According to Crotchfelt family lore, Zach’s great-grandfather was scouted by and signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, playing for their Class AAA farm club back in the day. Perhaps in a few generations, Zach’s great-grandchildren will be telling stories at blurnsball games themselves about how their ancestor played baseball with the New York Mets. A local kid, Crotchfelt was born in Neptune and grew up in Jackson, attending Jackson Memorial High School. The left-hander was a three-year letterwinner there, missing the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, he posted a 1.38 ERA in 117.2 innings, allowing 53 hits, walking 60, and striking out 220; in his junior year in 2021, he posted a 0.85 ERA in 41.1 innings, allowing 16 hits, walking 23, and striking out 76, and in his senior year, 2022, he posted a 1.07 ERA in 65.1 innings, allowing 33 hits, walking 30, and striking out 130.
The southpaw created a bit of buzz among scouts and evaluators, and many considered him one of the best draft-eligible prospects from New Jersey available in the 2022 MLB Draft, but his name was not called because he had a strong commitment to Auburn. Head coach Butch Thompson utilized the freshman quite a bit when he arrived on campus for the 2023 season, initially utilizing him as the team’s Sunday starter before shifting him into the bullpen for the rest of the season. Appearing in 17 total games, making 6 starts, the left-hander had trouble putting things together, posting a 5.62 ERA in 41.2 innings, allowing 41 hits, walking 25, and striking out 45. Injuries unfortunately marred his sophomore season and limited him to just 7 appearance, where he pitch 7.1 innings and allowed 5 runs on 10 hits and 6 walks, with 10 strikeouts.
Crotchfelt supplemented his innings load by pitching for the Bourne Braves of the Cape Cod Baseball League that summer, appearing in 8 games and posting similar results to his time on the mound with Auburn. Also that summer, the left-hander entered the NCAA transfer portal that summer and left Auburn, transferring to Texas Tech, ending his Tigers career with a 5.69 ERA in 49.0 innings of work, allowing 51 hits, walking 31, and striking out 55. His time with the Red Raiders was unfortunately for him more of the same. Appearing in 13 games and making 1 start, he posted a 9.17 ERA in 17.2 innings, allowing 28 hits, walking 10, and striking out 15. Eligible for the 2025 MLB Draft, the former prep stand-out did not hear his name called.
After pitching for the Wisconsin Rapids of the Northwoods League that summer, Crotchfelt once again entered the NCAA transfer portal, this time transferring to Troy University. The senior had his best year as a collegiate pitcher and was a big reason the Trojans had a storybook season, making their first-ever College World Series. Pitching out of the bullpen as a multi-inning fireman, the left-hander posted a 3.49 ERA in 67.0 innings over 29 appearances, allowing 66 hits, walking 23, and striking out 81, establishing career-bests in virtually every pitching category.
The 6’3”, 220-pound left-hander throws from a three-quarters arm slot with a loose, easy arm. He hides the ball well and pushes off the mound with good extension, and while his mechanics don’t have any obvious injury red flags, the crossfire in his arm can be detrimental for his command and control. Crotchfelt utilizes a three-pitch mix that includes a four-seam fastball, changeup, and curveball. As a consequence of primarily being a reliever, he heavily leans on his fastball, with his other pitches still being very undeveloped for a college senior.
The southpaw’s fastball sits in the low-to-mid-90s, reportedly hitting as high as 97 MPH. Thanks to its spin rates and the left-hander’s arm slot, the pitch has some run and rising life and has been most effective up in the zone.
His changeup sits in the low-to-mid-80s, occasionally flashing quality depth and occasionally lacking much movement at all. Crotchfelt struggles with telegraphing the pitch, slowing up his arm when throwing the pitch. His curveball sits in the mid-to-high-70s, and like his changeup, the pitch occasionally flashes sharp 11-5 bite and other times simply floats into the zone.
Oregon State starting pitcher Ethan Kleinschmit on the bump against Arizona (Courtesy of Oregon State Athletics)
The newly rebuilt Pac-12 had a great weekend during the 2026 MLB draft, as they wound up sending 15 prospects to the majors across the two-day endeavor. The No. 22 Oregon State Beavers were the biggest contributors, led by top 200 prospect Ethan Kleinschmit, while new affiliate member Dallas Baptist was right behind them. Of those selected, eight were pitchers and six were positional players, with Luke Pettitte of DBU being the sole two-way player from the new Pac-12 making up the final spot.
All in all, a great year that sets a great expectation for the conference and its members in 2027. Here’s a breakdown of each player drafted listed by school and what round/pick they were taken.
Dallas Baptist University: 4
Luke Pettitte (2WP, New York Yankees, Round 8 Pick 248)
As mentioned earlier, Pettitte was the only two-way player drafted from the Pac-12, which can be a great addition to the New York Yankees lineup in the future. The junior took more appearances at the plate in 2026, hitting .337 with a 1.096 OPS across 166 at-bats in 42 games. He was a fireworks machine, knocking 16 balls out of the park and notching 48 RBIs, nearly one-tenth of the run production of the squad. Pettitte didn’t see time on the mound in 2026, but had a 0.00 ERA in six appearances across 11.1 innings pitched during the 2025 season. Pettitte could turn into a great two-way player if he can develop as a pitcher while continuing to be dominant at the plate, putting him in elite company if so.
Jake Bennett (C, Toronto Blue Jays, Round 8 Pick 252)
Getting the call just four picks after his former teammate, now divisional rival, Bennett’s 2026 campaign helped set himself up for success. In his second year with DBU, Bennett hit a clean .346 average with an astounding 1.251 OPS, one of the best in the nation. He had better production numbers than his two-way teammate, recording 19 home runs and 53 RBIs throughout the season. On top of the great performance at the plate, the senior was perfect in fielding behind the plate as a catcher, getting 32 put outs and four assists in 36 chances for outs. Bennett can be a great asset for the Blue Jays once he gets some time in the minors, especially when you consider that Toronto is currently last in the AL East, having gone through one of the biggest flips year-over-year so far.
Ben Tryon (IF, Houston Astros, Round 17 Pick 511)
Continuing the march around the diamond of picks for Dallas Baptist, Tryon was selected later in the second day after reaching new heights in 2026. After a decent 2025 campaign, Tryon hit a great .315 average and .966 OPS, an increase of .050 and .155 respectively. Across his 67 hits, he notched 11 doubles and home runs while drawing 33 walks and five stolen bases. An all around threat in the box, Tryon’s utility across the entire diamond was great, but he took the majority of his time on the field as a first baseman and left fielder while serving as the designated hitter from time to time. That type of moldability can help elevate Tryon’s stock faster, hopefully turning into opportunities at The Show.
Aiden VanDeHatert (P, Boston Red Rox, Round 20 Pick 604)
In one of the final picks of the draft, the Patriots had one more prospect in Aiden VanDeHatert get his name called. VanDeHatert was a reliable closing/relief option for DBU, with several shutout appearances throughout the 2026 season. However, bad outings against New Mexico State, Kennesaw State, Oklahoma and UTA brought up his averages, putting his ERA to 6.10 after impressive stints once the UTA outing was put behind him. VanDeHatert had similar effects happen to his win-loss record, finishing with a 2-3 record and one save. With some time and with the potential of some much needed run support, VanDeHatert could become an even better prospect for the Red Sox, who don’t necessarily need a short inning relief or closing pitcher at the moment, but could down the line.
Gonzaga: 1
Mikey Bell (3B, San Francisco Giants, Round 19 Pick 568)
Mikey Bell was the best statistical player on the Bulldogs’ roster this year, resulting in earning the honor of being named the West Coast Conference Player of the Year. In 225 at-bats in 54 games, Bell hit .378, notching the most hits on Gonzaga with 85 while crossing the plate 52 times. With an OPS of 1.058 (.604 SLG, .454 OB), he was extremely productive in his redshirt junior year. Fielding was not the greatest, as he did commit 12 errors for a .923 fielding percentage, but that can be remedied over time. The Giants do have name power at third with Matt Chapman taking the helm, but his best years are seemingly behind him, leaving the hot corner open for competition for Bell and others to fight for.
The only top-200 prospect in the Pac-12, Ethan Kleinschmit was the journeyman for the Beavers this year. Pitching in the most innings of any pitcher on the staff (77), Kleinschmit allowed 33 earned runs this year, only giving up more than two runs in four of his 15 appearances. He did have the worst ERA of any starting pitcher on the team (3.74), mainly due to his 11 home runs given up. However, Kleinschmit held his opponents to a .222 batting average, which is no small feat when playing schools like Arizona, Alabama and a white hot Air Force team. He won’t be in the majors, and maybe not triple-A in his first year like other amazing pitchers, but don’t be shocked when we all hear the name Kleinschmit getting the call to the majors soon.
Eric Segura (RHP, Chicago White Sox, Round 4 Pick 105)
Even though he was drafted two rounds later, Segura had a great resume heading into the MLB Draft that stacked up with Kleinschmit, especially from this year. Sporting a 2.22 ERA and 1.14 WHIP, the right-handed senior only appeared in two games where the Beavers lost, earning a 6-2 record. In fact, the only times where Segura’s ERA was above 2.00 was when he had his two losses to Purdue and Air Force, but eventually brought them down to great numbers. He also had 82 strikeouts in 73 innings while giving up only 56 hits. The White Sox are now seemingly in a spot to contend for a divisional pennant, but with Segura growing in their farm system, that trend might continue with the right conditions.
After seeing two of his mates get drafted on the first day, Wyatt Queen had his name called first on the second day. In 2026, Queen was one of the best relief pitchers in the Beavers’ bullpen, earning a 2.49 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP. Through 47 innings pitched and 171 batters faced in 21 appearances (including one start), he only allowed 35 hits and 13 earned runs, holding batters to a .205 batting average. All of these stats were improvements year-over-year while only pitching in just two-thirds of an inning less from 2026 to 2025. The Seattle Mariners have been utilizing the “piggyback” style of pitching rotations, keeping a priority on its starting pitching and using them more than the average starting rotation. Queen can still find a spot as a short relief pitcher or closer, which given his track record over the last two years, should definitely be in the cards.
Isaac Yeager (P, Chicago White Sox, Round 14 Pick 405)
Yeager was in a similar boat to Queen, with a great 2026 relief year under his belt that got him picked up by the Chicago White Sox. With a 2.04 ERA and a .91 WHIP, Yeager came in clutch for the Beavers, earning himself a 6-2 record in the process. That was with less innings pitched than his former teammate, but also had four more appearances, so the exposure was still there. Plus, Yeager had a .184 opposing batting average, further cementing his presence on the mound. Again, the White Sox are currently in a decent position, as they are tied for first with the Guardians. But, just like his teammate Segura, with the right development and potential for a spot opening up in the future, Yeager could see himself in the black and white with a stint in the minors.
Albert Roblez (P, San Diego Padres, Round 16 Pick 485)
The final and arguably best relief/closing pitcher from the Beavers’ bullpen, Roblez heard his name late, but should still make an impact in the big leagues. In 24 appearances, the California native posted a 1.50 ERA in 30 innings, only allowing a .173 opposing batting average while giving up 18 hits and five earned runs. Those are all amazing stats to capture in just one season, but there’s one that trumps all in my eyes, which is the 14 saves Robelz secured throughout the year, a save rate of 58.3 percent. The Padres have Mason Miller, which should be their guy for years to come. But regardless of whether it’s in San Diego or somewhere else, Roblez has the potential to have his own walk up song once he’s in the majors.
San Diego State’s Rohan Lettow was one of the best pitchers in the Mountain West last year, leading the Aztecs all the way to the conference championship. With an impressive 3.79 ERA and a decent 1.29 WHIP, Lettow was the ace of the SDSU lineup, earning an honor as an all-MW first team member. He also produced the lowest opponent batting average of the starting pitchers with a .251, which was great in a league where hitting was great. The Pirates are in the middle of figuring out whether they want to keep the pieces they already have developed or just clean house. Regardless of that choice, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Lettow climb the ranks and get a spot in the future.
Jake Jackson (OF, Los Angeles Angels, Round 20 Pick 589)
The Mountain West Player of the Year, Jackson was bound for the major leagues and found a home in Los Angeles. He was statistically the best hitter in the conference, posting a .338 batting average with a 1.027 OPS. Getting 78 hits through 231 at-bats, Jackson got 18 doubles and 15 home runs (both best on the team) while hitting in 48 RBIs. And even though he was caught four times, Jackson also stole eight bases, proving himself to be an all around threat. The Angels are in last place in the AL West and aren’t in any position to take any near-future accolades, giving time for Jackson to grow and prove himself in their farm system with the hope to see him in The Show.
Anthony Marnell IV (C, Athletics, Round 20 Pick 591)
The Aztecs final pick was one of their most consistent hitters down the line in Anthony Marnell IV. Overall, the 2026 season was not the greatest for the redshirt sophomore. Sporting a .257 batting average and a .722 OPS, things were a mixed bag for Marnell IV, with many multi-hit games in between getting blanked at the plate. Despite the rollercoaster of a season through the first two months, Marnell IV ended the year on great terms, getting a hit in eight of his final 10 games, including the five games SDSU played in the Mountain West tournament. If he can harness what he did in the final games of his college career, then Marnell IV will have a great start to his minor league career.
Texas State: 2
Chase Mora (INF, Milwaukee Brewers, Round 9 Pick 281)
Despite having a down year, Mora was selected as the final single-digit round pick of the Pac-12 to the Brewers. Posting a .235 batting average (his worst in college) through 226 at-bats. Slugging wise, 2026 was a decent season, as he got a .447 slugging percentage, hitting 11 balls out of the park and 13 doubles. However, Mora had one of his worst on-base percentages of his career, only getting on base 29.3 percent of the time, striking out 67 times as well. Mora will have time to grow with a mix of young and experienced players currently on the Brewers roster, which should prove wonders for the Tomball, Texas native. Given the chance, Mora could get the chance once he puts in that time.
Following up his teammate seven rounds later, Galloway was picked up by the Astros, which could prove to be a powerful bat staying in Texas. In his best statistical season in college, Galloway finished with a .318 batting average, getting 84 hits with 27 doubles and 12 home runs. He had the second best slugging percentage on the team of those who qualified with a .580, combining with his .368 on base percentage for a .948 OPS. Rounding out his performance was his presence behind the plate, as he had 108 chances for an out and only recorded two errors for a .982 fielding percentage. The Houston franchise might need to go back to the drawing board depending on how the second half of the season goes, giving Galloway the opportunity to rise and grow quicker.
Jul 2, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Mickey Moniak (22) following his solo home run in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Colorado Rockies are a team in the midst of a rebuild. With this in mind, the staff at Purple Row thought it would be useful to revisit the “State of the Position” series that we ran in March to see where things stand. We’ve asked authors of the spring articles to re-evaluate their earlier remarks with an eye toward the August 3 trade deadline.
The Colorado Rockies entered the 2026 season with new organizational leaders, shifting front office priorities, turnover in prospects, and plenty of lineup puzzles to solve. When thinking about team needs, particularly for player depth, the theme of evaluation was key. This season was and is all about using the lineup’s fluidity to identify players that could be part of the team’s long-term plans and, conversely, to determine which players it might be in the Rockies’ best interest to move on from.
The first half of the season brought some clarity around those decisions, thanks in part to versatile bench pieces that emerged and allowed for evaluation. As we approach the trade deadline and more prospect call-ups in the back half of the season, we have a good idea of how Colorado is utilizing the bench and about its philosophy for the Designated Hitter position.
The pre-season hypotheses
The Rockies used 22 players at DH over the course of the 2025 season. Back in March, I wondered if the Rockies might be best suited to lock a smaller handful of players into the DH role, rather than continuing to use the platoon approach. That wondering was in part because of the success of other teams who used a consistent DH and in part because of an opportunity to capitalize on Mickey Moniak’s relative strengths and weaknesses. I suggested upping Moniak’s DH usage to give him the bulk of the starts there, also allowing the Rockies to explore their backlog of outfield depth.
Hypothesizing about the bench pieces, I mainly focused on the infield. Newcomers Edouard Julien and Willi Castro seemed to offer some much-needed flexibility, while TJ Rumfield threatened for a roster spot after an extraordinary camp. It also felt like Blaine Crim (after a stint on the IL) and Ryan Ritter would be in the mix.
At the All-Star break, DH usage is still in flux but a little more concentrated than last season. Some unforeseen faces have joined that mix, while a handful of guys are taking a bulk of appearances. As for the bench, Castro and Julien are slotting in around the diamond (the former performing better than the latter), while Crim has since been waived and Ritter is down in Triple-A. However, a mix of exciting bench pieces have filled those slots.
Continuing the DH platoon
The DH role is still fairly fluid in Colorado, but on a different trajectory than last year. Again, 22 players appeared at DH in 2025, with only one player there for more than 30 games (Hunter Goodman at 39). Tyler Freeman slotted in for 28 games, Yanquiel Fernández for 26, and Kyle Farmer for 24. Mickey Moniak was fifth in DH appearances with 15.
So far in 2026, the Rockies have honed in again on a core group of players to serve as DH, with others appearing less frequently but still pitching in a few games:
The main contributor so far is none other than our All-Star Hunter Goodman who has slotted in at DH for 26 games in addition to his 64 as catcher. Perhaps the clues were there! He had a similar 2025 with 104 games as catcher and a team-leading 39 at DH.
While the Rockies didn’t quite listen to me about giving Moniak the most DH appearances, he’s moved up the list to number two AND he’s already surpassed his total games at the position with 18 already this year.
After that, four players have 10+ games at DH: Fulford (15), Troy Johnston (13), TJ Rumfield (11), and Sterlin Thompson (10).
Julien and Freeman start to round things out with nine games each, Sullivan adds four, and Jake McCarthy pitches in two.
The Rockies seem to be continuing their approach from last year of using Goodman as the primary contributor while casting a wide net for DH spot starts. This setup has allowed the Rockies to utilize his powerful bat with lineups that play to the matchups, putting Goodman behind the dish most often against right-handed pitching and allowing Brett Sullivan or Braxton Fulford to start at catcher with Goodman at DH against lefties.
His batting splits seem to support that versatility. He’s batting .292 against lefties and .237 against righties. His positional batting splits are somewhat surprising though, as he’s hitting significantly better as catcher than at DH. At catcher, he’s notched 22 of his 27 home runs, logging a .286 batting average. That’s compared to just .174 as DH.
As for Moniak and his role, the setup allows for a good bit of flexibility in the outfield. Moniak has played more games in left field (29) than he has at DH, but fewer in center field (11) and right field (10). This has opened up various combinations of McCarthy, Brenton Doyle, Freeman, Johnston, and Cole Carrigg in the outfield, with Moniak taking more of a backseat there.
By the numbers, that has been effective. One reason it seemed like Moniak would be a good DH candidate after the 2025 season was because of his efficiency as a hitter compared to his struggles in the field. That has tracked into 2026.
Looking at where he stands in league percentiles, Moniak’s batting run value has been great while his fielding run value is on the wrong side of the average. In other categories, he’s excelling more as a hitter than in the outfield, begging the question about whether more DH starts could be useful. Looking at his batting splits by position, he’s contributing at all spots, but he’s actually hitting better when at left field (27 hits, 19 RBI, and eight home runs with a .290 average in 93 at bats) than when at DH (14 hits, six RBI, and one home run with a .241 average in 58 at bats).
Despite their dip in hitting production at DH — at least relative to their positional output, which could be due to a number of other variables — relying on Goodman and Moniak to carry the bulk of the load allows for a couple of the team’s leading hitters to get consistent work at the position, while both allowing for flexibility at other positions and capitalizing on pitching matchups.
It doesn’t appear that the Rockies are trending to be like other teams around the league that give one or two players 60+ starts, but by the end of the season they might have two players surpass the 40+ game mark, something that no single player did for the club in 2025.
Castro’s contributions
Willi Castro appeared at every position but catcher and first base in 2025. That level of versatility was an exciting addition to the organization and it’s playing out here in Colorado. So far in 2026, Castro is doing it all. While not leading appearances at any given position, he is the ultimate bench piece with 58 appearances at second base, 25 at third base, 19 at shortstop, 10 at first base, seven in left field, and two in right field. Starting where needed and moving around as games goes on, Castro racks up those appearances in a way that reflects and complements team needs.
Across all those games, he’s got a 0.5 pWAR (which is best among the team’s second basemen). By the stats, Castro hasn’t excelled anywhere. He’s below average in percentile rankings for batting, baserunning, and fielding value. Even still, he’s been serviceable overall and his batting ranks higher than many on the team.
More than anything, his positional flexibility has put him on the trade radar for teams across the league. Even if moved at the deadline, he served as a cheap and useful piece for the Rockies as they evaluate the roster.
An emerging bench and final thoughts
A number of positions around the field have taken shape (more on those later in this series!) and with that, so have the bench spots. Fulford is one of those pieces. He’s solidified himself as a strong utility piece this season. He’s mixed in well as a third catcher behind Goodman and Sullivan, making 13 appearances there with another 15 at DH. Johnston is another key piece with 38 games in right field and 26 games in left field behind, serving behind the leaders at each of those positions as essentially the fourth outfielder in the rotation.
Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, much of this reliability is subject to change in the near future. With Moniak and Castro tabbed among some of the top trade candidates that the Rockies have to offer, moving one or both of them would send ripples throughout the lineup. Colorado brought them on with short “prove it” kind of deals and they’ve set themselves up to bring a return back to the team with the contributions they’ve made in the first half of the year.
Ultimately, many of the bench pieces on the roster this year were never going to be foundational pieces long-term. The case could still be made to invest in Moniak and keep him around with the growth he’s shown as a Rockie. If either player is moved, their absence will be felt but it will also allow some of the top prospects banging on the major league door to make their way up to conclude the 2026 campaign.
Many races throughout the league are wide open, particularly in the AL, where the playoffs feel unattainable for very few teams. Late pre-All-Star surges from the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox have taken two perceived sellers with coveted second half players and thrown their status into flux. And the Los Angeles Dodgers are still the team to beat, having gone into the break with the best record in baseball as the two-time defending champions.
There are plenty of major names on the market, to be sure. After last season saw two elite closers in Mason Miller and Jhoan Duran get moved, another big reliever name has been bandied about. Ten years after he was a major factor in the Cubs' World Series run after being acquired at the deadline, reliever strikeout leader Aroldis Chapman is again being mentioned as a big trade target.
This season is also a rarity in that multiple quality starting pitchers are seemingly available on the market. Tarik Skubal is, of course, the name flashing on the marquee. But other arms who would solid in the front-to-middle of the rotation depending on the landing spot like Joe Ryan, Reid Detmers, and Casey Mize are also on the block. Whether or not their teams will be willing to move them is in the air.
But there's a dearth of bats. Staying in Boston, Willson Contreras could be a contributor to the right situation. CJ Abrams seemed like a lock to get moved in December, but is now an All-Star starter on a team that has wild card aspirations. And catchers Hunter Goodman and Ryan Jeffers seem to have Rockies and Twins determined to hang onto them, respectively.
In short, things are a mess. Here's what to know to make sense of a deadline that has just as much potential to bring fireworks as it does to fizzle out like so many sparklers.
When is the the 2026 MLB trade deadline?
Date: Aug. 3, 2026
Time: 6 p.m. ET
The MLB trade deadline is at 6 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. CT, 4 p.m. MT, and 3 p.m. PT on Aug. 3. While some trades sometimes trickle in under the wire, that is when communications for teams to deal players must cease.
Key MLB trade deadline targets
This is by no means an exhaustive list, plenty of other names are on the block. But here are some of the top names being talked about heading into this year's deadline.
P Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers
Tarik Skubal might be the biggest starting pitcher trade deadline rental baseball has seen in almost 20 years. CC Sabathia being traded to the Brewers in 2008 before joining the Yankees is the last name that comes to mind. The Tigers' mega-ace and two-time defending Cy Young winner hasn't fully returned to form after getting a NanoScope procedure for loose bodies in May, but even so his ERA since his return is sitting at an outstanding 3.08 and he has 44 strikeouts to five walks in six starts. Skubal also has nine strikeouts in three of his last four starts, indicating his punchout stuff is still excellent while his control has not wavered since the surgery.
It was a bit shocking to see Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran moved at last year's deadline while Joe Ryan stayed put. He arguably had the most value on the Twins roster at the time, and with plenty of control, he could have pulled in a decent haul. Now, the Twins are in a complicated situation. Ryan is a free agent after the 2027 season, and is having the best season of his career with a 2.85 ERA, 150 ERA+, and 2.77 FIP, all career-bests. Ryan is a frontline starter who could slot into any rotation, but the Twins, like the Tigers, play in a division that could be won by anyone who gets hot.
P Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red Sox
The 37-year-old Aroldis Chapman is, as it turns out, ageless. Even as his average velo dips (dips, not drops), he is still missing bats and his sinker is as devastating as ever. Though his walk rate is a bit up and his strikeout rate is a bit down from his outstanding 2025 (which would be inimitable for 99% of the league anyways), Chapman is one of the few high leverage relievers who might be available on the market. It carries echoes of 2016, when Chapman was traded to the Cubs and helped a World Series run. Ten years later, he has the potential to do the same thing.
P Sonny Gray, Boston Red Sox
Though Zack Wheeler made the headlines as an All-Star snub, Sonny Gray also has reason to gripe in what has been a return to form season for him. In the absence of Garrett Crochet, Gray has settled in as Boston's ace, pitching to 2.54 ERA to this point, a career best if it holds. He's a true five-pitch pitcher with three fastballs, whose cutter-sinker-four seam combo offsets his relatively low velo. Gray could be a boon to a team looking to shore up its rotation, should Boston move on from him.
This will be a stubbornness check for the Orioles, but Taylor Ward is the best rental bat on market. Even though Baltimore is just two games out of a wild card spot, and Ward is a right-handed bat who could make a difference to the right suitor. Will the Orioles clutch and hope to make a run, or will they move Ward, who is a premium player on this market?
C Ryan Jeffers, Minnesota Twins
Ryan Jeffers should be back from hamate surgery soon, so his value is TBD until teams actually see him play. But with a .292 batting average and an OPS of .942, Jeffers is the type of right-handed bat who could bolster a lineup. Though he doesn't bring elite power to the fold, he plays a position where offense like his can be hard to come by. Adding catchers is tricky, but Jeffers may be worth the flier.
MLB trade deadline burning questions
Will Tigers, Red Sox streaks change selling landscape?
Ask around in early June, and it was a forgone conclusion Tarik Skubal would be wearing a different jersey come August. But the Tigers are 21-12 in June and July and – by virtue of a brutally bad AL and an AL Central that continues to hover just below mediocre as a whole – are back in the playoff race. Similarly, the Red Sox entered the break scorching hot on a nine-game win streak, and could well be in the race as well. If Skubal, Casey Mize, Chapman, and Gray are off the table as trade options, the deadline is shaping up to be completely different.
Who will swing to catch the Dodgers?
As the AL continues to shuffle onward this season, one team in the NL lords over MLB: The dreaded Dodgers. While it would be folly to think the Dodgers will sit on their heels at the deadline, it's clear someone in the NL has to take a big swing to try to unseat the two-time defending MLB champs. The NL East has three teams mired in a hot race, while the Brewers may be best positioned to try to unseat L.A. Milwaukee added Lance McCullers Jr. to its pitching staff, but may need to go out and get a bat to try and compete with baseball's current Death Star.
How aggressive will the Yankees be?
In the AL East, it's reasonable to assume the Rays will continue to live on the margins and try to add role players who can contribute to their order, particularly after seemingly surviving an All-Star Game scare to star slugger Junior Caminero. As the Yankees chase them in the AL East, things seem to be slipping for the Bronx Bombers. They went 12-14 in June and are 6-5 in July. The good news? The Yankees aren't getting decimated by right or left-handed pitching, their splits are pretty even. They're reportedly chasing either Jeffers or Hunter Goodman, though the latter would be difficult to pry away from Colorado. Reliever help is also a question, with the Yankees reportedly inquiring on fireballer Mason Miller.
Will the Mets go into firesale mode?
In Queens, this season has been an unmitigated disaster. The Mets are 17 games below .500 and 16 games out of the NL East lead. The only untouchable player on that roster should, of course, be Juan Soto. The bullpen would likely garner the most interest, particularly Luke Weaver, but catcher Francisco Alvarez is also a question mark. Brooks Raley and AJ Minter likely already have their lockers packed as well.
Are the Angels serious about holding onto their players?
What the hell are the Angels going to do? GM Perry Minasian was fired after saying he was going to hold on to key Angels pieces, but with him out the door, it stands to reason Reid Detmers and Jo Adell are available. Mike Trout's no-trade clause waiver discourse is an annual tradition at this point, but until there's any indication of that happening, it's just noise.
The Astros have traded the veteran right-handed pitcher and left-hander Colton Gordon to the Brewers, The Post’s Jon Heyman confirmed.
Houston is receiving outfielder/DH Jayden Fielder, the 21-year-old son of Prince Fielder, per multiple reports.
McCullers, who won World Series titles in 2017 and 2022 with the Astros, has been on the IL since May 19 with right shoulder inflammation.
Lance McCullers Jr. #43 of the Houston Astros reacts on the mound after giving up a home run during the fifth inning. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
He has a 6.86 ERA in 39 ⅓ innings across eight starts with Houston this season and is in the final year of a five-year, $85 million contract.
The Astros have plenty of pitching depth. Hayden Wesneski and Ronel Blanco are expected to come off the IL later this month and they added Tatsuya Imai, Peter Lambert and Mike Burrows this offseason.
This trade was made by Houston to free up money for potential other moves ahead of the trade deadline. Houston has overcome a rough start and sits at 47-51, just 1 ½ games out of the final wild-card spot in the middling American League.
With the 32-year-old gone, Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa are the only two members of the 2017 World Series championship team left on the roster.
That season was McCullers only All-Star Game appearance, though his best season was in 2021 when he posted a 13-5 record with a 3.16 ERA in 28 starts, finishing seventh in AL Cy Young voting.
Since then, tough, McCullers has been unable to stay healthy.
McCullers Jr. had surgery on his pitching arm earlier this week and looks to return sometime in 2024. AP
The right hander dealt with a complex right flexor tendon repair surgery and bone spur removal following the 2022 World Series that kept him out for two-and-a-half years.
In his return to the mound last season, McCullers struggled with a 6.51 ERA in 55 ⅓ innings in 16 games, and found himself on the IL three times.
McCullers’ current injury has been going on for a little while, according to Astros manager Joe Espada, he’s just been pitching through it.
In late May, the Astros 2012 draft pick faced live batters during batting practice in late June, and has been on rehab assignment since then, posting a 2.45 ERA in three games.
McCullers also previously dealt with Tommy John surgery, missing the 2019 season with rehab.
Gordon, the other half of the deal, has an 11.57 ERA in 9 ⅓ innings for the Astros this season. He has made just four appearances and one start.
Major League Baseball has played a Futures Game featuring top prospects every year since 1999 as part of All-Star Game festivities.
It began as a seven-inning affair and was lengthened to nine innings from 2008-18, but since 2019 has reverted to the seven-inning format.
Many future stars have played in this game. Then-Cubs prospect Kyle Schwarber was the MVP of the 2015 game, played in Cincinnati. Schwarber, who had already played six MLB games in a brief call-up in June 2015, hit a two-run triple in front of about 100 friends and family — he grew up in Middletown, Ohio. (Future Cub Michael Conforto was 2-for-2 in that game.)
The Futures Game is a great showcase for up-and-coming talent. Unfortunately, Major League Baseball has pretty much buried it in terms of exposure. This year, the game was played at 12 noon Eastern time — up against a full slate of MLB games.
Why have an event if hardly anyone is going to watch it? MLB didn’t even report attendance for this game in the box score.
MLB has put together quite a lineup of events for what it now terms All-Star Week. The MLB Draft is now held in conjunction with All-Star festivities (and that’s a whole other issue I could devote an article to). The Home Run Derby and All-Star Game get prime time attention — why shouldn’t the Futures Game?
On the Sunday before the All-Star Game, MLB doesn’t have its usual Sunday Night Baseball nationally televised game. This is to give players who have to fly to the All-Star host city extra time to get there, as these players are expected to be available for practices and interviews on the Monday of All-Star week.
So why not move the Futures Game to that Sunday night slot? It would give the game a national showcase and would provide some MLB programming to a TV network that doesn’t otherwise have baseball on that evening.
NBC, who had the rights to this game this year, would likely not put it on its main broadcast channel. But there are cable (NBC Sports Network) and streaming (Peacock) options available. Yes, those cost extra. But at least the game would not have to compete with a 15-game full slate of MLB games.
For those who say, “Move it to Wednesday,” that wouldn’t work because MLB wants to leave that date open for potential ASG weather issues. The Sunday night slot is ideal.
While they’re at it, return this game to a nine-inning format. That would give all the players a bit more playing time and not have to squish some of the pitchers into a two-pitch or three-pitch appearance just so they get everyone in the game.
I assume this makes too much sense for MLB to ever do it, though. We can still hope — and they can start by doing this next year when All-Star Week is hosted at Wrigley Field.
Apr 22, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first base Triston Casas (36) hits a three run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images
With Willson Contreras having emerged to become the face of the franchise, it’s fun to look way back in the archives. Like, remember Triston Casas? Whatever happened to that guy? But seriously, when does Casas ever return to the Sox, even if he somehow miraculously stays healthy? Does he ever?
PHOENIX, AZ - JUNE 23: Taylor Rabe #68 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
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Royals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The MLB draft occurred over the weekend. It was at the same time as the Royals were losing to the Orioles, and Blake Mitchell and Kendry Chourio were having uninteresting (though at least not poor) performances in the MLB Futures Game. Only the first 10 picks were aired on TV, and, apparently, even MLB itself couldn’t be bothered to rent their space long enough or pay their workers enough to allow for their sets to be left up during the entire draft. So you can be forgiven if you aren’t particularly clear on what happened. That said, our own Matthew LaMar broke down the draft across a series of posts over the weekend, all of which can be found under the Kansas City Royals MLB Draft tag on the site.
Keith Law had an exciting breakdown of the Royals first day (the day I would argue is the only one anyone can truly know anything about this early):
The Kansas City Royals played it a little differently this year, but I also loved their draft. They took Louisville outfielder Zion Rose at No. 6, and he will probably come in under slot. He’s one of the best pure hitters in this draft class and a sneaky-good athlete for a former catcher. Then they took right-hander Taylor Rabe, a late-rising starter from Mississippi who could move pretty quickly through the minors. Their third-round pick was left-hander Maxx Yehl, who came back from Tommy John surgery to become the West Virginia Mountaineers’ best starter this year. At worst, he projects as a good reliever.
The money they might save on Rose and Yehl (a redshirt junior) will go to second-round pick Jack Slightom, one of the hottest names in my conversations with scouts the last few weeks. He’s a high school righty with a very fast arm, a big frame and good characteristics on his pitches. High school outfielder Dominic Battista, their fourth-round pick, is a sleeper among scouts who have the Chicago area, as he’s a little undersized, but some folks love the swing and potential for power.
I mentioned on the Royals Rundown podcast that I think a team should be drafting for upside instead of floor in the early rounds and that I hate underslot strategies. That said, the scout consensus I’ve seen is that there is very little difference between players taken in the first round after the first four or five, and that was especially true of college outfielders. And when the reason Zion Rose is considered a safe pick is his hitting ability rather than his fielding acumen, I think the calculus changes. I also really liked the addition of a pitcher who throws strikes but also hits 100 MPH with the supplemental pick, and Jack Slightom was a guy that several outlets think was undervalued for how much he had progressed over the previous season.
But those are just some brief thoughts on a handful of picks the Royals made. None of that tells me what I want to know today, which is: How do you feel about the Royals’ draft?
Ryan Burrowes discovered another gear, crushing four home runs after hitting just seven total over the previous two seasons combined. | (Ryan Burrowes/Instagram)
Charlotte Knights Record 3-3 (last week), 7-11 (second half), 49-44 (overall)
Knights Players of the Week Nolan Jones .364/.375/.818, 22 at-bats
Jonathan Cannon 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K David Sandlin 5 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 4 BB, 3 K Mason Adams 4 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 4 BB, 5 K Zach Franklin 4 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 2 K Shane Smith 4 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 5 K
After back-to-back 2-4 series, the Knights took a step in the right direction with a series split against the Sounds (53-40).
Outfielder Nolan Jones, 28, was seeing the ball very well all week. Jones went 8-for-22 with three homers, a double, a walk, and 12 RBIs. The White Sox acquired Jones from Cleveland in exchange for cash considerations on June 11, and so far, Jones is slashing .230/.311/.494 in 25 games with the Knights. Jones has played 349 MLB games, and at the top level, he has slashed .247/.336/.396 (95 wRC+) and has accumulated 2.7 fWAR. Jones played at the top level for the Guardians for most of the 2025 season, but he has not appeared in the majors in 2026. If Jones has more weeks like this, he will have a strong case for a promotion.
2026 Charlotte Knights Players of the Week Korey Lee (March 27-April 5) Oliver Dunn (April 6-12) Shane Smith (April 13-19) Jarred Kelenic (April 20-26) Oliver Dunn (April 27-May 3) LaMonte Wade Jr.(May 4-10) Jacob Gonzalez(May 11-17) LaMonte Wade Jr.(May 18-24) Jacob Gonzalez(May 25-31) Braden Montgomery(June 1-7) Ryan Galanie(June 8-14) Kyle Teel(June 15-21) Korey Lee(June 22-28) Caden Connor(June 29-July 5) Nolan Jones(July 6-12)
Barons Player of the Week Dylan Campbell .368/.400/.632, 3-for-3 stolen bases, 19 at-bats
Alec Briley .280/.333/.440, 0-for-1 stolen bases, 25 at-bats Anthony DePino .227/.320/.455, 22 at-bats Boston Smith .278/.381/.611, 1-for-1 stolen bases, 18 at-bats Caleb Bonemer .235/.316/.412, 17 at-bats T.J. McCants .333/.333/.417, 2-for-2 stolen bases, 12 at-bats Colby Shelton .150/.150/.350, 1-for-1 stolen bases, 20 at-bats Samuel Zavala .214/.353/.286, 0-for-1 stolen bases, 14 at-bats
Dylan Cumming 6 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 6 K Gabe Davis 6 2/3 IP, 8 ER, 10 H, 4 BB, 7 K Lucas Gordon 5 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 5 K Jake Palisch 4 1/3 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 0 BB, 4 K Jackson Kelley 3 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 2 BB, 7 K
The Barons failed to keep the good vibes rolling after their 4-2 week, going 1-5 against the Clingstones (40-42).
Outfielder Dylan Campbell, 24, was on fire, going 7-for-19 with a homer, two doubles, a walk, and three stolen bases without being caught. The White Sox acquired Campbell from the Phillies in the Derek Hill trade on June 11. Through 24 games in the organization, all with the Barons, Campbell is slashing .233/.347/.372. Campbell got off to a slow start to the season, but he has been gradually trending in the right direction lately, and he could not be stopped this week.
Cannon Ballers Player of the Week Jaden Fauske .286/.500/.429, 3-for-3 stolen bases, 14 at-bats
Stiven Flores .438/.471/.438, 16 at-bats Nick McLain .333/.364/.444, 18 at-bats Alexander Albertus .227/.292/.455, 0-for-1 stolen bases, 22 at-bats Efren Teran .250/.333/.250, 16 at-bats
Caedmon Parker 5 IP, 3 ER, 9 H, 2 BB, 4 K Gabe Tanner 5 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 K Truman Pauley 7 1/3 IP, 6 R (1 ER), 6 H, 6 BB, 10 K Alexander Martinez 4 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 5 K Gabriel Rodriguez 3 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 3 K Ryan Schiefer 3 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 2 BB, 5 K
The Cannon Ballers got off to a flaming hot start, winning their first four games of the week. They couldn’t keep it going over the weekend, but they still won the series by taking four of six against Delmarva (31-56).
Outfielder Jaden Fauske, 19, was an on-base machine against the Shorebirds, as he could hardly be retired. Fauske went 4-for-14 with two doubles, six walks, three RBIs, and three steals in as many attempts. So, Fauske reached base 10 times in 20 plate appearances, and after reaching base, he was dangerous. The South Siders drafted Fauske in the second round of the 2025 draft. Like Landon Thome, who the White Sox drafted 34th overall on Saturday, Fauske went to Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park.
2026 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Players of the Week Stiven Flores (April 6-12) Abraham Núñez (April 13-19) Javier Mogollón(April 20-26) Arxy Hernández(April 27-May 3) Javier Mogollón(May 4-10) Max Banks(May 11-17) Riley Eikhoff(May 18-24) James Taussig(May 25-31) James Taussig(June 1-7) Derek Cerda(June 8-14) Matthew Boughton(June 15-21) Ryan Schiefer(June 22-28) Christian Gonzalez(June 29-July 5) Jaden Fauske (July 6-12)
ACL White Sox Record 1-4 (last week), 14-37 (overall)
Complex Sox Player of the Week Osniel Castillo .667/.667/1.111, 1-for-2 stolen bases, nine at-bats
Yordani Soto .278/.278/.556, 18 at-bats Landon Hodge .400/.538/.900, 10 at-bats José M. Mendoza .308/.357/.462, 13 at-bats Eduardo Herrera .500/.571/.500, six at-bats
Fidel Montero 5 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 3 K Orlando Suarez 4 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K Justin Fuson 4 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 4 BB, 4 K Fabian Ysalla 4 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K Jefrank Silva 3 IP, 5 R (3 ER), 5 H, 2 BB, 0 K Dylan Carmouche 2 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 5 K
I feel like a broken record with this sentence, but the Complex Sox only won one out of five games this week. At least their overall win percentage (.275) still exceeds that of the 2024 White Sox (.253), but it is getting close.
Outfielder Osniel Castillo, 20, was cold in June, but he was fantastic this week. Castillo went 6-for-9 with a homer and a double, as he gave the Complex Sox an enormous spark. Castillo’s season has been topsy-turvy, as he has slashed .300/.391/.400 in May and .121/.147/.121 in June. Let’s hope Castillo can build on his momentum and sustain impressive numbers in July.
2026 Complex Sox Players of the Week Alexander Albertus(May 4-10) Eduardo Herrera(May 11-17) Yordani Soto (May 18-24) José M. Mendoza(May 25-31) Yordani Soto(June 1-7) Landon Hodge(June 8-14) Tommy Vail(June 15-21) Yordani Soto(June 22-28) D’Angelo Tejada(June 29-July 5) Osniel Castillo (July 6-12)
DSL White Sox Record 2-3 (last week), 11-18 (overall)
DSL White Sox Player of the Week Ronald Cardozo .462/.500/1.154, 13 at-bats
Roderic Ramírez 4 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 2 K Ronald Kelly 3 2/3 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 4 H, 1 BB, 2 K David Colmenares 3 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 2 K Yordany Marte 3 IP, 2 R (0 ER), 3 H, 1 BB, 3 K
After the DSL White Sox’s improbable 4-1 week, they went 2-3, which is in the middle of the road for this squad.
Catcher and first baseman Ronald Cardozo, 17, was on a different level, going 6-for-13 with two homers, a triple, a double, two walks, and 12 RBIs. In Cardozo’s first 27 games of affiliated ball, he is slashing .329/.436/.598 (136 wRC+). The Dominican Summer League has an extremely high run-scoring environment, but even considering that, Cardozo has been terrific.
2026 DSL White Sox Players of the Week Carlos Vielma(June 1-7) Sebastian Romero(June 8-14) Sebastian Romero(June 15-21) Ronald Kelly(June 22-28) Orlando Patiño(June 29-July 5) Ronald Cardozo (July 6-12)
Unfortunately, our latest free poll embed software no longer functions. We will regather and decide what to use going forward, and we will likely still stick polls in this section in the near future.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 14: Drew Rasmussen #57 of the Tampa Bay Rays, Jacob Latz #67 of the Texas Rangers, Louis Varland #77 of the Toronto Blue Jays and manager Derek Shelton #8 of the Minnesota Twins look on before the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The All-Star game, as these things generally are, was pretty much a bore.
The three Blue Jays each had their moments:
Dylan Cease pitched an excellent inning, three strikeouts with a walk. The strikeouts started a theme. AL pitchers stuck out 15.
Ernie Clement went 0 for 2, with ground outs on the first pitch of each of the at bats, but he made and amazing play on defense. Easily the defensive play of the game, getting the ball on the shortstop side of second, and made a perfect jump throw:
Louis Varland pitched a quick eight, getting a strikeout, getting out of the inning on 11 pitches.
I thought John did a good job of trying get everyone into the game. I think it would suck to be invited to the All-Star game and not play
We get two more days off before the start of the second half, which begins with the, very surprising, Chicago White Sox, visiting Toronto. My son sent me a meme, before the season started, saying the White Sox were already eliminated from making the playoffs. After that it is the Rays. A seven game home stand.
The Jays are 6 games below .500 so would need a sweep to get there, which is unlikely. I’d normally say a 4-3 stand would be good, but 5-2 would be a start in heading in the right direction.
Much short of that, I’d think they would have to start thinking of selling. Only 2.5 games back of a Wild Card spot, makes it hard to think about selling. But there are a lot of teams within reach of a playoff spot, so there will be a lot of teams looking to buy. There might be some good offers out there.
I would imagine that, if they are offered something really good for one of the veterans, they would have to consider it. I’m not sure that Springer has a lot of value, but someone might like some veteran presents (don’t email me, it’s a running joke, but every time I do someone emails me).
I got my England jersey on and I’m going to watch the game in a pub. It would be nice if they won, so I could say I saw them win once.
As always use the thread to discuss anything you would like.
The Yankees come out of the MLB All-Star break at 54-42 and 3.0 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the division, but with a 3.5-game lead for the top AL Wild Card spot. Let's open up the mailbag and answer some Yankees questions...
Have you heard anything about the Yankees being linked to any starting pitchers at the trade deadline? -- @newyork5ny
Simple answer: I have not heard specific names yet. Like everyone, I have read rumors that the Yankees would pursue Tarik Skubal, but I have not heard that firsthand, and he might not even be traded if the Tigers continue to hang in there. So I’m not sure what to make of those rumors, other than I think if he is available, it is safe to assume the Yankees will inquire about what it would take to get him.
I do think the Yankees’ starting pitching situation has changed dramatically over the last few weeks with Carlos Rodon’s elbow injury, Gerrit Cole’s relative ups and downs as he works back from surgery, and the absence of Max Fried. Whether he was nudged to do so or truly made the decision himself, that Cam Schlittlerrethought his decision to pitch in the All-Star Game indicates some level of organizational concern with their starting depth. And indeed, with Fried still working his way back from injury and no guarantees he will be at his best right away, Schlittler is suddenly one of the more important starting pitchers in baseball when it comes to determining postseason fates.
If they merely need depth, old friend Clay Holmes could be an easy and familiar fit should the Mets decide to trade him. And if the top of the rotation ends up at full strength by October, he is proven out of the bullpen.
But the simple answer here is that until recently, my understanding of the Yankees’ deadline vision – particularly after the injury to Carlos Lagrange – was more focused on catching and bullpen help.
As evidenced by the Brewers’ trade for Lance McCullers earlier Wednesday, I think we will probably start to see the starting pitching market solidify over the next week. And as it does, I bet we will get a better sense of where the Yankees are looking and whether they are worried enough about the arms they have to pursue top-end types – to the extent that those are available.
Reid Detmers seems likely to go under new Angels management. If the Twins decide to sell, Joe Ryan will be coveted. The Marlins are winning, but they seem willing to subtract as well as add, and have a veteran asset in Sandy Alcantara, though Bob Nightengale recently reported that owner Bruce Sherman does not want him traded. The Giants have a sellable veteran in Robbie Ray, though he might not necessarily represent an upgrade from what the Yankees have in the back end of their rotation right now.
All of which is to say, I have not heard specific names in regards to the rotation, but I expect clarity to be coming in that market over the next week, if not over the next few days.
May 26, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) hits a solo home run in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. / Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Why isn’t Belli used more as a leadoff hitter? We think his ability to get on base + speed + power would be great as a leadoff. But also understand the need to have him protect Judge. So if the Yankees don’t use Belli in the leadoff spot, do you think they’ll try to get a true leadoff hitter at the trade deadline? -- @Twinstripe_reporters on Instagram
This question was submitted a few weeks ago, but we didn’t get to it. I think it’s an interesting one, particularly because the leadoff spot has been a bit of a revolving door with Trent Grisham's injury and Paul Goldschmidt's slump, etc.
I think you are right that Cody Bellinger could handle the leadoff spot, at least in terms of profile. He is faster than their usual choice, Grisham, and he has a higher career on-base percentage. But what’s fascinating is that in all his years with three competitive, big-market teams, he has started in the leadoff spot just three times – three starts at leadoff, 1,179 starts elsewhere. That lack of experience, in itself, might be reason enough not to test him there: Bellinger has proven himself as an RBI guy, and moving to the leadoff spot might inspire a change of approach that could disrupt that.
But what his lack of time there tells me is that managers of multiple strong lineups see him as too much of an asset in the middle of the order to use at the top. I think part of that is he is nearly as good against left-handed pitching (.801 OPS) as he is against righties (.819), which makes him an ideal lefty for matchup purposes in the middle of the order. He can protect the big hitter without needing to be protected. And without Aaron Judge in the lineup lately, the Yankees have needed him to help fill the run production void.
I don’t necessarily know who the Yankees would identify as a true leadoff hitter in this market. None of the hitters who have been raised in connection with them behind the plate or in the infield necessarily fit there. But I do wonder how the lineup changes if (when) they acquire a proven hitter or two. I still don’t think Bellinger jumps, particularly because Ben Rice has shown he can handle that job if Grisham isn’t the right matchup. Still, super interesting question, and one you’ve inspired me to ask around about more after the break.
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 06: Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) throws a pitch in the top of the first inning during the MLB game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros on May 6, 2026 at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
According to reports, the Houston Astros are finalizing a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers that would send pitchers Lance McCullers Jr. and Colton Gordon to Milwaukee.
The deal appears to be a salary dump for Houston, who is reported to be paying down some of the salary owed McCullers Jr., who is in the final year of a 5-year, $85M contract. McCullers Jr. is also waiving his no-trade rights as a 10-and-5 player to facilitate the deal. The deal is designed to free up space for the Astros for potential moves at the trade deadline, and any return of note is not expected.
Prior to the deal, the Astros were listed by Spotrac as having an adjusted payroll of $238,392,177 for tax purposes. The first Competitive Balance Tax line for this season is $244M. The Astros have been very leery of exceeding the tax this season, as they have been taxpayers each of the past 2 seasons, and a 3rd straight season as taxpayers leads to stronger penalties.
McCullers Jr. (32) was one of 3 remaining players from the Astros’ first World Championship team in 2017, along with Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa. McCullers was a big part of the team’s first championship, starting Game 7 of the World Series in Dodger Stadium. In that game, McCullers pitched into the 8th inning, earning the series-clinching win.
McCullers was also a part of the Championship team in 2022, returning from injury late in the season to make 8 string starts down the stretch, and pitching through the postseason.
McCullers was once considered an anchor of the Astros rotation, but a plethora of injuries and setbacks derailed a once-promising career. Tommy John surgery and flexor tendon surgery have conspired to steal over three years of his career, and have greatly impacted his velocity and effectiveness on the mound.
After returning last season, McCullers Jr. made 3 additional trips to the IL. he was limited to 16 games and 55.1 IP, posting a 6.51 ERA. His velocity was notably down from his pre-injury levels.
In Spring Training this season, McCullers Jr. was handled with care, but showed velocities he had not shown in years. Unfortunately, he was unable to maintain it with regular work. Shoulder inflammation then landed him on the IL May 19.
This season, McCullers Jr. is 2-3 in 8 starts with a 6.86 ERA and 1.53 WHIP.
Gordon (27) made his MLB debut last season for the Astros, who once again dealt with a rash of pitching injuries. He pitched in 20 games for Houston, including 14 starts, going 6-4 with a 5.34 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. While Gordon wasn’t very effective, he gave the Astros innings they desperately needed. His 86 innings last season were good for 3rd on the team last season, behind aces Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez.
Gordon made just 4 appearances (including 1 start) for Houston this year and struggled badly, posting an 11.57 ERA and 2.57 WHIP in just 9.1 IP. Gordon, who allowed 21 HR in 86 IP last season, allowed 6 HR in just 9.1 IP this season resulting in his demotion to Triple-A Sugar Land.
Gordon has gotten himself together with the Space Cowboys, where he is 6-3 with a 3.69 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 70.2 IP.
A three-year letterman from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California that boasts alumni such as former Mets Tim Foli and Greg Goosen, as well as all-stars Hunter Greene and Mike/Giancarlo Stanton among others, Jacob Madrid’s baseball career started off slowly, hitting .255/.367/.352 in his sophomore season with the Knights in 2023. He was a bit more successful in his junior season, hitting .315/.381/.479, and closed out his career there hitting .276/.448/.736 in his senior year this past spring. All in all, the catcher hit a cumulative .284/.408/.555 in 78 games with 8 doubles, 2 triples, 15 home runs, 2 stolen bases in as many attempts, and drew 42 walks to 59 strikeouts, experiencing a major power surge in his senior year and slugging 12 of his 15 total long balls.
At the plate, the 6’4”, 215-pound Madrid currently stands square, crouching slightly and holding his bat at the eyes, wrapping it behind his head almost parallel to the ground before getting into hitting position. The right-hander swings with minimal load and weight transfer, utilizing a toe tap timing mechanism. In the past, his swing wasn’t very efficient, not utilizing his hips as much, but over the course of his senior season, his swing has improved ergonomically, allowing him to drive the ball with more authority.
The right-hander also has experience on the diamond, possessing a low-to-mid-90s fastball with a high spin rate, a high-70s curveball, and a split-changeup.
Where Madrid shines is behind the plate; defense is his calling card. He moves well behind the plate, keeping the ball in front of him when blocking. He receives the ball well, has a quick release, and a strong and accurate arm, able to throw from his knees.
Madrid initially had a commitment to Long Beach State University, but now has one to University of Oregon after receiving a scholarship offer from the Ducks.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JUNE 25: Jahmai Jones #18 of the Detroit Tigers smiles against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park on June 25, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who is he and where did he come from?
He’s Jahmai Fitzgerald Jones and he comes from suburban Atlanta, which seemingly produces more baseball talent than just about anywhere else in America right now (though the most notable alumn from his prep school is former Pats center David Andrews).
Jones was a second round draft pick back in 2015 and cracked the Baseball Prospectus top-100 prospect list three years in a row from 2017 through 2019. But despite his pedigree, he’s never managed to hold onto a big league starting job and now finds himself in his sixth organization. The Red Sox acquired him yesterday for a player to be named later after he was designated for assignment by the Tigers.
What position does he play?
He’s an outfielder but, despite being pretty fast (he ranks in the 84th percentile for sprint speed this year) he’s not a very good one. In fact, with a weak arm and unimpressive range, he’s spent more time at DH than he has in the field. He was mostly a second baseman in the minors, as well, and can occasionally moon light there at the big league level.
Is he any good?
He was very good at one specific thing last year: hitting lefties. He slashed a Rob Refsnyderesque .288/.393/.577 against lefties in 2025, with 7 homers in just 104 at-bats, good for an OPS+ of 173. He also tends to do most of his damage in the air and on the pull side, which, at Fenway Park, is deadly for opposing pitchers.
Unfortunately, that small sample size of success he had last year is the only success he’s ever had at the big league level. After recording career-best marks in both strikeout and walk rate in 2025, those numbers are back to his career average in 2026, leading him to put up an ugly .137/.219/.221 line with just 2 homers, with the vast majority of that anti-production coming against lefties.
Show me a cool highlight.
When he gets a hold of one he can really mash. Here he is sending a ball to Albert Belle territory.
What’s he doing in his picture up there?
Saying something to Jahmai Webster from across the diamond using the super secret sign language that all Jahmai’s know and won’t tell you about.
What’s his role on the 2026 Red Sox?
Jones seems like a classic example of swing-fix candidate, someone the front office would stick in AAA for a few weeks in hopes of getting him back to where he was last year. But here’s the problem with that: he’s out of minor league options and can’t be sent to Worcester. Any fixing the Sox attempt will have to be done in the majors.
If they can get him to be more productive, he could play a valuable role on this team as a platoon outfielder who can get Jarren Duran’s bat out of the lineup against lefties. But there’s a good chance that that’s just wishful thinking and that he could be DFA’d for the second time this season before you know it.
Livvy Dunne is addressing her animated game-day self while watching boyfriend Paul Skenes pitch.
During the MLB All-Star red carpet in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, the couple stopped to chat with MLB Network for a few minutes and Dunne was asked what it’s like watching the Pirate pitch.
She admitted she gets invested.
“Obviously, I think I got put on blast a few times while watching him,” Dunne said. “I get nervous because I obviously want him to do his best. I love him. He usually pops out, does his thing, does amazing. But I feel every emotion while he’s out there doing his thing.
“It’s completely out of my control, which is really hard because while I was competing, I mean, I was in control of my own destiny. Now I just need to sit back, relax and trust him.”
Livvy Dunne talks about watching boyfriend Paul Skenes pitch during the All-Star Game red carpet.
The answer calls back to a moment in May when Dunne was caught on the broadcast muttering profane language during a game between the Pirates and Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
After a crack of a bat for a homerun that brought Blue Jays fans to their feet, Dunne was seen saying “f-k” twice before leaning back in her seat, frustrated.
The announcers called out the moment at the time.
“Paul Skenes is on the mound today and his girlfriend — the equally famous, maybe more famous — Livvy Dunne is here,” the SportsNet TV commentator said. “She was a gymnast at LSU. They met in college and she has eight zillion on social media right now. I believe she attends almost every single game of his and she is invested.
“She is not just sitting around and looking around. She is into the game. Emotional and occasionally profane. But she is invested in the successes and rare failures of her Cy Young award winning boyfriend Paul Skenes.”
The Pirates went on to lose the game, 5-2.
Livvy Dunne says “f-k” again during the Pirates-Blue Jays game on Saturday after a leadoff home run over her boyfriend and Pittsburgh starter Paul Skenes. X @Sportsnet
Later on the All-Star broadcast, Dunne added that she got in the batter’s box to stand in as Skenes pitched to her. It made for a “scary” moment.
The former gymnast wore a black dress with light blue detailing in the center while Skenes wore a light blue suit with a black tie and sunglasses.
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes and model Livvy Dunne walk the red carpet during the MLB All-Star Red Carpet Show at Independence Mall. Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The two have been together since 2023 after meeting while they both attended LSU.
Currently, Skenes holds a career-high 3.57 ERA following a Cy Young-winning 2025 campaign after a season 1.97 ERA.
He did not pitch in the All-Star game because he pitched for the Pirates on the final Sunday of the first half of the season.
