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Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Jesús Sánchez, Dennis Santana and Nestor Cortes

FANTASY BASEBALL WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS

Jesús Sánchez (OF Astros): Rostered in 6% of Yahoo leagues

Since it’s been only four weeks since I last featured Sánchez, I typically wouldn’t do it again so soon already. However, with Thursday’s trade from Miami to Houston and Sánchez still being only six-percent rostered in Yahoo leagues, I simply couldn’t resist. This is an outfielder well worth adding.

Sánchez has already made impressive gains this season, even if it hasn’t really showed up in his OPS. His strikeout rate, never before below 26 percent, is sitting at just 21 percent right now, and he hasn’t sacrificed any power to get there; his bat speed ranks in the 93rd percentile of major league hitters, while his average exit velocity is in the 87th percentile. In Houston, he’ll be in a better home run park for left-handers. Plus, the Astros have a history of getting improved results from new acquisitions (first basemen excepted). It doesn’t always work that way, of course, but if they could get Sánchez to hit the ball in the air more often, it could pay big dividends.

The negative with Sánchez is that he’s been putrid against left-handers and ought to be platooned at this point. Maybe the Astros will figure out something there, too, but let’s not expect miracles. Even while playing only against righties, Sánchez should be solid enough in all five categories to contribute.

Dennis Santana (RP Pirates): Rostered in 32% of Yahoo leagues

It was pretty shocking to see the Pirates fail to cash in on Santana’s successful first four months (1.36 ERA, 38/10 K/BB in 46 1/3 IP) at Thursday’s deadline, but they stood pat, knowing he’ll be plenty affordable in arbitration again next year. As a result, he’s No. 2 on my list of relievers to pick up post-deadline.

1. Randy Rodríguez (Giants)
2. Santana
3. Yennier Cano (Orioles)
(gap)
4. Cole Sands (Twins)
5. Phil Maton (Rangers)
6. Kyle Leahy (Cardinals)
7. Riley O’Brien (Cardinals)
8. Jose A. Ferrer (Nationals)
9. Jack Perkins (Athletics)
10. JoJo Romero (Cardinals)

Cleveland’s Cade Smith, who has stepped in for Emmanuel Clase, would be first on the list, but he should be gone everywhere now. Rodriguez, Santana and Cano, though he isn’t a lock in Baltimore, will also be included in Monday’s updated top 300. I’m not sure about the rest. Sands hasn’t been nearly as impressive this season as he was a year ago, but given that he’s essentially the last man standing in Minnesota, he might get squeezed in at the bottom of the list. I could see either Leahy or O’Brien doing a nice job in St. Louis, but it’s probably fine to wait and see who gets the first save chance before grabbing either.

Nestor Cortes (SP Padres): Rostered in 14% of Yahoo leagues

Cortes, out since April 6 with a strained flexor tendon, is ready to return, but the Brewers found themselves with no room for him. As a result, he was traded to the Padres for outfielder Brandon Lockridge on Thursday, setting him up to join the San Diego rotation next week..

Cortes had a 3.77 ERA and a 162/39 K/BB in 174 1/3 innings for the Yankees last year before being sent to Milwaukee in the Devin Williams trade. His most recent rehab start saw him strike out nine and allow one earned runs over 5 2/3 innings for the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate. His velocity is down a bit from last year, and he’s probably not going to get back to striking out 26-28% of the batters he faces, like he did for the Yankees in 2021 and ’22. However, San Diego should be a great environment for him and his flyball tendencies, and with the way the Padres bullpen is stacked now, getting through five with a lead is going to produce a win most of the time.

Waiver Wire Quick Hits

- I thought I was going to feature Carlos Correa (26% rostered) this week following his surprising return to Houston, but when it came down to it, there’s just not much basis for the switch helping him. I suspect it might anyway, but it’s not like it’s a better ballpark for hitters in general or for him personally (he has career OPSs of .833 in Daikin and .830 at Target). It’s probably a better offensive team, but still hardly a great one at the moment. Correa has been unlucky this season, according to Statcast, and maybe that will begin to fix itself, but he still seems rather fringy with no standout category and zero steal potential.

- Tyler Locklear should get a chance to be an everyday player for the D-backs after arriving in the Eugenio Suárez trade and is worth considering in deeper leagues. I’m skeptical he’ll post a solid enough batting average to be of value in 10- or 12-team leagues, but he should offer decent power numbers.

- After parting with Sánchez, the Marlins are promoting speedy outfielder Jakob Marsee, who already has 47 steals this year after finishing with 51 last season. Unfortunately, he’s just a career .239 hitter in the minors, and while his power production has ticked up this year -- he has 14 homers in 429 plate appearances -- his exit velocity numbers are still well below average. He’s also probably going to sit against lefties. Those desperate for steals could give him a try, but I expect him to struggle.

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Mets vs. Giants: 5 things to watch and series predictions | Aug. 1-3

Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Giants play a three-game series at Citi Field starting on Friday at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.

5 things to watch

The transformed roster

Before the trade deadline, the relief corps was the Mets' biggest question mark. Now, they have arguably the best bullpen in baseball.

By trading for Gregory Soto last week and then swinging huge deals for Ryan Helsley and Tyler Rogers on Wednesday, the Mets have added three legitimate late-inning arms to help bridge the gap to closer Edwin Diaz, who is having a phenomenal season.

And by dealing for Helsley (triple-digit fastball, filthy slider), Rogers (nasty sinker from a submarine delivery), and Soto (lethal against left-handers), the Mets will be adding three very different looks to the 'pen.

Additionally, the acquisitions allow the Mets to slot Reed Garrett (2.70 ERA), Ryne Stanek (3.82 ERA), and Brooks Raley (0.00 ERA in five games since returning from Tommy John surgery) lower on the depth chart, and should ease the strain on a unit that had been logging tons of innings while making up for a starting staff that -- outside of David Peterson -- hasn't gone deep often.

What looks great on paper will still need to translate to the field, but the Mets now have a championship-level bullpen that has a chance to be the best in their history.

In addition to the bullpen moves, the Mets found a new center fielder -- swinging a deal for Cedric Mullins on Thursday.

Mullins has picked it up offensively lately, slashing .321/.333/.547 in 57 plate appearances over his last 16 games.

Overall this season, he has hit .229/.305/.433 with 15 home runs, 19 doubles, and 14 stolen bases. His OPS+ is 103, which is a tick above average.

Will The Fab Four get going?

The Mets' Jekyll and Hyde offense was kept in check during the last two games against the Padres earlier this week, though there's the caveat that they were without Juan Sotofor most of Tuesday's game and all of Wednesday's.

Still, three of the players who were dubbed part of The Fab Four by owner Steve Cohen are all in the midst of serious slumps -- though some are deeper than others.

Soto is hitting .114/.262/.229 in 42 plate appearances over his last 10 games,Francisco Lindor is in an 8-for-59 stretch, and Pete Alonso is slashing .083/.162/.150 in 68 plate appearances over his last 17 games.

Lindor has looked a bit frustrated lately, while Soto has seemed mostly like himself -- and was done in multiple times in San Diego by horrid calls made by the home plate umpire.

The situation with Alonso bears watching, as he's started to get away from the patient approach that helped him get off to such a torrid start.

Can Kodai Senga lock back in?

Senga was dominant before hitting the IL due to a hamstring issue, and looked like he hadn't missed a beat upon his return on July 11, when he tossed 4.0 shutout innings. But things have taken a turn since.

New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) follows through on a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Citi Field.
New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) follows through on a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Citi Field. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Senga allowed four runs while lasting just 3.0 innings against the Angels on July 21, then gave up three runs in 5.0 innings against the Giants while walking five.

During his recent struggles, Senga has pointed to issues with his mechanics and overthinking.

Senga gets the ball on Saturday.

The Giants are weakened and reeling

After spending the majority of the season in playoff position, the Giants have lost eight of their last 10 games -- including six in a row -- to fall to 54-55.

They are now on the outside of the postseason picture, and their trade of Rogers to the Mets reflects their position in the standings.

As San Francisco has struggled, Rafael Devers has gotten off to a horrible start after being acquired from the Red Sox in a blockbuster trade earlier this season.

In 37 games for the Giants, Devers is hitting .219/.327/.365 with four home runs and eight doubles in 162 plate appearances over 37 games.

Robbie Ray and question marks

Logan Webb pitched on Wednesday, meaning he will miss the series against the Mets.

That leaves Robbie Ray, who is having a very good season, in line to start the series-opener on Friday night.

Ray has slowed down a bit, but was solid against the Mets in his last start this past weekend in San Francisco, limiting them to two runs on five hits in 5.2 innings.

The Giants haven't announced starters for Saturday or Sunday.

Predictions

Who will the MVP of the series be?

Juan Soto

Soto seems primed to emerge from his slump.

Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?

David Peterson

Peterson has been the Mets' rock, tossing 6.0 innings or more over his last four starts while allowing just three earned runs.

Which Giants player will be a thorn in the Mets' side?

Matt Chapman

Chapman went deep against the Mets twice last weekend.

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Mets vs. Giants: 5 things to watch and series predictions | Aug. 1-3

Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Giants play a three-game series at Citi Field starting on Friday at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.

5 things to watch

The transformed roster

Before the trade deadline, the relief corps was the Mets' biggest question mark. Now, they have arguably the best bullpen in baseball.

By trading for Gregory Soto last week and then swinging huge deals for Ryan Helsley and Tyler Rogers on Wednesday, the Mets have added three legitimate late-inning arms to help bridge the gap to closer Edwin Diaz, who is having a phenomenal season.

And by dealing for Helsley (triple-digit fastball, filthy slider), Rogers (nasty sinker from a submarine delivery), and Soto (lethal against left-handers), the Mets will be adding three very different looks to the 'pen.

Additionally, the acquisitions allow the Mets to slot Reed Garrett (2.70 ERA), Ryne Stanek (3.82 ERA), and Brooks Raley (0.00 ERA in five games since returning from Tommy John surgery) lower on the depth chart, and should ease the strain on a unit that had been logging tons of innings while making up for a starting staff that -- outside of David Peterson -- hasn't gone deep often.

What looks great on paper will still need to translate to the field, but the Mets now have a championship-level bullpen that has a chance to be the best in their history.

In addition to the bullpen moves, the Mets found a new center fielder -- swinging a deal for Cedric Mullins on Thursday.

Mullins has picked it up offensively lately, slashing .321/.333/.547 in 57 plate appearances over his last 16 games.

Overall this season, he has hit .229/.305/.433 with 15 home runs, 19 doubles, and 14 stolen bases. His OPS+ is 103, which is a tick above average.

Will The Fab Four get going?

The Mets' Jekyll and Hyde offense was kept in check during the last two games against the Padres earlier this week, though there's the caveat that they were without Juan Sotofor most of Tuesday's game and all of Wednesday's.

Still, three of the players who were dubbed part of The Fab Four by owner Steve Cohen are all in the midst of serious slumps -- though some are deeper than others.

Soto is hitting .114/.262/.229 in 42 plate appearances over his last 10 games,Francisco Lindor is in an 8-for-59 stretch, and Pete Alonso is slashing .083/.162/.150 in 68 plate appearances over his last 17 games.

Lindor has looked a bit frustrated lately, while Soto has seemed mostly like himself -- and was done in multiple times in San Diego by horrid calls made by the home plate umpire.

The situation with Alonso bears watching, as he's started to get away from the patient approach that helped him get off to such a torrid start.

Can Kodai Senga lock back in?

Senga was dominant before hitting the IL due to a hamstring issue, and looked like he hadn't missed a beat upon his return on July 11, when he tossed 4.0 shutout innings. But things have taken a turn since.

New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) follows through on a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Citi Field.
New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) follows through on a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Citi Field. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Senga allowed four runs while lasting just 3.0 innings against the Angels on July 21, then gave up three runs in 5.0 innings against the Giants while walking five.

During his recent struggles, Senga has pointed to issues with his mechanics and overthinking.

Senga gets the ball on Saturday.

The Giants are weakened and reeling

After spending the majority of the season in playoff position, the Giants have lost eight of their last 10 games -- including six in a row -- to fall to 54-55.

They are now on the outside of the postseason picture, and their trade of Rogers to the Mets reflects their position in the standings.

As San Francisco has struggled, Rafael Devers has gotten off to a horrible start after being acquired from the Red Sox in a blockbuster trade earlier this season.

In 37 games for the Giants, Devers is hitting .219/.327/.365 with four home runs and eight doubles in 162 plate appearances over 37 games.

Robbie Ray and question marks

Logan Webb pitched on Wednesday, meaning he will miss the series against the Mets.

That leaves Robbie Ray, who is having a very good season, in line to start the series-opener on Friday night.

Ray has slowed down a bit, but was solid against the Mets in his last start this past weekend in San Francisco, limiting them to two runs on five hits in 5.2 innings.

The Giants haven't announced starters for Saturday or Sunday.

Predictions

Who will the MVP of the series be?

Juan Soto

Soto seems primed to emerge from his slump.

Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?

David Peterson

Peterson has been the Mets' rock, tossing 6.0 innings or more over his last four starts while allowing just three earned runs.

Which Giants player will be a thorn in the Mets' side?

Matt Chapman

Chapman went deep against the Mets twice last weekend.

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Ex-Blackhawks Defenseman Among Top Free Agents Left

With it now being August, many of this year's notable unrestricted free agents (UFAs) have found their new homes. While this is the case, there are still some UFAs with plenty of experience who have yet to get signed.

Among the top UFA defensemen still on the market is former Chicago Blackhawks blueliner Jan Rutta. 

Given Rutta's resume, the possibility of him landing another contract in the NHL should not be ruled out. The two-time Stanley Cup champion has been a steady stay-at-home defenseman throughout his career, and he could be a nice pickup for teams looking for more depth on their right side of their blueline because of it. 

Rutta played this past season with the San Jose Sharks, posting three goals, six assists, nine points, and 81 blocks in 54 games. Overall, while his offense was down in 2024-25, he still made an impact with his defensive play. Perhaps this could lead to landing a one-year deal or professional tryout (PTO) before training camp gets here.

Rutta played the first two seasons of his NHL career with the Blackhawks. In 80 games as a Blackhawk, he recorded eight goals, 18 assists, 26 points, 36 penalty minutes, and 85 blocks. His time with the Blackhawks ended when he was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2018-19 season. 

Blackhawks Made Good Move Bringing Back Key ForwardBlackhawks Made Good Move Bringing Back Key ForwardDuring the 2024 NHL off-season, the Chicago Blackhawks brought back Teuvo Teravainen on a three-year, $16.2 million contract. With this move, the Blackhawks expected him to be a key part of their top six as they look to take that next step in their rebuild. 

Photo Credit: © Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

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Wing Johnny Juzang agrees to join Minnesota Timberwolves on one-year deal

Former UCLA star Johnny Juzang developed into a respectable wing rotation player in Utah who averaged 8.9 points a game last season, but with the addition of Ace Bailey to the Jazz, Juzang was the odd man out.

He is now headed to Minnesota on a one-year contract, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN. This is going to be a minimum contract and it is not guaranteed, reports Chris Hine of the Star Tribune, meaning Juzang is going to need to earn a roster spot (or a two-way spot) in training camp. The Timberwolves currently have 13 guaranteed contracts on the books, so there are a couple of open roster spots, but Juzang is going to have to work to prove he should fill that role.

Juzang spent two seasons in Utah on a two-way contract, developing his game. The man could always shoot the rock, 37.6% on 3-pointers last season, and create a shot for himself with the ball in his hands. However, he needed to work to become a better off-ball player and scorer, something he did well enough to earn a regular contract with the team and become part of the rotation in Utah, playing almost 20 minutes a night for the Jazz.

However, Juzang is not good on the defensive end and that could be a challenge on a deep Timberwolves team that has reached the Western Conference Finals in consecutive years. Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels are expected to be the starters on the wings for the Timberwolves next season, with Donte DiVincenzo, Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark in the rotation (plus Joe Ingles). In the best of circumstances, Juzang is going to be lightly used in the rotation, but Chris Finch may like the idea of a scorer off the bench he can turn to in certain spots.

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Tyler Rogers reacts to being traded to Mets, grateful for Giants tenure

Tyler Rogers reacts to being traded to Mets, grateful for Giants tenure originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Tyler Rogers expressed the utmost gratitude for his seven seasons with the Giants when discussing being traded to the New York Mets at the 2025 MLB trade deadline with reporters at Citi Field on Friday. 

“I spent so long in San Francisco,” Rogers said hours before the Giants start a conveniently timed three-game series in the Big Apple. “Great people over there. I gave them everything I had. I can’t say enough about them, the people over there, the city; it’s where I started, it’s where I got drafted. I can’t say anything much more about them.”

During his tenure in San Francisco, Rogers posted a desirable 2.79 ERA with 296 strikeouts and 74 walks in 396 2/3 innings pitched. 

He wasn’t the only reliever who caught the eye of a New York team, as San Francisco traded Camilo Doval to the Yankees on Thursday.

Rogers will miss his buddies in the Orange and Black, but he was extremely thankful for the opportunity to fly with the Giants one more time before suiting up in the opposite clubhouse. 

“You know what? It was kind of a blessing because I got to say goodbye and do stuff on the plane,” Rogers said. “So, that actually worked out really well.”

The cross-country flight from San Francisco to New York offered Rogers, a Colorado native, the perfect opportunity to “put a bow” on his cherished Bay Area experience. 

Though the reliever did need a quick change of clothes, as he actually was an opponent of the Giants upon landing in New York.

“We got there Wednesday morning, and I gave my suitcase to the travel people, and I was wearing a Giants travel sweatsuit, as we all were,” Rogers said humorously. “I got traded, and I was like, ‘I need to trade my clothes.’ And they were like ‘Your bag’s on the plane already.’ And I was like, ‘Can I just ride with my bag then?’ 

“And I think there were some phone calls. …”

Rogers spoke to reporters in his new Mets gear, but he’ll always be a Giant.

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

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Tyler Rogers reacts to being traded to Mets, grateful for Giants tenure

Tyler Rogers reacts to being traded to Mets, grateful for Giants tenure originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Tyler Rogers expressed the utmost gratitude for his seven seasons with the Giants when discussing being traded to the New York Mets at the 2025 MLB trade deadline with reporters at Citi Field on Friday. 

“I spent so long in San Francisco,” Rogers said hours before the Giants start a conveniently timed three-game series in the Big Apple. “Great people over there. I gave them everything I had. I can’t say enough about them, the people over there, the city; it’s where I started, it’s where I got drafted. I can’t say anything much more about them.”

During his tenure in San Francisco, Rogers posted a desirable 2.79 ERA with 296 strikeouts and 74 walks in 396 2/3 innings pitched. 

He wasn’t the only reliever who caught the eye of a New York team, as San Francisco traded Camilo Doval to the Yankees on Thursday.

Rogers will miss his buddies in the Orange and Black, but he was extremely thankful for the opportunity to fly with the Giants one more time before suiting up in the opposite clubhouse. 

“You know what? It was kind of a blessing because I got to say goodbye and do stuff on the plane,” Rogers said. “So, that actually worked out really well.”

The cross-country flight from San Francisco to New York offered Rogers, a Colorado native, the perfect opportunity to “put a bow” on his cherished Bay Area experience. 

Though the reliever did need a quick change of clothes, as he actually was an opponent of the Giants upon landing in New York.

“We got there Wednesday morning, and I gave my suitcase to the travel people, and I was wearing a Giants travel sweatsuit, as we all were,” Rogers said humorously. “I got traded, and I was like, ‘I need to trade my clothes.’ And they were like ‘Your bag’s on the plane already.’ And I was like, ‘Can I just ride with my bag then?’ 

“And I think there were some phone calls. …”

Rogers spoke to reporters in his new Mets gear, but he’ll always be a Giant.

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

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Kings reportedly included Malik Monk in Jonathan Kuminga trade offer to Warriors

Kings reportedly included Malik Monk in Jonathan Kuminga trade offer to Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Kings included one of their top playmakers and a first-round NBA draft pick in a recently reported Jonathan Kuminga trade package to the Warriors.

Golden State and Kuminga have been at a stalemate in contract discussions this offseason, and the franchise has been fielding plenty of trade offers from teams around the NBA.

“As for the Kings, which last spoke with the Warriors earlier this week, team sources say they’ve offered a three-year, $63 million deal for Kuminga in a proposal that would send veteran guard Malik Monk and their 2030 first-round pick (lottery protected) to the Warriors,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick wrote.

“If that pick didn’t convey, then the Warriors would get the least favorable of the Kings or San Antonio’s first-round pick in 2031. Those protections have been the primary sticking point, team sources said, as the Warriors have insisted that the first-rounder be unprotected. Thus, the stalemate.”

Sacramento is in a significant retooling under first-year general manager Scott Perry, and the 22-year-old’s blend of length and athleticism would be an enticing addition to the Kings’ lineup.

The Warriors selected Kuminga with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft with the expectation that he would mature into a versatile two-way player and be the centerpiece of Golden State’s “two timelines” approach.

However, the 22-year-old fell out of the regular rotation last season after the Jimmy Butler trade. It appears a breakup is likely as Kuminga and the Warriors have made little progress in contract negotiations this offseason.

Still, Golden State hasn’t liked any of the trade offers, so the entire situation appears to be at a standstill.

While both sides are ready to move on from each other, finding a situation that satisfies everyone is going to be a big challenge with the start of the 2025-26 NBA season quickly approaching.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

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Report: Maple Leafs And Nick Robertson Submit Arbitration Filings

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Nick Robertson's camp are reportedly $1.05 million apart in their arbitration filings.

The Maple Leafs are looking for $1.2 million on Robertson's next contract, while the left winger filed for $2.25 million, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Friday. Their arbitration hearing is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 3.

Toronto has about $2.93 million in available cap space, according to PuckPedia.

Nick Robertson (Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

Robertson, who elected for arbitration in early July, is the only player left who could be headed to a hearing. The 10 other RFAs who filed for arbitration and two whose teams filed for arbitration signed new deals, including the Seattle Kraken's Kaapo Kakko, Buffalo Sabres' Bowen Byram and Winnipeg Jets' Gabriel Vilardi.

In 69 games this past season, the 23-year-old recorded 15 goals and seven assists for 22 points. In 2023-24, Robertson played more than 15 NHL games for the first time, putting up 14 goals and 13 assists for 27 points in 56 games.

Robertson averaged 12 minutes of ice time under first-year Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube, a career high. But in the playoffs, he only appeared in three games: Games 1 and 2 in the first round against the Ottawa Senators, when he had one assist, and Game 5 against the Florida Panthers, when he scored. He averaged 9:59 of ice time in the post-season.

The Maple Leafs lost right wingers Mitch Marner and Ryan Reaves and left winger Pontus Holmberg in free agency, while Max Pacioretty remains a UFA.

That said, Leafs GM Brad Treliving added Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua and Michael Pezzetta to the wings this off-season.

Toronto also still has Calle Jarnkrok, Steven Lorentz and David Kampf as bottom-six options, while either Bobby McMann or Max Domi will likely be on the third line with the other on one of the top two lines.

Regardless of the contract Robertson signs, he could face competition in earning a spot on the second or third lines. He has proven at times to provide solid secondary scoring, with an average shot speed of 62.73 mph that ranks in the 89th percentile of NHL players, according to NHL Edge.

As Friedman mentioned when reporting arbitration filings for the Jets' Dylan Samberg, who since signed a three-year contract worth $5.75 million annually, these filings are strategic. An arbitrator will often award a contract in between the two filings, leaning toward the team or player's filing.

More to come.

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2 Blackhawks Are Amongst the Top-10 in Points From 2023 Draft Class

It has been two years since the 2023 NHL Entry Draft and the Chicago Blackhawks are fortunate of the result. They drafted 11 times; two in the first round, three in the second round, two in the third round, and once in each of the final four rounds. The team got some good young players.

There have only been 19 players from the 2023 draft to appear in an NHL game over the first two seasons. The Blackhawks have two of them, Connor Bedard and Oliver Moore.

Bedard ranks first amongst all players drafted in 2023 in points with 128, and even though he played two full seasons, he missed 14 games as a rookie. Moore only just left university at the end of last season and played nine games for the Blackhawks, recording four points.

There are only five players in between Bedard and Moor in points from the 2023 draft, and every one of them have played over 70 games. Only six total players from this draft have even played 10 games. The group of young players separating Bedard and Moore are Adam Fantilli (81 points), Lucas Carlsson (71), Matvei Michkov (63), Zach Benson (58), and Will Smith (45).

Bedard remains the top player on the Blackhawks and that should continue to be true, but Moore took a different path as a later first-round pick and will have to work his way up from a bottom-6 role he will likely start out in next season.

This draft will start to blossom even more in 2025-26 with players starting to break into the NHL and earning more full time roles. Three 2023 draft picks to still watch, not next season, but beyond, are Adam Gajan, Roman Kantserov, and Nick Lardis. All should be able to find their way to the NHL.

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game day coverage, player features, and more.

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Brandon Sproat has dominant start following Mets' vote of confidence in top pitching prospects

The Mets had a big trade deadline, adding three late-inning relievers and center fielder Cedric Mullinsto a team that is looking to hold off the Phillies for the NL East title.

One thing they didn't do? Add a starting pitcher to a rotation that has some question marks, including Clay Holmes' workload and Frankie Montas' effectiveness.

Speaking after the deadline passed, president of baseball operations David Stearns discussed his reasoning, explaining that while the Mets were engaged in the market for starting pitchers, they felt they took the best course of action while addressing the bullpen.

None of the pitchers with frontline potential who were rumored to be on the block were actually moved -- a list that included Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins, Joe Ryan of the Twins, and Dylan Cease of the Padres.

The best pitcher who was traded was pending free agent Merrill Kelly, and it took a strong package of prospects for the Rangers to pry him away from the Diamondbacks.

With that as a backdrop, Stearns talked about what the Mets have in-house if a need arises -- namely top prospectsBrandon SproatandNolan McLean, who are with Triple-A Syracuse.

"They can help. It’s just a matter of their continued development and when the opportunity does arise, is it the right time," Stearns said. "Both guys have taken very nice steps forward in their development.

Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean participates in the Spring Breakout game against the Washington Nationals at Clover Park.
Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean participates in the Spring Breakout game against the Washington Nationals at Clover Park. / Jim Rassol - Imagn Images

"We’re going to continue to challenge them. We’re going to continue to ask them to get better and work on things. They are doing a good job. If we need someone from Triple-A, we’ve got people down (there) and they are among them who can help us."

Shortly after Stearns spoke, Sproat took the mound for Syracuse and fired five dominant shutout innings.

In his five innings of work, Sproat allowed three hits, walked three, and struck out nine while throwing 95 pitches. He induced 15 swings and misses, and his fastball topped out at 100 mph.

Thursday's start was the continuation of a lockdown run for Sproat, who has allowed just three runs over his last six starts -- a span of 33.0 innings. During that stretch, Sproat has given up only 16 hits while striking out 39 batters.

Meanwhile, McLean continued to impress in his most recent start, allowing two runs on three hits in 6.0 innings while walking three and striking out six.

That came on the heels of a 7.1 inning performance on July 24 when McLean gave up two runs on four hits while walking none and fanning six.

Sproat and McLean will very likely seriously impact the Mets next season, but -- as Stearns noted -- it's their ability to possibly do so this season that helped color New York's decision to not add starting pitching at the deadline.

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Yankees at Marlins Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for August 1

It's Friday, August 1 and the Yankees (60-49) are in Miami to take on the Marlins (52-55). Carlos Rodón is slated to take the mound for New York against Janson Junk for Miami.

New York took three of the last four games against Tampa Bay, while Miami won the past to against St. Louis. Both squads enter on winning streaks and winning records since the All-Star game.

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Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

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Game details & how to watch Yankees at Marlins

  • Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
  • Time: 7:10PM EST
  • Site: LoanDepot Park
  • City: Miami, FL
  • Network/Streaming: YES, FDSNFL

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Yankees at the Marlins

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Yankees (-170), Marlins (+142)
  • Spread:  Yankees -1.5
  • Total: 7.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Yankees at Marlins

  • Pitching matchup for August 1, 2025: Carlos Rodón vs. Janson Junk
    • Yankees: Carlos Rodón, (11-7, 3.19 ERA)
      Last outing: 5.06 ERA, 3 Earned Runs Allowed, 4 Hits Allowed, 1 Walks, and 8 Strikeouts
    • Marlins: Janson Junk, (5-2, 3.28 ERA)
      Last outing: 5.40 ERA, 3 Earned Runs Allowed, 8 Hits Allowed, 0 Walks, and 5 Strikeouts

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Yankees and the Marlins

Rotoworld Best Bet

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday’s game between the Yankees and the Marlins:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Miami Marlins at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 7.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Yankees at Marlins

  • The Yankees are 3-0 in the last three and 4-1 in the past five
  • The Marlins are 6-2 in the last eight games
  • The Marlins have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against American League teams
  • The Marlins' last 3 versus the Yankees have stayed under the Total
  • The Marlins have covered in 4 of their last 5 games for a profit of 1.37 units

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

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  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
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  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
Posted on

Here's when Dustin May will make his Red Sox debut

Here's when Dustin May will make his Red Sox debut originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Dustin May is set to take the mound at Fenway Park for a second straight Sunday. This time, however, he’ll be wearing a different jersey.

The 27-year-old righty is scheduled to make his Boston Red Sox debut Sunday morning against the Houston Astros, just three days after he was acquired by the team and exactly one week after he made what turned out to be his last start with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Red Sox picked up May in a trade with the Dodgers as the clocked ticked down to the 6 p.m. ET MLB trade deadline on Thursday.

Boston dealt outfield prospects Zach Ehrhard and James Tibbs III in the exchange. Tibbs III, who ranked fifth on the MLB Pipeline list of Red Sox prospects, was acquired as part of the return package for Rafael Devers. Ehrhard ranked 27th on the team’s prospect list.

May, a former top prospect who has undergone two Tommy John surgeries, is 6-7 with a 4.85 ERA and 1.346 WHIP in 2025. He was handed a loss in his final outing with the Dodgers, surrendering four earned runs across five innings in a 4-3 defeat against the Red Sox.

May was one of just two deadline pickups for the Red Sox. The team also added veteran lefty Steven Matz in a swap with the Cardinals that sent infield prospect Blaze Jordan to St. Louis.

Cooper Criswell is slated to start Boston’s series opener on Friday night against the AL West-leading Astros before Walker Buehler gets the nod on Saturday. May will then make his Red Sox debut during the Sunday morning matchup to close out the series.

Posted on

Here's when Dustin May will make his Red Sox debut

Here's when Dustin May will make his Red Sox debut originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Dustin May is set to take the mound at Fenway Park for a second straight Sunday. This time, however, he’ll be wearing a different jersey.

The 27-year-old righty is scheduled to make his Boston Red Sox debut Sunday morning against the Houston Astros, just three days after he was acquired by the team and exactly one week after he made what turned out to be his last start with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Red Sox picked up May in a trade with the Dodgers as the clocked ticked down to the 6 p.m. ET MLB trade deadline on Thursday.

Boston dealt outfield prospects Zach Ehrhard and James Tibbs III in the exchange. Tibbs III, who ranked fifth on the MLB Pipeline list of Red Sox prospects, was acquired as part of the return package for Rafael Devers. Ehrhard ranked 27th on the team’s prospect list.

May, a former top prospect who has undergone two Tommy John surgeries, is 6-7 with a 4.85 ERA and 1.346 WHIP in 2025. He was handed a loss in his final outing with the Dodgers, surrendering four earned runs across five innings in a 4-3 defeat against the Red Sox.

May was one of just two deadline pickups for the Red Sox. The team also added veteran lefty Steven Matz in a swap with the Cardinals that sent infield prospect Blaze Jordan to St. Louis.

Cooper Criswell is slated to start Boston’s series opener on Friday night against the AL West-leading Astros before Walker Buehler gets the nod on Saturday. May will then make his Red Sox debut during the Sunday morning matchup to close out the series.