NORTH PORT, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Chadwick Tromp #38 of the Atlanta Braves poses for a photo during Spring Training photo day at CoolToday Park on February 20, 2026 in North Port, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s a mixture of sunshine and overcast here in Atlanta, and rain is expected to come in later in the evening, but the show must go on…until further notice.
Let’s look at these Saturday lineups.
An impressive walk-off from a line-drive RBI single from Chadwick Tromp ended yesterday’s game one matchup against the Nationals in extras. Now, appearing in the starting lineup for tonight’s matchup, the Braves are looking for him to have another productive outing with Grant Holmes on the mound.
Mike Yastrzemski and Mauricio Dubón are also making a return to join Tromp at the bottom of the batting order.
So far, the only player on the squad to average over a 1.000 OPS against Washington’s pitcher Jake Irvin is Ronald Acuña Jr. However, Michael Harris II, who’s moved back up to the second slot, and Matt Olson, batting behind him, have seen numbers passing a .800 OPS to take their bases comfortably against the righty.
On the Nationals’ side, James Wood is the only player who has produced well against Holmes, averaging a 1.666 OPS against him. Players Daylen Lile and Nasim Nuñez have yet to face Holmes’ sharp arsenal, and through only three at-bats, CJ Abrams hasn’t seen success with a .000 OPS.
It’s going to be a tough matchup with the Nationals’ offense exceeding expectations and the Braves continuing to deliver solid pitching performances. Just a few hours away, first pitch is set for 4:10 p.m.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: Gage Jump #79 of the Athletics throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning of a spring training game at Las Vegas Ballpark on March 07, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Angels defeated the Athletics 3-0. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This season’s first 2 months have always been about treading water. The A’s have a gloriously average squad that has been, well, average : Since April 10th, the A’s have been been between 1 game under .500 and 3 games over .500 each and every day.
The ability to stay neck and neck in the standings with their competitors has been enhanced by Seattle floundering (Mariners like fish, after all) under .500. And so the A’s approach Memorial Day where they would have hoped to be: in or near 1st place with a roster that is poised to improve.
Will Memorial Day bring said improvement in the form of a “high upside” starting pitcher? One can rely only on tea leaves, not on any formal announcements, at this point. Here’s what we know:
– JT Ginn will start tonight against the Padres trying to build on his sensational 8 no-hit innings in Anaheim and hoping to avenge the disappointing final 4 minutes of that start.
– Jacob Lopez is on turn for Sunday afternoon’s game in San Diego. Lopez is fresh off of a shaky start in which he was handed a 6-0 lead and could not complete the 4th inning. His season ERA now stands at 6.14.
– The A’s have been non-committal around Sunday’s SP, offering multiple possible paths and stating that bullpen usage Friday and Saturday could even inform the decision at the 11th hour. Those paths include Lopez taking his normal turn, an “opener” with Lopez to follow, or a “bullpen game”. Really the only option the A’s seem to have ruled out is calling up a new SP — it seems the current group will handle the game in some way.
– Gage Jump pitched on Wednesday, so he is not on turn to pitch until Monday at the earliest. So he has never been an option for the Padres series but would be ready for any of the games with Seattle. Jump’s start Wednesday was his best of the season: 7 IP, 4 hits, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K.
What does this all suggest might be in the cards? Certainly there are very banal outcomes still on the table, such as that Lopez makes the Sunday start as the A’s continue to hope he rediscovers his 2025 form and the rotation stays on turn with Aaron Civale opening the Seattle series on Monday.
Or … are the tea leaves suggesting that Lopez is headed to the bullpen to give the A’s a valuable long relief arm and lefty option, making room for Jump to debut as an electric and unknown arm the Mariners have to face in a big head-to-head showdown? (I say “big,” even though it’s still May, because the path to the AL West crown runs through Seattle and this represents 3 of 13 “two game swing” games.)
The A’s would have to make a corresponding move on the 40 man roster to call up Jump. The obvious casualty would be Jose Suarez, since shifting Lopez to the bullpen would give the A’s a second lefty. Also, Suarez just isn’t anything special and was a stopgap pickup at best — or least that’s how it should be.
Coming into the season the A’s hoped Luis Morales would give them a plus arm at the front of the rotation, allowing Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs to settle into more mid-back of the rotation roles. That just didn’t work out, but without question it would buoy the A’s chances to contend significantly if they could find and insert a plus arm into the rotation.
The best hope for this has always been Jump, a top prospect in MLB and the only top A’s pitching prospect who is a step away from the big leagues. It was has been, since Jump’s solid spring training showing, not a matter of “if” but rather “when” he would join the 2026 rotation.
Is that time now? If so, Happy Memorial Day indeed.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - MAY 19: Drew Rasmussen #57 and Shane McClanahan #18 of the Tampa Bay Rays look on prior to a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field on May 19, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The weekend series between the Cardinals and Reds will finally start with a day-night doubleheader on Saturday, May 23. The foul weather changed the pitching matchup for the nightcap, and injured list moves on both teams have tweaked the rosters.
The results of both lean in Cincinnati’s favor, as my Cardinals vs. Reds predictions and MLB picks for Game 2 explain.
Who will win Cardinals vs Reds tonight: Reds moneyline (-105)
Andre Pallante was initially scheduled to start for the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, but with the rain, the Redbirds flipped the rotation.
The Cincinnati Reds will now face his 95th percentile breaking ball and 89th percentile ground ball rate in Game 1.
The Reds also get Eugenio Suarez back, while the Cardinals placed outfielder Nathan Church on IL.
COVERS INTEL: Opponents have a .584 OPS in their first appearance vs. Leahy, which rises to .821 the next time up, and 1.177 the third time up.
Cardinals vs Reds Over/Under pick: Over 9.5 (-105)
The Over/Under cutoff is high, but it’s earned in this game. The bullpens will be taxed in the second game of a twin bill, and Leahy will be challenged by a Reds order hitting 25% over league average across the last two weeks.
St. Louis has been struggling on offense, but the Reds will start former top pick Chase Petty, called up for the doubleheader and ready to make just his fourth MLB start.
He’s allowed four home runs and 10 walks in 11 2/3 big-league innings and was struggling at Triple-A Louisville, with a 6.32 ERA and 1.628 WHIP.
Shawn Krest's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 15-19 -3.28 units
Over/Under bets: 19-19 -1.51 units
Cardinals vs Reds odds
Moneyline: Cardinals -110 | Reds -110
Run line: Cardinals +1.5 | Reds -1.5
Over/Under: Over 9.5 | Under 9.5
Cardinals vs Reds trend
The Reds have hit the Over in 28 of their last 40 games (+14.55 Units / 33% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cardinals vs. Reds.
How to watch Cardinals vs Reds and game info
Location
Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati, OH
Date
Saturday, May 23, 2026
First pitch
7:15 p.m. ET
TV
FOX
Cardinals starting pitcher
Kyle Leahy (5-3, 3.94 ERA)
Reds starting pitcher
Chase Petty (0-0, 4.76 ERA)
Cardinals vs Reds latest injuries
Cardinals vs Reds weather
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.
Feb 24, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jonathan Pintaro (91) delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros during the third inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Ahead of their second game against the Marlins this weekend, the Mets recalled right-handed relief pitcher Jonathan Pintaro. In a corresponding move, the Mets optioned left-handed starter Zach Thornton to Triple-A Syracuse.
Pintaro, in his age 28 season, appeared in one game last season for the Mets, giving up two earned runs in two-thirds of an inning. He’s having a nice season in Triple-A thus far, appearing in 15 games and pitching to a 2.81 ERA with 32 strikeouts to 12 walks and allowing one home run.
Here is how our Steve Sypa described Pintaro’s aresenal of pitches in our season preview:
The right-hander throws fastballs nearly 75% of the time, mixing in a high-spin cutter, a mid-90s fastball, and a low-90s sinker. He supplements those pitches with a mid-to-high-80s changeup that gives him a north-south option and a low-to-mid-80s sweeping slider that gives him a horizontal option.
Thornton, a soft-tosser in his age 24 season, made his major league debut on Wednesday evening against the Nationals. Thornton was stung by a first inning three-run home run off the bat of C.J. Abrams, but he settled in nicely after that, allowing just three more baserunners over the next two and two-thirds innings.
Apr 29, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Andre Pallante (53) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The bad news was Friday night’s game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds was rained out. The good news is that means a doubleheader today. For game 1, it appears that the Cardinals will have Andre Pallante make the start while the Reds will have Friday’s planned starter Chris Paddack on the mound. Note that Bryan Torres is set to start in left field for St. Louis. First pitch for game 1 is scheduled for 12:10pm central time in Great America Ball Park.
Jesus Sanchez has been quietly heating up this month, and I expect him to continue swinging a hot bat this afternoon.
Read on to see why with my Pirates vs. Blue Jays predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, May 23.
Pirates vs Blue Jays predictions
Pirates vs Blue Jays best bet: Jesus Sanchez Over 0.5 hits (+100)
Jesus Sanchez has been quietly consistent recently, currently sporting a five-game hitting streak, while going Over his 0.5 hits total in nine of his last 10 outings.
Sanchez owns a .333 average against the four-seam fastball and a .294 average against the sinker, the two pitches that Paul Skenes uses the most.
Additionally, Sanchez is just one of three batters in the Toronto Blue Jays lineup to have a hit against Skenes in their career, going 1-for-3 with a double.
COVERS INTEL: Sanchez has a .283 xBA, which ranks him in the 87th percentile in all of baseball.
Pirates vs Blue Jays same-game parlay (SGP)
Another Blue Jay swinging a hot bat is Daulton Varsho. I’ll take Over 0.5 hits for the Jays outfielder, who has eclipsed this total in eight of his last 10 outings with a .324 batting average in that stretch.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are 21st in OPS vs. lefties this year, so Patrick Corbin could get through most of his start unscathed. He'll eventually give way to a Blue Jays bullpen ranked seventh in xFIP this month.
Pirates vs Blue Jays SGP
Jesus Sanchez Over 0.5 hits
Daulton Varsho Over 0.5 hits
Pirates team total Under 4.5
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Pirates vs Blue Jays home run pick: Jesus Sanchez (+725)
Lets continue with the Sanchez train and bet a quarter unit on him hitting a home run tonight.
Homering off Skenes isn’t easy, but Sanchez has been a consistent hitter for the Blue Jays and has some pop in his bat, ranking in the 69th percentile in average exit-velocity.
He also owns a 46% hard-hit rate and a .467 xSLG against the four seamer, Skenes’ most used pitch.
2026 Transparency record
Best bets: 23-27, -0.55 units
SGPs: 10-40, +0.60 units
HR picks: 8-42, +2.15 units
Pirates vs Blue Jays odds
Moneyline: Pittsburgh -155 | Toronto +130
Run line: Pittsburgh -1.5 | Toronto +1.5
Over/Under: Over 7.5 | Under 7.5
Pirates vs Blue Jays trend
The Blue Jays have covered the F5 run line in seven of their last eight games (+5.90 Units / 63% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Pirates vs. Blue Jays.
How to watch Pirates vs Blue Jays and game info
Location
Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON
Date
Saturday, May 23, 2026
First pitch
3:07 p.m. ET
TV
Sportsnet, SportsNet Pittsburgh
Pirates starting pitcher
Paul Skenes (6-3, 2.62 ERA)
Blue Jays starting pitcher
Patrick Corbin (1-1, 4.23 ERA)
Pirates vs Blue Jays latest injuries
Pirates vs Blue Jays weather
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.
SEVEN WOULD NOT BE HEAVEN: The Cubs have not lost a seventh consecutive game since July 14, 2022, when they were beaten at home by the Mets, 8-0. They have played 610 games since then, winning 327, for a percentage of .536. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
STREAKING THE WRONG WAY: In their six straight losses, the Cubs have held only two leads, both last Sunday at the White Sox. A 4-1 cushion lasted from the middle of the fourth inning until the bottom of the fifth. An 8-7 lead in the middle of the 10th ended on a one-out homer in the bottom. They have not led in their last four games and in 16 of all 22 losses. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
WHERE ARE THE RUNS?: Since the last game of their 10-game winning streak, a 7-1 win at Texas on May 8, the Cubs have scored 31 runs in 12 games. Eighteen came in two games and 13 in the remaining 10, with no more than three in any of the 10. They scored 0-2 runs in the first five of the 12 games and have scored 0-3 in the last four. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: The Cubs and Cardinals went scoreless through nine in St. Louis. In the 10th, Javier Baéz hit a two-run homer. The Cardinals came back with a run in the bottom of the inning but Craig Kimbrel struck out their last two hitters and the Cubs won 2-1. It happened five years ago today, Sunday, May 23, 2021.
Colin Rea’s last start was pretty bad, so let’s try to ignore it. (Yes, I know you can’t really do that.)
In fact, over his last five starts Rea has posted a 7.04 ERA and 1.913 WHIP and has allowed four home runs in 23 innings. Yikes, do better, Colin.
Last year against the Astros, June 28, 2025 in Houston, he allowed two runs in five innings. That would be an improvement over recent outings.
Kai-Wei Teng, a native of Taiwan, originally signed with the Twins back in 2017 and was traded to the Giants two years later. He made 12 appearances (seven starts) with the Giants in 2024-25 and the results were pretty bad (7.30 ERA, 1.697 WHIP).
He was traded to the Astros for a minor leaguer last offseason and had thrown mostly in relief before recently being added to Houston’s rotation. Last time out, May 16 vs. the Rangers, he threw five shutout innings and 76 pitches.
He has never faced the Cubs. The only Cub who’s ever seen him is Michael Conforto (0-for-1).
Please visit our SB Nation Astros site The Crawfish Boxes. If you do go there to interact with Astros fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, ranked first in the NL West with a 31-20 record, face the Milwaukee Brewers, who are first in the NL Central with a 30-18 record. The Los Angeles Dodgers are favored with a -120 moneyline compared to the Milwaukee Brewers' +100. Starting pitchers are Roki Sasaki for Los Angeles, with a 5.09 ERA, and Robert Gasser for Milwaukee, with a 4.50 ERA.
How to watch Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers
PILA - GRESSAN, ITALY - MAY 23: Jan Hirt of Czech Republic and Team NSN Cycling competes in the breakaway during the 109th Giro d'Italia 2026, Stage 14 a 133km stage from Aosta to Pila - Gressan 1789m / #UCIWT / on May 23, 2026 in Pila - Gressan, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hickory starter Kamdyn Perry allowed two runs in 4.1 IP, strking out six, walking one and giving up a homer. Michael Trausch struck out one and walked one in a shutout inning.
Hector Osorio doubled, walked twice, and stole a base. Yolfran Castillo had a walk and two stolen bases. Paulino Santana had a double and a walk.
Frisco starter Winston Santos struck out five and walked three in five innings, giving up three runs. Wilian Bormie struck out two in a shutout inning.
Dylan Dreiling had a single and a double. Keith Jones II was 3 for 5 with a double and a stolen base. Cody Freeman continued his rehab assignment, and was 0 for 3 while playing third base before being lifted late in the game.
Josh Stephan started for Round Rock and it didn’t go well, as he allowed 11 runs in 4.1 IP, including three home runs, walking three and striking out two. Veteran Joe Ross, the brother of former Ranger Tyson Ross, was just signed to a minor league deal by the Rangers, and gave up three runs in 1.2 IP, including a home run by Nick Solak, walking one and striking out one. Thomas Ireland walked one and struck out one in two shutout innings.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 22: Ketel Marte #4 of the Arizona Diamondbacks walks to the on deck circle during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field on May 22, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Rockies defeated the Diamondbacks 3-2. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Exits Game with Hamstring Tightness The veteran suffered a torn right ACL on Sept. 1, 2025, having to be carted off at Chase Field to end his campaign. Gurriel worked tirelessly to come back sooner than expected, and he made his 2026 debut on April 18.
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - MARCH 21: Josh Wakefield, Mason Lytle, and Tyler Whitaker of the Houston Astros celebrate in the outfield after the game between the Houston Astros and the New York Mets at Clover Park on Saturday, March 21, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Tanner Gatlin/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Another day of minor league baseball is in the books. See the results below. Check out the previous day’s recap here.
AAA: Sugar Land Space Cowboys (21-28) won 7-6 (BOX SCORE)
Sugar Land got on the board in the 3rd inning scoring a run on error. The offense would rally for a huge inning scoring 6 runs in the 5th inning on a Biggio RBI single, Whitcomb RBI single, 2 runs scoring on an error, Strahm RBI single and a Thomas sac fly. Hendrickson got the start and pitched really well allowing 1 run over 6 innings of work. The pen allowed a few runs late but Murray held on for the save as Sugar Land won 7-6.
Joey Mancini, RHP: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Roddery Munoz, RHP: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Jayden Murray, RHP: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K (SAVE)
AA: Corpus Christi Hooks (19-24) lost 5-2 (BOX SCORE)
Swanson got the start and went 3.2 innings allowing 1 run, though he walked 5. The Hooks got on the board in the 2nd inning on a Sullivan solo home run. In the 4th, the Hooks took the lead on an Encarnacion RBI double. McLoughlin allowed a 3 run home run and the Hooks offense was quiet the rest of the way as they fell 5-2.
Hudson Leach, RHP: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Jose Guedez, RHP: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
A+: Asheville Tourists (9-33) POSTPONED
A: Fayetteville Woodpeckers (19-24) won 7-5 (BOX SCORE)
The Woodpeckers got on the board in the first inning scoring a run on a Wakefield RBI single. Weber got the start and went 4.1 innings allowing 3 runs, though just one earned, while striking out 6 batters. The offense rallied for 2 runs in the 6th on a disengagement violation and Moss RBI single. They scored 3 more runs in the 7th on a Sierra RBI single and Moss 2 run single. Alvarez added a sac fly in the 8th. Serrano went the final 4.2 allowing 2 run, none earned, as he closed out the 7-5 win.
Two of the best teams in baseball continue their weekend series tonight when the Milwaukee Brewers welcome the Los Angeles Dodgers to American Family Field.
Milwaukee has feasted on fastballs this season and will enjoy a favorable matchup against a struggling Roki Sasaki, which is why I’m taking the hosts in my Dodgers vs. Brewers predictions.
Keep reading for my analysis and MLB picks for Saturday, May 23.
Who will win Dodgers vs Brewers tonight: Brewers (+105)
Sasaki has a bloated 5.09 ERA and 1.45 WHIP, ranking in the 24th percentile in xBA (.262) and 13th percentile in average exit velocity (91 mph).
Sasaki throws his four-seam fastball 43% of the time, though it’s been his worst pitch. Opponents are batting .342 vs. Sasaki’s four-seamer, while the Milwaukee Brewers own the ninth-highest average against that pitch type vs. righties (.261).
The Brewers provide great value as a +113 dog, and I’d bet them all the way down to +100.
Dodgers vs Brewers Over/Under pick: Under 9 (-115)
The Brewers' bats could get Sasaki out of the game early, but he’s backed up by a strong Dodgers bullpen that ranks second in ERA (2.98). Milwaukee’s pen isn’t too shabby, either, sitting sixth in that category (3.22).
To make matters worse for the Dodgers, who have averaged just 2.5 runs over their last four outings, Max Muncy left Friday’s game after taking a 95 mph heater to the wrist, and he’ll likely sit today.
It’ll also be another chilly night at American Family Field (54 degrees), which is tied for the fifth-lowest Park factor (97) in the majors.
Chris Faria's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 2-0, +1.71 units
Over/Under bets: 1-1, -0.12 units
Dodgers vs Brewers odds
Moneyline: Los Angeles -117 | Milwaukee +113
Run line: Los Angeles -1.5 (+138) | Milwaukee +1.5 (-144)
Over/Under: Over 9.5 (+127) | Under 7.5 (-133)
Dodgers vs Brewers trend
Los Angeles and Milwaukee have cashed the Under in four straight meetings. Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Brewers.
How to watch Dodgers vs Brewers and game info
Location
American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
Date
Saturday, May 23, 2026
First pitch
7:15 p.m. ET
TV
FOX
Dodgers starting pitcher
Roki Sasaki (2-3, 5.09 ERA)
Brewers starting pitcher
Robert Gasser (0-0, 4.50 ERA)
Dodgers vs Brewers latest injuries
Dodgers vs Brewers weather
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.
Los Angeles, CA - July 21: Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds third base base after hitting a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Chris Taylor, who played all over the field in 10 of his 12 major league seasons for the Dodgers, retired as a player on Friday.
Taylor was on a minor league deal with the Angels and hit .255/.382/.321 with an 86 wRC+ this year for the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. The last game for the 35-year-old came on Wednesday, playing right field against Tacoma.
Drafted out of the University of Virginia in the fifth round in 2012 by the Seattle Mariners, Taylor struggled in his first taste of the majors, hitting .240/.296/.296 in 86 games over parts of two seasons with Seattle. The Mariners traded Taylor to the Dodgers on June 19, 2016 for pitcher Zach Lee, the former first-round pick.
Versatility was Taylor’s calling card, with the ability to play everywhere in the infield and outfield. With the dodgers, Taylor started 259 games in left field, 175 games at shortstop, 157 games in center field, 115 games at second base, 50 games at third base, and 17 games in right field.
“I feel like my role has always been to play all over the field, and that’s part of my value,” Taylor said in 2021. “There’s been times where guys have gotten hurt, and then I have to play one position for a month or whatever.”
In 2018, Taylor’s sliding catch in left field robbed Christian Yelich of a double in the fifth inning of Game 7 of the NLCS in Milwaukee, protecting a one-run lead at the time.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked Friday night in Milwaukee was asked about Taylor’s retirement, and that catch.
“Worlds would have been different if he didn’t make that play,” Roberts said, as shown on SportsNet LA. “He’s had a great career. He got everything out of his ability, and I was fortunate enough to coach him. He, Mary, and the kids can ride off into the sunset. Does a lot of stuff for the foundation. He was a joy, a complete pro.”
Taylor in his 12-year career hit .248/.327/.419 with a 104 wRC+, 16.2 bWAR, 17.2 fWAR, 200 doubles, and 110 home runs in 1,123 games for the Mariners, Dodgers, and Angels. He was a part of five pennant-winning teams and three championship teams with the Dodgers, and ranks third in team history with 80 postseason games played.
Taylor was released by the Dodgers last May, in the final season of his four-year contract, and wasn’t around for the 2025 championship run in October. But now that he’s retired, one would imagine Taylor will get his championship ring at some point in the relatively-near future, with a deserving pregame ovation from the Dodger Stadium crowd.
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 16, 2025: Jackson Kent #45 of the Washington Nationals throws a pitch during the fourth inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the New York Mets at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 16, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The other day it was announced that the Nationals were promoting Jackson Kent to Triple-A. With this news happening, I wanted to talk about Kent because he is a fascinating and under-discussed prospect. You can argue that Kent is the Nats best healthy pitching prospect, though I would probably put him second behind Miguel Sime Jr.
2.35 ERA, 32.2% K rate, 6.8% BB rate at Harrisburg. Arguably the Nats’ top healthy pitching prospect, and I would not be surprised he debuted this summer. In fact, I might be surprised if he doesn’t. https://t.co/oW4SImB0XS
Kent had a fantastic start to the season in Double-A. He posted a 2.35 ERA in 30.2 innings with 38 strikeouts to just 8 walks. The Nats 4th rounder from 2024 also showed off improved stuff. His fastball has gone from being a low 90’s offering to sitting more consistently in the 93-95 MPH range. This improved velocity has helped Kent dominate in AA.
However, the fastball is not Kent’s biggest weapon, and it never has been. Kent’s signature pitch is an absolutely gorgeous changeup. His changeup has over 10 MPH of velocity separation, but Kent still sells it with his arm action. It is truly a plus offering for him. Last season, the pitch generated a 51% whiff rate, and it has continued to be elite this year.
Fangraphs gave Kent’s changeup a 70 grade. That is elite stuff, but it makes sense when you watch the pitch. I actually found a 5 and a half minute video from one of his most recent starts. You get to see quite a few of his signature changeups, and his best ones are absolutely gorgeous. He has a natural feel for it and locates it very well.
23 year old Jackson Kent is a pitcher to watch!
In AA:
7 starts 30.2 IP 2.35 ERA 25.4 K-BB% 34.7 CSW% 16.2 SwStr%
Kent’s wonky delivery and elite changeup actually remind me a bit of Guardians rookie Parker Messick, who is having a lot of success this season. Both guys are stockier left handed pitchers with solid but not elite velocity. These guys rely on command and a wipeout changeup to succeed.
Another thing Jackson Kent does very well is get down the mound. He gets about 7 feet of extension, which is elite. That helps his fastball get on hitters quickly. This trait makes Kent similar to former Nats prospect Jake Bennett, who was a big extender with a good changeup. Bennett’s command is a little bit better, but Kent has an even better changeup than him.
I am interested to see how his mix works at the AAA level. He will be facing plenty of guys with big league experience. Will the changeup mesmerize them the same way it did to lower level hitters? I am also interested to see what his pitch shapes look like because we will get that with statcast. Kent’s breaking balls are seen as average at best. He has a curveball and a slider, but neither truly stand out.
This has certainly been a breakout year for Kent, but he did not come out of nowhere. Last season, Kent had a high 4.61 ERA in High-A and Double-A. However, his underlying metrics were strong. For the season, Kent had 132 strikeouts in 123 innings, while keeping the walks in check. He also had a 3.75 FIP and 3.30 xFIP.
Jackson Kent struck out 6️⃣ through 6.0 innings of work on Tuesday!
He ranks 2nd in the system with 65 strikeouts in his first professional season. pic.twitter.com/VgzL5F9QBk
— Nationals Player Development (@Nats_PlayerDev) June 12, 2025
Kent’s stuff has ticked up this season, but he is also seeing some positive regression. He pitched much better than his ERA last season. Now, with even better stuff, the results have been undeniable. That is why the Nats are pushing him to AAA. If he throws the ball well in AAA, Kent has a chance to make his MLB debut later this season.
Jackson Kent is an advanced arm with a deceptive look, good command and a wipeout changeup. In a farm system full of risers, Kent is a guy who has gone under the radar. However, with his promotion, he should not be going under the radar for much longer.
This is a guy we could see in the big leagues, and pretty soon. Kent is just 23 years old, but he is a very mature pitcher who has a clear path to big league success. He can use his funk, changeup and new found velocity to get outs in the big leagues.
In my opinion, Kent has the ceiling to be a 3 or 4 starter. One of the reasons the Nats may have traded Jake Bennett is that they knew Kent was a very similar profile. They did not have a guy like Luis Perales in the system, but Kent could do what Jake Bennett did, and maybe even more.
The Nats 2024 draft class looked rough last season, but there have been some good performances from the group this year. Seaver King and Jackson Kent have been the standouts. Both are now in AAA, and knocking on the door of the big leagues.
COVERS INTEL: Opponents have a .584 OPS in their first appearance vs. Leahy, which rises to .821 the next time up, and 
