Saturday morning Rangers stuff

Good morning, LSB.

Shawn McFarland writes about Jacob Latz’s chances at the starting rotation, which got a little cloudier with the acquisition of MacKenzie Gore.

Sebastian Walcott is the 7th-ranked prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline’s updated rankings.

The Athletic grades the Gore trade.

And Nathan Eovaldi is the most recent guest on Evan Grant’s podcast.

That’s all for this morning. Have a safe, hopefully warm weekend. 🙂

José Ramírez contract extension being finalized with Cleveland Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians are finalizing a seven-year, $175 million contract extension that will assure perennial All-Star third baseman José Ramirez remains with the organization through the duration of his career.

Ramirez, 33, the seven-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner, and the Guardians are restructuring his contract that add four years and $106 million to his existing deal, paying him through the age of 40, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.

The person, confirming Hector Gomez’s report early Saturday morning, spoke to USA TODAY Sports on on the condition of anonymity because the deal is not yet complete.

Ramirez, who’s on track for the Hall of Fame by finishing in the top six in MVP voting in seven of the last nine years, sacrificed a massive payday in free agency before the 2022 season when he signed a seven-year, $141 million contract extension. Yet, despite the criticism of signing such a team-friendly contract, he continues to profess his love for Cleveland.

“I really have a special place [in my heart] for Cleveland,’’ Ramirez told the Abriendo Sports podcast this winter. “They gave me the opportunity to play at just 16 years old and, even now, despite taking a pay cut, I'm comfortable in this city."

Ramirez, one of the greatest players in franchise history, certainly has been the gift that keeps on giving for Cleveland. He has a 51 WAR since 2017, ranked third-highest in baseball behind only Aaron Judge and Francisco Lindor, and is paid at a massive discount rate. His new restructured contract will pay him an average of $25 million a season compared to Judge’s $40 million AAV in his nine-year, $360 million deal with the Yankees.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jose Ramirez contract extension with Guardians being finalized

Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker arrested on gun possession charge at LaGuardia Airport

NEW YORK (AP) — Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker has been arrested after police say he presented a firearm for inspection without proper credentials at LaGuardia Airport.

Port Authority police said Walker was arrested Friday morning after they responded to a request for a firearms check at LaGuardia’s Terminal C. Police said the 25-year-old had checked in at Delta and had presented a firearm for inspection without proper credentials.

Arthur Aidala, the lawyer representing Walker, said his client voluntarily disclosed an unloaded, secured firearm upon his arrival at the airport. Aidala said Walker was arrested because his license wasn’t valid in New York.

“We are confident the matter will eventually be dismissed,” Aidala said via email.

The Packers’ season ended Jan. 10 with a 31-27 loss to the Chicago Bears in the wild-card round of the NFC playoffs.

Walker has been Green Bay’s first-team left tackle for the last three seasons and has started 48 games since the Packers selected him out of Penn State in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. Walker just completed the final year of his contract and is set to become a free agent in the offseason. He has started each of Green Bay’s four playoff games over the last three seasons.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Capitals vs Oilers Prediction, Picks & Same-Game Parlay for Tonight’s NHL Game

Connor McDavid’s shot rates on home soil are nothing short of spectacular.

They’ve been especially high since Zach Hyman returned to the lineup, and my Capitals vs. Oilers predictions are banking on that remaining the case.


Let’s dive into my NHL picks for Saturday, January 24.

Capitals vs Oilers prediction

Capitals vs Oilers best bet: Connor McDavid Over 3.5 shots (+105)

Connor McDavid has generated a whopping 4.7 shots on 7.1 attempts per game in Edmonton. Those outputs have predictably led to a ton of Overs, with McDavid clearing this line in 18 of 24 home dates — a 75% clip.

His numbers have reached even greater heights with Hyman by his side. McDavid has averaged 5.2 shots on 7.3 attempts when Hyman rides shotgun, and recorded 4+ shots in 13 of his last 14 at home.

The Edmonton Oilers tend to go as their captain goes. Well, McDavid’s goals have dried up over the past handful of games, and they’ve dropped four of six as a result.

McDavid will want to snap this scoring funk sooner rather than later to help get his team back on track. The good news is he has a great matchup to help him take matters into his own hands.

The Washington Capitals rank 26th in shot suppression and 8th in pace over their past 10 games. They’re giving up a ton of volume and playing a high-paced brand of hockey that should suit McDavid perfectly.

Washington has also allowed the 2nd-most shots to centers during this stretch.

This is a fantastic matchup across the board. One I expect the league’s best player to take advantage of.

Capitals vs Oilers same-game parlay

McDavid and Hyman both rank in the Top 5 in goals over the past two months. They are scoring machines, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins skates with them at 5-on-5 and on the power play, making him a prime candidate to pick up a helper.

The Oilers have averaged 3.9 goals over their past 10 against Bottom-10 shot suppression teams.

The Capitals fit that criteria and are expected to start backup Charlie Lindgren after giving Logan Thompson the nod on Friday night. Edmonton’s offense should lead them to two points here.

Capitals vs Oilers SGP

  • Connor McDavid Over 3.5 shots
  • Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Over 0.5 assists
  • Oilers moneyline

Capitals vs Oilers odds

  • Moneyline: Capitals +150 | Oilers -180
  • Puck Line: Capitals +1.5 (-150) | Oilers -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-105) | Under 6.5 (-115)

Capitals vs Oilers trend

Connor McDavid has averaged 5.5 shots on goal over his last 14 home games. Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Oilers.

How to watch Capitals vs Oilers

LocationRogers Place, Edmonton, AB
DateSaturday, January 24, 2026
Puck drop10:00 p.m. ET
TVMonumental SN, Sportsnet

Capitals vs Oilers 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

Mariners News: Seranthony Domínguez, CJ Abrams, and Jacob Young

Hello friends! Happy Saturday to you all. While I understand the weather is calm in Seattle this weekend, I hope my fellow east coasters (and those in the south and midwest) stay safe from the storm.

Here’s what’s going on in baseball as we get the weekend underway.

In Mariners news…

Around the league…

Mets analysis: A look at the revamped Mets’ bullpen

After the departures of Edwin Díaz, Ryne Stanek, Tyler Rogers, and Gregory Soto and injuries to Reed Garrett and Dedniel Núñez, the Mets needed to do some work to rebuild their bullpen this offseason.

And work has been done. The Mets have added four pieces from outside the organization who will likely fill important roles in the bullpen, as well as signed many arms to minor league deals, hoping to catch lightning in a bottle or help someone find their spark again.

The definite locks for the bullpen start with Devin Williams (1.5 fWAR in 2025, career 8.9 fWAR) and Luke Weaver (0.5 fWAR in 2025, career 8.2 fWAR), both of whom most recently pitched across town for the Yankees, and both of whom will likely get a large chunk of the Mets’ high-leverage innings. It seems presumed that Williams will be the traditional closer, despite losing that job for the Yankees at one point last season when, coincidentally, Weaver took over for him.

The Mets retained a pair of southpaws over the offseason, with A.J. Minter not exercising his opt-out after an injury ravaged 2025 and the Mets executing Brooks Raley’s $4.75 million club option. Raley (0.8 fWAR in 2025, career 3.1 fWAR) was healthy for the second half of last season after recovering from Tommy John Surgery, but Minter 0.3 fWAR in 2025, career 7.4 fWAR) missed all but 13 games for the Mets in 2025.

On Wednesday night, the Mets brought in Tobias Myers (0.4 fWAR in 2025, career 2.5 fWAR) from the Brewers, and Myers slots in to be a guy who can give you multiple innings out of the bullpen, a role the Mets haven’t really seen success in since José Buttó‘s 2024 campaign. As a long man who has success as a starter as well, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Myers as a swing man at some point as well, taking some starts down the stretch.

Huascar Brazobán (0.4 fWAR in 2025, career 1.5 fWAR) is likely the closest thing to a lock after those five. Brazobán is entering his fifth big league season at the age of 36, and has been a perfectly cromulent middle reliever for those years. He got off to a great start in 2015 before having a bit of a rocky month that jumped his ERA two full runs.

If the season started today, the two players most likely to take a role in the bullpen would be recently-signed veteran Luis García (0.7 fWAR in 2025, career 4.5 fWAR) and Joey Gerber (0.0 fWAR in 2025, career 0,0 fWAR), who the Mets got in a trade from the Rays earlier this offseason. However, if either of those folks were traded, cut, or designated for assignment during spring training, it would not be shocking.

From there, there are still more options. Last year’s mid-season signing Richard Lovelady (-0.3 fWAR in 2025, career 0.0 fWAR), who the Mets signed to a major league deal in October, was DFA’d on Thursday to make room for Vidal Bruján. He’s been DFA’d more than a few times in his Mets’ tenure, and so it seems possible that he’ll clear waivers. Joe Jacques (-0.1 fWAR in 2025, career 0.0 fWAR), Carl Edwards Jr (0.0 fWAR in 2025, career 3.1 fWAR), Brandon Waddell (-0.1 fWAR in 2025, career -0.3 fWAR), Nick Burdi (0.1 fWAR in 2025, career 0.3 fWAR), and Robert Stock (-0.1 fWAR in 2025, career 0.3 fWAR) are all players the Mets acquired since the end of the season, and there are a number of players in the upper minors who may slot into a relief role.

You can never really have enough relief pitching, but the Mets are already at a roster crunch, and so it looks like any other players that may be brought in would either be on minor league deals or would have to bump players from the 40-Man Roster.

Kansas City Royals news: Two Royals make MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospect list

Anne Rogers writes about position players that could get invited to spring training.

We’ll see Collins in left field the majority of the time, while Thomas will move among all three spots. The Royals touted Collins’ ability to play second base when they acquired him, giving them flexibility, so it’ll be interesting to see whether he gets reps there this spring.

How the Royals split time in center field between Isbel and Thomas remains to be seen, but Isbel is the best defender to have out there. The Royals have given Caglianone a path to earn the everyday spot in right field with his performance. Although he’s also committed to playing for Team Italy this spring, he should get plenty of reps to show off his offseason work and improvement.

Blanco, Misner, Rave and Waters are competing for an Opening Day roster spot. They’ve all played center field, but the Royals acquired Misner from the Rays back in November as center field depth.

Pete Grathoff writes about the reactions of Royals hitters to the fences at Kauffman Stadium being moved in.

Witt said the Royals hitters welcomed the change. And catcher Salvador Perez had a question. “Yeah, a lot of the hitters are very happy, and the team’s pitchers aren’t,” Witt said. “But they’re gonna do well, no matter what. But yeah, the hitters are great.

Salvy was just like, ‘What took it so long?’ But yeah, everyone is fired up. And so it’s gonna be fun.”

Carlos Beltrán would seem to prefer a Mets logo on his Hall of Fame plaque.

“There is no doubt my best years in baseball are with two teams — the Kansas City Royals and the New York Mets,” Beltrán said this week, per CBS Sports. “That’s a decision that I would love to sit down with my family, with (my wife) Jessica, with my kids and make a decision on that. I did really enjoy my time in New York. Now I work as an advisor for the Mets, so there’s a lot of weight in the New York cap.”

MLB Pipeline released their top 100 prospect list with Carter Jensen at #18 and Blake Mitchell at #75.

USA Today ranks farm systems, and puts the Royals #26.

The White Sox sign reliever Seranthony Dominguez to a two-year, $20 million deal.

The Twins sign reliever Taylor Rogers to a one-year, $2 million deal.

ESPN writers predict where the remaining top free agents will sign.

The Giants’ trade proposal for Nationals infielder CJ Abrams was rejected.

The Tigers are interested in free agent pitchers Nick Martinez and Jose Quintana.

Free agent Max Scherzer may sign with a team after Opening Day.

What’s next for the Yankees?

Why the Mackenzie Gore trade may be the biggest of the offseason.

Are the 2026 Mets better than last year’s disappointment?

DAZN is reportedly weighing a purchase of the FanDuel Sports Networks.

Bob Costas will host the Sunday Night Baseball pregame show on NBC.

Could high school players be ineligible for the MLB draft soon?

Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney slams Ole Miss for player tampering.

Philip Rivers will interview for the Buffalo Bills head coaching position.

Snow isn’t actually white.

A brief history of Star Trek sports.

A full list of Oscar nominations.

Your song of the day is The Smithereens with A Girl Like You.

Burnley 2-2 Tottenham, Man City 2-0 Wolves, Championship and more: clockwatch – as it happened

Cristian Romero’s flying header earned Spurs a point, Antoine Semenyo scored again for City and Bayern Munich were stunned by Augsburg

Kevin and Alex Iwobi come into the Fulham XI. Brighton bring in Olivier Boscagli, Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari. It’s not clear who will start at right-back for them, possibly Pascal Gross.

Fulham (4-2-3-1) Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Iwobi, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez.

Continue reading...

Hurricanes vs Senators Prediction, Picks & Same-Game Parlay for Tonight’s NHL Game

The Ottawa Senators welcome the Carolina Hurricanes to the Canadian Tire Centre tonight, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.

Thomas Chabot has been creating chances at home lately, and my Hurricanes vs. Senators predictions will focus on his ability to put the puck on net.

Read more in my NHL picks for Saturday, January 24.

Hurricanes vs Senators prediction

Hurricanes vs Senators best bet:Thomas Chabot Over 1.5 shots (-118)

Thomas Chabot is having a solid campaign as one of the Ottawa Senators' key defensemen, compiling 19 points. 

He’s averaging 1.6 shots on goal per game in 2025-26, and while that number sits at just 1.5 at home, there’s reason to believe he’ll be busy tonight. 

The 28-year-old has hit the Over in shots on net in five straight appearances at the Canadian Tire Centre.

In his last game at home a week ago against the Montreal Canadiens, Chabot had two SOG. A few days before that? Another three shots on target against the Vancouver Canucks.

He’ll put another two pucks on net, at the very least, tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Hurricanes vs Senators same-game parlay

We’ll stick with Dylan Cozens for both legs of my SGP. The former first-round pick has tallied assists in back-to-back games, and he’s registered four helpers across his last five appearances. 

In Cozens’s last game at home, he set up a goal against the Habs. He’s compiled nine helpers on home ice this season as well.

Cozens is averaging 2.34 SOG per contest, and he’s comfortably cashed the Over in six consecutive outings. Also, he had two shots on target at home against Montreal last Saturday.

At the Canadian Tire Centre, the 24-year-old is averaging 1.95 SOG per contest.

Hurricanes vs Senators SGP

  • Thomas Chabot Over 1.5 shots
  • Dylan Cozens Over 0.5 assists
  • Dylan Cozens Over 1.5 shots

Hurricanes vs Senators odds

  • Moneyline: Hurricanes -125 | Senators +110
  • Puck Line: Hurricanes -1.5 (+195) | Senators +1.5 (-235)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-104) | Under 6.5 (-112)

Hurricanes vs Senators trend

The Ottawa Senators have hit the 1P game total Over in 13 of their last 15 games (+11.45 Units / 55% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Hurricanes vs. Senators.

How to watch Hurricanes vs Senators

LocationCanadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, ON
DateSaturday, January 24, 2026
Puck drop7:00 p.m. ET
TVFDSN South, Sportsnet One

Hurricanes vs Senators 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

2026 South Side Sox Prospect Vote: Round 32

CORAL GABLES, FL - APR 21: Miami right-handed pitcher Gage Ziehl (31) pitches in the first inning as the Miami Hurricanes faced the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on April 21, 2023, at Mark Light Field at Alex Rodriguez Park in Coral Gables, Florida.

This round was so close, we had to conduct an internal staff poll to break the tie so we could proceed in hopes of getting a few more Votes in. It came down to two players taking big leaps on the ballot, Gage Ziehl and Alexander Albertus. It was Ziehl who prevailed, with 11 of 58 (19%) votes:

The fight for the top meant that Landon Hodge’s win just last round was displaced as the smallest share yet, as Ziehl’s 18.97% outdid Hodge’s 19.35%.

Ziehl was acquired for Austin Slater last July, thus this is the first Prospect Vote for the Yankees product.

Past No. 31s in the SSS Top Prospect Vote
2025 Eric Adler (21%)
2024 Calvin Harris (20%)
2023 Voting lasted only 24 rounds
2022 Voting lasted only 17 rounds
2021 Bennett Sousa (30%)
2020 Bennett Sousa (27%)
2019 Amado Nuñez (31%)
2018 Tyler Johnson (34%)

Newcomer Ryan Galanie had a nice run on his first ballot, earning seven votes and tying for third place. This time around, reliever Zach Franklin joins the mix.


South Side Sox Top-Voted White Sox Prospects for 2026

  1. Braden Mongomery — 59% (Smith 17%, Bonemer 9%, Schultz 7%, Antonacci 3%, Adams/Carlson/McDougal 2%, Fauske/Oppor 0%)
  2. Hagen Smith — 40% (Bonemer 28%, Schultz 18%, McDougal 5%, Antonacci 4%, Carlson 3%, Bergolla/Oppor 1%, Adams/Fauske 0%)
  3. Caleb Bonemer — 47% (Schultz 34%, Antonacci 10%, Carlson/McDougal 4%, Bergolla 2%, Adams/Fauske/Oppor/Perez 0%)
  4. Noah Schultz — 49% (Antonacci 25%, Carlson 11%, McDougal 7%, Adams/Bergolla/Oppor 2%, Perez 1%, Fauske/Lodise 0%)
  5. Sam Antonacci — 41% (Carlson 25%, McDougal 20%, Bergolla/Perez 4%, Oppor 3%, Adams 2%, Fauske 1%, Diaz/Lodise 0%)
  6. Tanner McDougal — 39% (Carlson 36%, Bergolla 7%, Adams 6%, Pallette 5%, Fauske 3%, Oppor 2%, Lodise 1%, Diaz/Perez 0%)
  7. Billy Carlson — 52% (Adams 18%, Oppor 12%, Bergolla 9%, Fauske 5%, Lodise/Pallette/Wolkow 2%, Diaz/Perez 0%)
  8. Christian Oppor — 24% (Murphy 20%, Adams/Fauske 16%, Wolkow 10%, Bergolla 9%, Lodise/Pallette/Perez 1%, Diaz 0%)
  9. Shane Murphy — 34% (Adams 20%, Wolkow 13%, Fauske 16%, Bergolla 9%, Palisch 4%, Lodise/Pallette/Perez 1%, Diaz 0%)
  10. Mason Adams — 43% (Wolkow 22%, Bergolla 11%, Fauske/Pallette 10%, Lodise/Palisch/Perez 2%, Diaz/Hodge 0%)
  11. Jaden Fauske — 24.0% (Perez 23.5%, Hodge 13.4%, Bergolla 12.9%, Wolkow 8%, Pallette 5%, Diaz/Gonzalez/Lodise/Palisch 3%)
  12. Jeral Perez — 20% (Umberger 15%, Wolkow 13%, Hodge 12.3%, Palisch 11.9%, Bergolla 11.4%, Lodise 7.3%, Pallette 6.9%, Diaz 2%, Gonzalez 1%)
  13. Grant Umberger — 28% (Palisch 19%, Wolkow 13%, Bergolla 12%, Hodge 11%, Lodise 10%, Pallette 4%, Diaz 3%, Gonzalez/Larson 1%)
  14. Mathias LaCombe — 41% (Bergolla 19%, Wolkow 17%, Pallette 7%, Palisch 6%, Gonzalez 4%, Hodge/Lodise 2%, Diaz/Larson 1%)
  15. William Bergolla — 35% (Wolkow 20%, Pallette/Palisch 13%, Larson 6%, Diaz/Gordon/Lodise 4%, Hodge 2%, Gonzalez 0%)
  16. George Wolkow — 38% (Pallette 22%, Palisch 12%, Gordon 8%, Lodise 6%, Gonzalez 5%, Batista/Diaz/Larson 3%, Hodge 0%)
  17. Peyton Pallette — 38% (Palisch 13%, Lodise 11%, Gordon/Larson 10%, Gonzalez 8%, Batista 5%, Diaz 3%, Hodge/Mogollón 2%)
  18. Blake Larson — 21% (Lodise 18%, J. Gonzalez/Palisch 15%, C. Gonzalez 11%, Gordon 10%, Batista 5%, Mogollón 3%, Hodge 2%, Diaz 0%)
  19. Ky Bush — 24% (Palisch 19%, C. Gonzalez/Lodise 16%, J. Gonzalez 8%, Gordon/Batista 6%, Mogollón 3%, Diaz 2%, Hodge 0%)
  20. Jake Palisch — 26% (Paez 21%, Lodise 19%, J. Gonzalez 13%, C. Gonzalez/Gordon 8%, Batista/Hodge/Mogollón 2%, Diaz 0%)
  21. Jedixson Paez — 45% (Nishida 20%, Gordon 14%, C. Gonzalez/Lodise 8%, J. Gonzalez 4%, Mogollón 2%, Batista/Diaz/Hodge 0%)
  22. Christian Gonzalez — 22% (Nishida 18%, Gordon 17%, J. Gonzalez 15%, Lodise 10%, Hodge 8%, Batista 5%, Mogollón 3%, Diaz 2%, Ziehl 0%)
  23. Rikuu Nishida — 30% (Gordon 18%, J. Gonzalez 15%, Gowens 10%, Lodise 8%, Batista 7%, Hodge/Mogollón/Ziehl 3%, Diaz 2%)
  24. Kyle Lodise — 23% (J. Gonzalez/Gowens 18%, Gordon 14%, Batista/Carela 7%, Diaz/Hodge/Mogollón/Ziehl 4%)
  25. Jacob Gonzalez— 26% (Gowens 21%, Gordon 20%, Schweitzer 11%, Batista 6%, Mogollón/Ziehl 5%, Hodge 3%, Carela/Diaz 2%)
  26. Riley Gowens — 29% (Zavala 21%, Carela 13%, Gordon 11%, Batista 7%, 11%, Ziehl 5%, Diaz/Hodge/Mogollón/Schweitzer 4%)
  27. Samuel Zavala — 33% (Carela/Gordon 15%, Alcala 10%, Ziehl 8%, Batista/Schweitzer 5%, Diaz/Hodge/Mogollón 3%)
  28. Lucas Gordon — 36% (Carela 19%, Alcala/Batista/Schweitzer 9%, Mogollón/Ziehl 5%, Diaz/Hodge 3%, Albertus 2%)
  29. Juan Carela — 28% (Diaz/Hodge 13%, Batista 11%, Alcala 9%, Iriarte/Schweitzer 7%, Albertus/Mogollón/Ziehl 4%)
  30. Landon Hodge — 19% (Batista 15%, Iriarte 13%, Alcala/Diaz/Ziehl 10%, Albertus/Schweitzer 8%, Mogollón 6%, Rodriguez 2%)
  31. Gage Ziehl — 19% (Albertus 17%, Alcala/Galanie 12%, Iriarte 9%, Batista/Diaz/Rodriguez/Schweitzer 7%, Mogollón 3%)

Alexander Albertus
Third Baseman
Age 21
2025 high level Arizona Complex League (Rookie)
Age relative to high level +0.4 years
Overall 2025 stats 8 games ▪️ 0 HR ▪️ 2 RBI ▪️ .333/.520/.444 ▪️ 3-of-3 (100.0%) SB ▪️ 6 BB ▪️ 3 K ▪️ 1.000 FLD%▪️ 0.3 WAR

What can you say further about Albertus? He seems to have great tools but an uncanny ability to stay off of the field (just eight games in a season-plus in the White Sox system). In 2025, he was assigned to Kannapolis but was … wait for it … injured. He lasted just eight games of ACL rehab before hitting the IL-60 again.


Marcelo Alcala
Center Fielder
Age 20
2025 high level ACL (Rookie)
Age relative to high level -0.6 years
Overall 2025 stats 42 games ▪️ 7 HR ▪️ 19 RBI ▪️ .233/.325/.479 ▪️ 14-of-15 (93.3%) SB ▪️ 14 BB ▪️ 63 K ▪️ .935 FLD%▪️ 1.2 WAR

Alcala is a talent to dream on. Though still raw, he flashed power that we simply do not see in the White Sox system, especially when combined with the raw speed that can swipe bases at a 90%+ rate. Defense and bat discipline are issues to be sure, but imagine what additional outfield reps, AZ batting cage time, and even some training on the bases could do.


Aldrin Batista
Right-Handed Starting Pitcher
Age 22
2025 SSS Prospect Poll ranking 6
2025 high level Winston-Salem (High-A)
Age relative to high level -1.2 years
Overall 2025 stats 2-0 ▪️ 7 games (2 starts) ▪️ 14 IP ▪️ 5.79 ERA ▪️ 17 K ▪️ 7 BB ▪️ 1.429 WHIP ▪️-1.2 WAR

Batista was our No. 6-voted player in last year’s poll and top righthander — and then disaster struck, as he started the third Dash game of the season on April 6 and then was out more than four months with a stress fracture in his right (pitching) elbow. His return in late August was iffy, with three poor relief appearances of five. But he ended the season with a scoreless (two-inning) “opener” start, which hopefully reverses the curse for 2026.


Reudis Diaz
Right-handed relief pitcher
Age 20
2025 high level ACL (Rookie)
Age relative to high level -2.1 years
Overall 2025 stats 1-1 ▪️ 1 SV▪️ 21 games (4 finishes) ▪️ 27 2/3 IP ▪️ 2.28.ERA ▪️ 18 K ▪️ 8 BB ▪️ 1.084 WHIP ▪️1.2 WAR

Who? You’re forgiven for being unfamiliar with an extremely young arm who hasn’t yet gotten out of rookie ball, but our No. 77 prospect a year ago (then a starter, repeating the DSL and killing it) made a successful adjustment Stateside. He’ll return to starting in 2026, likely getting his feet wet in Arizona and getting a promotion to Low-A in the second half of the season.


Zach Franklin
Right-Handed Relief Pitcher
Age 27
2025 high level Charlotte (AAA)
Age relative to high level -1.3 years
Overall 2025 stats (AA/AAA) 4-1▪️ 11 SV ▪️ 48 games (31 finishes) ▪️ 56 1/3 IP ▪️ 2.40 ERA ▪️ 79 K ▪️ 25 BB ▪️ 1.065 WHIP ▪️ 2.0 WAR

The clear closer of the future in the system, Franklin put up a pretty extraordinary 2.0 WAR in just 56 innings in 2025. He labored mostly in Birmingham, but is a cinch to start in Charlotte in 2026 — if not impressing enough in Cactus League play to break north with the White Sox outright.


Ryan Galanie
First Baseman
Age 25
2025 high level Birmingham (AA)
Age relative to high level +1.3 years
Overall 2025 stats (High-A/AA) 119 games ▪️ 11 HR ▪️ 94 RBI ▪️ .276/.327/.422 ▪️ 14-of-17 (82.4%) SB ▪️ 35 BB ▪️ 79 K ▪️ .995 FLD%▪️ 1.1 WAR

It’s been a slow but steady climb for this 13th-rounder in 2023. The good news here is, with the caveat that Galanie has always competed older than his level, Galanie has found some footing. While his power/slugging numbers are merely OK, he drove in 94 runs in 2025. He disappeared a bit in the playoffs for Birmingham (just four hits in six games, with five walks as well) but started every game in the march to a second consecutive Southern League title for the Barons.


Jairo Iriarte
Right-Handed Relief Pitcher
Age 24
2025 SSS Top Prospect Vote Ranking 19
2025 high level Charlotte (AAA)
Age relative to high level -4.3 years
Overall 2025 stats (Rookie/AAA) 3-3▪️ 1 SV ▪️ 37 games (5 starts, 9 finishes) ▪️ 48 IP ▪️ 7.13 ERA ▪️ 50 K ▪️ 37 BB ▪️ 1.917 WHIP ▪️ -0.8 WAR

The 2025 season was an utter disaster for Iriarte, who went from prospective South Side rotation member to lost in space. The righty, who made his brief debut in the majors in 2024, both lost the plate and misplaced his strikeout power. The Brian Bannister Pitching Lab has its work cut out here, for sure.


Javier Mogollón
Shortstop
Age 20
2025 high level Kannapolis (Low-A)
Age relative to high level -1.4 years
Overall 2025 stats 51 games ▪️ 5 HR ▪️ 19 RBI ▪️ .220/.347/.387 ▪️ 15-of-21 (71.4%) SB ▪️ 30 BB ▪️ 56 K ▪️ .971 FLD%▪️ 1.0 WAR

An ascending star just one year ago, we have to tap the breaks a bit on Mogollón after a lackluster first full season of minors ball. While still young for his level and managing to keep his head above water in a new league every season of his career, Mogollón’s undeniable hitting in Rookie ball fell off significantly with the Cannon Ballers. However, how much of that was due to battling injury is undetermined, as Mogollón was shelved for what turned out to be the season on July 2.


Yobal Rodriguez
Right-Handed Starting Pitcher
Age
18
2025 high level
DSL White Sox (Rookie)
Age relative to high level
-1.5 years
Overall 2025 stats
0-3 ▪️ 13 games (10 starts) ▪️ 30 1/3 IP ▪️2.97 ERA ▪️ 33 K ▪️ 13 BB ▪️ 1.022 WHIP ▪️ 1.2 WAR

Rodriguez is a rare DSL pitcher, not for his relatively light innings load, but as a primary starter — and at just 17 years old (Yobal turns 18 on February 9). Inasmuch as it’s tough to project anyone out of the DSL, especially pitchers, you could hardly have hoped for more from him in his pro debut.


Tyler Schweitzer
Left-Handed Starting Pitcher
Age
25
2025 high level
Charlotte (AAA)
Age relative to high level
-3.3 years
Overall 2025 stats (AA/AAA)
8-2 ▪️ 27 games (10 starts) ▪️ 99 2/3 IP ▪️4.61 ERA ▪️ 81 K ▪️ 41 BB ▪️ 1.344 WHIP ▪️ 0.8 WAR

Schweitzer relieved in most of his games in 2025, but he remains a starter in our eyes given he was consistently paired with Tanner McDougal in Birmingham Barons starts. And in Birmingham, Schweitzer was divine: 1.27 ERA that included a long scoreless streak leading to a Charlotte promotion, 0.946 WHIP. However, everything the southpaw did as a Baron, he undid as a Knight (7.92 ERA, 1.740 ERA). While other gilded arms (Drew Thorpe, Grant Taylor) get to skip Charlotte entirely, Schweitzer was not so lucky. And that luck could prevent him from ever seeing the majors.



Past South Side Sox Prospect votes

Good Morning San Diego: Do Dodgers have secret advantage?; Randy Jones celebration of life to be held today

Sportswriter Joon Lee recently posted a video to YouTube where he tries to shed light on why the Los Angeles Dodgers seem to have an endless stream of money with which to pay the top players in the game. The back-to-back World Series Champions made waves in MLB with the signing of free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract. Chari Bell of Gaslamp Ball documents what Lee says is a major disparity in favor of the Dodgers that is not available to the 29 other MLB teams.

Padres News:

  • Randy Jones was a legendary pitcher for the Padres, but he may be most remembered for being an ambassador for San Diego. He could often be found around Petco Park meeting fans and promoting the Padres and the game of baseball. Jones died this offseason and the Padres will hold a celebration of life for him at Petco Park today for fans to pay their respects.
  • Padres fans watched the season come to an end for one of the dominant relievers in the San Diego bullpen when Jason Adam ruptured his quadriceps and feel on the front of the mound. Adam’s recovery and rehabilitation by all accounts have been going well and his return in 2026 will be much anticipated.
  • AJ Cassavell of Padres.com looks at the Padres’ history of having dominant closers, adding three are Hall of Famers, one won a Cy Young Award, and many were All-Stars.
  • Dennis Lin of The Athletic breaks down the numbers and makes a case for Manny Machado becoming a Hall of Famer by the time his career comes to an end. Lin notes Machado is owed $301 million over the next eight seasons, so the end is not near, which means Machado has plenty of time to continue to add to his resume.

Baseball News:

Celtics vs Bulls Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

Two hot teams clash tonight as the Boston Celtics visit the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

Nikola Vucevic has been in his bag lately, and my Celtics vs Bulls predictions are eyeing him to score the rock at a high level.

Read more in my NBA picks for Saturday, January 24.

Celtics vs Bulls prediction

Celtics vs Bulls best bet: Nikola Vucevic Over 16.5 points (-115)

Nikola Vucevic isn’t having the best season of his career, but the numbers are still respectable. The big man is averaging 16.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per contest. Vooch’s numbers from a scoring standpoint have been up a tad in January, averaging 19 PPG.

The center has cashed the Over in points in four of his last five appearances, and he even erupted for 35 points around the middle of the month against the Utah Jazz. The Chicago Bulls are at home this evening, and Vucevic is averaging 17.7 PPG in Chicago compared to 15.9 on the road.

While Vooch only dropped 15 points against the Boston Celtics earlier this season, the Bulls are rolling with four straight victories, and they’re playing like a confident group as a whole. He’ll play his part here.

Celtics vs Bulls same-game parlay

The C’s head into this matchup as winners of two straight, beating the Indiana Pacers and then the Brooklyn Nets on Friday evening. In fact, they’ve won four of their last five contests.

While Chicago is hot, Boston has notched three victories in a row against them, and they’ve also won four in a row against the Bulls at the United Center dating back to February of 2024. The Celtics will get the better of Chicago tonight.

Jaylen Brown is doing it all for the Jayson Tatum-less C’s, and he’s been really dominating on the glass lately. While Brown is averaging only 6.7 boards, he’s comfortably cashed the Over in three straight.

Brown averages 10 rebounds per night during that span, making his presence felt on the glass. Back on January 5, he also brought down eight boards against the Bulls.

Celtics vs Bulls SGP

  • Nikola Vucevic Over 16.5 points
  • Boston Celtics moneyline
  • Jaylen Brown Over 6.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: White Out!

Coby White is showing out right now, hitting the Over in points in three straight appearances.

Celtics vs Bulls SGP

  • Nikola Vucevic Over 16.5 points
  • Boston Celtics moneyline
  • Jaylen Brown Over 6.5 rebounds
  • Coby White Over 18.5 points

Celtics vs Bulls odds

  • Spread: Celtics -3.5 (-110) | Bulls +3.5 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Celtics -105  | Bulls -115
  • Over/Under: Over 232 (-110) | Under 232 (-110)

Celtics vs Bulls betting trend to know

The Boston Celtics have hit the Moneyline in 31 of their last 45 away games (+9.45 Units / 8% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Bulls.

How to watch Celtics vs Bulls

LocationUnited Center, Chicago, IL
DateSaturday, January 24, 2026
Tip-off8:00 p.m. ET
TVNBC Sports Boston, Chicago Sports Network

Celtics vs Bulls latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

Knicks vs 76ers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s NBA Game

The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers will meet for the third time this season.

My Knicks vs 76ers predictions call for a close, high-scoring matchup and a dominant performance from Joel Embiid.

Here are my free NBA picks for this heavyweight Eastern Conference showdown on Saturday, January 24.

Knicks vs 76ers prediction

Knicks vs 76ers best bet: Joel Embiid Over 38.5 points+rebounds+assists (-115)

After some early-season struggles, Joel Embiid is rounding into form. Across his last 11 games, he’s averaged 40.6 PRA and hit the Over on his line seven times. 

Embiid has been more productive at home than on the road this season, averaging 35.8 PRA at Xfinity Mobile Arena compared to 34.9 on the road. He’s also reached the Over on this combo line in three straight and four of his last six at home.

Saturday’s matchup against a healthy New York Knicks team will require Embiid to be at his best. He went for 26/10/5 in his first matchup with New York, and I expect him to stay productive in a key game in front of the home crowd.

Knicks vs 76ers same-game parlay

The Philadelphia 76ers are 12-12 straight up at home, while New York is just 8-12 on the road. This game is essentially a pick 'em, and picking the Sixers to win outright is slightly more profitable than picking them to cover a one-point spread.

I'll give the home team the advantage, which has a surprisingly clean injury report.

Both teams are expected to be at full strength on Saturday, which should lead to plenty of scoring. Embiid has been hot as of late, and Tyrese Maxey is one of the top scorers in the Association.

With a pair of great scorers and strong role players, Philadelphia can put up points here. Likewise, Jalen Brunson is an electric scorer with a strong supporting cast, and New York should have no problem getting buckets.

Knicks vs 76ers SGP

  • Joel Embiid Over 38.5 points+rebounds+assists
  • 76ers moneyline
  • Over 229

Our "from downtown" SGP: Brunson balls out

Jalen Brunson has scored at least 28 in 21 of 39 games overall, and he dropped 31 in his last matchup with Philadelphia.

Knicks vs 76ers SGP

  • Joel Embiid Over 38.5 points+rebounds+assists
  • 76ers moneyline
  • Over 229
  • Jalen Brunson Over 27.5 points

Knicks vs 76ers odds

  • Spread: Knicks -1 (-105) | 76ers +1 (-115)
  • Moneyline: Knicks -110 | 76ers -110
  • Over/Under: Over 229 | Under 229

Knicks vs 76ers betting trend to know

The Philadelphia 76ers have hit the team total Under in 26 of their last 40 home games (+10.10 Units / 22% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. 76ers.

How to watch Knicks vs 76ers

LocationXfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
DateSaturday, January 24, 2026
Tip-off3:00 p.m. ET
TVABC

Knicks vs 76ers latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

Jose Ramirez Reportedly Nearing Extension with Guardians Again

Well… Jose Ramirez MAY have just guaranteed he will be a Guardian through the end of his major league career.

As you may remember, we have had our issues with Hector Gomez, baseball insider, who claimed the Guardians had multiple pitchers being investigated for gambling aside from Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. Well… Gomez is reporting on Twitter that Jose has signed a 7/$175M deal with the Guardians taking him through 2032, his age 40 season, and making sure he will retire as a Guardian and likely holding almost every franchise record.

I don’t think Gomez would report this if he didn’t know it to be true as it would completely destroy his reputation. I also know Jose’s agent posted a photo earlier this week of him and Jose in Cleveland together. And now Zack Meisel of the Athletic is reporting the team and Ramirez are nearing a $106M extension through 2032, with $70M deferred.

I will bury the hatchet with Gomez if this is true, as it appears it is. Stinks what he did, but I will forgive him and let it go.

Also, I am done complaining about this offseason if this means I get to watch my favorite baseball player of all time play his entire career in Cleveland in front of me and my children.

Let it be true.