Trade rumors can wait. Kyle Teel is busy looking like someone you don’t move. | Getty Images/Mitchell Layton
We are launching a new daily article here at South Side Sox, more prominently than our items that pop up on The Feed. It falls under the category of White Sox Discussions, which you’ll see in a few weeks will also be our new branding for Game Threads.
Today, we’re tackling another deeply personal Sox fan dilemma: the player you refuse to even hear in trade talks. Baseball is a business, or so we’re told. Prospects are currency. Windows open and close. But every now and then, logic runs straight into a brick wall labeled hands off. This is the guy you don’t include in mock trades, the name you scroll past in rumors with a scoff, the player you’d rather rebuild around than flip for “value.” You know the arguments — sell high, roster flexibility, timeline alignment — and you adamantly reject all of them.
Some players mean more than surplus WAR or controllable years. They represent belief, direction, or the faint outline of what you hope the next good White Sox team looks like. Trading them might make sense on paper, but emotionally, it feels like waving a white flag. So we’re asking you to tell us which White Sox player should be absolutely off limits, no matter the return? Who’s untouchable, and why is that the line you refuse to cross?
SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Evan Carter #32, Sandro Fabian #81, Wyatt Langford #82, and assistant hitting coach Seth Conner #86 of the Texas Rangers look on during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2024 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Bailey Orr/Texas Rangers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning. Texas Rangers pitchers and catchers are reporting to Surprise, Arizona today. Welcome back, baseball.
With the Rangers officially beginning their quest for glory in 2026, Kennedi Landry takes an early stab at a potential Opening Day roster.
Evan Grant lists a handful of Rangers hurlers who have the ability to gain the most from their time in Surprise this spring.
Jeff Wilson writes that one of the main battles this spring will be a duel between Kumar Rocker and Jacob Latz for the fifth spot in the rotation.
MLB dot com’s David Adler names new Texas addition MacKenzie Gore near the top of the list for arms to watch this spring.
And, Matt Snyder writes that, when it comes to the Rangers, it is the rotation that is the reason to be most excited for the upcoming season. Strange days, no?
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 26: Grant Holmes #66 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Globe Life Field on July 26, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Back when I was working on IWAG a lot, I noticed a dichotomy of sorts. For position players, IWAG did basically about as well as Steamer and ZiPS, which wasn’t really surprising, given that it was made to try and replicate them. No matter what year I looked at, no system really beat the others, and IWAG was right there with them, generally with the same misses and successes. In unison or individually, the systems basically gave you “the right” idea about what the position players you looked at would do, even when restricting yourself to a small group of names.
For pitchers, though, it was all over the place. Sometimes one system clearly did better than the others, but more to the point, pitchers had breakouts and lost seasons that deviated from their central estimate (or even their distribution, insofar as I could generate or infer it) more often.
Why this dichotomy? My guess — an educated guess based on me tinkering with IWAG to little avail — is that hitters playing through or affected by injury tend to just kind of look like less effective versions of themselves, but pitcher injuries completely upend both availability and effectiveness. On the flip side, I can’t really confirm that a pitcher feeling “really” healthy can set a new performance baseline, so maybe that’s just attributable to pitch design and mechanics cleanup things. Either way, though, pitchers were less predictable.
Which brings me to Grant Holmes, the subject of today’s post. There’s a lot of uncertainty with Holmes! He went down with elbow troubles last year, but didn’t have Tommy John Surgery. Is he going to be healthy enough to contribute? Well there be a rotation spot for him? He’s out of options, so short of additional minor league rehab, there’s not really anywhere to “put him.” He’s already served as a reliever, but that shoved him into the rotation, and maybe he’ll be forcibly shoved out of it by others, who knows. (And then, will other injuries pull him back in.) What’s going on with his HR/FB, which was to his benefit in 2024 but very much to his detriment in 2025? How many innings will he get, and how effective will be, depending on role and considering all of the above? Oy.
I’m not saying every pitcher is Grant Holmes, but when you consider this laundry list of “issues” with thinking about Holmes’ future versus that of your run-of-the-mill potential-starter-quality position player, you get where I was going with the intro paragraphs, hopefully.
Career-to-date, status
A first-round pick all the way back in 2014, Holmes spent seemingly forever in the minors until the Braves gave him a chance in the bigs last year. He pitched incredibly well for about five weeks as a reliever, then got a shot to start and kept up the good work. He transitioned back to a shorter-stint relief role and faltered, but finished the year fairly strong in his final four (and especially his final three) outings, most of which were starts. (He even did something pretty crazy, getting five outs in relief on September 29, before pitching four innings as a starter in a must-win-to-make-playoffs game for the Braves on September 30 — though the Mets were likely taking it very easy by that point.)
All in all, Holmes had an 86/81/87 line (ERA-/FIP-/xFIP-) as a swingman in 68 1/3 innings in 2024, which is an insanely good outcome considering he was a minor league journeyman who hadn’t gotten a shot to that point. He still has under two years of service time, so the Braves have him for quite a while… provided they don’t lose him to a roster crunch given his out-of-options status.
Recent performance
Holmes made (and kept his spot in) the obliterated Braves’ 2025 rotation — at least until he was the last guy to go down when his own elbow started barking. He struggled out of the gate with some pretty clunky pitching in his first five starts of the year, but then got it together and had an awesome nine-start stretch that was marred only by the fact that he ran a HR/FB over 20 percent in that span. That good run culminated in a 15-strikeout performance in just 6 1/3 innings against the Rockies, but then he faded again, and he was really struggling by the time his season ended in late July. Specifically, by ERA-/FIP-/xFIP-:
First five starts: 110/141/123
Middle nine starts: 87/98/71
Last seven starts: 95/102/120
Put those things together with a single dominant relief appearance he had early in the year before making a start, and Holmes finished with a 94/108/98 line in 115 innings, good for 0.9 fWAR. If not for the HR/FB, that would’ve been solid #2ish/#3ish starter production. (Alas, the homers were a problem, for him and many of his teammates.)
Forecasting
Forecasting for Holmes (and any other pitcher with an uncertain role) is tough. I theoretically should build in some module in IWAG about how to handle this separately, since it’s not exactly a pure starter or pure reliever profile, but instead, I’m going to shortcut it by assuming that Holmes completes roughly 80 percent of his 2026 innings as a starter. That can artificially inflate his WAR, since it’s technically harder to be a starter than a reliever as far as replacement level goes, so just keep that in mind…
Basically, IWAG’s point estimate is that Holmes is a guy capable of preventing runs at a roughly league-average rate when used as a swingman. If a lot of that usage is as a starter, that’s about 1 WAR for 100 innings, which is not all that exciting but also far better than letting someone bleed value.
As you can see from the projections above, this is not an off-kilter take on Holmes. Steamer has him at 0.8 WAR in 87 innings, mostly relieving. ZiPS is a little lower, but still in the same-range-ish, again, mostly seeing Holmes as a reliever. IWAG’s higher WAR total is, in part, due to the assumption above about how much Holmes will start.
I would describe this curve as “cute.” An actual curve! Neat. Basically, the main question for Holmes is availability and usage. Which, yeah, we kind of figured.
Your turn
Alright, I’ve given you the info. Well, some info. You may have your own info. With that, I ask you:
Rounded to the nearest fWAR, how much will Grant Holmes produce in 2026?
How confident are you in your choice? Go with a scale from 1-5, where 3 is “I dunno, reasonably confident,” 5 is certain, and 1 is “I am participating but have no confidence in my choice and don’t want the fact that it will likely be incorrect to affect my place in any theoretical standings all that much.”
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 09: Noah Penda #93 of the Orlando Magic dives on a loose ball against Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the second half of a game at Kia Center on February 09, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks put up a good fight but ultimately fell to the Orlando Magic 118-99. The game was ugly in the first half, with neither team making much from outside, but the Magic’s final 18 minutes were stellar. The Bucks have a chance to redeem themselves tomorrow night (or not, for the pro-tank crowd) when these teams play once again. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below.
Myles had some truly great looks from three that didn’t drop. His stats are what they are because the Magic were basically switching everything on defence. Turner is not the type to take advantage of mismatches. His job was to set a strong screen and force the switch. From there, it was up to the guards to make a play—KPJ was the only guard who did so effectively.
Rollins started the game poorly and never really got better, which, I should note, has not been the norm for him this season; he usually finds his way into games. There were a bunch of no-pass possessions where he rushed a tough shot. He also overpossessed the ball, leading to turnovers. He was often too aggressive on defence, playing a key role in the Magic getting into the bonus. Yeah, this was one of Ryan’s worst games this season.
Loved AJ’s game. He did his job and was aggressive in seeking his shot (including a ridiculous side-step triple over Franz Wagner with the shot clock winding down).
With the Magic being the defensive team they are (or have been, I should say), the Bucks desperately needed KPJ’s shake-and-bake ability. He did make just a single three, but he knocked down a bevy of mid-rangers, which kept the Bucks in it. Porter’s passing game was great too; he aggressively pierced the defence and made two defenders commit to him, finding the open man more times than not.
My theory that the Magic are the worst matchup for Bobby in the entire league was proven once again last night. He really struggles to find scoring opportunities against their big, athletic defence. He can’t get to his back-down game because of their size, and he also can’t get to his shot because of their athleticism (and then he’s slow, so they can recover if he tries to pump and go). There was simply no impact from BP, evidenced by his limited playing time.
At least Gary got to catch up with his old buddies.
Grade: C
Cam Thomas
13 minutes, 4 points, 1/5 FG, 0/1 3P, –1
I did not think Cam would even play, and thus I am taking nothing from this one. It looks like Doc is going to have two of Porter, Rollins, and Thomas on the court at all times.
Grade: C
Jericho Sims
27 minutes, 5 points, 6 rebounds, 2/4 FG, -9
I liked Jericho’s activity on both ends of the court. He set some great screens, forcing his man to commit to the ball-handler and opening up lob opportunities (take note, Giannis). On defence, I thought he was strong and stuck with guards on switches.
Grade: B
Pete Nance
9 minutes, 5 points, 2/2 FG, 1/1 3P, -3
Pete played sparingly, but didn’t do anything wrong from what I can recall.
Grade:
Doc Rivers
Well, Doc played a lot of the right cards with respect to who got playing time in this one; Kuzma and Portis were major negatives and thus played sparingly, while Jericho and KPJ were solid and thus played more. While I suspect that Gary Trent Jr. getting a DNP will become more common as Cam Thomas takes most of his minutes, this was an especially bad matchup for GT. Why? Because the Magic is a team that needs guys who can pierce the defence more than it needs stationary shooters. So good choice by Doc there. Other than that, I thought Rivers coached a fine game.
Grade: B
Garbage time: Ousmane Dieng, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Andre Jackson Jr.
DNP-CD: Gary Trent Jr.
Inactive: Alex Antetokounmpo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Taurean Prince
Bonus Bucks Bits
Doc said the Magic won in large part because they were the more physical team.
KPJ said a major reason for the Bucks’ 19 turnovers was the aggressive doubling the Magic do. Interesting.
Bobby said there has to be a greater focus on boxing out for this team. And not just one guy—it has to be two, three, four guys hitting the glass. There were some folks online pointing out that BP had 0 rebounds. I’m not positive that’s the dunk people think it is; you can still box out and help your team rebound without grabbing them yourself. Overall, I appreciate the message.
There were some admittedly funny quips online about people being shocked that Cam Thomas did not shoot once during his first stint on the court.
We got our first look at Ousmane Dieng in garbage time; I want to see him in real minutes at some point.
Franz Wagner returned in this one after a long layoff.
Paolo Banchero… I’m sorry, but that dude is mid (and his contract could be a real problem).
Anthony Black is proof that sometimes development takes a minute.
Up Next
The Bucks will hang around in Orlando for another day and play the Magic again tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. CST. Catch the game on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Ariane Raedler and Katharina Huber of Austria win team combined at Olympics, Mikaela Shiffrin and Breezy Johnson fourth.
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - MARCH 24: New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) laughs before the Spring Training game between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets on Monday, March 24, 2025 at Clover Park in Port Saint Lucie, FL. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Meet the Mets
Pitchers and Catchers don’t report to spring training until tomorrow, but some notable Mets were seen checking in to Port St. Lucie yesterday, including Carlos Mendoza, Mark Vientos, Luke Weaver, and Jorge Polanco.
Philadelphia is doing everything they can to try and move Nick Castellanos this week.
Mark Bowman took a pass at predicting the Braves’ Opening Day 26-man roster.
The Marlins signed Chris Paddack, whom they once drafted, to a one-year deal.
Jessica Cametaro took a crack at the Nationals’ 26-man Opening Day roster.
Around Major League Baseball
The ESPN staff wrote about stars, teams, and themes they want to see at spring training.
Jim Bowman gave us eight reasons to get excited about spring training.
It looks like MLB.tv subscribers will also need to be ESPN Unlimited subscribers to purchase the package, meaning MLB.tv will be behind a double paywall this season.
Fangraphs compiled their spring training power rankings, which sees the Mets coming in at number 3 behind the Dodgers and Braves.
The World Baseball Classic will feature a pitch clock but won’t feature the ABS challenge system.
Playing in the WBC will be a ‘whole other level’ for Team USA superstars Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, and Tarik Skubal
The Red Sox picked up Caleb Durbin in a six-player trade with the Brewers. They also added Andruw Monasterio and Anthony Seigler while sending Kyle Harrison, David Hamilton, and Shane Drohan to the Brewers.
The Angels are adding Hunter Strickland on a minor league deal.
The Yankees acquired infielder Max Schuemann in a trade with the Athletics.
After bringing back Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year deal, Bryan Hoch analyzed how Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt could fit on the Yankees’ roster.
Ben Clemens wrote about one more ride for Goldschmidt.
Ketel Marte says he is excited to return to the Diamondbacks after an offseason of uncertainty.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
I previewed Cristian Pache’s 2026 season, as the non-roster spring training invitee looks to earn a spot in the team’s outfield.
Amazin’ Avenue writers shared their thoughts on the players that came in at 25-11 on the Top 25 Prospects list.
This Date in Mets History
Happy 56th Birthday to Bobby J. Jones, the man who hurled the one-hit shutout in Game 4 of the 2000 NLDS to seal the Mets’ victory and (yes, this is true) my first favorite Met when I started following the team in 1997!
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 24: Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 24, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Spring training begins this week, and with it will come a new season’s worth of storylines. Which players are in the best shape of their lives? Are there any secret injuries or surgeries that happened over the off-season? What are they going to do with all those first basemen?
Making predictions about an upcoming season is half the fun of spring training. It’s a time of year when anything can be imagined, and only after the year is over can we know if our guesses were prescient or foolish. If you had predicted the Orioles to win 100 games or go to the World Series last year, it wouldn’t have turned out so well for you in the end. But if you guessed the team would sign one of their big prospects to an extension, you would have looked like a genius!
This offseason, the Orioles have acquired some players, sent a few players packing, and are relying on big seasons from their returning core. Taking all those things into consideration, not to mention the improvements made by other AL East teams, what is one prediction you have about this season?
Do you think one player will be particularly bad or good? How many wins do you expect to see? Will the Orioles have their first pitcher with 200 innings pitched since 2014, or will another one need Tommy John surgery?
No prediction is too big or too small. What do you think will happen?
As for my prediction for 2026…I think Gunnar Henderson will hit over 30 home runs.
PORT ST. LUCIE — It’s telling of how precipitously the Mets starting rotation plummeted last year that if the team reached the postseason, three rookies with a combined 17 major league appearances would have been scheduled to start in the wild-card round.
Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong were those pitchers.
The Mets dropped their season finale in Miami, rendering the point moot after losing a tiebreaker to the Reds in the race for the NL’s third and final wild card.
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Peralta, 29, pitched to a 2.70 ERA in 33 starts for the Brewers last season, in which he logged 176 ²/₃ innings.
Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta is working out at spring training. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
Twice an All-Star, he finished fifth in last year’s National League Cy Young Award voting.
But was Peralta’s addition alone enough to transform a rotation that cratered down the stretch last season?
Kodai Senga struggled enough that he agreed to accept a minor league assignment in early September and finished his season with Triple-A Syracuse.
Sean Manaea strained an oblique in spring training and didn’t pitch for the Mets until July, and then hardly resembled the dominant force he was a year earlier.
The left-hander pitched to a 5.64 ERA in 15 appearances, raising questions about the decision to give him a three-year contract worth $75 million before last season.
And then there was David Peterson, selected to the NL All-Star team before pitching to a 6.34 ERA over 12 starts in the second half.
As pitchers and catchers report this week for spring training, there might not be a larger question surrounding the team than whether the Mets have fixed their fatal flaw.
“We like our rotation,” Stearns said. “I think adding Freddy as somewhat of a stabilizing force to help lead our rotation probably gives a little bit of space to some of our younger pitchers and keeps the opportunity to get real bounce-back seasons from guys like Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga — who we are still going to rely upon and still believe are going to give us some real quality innings this year — so we like where our rotation is. I think it’s got a nice combination of youth and established major league veterans.”
Mets Pitcher Kodai Senga throws in the bullpen during spring training at Clover Field on Monday. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
There is McLean, who dazzled in his eight starts — all the while maintaining his rookie status as he pitched to a 2.06 ERA over 48 innings.
Sproat’s subtraction perhaps can be offset by Christian Scott’s return from Tommy John surgery, and Tong (who like Scott figures to begin the season at Triple-A Syracuse) completes the talented young trifecta.
Clay Holmes was the one veteran starter on whom the Mets could rely in last season’s second half.
In his transition from reliever to starter, the right-hander pitched to a 3.53 ERA over a career-high 165 ²/₃ innings.
For insurance, the Mets acquired the swingman Myers, who started six games for the Brewers last season.
Peralta alone might be enough to change perceptions, but can he change results?
That will likely depend on the other “aces” in house.
“We have got multiple starters in our rotation who at various points in their career have pitched as a No. 1 starter and certainly Freddy qualifies as that,” Stearns said. “We saw Nolan flash potential as a No. 1 starter last year. We have seen Sean Manaea pitch as an ace. Before I got here Kodai Senga pitched as an ace. We have multiple pitchers in our rotation right now that have pitched as an ace, and I would certainly put Freddy in that category.”
We may be one step closer to having two more teams join the NBA.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver first acknowledged the possibility of expansion in a news conference before the 2020-21 season, and then, a few months ago, said he believes he will have a resolution on the idea at some point in 2026. It seems that the time for a resolution is nearing, and that could very likely lead to two new teams joining the NBA.
Think it's going to be an extra-great year for Seattle. I'm hearing NBA Board of Governors likely to vote on expanding by two teams this summer and Las Vegas and Seattle are favored.
Back in December, Silver said, "I think Seattle and Las Vegas are two incredible cities. Obviously, we had a team in Seattle that had great success. We have a WNBA team here in Las Vegas, the Aces. We've been playing the summer league here for 20 years. We're playing our Cup games here, so we're very familiar with this market. I don't have any doubt that Las Vegas, despite all of the other major league teams that are here now, the other entertainment properties, that this city could support an NBA team."
The issues holding up the vote on expansion were purely financial.
"As I've said before, domestic expansion, as opposed to doing a new league in Europe, is selling equity in this current league," said Silver in that same interview back in December. "If you own 1/30 of this league, now you own 1/32 if you add two teams. So it's a much more difficult economic analysis. In many ways, it requires predicting the future. I think now we're in the process of working with our teams and gauging the level of interest and having a better understanding of what the economics would be on the ground for those particular teams and what a pro forma would look like for them, and then sometime in 2026 we'll make a determination."
It seems the economic questions may have been answered on the league side, with the Dallas News reporting that the NBA Board of Governors is likely to vote this summer to expand by two teams. The idea that Seattle is a favorite for one of those spots was only furthered by news that Seattle Governor Bob Ferguson met with Silver earlier in February.
The governor’s office confirmed afterwards that the meeting was indeed about bringing the Sonics back to Seattle. The governor’s office also mentioned that the meeting was an introductory Zoom call between Ferguson and Silver, and that the two of them had a good conversation. Ferguson confirmed that he would do whatever he could to help bring an NBA team back to Seattle.
If Seattle is chosen, it would be the first time the city has had an NBA team in nearly 20 years. The Sonics were moved to Oklahoma City after the 2007-2008 season and renamed the Oklahoma City Thunder. Seattle’s continued absence from the NBA has led to plenty of protests from fans, demanding a return of an NBA franchise to their city. In addition to their NBA legacy, Seattle is a strong choice for an NBA franchise based on the city's overall strong income, steady population growth, and ready-to-go fanbase. All of that means Seattle feels inevitable to get its team back.
While Las Vegas may not be the obvious choice as the second city, it makes sense as a selection based on the NBA's current relationship. Las Vegas has an existing relationship with the league, hosting the Summer League and NBA Cup games. There is also media appeal to Las Vegas and some momentum building as a sports city, with the MLB also reportedly moving the Athletics there. Those factors could help make up for the fact that Las Vegas has a few other franchises nearby and has some economic volatility as well.
If the NBA does vote to expand, that would leave the league with 32 teams, and, perhaps more importantly, two more teams in the Western Conference (if it is Seattle and Las Vegas). That would mean that at least one team would have to move to the Eastern Conference in order for the league to have 16 teams in each conference. Geographically, the teams that make the most sense would be Memphis, Minnesota, or New Orleans.
Those are the other dominoes that would fall, but the first one needs to be knocked over first with the vote. That could come in just a few months.
Flagg (-1000) is considered the favorite, followed by Knueppel (+600) and Edgecombe (+8000).
Flagg has averaged 20.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in 48 games played this season.
All three rookies were selected in the first round by the game's honorary coaches. NBA alumnus Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter are serving as the honorary coaches for the three respective teams. Austin Rivers will also coach a team made up of G League players.
The four teams will compete in a mini tournament at the Intuit Dome. A winner will be decided in the semifinal games when a team is the first to reach or surpass 40 points. The championship game winner will be decided with the first team to reach or surpass 25 points.
Baron Davis and Quentin Richardson were among the former NBA players to have played in the game.
Richardson was a participant in the game when it was referred to as the NBA Rookie-Sophomore Challenge in 2002. Davis competed in the game a year prior.
Looking ahead at this year’s talent, Davis mentioned Flagg, Edgecombe, Derik Queen and Kyshawn George as players he’s excited to watch.
“All these young kids are so good now,” Davis said. “To watch them play and go at each other will be a different type of vibe and be highly competitive. They all want to be No. 1.”
Richardson believes the game and weekend will serve as a rewarding experience for the younger talent, especially those willing to make the most of it.
“I would say to take part in the weekend,” Richardson said. “I know, as some of the younger players, they will have to make appearances and things like that, but that was one of the things I was happy to do. … Sometimes you go to those events and have a great time and meet people you wouldn’t have met.
“Don’t be the guy who’s just turning things down. That’s what the weekend is about: Having fun, but there’s also a lot of business around that weekend.”
Even in the years following his retirement, Davis has served as an example for the younger generation of players when it comes to staying involved within the NBA off-court community and activities.
Davis served as a host for a competition put on by the NBA Foundation and the LA Clippers.
The All-Star pitch competition brought Los Angeles-based companies focused on driving community impact to pitch innovation solutions to a panel of business leaders, investors and other entrepreneurs.
The competitors are competing for $200,000 in total cash prizes.
“What is super exciting is that there are so many young and great minds, especially in this city of Los Angeles, that are building businesses that can be extremely explosive and that can create a lot of jobs,” Davis said. “What the NBA is doing with the foundation and really pouring into the entrepreneurs is not just with the competition, but it's also the time and the platform they are allowing them to stand on.”
Who will play in the NBA Rising Stars Game?
Team Melo: Cooper Flagg, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Jeremiah Fears, Donovan Clingan, Collin Murray-Boyles
Team T-Mac: Kon Knueppel, Kel’el Ware, Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, Ajay Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, Cam Spencer.
The Orioles took a big swing when they signed Pete Alonso away from the Mets — who didn’t seem all that interested in bringing back the franchise home run leader. Ryan Helsley, a disaster with the Mets after a midseason trade, also signed with Baltimore to be its closer. And the Orioles added Andrew Kittredge to the bullpen, as well as Shane Baz to the rotation and Taylor Ward and Leody Taveras to the outfield.
Pete Alonso (25) is pictured at his introductory press conference with the Orioles in December 2025. AP
Key losses
To acquire Ward from the Angels, the Orioles traded Grayson Rodriguez, their first-round pick from 2018 who showed plenty of promise — especially in 2024, but he didn’t pitch last season due to a variety of injuries and was shut down after elbow surgery. Former Yankees catcher Gary Sánchez is still a free agent, as is right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, who made 30 starts for them as a 35-year-old rookie.
Storylines to watch
Even after an eventful offseason, the Orioles could still use another veteran starter and had been linked to Framber Valdez before he signed with the Tigers. As spring training approaches, plenty of options remain available. Much of the spotlight will be on Alonso and his five-year, $155 million contract. His presence in the lineup is sure to help Baltimore’s young offensive core, including Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday and Adley Rutschman as they look to bounce back from 2025’s disappointment.
Ranger Suárez throws a pitch for the Phillies during a September 2025 game. AP
Key losses
Boston’s offseason took a turn when Bregman signed with the Cubs after the Red Sox were confident in bringing him back following his opt-out. Rob Refsnyder, Steven Matz and Dustin May left as free agents, while Jordan Hicks was traded to the White Sox. Lucas Giolito remains a free agent.
Storylines to watch
With Bregman gone, how will Boston’s offense respond? Adding Suárez to a rotation that already included Garrett Crochet will bolster their pitching — as will Gray, if he can handle the pressure of pitching in Boston, something he didn’t do with the Yankees. And their new young core in the lineup — including Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell and Triston Casas (injured for much of last season) — as well as Durbin — will be counted on even more.
Tampa Bay Rays
2025
77-85
Manager
Kevin Cash (12th season)
Spring training site
Port Charlotte, Fla.
Key additions
The notoriously penny-pinching Rays didn’t sign any big-name free agents, although veterans Nick Martinez and Steven Matz give the pitching staff some depth. They also hope experienced outfielders Cedric Mullins and Jake Fraley can bounce back. They were busy on the trade market, bringing in infielders Gavin Lux and young third baseman Ben Williamson, as well as outfielder Jacob Melton.
Steven Matz throws a pitch for the Red Sox during their Oct. 1 game against the Yankees. Charles Wenzelberg
Key losses
A team already weak in major league talent saw some solid performers end up elsewhere, as Pete Fairbanks signed with Miami and Shane Baz, Brandon Lowe and Josh Lowe were all included in trades. Jake Mangum and Christopher Morel are also gone.
Storylines to watch
On the bright side, the Rays will at least have a real home this season returning to Tropicana Field after it was damaged by a hurricane and playing last season at the Yankees spring training home in Tampa, Steinbrenner Field. And as Tampa Bay again looks to the future, they will keep an eye on top prospect Carson Williams, who debuted with them last season at shortstop.
Dylan Cease throws a pitch for the Padres during their May 2025 game against the Yankees. Jason Szenes for the NY Post
Key losses
Bo Bichette left for the Mets, leaving a hole in the infield and the lineup. Right-hander Seranthony Domínguez signed with the White Sox and key starters Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt remain unsigned, as does INF Ty France. Isiah Kiner-Falefa signed with Boston.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 07: A general aerial view of Camelback Ranch on January 07, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. The stadium is the spring training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Among the Dodgers non-roster players invited to big league camp in spring training is a mix of veterans on minor league deals plus top prospects Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope, Jackson Ferris, and others.
Among the 32 initial non-roster invitees to Dodgers camp are 17 pitchers, five catchers, and 10 other position players. Here’s a little more on each player. We’ll update this list throughout spring training as other players are signed and roster cuts are made.
Pitchers
RHP — Chris Campos (No. 62) 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 25 How acquired: 2022 draft, 7th round
Campos in a full year at Double-A Tulsa in 2025 had a 4.19 ERA with 111 strikeouts and 32 walks in 126 2/3 innings. He got engaged in December.
RHP — Patrick Copen (85) 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 24 How acquired: 2023 draft, 7th round Cut date: March 2
After taking a line drive off his face and losing vision in his right eye to end his 2024 season, the tall right-hander had a very nice bounce-back season in 2025, posting a 3.59 ERA in 26 starts and 117 2/3 innings between Great Lakes and Tulsa, and led all Dodgers minor league pitchers with 152 strikeouts.
Originally signed by the Dodgers out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, Durán last April was traded to the A’s for outfielder Esteury Ruiz. The right-hander made his major league debut with the A’s in May, but allowed three runs and recorded one out in his only major league appearance to date. Sent outright off the A’s 40-man roster in June, Durán had a 5.74 ERA in 62 2/3 Triple-A innings with nearly as many walks (55) as strikeouts (67) before reaching minor league free agency at the conclusion of the season.
Named to several top-100 prospect lists prior to the 2025 season, after winning the Branch Rickey Award as the Dodgers minor league pitcher of the year in 2024, Ferris took a bit of a step back in his full season in Tulsa, with a 3.86 ERA in 126 innings, with a slightly lower strikeout rate (24.2 percent after 27.4 percent) and slightly higher walk rate (10.8 percent to 11.8 percent) than the season before. But he improved down the stretch for Tulsa in 2025 — after a 6.58 ERA and 4.45 FIP in his first 12 outings, Ferris had a 2.19 ERA the rest of the way, with only three home runs allowed over his final 14 starts.
LHP — Luke Fox (89) 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 24 How acquired: 2023 draft, 17th round Cut date: March 2
Fox split time between High-A Great Lakes and Double-A Tulsa, combining for a 2.85 ERA in 22 games, including 21 starts, with 110 strikeouts and 53 walks in 98 innings.
Frasso was acquired from the Blue Jays in the Mitch White trade in August 2022, and spent the last two seasons on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, though he hasn’t yet pitched in the majors. After shoulder and hip surgeries wiped out his 2024 season, Frasso had a 5.49 ERA in 43 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2025, with 68 strikeouts and 42 walks in 77 innings, before getting non-tendered in November.
RHP — Carson Hobbs (71) 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 24 How acquired: 2023 draft, 11th round Cut date: March 8
Hobbs pitched in the back end of the bullpen for both Great Lakes and Tulsa, putting up a 2.04 ERA in 42 games, with 63 strikeouts and 21 walks in 53 innings. His 20.9-percent strikeout-minus walk rate was third-best in the Dodgers minors with a minimum of 50 innings.
LHP — Cole Irvin (38) 2025 spring training: Doosan (Korea) 2025 highest level: Korean Baseball Organization 2026 age: 32 How acquired: minor league deal, February 3, 2026 Cut date: March 16
The veteran starter pitched six seasons in the majors for the Phillies, A’s, Orioles, and Twins before heading over to the KBO in 2025. Irvin put up a 4.48 ERA in 28 starts for Doosan last year, with 128 strikeouts and 79 walks in 144 2/3 innings.
LHP — Antoine Kelly (75) 2025 spring training: Rockies (minors) 2025 highest level: Triple-A 2026 age: 26 How acquired: minor league deal, November 14, 2025
A second-round pick of the Brewers in 2019, Kelly has pitched six seasons in the minors in the Brewers, Rangers, and Rockies systems. He had a 5.63 ERA in 34 relief appearances in 2025 for Triple-A Albuquerque, with 41 strikeouts and 27 walks in 38 1/3 innings. On the road last year, away from pitching on the moon, Kelly had a 3.43 ERA, 25 strikeouts, and 13 walks in 21 innings, plus zero home runs and a .345 slugging percentage allowed.
McDaniels struggled in his brief time in the majors in Anaheim, but once he returned to the Dodgers put up a 3.30 ERA in 25 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City, with 36 strikeouts and 17 walks in 30 innings.
RHP — Wyatt Mills (58) 2025 spring training: Red Sox (NRI) 2025 highest level: Triple-A 2026 age: 31 How acquired: minor league free agent, August 16, 2025 Cut date: March 8
After pitching parts of two-seasons for the Mariners and Royals, Mills had Tommy John surgery that wiped out his 2023-24 seasons. Last year in Triple-A Worcester, Mills put up a 3.12 ERA in 52 innings, with 49 strikeouts and 30 walks.
RHP — José Rodríguez (97) 2025 spring training: Dodgers (NRI) 2025 highest level: Triple-A 2026 age: 24 How acquired: international free agent, 2019 Cut date: March 2
RHP — Jerming Rosario (81) 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 24 How acquired: international free agent, July 2, 2018 Cut date: March 2
Rosario repeated with Double-A Tulsa last season and switched from starting to relief pitching, putting up a 4.67 ERA with 87 strikeouts and 51 walks in 79 innings.
The older brother of Dodgers pitcher River Ryan, Ryder pitched in parts of 2023-24 in the majors with the Mariners and Pirates. Last year in the Pirates system, Ryder Ryan had a 4.73 ERA in 42 games, with 61 strikeouts and 38 walks in 72 1/3 innings in Triple-A Indianapolis.
LHP — Adam Serwinowski (73) 2025 spring training: Reds (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 22 How acquired: 3-team trade, July 31, 2025 Cut date: March 2
RHP — Jordan Weems (45) 2025 spring training: Braves (NRI) 2025 highest level: MLB (Astros) 2026 age: 33 How acquired: minor league free agent, February 9, 2026 Cut date: March 8
Weems pitched in the majors in each of the last six seasons, including allowing seven runs in 4 1/3 innings for Houston in 2025. Between Gwinnett and Sugar Land in Triple-A, the right-hander had a 4.44 ERA in 39 games, with 49 strikeouts and 23 walks in 46 2/3 innings.
RHP — Lucas Wepf (90) 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 24 How acquired: non-drafted free agent, 2022 Cut date: March 8
Wepf had a 2.79 ERA in 23 games for Tulsa last season with 36 strikeouts, 16 walks, and no home runs allowed in 29 innings. But his season ended in June, missing the final two and a half months on the injured list.
Catchers
C — Eliézer Alfonzo (64) Bats both, throws right 2025 spring training: Tigers (NRI) 2025 highest level: Triple-A 2026 age: 26 How acquired: minor league free agent, November 17, 2025
Alfonzo spent the last nine years in the Detroit Tigers’ minor league system. He hit .247/.297/.322 with 14 doubles in 65 games last season, including eight games with Triple-A Toledo in his first time at that level. His father, also named Eliézer Alfonzo, played six seasons in the majors and was a non-roster invitee in Dodgers camp in 2013.
C — Griffin Lockwood-Powell (92) Bats right, throws right 2025 spring training: Dodgers (NRI) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 28 How acquired: non-drafted free agent, 2021 Cut date: March 8
Hit .226/.350/.326 in 81 games last year while repeating in Double-A Tulsa. Started five games at first base and five more at designated hitter in addition to his team-leading 69 starts behind the plate in 2025.
C — Nelson Quiroz (87) Bats left, throws right 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 24 How acquired: international free agent, April 1, 2019 Cut date: March 2
Quiroz split time between Great Lakes and Tulsa last season, and hit .333/.393/.441 with 13 doubles and a 139 wRC+ in 55 games between both levels.
C — Chuckie Robinson (52) Bats right, throws right 2025 spring training: Angels 2025 highest level: MLB (Dodgers) 2026 age: 31 How acquired: minor league deal, December 18, 2025 Cut date: March 2
Robinson spent time on the 40-man rosters of the Angels, Dodgers, and Braves in 2025, but only played in the majors in one game, with Los Angeles in September. After ending the season in the minors with Atlanta, the veteran backstop signed a minor league deal with Dodgers in December.
C — Seby Zavala (33) Bats right, throws right 2025 spring training: Red Sox (NRI) 2025 highest level: Triple-A 2026 age: 32 How acquired: minor league free agent, February 5, 2026 Cut date: March 22
Zavala played parts of five seasons in the majors. Last year he his .165/.274/.340 with eight home runs in 67 games for Triple-A Worcester.
Position players
OF — Josue De Paula (95) Bats left, throws left 2025 spring training: Dodgers (NRI) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 21 How acquired: international free agent, 2022 Cut date: March 8
De Paula is the highest-rated Dodgers prospect by average ranking entering 2026, ranked between 14th and 24th in baseball by Baseball Prospectus, MLB Pipeline, The Athletic, ESPN, and Baseball America. This came after a .250/.391/.400 season with a 132 wRC+ and 32 steals, mostly for Great Lakes before getting promoted to Tulsa for the final week of the season. De Paula also homered in the 2025 MLB Futures Game in Atlanta to win game MVP honors.
OF — Zach Ehrhard (99) Bats right, throws right 2025 spring training: Red Sox (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 23 How acquired: trade with Boston, July 31, 2025 Cut date: March 16
A fourth-round pick of the Red Sox in 2024, Ehrhard came to the Dodgers in the Dustin May trade along with fellow NRI James Tibbs III. Ehrhard hit .282/.391/.466 with a 143 wRC+ and 13 extra-base hits in 35 games with Double-A Tulsa.
2B/3B/SS — Santiago Espinal (21) Bats right, throws right 2025 spring training: Reds 2025 highest level: MLB 2026 age: 31 How acquired: minor league free agent, February 17, 2026 Selected to roster: March 18
Veteran infielder played in the majors in each of the previous six seasons with the Blue Jays and Reds. Espinal has a career 107 wRC+ against left-handed pitching and has played third base, second base, and shortstop extensively.
IF/OF — Ryan Fitzgerald (46) Bats left, throws right 2025 spring training: Twins (minors) 2025 highest level: MLB (Twins) 2026 age: 32 How acquired: waiver claim, January 9, 2026 Cut date: March 18
The utility man made his major league debut with the Twins at age 31 last season, splitting his time almost evenly between shortstop, second base, and third base. In his minor league career, Fitzgerald has started at all three outfield spots and all four infield positions. Fitzgerald was designated for assignment when the Dodgers signed Andy Ibáñez on January 13, then a week later after clearing waivers was sent outright to the minors.
OF — Kendall George (0) Bats left, throws left 2025 spring training: Dodgers (NRI) 2025 highest level: High-A 2026 age: 21 How acquired: 2023 draft, first round Cut date: March 8
The speedy center fielder stole an eye-popping 100 bases for Great Lakes, just the fourth player in Dodgers organizational history to do so. He got there with a strong second-half kick that improved his seasonal line to .295/.409/.370 with a 131 wRC+.
1B/OF — Matt Gorski (56) Bats right, throws right 2025 spring training: Pirates (NRI) 2025 highest level: MLB 2026 age: 28 How acquired: minor league free agent, July 23, 2025 Cut date: March 2
Gorski made his major league debut last April with the Pirates, got hurt in Triple-A Indianapolis in May, and was released in July. The Dodgers signed him to a minor league deal last July, but he spent the rest of the season on the injured list and has not yet played in the organization.
1B/2B/LF — Keston Hiura (9) Bats right, throws right 2025 spring training: Rockies (NRI) 2025 highest level: MLB 2026 age: 29 How acquired: minor league free agent, February 12, 2026 Cut date: March 2
Hiura has played parts of six seasons in the majors with the Brewers, Angels, and Rockies, though only 18 of those games came in the last three seasons. The former UC Irvine Anteater hit .272/.369/.507 with a 107 wRC+ and 21 home runs in 100 games with Triple-A Albquerque in 2025.
OF — Zyhir Hope (94) Bats left, throws left 2025 spring training: Dodgers (NRI) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 21 How acquired: trade with Cubs, January 11, 2024 Cut date: March 16
Hope hit .266/.376/.428 with a 131 wRC+ mostly for Great Lakes, and was promoted with De Paula to Tulsa for the final week of the season. Hope’s average rank of the five national outlets so far is the 37th-best prospect in baseball heading into 2026, topping out at No. 18 at Baseball Prospectus.
SS — Noah Miller (88) Bats both, throws right 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Triple-A 2026 age: 23 How acquired: trade with Twins, February 27, 2024 Cut date: March 16
Acquired for Manuel Margot before the 2024 season, Miller struggled at the plate in his first taste of Triple-A, hitting .238/.269/.344 in 59 games for Oklahoma City. But strong defense his his calling card. Baseball America rated Miller the Dodgers’ 23rd-best prospect in the system and said, “Miller is the Dodgers’ best infield defender and has the skills to lock down any position on the dirt. He is quick, agile and fearless and has a strong, accurate throwing arm as well. Those skills alone should get him to the big leagues and keep him there for a long time.”
OF — Chris Newell (00) Bats left, throws left 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 25 How acquired: 2022 draft, 13th round Cut date: March 2
Newell hit .241/.346/.428 with a 118 wRC+ for Tulsa last season with 20 home runs and 24 stolen bases. Coupled with his 25 home runs and 31 steals in 2024, Newell is the only Dodgers minor leaguer with a 20-homer, 20-steal season (let alone two) in the last four years.
IF/OF — Nick Senzel (15) Bats right, throws right 2025 spring training: Mexican League (independent) 2025 highest level: Triple-A 2026 age: 31 How acquired: minor league free agent, May 1, 2025 Cut date: March 22
Senzel played parts of six seasons in the majors (2019-24) with the Reds, Nationals, and White Sox before joining the Dodgers last season. In 2025 with Oklahoma City, Senzel started games at third base, left field, right field, shortstop, second base, and center field.
After a strong first two years in Pittsburgh, Suwinski struggled with a 59 OPS+ in 2024-25 combined. Suwinski cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A on March 2, knocking him off the Dodgers’ 40-man roster and into non-roster invitee status.
OF — James Tibbs III (98) Bats left, throws left 2025 spring training: Giants (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 23 How acquired: trade with Boston, July 31, 2025 Cut date: March 16
A first-round pick of the Giants in 2024, Tibbs was traded for Rafael Devers in June, then dealt with Ehrhard for Dustin May in July. With Tulsa, Ehrhard hit .269/.407/.493 with a 155 wRC+ and seven home runs in 36 games after the latter trade. Tibbs was rated the Dodgers’ ninth-best prospect heading into this season by FanGraphs.
LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Liverpool's season has been far from perfect. Now coach Arne Slot says the remainder of the campaign will have to be near-faultless if the defending Premier League champion is to secure Champions League qualification.
It says everything about Liverpool's ever-worsening title defense that Slot is focusing on a top-four finish with 13 rounds still to play.
Liverpool is still in the Champions League and the FA Cup, so there is a lot yet to play for. But in the Premier League, at least, Slot, who won the title in his debut season last year, has had to lower his sights.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's game at Sunderland, Slot said his team had to be “close to perfection” to secure a place in next season's Champions League.
The top four places qualify for European club soccer's elite competition. England is likely to receive a fifth spot because of the performances of English teams in Europe this season.
Liverpool is sixth — five points behind Manchester United in fourth — and four back from fifth-place Chelsea.
“So to close the gap of four or five points towards the number three, four or five that means you have to win a lot,” Slot said Tuesday. “And that’s not what we’ve done this season a lot, so that’s why that has to be better and we have to come close to perfection.
“If we don’t have Champions League football it has definitely not been an acceptable season.”
Liverpool has won one of its last seven Premier League games and Slot said it was the most challenging season he has had as a coach.
“The players are not used to losing a lot or having a lot of draws. I’m not used to that as well,” he said. "It’s always more of a challenge after you lose a game of football to get them going again than after a win (and) telling them we were not as good as they might think they were.
“So, yes, this season has been more challenging for me as well, but you also take nice things out of it, weird (as) that may sound because I also look at how much improvement we are making.”
MILAN — Sidney Crosby doesn’t need the Olympic Winter Games to define his legacy.
Three Stanley Cups, multiple Hart Trophies, international gold already tucked away — his résumé is secure. And yet, the way he talks about the Olympics still sounds like someone chasing a childhood dream rather than a player who has spent two decades on the world’s biggest stages.
Sidney Crosby has all the feels looking back at the 2016 @penguins team that won the #StanleyCup 🏆
“I have always wanted to play in the NHL, but watching the Olympians was always a special moment as someone who grew up playing a lot of sports,” Crosby said. “I know how important it is. There is so much to love about it, so anytime you can put on that Canadian jersey, there is so much pride.”
That feeling hasn’t dulled with age. If anything, it has sharpened. Pulling on the Canadian jersey still carries weight, still demands something extra. Crosby doesn’t speak about it lightly. There is pride in the crest, but also responsibility—an understanding of what it represents to players who grew up the same way he did, staring at their televisions and dreaming of just having the chance to compete on that stage, let alone win a gold medal. Today, the screens may be smaller in some cases and the platforms more varied, but the dream flickering behind them remains exactly the same.
The Uncertainty of Missed Olympics
The past two Olympic cycles only reinforced that appreciation. With NHL players prohibited from competing in the Winter Olympics in 2018 and 2022., the uncertainty took a toll. Crosby admitted it was difficult not knowing whether he would ever get another opportunity.
“It was difficult. You try not to get your hopes up too much, but you also had to be ready in case we did go,” he explained. “It was a bit of a rollercoaster. I am really happy we have the opportunity to come back here. It is an amazing experience.”
Now that the opportunity is real again, Crosby — along with a host of his fellow Olympians — feels a sense of relief. There is gratitude in his voice for another chance to lead his country on the Olympic stage. The memory of the game-winning overtime goal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics still lingers, not because of the goal alone, but because of the weight attached to it. The country was watching. The world was watching. The moment demanded something extraordinary.
Those are the games Crosby still craves at 38 years old. The competitiveness that defined him as a teenager hasn’t faded. He still yearns for another trip to the podium — or at the very least, a chance at one. These are the games where the noise is deafening, the stakes unmistakable, and the outcome remembered long after the final horn. That has been the essence of Crosby’s career, whether it was a Stanley Cup victory, the golden goal in Vancouver, or scoring the game-winner in a shootout at the inaugural NHL Winter Classic.
Crosby Thrives Under Pressure
Pressure comes with the territory. It always has. Crosby has lived his entire career under it. Asked to compare a Stanley Cup playoff Game 7 to an Olympic gold medal final, he didn’t hesitate. To him, they are cut from the same cloth — one game, everything on the line, no margin for error.
Credit: Aaron Doster. Crosby hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2017.
“They are pretty similar. Think about game seven (in the Stanley Cup) versus going for a gold medal – it is one game, especially playing in Canada (at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games). There were a lot of expectations.
“Both are pressure-packed for different reasons, but those are the games you want to be in.”
When asked whether that golden goal in overtime remains the highlight of his career, he didn’t deflect.
“It is up there, and it would be hard to beat. It was an amazing game and an amazing Olympics.”
One More Opportunity
Now, with the possibility that this could be his final appearance on the Olympic stage, Crosby comes across as more reflective than ever. He speaks with appreciation — not only for the opportunity to still be here, but for the fact that he is still regarded as one of the world’s elite players. He is quick to praise his younger teammates, seeing flashes of his younger self in them: hungry, driven, and eager to test themselves in front of the entire world. He has been in their skates before, and he knows exactly how much a gold medal would mean to them and their families.
"Hopefully (we capture gold)," Crosby added. "I'll see how long I can go. I definitely appreciate the opportunity.
"Just knowing how competitive it is – I see so many guys that want to be part of this team. It means a lot to them."
For Sidney Crosby, the Olympics are not a detour from his NHL legacy. They are a return to its starting point — a reminder of why he fell in love with the game in the first place.
The Dodgers open spring training this week, with pitchers and catchers scheduled to report on Thursday, February 12.
Here’s an inside look at where the team stands as camp begins:
Shohei Ohtani pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series. Getty Images
Best position battle
If the Dodgers get through spring with a fully healthy roster, most positions should take care of themselves. However, Tommy Edman is uncertain for opening day as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. So too is Blake Snell, after slow-playing his winter throwing program while treating a lingering shoulder injury.
If Edman starts the year on the IL, it will create at least a temporary opening at second base. Miguel Rojas would figure to get plenty of the at-bats, but there could also be a runway for either Hyeseong Kim or Alex Freeland to carve out an opening day role.
In the rotation, a potential Snell absence could open a spot for one of the Dodgers’ younger arms, such as River Ryan or Gavin Stone, among others, to earn an opening-day spot.
Most intriguing minor leaguer
There has been growing excitement around the organization in Ryan, who debuted as a top prospect in 2024 and posted a 1.33 ERA in four starts before going down with Tommy John surgery. Since then, the right-hander has bulked up by roughly 30 pounds, added life to his upper-90s mph fastball, and impressed club officials in his throwing program this winter.
Whether or not he starts the season in the majors, he’ll almost certainly have a role to play at some point. And if his brief debut a couple years ago was any indication, he could be primed for a breakout campaign.
Tommy Edman runs the bases after hitting a home run against the New York Yankees. Getty Images
Story to watch develop
The Dodgers have been open about their need to manage the starting rotation’s workload this year, coming off the heavy burden they shoulder in the 2025 playoffs. It’s why the team is already preaching patience with Snell. And it will be a subplot to follow as other veteran arms ramp up for the year.
Outside of Snell, the Dodgers’ other starters have reported feeling OK so far with the quick turnaround from last season. But as intensity heightens in the spring, so too will the threat of lingering after-effects being felt. By the time they get to opening day, the Dodgers should have a better idea of how their pitching staff rebounded from last October.
Manager’s toughest challenge
The Dodgers will have one of the oldest lineups in the majors this year. And manager Dave Roberts has already acknowledged the need to find his veterans more regular rest.
It won’t be easy. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, for example, have been loath to off days in recent years. Thus, Roberts will have to find the right balance between keeping his older bats fresh, and keeping them happy and in-rhythm as they continue to age. It will be an ongoing challenge for the 10th-year skipper.
Blake Snell pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays. Getty Images
Most intriguing newcomer
It’s been five years since Kenley Jansen left the Dodgers. Since then, they’ve struggled to find a defined, consistent closer, having not had one reliever with a 25-save season.
That should change now, with the arrival of Edwin Díaz and his 253 career saves. The Dodgers invested $69 million in him to anchor the relief corps. And as long as he clicks, a weak Dodgers bullpen from last season should be a strength in their three-peat bid.
Most notable absence
For two decades, Clayton Kershaw has been the face of the Dodgers franchise. For the first time since 2006, he won’t be at camp for spring training.
The Dodgers, of course, have plenty of options to replace the retired left-hander in the rotation. But his clubhouse presence will leave a void, creating a Hall of Fame-sized hole that will be felt this spring.
Miguel Rojas celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays. Getty Images
Don’t be surprised if it becomes an issue
Injuries, and not just to the rotation. Freeman will be 36 this year, Max Muncy 35, Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernandez both 33, and Will Smith, Shohei Ohtani and Edman all 31. While the Dodgers have battled injuries in recent years, they’ve largely had their entire lineup healthy come the playoffs. Accomplishing that again will only get harder as time goes on.
Pitching absences are already expected. The Dodgers have to hope position player losses don’t become a problem either.
Biggest comeback
Ohtani completed his two-way comeback last year. But now, he will enter a season without any health restrictions for the first time since 2023, when he had arguably his most complete career year.
Ohtani will begin this campaign as the frontrunner for his fifth MVP. He could very well wind up in the Cy Young conversation, too. The Dodgers have already seen historic feats from their $700 million star. Now, they’ll get their first look at a full season of Ohtani playing both ways full-time.
