Arsenal and Liverpool will fancy their chance of making the quarter-finals, while Manchester City and Newcastle face tougher routes
The Club World Cup final victory over Paris Saint-Germain last summer was probably Enzo Maresca’s finest hour as Chelsea manager. He devised a gameplan, pinging balls over Nuno Mendes for Cole Palmer to chase, backed up by Malo Gusto, that tore the European champions apart in the first half. Liam Rosenior may try to exploit the same vulnerability, but this is a Chelsea that look weary, their exertions in the US perhaps having left them fatigued.
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Alex Carrillo (84) throws weighted wall ball drills during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Alex Carrillo has had a rather arduous road in his professional career, one that eventually resulted in his major league debut in 2025.
Carrillo, now 28 years of age, originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the Texas Rangers out of Faulker University, an NAIA school in Montgomery, Alabama, in 2019. He lost his 2020 season to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was promptly released by the Rangers after appearing in only three games in their organization, all in the Arizona Rookie League.
He got back on the mound in 2021 in independent ball, signing with the New York Boulders of the Frontier League. He did not perform all that well, earning a 7.11 ERA in 19 innings. He moved onto the Mexican League for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, playing both for the Tigres de Quintana Roo, earning a 8.49 ERA in 29.2 innings, and 8.06 ERA in 22.1 innings, respectively.
2024 saw him move back to the Frontier League, this time with the Washington Wild Things, where he had his best season by a mile. He had a 3.31 ERA, striking out 49 batters in 35.1 innings, which earned him his opportunity with the Mets.
Signed prior to the 2025 season, Carrillo was a mainstay in the Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse bullpens before eventually getting a call to the Majors in June. While he was far from incredible for the Mets, giving up seven runs (four homers) in 4.2 innings pitched, even making it from where he started is impressive in and of itself.
Carrillo is bullpen depth, which is something you can never have too much of. While the performances were never really there for Carrillo, save for his 2024 showing for the Wild Things and solid showings in both Double and Triple-A (his Triple-A ERA was actually above average, earning an ERA- of 84, because the offensive environment is absurd there), he continues to get chances due to a hard fastball and an ability to generate whiffs. He can touch triple digits, which will get whiffs at any level, and his 35% and above strikeout rate at both stops last season is a testament to that.
While, at the end of the day, it is not a likely scenario that sees Carrillo end up as a high-leverage reliever, stranger things have happened on the pitching side of the game — Reed Garrett is a good example of how a cutting edge pitching apparatus can take a guy from having 6.00 ERA’s in the Major Leagues to being an important reliever with a few changes. It is hard to predict pitchers, and who will break out, and what organizations have cooking behind the scenes with these arms (and if whatever they have cooking can stick), but a pitcher who throws hard and generate whiffs is going to get some chances, and at the very least be a valuable reliever in Triple-A while providing short-term cover for the big league team.
BRADENTON, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 12: Konnor Griffin #75 of the Pittsburgh Pirates at bat during a spring training workout at Pirate City on February 12, 2026 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While spending my summer in Pittsburgh last year (having never lived there before), I realized just how important the Pittsburgh Pirates are to the city and its fanbase. The organization, alongside the other major teams in the Steel City, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins, is the lifeblood of one of the nation’s most blue-collar cities.
However, despite the team being essential to the everyday lives of those who wander the streets and suburbs of Pittsburgh, the Pirates did not deliver good baseball for much of the season. For the fifth time in the last seven years, they finished dead-last in the NL Central. Though they were able to play some meaningful series at the end of the season, it was merely because the opposing teams were in a playoff hunt, not what Pirates fans want to see at all from their favorite team.
Last season was simply a fiasco for on and off-field reasons. Pirates fans who attended games at the beautiful PNC Park chanted for Bob Nutting to sell the team over and over again throughout the season, even just seven games into the season, when a plane flew overhead that suggested he do so. There were other series, like their embarrassing weekend against an also-abysmal White Sox club, where fans were vocal. Manager Derek Shelton was fired after an abysmal 12-26 start and replaced by Don Kelly, who saw some improvement in the team’s record by year’s end (59-65) but still struggled during stretches to turn things around.
Despite all of these negatives, there are, of course, a couple of positives to come out of this offseason and what could bring fans back to PNC Park.
First, the most obvious one: Paul Skenes.
Last year, Skenes was fantastic. In his second season in MLB, he started 32 games, pitched 187.2 innings, and finished with a 1.97 ERA. It was the first sub-2.00 ERA season since Justin Verlander with the Houston Astros in 2022. He recorded 216 total strikeouts — his first 200+ strikeout season and good enough to overtake Mitch Keller as the Pirates franchise record holder for single-season strikeout total —and, biggest of all, won the National League Cy Young Award. His 217 ERA+ was the best in all of MLB, and his 6.5 fWAR was the highest in the NL and only 0.1 behind Detroit Tigers ace (and American League Cy Young Award winner), Tarik Skubal. Skenes was the Bucs’ first Cy Young Award winner in 36 years, dating back to erstwhile Yankees up-and-comer Doug Drabek.
The next is a player whose name has been near or at the top of every major scouting list (and is showing why in spring training): Konnor Griffin.
Last season at the age of 19, Griffin shot through the Pirates’ minor league system, making it all the way up to the Altoona Curve in Double-A after starting at the Single-A level. He played only 21 games, but in 83 at-bats, he slashed .337/.418/.542 for an OPS of .961, after batting at least .325 with an OPS of .930 in A-ball. At 6-foot-4, 222 pounds, the Pirates’ ninth overall selection in the 2024 draft is lighting up spring training now and could be in contention for the major league roster, as the part of his game many say is the most impressive (outside of his physical capabilities) is his mature approach at the plate and in the field.
Bubba Chandler’s another young player looking to make his impact on the major league roster for the Pirates. After finishing with a record of 4-1, an ERA of 4.02, a 3.20 xFIP, and an fWAR total of 0.9 in 31.1 innings pitched, the 23-year-old is continuing to try to build a resume that can keep him around PNC Park.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that the Pirates, while they do have these young, up-and-coming names blasting through their minor league system, have actually spent money this offseason on known MLB commodities. Despite not landing Kyle Schwarber, the Pirates traded for two-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe, came to terms with DH Marcell Ozuna (who’s hit 100 homers across the last three seasons), signed lefty reliever Gregory Soto, outfielder Jake Mangum, and lefty reliever Mason Montgomery, and inked 2025 All-Star first baseman/DH Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year, $29 million deal.*
*This is somehow the biggest free agent contract for a position player in Pirates history.
Will they be good next season? Despite FanGraphs’ somewhat-rosy 82-win, second-place projection, probably not. In particular, it’s hard to envision them finishing with a better record than the ever-innovative Brewers. Aside from the Andrew McCutchen-led mini-renaissance from 2013-15, the Pirates have almost exclusively floundered since the early ’90s, and more struggles would unfortunately be nothing new in the Steel City. But with Kelly at the helm, general manager Ben Cherington finally spending a little bit of money, and the continuing improvement of the young players in the rotation and around the roster, there’s potential for the Pirates to start making some noise in the NL Central.
More Pinstripe Alley MLB team season previews can be found here.
TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Threshers mascot Phinley and home plate umpire Emil Jimenez go over the ground rules with the Threshers and Fire Frogs coaches before the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
With this, the final name has been registered and we have a list.
Ramon Marquez – 136 Zach McCambley – 45 Griffin Burkholder – 16 Keaton Anthony – 13 Alex McFarlane – 10 Seth Johnson – 8 Mavis Graves – 1
Kind of fitting that Marquez finishes off this list. A 19 year old kid that has a tough changeup and the makings of a decent fastball, he’s one of those arms that can be dreamt on whenever he is able to arrive. The Phillies might see their system take off a bit in the eyes of national people if players like Marquez can take a step forward this year. It looks like he has the basis to do so.
2025 stats (with complex league and Clearwater)
14 G (12 GS), 55 IP, 30.3 K%, 7.1 BB%, 0.65 HR/9, 4.42 ERA (3.36 FIP)
Marquez throws hard for his age, albeit with downhill plane and movement that makes it vulnerable to contact. His best pitch, and maybe the best individual pitch in the system, is a Bugs Bunny changeup that generated an elite miss rate (just over 60%!) last season. It has an absurd amount of sinking and tailing action, and is absolutely the kind of pitch that could spearhead a relief profile on its own. Marquez also has a fringy slider that sometimes has a cutter look and velo, and he might be suited to have an explicit cutter rather than the hybrid look of his current breaker.
And there you have it. You have spoken, we have listened and these are the top twenty prospects in the Phillies’ system according to The Good Phight community.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Manager Terry Francona #77 of the Cincinnati Reds reacts after being mentioned during the Athletics Hall of Fame induction at Sutter Health Park on September 13, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There were only 12 hitters in all of Major League Baseball in 2025 who logged over 650 PA and sported an on-base percentage over .360. Cincinnati Reds centerfielder TJ Friedl was one of them, and he was joined by a cast of characters who you may recognize – Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani, Geraldo Perdomo, Vlad Guerrero, Jr., Rafel Devers, Fernando Tatis, Jr., Matt Olson, Yandy Diaz, Kyle Schwarber, and Jose Ramirez.
It’s a testament both to Friedl’s durability last season and to his ability to consistently find his way to first base, something bolstered by his 11.8% walk rate. Even at age 30 and with a manager in Terry Francona who’s not asking him to swipe bags the way he once did, it’s almost impossible to imagine there being a better, more classic prototype on the Reds roster for the team’s leadoff man, and it sure seems that Francona is married to that idea heading into the 2026 season, too.
So, the lineup begins with TJ. After that, though, there’s a lot of moving and shaking that could go on, especially on days when the club faces off against a lefty.
What we do also know is that Francona seems wed to the idea of keeping Elly De La Cruz in the #3 spot in the lineup rather than moving him up to hit right behind Friedl. Francona has also spoken repeatedly about how prodigal son Eugenio Suárez brings both thump to the middle of the order and ‘protection’ for Elly from pitchers who might otherwise try to pitch around him, and that leads to a pretty easy assumption that Geno will be the team’s cleanup hitter.
1, 3, and 4 seem to be pretty well etched in stone, at least for the start of the season. Where the rest of the dominos fall, though, seems very much up in the air.
It’s impossible to think at this juncture that Sal Stewart should be hitting anywhere other than as high in the lineup as he can be slotted. If 1, 3, and 4 are set on most days, that would sure suggest he’s ripe for the #2 spot in between TJ and Elly, one of the rare bats who’s both patient enough at the plate to work a count (and let a leadoff guy run, if need be) but who can also plate everyone with one mighty swing. If it were up to me, the Reds regular batting order would begin with Friedl, Sal, Elly, and Geno, and that would be borderline non-negotiable.
Early in spring camp, though, it sure seems like Francona is leaning towards keeping Matt McLain in the #2 spot, however. Perhaps that’s just a manager doing his best to boost the confidence of one of his most talented, albeit most injured regulars, as McLain hit just .220/.300/.343 overall last year (and an even more putrid .215/.306/.304 in 298 PA hitting in the #2 spot last year). For the record, Cincinnati’s collective production from the #2 spot in the order in 2025 produced just a 68 wRC+ and .273 wOBA, both of which ranked 2nd to last overall.
The middle and back-half of the Reds regular batting order seems deeper on paper than it’s been in quite some time, though it’s a malleable mash of hitters who, in any given one-month stretch, could be better or worse than every player on the team. We’ve seen the streakiness first hand from the likes of Spencer Steer, Tyler Stephenson, Noelvi Marte, and Will Benson, and the back of JJ Bleday’s baseball card sure suggests he’s pretty much in the same boat. Regardless of the handedness of the pitcher on the mound on any given day, it’s more likely than not that that core ends up occupying spots 5-8 on most days, with the lone exception being when Dane Myers is in outfield on days a left-hander is starting against them. Unless, that is, Nate Lowe rakes through Cactus League play and cements himself as a key part of this offense despite coming into camp on an unheralded minor league deal.
Ke’Bryan Hayes, whom I really hope rarely gets more than 2 PA per game, is going to hit 9th. At least, I sure as hell hope that’s how this works.
If it were purely up to me, which it is not, here’s how I’d roll out the lineup against a RHP:
TJ Friedl – CF
Sal Stewart – 1B
Elly De La Cruz – SS
Eugenio Suárez – 3B
Nate Lowe – DH
Spencer Steer/Will Benson/JJ Bleday – LF
Tyler Stephenson – C
Noelvi Marte – RF
Matt McLain – 2B
The Hayes trade still baffles me, but at least he’d be around for the late innings defensively.
On days when a LHP is on the bump, my personal lineup would look more like this:
Matt McLain – 2B
Sal Stewart – 1B
Elly De La Cruz – SS
Eugenio Suarez – DH
Spencer Steer – LF
Tyler Stephenson – C
Dane Myers – CF
Noelvi Marte – RF
Ke’Bryan Hayes – 3B
How would you build a regular Reds lineup, and how would you tweak it when facing a southpaw? How would you build both through the lens of Terry Francona’s spectacles, since that’s the realistic way we must look at the situation?
BROOKLYN, NY - FEBRUARY 26: Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on February 26, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
There’s something about the number 11.
I was born on the 11th. I grew up with the German soccer novel “11 Freunde müsst ihr sein”. Later came “11 Freunde”, a wonderful monthly magazine about soccer culture. But if I’m being honest, my favorite association with the number 11 has nothing to do with soccer at all — it’s the movie “This Is Spinal Tap”.
Because 11, as we all know, is louder. 1 louder, to be precise.
I have a very good friend with whom I spend my summers at festivals, my winters at club gigs, and every now and then all year hanging out in his rehearsal room. Over time, “Eleven” has become a running gag between us — the kind that quietly takes on a life of its own.
It has gone so far that other people have had custom T-shirts made for us, with our names printed on them alongside the word “Eleven.” Someone even made us an engraved house number sign — our names on it, and the number 11. Whenever we’re at a festival, we hang it on our tent.
So yes, eleven means something to me.
And now the Spurs have won eleven in a row.
Takeaways
The Spurs are winning games — even back-to-back road games — despite their sole superstar going through a rough offensive patch. Victor Wembanyama shot below 40 percent for the third game in a row, taking only nine field-goal attempts (mostly jump shots) and making just three of them in only 26 minutes of playing time. He’s clearly knackered and probably needs a break.
But a break could possibly spell the end of his MVP case. With Joker and SGA in similar trouble — and Giannis already out of the race — the very best players are struggling to meet the minimum-games-played requirement. That doesn’t feel right.
One reason why the Spurs were able to extend their winning streak to eleven was — it has to be mentioned — a weak and at times careless opponent. On the other hand, the Spurs continued to play good basketball: the driving and cutting guards were finding their way to the rim with ease, and they were also finding the shooters out on the perimeter. Julian Champagnie and Devin Vassell — for the third game in a row — combined to shoot better than 60 percent from deep on 16 attempts.
Additionally, the Spurs were able to rely on their bench mob. Dylan Harper has turned into a bit of a shadow starter, in the sense that he — as in the Toronto game — played 29 minutes, which was the most of any Spur last night. Harper struggled with his three-point shot but was his usual self as a driver, rim finisher, and passer.
Realistically, Harper isn’t in the race for Rookie of the Year, since there’s no way past either Kon Knueppel or Cooper Flagg at this stage. But maybe he should at least be considered for Sixth Man of the Year? Yes, his box-score numbers don’t jump off the page, but his play-by-play data certainly does. On the season, the Spurs are outscoring their opponents by 10.5 points per 100 possessions with Harper on the court — and his on/off differential per 100 possessions sits at plus-6.6. These are ginobilicious figures.
After a couple of quiet games, Keldon Johnson was almost perfect (six of seven from the field) as a bucket getter off the bench and is probably the Spurs’ more realistic Sixth Man of the Year candidate. Whether he wins it or not, I’m glad Keldon is having a season that proves he’s not just the heart and soul of the team — but a serious contributor on a winning, possibly contending team.
The Boston Celtics are laying the lumber against the Brooklyn Nets, with tonight’s point spread among the biggest of the entire NBA season.
A blowout win for Boston means added floor time for the bench, including sixth man Payton Pritchard. He’s continued to give the C’s strong minutes with points, assists, and rebounds in reserve.
My Nets vs. Celtics predictions and NBA picks for Friday, February 27 peg Pritchard for a big night on the boards.
Nets vs Celtics prediction
Nets vs Celtics best bet: Payton Pritchard Over 3.5 rebounds (+102)
Payton Pritchard is coming off a quiet 28 minutes in the loss to Denver on Wednesday, recording only three points along with three rebounds.
That marked the first time in five games that the Boston Celtics guard failed to play at least 34 minutes and snatch four or more rebounds.
The Brooklyn Nets are at the bottom of the Atlantic Division and among the worst rebounding teams, ranked 26th in rebound rate.
Pritchard has grabbed four or more boards in two of the past three matchups with Brooklyn and is projected for as many as 4.9 rebounds tonight.
Nets vs Celtics same-game parlay
Boston has a bad taste in its mouth after getting dropped in Denver to wrap its Western Conference road trip. The Celtics are 12-7 ATS off a loss this season and won’t be taking the Nets lightly after going 2-1 SU versus Brooklyn and needing OT for one of those victories.
Pritchard averages more than four rebounds a night and Brooklyn is a piss-poor shooting team, especially on the road (43.5% is a league low). That means plenty of rebounding chances for the Celtics' plucky guard, whose projections all sit north of four boards.
Sam Hauser scored 19 points in his last run-in with Brooklyn, and game models call for double digit points tonight.
Nets vs Celtics SGP
Celtics -17.5
Payton Pritchard Over 3.5 rebounds
Sam Hauser Over 9.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Nic's knack
While my SGP is very pro-Celtics, Brooklyn big Nic Claxton has been money against Boston this season, with twin 18-point efforts in his last two meetings with the C’s. Projections call for 11+ points tonight.
Nets vs Celtics SGP
Celtics -17.5
Payton Pritchard Over 3.5 rebounds
Sam Hauser Over 9.5 points
Nic Claxton Over 10.5 points
Nets vs Celtics odds
Spread: Nets +17.5 | Celtics -17.5
Moneyline: Nets +850 | Celtics -1400
Over/Under: Over 208.5 | Under 208.5
Nets vs Celtics betting trend to know
The Boston Celtics are 88-50 ATS off a loss going back to the 2021-22 season (64%). Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Celtics.
How to watch Nets vs Celtics
Location
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date
Friday, February 27, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
YES, NBC Sports Boston
Nets vs Celtics latest injuries
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SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 31: Sam Petersen #2 of the Scottsdale Scorpions celebrates with teammates after scoring a run during an Arizona Fall League game against the Salt River Rafters at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on October 31, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It has been a little while since I have talked about the Nats farm system, so I wanted to give it some love. There are plenty of breakout candidates in the system, but I settled on three picks to click. One rule I had was that none of these players could be in the top 10 of the most recent MLB Pipeline top 30.
That means Gavin Fien, Landon Harmon and Luke Dickerson are not eligible for this list. Instead, I am going for some deeper cuts. The three names I chose were Devin Fitz-Gerald, Yoel Tejada Jr., and Sam Petersen. All of these guys showed flashes in 2025, but the best is still yet to come.
Devin Fitz-Gerald is the highest ranked of these prospects. He is the 12th ranked prospect in the Nats system according to Pipeline and is 9th for Baseball America. Fitz-Gerald was a key part of the MacKenzie Gore return. He was picked in the 5th round of the 2024 draft by the Rangers, and had an outstanding first season as a pro.
Nationals SS Devin Fitz-Gerald posted a 143 wRC+ over 41 games across CPX + A ball w/ 6 HR, while walking (16.2%) more than he struck out (13.9%). He coupled that w/ an 80.6% Con% and a low 8.6% SwStr%. A polished LH swing w/ quick hands & generated plenty of pull contact (48.3%) pic.twitter.com/9Lmq3pGron
Fitz-Gerald dominated the competition in Rookie Ball before a promotion to Low-A. He only got to play 10 games in Low-A before a shoulder injury ended his season in early July. However, he held his own in A ball, walking more than he struck out. Polish is a key part of Fitz-Gerald’s game. The switch hitting infielder is a very advanced hitter for his age and has a high baseball IQ.
That high baseball IQ should come as no surprise. His dad is the coach at Stoneman Douglas High School, which has produced many MLB players including Anthony Rizzo, Jesus Luzardo and Roman Anthony. Fitz-Gerald played for his dad in high school and was an excellent player.
However, his pro debut went even better than expected. The switch hitter showed more power than expected, which elevated his stock. Everyone knew he was a polished hitter, but the extra power makes him a very complete hitter. Fitz-Gerald is not an elite athlete, so he is likely to move to second or third base. However, he has a good enough bat to do that. Out of the trio of prospects we will cover, Fitz-Gerald is easily the most likely to emerge as a top 100 guy.
He should start the season in a crowded Low-A infield. There is a chance we see Fitz-Gerald, Eli Willits, Angel Feliz, Gavin Fien and Luke Dickerson all start the year at Low-A. That could potentially move Dickerson to the outfield, but that is a conversation for another day. Devin Fitz-Gerald is a prospect whose trajectory is pointed upwards.
For my pitcher, I am going to choose a real deep cut. Yoel Tejada Jr. is the 27th ranked prospect according to Pipeline and the 29th ranked prospect according to Baseball America. However, he has some unique attributes that excite me.
Tejada was taken in the 14th round of the 2024 draft by the Nats. He was not good at all in college, with a career ERA of 5.74. Tejada also had more walks than strikeouts in his college career that only lasted 42.1 innings over three seasons. However, the Nats still drafted him because he is 6’8 and threw in the mid-90’s.
That gamble looks like a smart one. After some mechanical tweaks, he looked like a different pitcher as a pro. Tejada was more in the 91-94 MPH range, but was throwing way more strikes and showed a good feel for spin. His fastball plays up due to his massive extension down the mound as well. There is also a chance he can gain some more velocity.
I’d like to know who listed Yoel Tejada Jr as their pick to click. He’s a deeper cut than most other names on that list.
Tejada Jr is part of a trio of Nats pitching prospects I’m high on, Jose Feliz and Jackson Kent being the other two.
In Low-A, Tejada posted a 3.43 ERA in 78.2 innings. He struck out nearly a batter per inning and walked just 2.4 hitters per nine. His two starts in High-A did not go as well, but that was a small sample size. The improvement in his command is what makes me very intrigued.
At 6’8, he is going to be a weird look for hitters. If he continues to pound the zone like he did last year, Tejada’s stock is only going to rise. I wonder if he can show the velocity he did in college while still pounding the zone. If he can do that, his stock could really take off. Tejada should start the season at High-A, but if he does well there, he could get to Double-A at some point this season.
He could be the next Brad Lord or Riley Cornelio type of arm, who seemingly comes out of nowhere. Both of those guys had velocity spikes as they rose through the minors, so that makes me confident that Tejada could sit in the 94-95 range before too long.
Another pitcher who is in a similar position to Tejada that I want to shout out as an honorable mention is Davian Garcia. He was also part of that 2024 class, and had a similar season to Tejada. Garcia was excellent in Low-A, but struggled in High-A. He got into a Spring Training game a few days ago, where his stuff looked excellent. Look for Garcia to rise into the Nats top 30 list soon.
The last player I want to talk about is Sam Petersen. In a way, he has already broken out, as he had an excellent year mostly in High-A. However, he only played in 57 minor league games due to a couple injuries. If he can stay healthy, Petersen could be yet another candidate to play in the Nats outfield by the end of the season.
While MLB Pipeline has Petersen as their 28th ranked prospect in the system, Baseball America is much higher on him. They have him ranked 14th, sandwiched between Landon Harmon and Ethan Petry. Baseball America put a 55 grade on his hitting, his power and his speed. That is a very impressive combination.
Sam Petersen was one of the top performers in the South Atlantic League while healthy last season.
The Nationals prospect hits the ball with authority to all fields with a line-drive approach, and has the potential for above-average power 💪
With the numbers he put up, that makes sense. Wilmington is a notoriously difficult place to hit, but Petersen made it look easy. He hit .297 with an .888 OPS in 44 games at High-A. Those are numbers you do not often see in Wilmington.
Petersen had a good career at Iowa, but fell to the 8th round due to an injury. When he was on the field last year, Petersen’s power and hitting ability looked improved. His max exit velocity improved from college despite switching from metal to wood bats. BA noted that he has an all-field approach, but has become more comfortable pulling the ball in the air.
If Petersen can stay healthy, he has an outside chance of making the big leagues this year. At this time last year, Daylen Lile was on the outside looking in, but he forced his way into the lineup. Petersen has the chance to do something similar if he performs and stays healthy.
It is clear the new regime likes what they are seeing because he has gotten a lot of run early in Spring Training. He has looked good when he has played as well, going 3/6 to start the spring. Despite only playing 44 games at High-A, the 23 year old Petersen should start the year in Double-A.
With a new regime coming in, there are plenty of prospects who could break out. There are obvious names like Eli Willits and Gavin Fien, but there are also some more under the radar picks. Even beyond these three players, there are other sleepers like Marconi German, Angel Feliz and Jackson Kent that I like. The Nats system is deeper than it has been in a long time, and it will be very exciting to follow this season.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 28: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts in the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on November 28, 2025 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 Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Knicks (37*-22) face the Milwaukee Bucks (26-31) tonight at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. This Eastern Conference matchup gives the Knicks a chance to clinch the season series after splitting the first two games. The Knicks have gone 6-4 over their last 10 games, while the Bucks have won 8 of their last 10.
The last meeting came on November 28, 2025, when the Knicks won 118-109 at home. Jalen Brunson led New York with 37 points, and Josh Hart added 19 points with 15 rebounds. Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists.
The Bucks have had a stormy season—something of a Greek tragedy, if you will. Sitting 11th in the East, the once mighty deer are fighting for a play-in spot. They rank 20th in offensive rating (114.2), 22nd in defensive rating (117.4), and 24th in points per game (112.4). Although they are an excellent shooting team (39% 3P%), they lag in pace (22nd) and net rating (22nd).
Doc Rivers’ club leans heavily on Ryan Rollins, who averages 17.2 points per game. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains elite when healthy, leading the league in 2-point field goals per game (10)—but he’s OUT tonight with a calf issue. Bobby Portis provides bench scoring and shooting, hitting 45% from three, and Myles Turner anchors the paint.
The Bucks beat the Cavaliers on Wednesday by two. Their likely starting lineup tonight will be, Rollins, A.J. Green, Kyle Kuzma (12.9 PPG), Portis, and Turner.
The Bucks injury report lists Antetokounmpo and Taurean Prince (neck) as OUT. New York’s list mentions only Deuce McBride, still recovering from his hernia surgery.
Prediction
ESPN gives the Knicks a 76% chance of winning tonight. Generous! The Bucks aren’t having a great season, but they’ve beaten the Thunder, Magic, Heat, and Cavs in recent games. On paper and screen, the Knicks are the better team—they just don’t always play like it. Still, they’ve had two days off and this will be a good warm-up match before their Sunday matinee at home against the Spurs. Motivated and rested, Knicks win by seven.
Game Details
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026 Time: 8 PM ET Place: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI TV: MSG Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
* Should be one more, but the Cup Final was a trick of the eye.
Coach Butch Thompson took over an Auburn team that despite having a ton of recent NCAA tournament success had failed to make the field for 3 straight postseasons. After missing the field again his first season, he has only done it once since. Coach Thompson has also led the team to two of its six College World Series appearances. The one thing that has eluded the Tigers in his 11 years is a conference title. Their last SEC title was in 1998. This team could be their best chance since.
This years version of the Tigers were in the same College Baseball series as Nebraska last week in Globe Life Field. Unlike Nebraska they were rarely challenged on their way to winning the weekend. They took out Kansas State 5-1, Florida State 8-5, and Louisville 10-6. Other than FSU putting up a 4 run first inning before going dormant until the 9th, Auburn was in control of every game.
While they were expected to be a good team, being ranked preseason #9 in D1Baseball.com’s top 25, the offense in particular got off to a really slow start prior to arriving in Arlington. A pair of 2-1 wins (with 1 bing in 10 innings) against Youngstown State is how the season began for the Tigers. They did finish the sweep with a 17-2 run rule victory in only 7 innings, but then came out and lost 8-0 to a “meh” Cincinnati team in the midweek. They also were losing with 2 outs in the 9th inning, needed a walk-off to beat West Georgia 4-3 in the midweek. Will they continue to be sleepy at home? Or did their trip to Globe Life wake their offense up?
Game 1: RHP Ty Horn (0-0, 1.86 ERA) vs. LHP Jake Marciano (1-0, 0.82 ERA)
Game 2: RHP Carson Jasa (1-0, 5.06 ERA) vs. LHP Jackson Sanders (1-0, 3.27 ERA)
Game 3: RHP Gavin Blachowicz (1-0, 1.86 ERA) vs. RHP Alex Petrovic (2-0, 2.70 ERA)
Through 2 starts, Ty Horn has done just about everything you could ask for in an ace, other than getting a bit deeper into games. He still seems to get a little too deep into counts trying to go for the strikeout each batter, and that has cost him an inning+ in each game probably. He nearly kept an extremely potent Louisville offense off the board, allowing a leadoff double in the 6th who would eventually score on the bullpen. Other than that, 5 strikeouts, 2 walks and 5 hits in 5+ innings of work against that team is something to build on. He left with the lead, which is all you can ask in a big game like that.
Carson Jasa continues to fill up the stat sheet. Through 2 games and 10.2 innings, he has struck out 17, walked 5 and allowed 6 earned runs. Coach Bolt admits he may keep him in a bit too long in his games because his “stuff” at that point in time is still better than what will come out of the pen fresh. He gets a little more wild the further he goes into games. Getting the walks and just overall balls out of the zone in check in the 5th and 6th innings will go a long way to improving his outings and the teams chances of winning his starts.
When asked about the Gavin Blachowicz and Cooper Katskee situation, Bolt quickly said, “Blachowicz isn’t going anywhere.” Katskee for the time being looks to be potentially a weekend bullpen guy and a mid week starter. Bolt points out it’s a long season, and thats where he started last season at before becoming a Friday starter and conference pitcher of the year. Blachowicz has done nothing but impress in his first 2 starts. Since adding a cutter/change and slurve to his fastball and curveball over the offseason, opponents have had major issues getting the barrel on his balls, with 11 strikeouts in 9.2 innings. His only hit given up against #16 Florida State was a solo shot from one of the top power hitters at the College Baseball Series.
Auburn went out in the transfer portal for some big time pitching prospects. Former Virginia Tech starter Jake Marciano is their Friday ace. He is a smooth lefty that doesn’t have a ton of power, staying mostly around 89-91 mph with his fastball, but still piles up the strikeouts. In 5 innings against Youngstown St, he struck out 12. Then against a potent Kansas State offense, he still struck out 8 in 6 innings of work, allowing zero runs on 2 hits. An easy way to think of him is peak Will Walsh pitching at the Big Ten Tournament. Thats the pounding of the strike zone, efficiency and pace he will pitch with. He has 18 walks in 71+ career innings.
A lot of how Auburn will do this season depends on their starters after Marciano. Saturday starter Jackson Saunders was one of the top pitching recruits in the country, but had an up and down year last season as a reliever. He had a 5.29 ERA and was upside down, giving up 13 walks with only 10 strikeouts in 17 innings. He has lived up to his billing to start this year however, striking out 17 and only walking 2 in his 11 innings. Alex Petrovic was a long shot to get a weekend rotation slot, but an injury to Griffin Graves jumbled up the staff at the last minute. Petrovic has been a reliever that piled up strikeouts, albeit in limited opportunities, pitching less than 30 innings combined over the pervious 2 seasons. He has yet to give up a walk this season, in his 10 innings. So the NU bats will have to be ready to swing.
Scouting Report
There are a number of guys to look at with regard to the Tigers’ offense. Maybe the best place to start is the player that just won Most Outstanding Player down in Arlington. Bristol Carter has really taken hold of the centerfield and leadoff spot for Auburn. The junior had a bit of a down year last year at Auburn, after being a Freshman All American the previous year at ECU. No such issue this year. He gets on base by any means necessary, as his .513 on-base percentage shows. He led the team with 14 stolen bases last season, and has been given the green light even more this season, already 6 for 6 on the season. He also hit a home run in the cavernous Globe Life Field, so he does have the ability to show some power.
The top returner everyone expects to put up some big numbers this season is Catcher/INF Chase Fralich. He was a Freshman All American as a catcher last season, batting .335 with 17 doubles, 4 home runs and 41 RBIs. He has been red hot to start the season, mainly at catcher, but also appearing at first base, a position the team is trying to find a consistent starter for. He is batting .500 on the year, with a 1.343 OPS and has a double, triple, and 2 home runs to go with 8 RBIs in just 8 games thus far.
The Tigers don’t have a lot of freshman, like most top teams in the portal era, but they do have a couple really talented ones trying to break into their lineup. Ethin Bingaman is the most talented of the bunch. He is rated as the 31st best player in his class, and the 6th best freshman to make it to school in the SEC. He has broken into the lineup at the previously mentioned first base and right field. He’s hitting .400 with 2 home runs, and is the reigning SEC Freshman of the Week. Oh, and he was also rated as the #4 right handed pitcher in his class, though he has yet to set foot on the mound for Auburn yet.
𝗦𝗘𝗖 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸@BingamanEthin's big weekend earns him @SEC honors!
The bullpen has a good mix of experience within the program and new arrivals. In fact they have both competing for saves as a closer. Last season’s primary closer is RHP Ryan Hetzler. He had 8 saves last year with a 3.86 ERA. They added former Michigan State LHP Garrett Brewer. He already has 2 saves on the year, and has yet to allow a run in 3 appearances over 2.1 innings.
One arm out of the bullpen close to returning from injury that the Huskers are familiar with is former Creighton closer, Mason Koch. He only appeared in 3 games in 2025 before being sidelined with a wrist injury. They thought best case scenario was he was 5-6 weeks away when spring practice began 6 weeks ago. They want to be extra careful with him though, needing him to be full strength for the stretch run of the SEC schedule. So if I had to guess, he will remain shelved.
The defense is serviceable, but not the team’s overall strength, ranked 80th in the NCAA in fielding percentage at .979. Coach Thompson admits, his catchers need work at controlling the running game. If Nebraska gets things rolling offensively, they like to use their running game to bury people.
Series History
This is the first time these programs have met on the diamond.
On Deck
Nebraska is 7-3 in their last 10 games against ranked teams, following the split with Louisville and FSU this past weekend.
Dylan Carey is up to 50 career doubles after his offensive showcase in Arlington. He is fifth all time at Nebraska, 3 away from Alex Gordon for 4th, and 6 behind his skipper and NU record holder, Will Bolt.
CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors yells and celebrates against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 18, 2021 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 2021 NBAE (Photo by Lauren Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Okay, hold on. Let me check something real quick.
Peruses Warriors schedule.
Checks it again.
Wait, the Warriors are off today?! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE. It’s February 27th, 2026, and the Golden State Warriors are sitting at home in their sweats watching other teams play basketball? Doesn’t the NBA know this is Stephen Curry Day?! I need somebody in the league office to explain this to me, because this is either the greatest scheduling oversight in NBA history or a deliberately protecting the other 29 teams from a fate worth than death: a disrespectfully epic Curry performance.
That’s gotta be it. The league saw what was happening for damn near two decades and said enough is enough. Give the competition a chance by sending Steph a gift basket and a strongly worded memo: not today. I mean he’s injured anyway, but there’s a major chance his knee miraculously heals for 24 hours on this magical day. Because when I say 2/27, is the day Stephen Curry transforms into something the basketball rulebook was never designed to handle.
This is his date. His portal. His zone of complete and total basketball domination. Across ten games on that date in his career, he’s averaging 32.6 points per game, shooting 50.2 percent from the field, with 5.7 three-pointers made, 5.3 assists, and 5.4 rebounds. For context, a 32.6 point average would have led the NBA in scoring plenty of years. Curry is doing that as a recurring calendar event. The consistency is almost more disorienting than the individual performances themselves. You can prepare a defense for a hot game. You cannot prepare a defense for a law of nature.
Don’t believe me? Let’s look at the all-time scoring records for February 27th games. The top three performances in NBA history on this specific date are all Warriors. Number one is Wilt Chamberlain dropping 65 points back in 1962 for Philadelphia. Number two is Stephen Curry with 56 points against Orlando in 2025. Number three is Stephen Curry again with 54 points at Madison Square Garden in 2013. Curry also owns the eighth spot on that list with his 46-point explosion against Oklahoma City in 2016.
That OKC game, by the way, is the one the NBA just officially called the greatest regular season game in NBA history. A documentary called “38 Feet Deep” will premiere on the Warriors’ official YouTube channel at noon Pacific time today, celebrating the ten-year anniversary of the shot that broke OKC’s soul on their own floor. Oh, how I love that.
Ten years later, the story of the greatest regular-season game in NBA history.
I first covered this phenomenon last year for Dub Nation HQ after Curry dropped 56 on Orlando and it still doesn’t feel real writing it again twelve months later. Three times on this date, Curry has crossed the 46-point threshold. We’re talking three different eras of his career with different versions of the team around him.
So yeah. The NBA looked at the schedule, looked at the date, thought about what has happened every single time this franchise suits up on February 27th, and decided the rest of the league deserved a free pass today. I get it. Sometimes you have to protect the people.
The Chicago Cubs are 2-5 with a -16 run differential so far in Spring Training. Edward Cabrera makes his first appearance in a Chicago uni today, and he had a disastrous 24.55 ERA in exhibition play with Miami last year.
The Cleveland Guardians counter with Logan Allen, and he pitched a solid two shutout innings on Saturday, scattering a hit and a walk with two strikeouts.
This is nothing unusual for Allen, who owned a 1.88 ERA over 14 1/3 innings (six starts) in the Cactus League last year.
Pick #2: Nationals moneyline (+100)
I don't entirely trust Miles Mikolas in his new home with the Washington Nationals, but I absolutely do not trust the oft-injured Lance McCullers Jr. for the Houston Astros.
McCullers looked over the hill for Houston with a 6.51 ERA last season. He'll take on a Nationals team that's a decent 4-2 with a +7 run differential.
The Astros, meanwhile, are off to a terrible 1-4 start with a -9 run differential. They should not be favored on the road.
Pick #3: Mariners moneyline (-165)
The Seattle Mariners moneyline is a little steep, but not without good reason. Ryne Nelson authored a 9.26 ERA in Spring Training with the Arizona Diamondbacks last year, while Luis Castillo had a 3.31 ERA.
Castillo recorded three or more innings in four of five exhibition starts last year, so don't expect the token one-inning outing we're accustomed to seeing from so many top-notch starters as they prep for the regular season.
Castillo should get plenty of run support, with Seattle sporting a .928 OPS so far in Spring Training.
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.
Fans love stories in sports. While the action on the field/court/pitch is the initial draw, interest in sports skyrockets when attached to stories that people can connect to. Whether that is a huge comeback story, rooting for your country in the Olympics, or an athlete trying to make history, eyeballs are drawn in multiples when attachment happens.
For the City of Cleveland, the story of brothers could be the next big thing.
The Cleveland Browns have the sixth overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, which could put them in a position to select Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson. With some injury concerns, Tyson could slide down to where the Browns pick later in the first round as well. Heading to Cleveland would place Tyson in the same city as his Cleveland Cavaliers brother, Jaylon Tyson.
Football Tyson was obviously excited about the possibility of joining basketball Tyson if the Browns draft him. Jordyn talked about how his family, including his brother, trained him in competition:
Talking about growing up, Tyson talked about competing. His family pushed him to be better and he said multiple times how much he loves to compete at everything pic.twitter.com/0s2MoHHRHY
The Arizona State star had over 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns in his two seasons in the desert. Between a major knee injury in 2022, a collarbone injury limiting him in 2024, and a hamstring issue in 2025, the key at the NFL combine for Tyson will be his medical checks.
Tyson is interested in finding out if the Browns like what they see from him:
With maybe a sly smile at the end, Tyson talked about his meeting with the Browns and finding out if “they like me or not.” pic.twitter.com/txkYp33NzH
According to the younger Tyson, if both are playing in Cleveland, Jaylon will have to buy the house, but would get the big room:
When asked about plans between him and his brother if he’s drafted by the Browns, @tyson_jordyn said big bro is paying for the house and getting the big room.
While Jaylon is the big brother, Jordyn is likely to have the bigger rookie contract. With the Cavs, Jaylon’s rookie deal was for four years that would top out around $16 million. Jordyn would have to drop out of the first round to have a smaller contract and would more than double his brother’s deal if he is selected in the first seven picks of the 2026 NFL draft.
Be on the lookout for Camryn Justice’s interview with Jaylon on WEWS Channel 5 to find out what older brother thinks about who is buying the house and who gets the big room.
How do you feel about Tyson playing for the Browns? Do you think it would be helpful for him to play in the city as his brother?
Milwaukee Brewers infielder Jesús Made, left, talks with outfielder Luis Lara during spring training workouts Monday, February 16, 2026, at American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. | Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Brewers boast one of the best farm systems in baseball, though most of their top prospects are still a year or two away from the big leagues. That hasn’t stopped Jesús Made, Luis Peña, Josh Adamczewski, and others from offering glimpses of what’s to come. Let’s take a look at the Brewers prospects who have made an impact over the first week of spring training.
Jesus Made:
Made is 2-for-8 this spring, a stat line that belies the fact how encouraging the early returns have been. In his last appearance, against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday afternoon, the Brewers’ No. 1 prospect went 2-for-2 with a triple, an RBI, and a run scored. On the triple, Made got caught out in front of a José Buttó changeup and still managed to register an exit velocity of 98 mph. The pitch before, a foul ball that looked for a second as if it might stay fair, came off the bat at 110.9 mph.
Made’s still only 18 years old, and he’s not doing this against Double-A guys either. Buttó has appeared in 95 major league games and is coming off a season where he posted a 3.90 ERA. He’s not a scrub.
The single in the eighth came off of Nick Margevicius, who hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2021 but still has 32 more games of major league experience than Made does. After Wednesday’s game, Made now has a .900 OPS this spring. Nobody’s expecting him to make the Brewers out of camp, but he’ll be one to watch at Double-A and Triple-A this season.
Luis Peña
Made is further along the development track than Peña, but Peña’s performance this spring has been equally impressive. He’s 2-f0r-5 so far with a double and this single, a 108-mph rocket off of Guardians prospect Zane Morehouse. Like Made, he’s not expected to contribute this year (or even next). The Brewers just want to see development from their No. 2 prospect, and he’s developing before our eyes.
19-year-old Luis Pena, our No. 2 prospect, has already registered two hits of +100-mph this spring, including this double 🔥
Adamczewski, one of the biggest risers in the farm system last year, split the season between Low-A and High-A, slashing .320/.420/.490 over 71 games. He’s been making hard contact, and his stat line so far (2-for-6 with a double) is about as good as you could realistically expect to see from a guy who hasn’t even played a game in Double-A.
Lineout from Josh Adamczewski, but the swing is just too pure not to post. I feel very strongly that a big year is ahead of him. pic.twitter.com/mHOUNOSYnX
Last season, Adamczewski was listed as a second baseman, but he’s been playing left field this spring — indicating that the Brewers want to find a way to get his bat in the lineup despite the presence of highly-regarded middle infield prospects like Made, Peña, Jett Williams, and Cooper Pratt.
Tyler Black
Black isn’t really a prospect anymore, but he’s only appeared in 22 games with Milwaukee and is still 25. Given the spring he’s putting together, he’s worth including. After yesterday’s three-hit game, Black is now hitting .667 with a 1.942 OPS through 12 at-bats.
I’ve seen a couple Vinny Capra comparisons, but unlike Capra, Black was at one point a top 50 prospect in baseball. As recently as last year, Baseball America ranked him a top five prospect in the Brewers organization. Maybe he’s finally figuring things out at the major league level.
The problem is that it’s hard to see where he fits into the Brewers’ plans. He could theoretically see time at third base, but for an organization that highly values defense that feels unlikely. First base is manned by Andrew Vaughn. Maybe he’ll see some time in left field to start the season? Either way, if Black keeps hitting this well he’ll be hard to keep off the roster. If he’s no longer in the Brewers’ long-term plans, a strong spring might bring back a worthwhile return via trade.
Tate Kuehner
Kuehner, a left-handed pitcher who ended last year with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, has put up impressive numbers since the Brewers drafted him in the seventh round of the 2023 Draft. Kuehner posted a 3.17 ERA in 2024 and pitched even better (2.77 ERA) in 2025. He went two scoreless innings yesterday, picking up four strikeouts and the save in Milwaukee’s win over the Texas Rangers.
I’ve been banging the drum for Kuehner since I joined BCB, and I still think he’s somewhat underrated as a prospect. He has great shape on his fastball, a sharp slider with swing-and-miss potential, and a changeup that Fangraphs gave a 55 grade. If Kuehner gets a chance in the big leagues this year, don’t be surprised if he sticks.
PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 22: Will Klein #61 of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If there’s one thing we can safely predict about the 2026 Dodgers, it’s that they will use many different arms to get through the 186 days of the regular season. In 2023 they set a franchise record by using 39 different pitchers, then topped that by using 40 pitchers in each of the last two seasons.
Edwin Díaz and Tanner Scott each signed big contracts. Veteran Blake Treinen is in the second and final year of his deal. Alex Vesia has been a bullpen staple the last four years and with over five years of service time can’t be sent to the minors without his consent.
Jack Dreyer was a rookie last year and could be optioned. But he also lasted on the roster all of last season and the postseason, joining Yoshinobu Yamamoto as the only Dodgers pitchers to remain active from last March through November. So we’ll include him here among the locks.
Swing men (2)
Ben Casparius and Justin Wrobleski were both starters in the minors but have pitched more in relief during their parts of two seasons in the majors. If there isn’t room in the rotation, having either one in the bullpen would be a welcome addition, with both having such experience in the postseason. Both can be optioned.
Other relievers with options (6)
From the right side, this includes Edgardo Henriquez, Kyle Hurt, Paul Gervase, and Bobby Miller, plus left-hander Ronan Kopp, who was added to the 40-man roster in November.
That’s 16 potential relievers on the 40-man roster, but as we’ve seen in recent years the Dodgers’ pool to choose from extends far beyond that. Twenty-two of the 42 non-roster pitchers in Dodgers camp from 2023-25 ended up pitching for them in the majors in that season, for instance.
Garcia was a non-roster invitee last spring, while Klein and Trivino started 2025 in other organizations. The two Dodgers pitchers last year with nine games in relief were in the same boat, as Alexis Díaz was acquired in May and Matt Sauer was a non-roster invitee.
In other words, we’ll see quite a few different pitchers this season, many of whom aren’t currently on the 40-man roster. That brings us to today’s question: How many Dodgers will pitch at least 10 games in relief in 2026?
CLE moneyline
WAS moneyline
SEA moneyline
