SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after making a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Chase Center on January 07, 2026 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks continue to engage in trade talks for star wing Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to the latest reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania. Charania reaffirmed other reports that the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Miami Heat are the teams most aggressively pursuing the Greak Freek.
“Over the weekend the Bucks remained engaged with NBA teams that have interest that have given aggressive proposals,“ Charania said during an appearance on SportsCenter. ”My understanding is they’ve submitted counteroffers to those aggressive proposals as well. The Heat, Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, the New York Knicks those have been the most serious suitors in the mix so far for Giannis. But it all comes down to the price point for him, right? A young player and/or a surplus of draft picks. So who meets that mark between now and the next four days before the NBA trade deadline.“
The biggest update from Charania’s reporting is the fact that Milwaukee presented counteroffers to teams. It has remained unclear whether the Bucks would move Antetokounmpo prior to this year’s trade deadline or were simply engaging in negotiations to preview more serious talks over the summer. Countering teams offers suggests a more immediate deal may be attainable.
The Warriors particularly benefit from a more immediate resolution to the Giannis sweepstakes. Not only are they looking to revive their longshot contender status after Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury, but they are one of the few teams that gains little added trade flexibility while waiting until the offseason. While several other potential suitors for Antetokounmpo would be able to trade multiple additional first round picks or take on more cumbersome contracts over the summer, Golden State will only gain access to one additional pick swap.
Golden State has wasted a lot of time chasing stars and refusing to invest heavily in secondary players out of a hope that Antetokounmpo in particular would come available. Will general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. actually be able to get this blockbuster deal done prior to the trade deadline in a few days? We’ll know the answer soon.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 22: Bobby Portis #9 and Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks play defense during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Acknowledging the 6’11” Greek elephant in the room that may or may not be addressed this week, with just over three days remaining until the 2026 NBA trade deadline, Bucks GM Jon Horst has other decisions to make up and down the roster. Before Giannis’ most recent calf injury, we were operating under the assumption that the Bucks would be buyers, putting together a series of trade targets. They still might buy, despite the attractive path of tanking for a higher first-round pick in the 2026 NBA draft. There’s even a way you can do both: look at the Raptors this time a year ago. They acquired an injured Brandon Ingram—their current leading scorer—last February at 16-36, then picked ninth last June. Now they’re tied for fourth in the East.
So if Giannis remains a Buck moving forward, what does Horst have to work with? How can he get the Bucks back to relevance next season? Let’s take stock of what’s in his cupboard, which—unlike what national sources continue to say—is far from bare. One note: AJ Green is ineligible to be traded this season because he signed an extension on October 17, and no player may be dealt within six months of extending.
1–2. 2031–32 first-round picks
If Giannis remains in Milwaukee, these draft picks would be made when he is 36 and 37. Even if he doesn’t, it looks doubtful they’ll be contenders then. Put simply, these are two of the most valuable future firsts any team can trade, and as such, two of the most valuable assets in the league. Perhaps partially for that reason, Horst has reportedly been loath to include them in any trade and would only do so in a trade for a bona fide star. Whether that type of player is available at this deadline is debatable, but I tend to think there is not, outside of Brooklyn’s Michael Porter Jr.
3. Ryan Rollins
Probably the only silver lining to this disappointing season has been Rollins’ development. While he cooled off a bit in mid-January, the 23-year-old is now back on track and likely to receive some Most Improved Player votes. The three-year, $12m contract he signed last offseason is very team-friendly for 16.5 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.6 RPG, and 1.6 SPG on .466/.403/.755 shooting. That final year is a player option, and if this keeps up, he’ll opt out and hope to secure a much larger deal in free agency, if an extension doesn’t occur first. The only downside is that his lower salary doesn’t allow much in the way of salary matching. But make no mistake, he’s the Bucks’ best young guy, and an offer for any All-NBA type of player would probably have to include him.
4–5. 2031–32 first-round pick swaps
If either first in those years is traded, the only way the Bucks could deal the other would be as a swap, where the acquiring team could move up to the Bucks’ position if they so choose. Depending on how good that team feels they’ll be in those seasons, a swap could bump them up into the lottery or higher, so there’s plenty of appeal here.
6. Bobby Portis
Portis ranks sixth leaguewide in three-point percentage, and his other numbers are largely in line with recent seasons. He turns 31 on February 10 and is in the first season of a three-year, $43.6m contract, which also has a player option in 2027–28. It might be too early to tell if he’ll pick up the final year at $15.6m, but it wouldn’t be wrong to treat him as a $14.5m expiring salary next year. All in all, a good salary-matching piece and a player who would help a lot of contenders with scoring punch off their bench. On his own, he would probably fetch a couple second-rounders.
7. Kevin Porter Jr.
Out indefinitely with an oblique injury, KPJ was trending down big time before getting hurt. But prior to that, he was putting together a solid season, averaging over seven assists per game with decent—if inefficient—scoring, despite occasional turnover problems. He can opt out of the $5.4m remaining on his two-year, $10.5m contract and, even with an injury-marred campaign, probably will in hopes of a multi-year contract. The Bucks, or any acquiring team, will have his Early Bird rights, which means they can offer him a new deal of up to four years with a starting salary of up to $14.6m. That flexibility for a 25-year-old point guard who proved this past year he still belongs in the NBA could be attractive to some teams.
8. Myles Turner
While Turner is obviously the best player mentioned in this list so far, being in the first year of a four-year deal tamps down his value. Yes, his $25.3m salary would be great for matching, but he’ll have two further years plus a $29.1m player option in 2028–29. He’s still 29, and though his stats are closer to his pre-Tyrese Haliburton campaigns in Indy, it’s still a reasonable price for a quality starting center. I just think teams would rather not have that long-term money on their books.
9. Kyle Kuzma
Kuzma becomes an expiring salary next year without sort of option, but his salary drops from $22.4m now to $20.3m in 2026–27. More commensurate with his level of production and cheaper, which would be more palatable for a new team, but less helpful for salary-matching. By himself, Kuz would need draft assets attached to be moved, but combined with Portis, they could bring back up to $45.1m in return. After July, that figure drops to $43.8m.
10. Gary Harris
None of us expected Harris to be the better Gary this season, but here we are. He’s 31 and has a $3.8m player option next year, which is about $85k less than he’d make on a new minimum contract, so he might opt out. He and Trent both make about the same amount—$3.6m could come in handy, and he’d be a quality piece on a contender’s bench. Seems more likely to be a throw-in than someone who would get value on his own. Maybe a future second or a borderline NBA player.
11. Gary Trent Jr.
After a very effective first year in Milwaukee, GTJ’s next contract last summer seemed to be setting him up for a more lucrative, multiyear deal this summer. Trent will also have Early Bird rights come July if he declines his $3.9m player option, so another team could give him the same contract terms we laid out for KPJ, just as the Bucks could. But Trent has taken a sizeable step back in year two, and a vet minimum deal in free agency—if he opts out—would be about $300k less than that option, and he might not value a change of scenery at that much of a pay cut. Perhaps a team sees a fit in their rotation, though, and would send Milwaukee a second or deep bench player in hopes that he works out.
Believe it or not, Milwaukee does have one future second they can trade. It’s just not a good one. The Spurs will receive the Jazz’s second-rounder in June if it falls between 31–55; Milwaukee will get it should it come after 56. Utah is sixth in the lottery standings right now, so there’s zero chance they’d move back enough to one of the league’s best five records. That means the Bucks, or whoever possesses this asset, won’t be getting this pick. It’s almost worthless, but you have to send something out in a trade, even if it’s for a marginal asset in return. This might be enough to get the Bucks a back-of-rotation guy.
13. Andre Jackson Jr.
The main reason Jackson is so high on this list is that other teams might still see untapped potential here, unlike the guys below, who have hit their ceilings as players. He’s also the lowest-paid Buck, about $75k cheaper than the league’s veteran minimum salary. For a luxury tax-conscious team, Ajax makes more sense than the average vet.
14. Taurean Prince
Prince seems all but certain not to play this year after neck surgery, and he might decide to opt in for $3.8m next year. His $3.3m this year functions the same as Harris’ salary: maybe just enough to get a deal over the line. But teams probably don’t want a 32-year-old coming off a major injury on their 2027–28 roster, and would sooner take Harris or Trent.
15. Cole Anthony
As putrid as Anthony has been most of the season, he’s still an NBA player (for now, at least) thanks to his track record. He could still get another minimum contract in free agency this summer, and since he’s also on one this year, any team could acquire him. He’s just not worth much of anything.
16. Jericho Sims
I’m not confident Sims is an NBA player, however. He hasn’t been good this year, hasn’t really shown any development as a player, and is 27. Plenty of great athletes wash out of the league if they don’t show any plus skills, which seems like the route he’s headed. With a $2.8m player option decision this summer, he probably knows he’d have to settle for a non-guaranteed contract to remain in the Association next season and will exercise that option. He’s really cheap, but teams probably won’t want to use a roster spot on him.
17. Amir Coffey
I guess the only reason Coffey’s salary became guaranteed in early January was to use him as a trade chip, because he still barely plays. Might be a throw-in if they need his contract to make the trade legal, but seems likely to be cut no matter where he is after the deadline.
18. Pete Nance
Two-way contracts can be traded (we see this once or twice annually); they just count for $0 in outgoing salary. Nance has had some good games recently, but he’s in his final year of two-way eligibility, and he probably won’t get a standard contract elsewhere. I’d be surprised if he has any trade value.
19. Thanasis Antetokounmpo
There’s only one reason a team would want Thanasis: if they were also getting his younger brother.
20. Alex Antetokoummpo
This is not the brother I was referring to, but otherwise same rationale as Thanasis, plus the two-way stuff from Nance’s paragraph.
Am I off with any of these? It was hard to decide exactly where that 2026 Utah second should go, and how to order all the minimum guys. But we’re splitting hairs; everyone knows Milwaukee’s most valuable assets. Where does Rollins fit in among the draft picks? How would you order the 2031 and 2032 firsts? Curious to hear your thoughts.
TORONTO, ON - September 4 Starting pitcher Bowden Francis (44) of the Toronto Blue Jays throws in the first inning. The Toronto Blue Jays lost 4-2 to the Philadelphia Phillies in MLB baseball action at the Rogers Centre. September 4 2024 Richard Lautens/Toronto Star (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images) | Toronto Star via Getty Images
Bowden Francis is a 29-year-old, right-handed pitcher. He’ll be 30 in April. He came to the Jays in trade with the Brewers, along with Trevor Richards, for Rowdy Tellez, in July 2021 (which seems a long time ago now).
After getting into a few games in 2022 and 2023, he had a breakout season in 2024, with a 3.30 ERA in 27 games, 13 starts. But it was his run of nine starts at the end of that season that put him on the map. He had a 1.53 ERA, with two starts where he carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning.
I thought we had found someone who would be a starter for us for several years, but the 2025 season wasn’t what we were hoping for: 14 starts with a 6.05 ERA. He ended up missing the second half of the season due to shoulder impingement. Normally, that wouldn’t be something that would cost a pitcher half a season, but Bowden had a couple of setbacks along the way.
Before he was put on the IL, we could see there was something wrong. He wasn’t throwing the split Finger pitch that had been so effective in 2024 as much, and, instead, was throwing his curve more, which hadn’t been effective in 2024 and was less effective in 2025 (batters slugged 1.000 against it).
The question is: Where does that leave him for this season?
The Jays seem set for a rotation after adding a couple of free agent starters, as well as having some younger prospects who look to be ready to make the next step.
Francis has an option year left, so he could start the season in Buffalo and show that he deserves a spot on the major league team. At the moment, it seems like a long shot that he’ll get much time with the Jays. And, of course, what chance he has depends on whether he’s totally recovered from the shoulder issue. He did throw
Bowden is one of a handful of Jays who will have to have a good spring training to keep himself in the conversation for a future spot on the team. A poor spring training, on a team needing 40-man roster spots, would put him in danger of being let go.
Steamer thinks he will get some playing time with the Jays. They figure him to pitch in 32 games, making 2 starts with a 4.13 ERA.
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 13: A photo of the MLB.TV logo is seen in the dugout prior to the 2024 All-Star Futures Game at Globe Life Field on Saturday, July 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Braves are still looking for a television broadcast partner after moving on from Main Street Sports Group (aka the company that runs Fanduel Sports Network). However, six of other eight teams are not looking anymore for this season.
Sources: Six of the nine MLB teams with Main Street Sports are moving their media rights to the league. The Brewers, Marlins, Rays, Royals, Cardinals and Reds told MLB of their plans over the weekend.
The other three–Braves, Tigers, Angels–have not been decided.
The Brewers, Marlins, Rays, Royals, Cardinals, and the Reds are moving on over to MLB Media. The Tigers, Angels, and your Atlanta Braves are not. That’s not how I would have expected it to break, but it’s still early. The St. Louis Cardinals moving to MLB Media is the eyebrow raiser here. Then again, this appears to be just for 2026, and 2029 is when the long-term rights deals are expected to be made.
The Braves have some time, but right now there are no hints or rumors of hints about where you can see Atlanta Braves baseball in 2026. You will see them somewhere though. I found it interesting that this news is occurring today after Gray Media has been spamming my algorithm the last three days with the open salesperson roles. Does it mean anything, other than the fact that companies everywhere hire salespeople all the time? I don’t know. Tune in and find out. Where do you do that? Right here, I can tell you that for certain.
We are just days away from the NBA trade deadline — Thursday, Feb. 5, at 3 p.m. Eastern — and the trades are coming fast, with De’Andre Hunter and Keon Ellis switching teams. The rumors are coming faster. To help you stay on top of all of it, the NBCSports.com NBA crew is on it, putting updates on everything worth knowing in this one place. Just refresh here and stay up to date on everything.
Knicks deadline decisions
If the Knicks — both the front office and their fans — could waive a Harry Potter magic wand and make it happen, Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a Knick before Thursday. The reality is that leaks coming out of New York suggest they may not think that will happen.
"The Bucks are looking for a premier young player(s) and multiple, good draft picks in exchange for one of the three best players in the NBA. The Knicks have neither of those, and to get close to what the Bucks are asking for, New York would need to trade two or three players in its starting lineup, most likely OG Anunoby, [Mikal] Bridges and/or [Karl-Anthony] Towns."
If the Knicks are not going to get Antetokounmpo before the deadline, they have other priorities.
They are focused on landing a big man for depth and have trained their sights on Goga Bitadze, who has fallen out of the rotation in Orlando, or on New Orleans' Yves Missi, reports Ian Begley of SNY.tv. Either man would just be bench help for now, although Missi — just a second-year player — could grow into a larger role. —Kurt Helin
Doc Rivers thinks Giannis stays a Buck. For now.
What else is Doc Rivers going to say? You think he wants to stick around and coach through a rebuild?
On ESPN’s NBA Countdown over the weekend, the Milwaukee Bucks coach said what he has always said, that Giannis Antetokounmpo is saying all the right things to his teammates, and that Rivers expects him to be with the Bucks past the deadline.
"Giannis has said everything that we need to hear, that he wants to be a Buck, he loves the city and that's all I can go by as a coach right now. Has it been difficult? Yeah. Your players every day have to hear stuff. Every single day, about not just their best player but they're thrown in the mix as well. My favorite day of the year this year will be the day after the trade deadline. That'll be my favorite day. I think everyone will be here." Rivers may well get his wish, with league sources continuing to tell NBC Sports they expect the Antetokounmpo trade saga to drag out past the Feb. 5 deadline and into the offseason. Whether Antetokounmpo — and for that matter, Rivers — are back with the Bucks next season is another question. —Kurt Helin
DeMar DeRozan staying put
There's no real interest in DeMar DeRozan around the league, and while that could change it seems more likely DeRozan will play out the season in Sacramento, reports Sam Amick of The Athletic. DeRozan can still get a team buckets, he's averaging 19.2 points a game this season and shooting 50.6% from the floor, but he's a midrange shooter who is 36 and making $24.6 million this season and $25.7 million next season. That's more than teams want to take on in the apron era, at least at the trade deadline. —Kurt Helin
Ja Morant’s cryptic post
Ja Morant trade talk has died down, and it appears highly unlikely he gets traded before the Feb. 5 deadline. With that in mind, what does this cryptic social media post from Morant mean? — Kurt Helin
It's an issue for every NBA coach in February: How do they keep their team focused with trade rumors swirling around and players looking ahead to the upcoming All-Star break? The Knicks' Mike Brown summed it up well, talking to Ian Begley of SNY.tv.
"We understand that we have no control over the noise out there, so we have to have a bunker mentality. Not just at the trade deadline but all the time because there is a lot of noise out there. We're all human and you try not to listen to it – you just try to stay together. You keep moving forward, trying to get better as the days go along and I think that's what this group is trying to do." —Kurt Helin
DETROIT, MI - MAY 26: A detailed view of a FanDuel TV camera in the upper deck during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on May 26, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Giants 3-1. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Royals notified MLB that they will transfer their media rights to the league, rather than continue their relationship with Main Street Sports, the company that owns FanDuel Sports Kansas City. According to reporting from sports business reporter John Ourand at Puck, the Royals are one of six teams that notified the league they will abandon Main Street Sports. Previous reports indicated Main Street Sports could file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and liquidate as soon as this week if it cannot find a buyer. The Royals had previously opted out of their deal a few weeks ago, but Main Street Sports had hoped to negotiate new fees.
Sources: Six of the nine MLB teams with Main Street Sports are moving their media rights to the league. The Brewers, Marlins, Rays, Royals, Cardinals and Reds told MLB of their plans over the weekend.
The other three–Braves, Tigers, Angels–have not been decided.
On Saturday at Royals Rally, Royals president of business operations Cullen Maxey indicated the team preferred to stay with FanDuel, if possible, but that reverting rights to MLB would be an option.
“There’s some instability of the FanDuel Sports Network, so they’re seeking out a merger partner to help them create a little bit more financial stability,” Maxey said. “Our plan with them is to stick with our partners as long as they can convince us that there will not be a risk of interruption during our season of bringing games to our fans. That’s the most important thing.”…
“We would like to stick with them, but we do need to feel very stable that there will be no interruptions during the season, and that decision will come soon. If we do pivot from FanDuel Sports Network, we’ll be going to Major League Baseball.
MLB already owned the TV rights to the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, Seattle Mariners, and Washington Nationals.
What does this mean for viewers? Well, Royals games will still air on TV, it will just be under a different banner. The teams that MLB developed broadcast for last year offered a very similar product to the one FanDuel Sports Network provided, with a similar $19.99 direct-to-consumer streaming option and availability on many cable and satellite providers. Teams with broadcasts developed under MLB have typically rebranded the channel under the team name, like “Twins.TV” or “CLEGuardians.TV.” And unlike FanDuel, MLB-provided games are generally offered with no blackout restrictions, unless you live in another MLB market subject to blackout restrictions. If you are a subscriber to MLB.tv, you will also be able to access your local team, although there may be an upcharge. Twins.TV was available for an additional $39.99 for a full season last year. ESPN purchased MLB TV rights last fall, including in-market rights for some teams, but will not air local games until 2027.
Knoxville Smokies pitcher Tyler Schlaffer (30) opens against the Biloxi Shuckers in a Minor League Baseball game on August 5, 2025, Knoxville, Tennessee. | Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
It’s prospects week here at Bleed Cubbie Blue as today I’m starting the countdown of my top 25 Cubs prospects for 2026. Each day we’re going to look at five new prospects until we get down to the top five on Friday.
The Cubs farm system is definitely down at the moment. It’s not the worst system in the majors nor is it the worst that I’ve seen in my nearly 20 years of doing this. (Where has the time gone?) There is a lot of talent in the system at the top. I’d say that while the top prospects definitely aren’t the best I’ve seen in the Cubs system (that would probably go to 2014, 2015 or 2024), it’s at least average and maybe a little better than that. The problem is that once you get past around the eighth-best prospect, things thin out really fast. While it’s always an issue that there normally isn’t any real difference between the prospects ranked three or four spots apart as you go down the system, this year there were several players that if you wanted to rank them ten spots lower or higher, I probably wouldn’t argue with you. After the eighth prospect, it’s either guys with low ceilings or injury issues or who just haven’t proven themselves as a professional yet. There are six recent 2025 draft picks in the top 25 and I’m pretty sure that’s a record for me. Four of them have yet to even make their professional debut.
The good news is that the system is down for a lot of the right reasons. Over the past two seasons, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cade Horton, Matt Shaw, Michael Busch, Ben Brown, Jordan Wicks, Daniel Palencia and others have left the farm system and become important contributors to the major league team. On top of that, the Cubs have traded away several very good prospects like Cam Smith, Zyhir Hope and others. I was left scrambling to find two more prospects to replace Owen Caissie and Cristian Hernandez, both of whom were traded to the Marlins for Edward Cabrera. There were other players who would have been in the top 25 this spring who were dealt at the trade deadline in July.
The bad news is that in this situation, you hope that the minor leaguers who remain step up and distinguish themselves as top prospects to replenish the system. While there are a few who really did, not enough of them did. Some prospects who were expected to be top ten prospects this year took steps backwards, either because of injury or just poor performance as they went up a level. This is one reason why there are so many draft picks this year.
A third reason the system is down that is neither good nor bad is something I mentioned last season: the minor leagues are just down everywhere. In particular, the quality of pitching has been quite poor and it’s not just the Cubs’ system that is hitter-heavy. We can only speculate why that is, although I certainly think the elimination of one level of the minors plays a role.
Another reason there are so many draft picks this year is because I simply don’t rank players who haven’t left the Dominican Summer League left. There are a few reasons for this, but the biggest one is I simply don’t have enough independent information to make my own evaluation. There isn’t much video and what there is tends to be two or three years out of date—when the player was 14 to 16 years old. But there are a few players down in the Dominican that I’m looking forward to seeing in the US this year and I hope that they’ll lift the system by this time next year.
Other than that, to be considered for this list you have to still have prospect eligibility, which is defined as fewer than 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched and less than 45 days on an active roster. Even though Moisés Ballesteros and Kevin Alcántara have played in the major leagues, they’re still eligible.
On a “we’re all getting older” note, I expect that Riley Martin will be my final ranked prospect whose birth year starts with a “19.”
As always, any mistakes here are my fault.
If you click on a player’s name, it will take you to his milb dot com page where you can get more statistical information.
21. Tyler Schlaffer. RHP. DOB: 5/24/2001. 6’1”, 180. Drafted 9th round (2019) Homewood-Flossmoor High School (IL)
Schlaffer has been in the Cubs system a long time and is just starting to put things together now. Part of the reason for that is Tommy John surgery, which cost him the entire 2023 season. But Schlaffer put up the best season of his career in 2025 and finished the year with nine starts in Double-A Knoxville, where he went 4-2 with a 2.78 ERA.
Schlaffer’s pure stuff isn’t going to blow anyone away, but he does have five decent pitches that he mixes up well to keep hitters off balance. His fastball has average velocity in the 92-94 range, but its flat shape keeps it from being a better weapon. His best pitch is his low-80s changeup, which is a real weapon against lefties. He also has a slurvy curve ball which he can use as an out pitch when he’s locating it well. Schlaffer has a fringy slider and a sinker, although both pitches sometimes play better than that. Schlaffer does close to equally well against left- and right-handed hitting, so that versatility plays in his favor.
The big issue with Schlaffer is his overall command and control, which abandons him at times. When it’s on, he can keep hitters guessing with a smart pitch miss, When it’s not, he ends up walking too many batters and leaving fat ones over the plate. Luckily last year, he was on more often than he was off. He will need to show more consistency in throwing strikes to be a major-league contributor.
Schlaffer was “on” in June, when he went 3-0 with an 0.69 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 26 innings that earned him Midwest League Pitcher of the Month honors. It also got him promoted to Double-A Knoxville.
Schlaffer’s pedestrian pure stuff probably relegates him to being a back-of-the-rotation starter with a lot of relief risk. He should return to Knoxville this summer with a promotion to Iowa that could come sooner rather than later.
Here’s Schlaffer striking out ten batters for South Bend in June.
Martin is extremely likely to make his major league debut this year as the Cubs added him to the 40-man roster this past winter. He’s an odd left-handed reliever who has had consistent reverse-platoon stats throughout his professional career.
Martin is a fastball-curve reliever, although he does have a slider and a change that he breaks out occasionally. The fastball comes in at 93-to-95 miles per hour and has decent movement on it. The curve is a real swing-and-miss pitch with mid-80s velocity and a sharp downward break.
Martin repeated Triple-A Iowa last year and was one of the I-Cubs best relievers all year, going 6-2 with four saves and a 2.69 ERA. He struck out a whopping 80 batters in 63.2 innings last year and has consistently struck out more than a batter an inning throughout his career. As you probably expect, he does have issues with control with 35 walks. However, that marked an improvement over his previous years. If he can make a similar jump forward this year, Martin could end up being a real weapon in a major league bullpen.
Martin is likely to start the season in Iowa again, but with his 40-man status, he’s going to get his chance at the majors as soon as an injury opens up a spot for him. If he can seize that opportunity, he could have a decent career as a major league left-handed middle reliever.
Here are some Martin highlights from early last season.
If you look at Dean’s 2025 season, you might question why he’s on this list, beyond the fact that the system starts to get thin around here. Between South Bend and Knoxville, Dean went 1-7 with an ERA of 5.43 over 15 starts. The Cubs even took him off the roster at one point and put him on the development list so he could work on straightening things out in a lower-stress environment.
But Dean’s strikeout and walk totals speak of a starting pitcher who can control the strike zone. Last year, Dean struck out a solid 27.4 percent of batters last year between the two levels and walked an impressive 6.9 percent. Yes, Dean gave up too much hard contact and too many home runs. But his overall command of the strike zone gives the Cubs something to work with here.
Dean’s fastball is a pretty pedestrian 89-91 miles per hour with decent break, although not a lot of deception. However, it plays better than it might otherwise because of a low-80s “Bugs Bunny” changeup that grades out as plus. Dean also mixes in a fringy curve and a fringy slider.
With only one pitch grading out as even average, Dean’s upside is limited. But he throws strikes and has that changeup going for him, so he certainly could carve out a role for himself as a back-of-the-rotation starter. More likely, he’s an up-and-down sixth starter.
Dean will likely return to Knoxville to start the season. Should he find a way to limit the hard contact, he should see Iowa sometime midseason.
Here’s Dean striking out three batters in South Bend.
Cubs prospect Nick Dean had an intriguing 2025. He posted a 5.43 ERA across A+ and AA despite a 3.27 FIP.
Dean struck out 75 batters over 64.2 innings with a 14.3% swinging-strike rate. His changeup generates a ton of whiffs and is graded 60 by FanGraphs. pic.twitter.com/taOTmBump6
The Cubs’ third-round pick from last summer’s draft hasn’t made his professional debut yet and I try to be a bit conservative when grading players who haven’t hit a minor league diamond yet. That practice has gone a bit out the window this year, but I still think that Reid’s ranking here is perhaps overly conservative but fair.
Reid spent two seasons (barely) pitching out of the bullpen at Oklahoma State before transferring to Abilene Christian for his junior year. He made 15 starts for the Wildcats (yes, I had to look that up) and went 6-3 with a 3.26 ERA. More impressively, he struck out 112 batters and walked just 27 over 88.1 innings. That was enough to get the Cubs to take Reid in the third round and hand him a nearly $650k signing bonus.
Reid’s best pitch is his changeup that comes in at 82-to-84 miles per hour and provides an excellent contrast to his average 91-95 mph fastball. He also has a low-80s slider and an upper-70s curve. He has at least average control on all four pitches.
Beyond that strong changeup, a lot of the appeal of Reid is the belief that he hasn’t maxed out his potential. Reid is a big right-hander without a lot of college experience. He might be able to add a few more miles onto his fastball with some tweaks. He’s also going to need to improve either his curve or his slider if he wants to stay a starting pitcher, but he could probably have a career as a reliever with just that changeup.
As the Cubs are wont to do, they shut down Reid after drafting him last summer. He should make his professional debut this spring. Myrtle Beach is the most likely starting spot for him, but depending on how much progress the Cubs feel he’s made over the past six months, he could start in Mesa or South Bend. Reid is a project, but one that could pay off with a back-end starter somewhere down the line.
Here’s every pitch Reid threw in a game for Abilene Christian last year.
Wing is a lanky right-hander who recently converted to pitching. Wing is a four-pitch pitcher with a whip-like delivery. His fastball sits 92-to-93 miles per hour with good arm-side ride, but it has touched 95 at times. I suspect that the Cubs believe that he can hit that velocity consistently with more experience and maybe some added weight.
Wing’s primary secondary pitch is an upper-70s changeup that mimics the movement of his fastball, except with a much greater vertical drop. He also has a big, loopy, knee-buckling curveball that could be plus if he learns to locate it with any consistency. Wing’s low-80s slider is a work in progress, but it does have some horizontal cut to it.
Wing was a shortstop before converting to pitching, and that athleticism and experience helps him field his position well. That’s not something we mention often for pitching prospects, but it can make a difference.
One thing that stands out as a possible negative on Wing is his body, which is wiry to say the least. Some observers think there’s some room on his frame to add some muscle and others aren’t so sure. But there is some question as to whether his body can withstand the rigors of starting every fifth day as a professional. Certainly there’s always a relief risk with a young pitcher, but there may be more relief risk than normal. But on pure stuff, he could be a number-four starter.
Fun fact: Kaleb’s father Ryan was a second-round pick of the White Sox and made it as high as Triple-A.
The Cubs took Wing in the fourth round last year and signed him away from Loyola Marymount for $1.5 million, which is second-round money. Like nearly every newly-drafted pitcher, the Cubs shut him down for the rest of the year, so he hasn’t made his professional debut this year. Depending on how much progress he made on the backfields of Mesa last fall, he could make his pro debut in the Complex League or Myrtle Beach. But clearly the goal is to get him to Myrtle Beach some time this year.
Here’s Wing pitching in a showcase game last year:
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: David Bednar #53 of the New York Yankees reacts to the final out from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays in game three of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 07, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The past few seasons of Yankee baseball have produced a familiar pattern when it comes to closing games. The first option the team tabs to handle the ninth inning invariably falters, forcing Aaron Boone to thumb through his bullpen to find a suitable replacement, or for Brian Cashman to acquire one from elsewhere.
In 2022, Aroldis Chapman’s struggles led to Clay Holmes being installed as the closer. Holmes held the role until 2024, when a succession of blown saves forced Boone to replace him with Luke Weaver. Last offseason, the Yankees traded for Devin Williams in the hopes that they’d have more stability in the role, but Williams’ unreliability forced Cashman to bring in more outside help. That came in the form of Pirates All-Star David Bednar.
Bednar was the closer the Yankees needed to stabilize the bullpen and gave them an option they could feel confident about in 2025. The two-time All-Star was lights-out, performing better in New York than he did in Pittsburgh. But again, we’ve seen this movie before. The Yankees’ ninth-inning guys have performed well…right up until they haven’t. Can Bednar buck the trend and provide a full season of late-game reliability?
Reasons for concern do exist for Bednar despite his spectacular excellent 2025 season. After all, the Pittsburgh native began the year in Triple-A, and slogged through 2024 with an ERA well north of 5. But Bednar has faced plenty of adversity in his career already. A former 35th-round draft pick who used his myriad rejections from Division I schools to fuel his competitive fire, Bednar has been underestimated and doubted before.
The routine questions about whether Bednar had the makeup to succeed under the bright Yankee Stadium lights were assuaged when Bednar pitched to a 2.19 ERA with 10 saves after the trade. He finished all three games the Yankees won in their eventual far-too-short postseason run, allowing just one run over six total appearances.
Bednar boasts a strong three-pitch mix, but his success hinges on his ability to get ahead in the count and put hitters away with his curveball. He has a north-south attack, with his fastball working best up in the zone and changing eye levels to set up his curve and his split. Both pitches missed bats at an elite level last season. As a result he boasted a strikeout rate just outside the top-10 in baseball for pitchers who threw at least 50 innings.
FanGraphs projections don’t predict his strikeout rate to regress much from that elite clip, and similarly don’t forecast his walk rate to increase much from 7.6 percent, where it sat last year. Bednar proved to be less volatile with the free passes than Williams, and has only exceeded 10 percent once across a full season in his career, in 2024.
Despite that, there are still some indications—which I pointed out in his report card post last fall—that Bednar won’t perform quite at the same level in 2026. For one thing, Bednar’s strand rate with the Yankees was unsustainably high: 84.2 percent. That number is bound to regress at least a bit; otherwise we have another real Houdini on our hands. (Happy retirement, D-Rob!)
Second was the high volume of seemingly free strikes Bednar was receiving early in the count, as hitters’ approach towards him was oddly passive. He only saw a 62.9% in-zone swing rate on his pitches, a little more than four percentage points below league average. If teams get a bit more aggressive, might that play to their favor? Or will they overcompensate and become more vulnerable to chasing? That will be a dynamic to follow with number 53 this season.
Ultimately, even if he allows more of his baserunners to score and allows more loud contact, I don’t believe Bednar will suddenly turn into a pumpkin this season. Glancing at his percentile rankings year-over-year, it’s fairly obvious that 2024 was the outlier for him. He’s an excellent closer who got a good dose of big-game experience last year, has less overall risk in his profile than Williams’, and got a full offseason to get fully accustomed to his new digs. I expect the Renegade to have it made at the back of the Yankee bullpen in 2026.
Nebraska's Brett Sears delivers a pitch during a NCAA Big Ten Conference baseball game against Iowa, Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Duane Banks Field in Iowa City, Iowa. 230422 Nebraska Iowa B 010 Jpg
Welcome all to another year of Braves baseball, and with it comes one of our favorite things to do – our Top 30 rankings. After another strong draft that saw the Braves go heavy on position players, we are starting to see these players rise up the ranks and fill out what has been a list that has been dominated by arms as of late. While the Braves still sit near the bottom of all farm system ranks, there is hope in the near future as the young talent continue to develop and show substantial progression across multiple areas.
As we’ve done in the past the Battery Power Top 30 Prospects is a composite of an awesome minor league staff featuring Matt, Brady, Garrett and myself. We start this weeks shenanigans off with the players who narrowly missed out on our top 30. In what has been mainly filled with reliever arms, our honorable mentions feature some intriguing players that have ceilings a lot higher than you would think for players outside of our Top 30. Lets get this weeks fun started by taking a look at those 6 players.
RHP Jeremy Reyes
Jeremy was a bit of a surprise, coming in just a couple decimal points behind our No. 30 prospect, who you will learn about tomorrow. He was a surprise, because of his substantial upside. While he has struggled with arm soreness at times, there’s no disputing what Jeremy can do on the mound. Still just 20 years of age, Jeremy be entering his third full season of professional baseball. He appeared in 18 games for the Augusta GreenJackets but registered a 2.71 ER with a batting average against of just .181. We saw him showcase five pitches throughout the season with a low-to-mid 90s fastball, a high 80s to low 90s 2 seamer, a biting slider, a strong changeup, and a cutter that he really began to throw a lot more last year. The main issue with him has been staying on the mound, as he’s struggled with shoulder soreness at times which has limited his innings – shown last year by the Braves limiting how deep he would get into games as he was often limited to 2-3 innings. If Reyes is fully healthy, he has some of the highest upside for a pitcher in the system because of his ability to generate whiffs with multiple pitches while being able to locate his four seam at the top of the zone consistently. If health is on his side, Jeremy likely quickly ascends up the list.
RHP Brett Sears
Much like Reyes, it was a bit of a surprise seeing Sears show up in our honorable mentions – especially after a season that saw him go from Low-A Augusta to Gwinnett across just 25 games. He will be entering just his second full season of professional baseball this year, but will also be turning 26 in May, which hurt his stock just a little bit. Overall on the season, Brett needed just five games in Augusta, six games in Rome, and then spent a majority of his season over in Columbus where he appeared in 15 games. He got a cup of tea with the Gwinnett team, but it did not treat him too well as he accumulated a 10.24 ERA but just across nine innings. Much like Reyes, Sears gets it done in a multitude of ways with a low-to-mid 90s fastball, a low-90s two seam, a high-80s cutter, and then a slider, curveball, and changeup. He works between the mid-70s and mid-90s making for an uncomfortable at bat when he’s got them all clicking. At times he would have difficulty with his slider, often throwing it too low in the zone. If he can get that squared away, along with sustained execution of his fastball in the upper thirds, Brett is another candidate to rise in the rankings and potentially see himself in a Major League role.
SS Juan Mateo
A good surprise on this list is Juan Mateo who was signed for just $10,000 out of the Dominican Republic. Coming in at 6’ 165 lbs, Mateo showcased versatility, and really strong contact skills in his debut year in the DSL back in 2024. Because of it, he surprisingly started the 2025 season in the FCL where he once again showed the same skill – putting together a slash line of .277/.352/.319 with a 10% walk rate, and mere 16.2% strikeout rate. After 51 games, the Braves saw enough out of him to move him up yet again to Low-A Augusta where he spent the second half of the season at just 18 years of age – playing against players older than him. While the strikeout rate rose it was still at a commendable 23.7% and the walk rate still stayed around the same at 9%. He was a little overmatched, but we did see the groundball rate drop while his line drive rate rose from 19% all the way to 23% against older competition. While he’s listed as a shortstop, versatility is his calling card as international scouts I spoke to said he could play all across the field, including the outfield if necessary. With a relatively high floor, thanks to his great contact ability, Juan Mateo looks like someone that can make a name for himself should he add some power to his skill set. Should he not, you are still looking at a player signed for $10,000 that has good contact skills, an ability to draw walks, and play all around the field – a very useful player type.
Juan Mateo is a prospect to keep an eye on in the Braves system in 2025.
The 17 y/o, switch hitting, SS didn’t have the traditional numbers that jumped off the page but did have:
After being considered one of, if not the top positional prospect for the Braves over the last few years, David finds himself out of our top 30 despite one of his best statistical seasons. He finally stayed healthy a full season and played 133 games last season – hitting .286/.379/.434 in 105 games for the Columbus Clingstones before getting promoted to the Gwinnett Stripers where he hit .235/.321/.398. David got the start a third quite a few times for Columbus, but was just okay, showing pretty limited range. As a result, after his promotion to Gwinnett he was mainly a 1B/DH. David saw his line drive rate drop, and his fly ball rate drop, while his ground ball rate rose to nearly 50%. So despite the clear improvement that we saw last year, David now profiles as an on-base merchant 1B/DH who does not hit for significant power lowering his overall profile. After going unclaimed, while being unprotected, during the rule-5 draft, David will need an extremely strong 2026 with substantially more power in his age 26 season if he wants a chance to earn his way onto a major league roster.
LHP Landon Beidelschies
Landon, a starter for Arkansas last season was drafted by the Braves in the sixth round of the 2025 draft after a solid season for the Razorbacks where he had a 4.82 ERA in 61.2 innings pitched. It was his strikeout and walk rate that really stood out as he had a dynamic 10.2 K/9 rate, while showcasing good command with just a 2.92 BB/9 rate. The Braves saw enough in his pitch mix to select him in that sixth round and he appeared in two games for the Augusta GreenJackets where he continued his strong strikeout rate (11.37 K/9, 2.84 BB/9), but continued his struggles with the long ball. While he has three pitches, Landon is primarily a two-pitch pitcher with a four-seam, and slider – sitting primarily in the low 90s with his fastball, and low-to-mid 80s with his slider. His third pitch, a changeup, is still a work in progress as its release point is substantially enough different from the two pitches potentially making it easier for hitters to identify. While he has shown flashes with it, it’s still below average with work to do. Landon will enter the season at 22 years of age, and thanks to his college experience he will likely rise quickly should he show good success. That said, he definitely profiles more as a reliever than he does a starter, which hurt him in our rankings – leaving him out of our top 30.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 04: General manager J.J. Picollo of the Kansas City Royals is seen prior to a game between the Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on September 04, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We’re trying a new series at Royals Review, a daily mid-day question of the day to hear about your opinions on a fun or pressing question affecting the Royals or baseball in general. Chime in and drop your answers below!
Have the Royals done enough this offseason to upgrade the roster and get back to contention? Perhaps, although it sounds like J.J. Picollo still wants to do more to improve this team, particularly in the outfield and bullpen. Has it been a perfect offseason? Assuredly, no.
With the benefit of hindsight, we can pine over those deals that perhaps could have helped the Royals. What would you have done? What is a move from another team that you wish the Royals would have done? Or perhaps there’s a deal that wasn’t executed you think could have benefitted the Royals (try to refrain from the unreasonable “Jonathan India-for-Jarren Duran” trade ideas, we’re not Yankees fans!)
Matthew Tkachuk has hit the ground running this season, leading Florida in points and expected goals, while sitting second in shots over his first seven games.
My Sabres vs. Panthers predictions expect another active offensive performance from Tkachuk against Buffalo.
Let’s break down my NHL picks for Monday, February 2.
Sabres vs Panthers prediction
Sabres vs Panthers best bet: Matthew Tkachuk Over 2.5 shots on goal (-155)
Matthew Tkachuk has shot the puck at a healthy clip since returning from injury, averaging 2.9 shots on target through seven games.
He has posted better numbers at home, where he attempted at least five shots in all three showings.
His outputs have also shown spikes following a day of rest. He has generated 3.8 shots per game through four games under those circumstances.
Tkachuk is at home and rested, and the matchup against the Buffalo Sabres doesn’t get much better.
The Sabres are a high-event side that gives up a lot of shot volume. They’ve allowed the second-most shots to wingers over the past 10 games while playing at the sixth-highest pace.
This is a big pace-up spot for the Florida Panthers, who sit 31st in pace during that span. The Sabres should speed the Panthers up a bit, creating a better game environment for offense.
In an important inner-division clash against a team just ahead of the Panthers in the standings, Florida will be heavily reliant on its star winger to lead the charge.
Sabres vs Panthers same-game parlay
Tkachuk has only scored in one of his seven games this season, but he is getting a lot of looks around the net, and the Panthers are favorites in a game with a total of 6.5. This would be a good spot to get one.
Carter Verhaeghe is playing on Tkachuk’s opposite wing, and the two are both featured on the No. 1 power play. Dating back to last year, Verhaeghe has 15 assists over his past 18 games with Tkachuk in the lineup.
Matthew Tkachuk has averaged 4.5 shots on goal over his last eight games against Buffalo. Find more NHL betting trends for Sabres vs. Panthers.
How to watch Sabres vs Panthers
Location
Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL
Date
Monday, February 2, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
MSG-Buffalo, SCRIPPS
Sabres vs Panthers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
The focus had been on Arsenal. They had not won in three Premier League games before this weekend and it was reasonable to ask how secure their position at the top of the table was. But the impact of their wobble was not that their lead was eaten into, but that they missed opportunities to extend it, because those in the chasing pack were also dropping points.
In their six league games since the New Year fixtures, Arsenal have dropped seven points. But City in the same period have dropped 11, as have Aston Villa and Liverpool. Fulham have dropped 10, Everton have dropped nine, Brentford and Newcastle have dropped eight, Chelsea seven and Manchester United six; hardly anyone in the top half of the table has closed the gap on Arsenal at all, which is why, after Saturday’s comfortable win at Leeds, their lead remains at six points.
Both the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins rank in the Top 10 in goals per game, but it's the Under that stands out in this matchup.
My Senators vs. Penguins predictions expect a lower-scoring affair between two Eastern Conference teams riding winning streaks.
Let’s break down my NHL picks for Monday, February 2.
Senators vs Penguins prediction
Senators vs Penguins best bet: Under 6.5 (ODDS)
The Pittsburgh Penguins have done a very good job defensively under first-year head coach Dan Muse, ranking 13th in shot suppression, fifth in penalty kill percentage, and tied for ninth in goals allowed.
The Ottawa Senators have had a more difficult time keeping the puck out, but they’ve largely held up when facing other teams that defend well.
Seven consecutive Senators games vs. Top 10 teams in goal prevention have featured five goals or fewer. They allowed 25 shots or less in each of those games, helping make life as easy as possible on their goaltenders.
This stretch includes a matchup with the Pens back in December. Just four goals were scored in that contest — a 4-0 victory for Ottawa — and the two sides combined for only 50 shots on target.
Defense is Ottawa’s calling card, and the Senators will be looking to keep things tight as they try to inch back towards a playoff spot.
The suspension of Bryan Rust and injury to Kris Letang should also take a bite out of their offense and make them easier to slow down.
Senators vs Penguins same-game parlay
Dylan Cozens has generated shots at a very consistent clip, averaging 2.7 on 4.5 attempts over his last 10 games. He cleared 1.5 shots in nine of them, only failing to do so against the No. 1-seeded Colorado Avalanche.
While Thomas Chabot left Ottawa’s last game with an injury, it was cited as precautionary. If he’s good to go, two shots is not much to ask for the minute-muncher who has registered multiple shots on target in 14 of his past 20.
The Over is just 2-7-1 over the past 10 head-to-head matchups. Find more NHL betting trends for Senators vs. Penguins.
How to watch Senators vs Penguins
Location
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
Date
Monday, February 2, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
TSN5, SportsNet-Pittsgurgh
Senators vs Penguins latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
It was a frustrating end to January for the Florida Panthers.
After reeling off wins in six of eight, Florida appeared to be rounding a corner and building some momentum heading into an extremely crucial point of the season.
That was until the past week, when the Panthers dropped each of their three games, two of which coming on home ice and all by a single goal.
Before the defeats, Florida had climbed to within three points of the second Wild Card spot (which was Boston at the time), with a game in hand, and four points back of third place in the Atlantic Division (back then it was Buffalo).
Fast forward to now, where the Cats enter play on Monday eight points behind the Sabres, who hold the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, and ten points back of third-place Montreal with one game in hand.
With only 28 games remaining on their schedule, it’s getting to the point where Florida is losing any margin for error in terms of failing to accumulate points in the standings. Losing three straight games to teams who all had less points than the Panthers is something that simply can’t happen.
This will be the third of four meetings between Florida and Buffalo this season.
A 3-0 road loss to the Sabres back on Oct. 18 capped an early-season four-game losing streak for the Cats, while Florida picked up a 4-3 win in Buffalo on Jan. 12 that was actually the first home loss for the Sabres in about six weeks.
When the Panthers hit the ice on Monday they’ll be in the familiar position of shorthanded thanks to another pair of key forwards missing the game.
Both Brad Marchand and Anton Lundell are considered day-to-day and could play before the NHL breaks for the Olympics, but it won’t be against Buffalo.
Photo caption: Jan 12, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) controls the puck during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. (Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images)
Mercedes principal insists their new car is within rules
‘Other teams are finding excuses before they have started’
Toto Wolff has dismissed claims from rival teams over the legality of Mercedes’ new engine, insisting it is within the regulations. The Mercedes team principal said that the onus lay with the other manufacturers who had missed an opportunity and that they should get their “shit together”.
The row over whether Mercedes and Red Bull have stolen a march on the opposition in their engine design has dominated the buildup to the new season and Wolff notably did not rule out other teams protesting against the legality of their engines after they are used competitively for the first time at the Australian Grand Prix on 8 March.
