, there are shades of Logan Gilbert here, although Peterson pitched against tougher competition in the SEC. Baseball America recently declared him, not Flora, the best pitcher in the class, so it’s bonkers he’s available here at 23 – not even the first college lefty pitcher off our board. That just goes to show you how polarizing this particular draft is outside of the top 5 or 6 picks (although we couldn’t even agree on those. Viva la chaos!)
Seattle Mariners – OF Logan Hughes, Texas Tech (Max)
I was lucky enough to pull the M’s in this endeavor and wound up going with a bat I really think could be in the mix for them at 24. It’s not the sexiest pick in the world, but Hughes is easily one of the most well rounded bats in this class and comes with a level of polish that’s hard to find this late into the first round. Being a left field exclusive at this point in your career is tough and definitely brings down the shine of his overall profile, but I went with someone that is both a great player and a realistic candidate to make it to their pick. Louisville outfielder Zion Rose was strongly considered, and though I think there’s a case to be made for him over Hughes, my gut says Hughes is more likely to be available when it all shakes out this weekend, and frankly, I prefer to bet on the bat of Hughes over the speed of Rose. Regardless, they are both talented players that could easily wind up being the Mariners’ guy on Saturday night.
An elbow injury derailed Hunter Dietz’s first two seasons at Arkansas but he returned healthy this year to post a 36.2% strikeout rate in 16 starts. He already possesses a plus cutter and slider and his fastball sits in the mid 90s and can reach 98 mph. His curveball and changeup are works-in-progress, but the fastball-cutter-slider foundation is so good that he should move quickly through the minors once he’s drafted. The Brewers aren’t exactly starved for pitching, but Dietz gives them a potential mid-rotation arm to bolster their big league roster.
Prospect Promotion Incentive Picks
26. Atlanta Braves – RHP Cade Townsend, Ole Miss (Kate)
Speaking truth to power (it’s me I’m power), I don’t know that Townsend makes it past the Mariners – he’s exactly the kind of college pitcher Seattle has had success with, boasting a deep arsenal over pure stuff with a real ability to spin the ball. Atlanta has valued something similar in pitching prospects, though, showing a willingness to look beyond pure stuff and chase long-term upside. The next order of business will be to properly anoint the Ole Miss prospect so he avoids the eldritch curse that hangs over Atlanta’s pitching. UPDATE: The curse that hangs over Atlanta’s pitching is so strong that apparently Townsend already has a shoulder injury which might push him a little further down draft boards.
27. New York Mets – 3B Bo Lowrance, Christ Church Episcopal HS (SC) (Isabelle)
After this pick, the Mets don’t have another until No.92. No pressure! That being said, it’s not my ass in the jackpot, so we’re swingin’ big with Bo Lowrance. BoLow is a Virginia commit and expected to be a tough sign, but you know who’s great at throwing money around? Your New York Mets.
28. Houston Astros – 1B Myles Bailey, Florida State (Nick)
Myles Bailey is the perfect pick for the Astros here. He’s a hulking lad with light tower power. That’s it.
Competitive Balance Round A
29. San Francisco Giants – LHP Carson Bolemon, Southside Christian HS (SC) (Ryan)
Carson Bolemon. The ‘D’ is silent in America. It’s ‘Bo De Le Monde,’ or Bole The Isle of Man, in France, or Boledman in Greece, or finally the vulgar Bolemon in South Carolina, so actually, we don’t know where he’ll be drafted until we hear his last name pronounced.
30. Kansas City Royals – LHP Mason Edwards, Southern California (Max)
No qualified collegian struck out opponents at a higher rate than the 6’2 southpaw. There’s an element of Reid Detmers here for a pitching-savvy club to cultivate further, with a heater on the lower end in the low-90s, but bat-missing ride and VAA. His breaking ball tunnels brilliantly with the pitch, as a breaking ball that utterly baffled Big Ten opponents. There’s always some risk for pitchers who dominate with curveballs in the lower levels, as the big leagues seem to be better attuned to them compared to firmer sliders, but Edwards has one that could beat the odds.
31. Arizona Diamondbacks – RHP Tegan Kuhns, University of Tennessee (John)
Anywhere from the teens onward could be a landing spot for Kuhns, who has the type of stuff Seattle has often targeted as well. Instead, the Diamondbacks will get a chance to push the lean righty up their organizational ladder at a potentially rapid pace. Kuhns is a strike-thrower with a heater in the 94-99 range that he uses predominantly, ahead of any of his secondaries although they show promise. This is the second straight year the Volunteers of Tennessee have one of the top pitchers in the class with a profile arguably only carried by a single elite fastball. Kuhns lacks quite the hype of Liam Doyle, but he’s worthy of first round billing.
32. St. Louis Cardinals – RHP Joseph Contreras, Blessed Trinity Catholic HS (GA) (John)
This is a spot for a prep pitcher if I’ve ever seen one. I’ve given the Cardinals the leeway to make such a swing by snagging the stellar-but-signable Bell in round one, allowing them to swing that big bonus pool around a bit in Comp Round A. Contreras is familiar with big swings, and is presumably the only eligible draftee who can boast having jammed Aaron Judge for a GiDP in a live game. The 18 year old Vanderbilt commit pitched for Brazil in the World Baseball Classic this spring, showcasing major league stuff and high school nerves. His lean frame whips in excellent velocity and, most impressively, an elite forkball like his father. He is the son of Cuban big league stalwart José Contreras, who spent 11 years in the big leagues, debuting at age 31 after a decade starring in his native Cuba. The All-Star had his finest season as part of the Chicago White Sox’ legendary World Series winning 2005 rotation, part of the legacy of connection between the ChiSox and Cuba. His son may also be destined to thrive in the midwest.
33. Tampa Bay Rays – SS Connor Comeau, Anderson HS (TX) (John)
He’s no Perry, but this Comeau can flat out hit. The Rays have prioritized athleticism and contact skills in their hitters, and the 17 year old Comeau is promising in both regards. While the 6’4 youngster might drift to third base, he’s got the goods to stick there comfortably.
34. Pittsburgh Pirates – OF Zion Rose, Louisville (Kate)
The Pirates double up on collegiates in my version of a hard pivot from their past draft tendencies, but Rose is an exciting, toolsy player who was getting draft looks as a high schooler at IMG. He went to Louisville instead where he transitioned off catcher and into the outfield, a testament to his natural athleticism – he’s a double-plus runner, which should help him in the spacious confines of PNC Park. Hit-wise, it’s a contact-oriented profile that’s currently more hit over power, but a strong, athletic frame and quick bat should translate into better power numbers as he matures as a pro.
35. New York Yankees – 1B Gavin Grahovac, Texas A&M (Nick)
I picked the best available player with a beard, because the Yankees love to cause emotional pain.
36. Philadelphia Phillies – SS Aiden Ruiz, Stony Brook HS (NY) (Isabelle)
It’s hard to properly emphasize just how much of an exception Gage Wood was last year for the Phillies draft strategy. They like ‘em preppy and they like ‘em flashy, and Ruiz is one of, if not the best, defensive shortstops in this class. I implore you to watch some of his highlights. Forget Gold Gloves, this is the Golden Ratio of shortstop fielding.
37. Colorado Rockies – RHP Broccoli Rabe, Ole Miss (Isabelle)
Now you get pitching, Rockies. Rabe was an intriguing prep arm out of South Carolina, who underwent Tommy John before his freshman year and was used sparingly up until this season. He’s been a fast riser in recent months, powered by pinpoint control, stellar fastball and a very adult arsenal (a particular point of appeal in making this match, inspired by Antonio Senzatella’s success in throwing the kitchen sink this season). There’s a very real chance he is better than at least three Rockies currently pitching in the bigs. (Ed. note: this young man’s name is Taylor Rabe, despite everything we’d love to have you believe – JT)
WHEW that was a lot. And we swear we only made one of those names up. Here’s the full breakdown:
Who will win Braves vs Cardinals tonight: Braves -1.5 (+109)
The Atlanta Braves send Chris Sale to the hill tonight. He's compiled a 2.81 FIP over his last four outings while allowing just 0.81 HR/9. Additionally, the lefty has held opponents to a 3.1% barrel rate during that span.
The St. Louis Cardinals counter with Kyle Leahy. He's been impressive lately, compiling a 2.85 xERA across his previous two starts. However, Leahy has allowed a 47.8% hard-hit rate, and he's up against a Braves lineup carrying a .252 ISO and 135 wRC+ over the last seven games.
Leahy's recent results could be difficult to sustain against a lineup producing this much power and overall offense.
I'll play this pick up to -120.
COVERS INTEL: Sale has a 2.54 FIP on the road, compared to a 3.26 mark at home this season.
Braves vs Cardinals Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-126)
We have a solid pitching matchup here, and both bullpens have held their own lately. Atlanta's relief corps owns a 3.88 FIP over the last week while allowing just 0.88 HR/9. The Cardinals aren't exactly thriving at the plate either, carrying a 90 wRC+ over their last eight games.
Atlanta's offense is flourishing, and I expect some production, but Leahy's recent form could prevent a full explosion. Sale often works deep into games, and Atlanta's bullpen has been reliable.
I'll play this pick up to -140.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 34-35, -5.21 units
Over/Under bets: 38-29, +3.35 units
Braves vs Cardinals weather
Conditions will be warm and humid at Busch Stadium tonight, with temperatures around 87 degrees early before falling to 80 later in the evening. Winds will be very light at 1-3 mph, while rain chances range from 24% to 38%. A brief shower is possible, but weather should have limited impact overall.
Braves vs Cardinals odds
Moneyline: Braves -150 | Cardinals +144
Run line: Braves -1.5 (+133) | Cardinals +1.5 (-117)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+117) | Under 8.5 (-122)
Braves vs Cardinals trend
The Braves have hit the Run Line in 30 of their last 50 away games (+10.25 Units / 17% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Braves vs. Cardinals.
How to watch Braves vs Cardinals and game info
Location
Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
Date
Friday, July 10, 2026
First pitch
8:15 p.m. ET
TV
Apple TV
Braves starting pitcher
Chris Sale (9-6, 2.27 ERA)
Cardinals starting pitcher
Kyle Leahy (7-4, 3.86 ERA)
Braves vs Cardinals latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 08: Luis García Jr. #2 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring against the Houston Astros on a hit by Daylen Lile #4 during the third inning at Nationals Park on July 08, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This magic carpet ride that Luis Garcia Jr. is on just keeps going. His insane June has carried over into July, with the Nats first baseman slugging as much as ever. After he hit 11 homers in June, he already has 4 in July. The 26 year old has 10 homers in his last 15 games and 15 in his last 30.
I have never seen anything like this before, especially from a player whose previous career high in homers was 18. Garcia already has 20 home runs, 15 of which have come since June 5th. In his last 15 games, Garcia has a truly insane 1.567 OPS. You can just keep going with these numbers, but as Mark DeRosa put it, he has had a career year, and we have not even gotten to the All-Star Break.
There have been so many success stories on the offensive side of the ball. Choosing who the best story is changes by the day. Right now, you have to give that title to Garcia. He has always had an exciting combination of hitting ability and power, but has taken it to the next level this year. Garcia is doing that by swinging harder, hitting the ball harder, and not sacrificing any contact ability in the process.
To be more specific, Garcia’s bat speed is up 1.2 MPH, his average exit velocity is up 2 MPH and his whiff rate is actually down 2.7%. His bat speed is in the 67th percentile, the average exit velocity is in the 90th percentile and the whiff rate is in the 80th percentile.
Spencer Nusbaum of the Athletic wrote a great article about Garcia and the Nats offense, where he also talked about just how rare his contact and power combination is. Garcia is one of six players with a hard hit rate over 45% and a whiff rate under 20%. Usually hitters have contact skills or power, but Garcia has both.
The Nationals offense: 508 runs (1st in MLB)
Luis García Jr. 5/24-: 1.157 OPS (2nd in MLB)
These developments are thanks to an idea that drives the Nats at every level: Take what makes a player good, and make it great.https://t.co/DXUTX8K3gV
For a long time, most people including myself thought the key to unlocking Garcia was somehow finding a way to lower his chase rates. However, that is not what is happening here. Garcia is actually chasing more than ever, but his strengths have become so strong that it does not really matter.
One other part of Spencer’s article that I really enjoyed was when he talked about Garcia’s personality. He is a goofy, fun loving guy who keeps things light in the locker room. Even from the outside, it is easy to see that Garcia is quite a bubbly guy. He is the player at the end of the Nats home run line in the dugout, at least when he is not hitting them. Garcia is often the player pouring water on guys in post game interviews or throwing sunflower seeds on them after homers.
Garcia can goof around, but he is also becoming more of a leader as well. He is the longest tenured National now, despite just turning 26. When I am in the locker room, I have noticed that other players gravitate towards him. This is especially true for other Spanish speaking players, but it is not just those guys.
It feels like the Nats new regime is letting Garcia be himself, and it is bringing out the best version of him. This version of Garcia is so much fun to watch. He is hitting homers almost every night and setting career highs in early July.
Despite all of this success, I doubt Garcia is going to start tonight. This has been happening for a couple years now, but Garcia does not play a whole lot against left handed pitching. He just does not perform as well, and the staff wants to put him in a position to succeed. It is frustrating to see a hitter this hot not play every day, but the numbers show this is the right move.
Garcia has always had big platoon splits, and this year is no different. He is hitting .300 with a .927 OPS against righties, but those numbers drop to .229 and .650 against left handers. Andres Chaparro has not proven to be the best platoon partner, but the Nats could have the perfect fit on the way in Yohandy Morales.
Luis Garcia Jr. has suddenly become one of the most electric players in baseball. Honestly, it is quite surreal to watch. Garcia has always had clear talent as a hitter, but never put it together. Now, at 26 years old, many years into his big league career, that breakout has finally come.
CHICAGO — The slumping Chicago White Sox got a lift when they activated rookie slugger Munetaka Murakami from the 10-day injured list.
Murakami had been sidelined since he strained his right hamstring during a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers on May 29. At the time of the injury, the Japanese infielder ranked among the major league leaders with 20 homers, 41 RBIs, 43 runs and a .947 OPS.
The White Sox have dropped three in a row and six of eight overall going into a weekend series against the Athletics. They went 17-18 while Murakami was on the injured list.
Infielder Jacob Gonzalez was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte. The 24-year-old Gonzalez, a first-round pick in the 2023 amateur draft, hit .244 with two homers and 17 RBIs in 30 games in his first stint in the major leagues.
The 26-year-old Murakami signed a two-year, $34 million contract with Chicago in December. He made two rehab appearances with Charlotte, going 2 for 7 with a double.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Jacob Latz went to spring training with the Rangers competing for a spot in the rotation. He instead became an All-Star closer, even after his first appearance for Texas this season was as a starter and he didn’t have a save until late April.
Latz is the only Rangers player named to the American League All-Star team for the game in Philadelphia. That also is where they opened the season, and he threw four no-hit innings while starting their second game on March 28, only after two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom was a late scratch because of neck stiffness.
This season certainly has been an unexpected twist for the 30-year-old left-hander who has longed to be a big league starter. He is excelling in a first-time role, with 18 saves in 20 opportunities and a 1.65 ERA in 34 games.
“When I didn’t get the starting role ... I was hurt in the moment, for sure,” Latz said. “But I knew that there were good things ahead because of the work I put in during the offseason. I didn’t know it would show up this way.”
That spot start for Latz in Philadelphia came only days after being told he didn’t make the rotation. He instead went into a bullpen without a designated closer, and he didn’t get his first save until April 25.
Latz was named AL reliever of the month in June after his 11 saves set a franchise record for the most in any single month. His other appearance in June was a perfect ninth inning in a game that went to extra innings.
His only save in the big leagues before this year was pitching the final three innings of a 10-2 win over Baltimore last season, when as a swingman he started eight of his 33 games.
“He’s always super even-keeled. ... The qualities to be a closer, the temperament, the mound presence and the stuff, he’s got all of those,” first-year Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said. “I still think he could be a really good starter. That’s how good he is. I have no idea what his future’s going to look like, but having All-Star on his résumé no matter what is pretty sweet.”
Schumaker, an adviser for Texas last year, and Latz met for lunch in California during the offseason to talk about what the pitcher needed to do to prepare to compete for a rotation spot.
They had what Schumaker called “a really challenging conversation” late in spring training. Latz responded that he wanted to pitch high-leverage innings.
“You earn those innings, you’re not just given those innings. He absolutely earned it two, three weeks into the season,” Schumaker said. “Long story short, that conversation in the offseason at lunch was amazing, then disappointment, then back to amazing.”
Latz has five saves when pitching two innings, and his MLB-leading nine saves getting at least four outs are the most for a Rangers pitcher since Francisco Cordero had nine the entire 2004 season.
“This is a player who has developed a little bit later in his career, but it’s not for a lack of determination and work ethic. This guy is as committed as anybody I’ve seen in the game, and he’s not afraid of the moment,” said Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young, a former big league pitcher.
Texas took Latz in the seventh round of the 2017 draft after he pitched only 8 1/3 innings over three college seasons. He missed his freshman season at LSU in 2015 because of a stress reaction in his left elbow that required surgery, then pitched in only seven games in 2016. He then went to Kent State but was unable to play there because of NCAA transfer rules.
Latz made his big league debut by starting his only game for the Rangers in 2021 before the transition to the bullpen. He didn’t pitch in the majors again until three relief appearances in 2023, and he made 46 more the following season.
“Just incremental steps along the way. It was a tough climb to get back from my college career to where we are at right now,” he said. “Little by little, I tried to solidify myself as a major league player, and last year was a big step forward, just growing the confidence. It wasn’t truly linear, but learned a lot along the way. And I think it definitely makes it a little more meaningful doing it this way.”
DETROIT — Athletics outfielder Zack Gelof left in the third inning of a 4-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers after injuring his right knee when he slammed it into the left field fence in foul territory while making a sliding catch.
Manager Mark Kotsay said after the game Gelof has a deep cut underneath his right kneecap and will have tests.
“Fortunately, it just missed the tendon,” Kotsay told reporters. “He’ll be reevaluated tomorrow to verify that with an MRI.”
Leading off the third in a scoreless game, Zach McKinstry lofted a pitch from Jack Perkins down the left field line. Gelof made a long run into foul territory before he slid and made a terrific catch for the out, but his right knee slammed into the fencing that juts out.
Gelof immediately grabbed his knee in obvious pain, a tear in his uniform pants showing where his leg made contact with the fence. The outfielder got back to his feet after a few moments and limped back to his spot in left field as Kotsay and head athletic trainer Jeff Collins jogged out to check on him.
Gelof quickly went down to the ground again and was replaced by Colby Thomas, who opened the game in right field. Lawrence Butler took over in right.
Gelof grounded out in his only at-bat in the second. He’s hitting .273 with 11 home runs and 29 RBIs in what has been a bounce-back season after starting out at Triple-A Las Vegas. The 26-year-old outfielder/infielder had a 24-game hitting streak stopped on June 23 after he was forced to leave against San Francisco when Matt Chapman inadvertently stepped on Gelof’s right hand as the second baseman was applying the tag with his glove hand.
Gelof, who was placed on the injured list with a bruised hand, also had his on-base streak of 27 games end, along with a streak of scoring in 13 consecutive games. He was activated on July 4.
DETROIT — Eduardo Valencia made some history for the Detroit Tigers, got emotional while thanking his family and home country of earthquake-rocked Venezuela, and then celebrated after the game with a hug from his wife on the field.
The 26-year-old catcher became the 10th Detroit player to homer in his first career plate appearance, helping the Tigers to a 4-1 victory over the Athletics that completed a series sweep.
“I was waiting a lot for this, for my family, for Venezuela and I’m so excited,” Valencia said as his voice cracked and he fought back tears during an on-field interview on the Tigers’ broadcast after the game.
Valencia was called up from Triple-A Toledo earlier in the day with All-Star catcher Dillon Dingler recovering from a bruised right hand. Valencia entered as a pinch-hitter for Kerry Carpenter in the seventh inning against Hogan Harris and sent a 425-foot shot to center to cap the scoring for Detroit.
“I was just thinking, like, I was trying to hit (with) contact,” Valencia said. “Get a good pitch, just be the most calm that I can do it. I was so excited.”
He’s the first Tigers player to homer in his first big-league at-bat since Akil Baddoo on April 4, 2021.
The native of Valencia, Venezuela pointed to the sky and pounded his chest as he rounded the bases with a huge smile, then pointed to his wife in the stands and made a heart symbol with his hands. He later gave her a big hug after the game.
Valencia’s thoughts also were with his parents, who couldn’t make the trip to see his debut, and the people of Venezuela, who are recovering from a rare double earthquake on June 24 that killed at least 920 and injured another 3,360, authorities said. Many more are feared dead.
“This is for all Venezuela people,” Valencia said of his big debut, thanking his family and coaches. “They gave me everything.”
A couple of Valencia’s happy teammates then dumped a bucket of water on him as the fans remaining in the stands cheered.
Valencia, who stayed in the game as the Tigers’ designated hitter after his homer, was hit by a pitch from Mark Leiter Jr. in his second plate appearance.
Valencia was signed by the Tigers in 2018 as an 18-year-old player and he appeared in 439 games over eight-plus seasons in the minors before making his big league debut. He didn’t reach the Triple-A level until last year, when he played in 50 games with Toledo, and then appeared in 76 games this season.
“I mean, this is so exciting,” Valencia said. “I’m just trying to help the team to win. ... I was waiting a lot (time) for this moment. It’s so exciting. ... I can’t talk right now.”
Friday's MLB card is loaded with star power, and a few of baseball's biggest bats find themselves in favorable matchups.
Before locking in your MLB player props, here are my MLB picks I'm targeting to leave their mark tonight.
UPDATE: Added another HR pick + parlay.
Best MLB home run props today
Player to hit a HR
Odds
Yordan Alvarez
+238
Kody Clemens
+339
Rafael Devers
+380
Home run pick: Yordan Alvarez (+238)
My mouth waters when I see the name Cal Quantrill, because he is simply a gift to us home run-loving sons of guns.
So far this season against left-handed bats, the Rangers starter is allowing a 76.6% elevation rate, 15.6% barrel rate, and 40% hard-hit rate. Those hitters are generating a .460 xSLG and .377 xwOBA against him.
Yordan Alvarez enters Friday with an elite rating on Batters-Box while covering all of Quantrill’s pitches. In 22 games this season when Alvarez has received an elite rating, he has left the yard 31.82% of the time. Over the last 3 seasons, he has hit a home run in 21% of his games with an elite rating across 233 appearances.
Over his last 60 at-bats against right-handed pitching, Alvarez has maintained a .286 BA, .551 SLG, .968 OPS, and .265 ISO while generating a 55.6% hard-hit rate and 19.4% barrel rate.
Leave the yard and make our Friday great, Yordan.
Time: 8:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CW33, SCHN
Home run pick: Kody Clemens (+339)
The Rocket's son finds himself in another boom spot, as he draws Angels right-hander Grayson Rodriguez on Friday. Kody Clemens enters the matchup with an elite rating while covering over 91% of Rodriguez’s subpar pitch mix. In 27 elite-rated matchups this season, the Twins slugger has left the yard 22.22% of the time.
Over his last 60 plate appearances against right-handed pitching, Clemens has been crushing the baseball, posting a .561 SLG, .844 OPS, and .298 ISO while generating a 58.7% hard-hit rate and 13% barrel rate.
Rodriguez has struggled against left-handed bats this season, allowing a 52.2% hard-hit rate and a 67.4% elevation rate. Lefties have also posted a .361 batting average, .651 SLG, and .469 wOBA against him.
With both sides generating plenty of hard contact, this feels like another spot for the Twins slugger to leave the yard.
Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MNNT, ABTV
Home run pick: Rafael Devers (+380)
It is hard to pass up a near 4-to-1 home run price on someone who has been absolutely crushing right-handed pitching. Over his last 60 plate appearances against righties, Giants slugger Rafael Devers owns a .388 BA, .980 SLG, 1.480 OPS and .592 ISO, while generating a 55% hard hit rate and 20% barrel rate.
Devers draws Tanner Gordon, whom he holds a 64.8% arsenal coverage rating against across his entire pitch mix. Gordon’s arsenal grades below league average on FanGraphs, and he has been getting hit hard by left-handed bats, allowing a 62.7% elevation rate and 50.7% hard hit rate, while surrendering a .716 SLG and .454 wOBA.
On Batters-Box, Devers owns the highest matchup rating on the slate using the default ratings dating back the last 3 seasons. In 247 elite ratings, Devers has gone deep 22% of the time.
This is one of my favorite long ball matchups of the day. Let Devers MASH!
Time: 10:15 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCSBA, COLR
Today’s HR parlay
Yordan Alvarez
Bet Now +6700
Kody Clemens
Rafael Devers
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 76-265, +11.5 units
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
OMAHA, NEBRASKA - JUNE 20: Gavyn Jones #18 of the Oklahoma Sooners pitches during the eighth inning against the North Carolina Tar Heels in Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals at Charles Schwab Field on June 20, 2026 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As is tradition at Amazin’ Avenue (2025, 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019), we take a look back at the high school players players who declined to sign with the Mets out of high school in order to attend college and see how their careers have gone now that they’re draft eligible once again. In 2023, the Mets drafted six high school players. Of those six, five signed with the club- Colin Houck, A.J. Ewing, Boston Baro, John Valle, and Jake Zitella- while one- Gavyn Jones- elected not to. Jones is a junior and now eligible for the 2026 MLB Draft, so let’s check in and see what he’s been up to and how he’s been doing.
Gavyn Jones, LHP (18th Round, 546 Overall)
With their 18th round selection in the 2023 MLB Draft, the Mets selected Gavyn Jones, a left-handed pitcher from White Oak High School in White Oak Texas. The southpaw won Texas District 15-3A Most Valuable Player honors that spring, hitting .490 with 12 doubles, 2 triples, 11 home runs, and 16 stolen bases in 18 attempts and posting a 0.97 ERA in 79 innings on the mound, walking 47 and striking out 144. The 6’2”, 205-pound left-hander had a fastball that sat in the low-to-mid-90s at the time and complemented it with a raw but projectable slider and a raw but projectable changeup.
Jones initially had a commitment to Texas Tech, but that fell through and he ended up attending McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas. Jones appeared in 8 games for the Highlanders, starting 4, and posted a 14.54 ERA in 13.0 innings, allowing 21 earned runs on 20 hits and 18 walks while striking out 13. Additionally, he had 48 at-bats and hit .271/.352/.458 with 3 doubles, 2 home runs, 1 stolen base in 2 attempts, and drew 5 walks to 13 strikeouts.
Draft eligible once again due to his status as a junior college student, Jones went unselected in the 2024 MLB Draft. He entered the transfer portal and was accepted into the University of Oklahoma baseball program. In his sophomore season, he appeared in 22 games, starting 1, and posted a 6.37 ERA in 29.2 innings, allowing 33 hits, walking 7, and striking out 28. Jones also appeared in two additional games as a hitter and went 3-3, giving him a 1.000/1.000/2.000 batting line for the year and comically putting him on the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year watch list.
That summer, the left-hander pitched in the Cape Cod Baseball League, pitching for the Chatham Anglers. He appeared in 7 games, starting 4, and posted a 5.33 ERA in 25.1 innings, allowing 32 hits, walking 9, and striking out 14. When he returned to Oklahoma in the fall, coach Skip Johnson had Jones officially transition to becoming a full-time pitcher.
The southpaw appeared in 22 games for the Sooners in 2026 and pitched 26.2 innings for the eventual College World Series champions. He posted a career-best 4.73 ERA and allowed 24 hits, walked 17, and struck out 28. In the NCAA regionals, he made 1 appearance and threw 2.0 scoreless innings against Georgia Tech Yellowjackets, allowing 1 hit, walking 1, and striking out 3. In the College World Series Championship Series, he made 1 appearance and threw 2.1 scoreless innings against the North Carolina Tar Heels, allowing 2 hits, walking 2, and striking out 4.
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 19: Tate Southisene speaks during a press conference at Truist Park on July 19, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We are one day away from Christmas in July as the MLB Draft, along with all the other festivities, is set to begin this weekend. There have been some changes, including the date and timings of the event so let’s review everything you need to know about the draft.
How To Watch
The draft will be held across two days with rounds 1-4 coming on Saturday, July 11th and rounds 5-20 on Sunday, July 20th.
Day 1
Coverage begins at 1:00 PM ET on NBC/Peacock for picks 1-10 of the first round..
Coverage will then shift to MLB Network for picks 11-40 (end of the 1st, PPI, competitive balance round A).
Coverage shifts again to MLB.com, MLB.tv for picks 41-135.
Day 2
Coverage begins at 11:30 AM ET for rounds 5-20 and will be found on MLB.com/MLB.tv
Where will the Braves pick in the draft order?
If you’re on this website in particular you’re here for Braves coverage so let’s focus on those picks in particular. The Braves received a PPI (Prospect Promotion Incentive) pick because Drake Baldwin started the season on the roster, and won Rookie of the Year, giving them an additional pick before the second round.
How much Draft Bonus Pool money do the Braves have?
Another result of the Drake Baldwin Rookie of the Year award is that the PPI pick comes with additional value, so the overall draft pool the Braves may draw from totals $15,870,800. The value is of importance because if a team exceeds that allotment by up to 5%, they pay an additional 75% tax on the that overage. These penalties increase the more you go over that threshold, but that is extremely rare.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JULY 08: (L-R) Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates with Jonathan Aranda #8 after defeating the New York Yankees 3-0 at Tropicana Field on July 08, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Did the Mariners have a tiny bit of momentum coming out of that homestand last week? You bet. Did they squander it all away immediately? Of course. After being swept in Miami, Seattle finds itself back at .500 and a half game behind the Rangers in the AL West. Just a year ago, the M’s were coming off a rough sweep on the road heading into the final series before the All-Star break against the best team in the American League. In one of the big turning points in their season, they swept the Tigers to head into the midseason break on a high note. Now, they’ve got that same opportunity in Tampa Bay.
The Rays have been one of the biggest surprises in the AL this year. After back-to-back fourth place finishes in the AL East in 2024 and ‘25, it seemed like the competitive window Tampa Bay had been building since ‘19 was slamming closed. Instead, they’re leading their division with the best record in the AL. They’re definitely a bit out over their skis — they’ve outperformed their Pythagorean record by five games and their Base Runs record by six games — but the wins they’ve banked already mean they’re almost guaranteed a postseason berth thanks to the mediocre playoff field behind them.
Player
Position
Bats
PA
K%
BB%
ISO
wRC+
Yandy Díaz
DH
R
380
13.9%
9.7%
0.172
152
Jonathan Aranda
1B
L
393
22.1%
13.0%
0.162
134
Junior Caminero
3B
R
398
18.3%
12.3%
0.269
149
Cedric Mullins
CF
L
308
20.5%
8.4%
0.134
75
Chandler Simpson
LF
L
343
9.6%
5.2%
0.063
82
Victor Mesa Jr.
RF
L
96
24.0%
12.5%
0.171
85
Richie Palacios
2B
L
216
18.1%
11.1%
0.090
94
Taylor Walls
SS
S
259
25.1%
12.0%
0.069
77
Hunter Feduccia
C
L
129
28.7%
10.1%
0.107
85
The top three players in the Rays lineup carry most of the load. Junior Caminero has gone nuclear recently, blasting 12 home runs over his last 16 games. He’s one of the most dangerous young power hitters in the game and this hot streak has pushed him into the middle of the AL MVP race. Yandy Díaz is one of the few familiar names anchoring this lineup. He’s the longest tenured Ray at this point and is in the midst of his best offensive season since 2023. Jonathan Aranda is cut from the same mold as Díaz: a compact swing geared for hard, line drive contact and a solid approach at the plate. The rest of the lineup is filled with flexible role players and platoons which force opponents into uncomfortable matchups throughout the game.
It feels like Nick Martinez is the most spiritually Rays player who hasn’t actually played for Tampa Bay until this year. Over the past four years, he’s admirably served as a part-time starter, part-time swingman, and even saw some high-leverage work at times. He’s been solid no matter which role he’s playing. That’s the sort of flexibility the Rays covet, though they’ve deployed him as a full-time starter out of their rotation this year. He’s made the odd tradeoff to try and generate a lot more weak contact rather than swings and misses this year; he’s emphasized his sinker over his four-seamer and increased the usage of his fantastic changeup. The topline results are there — his 2.61 ERA is third best in the AL — but all of his peripherals scream regression.
Pitcher
IP
K%
BB%
HR/FB%
GB%
ERA
FIP
Griffin Jax
65
25.6%
8.3%
20.3%
44.8%
3.60
4.49
Logan Gilbert
107.1
27.2%
5.3%
11.3%
35.1%
3.19
3.45
Pitch
Usage vRHB
Usage vLHB
Velocity
Stuff+
Whiff+
BIP+
xwOBA
Four-seam
12.2%
20.6%
96.2
105
121
83
0.400
Sinker
32.1%
12.4%
95.6
98
104
100
0.377
Cutter
0.8%
7.7%
92.8
93
Changeup
10.9%
30.2%
91.3
101
129
86
0.278
Curveball
2.7%
12.7%
85.2
121
Sweeper
41.4%
16.5%
88.0
106
129
111
0.271
Griffin Jax was an odd trade deadline acquisition last July. The Rays weren’t in a position to buy, but they traded Taj Bradley straight up for Jax, who was one of the best setup men in baseball at the time. Jax struggled as a reliever with the Rays and the team decided to convert him to a starter on the fly in May. It’s not the worst idea in the world; Jax has a deep repertoire that didn’t fit a traditional high-leverage reliever. Things have worked out pretty well despite the odd timing of it all. Across 13 starts and 56 IP, he has a 2.89 ERA, 3.99 FIP, and 3.87 K/BB out of the rotation.
Pitcher
IP
K%
BB%
HR/FB%
GB%
ERA
FIP
Ian Seymour
61.1
28.7%
8.4%
11.4%
30.2%
4.11
3.85
Emerson Hancock
97.2
24.0%
6.3%
11.1%
41.1%
3.23
3.69
Pitch
Usage vRHB
Usage vLHB
Velocity
Stuff+
Whiff+
BIP+
xwOBA
Four-seam
30.9%
12.6%
91.7
106
119
111
0.292
Sinker
5.8%
28.2%
90.3
96
59
112
0.467
Cutter
1.8%
0.0%
87.1
Changeup
35.7%
24.4%
83.6
93
115
76
0.230
Curveball
2.0%
0.0%
73.0
Slider
0.7%
7.8%
82.7
123
Sweeper
23.1%
27.1%
81.4
123
115
156
0.234
The Rays have been able to use Nick Martinez in their starting rotation because they already have a pitcher fulfilling Martinez’s traditional role of part-time starter, part-time swingman, part-time high-leverage arm already. Ian Seymour started off last year in the bullpen but had a brief but successful stint as a starter to finish the season. Tampa Bay stuck him back in the bullpen to start this year and he eventually worked his way into a high-leverage role for a while. He’s been working as a starter for the past month and that might be his most successful role to date. Over his last six appearances, he’s allowed just 10 runs in 30.1 innings with an elite 6.5 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
The Big Picture:
Team
W-L
W%
Games Behind
Run Diff
Recent Form
Rangers
47-46
0.505
—
-14
L-L-W-L-W
Mariners
47-47
0.500
0.5
+20
W-W-L-L-L
Astros
46-49
0.484
2.0
-48
W-W-L-W-L
Athletics
41-52
0.441
6.0
-84
L-L-L-L-L
Angels
37-57
0.394
10.5
-52
L-L-L-W-L
Team
W-L
W%
Games Behind
Run Diff
Recent Form
Yankees
51-42
0.548
+4.5
+85
L-W-L-L-W
Guardians
48-46
0.511
+1.0
-9
L-L-L-L-W
Mariners
47-47
0.500
—
+20
W-W-L-L-L
Twins
46-48
0.489
1.0
-17
W-W-W-W-L
Astros
46-49
0.484
1.5
-48
W-W-L-W-L
Despite getting crushed 13-1 on Wednesday, the Rangers pulled off a series win against the Angels with a walk-off win yesterday. That pushed them back into first place in the division. The Astros lost their series against the Nationals earlier this week, though they’re still a game and half out in the Wild Card race. The two Texas teams meet this weekend in Arlington. The Athletics continue to tumble down the standings; they were swept by the Tigers this week, have lost six straight, and 14 of their last 17. They head to Chicago to face the White Sox ahead of the All-Star break.
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 17: John Schreiber #46 of the Kansas City Royals looks on prior to the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alyssa McDaniel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Kansas City Royals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Earlier this week, we asked how many players the Royals need to trade away before the deadline
92% of you thought the Royals needed to trade at least three players at this deadline. That’s not surprising at all, but what is at least a little surprising is that the number of five or more voters isn’t that large. When I originally wrote the poll question, I didn’t realize how many tradeable players the Royals had. The list I added to the original poll post came after the fact and was as much to help me figure out how I was ultimately going to vote.
For those of you who don’t remember and don’t want to click that link, here is the list of potentially tradeable Royals:
Players on expiring contracts:
Lane Thomas
Starling Marte
Matt Strahm
Kris Bubic
Jonathan India
John Schreiber
Carlos Estévez
Players who might be considered valuable (but replaceable) veterans with contracts that do not expire at the end of the season
Michael Wacha
Seth Lugo
Lucas Erceg
Alex Lange
Daniel Lynch IV
Kyle Isbel
Vinnie Pasquantino
Nick Mears
Michael Massey
Salvador Perez
There are at least four healthy players in the expiring contracts category, five if Bubic can get his act together. So basically, almost as many of you are happy keeping every single guy the Royals might have back next year as think they should trade at least one of them. For what it’s worth, I stand with the 43% who voted five or more. As I mentioned on the most recent Royals Rundown podcast, I think the Royals need to empty out their bullpen. No one in there has been good enough that I feel excited about bringing them back next year, and if they can bring back any kind of value (including young pitchers who might turn into relief studs next year), then the Royals should get rid of them. Steven Cruz and Beck Way are the only relievers I’m even remotely interested in seeing on next year’s roster. Unless you include Luinder Avila as a reliever (which, honestly, I do.)
Additionally, while Lugo probably doesn’t have much in the way of trade value anymore, I really think they should try to get someone else to take Wacha while he’s still at what is almost certainly the peak of his value and try to replace Wacha with a similarly savvy free agent signing this offseason. It’s not that I don’t like Wacha, it’s just that I think the Royals have shown an ability to find starting pitching just about everywhere, and if they could use him to patch multiple holes or one hole with a really good prospect, I think it makes the most sense for them to do so.
The rumor is that the Royals feel like they’ll have to be blown away by an offer for Wacha in order to deal him, and in recent history, they’ve not ever been blown away by any trade offer. So he’ll probably stay put. Maybe that isn’t the worst outcome in the world, but if they pair it with keeping all of their “controllable” relievers, I might scream.
PHOENIX, AZ - JUNE 23: Connor Comeau #61 poses for a photo during the 2026 Draft Combine at Arizona Grand Resort Phoenix on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Aryanna Frank/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The 2026 draft is just days away — the first round kicks off on July 11, 2026 — so its time to start offering capsule looks at players the Texas Rangers could select with their top picks. The Rangers’ first round pick is at #16, their second round pick is at #54, and their third round pick is at #89.
Leading up to draft day, we will be doing writeups of some of the players who could end up getting selected by the Rangers with one of their first three picks. Today we are looking at prep infielder Connor Comeau.
Connor Comeau is a 6’4”, 180 lb. lefthanded hitting, righty throwing shortstop out of Anderson High School in Austin, Texas. Comeau doesn’t turn 18 until August, and is committed to Texas A&M.
Comeau offers a quality hit tool with power projection. Baseball America says he “stands out for his present hitting ability.” He has a nice, easy swing and showed strong contact ability on the showcase circuit last summer. He has shown the ability to hit the ball hard to all fields. He has shown the ability to hit for power — MLB Pipeline notes he finished second in the Home Run Derby at the Canadian Futures Showcase this past summer — but is still extremely lean currently, so there’s a belief that he should add more power as he develops and his body fills out.
Comeau has a good arm, but otherwise, the defensive package doesn’t offer a whole lot. While he plays shortstop currently, he’s not expected to stick there going forward, due to his size and lack speed. He’s likely destined for a corner spot, with third base seen as the best fit. He is a below-average runner currently, and generally guys get slower, not faster, as they fill out, which makes playing a corner outfield spot potentially problematic.
Like Daniel Jackson yesterday, I’m doing a write-up on Comeau because he was mentioned by Evan Grant as one of five potential candidates for the Rangers to select with their first pick in his article earlier this week. While I am skeptical of Jackson being picked by Texas, though, Comeau seems like someone who would be a potential fit.
Comeau has some similarities to Gavin Fien, the Rangers’ first round pick last year. Both are tall, bat-first first prep shortstops who were expected to move off of shortstop fairly quickly (Fein has moved off the dirt altogether, having played outfield exclusively this season for the Nationals). Both were relatively young for a their draft class — Fien turned 18 just a few months before draft day, and Comeau is still just 17. Both are relatively advanced with their hit tool and show future power potential. Fien is more filled out — Comeau appears to have the Evan Carter build currently — and an overall better prospect, which is why Fien was projected to go mid-first round and Comeau is looked at as a late first or second round guy.
Grant mentions that the Rangers really liked Comeau when they had him in for a workout, and if he’s a priority, there’s a couple of paths Texas could take. They could take him at 16 with a well-under-slot deal, then make a deal with one of the college pitchers with injury issues (such as Logan Reddemann) for an over-slot deal in the second round. Or they could do it the other way around, offering Comeau that they’ll give him enough over slot if he gets to them at #54 that he can scare other teams off before then with his asking price.