The Buffalo Sabres have become the story of the NHL season, as the club that was in last place in the Eastern Conference in early December is currently atop the Atlantic Division by four points after their 6-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday. Jack Quinn notched his first career hat trick for the Sabres, who registered their eighth win in a row coming out of the Olympic break.
Everything seems to be going right with the Sabres, who have an incredible 29-5-2 (.833 winning percentage) record since December 9, and have revitalized a long dormant fanbase, as the club had their sixth straight sellout against the Sharks in a non-conference matchup on a weekday, something that was unheard of the last 14 years unless the club was playing arch-rivals Toronto or Montreal.
The club and their fans are content to ride the wave of positivity and victories at this point, but the news of another pending free agent falling off the board continues to make the chances of winger Alex Tuch re-signing to Buffalo longer.
Tuch scored his 28th goal of the season in the win over the Sharks and is on pace to reach the 30-goal mark for the third time in four years. After the signings of Adrian Kempe and Artemi Panarin before the trade deadline, the 29–year-old is projected to be the most-sought-after forward on July 1. On Wednesday, the Utah Mammoth signed another pending free agent, Nick Schmaltz, to an eight-year, $64 million contract extension. Schmaltz, 30, stepped into the #1 center role with the Mammoth after the injury to young star Logan Cooley and is on pace to set a career-high in points.
With Schmaltz joining Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, Kyle Connor, Jack Eichel, Martin Necas, Kempe and Panarin as potential free agents coming off the board, Tuch’s impetus to head to the open market has only increased, especially since there has been no indication that the Sabres have come off their stance of not exceeding $10 million on a new deal.
"We've had some productive talks with (Alex), and we've expressed our desire to sign him, and we'll continue doing that." Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen said after the deadline. "I told his agent that we're not going to make our team weaker if we don't get a deal done by trade deadline. We're not trading him, and we didn't, because we want to strengthen our team and not make it weaker, and Alex is obviously a huge part of it. So now we're going to continue those talks and hopefully get a deal done before July 1."
Unless there is a change in the stance by either side, the only leverage that the Sabres have is their ability to offer an eight-year deal to Tuch, whether it be to spread the AAV out over a longer term or to enable the club to get something back for the winger, similar to what the Toronto Maple Leafs did with Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights. Otherwise, Tuch will only be able to sign a six-year deal with another club after July 1, when the new collective bargaining agreement goes into effect.
BRADENTON, FL - MARCH 02: Reiver Sanmartin #22 of Team Colombia poses for a photo during the Team Colombia photo day at Pirate City on Monday, March 2, 2026 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Harrison Barden/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Last season, the San Francisco Giants defied conventional bullpen wisdom by deciding that left-handed relievers weren’t important. They went most of the season with just one lefty specialist in the bullpen, first Erik Miller and then Joey Lucchesi. Lucchesi finished 13th on the team with 38.1 innings and Miller was 15th with 30 innings in an injury-shortened season. Scott Eyre, Javy Lopez, and Alan Embree watched the 2025 Giants with tears in their eyes and when he learned about it, bullpen innovator Tony La Russa was rolling over in his car.
This season, the Giants may have no choice but to go short on left-handed short relievers. Wednesday, the club announced that bullpen hopeful Reiver Sanmartin will miss three months after his MRI revealed a severe hip flexor strain.
Giants say Reiver Sanmartin (hip strain) will miss three months. They’re very short from left side of bullpen, although Erik Miller is close to returning.
Sanmartin spent most of the last two seasons pitching for the Cincinnati Reds’ Triple-A affiliate, the Louisville Bats, after having Tommy John surgery in 2023. The Giants claimed him off waivers in November. The 29-year-old has been quite good in the minor leagues but struggled to stick in a regular role with the Reds, putting up a 5.66 ERA and a 4.45 FIP while logging 62 career appearances.
He does have a minor-league option remaining, which may have been part of his appeal in the first place, and Sanmartin won’t take up a 40-man roster space while he’s on the extended injured list.
This leaves 33-year-old Matt Gage as the lone healthy left-handed short reliever in the Giants bullpen, though Miller is scheduled to return from his back injury Friday. The Giants resigned Lucchesi to a minor-league deal on Monday, perhaps anticipating the bad news about Sanmartin. There’s also Sam Hentges, who signed a one-year deal for $1.4M but has had serious surgeries on his shoulder and knee in the last 18 months and won’t be available when the season starts.
Is this an issue? Sort of! The Giants are following what’s been a league-wide trend where left-handed relievers have become more scarce. Thanks to the new rule, implemented in 2020, that relievers had to face at least three batters, the “LOOGY” (left-handed one-out guy) has disappeared. Frankly, Barry Bonds was supporting a whole division’s worth of LOOGIES for years — Chuck McElroy and Mike Myers were able to put their kids through college purely due to facing Bonds and then leaving the game before Jeff Kent hit.
Still, in a division where the Giants have to face elite left-handed hitters like Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Tucker, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy on the Dodgers alone, not to mention Corbin Carroll, Jackson Merrill and other lefties whose names don’t rhyme, having southpaws in the bullpen does seem important!
Maybe the signing of Lucchesi, who was fine-to-good last season, and Miller’s return to health will solve this issue. Maybe Gage will settle down and Hentges will come back refreshed.
But right now, the bullpen is short on left-handed relief help, and if it continues like this, Buster Posey is going to make Aaron Fultz and Jack Taschner cry.
In making sense of Bam Adebayo’s historic night, a couple of things became clear.
For one, the exasperation and handwringing is bordering on the absurd. For another, Adam Silver may have inadvertently found the NBA’s solution for tanking.
In what has become the most unexpected individual performance in NBA history, the Miami Heat center dropped 83 points Tuesday, March 10, against the Washington Wizards. It was a singular achievement, one in which he surpassed late Lakers icon Kobe Bryant (81) for second-most points in a single game in history.
Some corners of the Internet whined that Adebayo required 43 free-throw attempts and 36 conversions — both NBA records — to make history.
Make no mistake: his night should be celebrated. You’d be hard-pressed to find many humans who can scratch 83 on their own driveways, let alone an actual NBA game.
Bam Adebayo's 83-point game is cause for celebration
On a random Tuesday in March, the entire pro basketball world was glued to a game only available on local broadcasts. Players in other arenas on the West Coast watched the final minutes on their phones or got updates as Adebayo eclipsed Bryant, one of the idols for this generation actively playing in the league.
In many ways, Adebayo’s 83-bomb defies logic. He’s a 16.1-point-per-game career scorer. His previous career high was 41, which he had surpassed by halftime. It also means he more than doubled that previous career best. There are so many other statistical oddities that make Adebayo’s performance difficult to comprehend.
Social media tends to suck the joy from things. The temptation is to measure Adebayo’s game against Kobe and Wilt Chamberlain, but that’s largely reductive. In a vacuum, this was simply an unprecedented display of athletic greatness. Commemorate that.
Tanking tactics meet Bam Adebayo's historic night
And, perhaps unintentionally, Adebayo also delivered a solution to the NBA’s issue on tanking: if teams are willingly self-sabotaging and compromising their integrity, shame them into infamy.
“There was a lot of fouls called — 16 free throws in the fourth quarter,” Wizards coach Brian Keefe said of Adebayo after the game. “Just trying to take the ball out of his hands. He still got some free throws 40 feet away from the rim — can’t explain those calls. That’s all I got to say on that.”
This is exactly what getting embarrassed should feel like. Washington, losers of nine consecutive games, has become a willing doormat as it plans for the future, a common practice for rebuilding teams.
But rather than bemoan officiating, Keefe should explain why the most intense defense his team has played all season came in the final minutes of the fourth, when Washington triple-teamed Adebayo and tried to deny him on inbounds passes. The Wizards, at one point, even intentionally fouled Heat forward Keshad Johnson to put him on the line instead of Adebayo.
Perhaps if the Wizards had exerted this much effort night in and night out, they wouldn’t have been in this position.
Washington is the (proud?) owner of the NBA’s worst defense, allowing 120.6 points per 100 possessions. But it’s the team’s apathy and inability to do anything but foul Adebayo that put the Wizards in this spot.
“The fourth quarter just turned into not a real basketball game,” Keefe added.
He’s not totally wrong; Miami committed an intentional foul with 1:41 left in the game while up 27, in an attempt to get Adebayo more looks. Johnson, in an effort to one-up Washington’s intentional foul on him, tried to direct the ball to Adebayo with an intentionally missed free throw. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra even challenged an Adebayo offensive foul with 2:56 left when Miami was up 25.
But what Keefe gets wrong is that the integrity of this game was compromised months ago, before a single player stepped onto the floor Tuesday night.
Washington, not-so-subtly, has been engaged in a tanking effort over the past three months, if not multiple seasons. And because the team’s 2026 first-round selection is Top-8 protected, the Wizards are doing everything they can to ensure it stays with the franchise.
Trae Young, whom the Wizards acquired Jan. 7, missed Tuesday’s game and has played for Washington just twice. Anthony Davis, acquired Feb. 4, hasn’t made a single appearance for the Wizards.
All of this begs the question: if a supremely talented player but average scorer like Adebayo could go on a heater and explode for 83 points on Washington, will other players now hunt the Wizards?
If Washington continues to self-sabotage, they might as well.
Later this month, the Wizards play the Thunder and Knicks in consecutive nights. What’s to stop Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Jalen Brunson from trying for 85? Then, on March 30, the Wizards will travel to face the Lakers and the NBA’s leading scorer, Luka Dončić.
The thing that should endure in all of this, however, is Adebayo. As the NBA tries to compete with other sports for viewership and attention, stories like his and performances like these deserve amplification.
“Wilt, me, then Kobe,” a reflective Adebayo told reporters after the game. “It sounds crazy.”
Read on for our computer's free NBA picks for Wednesday night, featuring a five-star Tari Eason prop.
Rockets vs Nuggets computer picks for March 11
Rockets
Nuggets
Eason o10.5 points +100
Gordon o2.5 assists -105
Sengun o17.5 points -120
Hardaway Jr. o10.5 points -112
Thompson o6.5 rebounds -125
Jokic u28.5 points -115
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Rockets computer picks
Tari Eason Over 10.5 points (+100)
Projection: 12.6 points
Our computer would be salivating if it were capable over this Tari Eason points prop. He's projected to beat this line by over two full points for a +23.6% EV.
"The Houston Rockets are expected to see an increase in possessions in this game from being pitted against the 8th-most up-tempo pace team in the NBA over the last 10 games (the Denver Nuggets). The Houston Rockets have been the best offensive rebounding offense in the NBA this year (offensive rebounds maintain possession and can therefore lead to new chances for scoring and assists)."
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Alperen Sengun Over 17.5 points (-120)
Projection: 20.0 points
Our system likes this Alperen Sengun prop for the same reasons it likes the Eason one. This four-star play checks in at a +21.5% EV.
This line is as low as it's been in a nine-game span, and now looks like the time to buy.
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Amen Thompson Over 6.5 rebounds (-125)
Projection: 7.7 rebounds
Amen Thompson has cashed the Over on his rebounding prop in eight of his last 10 overall.
The juice takes some of the shine off this wager, but our computer believes there's still a +10.2% EV edge to be had based on the projection of 7.7 boards.
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Nuggets computer picks
Aaron Gordon Over 2.5 assists (-105)
Projection: 2.8 assists
Aaron Gordon is on a hot streak when it comes to handing out helpers. He's cleared his assists Over in nine of his last 10 overall.
Gordon, who missed all of February due to injury, has had three assists in each of his first two games back.
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Tim Hardaway Jr. Over 10.5 points (-112)
Projection: 12.4 points
Our computer notes that the Nuggets have played at the eighth-speediest pace in the NBA over the last 10 games, so it's not surprising to see Denver at second in the league in scoring. Tim Hardaway Jr. has made some contributions, clearing his point total Over in six of his last nine overall.
Our system suggests he'll beat this line by nearly two full points, good for a +16.8% EV.
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Nikola Jokic Under 28.5 points (-115)
Projection: 26.8 points
Another night, another big point total for Nikola Jokic to clear. Unfortunately for Nuggets fans, our system sees the former MVP falling short of his prop line by nearly two points.
"Offensive rebounds maintain possession and lead to extra chances for scoring and assists, but the Nuggets rank second-worst in the NBA with the home court advantage, with just 8.5 offensive rebounds per game over the last 20 games."
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How to watch Rockets vs Nuggets tonight
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
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The Toronto Raptors will look to bounce back following a loss to the Houston Rockets last night. Luckily, the New Orleans Pelicans aren’t a Top 10 team in the NBA.
The Pelicans may not be tanking like some of the NBA’s other bottom feeders, but they aren’t exactly giving their all either.
My Raptors vs. Pelicans predictions and NBA picks explain why Toronto will bounce back when they visit the Smoothie King Center at 8 pm ET in New Orleans on Wednesday, March 11.
Raptors vs Pelicans prediction
Raptors vs Pelicans best bet: Raptors -2 (-110)
Much has been made about the Toronto Raptors’ struggles against the NBA’s best teams. Heck, I faded them against the Houston Rockets last night.
Luckily, the New Orleans Pelicans aren’t that. New Orleans ranks 26th in defensive rating and, since the All-Star break, 22nd in turnover rate. Toronto’s sixth-ranked defense will take advantage of that, getting extra possessions, helping to pad their lead.
Expect the Raptors to move the ball well with Immanuel Quickley leading the way and RJ Barrett to continue his heater. Toronto is also 4-1 ATS in its last five games in the second half of a back-to-back.
Raptors vs Pelicans same-game parlay
Speaking of moving the ball, Quickley is averaging 6.1 assists per game this season, but has that number up to 8.8 per contest over his last five games. The Pels allow the fourth-most opponent assists per game this season.
The Raptors could get another boost if center Jakob Poeltl returns. He sat out last night with an illness. If he goes tonight, Toronto could have an edge on the inside, where New Orleans ranks 24th in opponent points in the paint.
Raptors vs Pelicans SGP
Raptors -2
Immanuel Quickley Over 6.5 assists
Jakob Poeltl Over 11.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Sharing is caring
The Raptors have one of the highest assist rates in the NBA. The Pelicans allow a ton of assists.
Raptors vs Pelicans SGP
Immanuel Quickely Over 6.5 assists
Scottie Barnes Over 4.5 assists
Brandon Ingram Over 3.5 assists
RJ Barrett Over 3.5 assists
Raptors vs Pelicans odds
Spread: Raptors -2 | Pelicans +2
Moneyline: Raptors -130 | Pelicans +110
Over/Under: Over 234.5 | Under 234.5
Raptors vs Pelicans betting trend to know
The Raptors have hit the Game Total Under in 33 of their last 50 games for +14.30 Units and a 26% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Raptors vs Pelicans
Location
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Date
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
Sportsnet, Pelicans+
Raptors vs Pelicans latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Canadiens picked up a 3-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night. Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson played a role in the victory, as he recorded an assist on Phillip Danault's eventual game-winning goal.
With this assist, Hutson has now made NHL history.
Hutson now has the most assists ever by an NHL defenseman within their first 150 games with 116. Sergei Zubov previously held the record, as the Hockey Hall of Famer recorded 115 assists in his first 150 career NHL games.
Setting this NHL record just shows how special of a talent Hutson is. He has been simply incredible for the Canadiens since his arrival, and he is only getting better as he continues to gain more experience.
In 63 games this season with the Canadiens, Hutson has 11 goals, 54 assists, 65 points, and a plus-28 rating. The 5-foot-9 blueliner is having a fantastic campaign with the Habs, and it will be fascinating to see how he builds on it from here after setting this new record.
Lane Hutson officially has the record for most assists by an NHL defenseman through his first 150 games 🤯
CHICAGO (AP) — Cooper Koch scored a career-high 19 points, Bennett Stirtz added 17 and the pair fueled a run of 21 straight points to help send Iowa to a 75-64 win over Maryland in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday.
Koch made 5 of 8 3-point attempts and Stirtz had eight assists and a team-high six rebounds for the ninth-seeded Hawkeyes (21-11), who snapped a three-game losing streak and will take on eighth-seeded Ohio State in a quarterfinal Thursday. Tavion Banks added 12 points and Cam Manyawu 10.
Darius Adams led the No. 17-seeded Terrapins (12-21) with 14 points. Isaiah Watts made four 3s for his 12 points and David Coit also scored 12 points. Solomon Washington grabbed 13 rebounds.
Koch hit a trio of 3-pointers and Stirtz — who had missed his first seven from the arc — added two more in the 21-0 run that ended with Iowa ahead 51-34 eight minutes into the second half.
Maryland rallied to get the deficit down to nine but Koch hit his fifth 3 to put the lead back into double figures where it remained for the final 6 1/2 minutes.
Watts came off the bench in the first half to make three 3-pointers and the Terrapins sank six straight shots in a 15-0 run for a 21-10 lead. But the Terrapins made just one of their last 12 shots — including nine misses from beyond the 3-point line — over the final eight minutes. Iowa took advantage, outscoring the Terrapins 15-5 to cut the deficit to 26-25.
Up next
Iowa beat Ohio State at home 74-57 on Feb. 25 in the teams' only regular-season meeting.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Quadir Copeland had 24 points and eight assists, Ven-Allen Lubin added 18 points and No. 7 seed N.C. State beat 15th-seeded Pittsburgh 98-88 on Wednesday in the second round of the ACC Tournament.
N.C. State (20-12) advances to play No. 2 seed and 10th-ranked Virginia in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
N.C. State led 51-50 at halftime as both teams shot over 60% from the field and had three players in double-figure scoring. The Wolfpack went 7 of 9 from 3-point range, while Pitt was 9 of 16.
N.C. State began the second half on a 12-2 run to extend its lead to 63-52 before Pitt made its first field goal at the 16:31 mark. Matt Able made the Wolfpack’s 11th 3-pointer — in just 15 attempts — for a 76-62 lead.
The officials upgraded to a flagrant-1 foul with 2:13 remaining after Lubin was pushed from behind on an alley-oop attempt. Lubin made both free throws to give N.C. State a 92-83 lead and Paul McNeil Jr. made it a four-point possession for an 11-point lead on an easy layup.
McNeil finished with 15 points, Tre Holloman had 14, and Darrion Williams and Able each scored 12 for N.C. State.
Cameron Corhen scored a career-high 27 points for Pittsburgh (13-20). Nojus Indrusaitis added a season-high 19 points and Omari Witherspoon also scored 19.
Pitt reached its season average for made 3-pointers in a game with 8:40 left in the first half when Indrusaitis made his third straight and the Panthers’ eighth in 12 attempts for a 34-25 lead.
The Panthers finished 12 of 27 behind the arc, while the Wolfpack went 13 of 23.
Up next
N.C. State lost both regular-season matchups with Virginia this season, most recently a 90-61 contest on Feb. 24.
Feb 19, 2026; PortCharlotte, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays infielder Brayden Taylor (80) poses for a photo during media day at Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Taylor entered 2025 as a top-100 prospect after demolishing High-A (154 wRC+), and left 2025 as an afterthought on prospect lists, although he was selected as an Arizona Fall League “Fall Star” in between, where he worked to keep his chase rate low and his hard hit rate high. The juice must have been worth the squeeze, as the Rays have elected to invite Taylor to major league Spring Training this year.
Rank
Player
Position
Votes
Total
Percentage
Last Season
1
Carson Williams
SS
14
25
56%
1
2
Brody Hopkins
RHP
19
25
76%
8
3
Jacob Melton
OF
14
28
50%
N/A
4
Theo Gillen
OF
14
26
54%
13
5
Ty Johnson
RHP
12
25
48%
15
6
Daniel Pierce
SS
13
23
57%
N/A
7
Jadher Areinamo
INF
15
28
54%
N/A
8
TJ Nichols
RHP
13
28
46%
N/R
9
Michael Forret
RHP
8
33
24%
N/A
10
Santiago Suarez
RHP
11
30
37%
16
11
Anderson Brito
RHP
7
28
25%
N/A
12
Xavier Isaac
1B
9
28
32%
3
13
Caden Bodine
C
10
25
40%
N/A
14
Brendan Summerhill
OF
11
27
41%
N/A
15
Slater de Brun
OF
10
25
40%
N/A
16
Nathan Flewelling
C
8
26
31%
N/R
17
Trevor Harrison
RHP
9
26
35%
10
18
Jose Urbina
RHP
13
26
50%
25
19
Tre’ Morgan
1B/LF
15
25
60%
4
20
Jackson Baumeister
RHP
12
27
44%
12
21
Aidan Smith
OF
17
29
59%
6
22
Homer Bush Jr.
OF
10
25
40%
21
23
Dom Keegan
C
10
28
36%
9
24
Gary Gill Hill
RHP
8
25
32%
11
25
Brailer Guerrero
OF
8
24
33%
14
26
Brayden Taylor
2B/3B
6
25
24%
2
Brayden Taylor fell from on high but not off the list entirely, with his slide ending at No. 26. An off-season Fall Star, Taylor had a regular season to forget and will be looking to right the ship in 2026. Adding Dean Moss.
Candidates
Fabricio Blanco, SS 17 | S/R | 5’11” | 161
A bat-first middle infielder, the Venezuelan is an elite prospect within the context of the international signing process, with some believing he’s the best Rays signee this off-season, despite gathering only a $1 million bonus. He can barrel up from both sides of the plate, but may settle into a right handed swing in the long term, with quick hands. He has the ability and instincts to stick at short, with a high-IQ approach and gritty demeanor.
Alex Cook, RHP 25 | 6’2” | 220 AA | 2.30 ERA, 2.29 FIP, 15.2 IP (13 G), 30.5% K, 5.1% BB
The Rays added Cook to the 40-man roster this off-season to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, despite only throwing 20 innings (if you include four appearances in the complex league) after a slow start to the season. Cook attempted to convert to starting in 2024 and succumbed to a should injury, but bounced back in the bullpen in 2025 throwing 99 mph — and he has shown up to camp continuing to pitch with confidence. He has plus control and command, with stuff that leans into his low release point, including a cut-ride fastball and two-plane slider, and an MLB average cutter to prevent platoon slit problems. He should slot into high leverage for Durham and ride the shuttle in 2026.
Cooper Flemming, SS 19 | L/R | 6’3” | 190
One of the best high school bats in the 2025 draft, Flemming surprisingly fell into the Rays laps in the second round. He has a too-quiet swing that lacks the load necessary to hit for power, but he’s historically compensated for that with a high contact rate that would have rated him as first round material if his defense projected to stick. The Rays were able to convince him to forgo an education at Vanderbilt by going above slot ($2.3m, Comp-A money).
Taitn Gray, 1B/OF/C 18 | S/R | 6’4” | 220
The Rays 86th overall pick in 2025, Gray fell to the third round due to some concern about whether he will stick at catcher, but that buries the lead. Still just 17 at the time of the draft, Gray showed up to the Rays organization and proved his rumored power was real, running exit velocities up to 115 mph from both sides of the plate, although the left handed swing is sweeter. He has plus athleticism, which elevated his bat speed, foot speed, and fluidity — despite his size. It will be interesting to see where the Rays deploy him on defense, but it’s a great bat to dream on.
Victor Mesa Jr., OF 24 | L/L | 5’11” | 195 AAA (MIA) | .301/.368/.510 (136 wRC+) 171 PA, 7 HR, 4 SB, 9.9% BB, 16.4% K MLB (MIA) | 6 H (1 HR), 5 BB, 5 K (81 wRC+) 38 PA
This Cuban power bat already made his major league debut with Miami last year after bouncing back from a spring hamstring injury, and was dealt to the Rays in February. He profiles as a fourth outfielder but has an option remaining, so the organization may send him down for regular playing time and one last chance for something more in development. If not, he’s a center field capable on defense, which goes a long way for a platoon bat. In the running for the nicest guy in baseball.
Dean Moss, OF 19 | L/R | 6’0” | 180
Signed well above slot out of the 2025 draft at No. 67 overall, Moss’s family moved from California to the Tampa Bay Area to enroll Moss at IMG, and it earned him a new-home-town selection. A jack of all trades, Moss’s hit tool shades his best thanks to plus bat speed. His swing is clean, with and the projection for his power over time is major league average. He will have competition internally to stick at center, but may get the first nod in the rookie league.
Acquired in the Shane Baz trade, Overn was once a top draft prospect after committing to baseball over football at USC, but surprisingly struggled as a draft-eligible sophomore. That didn’t stop Baltimore from taking him in the third round (97th overall) in 2024. Now a professional, Overn overhauled his swing in the first half of 2025, and earned an early promotion to Double-A for his efforts, where he didn’t look overmatched. His biggest threat is his speed, which raises his floor and gives him an easy projection to a major league bench thanks to plus defensive instincts (BA gave 70’s to his run and field tools). His offensive profile is buoyed by his ability to work the count, but evaluators would like to see him punish fastballs more often for him to be considered a regular.
The Rays 58th overall pick in 2024, Pitre has risen on draft boards through a strong performance in the Cape Cod league in 2023, but the power was a real question mark on his profile. Now given a chance to develop as a professional, he wouldn’t be the first to add muscle. His run and hit tools are plus, with a well coiled swing and solid contact in and out of zone. He’s too old to return to High-A and it be viewed as positive. His power stroke will be the key to his success in 2026.
Adrian Santana, SS 20 | S/R | 5’11” | 155 A+ | .263/.324/.326 (94 wRC+) 409 PA, 2 HR, 47 SB, 8.6% BB, 12.0% K
Once a top-ten or so prospect in 2024, Santana fell off our site’s 2025 list after failing to clear as an honorable mention. Why? The switch-hitting slick fielding short stop was the Rays 31st overall pick in 2023 but has delivered sub-100 wRC+ each stop of his career, although that got closer than ever last season, his third as a professional and his third as a teenager in the Rays system. Could expectations be too high on his bat? He has plus athleticism, is learning to wheelhouse, and has “acrobatic” defense at the hardest position in the game, with 98 swiped bags over the last two seasons. What happens if he survives the test of Double-A breaking balls?
Victor Valdez, SS 17 | R/R | 6’1” | 186
A pretty swing with a low whiff rate earned Valdez a big payday this winter — $3.5 million — with as good of a power projection as you can reasonably ask for from a a teenage bat, having been given a 25+ home run projection by Baseball America, who also praise his plus foot speed, bat speed, and control of the zone. Reports say he has ever improving lateral movements on defense, with smooth actions and a strong arm. If it all clicks, it’s a middle-of-the-order bat on the left side of the infield. At signing, the Rays gave him a comp to Francisco Lindor. It will be interesting to see if his first professional season can solidify the five tool profile.
SURPRISE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 27: A shot of a baseball on the mound in the bullpen before a spring training game between the Athletics and the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Justine Willard/Athletics/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Royals have impressive depth in the starting rotation, and that’s by design. J.J. Picollo has talked before about the need to have eight, nine, or even ten starting pitchers to get through a season, recognizing the high attrition rate among pitchers. The Royals have three recent All-Stars in Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, and Kris Bubic, as well as veteran (and former All-Star Michael Wacha).
Noah Cameron finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting, which you would think would lock up a rotation spot for him. But pitcher Ryan Bergert has been so impressive you have to wonder if there is a rotation spot up for grabs. Or perhaps both make the rotation and Bubic moves back to the bullpen? And oh, by the way, Stephen Kolek isn’t too shabby either. And Bailey Falter has had a solid season as a starter before, and is out of options. And Matt Quatraro thinks Luinder Avila has the chance to become a frontline starter. Perhaps the Royals even go to a six-man rotation?
It really is an embarrassment of riches, but who would you have in the rotation to start the year?
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The head priest and dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh is facing charges after being accused of stealing more than $1,000 in baseball cards from a Walmart.
The Very Rev. Aidan Smith was arrested Feb. 27 by police just after leaving the Walmart in Economy Borough, just outside Pittsburgh, with 27 packs of baseball cards concealed under his clothing and in a cardboard box, according to court records.
Smith, 42, was charged with receiving stolen property and retail theft.
Police responded to a call from Walmart security, who said Smith was in the store again after having stolen from it in previous days. Police said Walmart security video shows Smith also taking baseball cards each of the four previous days and leaving without paying.
Walmart valued the stolen baseball cards at $1,099.99, police said.
In a message last week to the cathedral's members, the Right Rev. Ketlen Solak, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, said diocese officials will investigate the situation and follow the church canons that lay out the process for handling clergy misconduct.
“I have spoken with Aidan and assured him of our prayers for him in this difficult time. Please pray for Aidan, for Melanie and their children, for the entire cathedral congregation as we grieve this news, and for everyone involved in this hard situation,” Solak wrote.
Smith had been on administrative leave since late January, Solak's message said. The diocese did not explain why. Smith's defense lawyer declined comment.
While seemingly every player in Los Angeles for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game was counting down the minutes until they could hop on a plane, fly somewhere warm and spend a few days on vacation, Paolo Banchero was the opposite.
Banchero was already in the Bahamas, but wished he were inside the Intut Dome. Banchero, who made the All-Star team in his second season but not the past two, opened up about that to Marc Spears of Andscape.
"I looked in the mirror first. Over the All-Star break, I watched a lot of film over the early part of the season. I just wasn't happy with what I put out. Some of that had to do with me being injured and coming back...
"I could've had a better mindset, and that was part of it. But I know I'm an All-Star in this league. My confidence is still the same. It's about being honest with yourself and realizing that you didn't really deserve to be an All-Star, honestly. It's about taking that with a grain of salt and being better in the second half of the season."
Banchero haș been good this season, averaging 22.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and five assists a game (he had similar numbers before the break), with a 56.8 true shooting percentage that is right about league average.
What hurt his All-Star case with the coaches who picked the reserves was that he missed 10 games with a groin strain in December and was just coming out of that as the voters got serious, plus the Magic were 28-25 at the break and not coming close to living up to preseason expectations. The Magic were considered a disappointment, and it was tough for Banchero to overcome that.
Since the All-Star break, Banchero has been healthy and better: 26.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 50.8%.
Orlando appears headed to the play-in as the No. 7 seed in the East, although they have won four in a row, are 7-3 in their last 10 and are 1.5 games out of the No. 6 seed. Still, barring a surprise deep postseason run, changes are expected with the Magic next season. That may well start with coach Jamahl Mosley, who reportedly is at odds with Banchero. Coaches rarely win disputes with a team's star and max player (Bancheros' five-year, $240 million contract kicks in next season). While some around the league question the fit between Banchero and the Magic's other max player, Franz Wagner, Orlando has spent big to bring this group together and may want to give another coach a chance to make it work before making major personnel moves.
For his part, Banchero is all in with this roster, he told Spears.
"I have faith with the guys we have in the locker room. We have a load of talent on this team. We got two NBA All-Star-level players [Wagner and Jalen Suggs] sitting out and coming back from injury. As you see, we're competing with some of the better teams. I've seen it. We've all seen it. There is no reason not to believe, but at the same time, we have to continue to get better and stay hungry.
"We've had two years of experience of losing in the first round. We don't want to taste that again. We're preparing for that."
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 10: Michael Lorenzen #24 of Italy walks off the field in the fifth inning during the World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Italy and the United States at Daikin Park on March 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The group stage of the 2026 World Baseball Classic has reached it’s final day. Just three games remain in pool play before the knockout stage begins on Wednesday. How fitting it is that this final day of the group stage might also be one of the most impactful of the tournament.
Game No. 1: Canada at Cuba (República de Cuba)
Venue: Hiram Bithorn Stadium — San Juan, Puerto Rico
Team Canada (2-1) faces off against Team Cuba (2-1) in a win-or-go-home match to close out San Juan’s Pool A. With Puerto Rico having already punched their ticket to the quarterfinals, the winner of this afternoon’s game will advance to the knockout round.
On the bump for Canada is former Rockies righty Cal Quantrill. Quantrill is the son of former Canadian big league pitcher—and current Team Canada pitching coach—Paul Quantrill and will be making his first appearance of the tournament in today’s start. Rockies prospect lefty and 2025 draft pick Antoine Jean will also look to get into today’s game. At the plate, Rockies infielder Edouard Julien looks to get hot after notching his first hit of the tournament against Puerto Rico on Tuesday.
Left-handed pitcher Livan Moinelo will make his second start of the Classic for Team Cuba. The 30-year-old—who pitches for Nippon Professional Baseball’s Fukuoka Softbank Hawks during the regular season—worked a scoreless 3 2/3 innings his last time out with four strikeouts, two walks, and two hits given up.
First Pitch: 1:00 PM MDT
TV: FS2
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
RHP Cal Quantrill vs LHP Livan Moinelo
Game No. 2: Italy (Repubblica Italiana) at Mexico (Estados Unidos Mexicanos)
Venue: Daikin Park — Houston, Texas, USA
After Italy’s stunning upset of Team USA on Tuesday, the fate of three teams now hangs on this one game.
If the Italians (3-0) win this evening and complete the group stage with an undefeated record, they will advance along with the United States (3-1) and Mexico (2-1) will be eliminated.
If Mexico wins while scoring six or more runs, they will advance along with the United States and Italy will be eliminated.
If Mexico wins and scores five or fewer runs, they will advance along with Italy and the United States will be eliminated.
If Mexico wins and scores exactly five runs, they will advance and the final spot in Houston’s Pool B will depend on other tiebreaker scenarios.
Philadelphia Phillies right-handed starter Austin Nola will take the mound for Team Italy, making his first appearance of the tournament. Benji Gil and Vinny Castilla’s Team Mexico has yet to announce their starter.
First Pitch: 5:00 PM MDT
TV: FS1
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
RHP Austin Nola vs TBD
Game No. 3: Dominican Republic (República Dominicana) at Venezuela (Venezuela (República Bolivariana de Venezuela)
Venue: loanDepot Park — Miami, Florida, USA
Both participants in the final game of Miami’s Pool D have already clinched their places in the knockout stage with 3-0 records, meaning tonight’s group stage finale is for the pool’s top seed and for pride.
Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara will get the start for the Dominican Republic in his home ballpark, backed up by a lineup jam-packed with talent like Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez, and Fernando Tatis Jr. Meanwhile, Rockies reliever Juan Mejia—who has already pitched a scoreless inning this tournament—and former Rockies reliever Carlos Estévez are primed to make appearances from the bullpen.
Arizona Diamondbacks lefty Eduardo Rodríguez will take the mound for Venezuela with his own murderer’s row behind him. Luis Arráez already has multiple extra-base hits—including two home runs—while Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr is 4-for-10 with a home run of his own. The pair are joined by Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, who is 3-for-3 with a double and a walk so far this tournament. Rockies right-handed pitcher Antonio Senzatela may have the chance to come out of the bullpen for his first appearance of the Classic as well.
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 02: Jhancarlos Lara #92 of the Glendale Desert Dogs pitches during the game between the Surprise Saguaros and the Glendale Desert Dogs at Camelback Ranch - Glendale on Sunday, November 2, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Now that we are just over two weeks away from Opening Day for the 2026 MLB season, it is time to start picturing what the Atlanta Braves roster could look like. That also includes factoring in which of the Braves prospects have a real chance to reach Atlanta this year, as things stand today, and what we may be able to expect out of them this season.
Players listed in this article are guys who still have remaining prospect eligibility, so no Nacho Alvarez or Hurston Waldrep, and have at least a 50% chance of seeing the big leagues this season – which means guys who would need everything to break right, like a Luke Sinnard, will not be included. Some of these guys, namely Didier Fuentes and Hayden Harris, have already spent some time in the big leagues, but since this is about projecting what we can expect out of them in 2026, they will be included.
Lucas Braun, RHP
Braun has 37 appearances in Double-A and three starts in Triple-A on his resume heading into 2026, which when combined with the injuries to the Braves pitching staff and health questions surrounding the remaining options, makes him a candidate to see Atlanta at some point this year. Braun is likely a bit down the options to earn a big league start, but a 24-year-old with good command and pitchability will potentially be able to handle a few spot starts without hurting the team much. It’s hard to picture him having a bigger role in Atlanta this season, but the Braves would likely be happy with him getting a few decent starts from him as they get him ready for more next year.
Blake Burkhalter, RHP
As a 25-year-old with 31 innings of experience at the Triple-A level, Burkhalter is an excellent candidate to see Atlanta at some point this year. He has moved to the bullpen full time, but he would be a guy capable of either pitching in middle relief or giving some multi-inning outings this year. He is a guy who could potentially be up for good at some point this year.
Didier Fuentes, RHP
If we are being honest, Fuentes’ time in Atlanta last year didn’t go well. The good news there is that is mostly because he was promoted before he was truly ready for it because of injuries to other arms. A year later and the now 20-year-old has looked great in limited spring training action. Through two innings of big league spring training work, he has four strikeouts with no hits or walks. The Braves may want to be extra careful with him to not end up rushing him again, but he could be ready for a backend of the rotation job by the end of this season.
Hayden Harris, LHP
Harris appeared in three games last year for the Braves, and has been excellent this spring. In his first five innings he has a 1.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 12 strikeouts to just two walks. Harris is competing for a big league job out of camp, and even if he doesn’t get one he could be ready soon after the start of the season. Harris could factor in as a solid lefty out of the pen earning middle relief innings quickly this season.
Jim Jarvis, INF
Jim Jarvis may not be a big prospect, but he’s an upper level minor leaguer who brings plenty of versatility and experience. He is a guy who could get a chance to be promoted and help off the bench in short stints, especially seeing how the Braves have sent him to the Arizona Fall League and have given him 14 big league at bats so far this spring.
Jhancarlos Lara, RHP
Lara spent 51 innings in Gwinnett last year, and the now 23-year-old reliever went and had a solid showing in the Arizona Fall League after the season. Although he was already sent down, he will get a chance to earn his way to Atlanta this season as a power armed reliever. He may not be ready for a late-inning role this year, but I fully expect to see him get a taste of the big leagues this year in some capacity.
David McCabe, 1B
After McCabe saw 28 games in Triple-A last year and considering he turns 26 later this month, he will be a candidate to be promoted at some point this year. It’s hard to see him getting a major role in the big leagues based on his inconsistent power production in the minors, but with his on base ability he could be a candidate for some spot starts at first base or DH if the need arises.
JR Ritchie, RHP
Ritchie reached Triple-A last year and is off to a very strong start to his spring. With his 11 starts at Gwinnett last year, followed by his stuff looking even sharper this spring en route to a 3.38 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and eight strikeouts in eight innings, he is trying to compete for a spot in the initial rotation ahead of Opening Day. While the odds aren’t fully in his favor, the injuries have stacked up and he has done everything he could to show he is close to ready. It’s fair to expect Ritchie to spend a good chunk of his season in Atlanta, being a solid back of the rotation option for the Braves.
Brett Sears, RHP
After a meteoric rise across four levels in 2025, Sears got himself to the doorstep of the big leagues. He doesn’t have a ton of Triple-A or upper level minor league experience yet, but he is a guy with 84 innings between Columbus and Gwinnett and already set to turn 26 in May. Sears will have a chance to earn some spot starts, or even some relief outings this year as an older, advanced pitchability arm. I wouldn’t expect him to have a huge role in the big leagues this year, but can really picture him helping in some manner.
Rockets
Nuggets
