PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 13: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after batting in the final during the 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It’s a difficult task to follow a season like the one Kyle Schwarber had in 2025. He finished first in the National League and second across all of baseball with 56 homers, led all of baseball with 132 RBIs, tied his career best with a .928 OPS, played in all 162 games, and finished second in MVP voting. It was a tall order, but Schwarber looked well on his way to not only equaling that season but possibly passing it in the first half of 2026.
However, Schwarber was decidedly not himself in the second half, as his production dropped mightily after suffering a mysterious back ailment in late June that caused him to change his swing. His full season numbers still averaged out for him to finish the year in a tie for the MLB lead in home runs with 45, but Schwarber’s second half slump will lead to concerns slipping into 2027 as he gets another year older.
2026 regular season stats: 156 games played, .232/.354/.503, .853 OPS, 45 HR, 97 RBI, 130 wRC+,2.9 fWAR
What went right
Schwarber picked up right where he left off from 2025 in the early parts of 2026. He slugged 22 home runs through the season’s first 56 games at the end of May, just ahead of his pace from last year when he had 19 homers through 58 games by Memorial Day. By the end of the year, he had been personally responsible for 45 of the Phillies’ 182 total homers, placing the teams with the 17th most after ranking ninth with 212 last season. Outside of Bryce Harper, Schwarber was the Phillies only real source of consistent power, as no other Phillies player besides those two had more than 19 HRs in 2026.
With the All-Star game being held in Philadelphia for the first time at Citizens Bank Park, it was widely expected that Schwarber would take advantage of that prodigious power and take part in the Home Run Derby, especially after his performance in the swing off to end the 2025 All-Star game that earned him MVP honors. And take part he did, and Schwarber put on a show in front of a raucous home crowd before ultimately falling short as the runner up to Jordan Walker of the Cardinals.
Schwarber also finally broke the team’s three-year streak without a walk-off home run, as his mammoth blast on August 23rd that hit the batter’s eye in center field capped off a historic six-run comeback that preserved the Phillies then nine-game winning streak. In a season filled with frustration that ended with a whimper, that two-out rally was easily one of the highlights of the year for the Phillies.
It flew under the radar a bit as the Phillies offense as a whole struggled in the second half, but Schwarber fell off dramatically after the All-Star break. After slashing .254/.367/.560 in the first half, Schwarber slumped to a .199/.336/.416 batting line in the second half. The team routinely downplayed the impact of the mysterious back injury, but its existence coupled with his second half performance casts doubt on just how healthy Schwarber was as the season went on.
Schwarber also struck out at his highest career rate since 2017, as he punched out in 31.4% of his plate appearances in 2026, way up from the 27.2% mark from 2025. He chased at a higher rate than normal, offering at 26.1% of pitches he saw out of the strike zone, a notable increase from his 21.5% chase rate in 2025 and his highest since the shortened 2020 season. That combination led to Schwarber racking up 220 strikeouts, just seven shy of Colson Montgomery of the White Sox who set the new MLB single season record for strikeouts in a season, dethroning Mark Reynolds’ 223 Ks from 2009. Schwarber has always been one to rack up the strikeouts, but this much of a jump as he enters his mid-30s should be cause for some alarm.
Final Grade: B+
Schwarber was one of the only two above average hitters in the Phillies regular starting lineup and was a legitimate All-Star in the first half, but his crash in the second half keeps this grade from being any higher.
Fair or not, Schwarber and his counterpart Harper are judged to a higher standard than the rest of the offense as they are the two biggest threats in a lineup that severely lacks them. If they don’t perform, the offense suffers. Therefore, it’s no coincidence that the Phillies struggled in September as Schwarber bottomed out with a .172 AVG and .710 OPS in the month. The Phillies will need Schwarber to age well, as he is only entering the second year of his new five year, $150M contract. The absolute last thing the team needs is another anchor of a contract weighing them down.
Apr 1, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell (5) slides in safely ahead of the tag by Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Ben Williamson (15) in the third inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Entering this season, only five teams had never won a World Series: the Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, and Colorado Rockies. The Brewers already had to go through one of those teams to get to this point, defeating the Padres in four games in the NLDS. They then took out the Dodgers, who were going for a third consecutive World Series title. Now, they have to take out one more team to finish the job, and it’s another team that has never won a title before — the Rays.
Earlier today, Harrison looked at the current connections between these two teams. However, these two teams have been connected since the Rays were founded in 1998. They have had similar struggles, but also similar success. Over the past 28 years, these two teams have been building up to this moment, working through those struggles and that success to get here.
The connection between these two teams starts all the way back in 1995, when MLB was in the process of expanding from 28 teams to 30. They awarded expansion franchises to two cities — Phoenix and Tampa Bay. One was placed in each league, bringing each up to 15 teams starting in 1998. However, that caused a problem since interleague play was not part of the schedule yet. If they left it as is, one team in each league would be forced to be idle every day. Their solution was to move one team from the American League to the National League, and the Milwaukee Brewers were chosen to move. Instead of the Brewers and Rays both playing in the AL, they ended up in different leagues.
These two teams then saw their first modern success in the same season. In 2008, the Brewers ended a 26-year postseason drought when they clinched the NL Wild Card spot (only one was awarded at this time) on the final day of the season. In that same season, the Rays made a drastic turnaround. After rebranding and dropping the “Devil” from their name, they won a team-record 97 games and won the AL East, clinching the second seed. Prior to that year, they had not won more than 70 games in a year. Their drought was considerably shorter — this was only their 11th season in MLB — but it was still history for them.
That year’s postseason was drastically different for the two teams. The Brewers’ run was short, falling to the Phillies in four games in the NLDS. They did claim their first postseason win since 1982, but that was about it. On the other side, the Rays made a postseason run. They defeated the third-seed White Sox in four games, then the fourth-seed Red Sox in seven games. Their run would end against the Phillies in the World Series, losing in five games.
From there, the teams had different trajectories over the next few seasons. The Brewers only made it back to the postseason once in the next decade — in 2011, when they won the NL Central for the first time and made it to the NLCS, losing to the Cardinals in six games. The Rays made three more postseason appearances, winning the AL East again in 2010. They then claimed the AL Wild Card spot in 2011 and one of two spots in 2013 (the second Wild Card spot was added in 2012). However, they didn’t advance past the ALDS in any of those three years.
Both teams then entered a period of rebuilding. The Brewers didn’t make it to the playoffs for six straight seasons between 2012 and 2017 before breaking that streak in 2018, when they won the NL Central for the second time. The Rays missed the playoffs for five straight seasons between 2014 and 2018, but broke that streak in 2019 when they claimed one of the two AL Wild Card spots.
Since then, both teams have been regular participants in the postseason. The Rays made it to the postseason in five straight seasons from 2019 to 2023. They had another World Series run in that period, losing to the Dodgers in six games in the shortened 2020 season. The Rays also led the AL in 2021 with 100 wins, their only 100-win season in franchise history.
Meanwhile, following the 2018 postseason run to the NLCS, the Brewers clinched Wild Card spots in 2019 and 2020 (the latter as a 29-31 team in a season that featured five Wild Card teams in each league). They then won the NL Central in five of the next six seasons, only narrowly missing the postseason in 2022.
The Brewers and Rays now enter the 2026 World Series at the top of their leagues. The Brewers won the NL Central for the seventh time. It’s also their four straight title and fifth in the last six seasons. The Rays won the AL East for the first time since 2021, and it was their fifth division title. Both teams led their leagues in wins, with the Brewers also recording their first 100-win season in franchise history with 103 wins.
That sets up what will be a historic World Series. For only the second time in the last 100 years, the World Series will feature two teams that have never won a title. The only other occurrence happened in 1980, when the Phillies defeated the Royals for their first title. You have to go back to 1920 to find the previous occurrence before that one, when the Cleveland Indians faced the Brooklyn Robins. It’s also guaranteed to be a first-time winner for the first time since 2023, when the Rangers won.
It’s going to be a hard-fought series to get to that final goal. History will be made either way. It all starts in just two days in Milwaukee.
NEW YORK, NY - CIRCA 1953: Whitey Ford of the New York Yankees poses with a ball in 1953 In Yankee Stadium in New York City. (Photo Reproduction by Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While the Yankees may be known for its prolific sluggers than for its hurlers, the organization does have a strong tradition of left-handed aces: CC Sabathia and Lefty Gomez have been enshrined in Cooperstown, and Andy Pettitte and Ron Guidry in Monument Park. In each of the past two seasons, a different southpaw took the ball on Opening Day — Max Fried this year, Carlos Rodón last year — a testament to the enduring legacy of the lefty starter in the Bronx.
Even among this great history, though, one pitcher stands alone: the “Chairman of the Board” himself, Whitey Ford, who came in at No. 8 in our Top 100 Yankees list two years ago — the highest among starters, and second among pitchers only to Mariano Rivera.
Edward Charles “Whitey” Ford Born: October 21, 1928 (Manhattan, NY) Died: October 8, 2020 (Lake Success, NY) Yankees Tenure: 1950, 1953-67 (player); 1964, 1968, 1974-75 (coach)
Born in Manhattan and raised in Astoria, Ford came to the attention of the Yankees at an open tryout in 1947. A first baseman for the Manhattan School of Aviation Trades high school team, the Yankees scouts instead saw potential in his left arm, taught him a curveball, and watched him dominate the Queens-Nassau semipro league. After the Red Sox offered him $1,000 to sign, his hometown team offered him an initial $5500, upped their offer to $7000, and got him to sign the dotted line just like that.
After two years in the minors, during which time the man called Eddie’s blonde hair earned him the nickname “Whitey” from manager Lefty Gomez, Ford got the call to the Bronx halfway through the 1950 season. His first appearance, working out of the bullpen, was an absolute disaster, as he surrendered 5 runs on 7 hits and 6 walks in 4.2 innings. As it turned out, though, Ford was tipping his pitches, and after some work with the pitching coach, he settled in as a starter/multi-inning reliever: across his final 19 appearances, he posted a 2.52 ERA in 107.1 innings, earning him some down-ballot MVP votes and making him the runner-up in the Rookie of the Year vote. He made his postseason debut that October, throwing 8.2 innings to help the Yankees clinch a sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies.
The outbreak of the Korean War put Ford’s career on pause, as the young man was drafted into the Army. While he did engage in some real military work — he fell off a telephone pole not once, but twice, while working for the Signal Corps — much of his time was spent playing for the Fort Monmouth Signaleers baseball club. Although I’m sure the Yankees balked at his extensive usage, as he pitched four or five times a week, the arrangement was conducive for Ford: he was close enough to home to throw out the ceremonial first pitch in his Army uniform in 1951, and to marry his high school sweetheart, Joan, while on leave in New York.
Following his return from military service, Ford slotted back into the rotation, as the team’s fourth starter behind Allie Reynolds, Vic Raschi, and Eddie Lopat — already a fairly dominant rotation. Soon, however, it became clear that the real ace of the staff was the young southpaw. Manager Casey Stengel realized it and was often selective in how he used Ford, as he would skip a start here and there so that “Slick” was almost always starting against the American League’s toughest foes. Ford himself chafed at this, as he would’ve preferred to just have a consistent spot, which he wouldn’t get until Ralph Houk took over for Stengel in 1961 — perhaps not coincidentally the same year he won his first and only* Cy Young Award with a career-high 283 innings and 39 starts.
*Ford could have won more Cys, but the honor was first awarded in 1956 and it was an overall MLB honor until 1967, when the AL and NL began issuing separate Cys.
For a span of 13 years from 1953 through 1965, Ford was one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball. The numbers are, themselves, impressive: in this span, he posted a 2.77 ERA (a 131 ERA+), averaged 17.2 wins and 11.3 complete games per season; the accolades, even more so — eight All-Star appearances, the aforementioned 1961 Cy, 10 AL pennants, and five more championship rings. He won the 1961 World Series MVP against Cincinnati as well, as this was the Fall Classic that saw him break Babe Ruth’s then-record with 33.2 consecutive scoreless innings in World Series play.
But these don’t stats don’t do Ford’s performance justice. His left arm, consistent in its performance even as it battled injuries as his career progressed, served as one of the anchors of more than a decade of Yankees dominance — an anchor often overshadowed by other events on the team (e.g., the Maris/Mantle race for 61 in ‘61) and by other pitchers throughout the league (e.g., Sandy Koufax), but an anchor without which the dynasties of the 1950s and 1960s do not occur nonetheless.
By 1965, years of injuries — he had been dealing with circulatory problems in his left arm since his Cy Young season — had finally begun to truly take their toll, and he was scuffing the ball more and more while combining for only 177 innings between 1966 and ‘67. He retired at the end of May 1967, at 38 years of age. Seven years later, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame alongside his longtime pal Mantle.
While he stopped pitching, he never truly stepped away from the game: he had multiple coaching stints, saw his No. 16 retired on August 3, 1974, received a plaque in Monument Park in 1987, and was honored on the 50th anniversary of his original signing in August 2000. A local and familiar face at Yankees Old-Timers’ Day and spring training, Ford was also no stranger to ceremonial first pitches on Opening Day or in the postseason.
The last surviving key member of the mid-century dynasty, Ford passed away on October 8, 2020, watching Yankees southpaw Jordan Montgomery lead the Yanks past the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 of the ALDS — a fitting activity for one of the all-time greats. Today would be his 98th birthday, and we wish Whitey’s family well!
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The New York Islanders (5-3-1) won again on Tuesday night inside UBS Arena, knocking off the Anaheim Ducks 3-2.
The win marked the Islanders' fourth in UBS Arena already, giving them a 4-1-0 record on home ice to start the year.
That's the best start at home for the franchise since moving to UBS Arena in the 2021-22 season.
In 2025-26, the Islanders went 22-17-2 on home ice. in 2024-25, they went 19-17-5.
If the Islanders can keep this winning momentum on home ice going, their win totals this year will blow those close-to-.500 records out of the water.
Stacking wins on home ice is extremely important for the Islanders, with an especially road-heavy schedule over the next month.
Between October 21 and November 21, the Islanders play 13 games, 8 of which are on the road, including 8 of the final 12.
Only one of those eight road games takes place in the Eastern Time Zone. That game is on November 21 against the Detroit Red Wings.
Over the course of five days from October 25 to 29, the Islanders take a funky road trip against three Central Division opponents, starting with the Dallas Stars, heading back northeast to see the Nashville Predators before shooting back northwest to take on the Minnesota Wild.
The Islanders get eight days at home, starting with the Islanders hosting the Edmonton Oilers on Halloween. Then, the Islanders get four straight off days from November 1 through 4.
Two divisional foes, the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils, then swing by UBS Arena before the Islanders hit the road again for a three-game swing through California, lasting one week.
New York gets home for one game against the Columbus Blue Jackets before a two-game trip to Winnipeg and Detroit ends the funky month of travel.
All eyes will be on Brady Tkachuk when the Florida Panthers visit Canadian Tire Centre on Wednesday night. But while the return of the former captain will dominate all the headlines, the Panthers are also bringing another interesting storyline to town.
They're travelling with a goaltender who is about to become the tallest in NHL history.
Cooper Black stands an imposing 6-foot-8, and the 25-year-old is on the verge of making his NHL debut after being recalled from the American Hockey League's Charlotte Checkers.
Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss Brady Tkachuk's homecoming (Sens Nation Podcast).
Black got the call after Florida's starting goaltender, Jacob Markstrom, suffered an upper-body injury during Monday's practice. The veteran, who's often been Linus Ullmark's running mate on the Swedish national team, is expected to miss 10 to 14 days.
Akira Schmid is expected to get the start against the Sens on Wednesday, with Black serving as his backup. But Maurice has already indicated that the towering rookie will likely see game action during Florida's four-game road trip.
When Black finally steps onto NHL ice, whether that happens Wednesday night or not, he'll stand alone in the record books.
The current record of 6-foot-7 is shared by five goaltenders, including two with ties to the Senators: Mads Sogaard and Ben Bishop. The others are former Edmonton Oilers netminder Mikko Koskinen, Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Ivan Fedotov and Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Dennis Hildeby.
Bishop, who only played 23 games for the Sens, went on to become one of the NHL's top goaltenders, earning three Vezina nominations. Sogaard, meanwhile, spent several seasons in the Sens organization after they selected him in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft.
Black's road to the NHL has been a little different.
The Alpena, Michigan native was never drafted into the NHL. Instead, he played two seasons at Dartmouth College, where he steadily improved his numbers and attracted the attention of the Panthers.
Florida signed him to an entry-level contract in April 2024, and he began his professional career with Charlotte, where he worked his way up over the past two years. The Panthers feel like he's ready for this.
"That's a big lad, and he moves like an athlete," Maurice told reporters on Tuesday. "He's been good. He's been good in practice. He looks like he fits. He looks comfortable. It's the right time for him to get in."
For Sens fans, Wednesday's game will understandably be all about Tkachuk, the former captain who requested a trade and will be returning to Canadian Tire Centre for the first time in a Panthers uniform.
But at the far end of the Panthers’ bench, there will be a 6-foot-8 rookie goaltender in a ball cap, waiting for his chance to make a little NHL history of his own.
Speaking during the Yankees' end-of-season news conference Wednesday, owner Hal Steinbrenner said in a roundabout way that he's in favor of MLB adopting a salary cap.
With the CBA set to expire and a lockout expected to begin on Dec. 1, MLB has sent numerous proposals to the MLBPA, with each proposal including a salary cap and floor.
"I'm not gonna get into a whole lot of labor," Steinbrenner said. "I've said before, let me put it this way as a member of the labor policy committee -- I helped craft, one of many, the proposals that we have given at the bargaining table. And I support those proposals in their entirety. That's absolutely the case, so that should answer your question."
The MLBPA is vehemently opposed to a hard salary cap, potentially setting up a contentious negotiation and prolonged lockout.
Asked to explain how a salary cap would benefit the Yankees, who are perennially one of the league's biggest spenders, Steinbrenner wouldn't answer. He instead chose to talk about not taking attention away from the upcoming World Series between the Brewers and Rays, while touching a bit on his optimism about MLB and the MLBPA reaching a deal.
"Guys, we're two days away from the World Series, okay? This in my mind is the time to celebrate the game," Steinbrenner said. "We've got two teams that were the best in their respective leagues record-wise. They deserve to be there. We've got two fanbases, two cities, they're ecstatic.
"Now is not the time we're gonna start labor conversations. It just is not. What I will say is as a member of the labor policy committee is that we are working hard on our end. We are completely focused on the task ahead of us, on the negotiating. And I'm optimistic we're gonna get a deal done, and we're gonna get a deal done that's favorable for both sides. That's really all I'll say -- I don't want to take anything away from what's going on right now and the excitement in the game because the World Series is getting ready to start. It's just not appropriate."
"I’m gonna be honest, payrolls at the levels we’re at right now are simply not sustainable for us financially," Steinbrenner explained. "It wouldn’t be sustainable for the vast majority of ownership [groups], given the luxury tax we have to pay."
Steinbrenner added at the time:
"I’ve been a broken record [on this topic]: I don’t believe I should have a $300 million payroll to win a championship. I believe I need a good mix of veterans, who are gonna make a lot more money, but, also, we’ve put a lot of money into our player development system in the last five-to-10 years. And in my opinion, we have one of the better ones in baseball now."
The Yankees owner threw the 26-man roster under the bus for their ALDS debacle this year in his first comments since the Bronx Bombers got swept by the Rays, particularly the offense.
“The bottom line is the players didn’t live up to their end of the bargain in the playoffs,” Steinbrenner said Wednesday morning in a Zoom session.
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He later added: “The offense, not the pitching, but the offense, had a big part … why we didn’t get to where we strive to get every year.”
Steinbrenner took aim at the players Wednesday after lauding general manager Brian Cashman and returning manager Aaron Boone for their performance this year.
He called the roster built by Cashman — who said Wednesday he’s agreed to a new contract — as good as any in baseball exiting spring training, and Steinbrenner believed that this roster could have won a World Series this season.
Steinbrenner also praised Boone for his performance during the season, particularly how he handled a rotation that dealt with injuries and a bullpen he labeled as “absolutely exhausted” by the end of the year.
Hal Steinbrenner (l) and Brian Cashman (r) during their Zoom session Wednesday. @TalkinYanks/X
He then pinned the blame for a 17th straight championship on the players and specifically called out the offense, which he labeled as “detrimental.”
The Yankees bats went cold against the Rays’ stellar pitching, slashing .130/.192/.239 with two home runs — both from Ben Rice — and totaling five runs, including a Game 1 shutout.
Cody Bellinger went 1-for-12 against the Rays, Trent Grisham went hitless in 11 at-bats, Luis Garcia Jr. hit 1-for-10 and Jazz Chisholm Jr. potentially ended his polarizing Yankees tenure by going 0-for-8.
Yankees center fielder Trent Grisham (12) strikes out swinging with a runner on base for the final out of the ninth inning during Game 3 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Only one Yankee who appeared in more than one game — Rice — hit better than .250 in the series.
The pitching posted a 2.52 ERA, although starters Gerrit Cole, Cam Schlittler and Max Fried all took losses in the series.
Steinbrenner also noted how the Yankees didn’t hit Boston’s starters well in two-sweep in the wild-card round, although they beat up their relievers to turn close games into blowouts.
He further remarked that this offensive flop marked the second straight year in which the bats got sleepy in the postseason, after being stymied by the Blue Jays in the ALDS last year.
“The offense was a big disappointment for me,” he said. “It has to be better.”
When pressed whether “World Series or bust” is still the mentality for the franchise despite this lengthy title drought, Steinbrenner insisted that’s still the case.
New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner leaves the MLB owner’s meeting held at MLB offices in New York, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
The Yankees have only made one World Series in 17 years since their last title in 2009, and they lost in in embarrassing fashion to the Dodgers in five games in the 2024 Fall Classic.
“That is our mission, that is our goal,” Steinbrenner said. “Yes, we failed at the goal this year but that is always our goal, which is why we put so much resources into the roster every offseason to field a team that can accomplish that and I certainly we had that team this year. It just didn’t pan out.’
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 15: Jake Bauers #9 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts after striking out against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning in game four of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Tampa Bay Rays — the top team in the American League — has held its own to achieve the third pennant in franchise history, and their second this decade.
The Milwaukee Brewers are back in the World Series for the first time since 1982, and they’re doing it as the National League’s best team. The 103-win Crew swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS and now host the Tampa Bay Rays in a matchup of two franchise-first title seekers. Game 1 is Friday at American Family Field.
Here’s a position-by-position look at the Brewers as they prepare for the Rays.
Catcher
William Contreras is the lead backstop for Milwaukee, and one of the most popular Brewers, as he has been one of the more reliable all-around catchers in the National League in recent years and in the playoffs, as his bat has stayed productive into October. He posted a strong 1.157 OPS with three homers through the NLCS while handling a staff that mixes elite velocity with a deep lefty presence.
At backup, the more familiar Gary Sánchez provides a power-oriented option off the bench.
Infield
The Brewers’ infield blends elite defense, speed, and opportunistic offense.
First base: Jake Bauers. The NLCS MVP has been the postseason story for Milwaukee. A well-known Rays prospect if you’ve read this site for any length of time, Bauers nearly retired but returned for what he considered one more season last year to keep his health insurance benefits after his wife became pregnant with their second child. Fast forward two seasons, and he has delivered lengthy at bats with power and timely hitting throughout October while providing solid enough defense at the corner. Veteran White Sox infielder Andrew Vaughn has also seen time at first and as a right-handed bat off the bench or at DH against lefties.
Second base: Brice Turang. One of the best all-around second basemen in baseball and the No. 2 hitter. Turang combines Gold Glove-caliber defense with improved power (21 home runs and 100 RBIs in the regular season) and baserunning. He’s a clear mismatch advantage and not to be trifled with.
Shortstop: Cooper Pratt. The 22-year old rookie shortstop has started the bulk of the postseason games. He’s shown a contact-oriented approach and improving glove work as the year has progressed, and pushing the previous starter Ortiz into a third base platoon.
Third base: Joey Ortiz / David Hamilton. This has been a platoon/mix-and-match spot. The right handed hitting Ortiz and left handed hitting Hamilton now split time depending on matchups. If we are drawing comparisons, neither matches Junior Caminero’s power, but both offer speed and defensive flexibility that fits Milwaukee’s style.
Outfield
Milwaukee’s outfield is built on athleticism, defense, and a rising star.
Left field: Jackson Chourio. This 22-year-old superstar has continued his rapid ascent in 2026. Already with multiple 20-20 seasons under his belt, Chourio brings power, speed, and improving defense. He’s the dynamic centerpiece of the lineup, their version of a Junior Caminero, and fun to watch.
Center field: Garrett Mitchell. Strong defensive center fielder who has delivered several big hits in the playoffs, including a go-ahead home run in the NLCS clincher. He gets on base and covers ground.
Right field: Sal Frelick. Elite defender with speed and contact skills. Luis Lara has spelled him against left-handers and provides another athletic option. The group ranks among the best defensive outfields in the league.
Technically also an outfielder, the Designated Hitter, Christian Yelich, remains in the lineup and was recently named club captain. While not at his peak production levels, his experience and ability to still impact games remain valuable, especially against right-handed pitching.
Rotation
Manager Pat Murphy has utilized short leashes and heavy bullpen support, but has a solid rotation heading into the World Series:
Jacob Misiorowski — The clear ace and yet to be crowned NL Cy Young winner (16-5, 1.80 ERA, 252 strikeouts in the regular season). He’s started Game 1 of both the NLDS and NLCS and will surely open the World Series. To say his high-velocity stuff that ranks among the best is an understatement. I half expected Misiorowski to mean fast in Polish, but apparently it’s something closer to bear.
Logan Henderson — The reliable No. 2. Solid second-half performer who has handled Game 2 duties effectively in his sophomore season as a homegrown talent.
Robert Gasser — Emerged as the preferred Game 3 option after strong late-season form and solid postseason outings (including shutout work in the NLCS). He was acquired in the Josh Hader trade with San Diego, over came a UCL surgery in 2025, and started the year in Triple-A, making his rise a bit unexpected. His dad’s best friend is evidently Vin Diesel.
Dustin May (with Shane Drohan as an Opener) — May has postseason experience but has been used carefully; Florida State alumni Drohan opened Game 4 in the NLCS, and the southpaw seems likely to get the nod again given how well that went last time.
No starter has gone particularly deep in October, which is by design. Milwaukee trusts its relievers to take over after four or five innings, limiting any time-through-the-order penalties.
Bullpen
This unit has been the difference-maker. The Brewers’ bullpen allowed just six earned runs across more than 40 postseason innings heading into the World Series and featured relievers earning the win in all four NLCS games during the sweep of Los Angeles.
Trevor Megill — 6’8” Closer. Reliable late-inning presence, and a bit of an invention by the Brewers, having been added for a PTBNL in April 2023.
Abner Uribe — Primary setup man. High-velocity right-hander who has been outstanding, despite blowing a save in Game 3 of the NLCS he’s been their best bullpen arm this month.
Aaron Ashby — Left-handed workhorse who has been nearly unhittable in October (multiple scoreless multi-inning outings) and got the save in Game 4 of the sweep.
DL Hall / JoJo Romero — Additional lefty depth options that each were credited wins in the NLCS.
Regular season starter Kyle Harrison will likely find his way into the mix as well. The group throws exceptionally hard on average and enters the series fully rested after the NLCS sweep and the Rays’ longer ALCS.
Conclusion
The Brewers’ formula is clear: elite defense, contact and speed on offense, an electric frontline starter, and a lights-out bullpen that can cover the middle and late innings.
Against a similarly constructed Rays team that also emphasizes pitching, defense, and small-ball elements, the series should be tight, low-scoring, and decided by the margins. Milwaukee holds home-field advantage and the deeper, harder-throwing relief corps—two factors that could prove decisive in a first-time-champion showdown.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4) walks toward the bench during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in San Francisco.
The 25-year-old’s two-year run with Los Angeles was tumultuous. Knecht, though, remained classy when addressing his now former franchise with a Facebook post after being released.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4) walks toward the bench during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in San Francisco. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
“Thank you, Los Angeles. Thank you to the Lakers organization, my teammates, the coaching staff, and especially the fans who supported me from day one. Wearing the purple and gold was an honor I will always cherish. Every moment, every lesson, and every opportunity helped me grow not only as a player but also as a person,” Knecht wrote.
“Things may not always go the way we expect, and sometimes life takes us in a different direction. Leaving this chapter behind is never easy, but I will always be grateful for the opportunity to represent one of the greatest franchises in NBA history. The love, the support, and the memories will always mean something special to me.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) dribbles the ball during a game against the Denver Nuggets, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. NBAE via Getty Images
“To the Lakers fans, thank you for believing in me, cheering for me, and being part of this journey. Although my time in Los Angeles may be over, my passion for the game remains the same. This is not the end of my story. It is simply the beginning of another chapter.
“Forever grateful for the purple and gold. / Thank you, Lakers Nation. .”
Dalton Knecht’s Facebook post after being released by the Los Angeles Lakers. (X/@lakeshowmnl).
Credit to Knecht for showing nothing but love to the Lakers’ franchise and fan base.
The No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft will now look to carve out a role for himself in another organization.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks battle for possession on a jump ball during the second quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2026 in New York City. 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 Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Isn’t it great to start the season with a loss in the standings…
…and a banner in the rafters?
Here’s what your Knickerbockers and Sixonians said after yesterday’s affair, one of 82 regular-season games. Breathe.
"I want to win, don't get me wrong. Don't get that twisted at all. I want to freaking win, but not at the expense of us skipping steps in the process."
On the Knicks’ championship ring ceremony and the organization’s efforts to organize it:
“I would like to give, and I don’t know who was behind it, but you know, obviously starting with Mr. Dolan and everybody else, you know, did a fantastic job with the ceremony.
“So I would like to acknowledge, you know, everybody else who was behind it. You know, okay, like you said, everybody, you know, you guys did a fantastic job; they weren’t mud like us, so thank you.”
On the Knicks’ performance in their season-opening loss to the 76ers:
“You know, what an ugly game. I want to give the 76ers, Nick Nurse and his team, a lot of credit. A long night for them, but they came out and they tried to do what they needed to do to get a win, so you give them credit first of all. But there were some things that we could have done better. Our transition defense was not good with our starting group in the third quarter. All throughout the game we looked like we were running in mud. Whether it was in the front court or it was in transition, we were not good getting to our spots and putting pressure on Philadelphia the right way… We talked about taking care of the ball. We did a little bit better job. But in a one- or two-possession game when you have 15 turnovers for 22 points, it makes it tough.”
On the Knicks’ slow movement and poor offensive spacing:
“Part of us looking like we were running in mud was our spacing wasn’t great. We were walking everywhere, which hurt our spacing.”
On the Knicks’ transition defense and the 76ers’ fast-break scoring:
“They had nine fast-break points in the first half [in how the Knicks track it]. And then in the second half, they had 19 fast-break points. That’s where the game was won and lost, especially in the third quarter when our starters were out there.”
On how difficult the Knicks’ opening-night performance was to watch:
“I don’t know about you guys, but that was a tough one for me to watch.”
On why a late Jalen Brunson comeback would not have satisfied him even if the Knicks had won the game:
“If Jalen Brunson hits those shots down the stretch and we win, for me personally as their coach, there’s going to be something inside of me that wished it wouldn’t happen. It’s almost like you’re playing with fire and you ended up winning that time without any water or one of them fire blankets to cover the fire.”
On why the Knicks must improve their execution instead of relying on Brunson’s late-game heroics:
“Is (Brunson) capable of making those shots? Yes. But if we played the right way, then it wouldn’t come down to that. But we put ourselves in a hole not doing the little things. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. And we have to watch the film and regroup and see how we can put a stretch of 48 minutes together.
“I want to win. Don’t get me wrong. Don’t get it twisted. I want to friggin’ win. But not at the expense of us skipping steps. So if he hits those shots down the stretch and we win, as a coach, there’s going to be something inside of me that wouldn’t be happy. Because it’s like you’re playing with fire, and you ended up winning that time without any water.”
On Andre Drummond’s debut:
“I thought that he played with a lot of bounce and energy. We probably ran him a little too long there because it looked like in the second half, not just him but all five of our starters too, ran a little bit out of gas.
“I have to keep getting to know him to see where the minutes may lie for him to be effective for us, but I thought that he was really really, really good on both ends of the floor during the first half.”
On the importance of the little things after the Knicks’ opening-night loss:
“We put ourselves in a hole not doing the other little things and, you know, sometimes it works at the end of the game, sometimes it doesn’t.”
On balancing the Knicks’ championship celebration with their opening-night responsibilities:
“It’s tough because, knock on wood, this could be a once in a lifetime thing. You never know. It’s hard. It’s hard to accomplish something like this.
“You definitely want guys to embrace it and celebrate it with each other because they went through a lot, with the fans, with the rest of the organization, and just with their families. So you don’t want to take that moment away from them. But in the same breath we obviously have a job to do tonight.”
On the Knicks’ slow start not defining their season:
“I keep telling myself that no matter what happens tonight — if we win by five, if we win by 20, if we lose by five, if we lose by 20 — there’s a lot of basketball left. Just because of whatever happens tonight is not going to define us. I would rather them enjoy the moment than me cutting it short or carving into their emotions based on their families and all that stuff being here. Like I said, it’s going to be hard to do, but that’s what we get paid to do so we’ll figure it out one way or another.”
On the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden and the uniqueness of Knicks fans:
“Opening nights are always exciting for everybody and anybody. It’s the start of something new for everybody. It’s fresh. Everybody is energized. You feel the buzz. I don’t care where you are, you feel a buzz. Obviously, here, with our fans, Knicks fans are just different. It’s as simple as that. They’re absolutely friggin’ different. And the buzz has been going on for a while. And you felt it today.
“I had a million texts coming. And usually during the course of the season, I have a couple texts coming before the game. But it was a boatload of them on the way. Couple of calls. … But you can feel it from the correspondence that get, which is different from a regular season game.”
On the Knicks raising a banner to commemorate their 2025 NBA Cup championship:
“I think it’s a recognition of what our journey was like last year. There were obviously a lot of ups and downs. Our guys rallied, found a way to win the NBA Cup and then (the) end-of-season final.”
"I think it's good for us to kind of get knocked down off the mountain, humble ourselves, put our egos in check and see what's going to happen."
Jalen Brunson talks about the Knicks losing tonight and how it can help them improve: pic.twitter.com/sDFWPHE4Lh
On the Knicks needing to humble themselves after losing their season opener:
“I think it’s good for us to get knocked down off the mountain, humble ourselves, put our egos in check. I’ve told you guys since day one, whatever happens the first couple of weeks of the season, I’m not sure that’s who we really are.”
On the 76ers’ performance and his own shooting struggles:
“They’re really good and they made things difficult for us. Obvious for me, shots weren’t falling. We can make all the excuses in the world. Like I said, I’m just happy we can move forward now.”
On what failed for the Knicks in Tuesday’s loss:
“Transition defense, yeah. Our offense, I think we were good in spurts. But it’s not good enough.”
On the challenges of defending a championship after receiving so much praise:
“It’s going to be difficult. You have everyone praising us about what we’ve done a couple months ago. It’s just human nature.”
On thanking Knicks fans during the championship banner ceremony:
“Most importantly, I want to say thank you to you guys for not leaving Game 4. We really appreciate it. I mean, this is, as much as we won this, we wouldn’t have won this without you guys, I mean, this is unbelievable. This is really good. A dream come true.
“I know we’re all excited to get this season going. We’re ready to turn the page as a team. But one thing, I would like to say, the joy that this city had this summer we would love to replicate that again. Thank you, guys. Let’s raise this banner.”
On pursuing another NBA championship rather than defending last season’s title:
“Every year, it’s a new year to attack something. When people say we’re defending the title, I mean, that’s one way to look at it. But it’s something we won, we’ve put it in our past, and now we’re just trying to attack another.”
"It was super dope. A moment you dream of."
Josh Hart talks about getting his championship ring in front of the Knicks' fans at Madison Square Garden: pic.twitter.com/W9H9risFrk
On the Knicks’ mentality after losing their season opener:
“We play basketball for a living. If you can’t get up and get excited to play basketball, no matter who the hell we play, you got to do some soul-searching. It doesn’t matter if we’re defending champs, it doesn’t matter if we have the worst record in the league last year. No matter what we got to make sure we are professionals and do what our job is and at the end of the day, I don’t think anybody picked us to win the championship again.
“So nothing to it. We shouldn’t sit there and think we’re the champions because we’re not. We’re 0-1. We’re the worst team in the NBA as of right now. So we need to play like it.”
On the improved Eastern Conference and the Knicks’ need to dictate how they play:
“Obviously, they played well, and the East got shaken up a little bit. We have to make sure we’re prepared for what every team is going to try and do, and what we want to do. We can’t let them dictate what we want to do. For us, nothing changes. It’s the same ol’ process. We have to make sure we perfect it the best we can.”
"To celebrate one last time with the fans, it means a lot. We wanted to give them a better version of ourselves tonight than we did, but it was really special to have that moment here again in New York after 53 years."
On the Knicks failing to match the level of play of last season’s team:
“I just thought that we put ourselves too much in a deficit, and you know we’re not that Knick team yet from last year.”
On banner night:
“To celebrate one last time with the fans, it means a lot. We wanted to give them a better version of ourselves tonight than we did, but it was really special to have that moment here again in New York after 53 years.”
LeBron James was asked what it was like for the 76ers to come into Madison Square Garden and win on the Knicks' ring night and banner raising:
"It was a great night for New York fans. Obviously, it's something… 50+ years. I was a part of that at one point where we hadn't won a… pic.twitter.com/6G6LuXYi2N
On the Knicks receiving favorable officiating on Tuesday after winning the championship:
“They getting that championship whistle. They win one chip, they get a championship whistle.”
On the 76ers’ defensive rebounding adjustments against the Knicks:
“I thought in the first half we played good first-stop defense, but we gave up some second-chance points. They got some threes off of us not closing with a defensive rebound so. I was really conscious about that [in the second half].”
On the satisfaction of spoiling the Knicks’ championship celebration:
“Yeah, I do (enjoy it). It’s pretty special.”
On the significance of the Knicks’ championship celebration and their 53-year title drought:
“I was a part of that at one point, where we hadn’t won a major championship in Cleveland in over 50 years. The fans will never forget this moment, never forget that championship run. We’re happy that we’re just able to come play on such a historical night, in a historical building, and play the game that we love.”
On the 76ers’ execution in the fourth quarter:
“It’s still going to take some time. It’s one game, but obviously we can learn from the good things that we did, we can learn from the bad things that we did tonight. I thought, in the fourth quarter, we did a good job of executing. We did a good job of pressing the tempo when we got the lead. And when they cut the lead, we made some timely shots.”
On his early chemistry with the 76ers and their defensive performance:
“Obviously, just a little bit over two weeks with the new squad. But yeah, I like the way we played. I think we played exceptionally well, especially defensively.”
On his confrontation with a Knicks fan courtside:
“Ain’t nothing soft about the Midwest, I don’t know what the f–k you talking about. I’m not from the West Coast… I’m from Ohio, baby.”
Jaylen Brown on where the team is at right now:
“We got talent, we just gotta play four quarters uhh 48 minutes and see what happens from there” pic.twitter.com/EjSt6tNXHK
On defense being the foundation of the 76ers’ opening-night victory:
“Defense is what kept us in it. Defense is what we’ll have to continue to hand our hat on. If we keep a team within 100 [points], we’ll always give ourselves a chance to win. So, it’s non-negotiable. We gotta play defense.”
On spoiling the Knicks’ championship celebration:
“It’s good, what we wanted to do, be a little spoiler. The Knicks’ accomplishment is great, but it’s a new season, new year.”
On whether the 76ers sent a message to the NBA with their win over the reigning champs:
“I don’t think we sent a message. We’re just trying to win as many games as possible, stack days. It’s still early for us. We’re still figuring out a lot of stuff. We still have a lot to learn and grow, but it’s good to learn and grow and win at the same time.”
On the 76ers’ chemistry and potential for improvement:
“I think it was just OK. We got a lot of room for growth, room for improvement. We’re not even at the tip of the iceberg in terms of hitting chemistry … So it’s a good sign that we can win while still being at that early stage.”
On how different the 76ers felt against the Knicks with their new roster:
“I told Tyrese after the game, I was like, ‘We’ve been going against these guys for the last couple of years.’ And, tonight felt a little different.”
On his responsibility to improve the 76ers’ defense:
“I think just we have the talent. I think a lot of it falls on me. I put it on me. If I want to be All-Defense like I used to be, that changes everything for our team. So if I can play that way every single night, which I will, changes everything.”
Q: "LeBron, KD, Steph –– who are the next faces of the league?"
On Jalen Brunson emerging as one of the faces of the NBA:
“It’s hard not to start with Jalen Brunson. I’ll be down when they hang the banner tonight for the championship. Here’s a guy who was a second-round pick, was picked up as a free agent from Dallas, and nobody talked about him as the next superstar in the league, but look how he’s led that team to a championship.”
On the significance of designing the Knicks’ first championship ring in 53 years:
“This one is easily set apart from the other projects we’ve done because it’s New York City. The city have been waiting for a championship for 53 years. We’re felt the pressure to make sure we delivered something that’s iconic and historic in design, something to be remembered forever.”
On the emotional significance of creating championship rings:
“There’s nothing like a championship ring because it’s more than just a piece of jewelry, it’s a piece of history. I’ve never felt an energy like this before prior to a championship ring delivery. I’ve never felt energy like this before, ever.”
On the design of the removable top of the Knicks’ championship ring:
“We knew that we couldn’t do a feature that’s been done before, so we challenged ourselves to create something new, something different, and something New York would appreciate. New York City is arguably the greatest city on earth. It is the Mecca of basketball, and the arena that symbolizes all of this is Madison Square Garden. When you twist off the top, you see the lower bowl of Madison Square Garden with the court in yellow gold and seats in white gold. The inside of the cap is all hand enameled with the pattern and colors of the ceiling of Madison Square Garden when you’re looking up at the scoreboard.”
On the ring’s miniature Madison Square Garden that rises from its center:
“The unique feature that’s never been done before, the feature that is historic and what New York City deserves, is a feature where you can twist the inner bezel counterclockwise. We have an engineering system that erects a miniature Madison Square Garden from the center of the ring. It literally comes out of the center of the ring and you have an entire Madison Square Garden to scale with the windows, all the architectural features, everything. My jaw dropped when we first finished it.”
On the blue sapphires and the ring’s Madison Square Garden-inspired design:
“There’s the small details that other people might not see. The blue sapphires, the way they’re set behind the Knicks logo on the face of the ring, it mimics the pattern of the ceiling of Madison Square Garden when you’re looking up at the scoreboard.”
On the ring’s concrete texture paying tribute to New York City:
“The background texture of the side of the ring is like a concrete texture, kind of paying homage to the concrete jungle that is New York City. It’s those subtle storylines that you don’t immediately notice, but give the ring a little more depth and meaning.”
On why the Knicks’ championship ring was intentionally extravagant:
“This is an over-the-top ring. It’s supposed to be, because it’s more than just a piece of jewelry. It’s a testament to a moment in time. It’s celebrating a moment in history, something that New York City’s been waiting 53 years for. So, I think that we were able to deliver that.”
On his personal connection to the Knicks and Anthony Mason:
“When we got the call that we got (the business) for this ring, I had tears in my eyes. I can feel the energy of Anthony Mason over my shoulder as he looks down, proud of me, because he started my career by being my first client, and now it’s a full-circle moment where I’m making a Knicks championship ring.”
Victor Wembanyama just had the worst shooting night of his career:
Kristaps Porziņģis’ time with the Warriors could soon be over.
The veteran center, whom Golden State acquired at the trade deadline in February and played in just 15 games last season before signing a two-year, $40 million contract with the team this offseason, has not practiced or played with the team this preseason, and might not at any point during the 2026-27 NBA season, which begins for the Warriors on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.
Golden State has started exploring trade routes for Porziņģis, who has no timetable for a return to the court as he continues to deal with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday, citing sources.
Golden State has started exploring trade routes for Kristaps Porzingis, who is now seriously contemplating his future in basketball as he deals with recurring symptoms from the autoimmune condition termed as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/w9fb2Tk4kb
As Charania mentioned, Porziņģis now is seriously contemplating his future in basketball as he continues to deal with the recurring symptoms from his autoimmune condition.
Porziņģis spent time in the Bay Area and at the Warriors’ facility throughout the offseason, and it appeared both he and the team were optimistic about his upcoming season, but shortly before Warriors media day started on Sept. 28, general manager Mike Dunleavy found out that Porziņģis would miss the start of training camp and remain away from the team because of the illness.
Then, on Oct. 13, Porziņģis returned to the Warriors’ facility for the first time since his absence, where he met with Dunleavy and director of sports medicine and performance Rick Celebrini and his staff.
In the days since, neither Dunleavy nor coach Steve Kerr provided any additional update or any other information regarding Porziņģis’ situation, but the veteran center himself did address his absence in a post on social media and cleared up some online speculation.
I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands. So everyone can relax now 😄🙏🏼 and I don’t have hiv or aids.
Kristaps Porziņģis’ time with the Warriors could soon be over.
The veteran center, whom Golden State acquired at the trade deadline in February and played in just 15 games last season before signing a two-year, $40 million contract with the team this offseason, has not practiced or played with the team this preseason, and might not at any point during the 2026-27 NBA season, which begins for the Warriors on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.
Golden State has started exploring trade routes for Porziņģis, who has no timetable for a return to the court as he continues to deal with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday, citing sources.
Golden State has started exploring trade routes for Kristaps Porzingis, who is now seriously contemplating his future in basketball as he deals with recurring symptoms from the autoimmune condition termed as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/w9fb2Tk4kb
As Charania mentioned, Porziņģis now is seriously contemplating his future in basketball as he continues to deal with the recurring symptoms from his autoimmune condition.
Porziņģis spent time in the Bay Area and at the Warriors’ facility throughout the offseason, and it appeared both he and the team were optimistic about his upcoming season, but shortly before Warriors media day started on Sept. 28, general manager Mike Dunleavy found out that Porziņģis would miss the start of training camp and remain away from the team because of the illness.
Then, on Oct. 13, Porziņģis returned to the Warriors’ facility for the first time since his absence, where he met with Dunleavy and director of sports medicine and performance Rick Celebrini and his staff.
In the days since, neither Dunleavy nor coach Steve Kerr provided any additional update or any other information regarding Porziņģis’ situation, but the veteran center himself did address his absence in a post on social media and cleared up some online speculation.
I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands. So everyone can relax now 😄🙏🏼 and I don’t have hiv or aids.
Paul Goldschmidt was the ideal platoon first baseman for the Yankees in 2026: He mashed against lefties – more on that in a sec – and he was his usual reliable self defensively.
But the Yanks have a decision to make this winter on the 39-year-old Goldschmidt, who is headed into free agency and has indicated he’d like to continue his terrific career.
His dangerous right-handed bat would help balance a lefty-heavy position player group and the Yanks, as evidenced again in the playoffs, can always use a strong glove.
But are there already too many first-base types on their roster? Perhaps that makes Goldschmidt, a probable Hall of Famer, expendable.
Here’s a look at whether Goldschmidt should stay or go:
Why it could make sense to keep Goldschmidt
A sage veteran always fits on a team looking to win, especially when that vet fills his role so well. Goldschmidt destroyed left-handed pitching in 2026, notching a .967 OPS and slugging 11 home runs in 157 at-bats. His slash line against lefties was .299/.393/.573. Elite.
As a team, the Yankees hit 66 home runs against lefties and had a .733 OPS.
He hit more home runs against southpaws than famed sluggers such as Yordan Alvarez and Pete Alonso. Only eight MLB players had more homers against lefties than Goldschmidt, who made $4 million on a one-year deal.
Overall, Goldschmidt totaled 18 home runs with a .765 OPS in 345 at-bats. If he’s back, he’d loom as a pinch-hitting option with serious pop or a defensive replacement on the days he did not start.
Goldschmidt also had the most appearances (77) and starts (70) at first base for the Yankees. He was not charged with an error.
During his career, Goldschmidt has pocketed four Gold Gloves and is routinely among the best defenders at first base. It might be smart to keep someone like that, especially considering Ben Rice and Luis García Jr. are lesser gloves at first. Maybe Goldschmidt can help tutor both, a nifty investment in the pinstriped future.
Jun 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Paul Goldschmidt (48) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Why it could make sense for Goldschmidt to go
He’s 39 and the Yanks are clogged with options at first base and designated hitter. How would Goldschmidt fit on the roster?
Rice is such a good hitter that it’d be criminal not to play him every day and he’s too young (28 in February) to be pigeonholed already as a DH-only bat. So he’ll likely get time at first base, even when a lefty starts – he hit 11 home runs against lefties, too. Shouldn’t the Yankees see if he can improve defensively enough to be an everyday first baseman?
García rakes, but in his limited exposure to left-handers, his OPS was more than 200 points lower than it was against righties. García started at second base as recently as 2025 for the Nationals, which has led to some speculation that he could slide over there for the Yanks in ‘27 to replace a likely-gone Jazz Chisholm Jr. But that would be risky for a team looking to shore up its defense.
Giancarlo Stanton made it back from injury for the playoffs. He’ll likely take DH at-bats next year against lefties. Aaron Judge might need more time at designated hitter, too. And is it fair to wonder if the Yanks should consider moving Judge to first base at some point in the near future?
Heliot Ramos, still under control, is another right-handed bat for Aaron Boone to deploy.
Verdict
Go.
It’s a tough call, because there’s a baseball universe in which Goldschmidt-on-the-Yanks clicks again. He’d beat up lefties, play good defense for a team that needs it, and keep a high baseball IQ in house. It’s also difficult to believe the Yanks, so awash in lefty hitters, should move on from a righty bat.
But they need some roster flexibility as they reshape the club to try for that elusive World Series title. Goldschmidt’s bat speed slipped over the last year, according to Statcast, and he didn’t hit the ball as hard, either. While he nailed his specified role, he wasn’t great when he hit against righties (.590 OPS)
The Yankees might have to get more right-handed elsewhere (third base, perhaps?) and move on from Goldschmidt.
Roger Nelson, Kansas City pitcher, is bumped after beating Chris Chambliss, of Cleveland, to the bag for the out in 6th inning action. Chambliss hit grounder to first baseman John Mayberry who tossed ball to Nelson covering first. Indians won, 2-1.
I’ve written about former Royal pitcher Roger Nelson on several occasions. For some reason, I’ve been fascinated with his career arc.
He was originally signed by the Chicago White Sox in 1963. His minor league career with the Sox gave no clue to the magic hidden in his right arm. After five seasons moving through the Sox system, Nelson sported a 25-28 record with a cumulative ERA of 4.04, a record that hardly made him out to be a top prospect.
He made his debut on September 9, 1967, against the Detroit Tigers. He hit the first batter he faced, Bill Freehan, then retired Hall of Famer Eddie Matthews on an infield popup.
He made four more appearances that summer, the last coming on September 27 against the Kansas City Athletics in a game at Municipal Stadium. Once again, he hit the first batter he faced, pitcher Chuck Dobson, before retiring Ted Kubiak on a groundout to first.
In the offseason, Nelson was part of a six-player blockbuster trade with Baltimore, with the principals being Don Buford and Luis Aparicio. Future Royal John Matias went to the White Sox, while Bruce Howard, father of future Royal David, moved to Baltimore with Nelson.
Nelson got into 19 games with the 1968 Birds, throwing 71 innings, including six starts. He put up a sparkling 2.41 ERA, which was enough to catch the eye of Cedric Tallis. When Baltimore left him off its protected list, Tallis made Nelson the No. 1 overall pick in the 1968 expansion draft.
Nelson made the second start in Royals history, going five innings on April 9, 1969, against the Twins in what became a 4-3 Royals win in 17 innings.
Nelson was much better than his won-loss record indicated in 1969. Even though his record was only 7-13, he made 29 starts, throwing 193 innings to the tune of a 3.31 ERA.
Unfortunately, arm troubles beset Nelson, and he was only able to throw 43 combined innings in 1970 and 1971.
Nelson wasn’t even in the Royals’ plans for 1972 and had to make the team out of spring training. How long ago was 1972? Fifty-four years, if you’re counting.
Fifty-four years before 1972 would have been 1918, which marked the end of World War I. That makes me feel old.
The hit movies in 1972 were The Godfather and Jeremiah Johnson. The radio was playing “American Pie,” “Lean on Me,” “Candy Man,” and “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me.” Richard Nixon was president, and the U.S. still had troops in Vietnam.
Nelson had a strong spring training and made the team as a bullpen arm. He was outstanding, making 15 appearances and throwing 25 innings while striking out 23 batters with a terrific 1.44 ERA.
Manager Bob Lemon finally gave Nelson a start on July 4 in a game against Detroit at Municipal Stadium, and he responded by throwing a complete-game, four-hit shutout. Somehow, someway, Nelson’s arm healed enough for him to harness his enormous potential.
The Detroit win kicked off a pitching run as good as any in Royals history.
Nelson made 18 more starts in that magical summer and finished with 10 complete games and six shutouts. Nelson blanked the White Sox on July 27 and the Angels on July 31 with a three-hitter. This gave him three shutouts in July alone. He threw a three-hitter against Texas on August 11 and a masterful one-hitter against the Red Sox on August 23. The Red Sox game scored a 93, which remains one of the top-scoring games in Royals history.
He closed out his tour de force with a two-hit amputation of the Rangers on October 4 in a game that was notable for being the last ever played at Municipal Stadium and the last game for Ted Williams, who was manager of the Rangers.
Nelson lost eight games in that stretch, with four of the losses coming by one run and two coming by two runs. The Royals scored only 20 runs in those eight losses, despite Nelson pitching brilliantly.
Nelson set four single-season pitching records that summer that still stand today. His record of six shutouts in one season will probably never be broken. He’s also in the top 10 in several other single-season categories.
It remains, arguably, one of the best pitching seasons by any Royal, ever, which is saying something when you look at some of the guys who have pitched for Kansas City. Drago. Busby. Splittorff. Leonard. Saberhagen. Cone. Appier. Greinke. Big names, all.
In the summer of 1972, Roger Nelson, a guy who looked like your high school science teacher, was as good as or better than all of them.
In the offseason, Cedric Tallis shocked everyone by trading Nelson and one of his best hitters, Richie Scheinblum, to Cincinnati for Wayne Simpson, a pitcher with enormous potential but a bum arm, and Hal McRae, a utility player who was still recovering from a gruesome broken leg.
Thank God the internet didn’t exist in 1972, because Tallis would have gotten roasted. Like most of his trades, this one worked out just fine. Nelson’s arm problems resurfaced, and Scheinblum lost his hitting stroke. Simpson had a couple of good starts in Kansas City, but his Royals career lasted only 16 games. The real prize was McRae, who not only developed into one of the game’s best hitters but also infused the Royals with some much-needed toughness. McRae, of course, was one of the Royals’ all-time greats and ended up in the Royals Hall of Fame.
Nelson appeared in 28 games for the Big Red Machine between 1973 and 1974, toggling between starting and relieving.
He even threw 2 1/3 hitless innings against the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series in 1973.
Nelson had another excellent but short run of success in 1974. On May 15, he held the Giants hitless for seven innings. He ended up going 8 2/3 innings and giving up only two hits. In his very next start, six days later, he gave up only three hits in seven innings of work against the Dodgers. He closed out that stretch on May 26 with a complete-game, six-hit win against the Padres. Alas, the arm woes returned, and Nelson was only able to throw 21 more innings before the season ended.
In October 1974, the Reds sold Nelson back to the White Sox, who released him in March 1975 before he ever appeared in a game. He hooked on with the Oakland Athletics but spent the summer with their Triple-A team in Tucson before being released.
He was out of baseball and driving a truck for UPS when the Royals called in March 1976 and gave him another shot. He started the 1976 campaign in Omaha, appearing in 52 games and racking up 16 saves before the Royals called him back to the big league club.
After all he had been through, it was a heartwarming reunion. The Royals were on their way to their first Western Division crown, and Nelson made three September appearances. The best came on September 19 at Royals Stadium, when Nelson threw 5 2/3 innings against the White Sox, allowing only three hits and one run. At one point, Nelson turned back the clock and retired 14 consecutive hitters. After the game, Nelson told Kansas City Times sportswriter Sid Boardman, “I ain’t that old. I can still throw it. When you’re 32, you’re not ready for the grave. I’m just glad I was able to contribute to a club going for the pennant. I felt I could pitch longer today, but why try to be a hero? My longest outing before was four innings in Omaha in May. I could feel myself losing something. Why mess around when you got guys like we have in the pen?”
Unfortunately, that game was the high point of Nelson’s reunion with the Royals. A few days later, his car caught fire in the Truman Sports Center parking lot. Then, on Sunday evening, September 26, the Royals flew to Oakland for a critical series against the A’s.
Nelson was mugged outside the team hotel, thankfully losing only his watch to the miscreants. Nelson did take a spill and sprained both wrists during the attack.
The injury ended Nelson’s 1976 comeback, as the Royals left him off their playoff roster.
Nelson returned in 1977 but spent the season in Omaha, making 58 appearances and recording 16 more saves. He never made it back to the majors.
After being released by the Royals, he signed with Pittsburgh and pitched for its Triple-A team in 1978 and 1979.
He called it a career after the 1979 season at the age of 35.
It’s easy to wonder what the Royals’ past might have looked like had today’s surgical techniques and rehab been available. What would the careers of guys like Nelson and Steve Busby, possessor of another electric arm, have looked like? Would Busby have thrown a couple more no-hitters? Would Nelson have remained a Royal for life, which would have meant no Hal McRae as a Royal?
With a healthy Busby and Nelson, would the Royals have displaced the Yankees in 1976, 1977, and 1978? Life is always a series of what-ifs.
There’s an old saying that goes: Life gives us children so death won’t be such a disappointment. I’m not sure I agree with that sentiment, but I do wonder what someone like Nelson feels about being so close to stardom, only to have it dashed by an injury. He’ll always have the summer of 1972, though.
/ Thank you, Lakers Nation. 
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