CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 15: Rhett Lowder #25 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park on September 15, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Elly De La Cruz reached his 30-30 milestone during Friday night’s loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, meaning the Cincinnati Reds now have a pair of games left in their 2026 season with roughly nothing left to play for.
That’s true for most of the roster, in all honesty. For Rhett Lowder, though, there’s at least the chance to finish the season on something of a positive note after he’s been mostly bashed around all season. He gets the start today opposite fellow rookie Trey Yesavage, who has had a much more positive 2026 campaign.
Carlos Jorge is back in the leadoff spot, while Juan Brito is mercifully playing 3B so that we don’t have to watch Ke’Bryan Hayes out there.
First pitch is set for 3:07 PM ET. Here’s how both teams will line up to begin things:
SAN FRANCISCO ― When it's all said and done, no one is looking at the San Francisco Giants' 2026 season as a success but instead a learning curve. If anyone is willing to learn, it's first-year baseball manager Tony Vitello.
A weekend matchup against the Giants' longtime rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers, will conclude the rookie season for Vitello. The Giants were handed their 95th loss of the season after losing to the Dodgers in a 2-0 shutout in front of a sold-out crowd of 40,770 at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Friday, Sept. 25. The series continues through Sunday.
Two games remain in the season, and it's to the drawing board for Vitello and the Giants. The first-year skipper understands that improvements need to be made in order for this team to be winners.
"A lot of takeaways are little, but they pile up over 162 games, which we're close to. They pile up for sure. I think one of the conversations or many of the conversations that I've gone over in the last week are there needs to be improvement in all areas," Vitello told USA TODAY Sports. "And I'm not exempt from that. I don't think anyone is exempt from that. I think improvement is needed. There's a lot of information. Information is power. You got to take it and you got to make it useful."
Vitello on first MLB season: "Strikes and gutters"
No one could have predicted the kind of season the Giants would have, especially with a first-year MLB manager. Vitello was a gamble coming in from a successful college coaching stint of seven seasons at Tennessee, leading the Vols to its first college World Series in 2024.
There was optimism that the fresh face could bring a new energy, changing the momentum in the Bay Area. Then reality struck.
A number of player injuries prevented the team from fielding its best lineup. Several players were also dealt at the trade deadline, like Heliot Ramos and Robbie Ray. They suffered critical losses early in the season. On top of that, superstars and individuals paid like stars were a shell of themselves, statistically. It was an overall rocky start to the year and they never recovered.
Were there good moments throughout the 162 games, sure. Milestones were achieved, walk-offs and comeback wins were celebrated.
With growth comes growing pains. There were plenty of those during the 2026 season between dugout-clearing fights, bad losses, ejections, and a number of head-shaking moments.
Vitello quoted The Big Lebowski's "strikes and gutters" when describing the learning curve as a manager.
"Ups and downs. Big Lebowski said 'strikes and gutters.' You gotta manage both, which I think has always been a challenge, but it's just at this level it's more relentless. It's every day. Fortunately, (I) got really good people to lean on to make it an enjoyable year, despite the record," Vitello told USA TODAY. "But I don't think anybody that will ever step foot in this park is satisfied with the results and the outcome.
You can only control so much of those but you can control a lot on how you approach getting to those outcomes and results. Those have to be attacked relentlessly, attacked with a passion."
Giants lock in on young prospects going into offseason
Towards the end of the season, San Francisco has been forced to take a look at younger prospects on the team due to injuries to projected starters and stars such as Harrison Bader, Casey Schmitt, Matt Chapman, Daniel Susac and a number of pitchers in their bullpen.
Some of the younger cats getting playing time have been taking full advantage of their opportunities. Third-base coach Gary Pettis has taken notice of those making noise and a name for themselves such as Jonah Cox, Turner Hill, Víctor Bericoto and Christian Koss.
"Cox would be one of the guys that comes to mind right away. Exciting player, can do a lot of things. Then you have Turner out in left field, Victor Bericoto. I mean, Christian Koss has done a good job for us at shortstop. You know, Kavanaugh behind the plate," Pettis told USA TODAY Sports. "We've got a lot of guys that have been given an opportunity to play, and so far they're handling it well. But I also think that they're learning the difference between playing minor league baseball and major league baseball, mentally."
Giants pitcher Dylan Smith is another one of those players making the most of their opportunities to play, especially as he looks to plug a bruised bullpen. Smith was traded from the Detroit Tigers to San Francisco at the start of the 2026 season. He's been determined to put in the necessary work to find a place on a team in need of pitching.
"The biggest part I'll say is just the hard work and determination. Like, you have to go out there each and every day, and you have to go prove yourself," Smith told USA TODAY Sports. "You got to go out there and dominate and attack the hitters. And (you) got to do it every day, you know can't have no days off, especially being in the bullpen. Each time, it matters."
Although not a starter, Smith appeared in 48 games. He has four saves in 2026 as a reliever. Overall, he's posted a 1-6 win-loss record with a 3.31 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. He's delivered 48 strikeouts in 51.2 innings pitched.
Against the Dodgers on Friday, Sept. 25, Smith pitched one inning and struck out three batters. No hits, runs or batters walked were allowed. He is looking to find a home in San Francisco, an organization scraping for pitchers to improve its bullpen after multiple injuries all year long.
"I feel like you gotta build on each and every opportunity that you get, you know," Smith said. "I feel like as long as we have each other's back and we go out there and compete and do what we do, then I feel like the bullpen's gonna be fine."
San Francisco's young players still have building blocks to develop in order to be a more competitive team in the future. The potential is there in the Giants' organization; Vitello said it's about making valuable use of their time during the offseason.
"(I think) rounding things out with some of these guys and making sure they attack the offseason the right way. This offseason will be more important than arguably any offseason in the big leagues. It's always a time to separate yourself from people," Vitello told USA TODAY. "Whether it's you as an individual trying to grab a job, or reach some individual goals and ultimately a team is made up of individuals so if the team is going to be better, that's gotta be a key.
"So I think that's gotta be done before anything," he added. "Obviously you got to refresh a little bit too. But a big thing is again, the information piece, reflect back on some things. You do have the benefit of slowing things down or watching a replay and saying what if, or this and changing some things. I don't think that can wait until it's start time. It's gotta be put in place ahead of time and then maybe that message is relayed ahead of time to the players as well."
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 22: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves lays down a bunt in the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Truist Park on September 22, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Walt Weiss is putting Michael Harris back at the leadoff spot, hoping he can get the centerfielder going after a difficult September, as we approach the playoffs. Austin Riley was bumped back up to the fifth spot, as he has perhaps been better in the second half, but has had a monthly best wRC+ of just 101 this season. If there were ever a time for Austin to turn it around, this postseason sure would be a fun time for it.
Meanwhile, the fish are rolling with a familiarly unimpressive lineup in a game with nothing but draft stakes for them. They also helpfully note that the roof will be closed in their stadium.
Munetaka Murakami has been a bit of a viral sensation from the start of his career in the United States, from the installation of bidets in the White Sox clubhouse to the on-base gestures of his teammates, and on from there. His latest bit of endearing hilarity came during the White Sox clubhouse celebration in Kansas City on Thursday, when his tribute to countryman Munenori Kawasaki became a viral moment:
If there’s any T-shirt offered this season that better encapsulates the joy of the 2026 White Sox, you’ve found it here!
And remember, anything else you buy with our link, whether a Mariners mug or Spurs sweatshirt, gives South Side Sox a commission and helps us continue to provide the best coverage we can for you.
So go ahead and express yourself, courtesy of South Side Sox and BreakingT!
With the remarkable achievement of the 2026 Chicago White Sox — making the postseason after three straight 100-loss seasons, something that’s not been accomplished even after “just” two straight 100-loss seasons — BreakingT has gear for you that breaks down the math!
There is even a nod to Mike Vasil’s magic wand. If there’s any T-shirt offered this season that better encapsulates all that these 2026 White Sox are, you’ve found it here!
And remember, anything else you buy with our link, whether a Brewers mug or Dolphins sweatshirt, gives South Side Sox a commission and helps us continue to provide the best coverage we can for you.
So go ahead and crunch the numbers, courtesy of South Side Sox and BreakingT!
You gotta admit, it’s a pretty impossibly clever design, with the moon “O” and a bit of a nod to silent film Le Voyage dans la Lune. No doubt it will make a snappy addition to your closet.
And remember, anything else you buy with our link, whether a Pirates mug or Yankees sweatshirt, gives South Side Sox a commission and helps us continue to provide the best coverage we can for you.
So go ahead a book your trip to the Mune, from South Side Sox and BreakingT!
(Every purchase you make with our link drops a few pennies in the jar here at South Side Sox, so a list of all our prior BreakingT collaborations follow, below. Yes, some of the designs are now hilariously outdated collector’s items. But most, if not all of these, should still be available, so click a link and see!)
This link takes you to this newest T-shirt, plus our entire line of White Sox wear!
While several members of the Chicago White Sox will need your votes for the July All-Star Game, fans are encouraged to punch the Robert/Jiménez ticket for a dominant South Side outfield all season long!
Whether you’re voting offense (what say, 70 homers among them?) or defense (Luis already has a Gold Glove, Eloy is … still alive), there’s no better campaign to get behind.
With everyone now aware that on his 23rd try, Minnie Miñoso was elected to the Hall of Fame. And Breaking T has commemorated the nickname that manager Paul Richards bestowed on Minnie almost immediately after his arrival on the South Side:
Celebrate the White Sox moments of your life with the entire Chicago W Collection at Breaking T, where you can peruse everything available. Or, if you want to read all my terrific catalog copy for each item, just scroll down and enjoy!
The White Sox indeed did make a free agent acquisition or two before the lockout, so it’s well past time to raise our glasses to the Legend himself: Leury Legend, that is.
He’s the longest-tenured current White Sox player, and when he’s done, he could well crack the list of all-time White Sox. Can you believe it? Welcome back, Leury!
To celebrate the division title for 2021, Breaking T offers two new T-shirt designs commemorating the feat:
Certainly, we hope there will be more than just a division title to enjoy over the next month or so, but we have to start somewhere!
Contrary to the cynics among you, we haven’t featured every Breaking T White Sox design here at South Side Sox, for various reasons. But I’ve never seen one more confounding than the José Abreu and Eloy Jiménez Sugar Skulls designs.
If you scroll down far enough, I think you can see the original Yasmani Grandal Breaking T piece, Yaz We Can, which I think was pretty clever and should have pulled a lot of fans in with purchases. It was definitely different, as far as Breaking T fare.
But I don’t remember it doing all that well, which was a shame. Maybe Yaz isn’t sexy. Walks aren’t, as someone on Twitter wants to tell you every day.
Yasmani really is the bad boy of the White Sox. He’ll snark you. He’ll roll his eyes. He’s not out to please anyone. He’s just gonna be a badass catcher who drops the bat after clocking one a mile, thank you very much.
In just his second game back after a season-long stint on the IL, Eloy Jiménez announced his presence in the White Sox lineup with authority, hitting a home run and providing whirling dervish defense in Tuesday’s win at K.C.
It’s great to have Eloy back with the club in any capacity, and him starring in just his second game back is extra sweet. Now you can wear that sweetness!
It was a quite a moment on Monday, seizing a win from the jaws of a doubleheader sweep. When you’re running away with a division, tension can seem manufactured, but Len Kasper gave us a classic moment that our own Joe Resis likened to A.J. Pierzynski’s walk-off against the Dodgers during the 2005 season. Listen to Len last night:
Here it is! @cleansheets24 hits a walk-off HR and @LenKasper loses his mind!
The White Sox just keep humming along, with great pick-me-ups from the most unlikely of places. Waiver-wire pickup Billy Hamilton has managed to become a core bench and spot-start piece for the club as it ascending in the AL Central, and the veteran made his defensive presence known, with authority, in the ninth inning of Tuesday’s win at Minnesota:
You don’t usually expect to have to persuade your manager to defend his own player, but here we are. And in the Tony La Russa-Yermín Mercedes kerfuffle, we (and all of the White Sox players) are Team Yermín.
So is Breaking T, who’s issuing this “I’m Yermín” wear in solidarity with the rookie sensation:
Well, perhaps you’ve been waiting for a more “authentic” Yerminator T-Shirt, something more “as seen on TV.” Well, here you have it!
Terminator vibe? Check. Super cool uniform easter egg in the shades? Check. Money actually going to the players association to benefit minimum-salaried players like Yermín himself? Check.
It’s a sharp piece, with the clever use of accent mark, complete with high socks! (If only it was a warmer night, we’d have Rodón dressed in his full Grant Park 16´´softballer mode … #JulyGoalsForLos.)
As you well know, you don’t have to go 5-for-5 in your first MLB start or start a season 8-for-8 to merit a cool Breaking T shirt. But it doesn’t hurt!
Celebrate our Yermín Spring with The Yerminator, a delightful play off of everyone’s favorite killer robot-turned-sweet hero. Hoodies, Ts, we’ve got the gear.
Perhaps because he was injured for half of his first season, or he doesn’t have a snappy nickname yet, or he’s such a grinder he doesn’t lend himself to chest-emblazoned graphics, Nick Madrigal has to date missed the cut as a T-shirt subject.
To welcome our new, colorful closer, Liam Hendriks, Breaking T has gone positively Greek with the Australian, with Hercu-Liam!
Breaking T put together four great purchase options for Hercu-Liam, from petite to husky, winter bundling to summer sunning.
And click here to view everything in Breaking T’s White Sox collection in one spot.
Individual links below should get you to other White Sox products on site, including the Classic Collection that features the Ed Farmer and Mark Buehrle T-shirts.
To welcome our newest (and top WAR) starter into the rotation, Breaking T has drawn up some Lance Lynn-wear sure to please the bearded fan on your holiday shopping list, with Lynnsanity!
The big man is in town and ready to push the rotation toward a World Series!
I first got word of this shirt just as José Abreu was homering and singling in runs during the 2020 season.
And Breaking T’s hunch became reality, as José Abreu became the first White Sox MVP since Frank Thomas and only the fourth player, after Nellie Fox, Dick Allen and Thomas to win the award.
And peruse the rest of the collection below to add to your order and combine shipping.
Clubbing homers and scoring runs like there’s no tomorrow, the Chicago White Sox Murderer’s Row of Eloy Jiménez, José Abreu, Tim Anderson and Luis Robert is the subject of a new BreakingT shirt:
Some real nice details in this one: Each players’ expression, the gangster pinstripes, and the exotic player numbers among them. Grab one at BreakingT.
With Luis Robert not only staking his claim on AL Rookie of the Year but MVP, it makes sense that BreakingT is working overtime to present the best Panterawear out there.
Dig this supercool 1983 nod, which you can order here.
Looking for Luis Robert to assume his La Pantera form? BreakingT has you covered. Order here and celebrate the future MVP!
I’m digging the silhouette.
The 19th no-hitter in White Sox history is in the books, by none other than ace Lucas Giolito. So it’s time to celebrate the Gio No-No! It’s a quick, and slick, commemoration of an incredible, 101-pitch masterpiece, dated and suitable for a Gio auto!
Snag one here, and take a look at numerous other wonderful Breaking T offerings below.
So, it was bound to happen, but BreakingT is first on the scene to promote the latest dance party sweeping Soxdom: DANCING FOR DUBS
Featuring the boogie-down duo of Zack Collins and Danny Mendick, the T-shirt and/or hoodie is available in all sizes, so take a look now.
Running on speed and power, folded into the Change the Game platform, we’re now making these sweet Ts available so you can elect them to a six-year term lasting until 2026.
He’s only the hottest rookie — nay, the hottest player — in baseball heading into 2020.
So, BreakingT was watching ESPN on Sunday and said, “hey, that’s right, Tim Anderson speaks the truth: the preeminent sports network in America is sleeping on the White Sox again.”
All shapes and sizes are available, in T-shirt or hoodie.
Stay tuned for some excellent new merch dropping on Friday as well.
How about pairing it with the original classic?
Our best seller, the incomparable Tim Anderson neck-bow of STICK TALK!
BreakingT has a bunch of terrific ideas they’ve collaborated with us on for their newest designs in conjunction with the MLB Players Alumni Association. This one is, simply, Mister Perfect, commemorating Mark Buehrle’s perfect game in 2009:
The first White Sox product from BreakingT’s Classic Collection was a beautiful tribute to our Ed Farmer:
Order it here. When you click on our link to buy, we will donate a portion of the proceeds we see from these shirt sales in Farmer’s name to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Research Foundation (support.pkdcure.org).
Throughout the season, the California Post power-ranked MLB’s 30 teams and checked in on intriguing awards races. Records as of Saturday morning:
1) Brewers (101-59): A+
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Baltimore. AP Photo/Gail Burton
It was another perfect regular season for the Brewers, who won 100 games for the first time in franchise history to clinch the best record in the majors. Of course, their repeated failures in recent postseasons mean the real test is still to come in October. They have one superstar in Jacob Misiorowski but will need others to emerge in this year’s playoffs.
2) Dodgers (98-62): A
It was a familiar story for the Dodgers this year. A hot start. A second-half slump. Plenty of injuries along the way. Yet, another division crown that sets them up for another deep October run. That formula has worked the past two years for the two-time defending champions. Their real grade this season will depend on whether they can complete a World Series three-peat.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani walks in the dugout before the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in San Francisco. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
3) Rays (97-63): A+
After two years of missing the playoffs, the Rays had a very Rays-esque season. Uncovered gems on the mound. A relentlessly consistent lineup at the plate. And, as a result, the AL’s best record — and their best chance to get back to the World Series since 2020.
4) Braves (93-67): A
The Braves are back in the playoffs and back atop the NL East, rebounding as hoped from a disappointing 86-loss campaign last season that snapped a six-year postseason streak.
5) Yankees (93-68): B+
This grade might’ve been higher, if not for the uncertainty shrouding the Bronx Bombers as they enter the postseason. They managed to survive one extended Aaron Judge absence this regular season. Trying to do so again in October would be a tall task.
6) Padres (89-71): A-
In the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, the Padres seemed bound to be sellers. But then their offense — especially Fernando Tatis Jr. — came back to life. They bolstered their rotation by being buyers at the trade deadline instead. And now they are back in the playoffs as a potential dark horse, thanks to their 16-5 record in September.
7) Cubs (88-73): B+
The Cubs are back in the playoffs for a second straight year. They have the presumptive National League MVP in Pete Crow-Armstrong. And they managed to overcome a wave of pitching injuries. Now, they will try to mount a deeper October run after being knocked out in Game 5 of the NLDS last year.
8) Red Sox (87-74): B+
A strange regular season in Boston has reached a satisfactory ending, with the Red Sox — led by interim-now-turned-permanent manager Chad Tracy — getting a shot to avenge last year’s postseason elimination to the Yankees in next week’s wild-card series.
9) Phillies (87-73): Incomplete
Check back with us on Sunday night for this final grade. Because after seemingly salvaging their nightmarish start to the season under interim manager Don Mattingly, the Phillies are flirting with what would be a monumental September collapse, having yet to secure their place in the playoffs amid a 2-5 slump this week.
Philadelphia Phillies’ Trea Turner reacts after a strikeout in the fourth inning during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Getty Images
10) Diamondbacks (86-74): B-
We are only tentatively grading the Dbacks for now, thanks to their slim (but very much possible) chances of sneaking into the playoffs. If they don’t, it will be another conflicting season for the Dbacks, who have won 80-plus games in four straight seasons but still have just their surprise 2023 World Series run to show for it.
11) Guardians (84-76): A
The Guardians did what they do this season. Prevent runs. Score just enough. Fly under the radar for most of the year. Then round into form late to (most likely) win another AL Central title.
12) White Sox (83-77): A
This could still become an A+ if the White Sox wind up winning the AL Central. But even if not, the South Siders have been the most pleasant surprise in the majors this season, going from three straight 100-loss seasons to an upstart playoff berth with their young and promising roster.
13/14) Astros/Rangers (79-81): Incomplete
To be clear, neither of these teams has had a good 2026. And yet, they both enter the final days of the season with a chance to win the AL West — even though they can finish no better than .500. It will be the first time in MLB history a team will make the playoffs without a winning record. What a year in the AL West.
Cam Smith (11) of the Houston Astros celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the top of the seventh inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, Friday, September 25, 2026. Getty Images
15) Pirates (81-79): C+
Good news: The Pirates avoided a losing record for the first time since 2018. Bad news: It wasn’t enough to keep them in playoff contention despite a surprisingly productive year from their offense.
16) Marlins (79-81): C+
The Marlins flirted with playoff contention for a while before ultimately fading down the stretch. They could be poised to take another step next year. Then again, they’ve looked that way before (remember that surprise playoff appearance in 2023?) and been unable to keep progressing.
17) Orioles (79-82): D
The Orioles’ signing of Pete Alonso worked out. But little else did in Baltimore this year. The once-budding contender has now missed the playoffs in two straight years after being swept in back-to-back postseasons the two years before that.
Given nonexistent preseason expectations, the rebuilding Cardinals mostly accomplished what they wanted to this year. They have young talent in Jordan Walker and JJ Wetherholt. They have rebuilt what is now a highly ranked farm system. And they look like a team capable of making a jump in 2027 and beyond.
20) Nationals (76-84): C
The Nats were never serious playoff contenders (their MLB-record 42 blown saves made sure of that). But they have identified a core of young talent to build around. Whether they will spend to add the necessary pieces around them, however, remains to be seen.
21) Mets (73-87): D-
The Mets can only hope this train wreck of a year serves as some sort of cleanse as they look to retool their roster this winter. The only thing that saved this from being an F was their second-half performance under another interim-now-turned-permanent manager in Andy Green.
New York Mets interim manager Andy Green (70) talks with umpire James Hoye (92) after a called third strike against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning at Nationals Park in Washington, Friday, September 25, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
22) Twins (76-84): C
For some reason, the Twins were intent on being playoff contenders this year. For a while, they hung around in a bad AL wild-card race. But in the end, they’ve wound up back where they started: With an OK, but not-at-all contending, roster that leaves them stuck in MLB’s no-man’s land.
23) Tigers (75-85): D
How much will the Tigers rue their decision to not maximize Tarik Skubal’s trade value by dealing him last winter? It could depend, first and foremost, on River Ryan’s development in their rotation. At the least, he offered signs of promise with a scoreless three-inning debut with the team this week.
24) Reds (74-86): D
Whatever momentum the Reds thought they were building after last year’s postseason berth vanished this summer, despite Elly De La Cruz cementing himself as one of the best players in baseball. The next time their owner asks why they aren’t the Brewers, someone should hold up a mirror.
25) Mariners (74-86): F
At the beginning of the year, only the Dodgers had a higher probability of making the playoffs (according to FanGraphs’ computer models) than the Mariners’ 80.9% mark. Instead, they suffered what might be the most disappointing season in their long-tortured history. They could be good again next year. But this season was a reminder that’s anything but a guarantee.
26) Royals (68-92): D
Another disastrous Royals season leaves them facing an existential crisis, trying to figure out how to return to competitiveness before they waste the prime of Bobby Witt Jr.’s career.
27) Giants (65-95): F
The Giants thought they could be contenders this year. Instead, they now find themselves at a crossroads. They have little choice but to run it back with their thus-far disappointing core of Willy Adames, Matt Chapman and Rafael Devers (plus Logan Webb). But this year, they looked a long way off from even being competitive.
28) Athletics (64-96): D-
There was some thought before the year that the Athletics’ young roster could be feisty. Now, the only question is how much longer they have to waste away in their minor-league ballpark purgatory.
29) Angels (62-98): C
This grade has little to do with the Angels’ on-field product, as they flirt with what would be the first 100-loss season in franchise history, and everything to do with the changes they’ve made behind the scenes. New owner. New front office. And for the first time in a while, new reason for long-term hope.
30) Rockies (57-103): D
The best thing we can say about the Rockies: They proved slightly tougher to beat during this 100-loss season, as opposed to each of the three previous ones they have suffered the last three years. Progress!
Awards Predictions
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong acknowledges the crowd after stealing second base during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Thursday, September 24, 2026. It was his 40th stolen base. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
With the remarkable achievement of the 2026 Chicago White Sox — making the postseason after three straight 100-loss seasons, something that’s not been accomplished even after “just” two straight 100-loss seasons — BreakingT has gear for you that breaks down the math!
There is even a nod to Mike Vasil’s magic wand. If there’s any T-shirt offered this season that better encapsulates all that these 2026 White Sox are, you’ve found it here!
And remember, anything else you buy with our link, whether a Brewers mug or Dolphins sweatshirt, gives South Side Sox a commission and helps us continue to provide the best coverage we can for you.
So go ahead and crunch the numbers, courtesy of South Side Sox and BreakingT!
You gotta admit, it’s a pretty impossibly clever design, with the moon “O” and a bit of a nod to silent film Le Voyage dans la Lune. No doubt it will make a snappy addition to your closet.
And remember, anything else you buy with our link, whether a Pirates mug or Yankees sweatshirt, gives South Side Sox a commission and helps us continue to provide the best coverage we can for you.
So go ahead a book your trip to the Mune, from South Side Sox and BreakingT!
(Every purchase you make with our link drops a few pennies in the jar here at South Side Sox, so a list of all our prior BreakingT collaborations follow, below. Yes, some of the designs are now hilariously outdated collector’s items. But most, if not all of these, should still be available, so click a link and see!)
This link takes you to this newest T-shirt, plus our entire line of White Sox wear!
While several members of the Chicago White Sox will need your votes for the July All-Star Game, fans are encouraged to punch the Robert/Jiménez ticket for a dominant South Side outfield all season long!
Whether you’re voting offense (what say, 70 homers among them?) or defense (Luis already has a Gold Glove, Eloy is … still alive), there’s no better campaign to get behind.
With everyone now aware that on his 23rd try, Minnie Miñoso was elected to the Hall of Fame. And Breaking T has commemorated the nickname that manager Paul Richards bestowed on Minnie almost immediately after his arrival on the South Side:
Celebrate the White Sox moments of your life with the entire Chicago W Collection at Breaking T, where you can peruse everything available. Or, if you want to read all my terrific catalog copy for each item, just scroll down and enjoy!
The White Sox indeed did make a free agent acquisition or two before the lockout, so it’s well past time to raise our glasses to the Legend himself: Leury Legend, that is.
He’s the longest-tenured current White Sox player, and when he’s done, he could well crack the list of all-time White Sox. Can you believe it? Welcome back, Leury!
To celebrate the division title for 2021, Breaking T offers two new T-shirt designs commemorating the feat:
Certainly, we hope there will be more than just a division title to enjoy over the next month or so, but we have to start somewhere!
Contrary to the cynics among you, we haven’t featured every Breaking T White Sox design here at South Side Sox, for various reasons. But I’ve never seen one more confounding than the José Abreu and Eloy Jiménez Sugar Skulls designs.
If you scroll down far enough, I think you can see the original Yasmani Grandal Breaking T piece, Yaz We Can, which I think was pretty clever and should have pulled a lot of fans in with purchases. It was definitely different, as far as Breaking T fare.
But I don’t remember it doing all that well, which was a shame. Maybe Yaz isn’t sexy. Walks aren’t, as someone on Twitter wants to tell you every day.
Yasmani really is the bad boy of the White Sox. He’ll snark you. He’ll roll his eyes. He’s not out to please anyone. He’s just gonna be a badass catcher who drops the bat after clocking one a mile, thank you very much.
In just his second game back after a season-long stint on the IL, Eloy Jiménez announced his presence in the White Sox lineup with authority, hitting a home run and providing whirling dervish defense in Tuesday’s win at K.C.
It’s great to have Eloy back with the club in any capacity, and him starring in just his second game back is extra sweet. Now you can wear that sweetness!
It was a quite a moment on Monday, seizing a win from the jaws of a doubleheader sweep. When you’re running away with a division, tension can seem manufactured, but Len Kasper gave us a classic moment that our own Joe Resis likened to A.J. Pierzynski’s walk-off against the Dodgers during the 2005 season. Listen to Len last night:
Here it is! @cleansheets24 hits a walk-off HR and @LenKasper loses his mind!
The White Sox just keep humming along, with great pick-me-ups from the most unlikely of places. Waiver-wire pickup Billy Hamilton has managed to become a core bench and spot-start piece for the club as it ascending in the AL Central, and the veteran made his defensive presence known, with authority, in the ninth inning of Tuesday’s win at Minnesota:
You don’t usually expect to have to persuade your manager to defend his own player, but here we are. And in the Tony La Russa-Yermín Mercedes kerfuffle, we (and all of the White Sox players) are Team Yermín.
So is Breaking T, who’s issuing this “I’m Yermín” wear in solidarity with the rookie sensation:
Well, perhaps you’ve been waiting for a more “authentic” Yerminator T-Shirt, something more “as seen on TV.” Well, here you have it!
Terminator vibe? Check. Super cool uniform easter egg in the shades? Check. Money actually going to the players association to benefit minimum-salaried players like Yermín himself? Check.
It’s a sharp piece, with the clever use of accent mark, complete with high socks! (If only it was a warmer night, we’d have Rodón dressed in his full Grant Park 16´´softballer mode … #JulyGoalsForLos.)
As you well know, you don’t have to go 5-for-5 in your first MLB start or start a season 8-for-8 to merit a cool Breaking T shirt. But it doesn’t hurt!
Celebrate our Yermín Spring with The Yerminator, a delightful play off of everyone’s favorite killer robot-turned-sweet hero. Hoodies, Ts, we’ve got the gear.
Perhaps because he was injured for half of his first season, or he doesn’t have a snappy nickname yet, or he’s such a grinder he doesn’t lend himself to chest-emblazoned graphics, Nick Madrigal has to date missed the cut as a T-shirt subject.
To welcome our new, colorful closer, Liam Hendriks, Breaking T has gone positively Greek with the Australian, with Hercu-Liam!
Breaking T put together four great purchase options for Hercu-Liam, from petite to husky, winter bundling to summer sunning.
And click here to view everything in Breaking T’s White Sox collection in one spot.
Individual links below should get you to other White Sox products on site, including the Classic Collection that features the Ed Farmer and Mark Buehrle T-shirts.
To welcome our newest (and top WAR) starter into the rotation, Breaking T has drawn up some Lance Lynn-wear sure to please the bearded fan on your holiday shopping list, with Lynnsanity!
The big man is in town and ready to push the rotation toward a World Series!
I first got word of this shirt just as José Abreu was homering and singling in runs during the 2020 season.
And Breaking T’s hunch became reality, as José Abreu became the first White Sox MVP since Frank Thomas and only the fourth player, after Nellie Fox, Dick Allen and Thomas to win the award.
And peruse the rest of the collection below to add to your order and combine shipping.
Clubbing homers and scoring runs like there’s no tomorrow, the Chicago White Sox Murderer’s Row of Eloy Jiménez, José Abreu, Tim Anderson and Luis Robert is the subject of a new BreakingT shirt:
Some real nice details in this one: Each players’ expression, the gangster pinstripes, and the exotic player numbers among them. Grab one at BreakingT.
With Luis Robert not only staking his claim on AL Rookie of the Year but MVP, it makes sense that BreakingT is working overtime to present the best Panterawear out there.
Dig this supercool 1983 nod, which you can order here.
Looking for Luis Robert to assume his La Pantera form? BreakingT has you covered. Order here and celebrate the future MVP!
I’m digging the silhouette.
The 19th no-hitter in White Sox history is in the books, by none other than ace Lucas Giolito. So it’s time to celebrate the Gio No-No! It’s a quick, and slick, commemoration of an incredible, 101-pitch masterpiece, dated and suitable for a Gio auto!
Snag one here, and take a look at numerous other wonderful Breaking T offerings below.
So, it was bound to happen, but BreakingT is first on the scene to promote the latest dance party sweeping Soxdom: DANCING FOR DUBS
Featuring the boogie-down duo of Zack Collins and Danny Mendick, the T-shirt and/or hoodie is available in all sizes, so take a look now.
Running on speed and power, folded into the Change the Game platform, we’re now making these sweet Ts available so you can elect them to a six-year term lasting until 2026.
He’s only the hottest rookie — nay, the hottest player — in baseball heading into 2020.
So, BreakingT was watching ESPN on Sunday and said, “hey, that’s right, Tim Anderson speaks the truth: the preeminent sports network in America is sleeping on the White Sox again.”
All shapes and sizes are available, in T-shirt or hoodie.
Stay tuned for some excellent new merch dropping on Friday as well.
How about pairing it with the original classic?
Our best seller, the incomparable Tim Anderson neck-bow of STICK TALK!
BreakingT has a bunch of terrific ideas they’ve collaborated with us on for their newest designs in conjunction with the MLB Players Alumni Association. This one is, simply, Mister Perfect, commemorating Mark Buehrle’s perfect game in 2009:
The first White Sox product from BreakingT’s Classic Collection was a beautiful tribute to our Ed Farmer:
Order it here. When you click on our link to buy, we will donate a portion of the proceeds we see from these shirt sales in Farmer’s name to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Research Foundation (support.pkdcure.org).
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 22: Nathan Eovaldi #17 of the Texas Rangers on the mound during a game against the New York Mets at Globe Life Field on September 22, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for September 26, 2026 against the Minnesota Twins: starting pitchers are Nathan Eovaldi for the Rangers and Bailey Ober for the Twins.
The Rangers play their penultimate game of the regular season against the Twins. They need a win to avoid a losing season. They also need a win because of the whole A.L. West race going on. Nathan Eovaldi makes his first start since his return from the injured list. We need Big Game Nate to be Big Game Nate today.
The lineup:
Nimmo — RF
Langford — LF
Seager — SS
Burger — 1B
Duran — 3B
Lopez — 2B
Jansen — C
Carter — CF
Osuna — DH
3:10 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are -125 favorites.
Max Scherzer is not going to rush into a decision about retirement.
Scherzer, the 42-year-old three-time Cy Young Award winner, told reporters in Toronto that he will put off a decision on whether he will pitch in 2027 until the offseason. He plans to make one more appearance, on three days' rest, with the Blue Jays in their season finale Sunday, Sept. 27 at Rogers Centre. Scherzer said he wanted to ensure his wife and children got to see him pitch one more time, regardless of future plans.
Scherzer is a 224-game winner who ranks ninth on Major League Baseball's all-time strikeout list with 3,550 career punchouts. Like his longtime Detroit Tigers teammate, 43-year-old Justin Verlander, Scherzer is a lock for induction into baseball's Hall of Fame.
Verlander, a 266-game winner, ranks eighth on the strikeout list with 3,560 strikeouts; he struck out six in the final game of his career Saturday at Detroit's Comerica Park. It was just his second start of the season after myriad injuries.
Pitching into 2027 would afford Scherzer the chance to pass Verlander if he can't do so Sunday. Scherzer also needs just 91 strikeouts to pass Don Sutton and Tom Seaver and move into sixth place on the all-time list.
Yet Scherzer insisted he's not locked in a can-you-top-this battle with Verlander, his Detroit teammate from 2010-2014. The two have been texting in recent days, he said.
"I hope he goes out there and strikes out the world today," Scherzer told reporters in Toronto.
There's one more potential consideration: Playing one more season would afford Scherzer and Verlander the stage to themselves at their respective Hall of Fame inductions, five years after they retire.
TORONTO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 16: Max Scherzer #31 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch against the Detroit Tigers in their MLB game at Rogers Centre on September 16, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/Getty Images)
Second-to-last day of the regular season.
There isn’t much news. Max Scherzer says he’ll wait until after the season to decide whether he wants to pitch next year, but he’s set to start tomorrow, in front of his kids (just in case). He hasn’t put up numbers that would make me want to re-sign him. 3-9, 6.14 ERA in 77.2 innings; I would rather give those innings to a young pitcher, even if the young pitcher puts up similar numbers. At least a younger pitcher so mature into better numbers.
Over his two seasons with the Jays, he has a 5.64 ERA with an 8-14 record in 34 starts, with 34 home runs, 57 walks and 143 strikeouts in 162.2 innings. He had some very good moments, and he seems like a great teammate and good guy to have around.
He’s not going to become a pitching coach; guys who make $370 million in their career don’t become pitching coaches. It is too much work for too little money. But I’m sure spring training invites will come. He says he’d like to coach youth and amateur baseball.
Justin Verlander is starting today for the Tigers. It will be interesting to see how long he goes. But it would be cool if he could get another strikeout or two. I think I’ll watch.
He looks good in the first: no strikeouts, but three quick outs.
Today’s lineup. No Springer. I hope he gets a standing ovation every at-bat tomorrow. Another guy with a decision to make on playing again next year. He just turned 37. I think this season has been hard on his body, but he might want another go-around. He seems to love being around his teammates.
I don’t know how many teams are looking for a full-time DH. I like the idea of it being a rotating spot, to allow guys to get a break now and then.
The good news is Bateman’s back in the lineup, so we don’t have to spend all winter worrying that his injury is worse than reports.
Colson Montgomery made history for all the wrong reasons Friday night, breaking a 17-year-old record for strikeouts in a single season during his first full year in the majors.
The record was previously held by Mark Reynolds, who struck out 223 times in 2009.
Montgomery, the White Sox shortstop, struck out for the 224th time this season at home against Colorado, setting a new single-season mark.
Colson Montgomery just broke the @MLB single season strikeout record with his 224th strikeout!
I don’t really know what he is looking for with a 3-2 count but apparently it wasn’t a 93mph fastball right down the middle.
The record-setting strikeout came in the fifth inning against Rockies right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano.
With a full count, Montgomery watched a 93-mph fastball down the middle of the plate go by.
Montgomery is batting .199/.285/.407 this season. Despite the modest averages, the 24-year-old has hit 31 home runs, driven in 87 runs, and posted a 1.9 WAR for the White Sox.
His impact has been more evident in the field, with Chicago director of hitting Ryan Fuller describing Montgomery’s year as “unbelievable.”
It’s possible he could be passed this weekend, though, with Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber sitting at 218 strikeouts with two games left against the Rays.
Montgomery tied the record Thursday night in Kansas City, but the team’s celebration in the locker room was focused on clinching its first playoff berth since 2021.
Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery misses the ball for a strike during the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Rate Field in Chicago, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The South Siders became the first team in MLB history to reach the postseason after back-to-back 100-loss seasons.
It has been a frustrating month for Montgomery, who has hit .111 so far, with 38 strikeouts and eight walks.
“I was told this by someone really close, that I know, is they asked me: ‘Did Shaquille O’Neal care about his free-throw percentage? Probably not,’” Montgomery said.
Chicago White Sox’s Colson Montgomery reacts after striking out during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
“He’s just going out there and doing the things he knows he’s really good at and that’s dominating his craft. It’s what I’m trying to do. Try not to think about it at all.”
Even with the record, manager Will Venables still believes in his young infielder.
“In Colson’s case, he doesn’t like the strikeout, but I also don’t see him going up there just trying not to strike out, or the idea of a strikeout is consuming him or taking away from his approach and aggressiveness,” Venables said.
The White Sox finish the regular season with two more games against Colorado before the playoffs start.
They sit one game behind Cleveland in the AL Central and will either earn a bye as the No. 2 seed or be the No. 6 seed and face the AL West winner in the Wild Card round.
Tampa Tarpons center fielder Yostin Pena (27) at bat during the Tarpons vs Lakeland Flying Tigers game at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, USA, on July 28, 2026. (Photo by Carl Rizzo/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
The minor-league season has officially come to an end, a season in which we saw a bit of a shift from the usual trend of Yankees’ minor league seasons.
We didn’t see too many midseason departures due to a weird deadline, we didn’t see a plethora of starting pitchers excel and we saw, for once, a group of hitting prospects that actually showed promise. Remember, entering this year, the No. 4 hitting prospect in the organization behind George Lombard Jr., Dax Kilby, and Spencer Jones was… who, exactly?
Scott will have you covered in the coming days with a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders-intensive recap, but here’s the final evaluation of the rest of the full-season affiliates in a player-specific format, where I highlight some of the players to watch who defined the seasons at their respective levels.
Double-A Somerset Patriots
Record: 74-64
Run differential: +45
Hitters
OF Jace Avina: The hitter with the best name brand here, Avina had a solid season all around in his first season in Double-A, but warts still remain. Acquired in the Jake Bauers trade after 2023 (who would’ve thought he’d turn into that in Milwaukee), Avina was remarkably consistent all year through late July, even winning Eastern League Player of the Month after posting a 1.106 OPS in May.
However, as has been his bugaboo at times in his career, he ended the season in a slump, hitting just .229 with a 90 wRC+ in his final 41 games. It might’ve been the result of a midseason approach change, as he cut down on strikeouts at the expense of power production. When he was raking during the early summer, he was striking out nearly 30 percent of the time. He should get to Triple-A at some point next year, but I’m not convinced he’s passed all the tests to get there yet.
1B/3B Coby Morales: Somerset’s MVP in 2026, the corner infielder was a 20/20 bat this year at the level, showing a side of him that we hadn’t quite seen. The 2023 18th-round pick out of Washington started his professional career with extremely little pop, but has slowly tapped into his raw power over the course of his career. Now finishing his age-24 season, Morales was reliable all season long in Somerset.
He finished slashing .282/.372/.479 with a 129 wRC+ while splitting time at first and third base. I’m not entirely sure of his big league projectability, but this is a guy who will be in Scranton next year. With 156 total games of Double-A experience, it’s time to see if he can sink or swim.
OF DJ Gladney: There were a few quiet minor-league free agent signings who fared pretty well for the Yankees this year. Gladney is one of them, posting a 113 wRC+ in Double-A after spending six years in the White Sox organization. We’ll see if he re-ups on another minor league deal or heads elsewhere.
1B/LF Josh Moylan: Every draft, the Yankees pick one guy who displayed big-time power in college and see if it translates. It doesn’t usually work, and it seemed like Moylan would be the latest example of the archetype failing in the pros… but maybe there’s something there. After struggling to hit much of anything through 2025, the 24-year-old finally got on a heater down in High-A before a late June promotion. After being called up, he posted a 118 wRC+ in 68 games in his first taste of Double-A. His 29 home runs were the most in the farm this year. Keep an eye on him.
C Manuel Palencia: Through late June, the closest catching prospect to the majors in the system was one of the worst hitters in the entire system, but he suddenly found something when the calendar flipped to August. After hitting one singular homer in his entire pro career through June 30th, he had six in July. In his final 150 plate appearances, he slashed .319/.351/.521. I’d have him repeat the level to see if those two months were a fluke or a sign of things to come.
Garrett Martin, Tyler Hardman, Marco Luciano: A grab bag of guys you’ll hear about from Scott in his Scranton roundup. These three guys were part of a historic start to the season for the Patriots, combining for 44 home runs in 550 plate appearances. Hardman hit a wall in Triple-A, the erstwhile Giants prospect Luciano did incredibly well and should push for a 40-man spot this offseason, and Martin suffered a season-ending injury in July. It’s a real shame; he was on pace to go well past 30/30 this season.
Starting Pitchers
Ben Hess: Just a really disappointing season from the former first-round pick. He had a 4.45 ERA in 56.2 innings, struggling with a high walk rate despite having stretches of brief brilliance with his enticing stuff. The injuries were rough, costing him a month early in the year and leaving him with a summer of building back up. Just a few weeks after finally getting back to full strength, he was put on the 60-day injured list. Next year will be big for him.
Xavier Rivas: This was Somerset’s best pitcher all season. In 81.1 innings, the former 16th-round pick pitched to a 3.65 ERA with a 22.0 K-BB%, boasting one of the largest strikeout rates of any Double-A pitcher by leaning heavily on his filthy secondaries. He hit a major wall in Triple-A and will have to fine-tune some things to avoid being the next Edgar Barclay with his low-90s fastball, but it was a step forward for a guy who has a case to be the org’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
Rory Fox: If it’s not Rivas, it might be Fox. The Notre Dame product had a really strong debut season, tossing 130 total innings across two levels. What might be most impressive? After being so-so in Hudson Valley, he was aggressively pushed to Somerset in late July and excelled, pitching to a 3.97 ERA in eight starts across 47.2 innings. This guy eats innings like a bowl of cereal in the morning.
Cade Smith: Not related to the Guardians’ closer, Smith had some prospect stock entering the season, but is likely off everyone’s boards after struggling to a 5.27 ERA in 124.2 innings. The 24-year-old former sixth-round pick will repeat the level in 2026 looking to find the stuff that had him jump up prospect lists in A-ball a few years ago.
Relievers
Kelly Austin: A former Astros prospect acquired last July, Austin was Somerset’s closer in 2025, but had to repeat the level this year. I thought he might be able to break through into Scranton this year, but he battled some early struggles to make his season numbers more palatable towards the end, as the 25-year-old finished with a 3.61 ERA in 57 innings.
Hayden Merda: He earned a late-season promotion to Scranton for his exceptional work down here this season. When he was drafted, he sat 91-92. Now, two years after Tommy John surgery? How about 96-98? Command is still a bit of an issue, but he struck out 67 in 41.2 effective innings at this level this season.
Tony Rossi: The Yankees love to play with overage undrafted free agents with outlier traits in the bullpen. Rossi is quite old for a guy who made his pro debut last summer, but the 26-year-old has been exceptional at keeping the ball in the ballpark (3 HR allowed in 94 career innings) and racking up strikeouts. He had a 27.0 K-BB% in the minors this year while not allowing many homers and a .171 BAA. That’s not bad.
High-A Hudson Valley Renegades
Record: 65-65
Run differential: +4
Hitters
INF Core Jackson: It was a strong debut season for Jackson, who battled a few minor ailments (three different injured list stints) to have one of the more productive all-around seasons in the system, slashing .262/.360/.459 with 41 stolen bases in 101 games across two levels, being promoted in early August to Somerset. He spent much of the season at shortstop, but should settle at second or third base long term. The former fifth-round pick is in a good spot to be a featured face in Somerset in his age-23 season next year.
INF Roderick Arias: Remember me? The former uber-prospect revived his stock after a miserable two years in Tampa and a dreadful first two months in Hudson Valley, with an exceptional finish to the season, slashing .305/.377/.521 with a 133 wRC+ in his final 83 games across two levels. He’s still extremely athletically gifted and just turned 22 years old. He popped some big exit velocities and displayed tremendous arm strength, splitting time at shortstop and third base this year. He has a toolkit; let’s keep an eye on him next year.
C Eric Genther: Is this the new best catching prospect in the system? Hard to say. Genther, a former outfielder from Rhode Island, converted to catcher after signing as an undrafted free agent last summer and spent this season as a work in progress on both sides. He bounced back from a putrid start (0 HR in first 40 games) to ultimately finish as the Renegades’ best hitter, and should get to go to Somerset next year. Now, he is an extreme work in progress behind the plate, allowing a truly baffling number of stolen bases (196 in 65 starts).
OF Wilson Rodriguez: You don’t hear of many players coming from Puerto Rico anymore because of how their pipeline has changed over the years, but Rodriguez is the organization’s most notable Puerto Rican as a former 17th-round pick. He was a pretty niche prospect for his entire career, but got hot in June (.319/.396/.615) to put himself on the map. He unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury in late July, but having just turned 22, there’s time for him to become someone.
C David McCann: Another former undrafted free agent, McCann split time across three different levels this year, but never stopped displaying his raw power. The 22-year-old from Virginia Tech slugged .544 in the first 68 games of his pro career and also saw time at first base this season.
INF Jackson Lovich: He’s a fun prospect. A six-game cameo in Tampa last year got a lot of people excited about the Missouri alum’s potential, but the former 16th-round pick looked like one for much of the season, with big contact issues delaying a seemingly overdue promotion to this level. After he got to Hudson Valley? He stepped up his game, reining in those whiff issues and rediscovering his unique power-speed combo. He finished with 24 home runs and 41 stolen bases, the first Yankee to reach those numbers in 32 years.
Starting Pitchers
Bryce Cunningham: For much of this season, a guy who’s been hyped as one of the organization’s best pitching prospects looked pretty tough. He was able to routinely go deep into games, but he struggled with command and missing bats, posting a single-digit K-BB% all season long. Due to the roster churn and promotions, he got a late promotion to Somerset and actually finished really strong, posting three consecutive starts of at least six innings with 21 total strikeouts to zero walks. It was also nice to see him build up to 105 innings after his injuries last year.
Allen Facundo: The stuff is absolutely there for Facundo to be in the big leagues one day; it’s just not going to be as a starter. The Yankees finally got him out of Tampa in April and he showed he can stay healthy, but he wasn’t able to show he can consistently throw strikes. The 24-year-old walked 71 batters in 99 innings in Hudson Valley, but also struck out 123. He should probably be put in the bullpen next year and sent to Somerset to expedite his high-level stuff.
Luis Serna: Entering this season, you could lump Serna in a group with Henry Lalane as damaged goods after years of injuries, but the 22-year-old found an unlikely revival in 2026, just by finally being able to stay healthy. He blew past his prior career high of 69.1 innings to toss 118.2 and set the Hudson Valley single-season strikeout record at 140, while reasonably managing his walks. The ERA was still pretty average at 4.32 in 23 starts, but he’s back on the prospect radar after vanishing following a brilliant 2021 and 2022.
INF Dax Kilby: It was a lost season for Kilby, who missed several months due to recurring hamstring issues. This was a guy who had skyrocketed into the Top 100 lists entering the season, but only managed 154 plate appearances due to an exceptionally low start. The only two things I really got out of his season? He’s absolutely not a shortstop down the road (second base, third base, or center field seem more likely), and he has one of the best eyes of any 19-year-old I’ve ever seen. He had a 25.3-percent walk rate this season. The Arizona Fall League awaits.
OF Yostin Pena: I will try to not be a prisoner of the moment, but this might be the best prospect in the system. A 6-foot-4 athletic freak from the D.R., Pena is just 18 years old and hit historically well in the DSL, becoming the first Yankee in nine years to skip the GCL/FCL and go straight to full-season ball, where he barely slowed down. He finished the season hitting over .350 with truly alien exit velocities for a player his age, strong defense in center field (with a cannon for an arm), and plus-plus speed. This is the most tool-heavy guy in the entire system and I am super excited about 2027 for him.
INF Luis Escudero: Who had the best overall numbers for this elite Tampa offense? It was actually Luis Escudero, who slashed .288/.455/.556 in 202 plate appearances after spending the spring at the complex. The 20-year-old packs a lot of pop in a small, 5-foot-8 frame, and somehow managed to have an even better eye than Kilby this year. There wasn’t enough sample to have him go to High-A to start next season, but he’ll be there soon if he continues to produce.
UTL Luis Puello: Do you miss Jesus Rodriguez in the system? Here’s your new favorite prospect. Puello is basically a baby Rodriguez, already having experience at catcher, first base, left field, and right field. I’m not sure what his long-term position is, but if any organization can get this guy catching in order, it’s this one. His bat also looks great, smacking 14 home runs in 73 games with some solid game power.
OF Brando Mayea: In the most recent edition of “former multi-million prospect shows life,” Mayea looked really bad to start the season, but found something over the course of the regular season. I’m going to need to see a lot more to be truly convinced the 20-year-old is on the right path, but he hit .298 across his final 47 games. Now if he could only find the power…
2026 Draftees Grab Bag: Way too little sample for much on any of these guys. Here’s a sampler:
Tyce Armstrong, the guy who once hit three grand slams in a game, carried that Big 12 power into Single-A, finishing the season on an absolute heater.
Anthony Potestio, the 11th-round pick, is getting a lot of buzz for how well he handled Single-A pitching as someone who didn’t play in the SEC or Big 12. In 19 games, he slashed .333/.513/.684.
Paul Gutierrez-Contreras II has been the most impressive in terms of exit velocities. He’s pumped out a handful of batted balls over 105 mph already.
Starting Pitchers
Tyler Boudreau: A 2025 undrafted free agent, Boudreau came out of nowhere to be one of the most productive starting pitchers in the system. In 103 innings, he posted a 3.41 ERA with a 17.3 K-BB% and even struck out six in 3.1 shutout innings in a brief Somerset cameo. This is a guy who will have an opportunity to get himself on the map in Hudson Valley next year.
Justin West: Mr. Consistency. West started the season with some growing pains, but ended it as the most effective starter in the system. The 22-year-old finished the season by pitching to a 2.23 ERA across his final 10 starts, averaging six full innings per start. He just got better and better over the course of the season.
The Injured Bunch: Oh boy. Mac Heuer suffered a season-ending injury in July. Thatcher Hurd started the season recovering from Tommy John surgery, made eight solid starts, and finished the year injured. Brennan Stuprich spent several months on the injured list. J.T. Etheridge was also only limited to 13 starts, but he finished the season extremely strong and will be a sneaky pitcher to watch in the AFL next month.
The Phillies took advantage of a Mets fold to reach the postseason in 2007, but nearly 20 years later, they are on the verge of their own collapse.
The Phils lost for the ninth time in 14 games Friday night, and their lead for the final wild-card spot in the National League is down to one game over the Diamondbacks with two games remaining.
Arizona holds the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Philadelphia Phillies’ Trea Turner reacts after a strikeout in the fourth inning during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Getty Images
The Phils have scored two runs during their three-game losing streak, including Friday’s 2-0 loss to the Rays, and their postgame show on NBC Sports Philadelphia — with host Michael Barkan and analysts Ricky Bottalico and Ruben Amaro Jr. — unloaded on the flailing team after the game.
“Two-nothing Tampa Bay, incredibly. Ruben, I would submit to you, they would flip the table if they could make contact with the table … Guess what, this season’s not just spiraling down the drain, it is choking down the drain,” Barkan said. “And if you’re watching this in that clubhouse, prove me wrong. I’ll be glad to eat my words.
“There are two games remaining in this regular season and this team has lost nine of its last 14 games. This is a September to forget, an epic September to forget for the Phillies, who have shown us very little this month. I wish I had some daylight for you, folks. I wish I had some hope … Right how I expect very little from this team with Arizona now [one game] back of a playoff spot.”
Frustration takes center stage on Postgame Live after another quiet night for the Phillies’ offense. pic.twitter.com/vJDqY0Ft0U
Amaro interjected, “That’s not nice,” during Barkan’s opening remarks, but Bottalico quickly added that “Michael’s not wrong” in his blunt assessment.
“No.1, I think you had your hope. You had Christopher Sanchez go out there and throw a nice game for ya. What did you do offensively? Absolutely jack,” the former All-Star closer said. “I mean, think about this, all this money that you put into all these players, who were supposed to be these big-time players. Nothing. And it hasn’t been just one game. It’s been the last three games.
“All you had to do was win one stinking game. I mean, you sit here and you wait for this team to win one stinking game.
Bottalico added that he could “feel the tension at the ballpark” among the unhappy crowd at Citizens Bank Park.
“They’re not there to necessarily go crazy for the home team; they are there to let them know that they know what’s going on right now,” Bottalico said. “And this team is not playing up to snuff. They are not. Are the starting pitchers? OK, they’re doing fine.
“But how in the world do you score two runs in three games when you need a win? If there is a pressure situation on a team, these guys that are paid that money are the guys that are supposed to step up. It’s not happening.”
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado (28) is congratulated by Geraldo Perdomo (2) after hitting a two-run home run against the San Diego Padres during the third inning at Petco Park in San Diego, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Getty Images
The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, have won six consecutive games, including Friday’s 11-4 rout of the Padres — and they’re feeling themselves.
“Something magical is going to happen here,” shortstop Geraldo Perdomo said, per MLB.com.
In 2007, the Mets led the Phillies by seven games with 17 to play before going 5-12 and relinquishing the NL East title on the final day of the regular season.
Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Detroit Tigers (75-85) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (81-79)
Time/Place: 1:10 p.m., Comerica Park SB Nation Site:Bucs Dugout Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: RHP Juston Verlander (0-1, 12.27 ) vs. RHP Kirby Yates (2-5, 3.32 ERA)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 2: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers reacts as he watches a tribute video on the scoreboard honoring his career before the game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on September 2, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates are the answer to a unique baseball trivia question following today’s game against the Detroit Tigers.
The Pirates will be the final team legendary pitcher Justin Verlander faces in his epic 21-year career that will almost certainly end with enshrinement into the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown once he is eligible.
Verlander began his career as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 MLB draft by the Detroit Tigers. He went on to make his MLB debut the following year, which led to an impressive 13-year run with the franchise. During that time, the Tigers qualified for the playoffs five times and the World Series twice, in 2006 and 2012.
With the Tigers exiting their contending window, Verlander was traded to the Houston Astros, who were poised to go on a dynastic run that saw them win the World Series in 2017 and 2022. After making appearances in the Fall Classic in 2019 and 2021, once he turned 40 years old, Verlander was on a quest to win 300 games, but he ultimately fell short of that goal.
Throughout his career, Verlander has a WAR of 82.3, with 266 wins to his name. But it’s up to the Pirates to ensure he doesn’t get No. 267.
Location: Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh
BD community, this is your gameday thread for today’s game against the Detroit Tigers. Chime off in the comments section below.
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 25: Daylen Lile #4 of the Washington Nationals hits a RBI sacrifice fly in the third inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park on September 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Nats are playing an early game in an attempt to try and avoid the bad weather. This game got pushed from 3 PM to 12:35. With just two games to go, we are really in the homestretch here. Hopefully the Nats can finish strong this weekend.
Blake Butera is making a couple changes to his lineup. Abimelec Ortiz enters the fray as the DH. Yohandy Morales will also be in the lineup as the first baseman. Nasim Nunez is at short which pushes CJ Abrams to second base. This will be a Nationals debut for Connelly Early, who is returning from injury. The Nats acquired Early for Curtis Mead. He will only throw 2 to 3 innings before Jake Irvin follows him.
Nationals 9/26
J. Wood RF A. Ortiz DH D. Crews CF C. Abrams 2B B. House 3B D. Lile LF Y. Morales 1B K. Ruiz C N. Nuñez SS
The Mets are making changes in the middle infield. Francisco Lindor will be the DH in this one. That pushes Brett Baty to shortstop. This will actually be Baty’s first MLB start at short. Ronny Mauricio will be at second base. Those are the only real changes the Mets are making. Jonah Tong will be on the mound.
I am looking forward to seeing what Connelly Early can do in his Nats debut. It is exciting to see him finally on the mound in DC. With the Nats locked into 4th place, there is not a ton to play for standings wise, but it is great to see Early. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
