MLB Trade Rumors: The Texas Rangers have acquired starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals, per reports. Texas is sending five prospects, including 2025 first rounder Gavin Fein.
Well, we have been saying that the Rangers needed to add another starting pitcher. It appears they have done so.
Gore, who turns 27 next month, is a lefthander who was picked third overall in the 2017 draft out of Whiteville High School in North Carolina. He was a consensus top-10 prospect heading into both 2020 and 2021, but a disappointing 2021 season that saw him start poorly at AAA, miss time due to blisters and general ineffectiveness, and ultimately make just 12 starts in affiliated ball (half of them below AAA) before struggling in three Arizona Fall League starts saw him plummet in the rankings.
He started 2022 in the minors, but ended up making 13 starts and three relief appearances in the bigs for the Padres before being traded to the Washington Nationals in the Juan Soto deal while on the injured list with elbow issues.
From 2023-25, Gore has posted a 4.15 ERA in 89 starts covering 469.1 IP, with 517 Ks against 186 walks and 62 homers. Last season he threw 159.2 innings in 30 starts, with a 4.17 ERA, a 3.74 FIP and a 4.33 xERA.
We will update as more information becomes available.
UPDATE — According to Evan Grant, along with Fein, the Nats are getting Abi Ortiz, Devin Fitz-Gerald, Alejandro Rosario, and one other prospect. The unknown prospect is not, he says, Sebastian Walcott or Caden Scarborough.
UPDATE II — The fifth prospect is reportedly Yeremy Cabrera.
Fein is the guy in the deal who you feel like could make the Rangers regret the deal.
Ortiz had a strong final couple of months of 2025, but he’s a bat-only guy who wasn’t a lock to be added to the 40 man roster this offseason. He was, of course, ultimately added, which means that Gore will replace Ortiz on the 40 man.
Rosario was a super-exciting prospect at the end of 2024, a guy who was on most top 100 lists. He then was diagnosed with a torn UCL in the spring, needed Tommy John surgery, didn’t actually have Tommy John surgery for a while, and it isn’t clear whether he actually has had it or not (ed. note — he had it on January 13, so nine days ago). He was not going to be pitching again until 2027, so you see why the Rangers would be willing to part with him, given his injury situation.
Fitz-Gerald was the Rangers’ 5th round pick in 2024. He performed well in the ACL in 2025, and earned a promotion to Hickory to finish out the season.
Cabrera was a $10,000 international signee who turned heads in 2024. He spent the 2025 season at Hickory, slashing .256/.364/.366 with 43 stolen bases.
Their ranks on the Rangers’ BA list:
Fein — #3
Fitz-Gerald — #8
Rosario — #13
Cabrera — #14
Ortiz — N/R
I will offer more extensive thoughts on Gore later on tonight.
Manager shoves his own midfielder in stoppage time
Aston Villa into last 16 with victory at Fenerbahce
Aston Villa sealed a top-eight finish in the Europa League after Jadon Sancho’s first goal for the club gave them a 1-0 win over Fenerbahce in Turkey. But the Villa manager, Unai Emery, was involved in a touchline spat with Youri Tielemans after the midfielder was substituted in stoppage time.
Villa’s win was their sixth from seven European matches this season and ended Fenerbahce’s unbeaten home record. Sancho opened his account in Villa colours to put the visitors in the driving seat amid a loud Sukru Saracoglu Stadium atmosphere.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Atlanta Hawks showed resilience, poise, and just enough late-game execution to slip past the Memphis Grizzlies, 124–122, grinding out one of their most satisfying road wins of the season. Atlanta
After absorbing an early punch from a fired-up FedExForum crowd, Atlanta settled in, leaned on its versatility, and delivered when it mattered most exactly the kind of performance Hawks fans have been waiting to see after being on a four-game losing streak.
Atlanta was powered by a monster all-around night from Jalen Johnson, who was everywhere on the floor. Johnson attacked mismatches, cleaned the glass, and facilitated offense in transition, finishing just shy of a triple-double with 32 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, setting the tone for the Hawks’ aggressive approach.
“I thought our group showed real toughness tonight. Memphis made multiple runs, the crowd was into it, and we didn’t blink. Jalen set the tone with his force and competitiveness, and we trusted each other late. Those are the kinds of wins that build you — especially on the road,” said head coach Quinn Snyder.
Whenever Memphis threatened to seize control, Johnson answered whether with a strong finish at the rim or a timely defensive play that swung momentum back Atlanta’s way. His clutch drive late in the fourth quarter ultimately sealed the victory.
The Hawks didn’t rely on just one option. Nickeil – Alexander- Walker orchestrated the offense and made key plays down the stretch, while Atlanta’s supporting cast chipped in with timely shooting and interior toughness. The Hawks consistently punished Memphis on second-chance opportunities and executed with greater composure in late-clock situations.
Inside, Atlanta’s bigs held their ground, limiting easy looks and forcing Memphis into contested finishes a subtle but decisive factor in a game decided by just two points. Onyeka Okongwu delivered 18 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, while Luke Kennard spaced the floor with 18 points, including four three-pointers.
Memphis countered with strong production from Ja Morant, who pressured Atlanta’s defense all night with his speed and playmaking. Morant finished with 23 points and 12 assists as the Grizzlies surged in the third quarter and carried momentum into the fourth.
But late missed opportunities and Atlanta’s calm execution at the free-throw line proved costly. Memphis even held a slim lead late in the final period, yet a desperation three from Morant at the buzzer rimmed out, sealing the Hawks’ hard-earned victory.
Atlanta is 21-25 on the season as they are currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference.
A few days ago, we talked about what the Toronto Raptors could do at the deadline. Knowing Bobby Webster, but actually knowing his mentor Masai Ujiri, tells us that it’s a real possibility for the Raptors to not do anything spectacular at the deadline. Instead, they could wait for the summer to make moves. Yet, there is that little possibility that Webster starts his tenure as leader of the Raptors with a bang and makes a big trade before Feb. 5th’s deadline.
As Josh Lewenberg of TSN reports, the Raptors seem willing to part with more than one of their starters. Webster has apparently been on the phone with several other teams, tossing around possibilities, and doing what Lewenberg calls his “due diligence” on checking in on several targets around the NBA. This is definitely a move reflective of Masai’s tactics — staying extremely informed but not necessarily doing anything. It’s why the Raptors usually end in a ton of trade reports this time of year, because the Masai-now-Bobby method usually involves picking up the phone and having a chat about literally every player whose name is floating around. It’s less about wanting to make a move and more just knowing what options are out there in case you decide you might want to make a move. Something Lewenberg details in his reports as well. We all know the deal in this front office by now.
Can you see why I hate the trade deadline now?
Another good point Josh makes above is that sometimes these little check-ins turn into something more — take Brandon Ingram a year ago. I would have been one to tell you there’s no way the Raptors pull the trigger on that one, and they did. Mind you, the price ended up being lower than expected, which was nice. Another thing about Masai and Bobby — they know how to negotiate.
Now, another thing Lewenberg says is that if the Raptors don’t make a move at the deadline, its more because their “hands are tied” than anything. Makes sense, given their maybe most valuable asset is an injured Jakob Poeltl. The new-ish part in Lewenberg’s reporting is that the Raptors seem to be willing to part with any or all of Poeltl, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. Take this with a grain of salt, though, as the Raptors aren’t ones to leak themselves, and these speculations are more coming from other teams’ sources. As we all know, it’s these players (well, their salaries) that are the most valuable in trades for Toronto, and also prevent the Raptors from making any big signings now or in the summer.
If I had to make an educated guess, I would say Quickley was the most likely to be moved at the deadline, if anyone does get dealt. I would say Poeltl, yet his precarious injury situation doesn’t make me as confident that teams will bite. With Barrett, I’m sure it’s not off the table to include him in the deal, but it would have to be the right deal. If Barrett is traded this season, it’s because it’s the only way the Raptors get their top choice guy, in my opinion. He also still has a year left on his contract, so it’s a big undertaking for any team trading for him.
The Raptors are reportedly willing to part with RJ Barrett, per @JLew1050
“TSN can confirm that Toronto appears willing to part with some combination of Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl and RJ Barrett, or at least that’s the impression that rival teams have gleaned from… pic.twitter.com/7rrchjY0Ny
As I mentioned in last week’s update, most of the players that maybe would have been Toronto’s big targets (Young, Davis, Sabonis) are either gone, too expensive, or hurt. Or multiple of those options. We’ll have to see if anything comes up in the next few weeks as teams head into the final days before the deadline.
A three-game losing streak can knock you from thinking about the No. 2 seed to worrying about the Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference. The Minnesota Timberwolves cannot let this slide continue, but fortunately, hosting the Chicago Bulls is a ripe chance to right things.
My Bulls vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks recognize the value presented by a possible Minnesota injury.
Bulls vs Timberwolves prediction
Bulls vs Timberwolves best bet: Jaden McDaniels Over 16.5 points (+100)
With Julius Randle questionable tonight due to left foot soreness, the quick question becomes who will handle the ball more if Randle is out of this Minnesota Timberwolves lineup. The first instinct is Naz Reid, as he could slide into the starting lineup if Randle is indeed ruled out.
Howeve, Reid banged up his shoulder on Saturday, and his 5-for-15 shooting on Tuesday did not ease those worries.
Then look to Jaden McDaniels. The wing has already been handling the ball more often for Minnesota, often initiating the offense as Mike Conley continues to struggle and Donte DiVincenzo seems to play best in an off-ball role. Randle often initiates the offense, as well, but if he is indeed ruled out, that work should land more on McDaniels’ shoulders.
He has already cleared this prop in five of his last eight games. That trend should continue with or without Randle, but particularly if the Timberwolves are without him tonight.
Bulls vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
Jaden McDaniels is not much of a pull-up shooter from deep. His threes usually come on catch-and-shoot chances, and with the thought that Randle may be sidelined, those chances will be fewer. Furthermore, McDaniels has cleared this scoring prop while not hitting multiple 3-pointers four times since Christmas.
Bulls vs Timberwolves SGP
Jaden McDaniels Over 16.5 points
Jaden McDaniels Under 1.5 threes
Timberwolves moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Wolf pack of props
This is not doubt in Reid. This is seeing value in an Under if his shoulder is indeed bothering him, and Tuesday’s 5-for-15 shooting was his worst showing of January, a decent indication his shoulder is indeed bothering him.
Bulls vs Timberwolves SGP
Jaden McDaniels Over 16.5 points
Jaden McDaniels Under 1.5 threes
Timberwolves moneyline
Naz Reid Under 15.5 points
Bulls vs Timberwolves odds
Spread: Bulls +8.5 | Timberwolves -8.5
Moneyline: Bulls +270 | Timberwolves -340
Over/Under: Over 238 | Under 238
Bulls vs Timberwolves betting trend to know
The Timberwolves are 3-0 ATS against the Bulls in the last two seasons, all of those coming as at least a three-bucket favorite. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Bulls vs Timberwolves
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-North, CHSN
Bulls vs Timberwolves latest injuries
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
BOSTON — Before the Celtics’ win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, head coach Rick Carlisle was asked about what he expected from this year’s Celtics team. And Carlisle, who has been coaching against the Joe Mazzulla Celtics for years, made clear he was far from surprised at the Celtics’ success this season. Before even being prodded further, the longtime NBA coach explained why.
“Derrick White is an All-Star,” Carlisle said. “He’s an All-Star player. I mean, the guy is 8th in the league in blocked shots.”
White is not the only reason Carlisle cited for his preseason confidence in the Celtics: he touched on Jaylen Brown’s greatness, Payton Pritchard’s growth, Sam Hauser’s shotmaking, and Mazzulla’s offensive creativity.
But the unprompted proclamation about White is what stood out most about Carlisle’s answer — in large part because there hasn’t been a ton of chatter about the Celtics guard being an All-Star this season, or at least not as much as many expected going into the year.
The reason for that is simple: his offensive efficiency is down. The 31-year-old is averaging 17.7 points and 5.4 assists — both career-highs — but he’s doing so while shooting 39.1% from the field (the lowest of his NBA career) and 32.4% from three (the second-lowest of his NBA career).
Still, Carlisle was adamant: “He’s such an important part of their team.”
Jaylen Brown, who on Monday was announced as an All-Star starter for the first time in his career, was equally decisive in his proclamation.
“D-White has been a two-way player all year,” Brown said. “And I know we live in an era where that doesn’t get as much praise or respect, but that contributes to winning a lot. Derrick White has been playing at an All-Star level because he plays both sides of the ball. And that’s no disrespect to some of those other guys that are maybe in All-Star contention — but it’s a clear difference.”
Asked Jaylen Brown about Derrick White’s defense — and he said he could see D-White being Defensive Player of the Year:
“I think Derrick White has been playing at an All-Star level l, because he plays both sides of the ball. And that's no disrespect to some of those other guys… https://t.co/TFWbYOn7OBpic.twitter.com/vUqsyydJav
White has been in a particular offensive slump as of late; he is averaging just 10 points on 30.2% shooting in his last 5 games. Still, the Celtics have outscored opponents by 76 points with him on the floor in that span.
That doesn’t surprise those who know his game best, such as his longtime head coach.
“He’s not defined by shooting efficiency,” Mazzulla said. “To me, that’s a bonus.”
After Wednesday’s 119-104 win over the Pacers, Mazzulla pointed out White’s expansive list of more intangible contributions for the Celtics: his role as one of the Celtics’ lead pick-and-roll ball handlers, his ability to make 2-on-1 reads, his defensive versatility, his penchant for getting backtips and stopping fast breaks, and proclivity for doing all of the things that have made him one of the most valuable role players in the league.
As a result, even amid an uncharacteristic shooting slump, White has the highest +/- rating on the team, a +275 on the year
“I just think it’s hard to recognize all the other stuff, and it’s just easy to notice the shooting efficiency because it’s right there,” Mazzulla said.
Carlisle and Mazzulla are far from the only two NBA coaches to gush about White this season; it’s become a regular occurrence.
“I think he is the most underrated player in the league,” Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said last month. “The guy is an absolute winner.”
Asked Erik Spoelstra about Derrick White:
“I think he is the most underrated player in the league. The guy is an absolute winner, whatever role you put him in … He just does so many things … He's the best shot-blocking guard in the league.” pic.twitter.com/AtAYDWBy6I
Jaylen Brown went so far as to say he feels like White is a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate. And, there’s a real case to be made; White is fourth in the NBA in stocks (steals and blocks), and he’s averaging career-highs in both categories (1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks per game).
Among NBA players who average at least 30 minutes per game, White has the second-highest Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus (+2.1), a metric that assesses a player’s defensive impact per 100 possessions (he trails only four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert).
And, he is as durable as they come — White has only missed one game this season — and he’s the best shot-blocking guard in the NBA.
“I think Derrick is a first-team All-Defense type of ballot, or maybe even Defensive Player of the Year,” Brown said. “But on top of that, he contributes on offense, and that takes a lot more energy, a lot more effort to do night-to-night. And he’s healthy, he’s available.”
Neemias Queta, who oftentimes has the clearest view of White’s defensive accument, praised his savviness as a defender.
“He’s always got a good chance of getting a stop, no matter who he’s guarding, or even off the ball, too,” Queta said. “He’s really communicative, too. He’s a Swiss Army knife, and he can do a little bit of everything on both sides of the floor. But defensively, especially, I feel like he holds his own in pretty much all types of matchups.“
Brown pointed out that White is doing all that while also shouldering significant offensive responsibilities; he’s the team’s second-leading scorer behind Brown and has the second-highest usage rate on the Celtics (23%). No other defensive player of his caliber concurrently carries such a heavy load on the other side of the ball.
“You’ve got to give that respect to Derrick,” Brown said. “It’s not an easy job to do and play both ends of the ball at a high level for the duration of the season — and be available for a majority of the games. That’s extremely difficult. He’s been doing that for us all [season], and that has helped us be a second seed.”
White probably won’t be named an All-Star, though reserves — selected by coaches — will be announced on February 1st. And, it’s too early for a real Defensive Player of the Year campaign, though White will certainly be in the mix when those conversations begin.
But those who know White’s game best— and basketball best — know that his impact is inherently not captured on the stat sheet.
And, it probably won’t ever get the recognition it deserves; that’s why NBA coaches go out of their way to give him his flowers.
“Regardless of what the stats look like,” Brown said, “Derrick White is an All-Star.”
We've reached the midpoint of an NBA season that has been filled with surprises — Detroit and Boston lead the East, San Antonio is second in the West — and also far too many injuries to stars. It's also given us jaw-dropping moments, and not just the ones Victor Wembanyama seems to deliver us on a nightly basis.
The midpoint also means it's time to take stock of the NBA postseason awards. All week long, I will make my picks for some of the NBA's top awards at this point in the season, plus get betting angles from NBC Sports experts. Today: Sixth Man of the Year.
NBA Sixth Man of the Year: Naz Reid
2. Jaime Jaquez Jr. 3. Ajay Mitchell
Analysis of Sixth Man of the Year race
Naz Reid won Sixth Man of the Year two years ago with stats that are not as good as the ones he is putting up for the Timberwolves this season, including a career-high 14.5 points per game. He is also someone coach Chris Finch leans on in clutch minutes (depending on the matchup) because of his versatility and ability to play both ends of the floor (he is a plus defender and a big shooting 38.8% from 3-point range).
Usually, the Sixth Man of the Year race sees a lot of movement in the second half of the season, but it feels like someone else is going to win the award this year, they are going to have to prove themselves better than Reid. Good luck with that.
Miami's Jamie Jaquez Jr. — who has carried the Heat offense for stretches — might be the guy to pull that off, although he needs to be a little more efficient with his scoring to win this. Ajay Mitchell has been a revelation off the bench in Oklahoma City in his second season, and the fact that he tends to be on the court with a stacked roster — have you seen the Thunder bench? — shouldn't be held against him. Mitchell has been fantastic.
Three other names to watch in this race are Reed Sheppard in Houston, Keldon Johnson in San Antonio, and the hot Anfernee Simons in Boston. Any of them could climb into the top three — or the top spot itself — with a strong second half of the season.
Orlando's Anthony Black, Atlanta's Nickiel Alexander-Walker and Phoenix's Collin Gilespi are not on this list because all three have become regular starters and have started more than half of their team's games to this point.
Betting Sixth Man Race
We reached out to the NBC Sports betting experts for their thoughts on the Rookie of the Year race and how they might bet it.
Drew Dinsick, NBC Sports Betting Analyst
The rubric for this award is the most productive bench player in terms of raw scoring for a Top 3 seed in either conference. We've seen a rotating cast of favorites for this award throughout the season at this point but the man coming on strong at the moment is clearly Anfernee Simons of the Boston Celtics. His price at 14/1 does not capture the recent surge which find him Top 3 in points scored off the bench, slightly behind Naz Reid and Jaime Jaquez Jr. It seems likely he will lead bench scoring by the All-Star break for the 2-seed Celtics which will likely mean he will be the market favorite and the best awards bet on the board at this time.
Moving on from the “way too early” rankings, this is the first official edition of the top 300 for 2026. Players are ranked for 5x5 mixed leagues using a one-catcher format. I include the mixed-league disclaimer because I do reward upside, particularly past the top 200 or so.
⚾️ Coming soon: MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.
2026 Fantasy Baseball Top 300 overall ranks
**Updated Jan. 28**
2026
Top 300
Team
Pos
Pos Rk
Jan 16
1
Aaron Judge
Yankees
OF
1
1
2
Shohei Ohtani
Dodgers
DH
1
2
3
Bobby Witt Jr.
Royals
SS
1
3
4
Ronald Acuna Jr.
Braves
OF
2
4
5
Juan Soto
Mets
OF
3
5
6
Jose Ramirez
Guardians
3B
1
6
7
Tarik Skubal
Tigers
SP
1
7
8
Julio Rodriguez
Mariners
OF
4
8
9
Paul Skenes
Pirates
SP
2
9
10
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Blue Jays
1B
1
10
11
Gunnar Henderson
Orioles
SS
2
11
12
Elly De La Cruz
Reds
SS
3
12
13
Kyle Tucker
Dodgers
OF
5
13
14
Fernando Tatis Jr.
Padres
OF
6
14
15
Corbin Carroll
Diamondbacks
OF
7
15
16
Nick Kurtz
Athletics
1B
2
16
17
Pete Alonso
Orioles
1B
3
17
18
Zach Neto
Angels
SS
4
18
19
Garrett Crochet
Red Sox
SP
3
19
20
Francisco Lindor
Mets
SS
5
20
21
Jackson Chourio
Brewers
OF
8
21
22
Kyle Schwarber
Phillies
DH
2
22
23
Yordan Alvarez
Astros
OF
9
23
24
Logan Gilbert
Mariners
SP
4
24
25
Junior Caminero
Rays
3B
2
25
26
Trea Turner
Phillies
SS
6
26
27
James Wood
Nationals
OF
10
27
28
Cristopher Sanchez
Phillies
SP
5
28
29
Ketel Marte
Diamondbacks
2B
1
29
30
Michael Harris II
Braves
OF
11
30
31
CJ Abrams
Nationals
SS
7
31
32
Pete Crow-Armstrong
Cubs
OF
12
32
33
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Dodgers
SP
6
33
34
Austin Riley
Braves
3B
3
34
35
Cal Raleigh
Mariners
C
1
35
36
Bryce Harper
Phillies
1B
4
36
37
Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Yankees
2B
2
37
38
Bryan Woo
Mariners
SP
7
38
39
Jarren Duran
Red Sox
OF
13
39
40
Max Fried
Yankees
SP
8
40
41
Mason Miller
Padres
RP
1
41
42
Brent Rooker
Athletics
OF
14
42
43
Freddie Freeman
Dodgers
1B
5
43
44
Jackson Merrill
Padres
OF
15
44
45
George Kirby
Mariners
SP
9
45
46
Manny Machado
Padres
3B
4
46
47
Roman Anthony
Red Sox
OF
16
47
48
Hunter Greene
Reds
SP
10
48
49
Maikel Garcia
Royals
3B
5
49
50
Edwin Diaz
Dodgers
RP
2
50
51
Cody Bellinger
Yankees
OF
17
51
52
Wyatt Langford
Rangers
OF
18
52
53
George Springer
Blue Jays
OF
19
53
54
Blake Snell
Dodgers
SP
11
54
55
Brice Turang
Brewers
2B
3
55
56
Jacob deGrom
Rangers
SP
12
56
57
Sal Stewart
Reds
1B
6
57
58
Jeremy Pena
Astros
SS
8
58
59
Chris Sale
Braves
SP
13
59
60
Geraldo Perdomo
Diamondbacks
SS
9
60
61
Shohei Ohtani
Dodgers
SP
14
61
62
Vinnie Pasquantino
Royals
1B
7
62
63
Hunter Brown
Astros
SP
15
63
64
Ben Rice
Yankees
C
2
64
65
Noelvi Marte
Reds
3B
6
65
66
Joe Ryan
Twins
SP
16
66
67
Bo Bichette
Mets
SS
10
67
68
Cade Smith
Guardians
RP
3
68
69
Oneil Cruz
Pirates
OF
20
69
70
Logan Webb
Giants
SP
17
70
71
Matt Olson
Braves
1B
8
71
72
Josh Hader
Astros
RP
4
72
73
Dylan Cease
Blue Jays
SP
18
73
74
Luis Robert Jr.
Mets
OF
21
74
75
Tyler Soderstrom
Athletics
1B
9
75
76
Spencer Schwellenbach
Braves
SP
19
76
77
Mookie Betts
Dodgers
SS
11
77
78
Cole Ragans
Royals
SP
20
78
79
Framber Valdez
SP
21
79
80
Josh Naylor
Mariners
1B
10
80
81
Aroldis Chapman
Red Sox
RP
5
81
82
Seiya Suzuki
Cubs
OF
22
82
83
Jhoan Duran
Phillies
RP
6
83
84
Corey Seager
Rangers
SS
12
84
85
Jacob Misiorowski
Brewers
SP
22
85
86
Luke Keaschall
Twins
2B
4
86
87
Devin Williams
Mets
RP
7
87
88
Jo Adell
Angels
OF
23
88
89
Zack Wheeler
Phillies
SP
23
89
90
Kyle Stowers
Marlins
OF
24
90
91
Jackson Holliday
Orioles
2B
5
91
92
Jose Altuve
Astros
2B
6
92
93
Sonny Gray
Red Sox
SP
24
93
94
Rafael Devers
Giants
1B
11
94
95
Byron Buxton
Twins
OF
25
95
96
Jacob Wilson
Athletics
SS
13
96
97
Kyle Bradish
Orioles
SP
25
97
98
Daylen Lile
Nationals
OF
26
98
99
Andres Munoz
Mariners
RP
8
99
100
Jordan Westburg
Orioles
3B
7
100
101
Riley Greene
Tigers
OF
27
101
102
Dylan Crews
Nationals
OF
28
102
103
Christian Yelich
Brewers
OF
29
103
104
Xavier Edwards
Marlins
SS
14
104
105
Drew Rasmussen
Rays
SP
26
105
106
Eury Perez
Marlins
SP
27
106
107
William Contreras
Brewers
C
3
107
108
Bryan Reynolds
Pirates
OF
30
108
109
Brandon Nimmo
Rangers
OF
31
109
110
David Bednar
Yankees
RP
9
110
111
Ivan Herrera
Cardinals
DH
3
111
112
Jesus Luzardo
Phillies
SP
28
112
113
Alec Burleson
Cardinals
1B
12
113
114
Joe Musgrove
Padres
SP
29
114
115
Teoscar Hernandez
Dodgers
OF
32
115
116
Willson Contreras
Red Sox
1B
13
116
117
Daniel Palencia
Cubs
RP
10
117
118
Alec Bohm
Phillies
3B
8
118
119
Ceddanne Rafaela
Red Sox
2B
7
119
120
Brenton Doyle
Rockies
OF
33
120
121
Griffin Jax
Rays
RP
11
121
122
Nolan McLean
Mets
SP
30
122
123
Tommy Edman
Dodgers
2B
8
123
124
Gerrit Cole
Yankees
SP
31
124
125
Jorge Polanco
Mets
2B
9
125
126
Tanner Bibee
Guardians
SP
32
126
127
Alex Bregman
Cubs
3B
9
127
128
Jeff Hoffman
Blue Jays
RP
12
128
129
Nick Pivetta
Padres
SP
33
129
130
Andy Pages
Dodgers
OF
34
130
131
Ian Happ
Cubs
OF
35
131
132
Salvador Perez
Royals
C
4
132
133
Ranger Suarez
Red Sox
SP
34
133
134
Nico Hoerner
Cubs
2B
10
134
135
MacKenzie Gore
Rangers
SP
35
NR
136
Jakob Marsee
Marlins
OF
36
135
137
Freddy Peralta
Mets
SP
36
136
138
Ryan Helsley
Orioles
RP
13
137
139
Yandy Diaz
Rays
1B
14
138
140
Hunter Goodman
Rockies
C
5
139
141
Brandon Woodruff
Brewers
SP
37
140
142
Trevor Story
Red Sox
SS
15
141
143
Agustin Ramirez
Marlins
C
6
142
144
Michael Busch
Cubs
1B
15
143
145
Kevin Gausman
Blue Jays
SP
38
144
146
Marcell Ozuna
DH
4
145
147
Jung Hoo Lee
Giants
OF
37
146
148
Tyler Glasnow
Dodgers
SP
39
147
149
Shane McClanahan
Rays
SP
40
148
150
Ezequiel Tovar
Rockies
SS
16
149
151
Shea Langeliers
Athletics
C
7
150
152
Raisel Iglesias
Braves
RP
14
151
153
Mike Trout
Angels
OF
38
152
154
Matthew Boyd
Cubs
SP
41
153
155
Cade Horton
Cubs
SP
42
154
156
Randy Arozarena
Mariners
OF
39
155
157
Emmet Sheehan
Dodgers
SP
43
156
158
Willy Adames
Giants
SS
17
157
159
Edward Cabrera
Cubs
SP
44
158
160
Bryson Stott
Phillies
2B
11
159
161
Matt McLain
Reds
2B
12
160
162
Chase Burns
Reds
SP
45
161
163
Jordan Beck
Rockies
OF
40
162
164
Andrew Vaughn
Brewers
1B
16
163
165
Bryce Miller
Mariners
SP
46
164
166
Isaac Paredes
Astros
3B
10
165
167
Trevor Megill
Brewers
RP
15
166
168
Xander Bogaerts
Padres
SS
18
167
169
Steven Kwan
Guardians
OF
41
168
170
Trey Yesavage
Blue Jays
SP
47
169
171
Nathan Eovaldi
Rangers
SP
48
170
172
Emilio Pagan
Reds
RP
16
171
173
Dansby Swanson
Cubs
SS
19
172
174
Michael King
Padres
SP
49
173
175
Kerry Carpenter
Tigers
OF
42
174
176
Adolis Garcia
Phillies
OF
43
175
177
Colson Montgomery
White Sox
SS
20
176
178
Nick Lodolo
Reds
SP
50
177
179
Kenley Jansen
Tigers
RP
17
178
180
Sandy Alcantara
Marlins
SP
51
179
181
Daulton Varsho
Blue Jays
OF
44
180
182
Munetaka Murakami
White Sox
3B
11
181
183
Ryan Pepiot
Rays
SP
52
182
184
Luis Garcia Jr.
Nationals
2B
13
183
185
Pete Fairbanks
Marlins
RP
18
184
186
Drake Baldwin
Braves
C
8
185
187
Shane Bieber
Blue Jays
SP
53
186
188
Heliot Ramos
Giants
OF
45
188
189
Carlos Rodon
Yankees
SP
54
189
190
Wilyer Abreu
Red Sox
OF
46
190
191
Addison Barger
Blue Jays
3B
12
191
192
Brendan Donovan
Cardinals
2B
14
192
193
Shota Imanaga
Cubs
SP
55
193
194
Eugenio Suarez
3B
13
194
195
Gleyber Torres
Tigers
2B
15
195
196
Josh Lowe
Angels
OF
47
187
197
Brett Baty
Mets
2B
16
196
198
Bubba Chandler
Pirates
SP
56
197
199
Otto Lopez
Marlins
SS
21
198
200
Matt Chapman
Giants
3B
14
199
201
Jameson Taillon
Cubs
SP
57
200
202
Trent Grisham
Yankees
OF
48
201
203
Abner Uribe
Brewers
RP
19
202
204
Brandon Lowe
Pirates
2B
17
203
205
Spencer Strider
Braves
SP
58
204
207
Will Smith
Dodgers
C
9
206
209
Max Muncy
Dodgers
3B
15
207
210
Taylor Ward
Orioles
OF
49
208
208
Carlos Estevez
Royals
RP
20
209
206
Pablo Lopez
Twins
SP
59
205
213
Caleb Durbin
Brewers
3B
16
211
214
Konnor Griffin
Pirates
SS
22
212
211
Gavin Williams
Guardians
SP
60
210
216
Spencer Steer
Reds
1B
17
214
212
Seranthony Dominguez
White Sox
RP
21
264
215
Logan Henderson
Brewers
SP
61
213
217
Dennis Santana
Pirates
RP
22
215
218
Miguel Vargas
White Sox
3B
17
216
219
Spencer Torkelson
Tigers
1B
18
217
220
Justin Steele
Cubs
SP
62
218
221
Lenyn Sosa
White Sox
2B
18
219
222
Jonathan Aranda
Rays
1B
19
220
223
Kirby Yates
Angels
RP
23
221
224
Kris Bubic
Royals
SP
63
222
225
Matt Wallner
Twins
OF
50
223
226
Cody Ponce
Blue Jays
SP
64
224
227
Chandler Simpson
Rays
OF
51
225
228
Nolan Schanuel
Angels
1B
20
226
229
Masyn Winn
Cardinals
SS
23
227
230
Zebby Matthews
Twins
SP
65
228
231
Luis Arraez
1B
21
229
232
Christian Walker
Astros
1B
22
230
233
Reid Detmers
Angels
SP
66
231
234
Colt Keith
Tigers
2B
19
232
235
Ramon Laureano
Padres
OF
52
233
236
Willi Castro
Rockies
2B
20
235
237
Reese Olson
Tigers
SP
67
236
238
Josh Bell
Twins
1B
23
237
239
Gabriel Moreno
Diamondbacks
C
10
238
240
Jonathan India
Royals
2B
21
239
241
Ryan Walker
Giants
RP
24
240
242
Kazuma Okamoto
Blue Jays
3B
18
241
243
Marcus Semien
Mets
2B
22
242
244
Zac Gallen
SP
68
243
245
Yainer Diaz
Astros
C
11
244
246
Riley O’Brien
Cardinals
RP
25
245
247
Anthony Volpe
Yankees
SS
24
246
248
Shane Baz
Orioles
SP
69
247
249
Mickey Moniak
Rockies
OF
53
248
250
Royce Lewis
Twins
3B
19
249
251
Andres Gimenez
Blue Jays
2B
23
250
252
Cam Schlittler
Yankees
SP
70
251
253
Tyler O’Neill
Orioles
OF
54
252
254
Lawrence Butler
Athletics
OF
55
253
255
Jurickson Profar
Braves
OF
56
254
256
Sean Manaea
Mets
SP
71
255
257
Josh Jung
Rangers
3B
20
256
258
Merrill Kelly
Diamondbacks
SP
72
257
259
Brandon Marsh
Phillies
OF
57
258
260
Ernie Clement
Blue Jays
SS
25
259
261
Christopher Morel
Marlins
OF
58
260
262
Evan Carter
Rangers
OF
59
262
263
Sal Frelick
Brewers
OF
60
263
264
Parker Messick
Guardians
SP
73
261
265
Adley Rutschman
Orioles
C
12
265
266
Reynaldo Lopez
Braves
SP
74
266
267
Giancarlo Stanton
Yankees
OF
61
267
268
Brooks Baldwin
White Sox
OF
62
268
269
Clay Holmes
Mets
SP
75
269
270
Anthony Santander
Blue Jays
OF
63
270
271
Jesus Sanchez
Astros
OF
64
271
272
Ryan Mountcastle
Orioles
1B
24
272
273
Jeff McNeil
Athletics
2B
24
273
274
Luis Castillo
Mariners
SP
76
274
275
Carlos Correa
Astros
SS
26
275
276
Colton Cowser
Orioles
OF
65
276
277
Jorge Soler
Angels
OF
66
278
278
Braxton Ashcraft
Pirates
SP
77
277
279
TJ Friedl
Reds
OF
67
279
280
Ozzie Albies
Braves
2B
25
280
281
Kodai Senga
Mets
SP
78
281
282
Victor Scott II
Cardinals
OF
68
282
283
Dylan Beavers
Orioles
OF
69
283
284
Bryan Abreu
Astros
RP
26
284
285
Ryan Weathers
Yankees
SP
79
285
286
Justin Crawford
Phillies
OF
70
286
287
Romy Gonzalez
Red Sox
2B
26
287
288
Noah Cameron
Royals
SP
80
288
289
Kyle Manzardo
Guardians
1B
25
290
290
Lars Nootbaar
Cardinals
OF
71
291
291
J.T. Realmuto
Phillies
C
13
293
292
Ryan O’Hearn
Pirates
1B
26
294
293
Jose Caballero
Yankees
SS
27
295
294
Chad Patrick
Brewers
SP
81
292
295
Nolan Arenado
Diamondbacks
3B
21
298
296
Dominic Canzone
Mariners
OF
72
300
297
Brandon Pfaadt
Diamondbacks
SP
82
297
298
Jake McCarthy
Rockies
OF
73
NR
299
Max Scherzer
SP
83
299
300
Jac Caglianone
Royals
OF
74
NR
Jan. 28 Notes
- Falling off: Grant Taylor (234th), Christian Moore (289th), Troy Johnston (296th)
- Just a little update here, and it's mostly because I wanted to make my new feelings known about MacKenzie Gore after last week's trade. Gore was my No. 85 SP before getting sent to the Rangers, leaving him about 10 spots off the original top 300, but that was largely because I have the Nationals as the second worst situation for pitchers in the league. Dealing with poor defense and especially poor catching, Nationals pitchers have had ERA far in excess of their FIPs the last two years (4.72 FIP, 5.35 ERA season), and their bullpen figures to be especially poor this year.
I'm not quite as sure what to make about the situation in Texas, largely because Globe Life Field has been all over the map; it had one of the best park factors for hitters in 2023, only to play as a significant pitchers' park in 2024 and an extreme one in 2025. It's been especially tough on right-handed power the last two years. Maybe that won't keep up, but if it does, it's especially great for a left-handed flyball pitcher like Gore. As a result, I have Gore all of the way up to 35th among SPs now, and he checks in at No. 135 overall here.
- The other significant change is Seranthony Domínguez going from 26th to 21st among RPs after signing on to close for the White Sox. Grant Taylor fell from 23rd to 28th, leaving him just off the list. I wasn't projecting him for many saves in the first place, but this does take away some of his upside. I still think he'll be fantastic in a multi-inning setup role.
- Moore and Johnston lost some playing time in my projections with the Angels re-signing Yoán Moncada and the Rockies acquiring Edouard Julien. Julien could play second for Colorado, but he's a liability there. I have him slightly outhitting Johnston, though his limited home run and steal potential keeps him off the list.
- Harrison Bader didn't make the top 300 while he was still a free agent, and though he'll obviously be a regular in San Francisco, he's further away now after joining the Giants.
Jan. 22 Notes
- Having Michael Harris II ranked 30th overall isn’t something I saw coming when I started doing my projections. I’ve been just as disappointed by his lack of progress as everyone else; his OPS has gone from .853 in his rookie season to .808, .722 and .678 the last three years. And yet I found so much more to be encouraged about than I thought I would, enough to think that he’s quite a bit more likely to duplicate his second half of 2025 (.299/.315/.430, 14 HR) than his first half (.210/.234/.317). He scores this highly for me even though, because I have him batting seventh, he’s projected for the second fewest plate appearances of anyone in my top 50 hitters (only Jazz Chisholm Jr. has fewer). If he gets off to a nice start and finds himself moving up the Braves lineup, I think the potential is there for him to be the steal of the year.
- Sal Stewart’s placement here at No. 57 is another one that’ll raise eyebrows. I’m actually rather disappointed the Reds traded Gavin Lux, since that should help Stewart’s ADP some. Really, though, I wasn’t worried about Lux or anyone else being in Stewart’s way, no matter how hesitant Terry Francona was to use him last September. Stewart just hammers the baseball in a way that separates him from everyone else on the Reds roster, save Elly De La Cruz. He’ll bat lower in the order initially, but he could quickly settle into the cleanup spot. There’s no reason he can’t make a run at 100 RBI, and his value would only increase if the Reds get him some extra position eligibility by playing him at third or second.
- Luis Robert Jr. moved up about 15 spots to No. 74 with Tuesday's trade to the Mets. Citi Field is a little bit of an upgrade for him in the ballpark department, and he's certainly in a better lineup now, even if the trade means he's more likely to spend most of the year batting in the bottom half of the order. On the plus side, that will free him up to continue stealing bases.
- Neither the Robert addition nor the Bo Bichette signing did anything for one of my favorite picks this year, Brett Baty. Still, I'm keeping the faith. Baty is athletic enough to handle left field, and even if Carson Benge emerges there, I'd still take Baty over Mark Vientos as a DH against right-handers. Baty showed 25-homer power last season, and his contract rates are a little better than his strikeout percentages suggest. If he can get the ball into the air with a little more frequency this year, he should bust out.
- On the White Sox side of things, Lenyn Sosa (No. 219) and Brooks Baldwin (no. 268) both moved up with Robert out of the mix. Luisangel Acuña seems poised for a shot to replace Robert in center, but while he could steal 40 bags as an everyday guy, I think his bat will probably force him into a utility role. Sosa isn't necessarily a good regular for a major league team, either, given his middling defense and atrocious walk rate, but he hit 22 homers last season and managed a solid .264 average in the process. He ought to be the White Sox's primary DH. Baldwin seems like an unexciting, jack-of-all-trades sort, but his EV numbers took a nice jump last year and he's gone 9-for-9 stealing bases in 136 big-league games. He could be a sneaky 15 HR/15 SB guy if he's in the lineup most of the time.
- I was already lower than most on Freddy Peralta for this season, and the trade to the Mets didn't help, dropping him from 27th to 35th among starting pitchers. Still, it would have been considerably worse if the Mets hadn't upgraded their defense this winter. The Brewers are just so strong there and, aided by their ballpark, make their hurlers appear better than they actually are; their pitchers have a league-low .274 BABIP over the last three years, with Peralta himself coming in at .265.
- There are still only 27 relievers in the top 300, though that number will swell as closing situations start to clear up a little this spring. The unrepresented teams are the Athletics, Diamondbacks, Nationals, Rangers, Rockies and Twins, while the Brewers and Astros each have two relievers on the list. Also present is free agent Serathony Domínguez, who I suspect will wind up closing for one of those unrepresented teams (or maybe the White Sox). The relievers on those clubs closest to making the list were Arizona's Kevin Ginkel (34th among RPs), the Athletics' Mark Leiter Jr. (37th), the Twins' Cole Sands (42nd) and the Rockies' Victor Vodnik (47th).
Sri Lanka’s spinners turned the screws to script a hard-fought 19-run victory over England in the opening one-day international at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday (all times local).
They thought Tucker was worth that kind of investment.
“Anytime you can add a guy to your lineup that is arguably better against same-side pitching — there’s really no holes in what he does offensively. Really balanced splits, versus right, versus left, incredible decision making, really good bat-to-ball skills,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Wednesday. “Just the way that will kind of complement and help further round out our offense, something we thought that would be significant in terms of the odds increasing on our championship quest.”
Dodgers outfielders as a group in 2025 hit .240/.299/.415, with a 98 wRC+ that ranked 17th among 30 MLB teams. Tucker is a career .273/.358/.507 hitter with a 138 wRC+, and has posted a 130 wRC+ or better in each of the last five seasons. Dodgers outfielders last year totaled 4.3 fWAR as a group (Andy Pages accounted for 4.1 fWAR himself), while Tucker has tallied 4.2 fWAR or higher five years in a row, averaging 4.7.
Since the start of 2021, Tucker is one of only four major league hitters with an isolated power — slugging percentage minus batting average — .200 or above combined with a strikeout rate of 16 percent or lower, along with fellow star players Mookie Betts, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and José Ramírez.
The Dodgers in 2025 had a 21.9-percent strikeout rate as a team, 12th-lowest in the majors. Adding Tucker should help that.
But where does he fit in the Dodgers lineup? Last week, I asked this question on The Feed here at True Blue LA, and got various responses, ranging between Tucker batting as high as second or as low as fifth. But either way, he’ll be in a prime spot in a suddenly more-loaded lineup with him on board.
“I was talking with Gomer [general manager Brandon Gomes] and Andrew [Friedman] recently, and it’s just fun to think about where Kyle is going to hit in the lineup,” manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday. “He’ll be in the top third. I don’t want you guys to hold me to it right now, but [hitting] second or third seems to make sense.”
It’s still only January 22, still a month from spring training games starting and nine weeks from opening day. A lot can happen between now and then. But let’s unpack what Roberts said on Wednesday.
For the last two seasons, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman have been the Dodgers’ big three atop the lineup. If Tucker hits second or third, one of those other three is moving. It won’t be Ohtani, who seems entrenched in the leadoff spot. Betts is coming off his worst offensive season, but the Dodgers have been loath to move him down in the lineup. It took until Game 5 of the World Series for Betts to shift down in the lineup to third, his first start outside of the top two since 2021. Betts hit third in Games 5 and 6, and hit fourth in Game 7.
Freeman in four years with the Dodgers has hit mostly second or third. He batted cleanup four times in September 2024, but those were only against left-handed pitchers to help split up the left-handed hitters in the lineup. That continued into 2025, but Freeman also hit cleanup sometimes against right-handed pitchers, and hit fourth a total of 47 times in the regular season, and batted cleanup eight times in 17 postseason games.
I think Freeman is the most likely of the Big Three to move down in the lineup. Putting Tucker second or third would mean at least two of the Dodgers’ first three hitters batting lefty, but they happen to be two of the best lefty-on-lefty hitters in the game.
Freeman hitting cleanup would mean three lefties in the first four hitters, which is generally fine, but can cause problems later in the game, either with an opposing manager bringing in a left-handed pitcher to handle a run of lefty batters or if trying to extend a southpaw starting pitcher a little bit deeper into the game. Last year the Dodgers occasionally countered the latter by inserting a right-handed batter before Freeman, usually Teoscar Hernández or Will Smith.
But whether Freeman bats fourth or fifth still highlights the depth of the Dodgers lineup now with Tucker on board. After Freeman, there will be one or both of Smith or Hernández, and that’s before considering Max Muncy, Tommy Edman, and Andy Pages.
No matter how you slice it, that’s a formidable lineup top to bottom.
NEW YORK – By agreeing with Cody Bellinger on a new contract Wednesday, the Yankees’ top offseason task was completed.
But that doesn’t end the winter work for GM Brian Cashman and company.
Three weeks away from the start of spring training, the Yankees are still exploring upgrades to the pitching staff, along with right-handed hitting depth.
And the potential for a significant trade exists, now that Bellinger is secured on a five-year, $162.5 million free agent deal that includes opt-outs after years two and three.
This is now a crowded outfield, with Bellinger in left field, Trent Grisham in center and Aaron Judge in right, which impacts the playing time of switch-hitter Jasson Dominguez and lefty-hitting prospect Spencer Jones.
Let’s examine where the Yankees might be exploring additional options for 2026:
Yankees' potential rotation targets
Current rotation: LHP Max Fried, RHP Cam Schlittler, RHP Luis Gil, RHP Will Warren, LHP Ryan Weathers.
On the injured list: RHP Gerrit Cole (June ETA), LHP Carlos Rodon (May), RHP Clarke Schmidt (September).
Current depth: RHP Paul Blackburn, LHP Ryan Yarbrough.
Summary: Several contenders, including the Yanks, had been tied to interest in Milwaukee Brewers’ right-hander Freddy Peralta, the subject of trade discussion for months.
But late Wednesday night, as first reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Mets closed out a stunning deal to land Peralta, earning a relative-bargain $8 million in 2026, his free agent walk year.
Washington Nationals lefty MacKenzie Gore is under team control through the 2028 season, but he’s already set to earn $5.6 million this season with some expensive arbitration years ahead.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds have some notable starting depth including right-hander Brady Singer, though he’s earning $12.75 million in 2026, his free agent walk year.
The current Grand Canyon-sized arbitration gap between Tarik Skubal and the Tigers makes things interesting, but you’d anticipate Detroit going into 2026 with the game’s best starter and re-evaluating at the trade deadline.
Though the Yanks are questionable to add a pricey free agent starter at this point, even on a one-year deal, the versatile Nick Martinez and Cooperstown-bound veterans Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander are intriguing options.
Yankees' potential bullpen targets
Current bullpen: LHPs Tim Hill, Brent Headrick; RHPs David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Fernando Cruz, Kaleb Ort, Cade Winquest.
Current depth: RHPs Jake Bird, Yerry de los Santos, Paul Blackburn; LHP Ryan Yarbrough.
Summary: St. Louis lefty JoJo Romero was linked to Yankees’ interest earlier this winter, with the re-tooling Cardinals likely to remain active on the trade front.
Entering his free agent walk year, Romero posted a 200 ERA-plus last season and is due to earn $4.26 million in 2026.
Though the Yanks aren't heavily into this free agent market, a patient strategy might get them to take an inexpensive flyer here, with some interesting names such as right-hander Michael Kopech and lefty Danny Coulombe available.
In recent years, the Yankees have been adept at making under-the-radar deals for relievers - especially power right-handers with swing-and-miss ability that have yet to reach their potential.
And if the Yanks are seeking to move payroll here in a bigger trade, Doval is making over $6 million this season.
Yankees' potential right-handed hitting targets
Current position players: 1B/C Ben Rice, 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr., 3B Ryan McMahon, IF Jose Caballero, Amed Rosario, Oswaldo Cabrera; OF Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger, Jasson Dominguez; DH/OF Giancarlo Stanton; C Austin Wells, J.C. Escarra.
On the injured list: SS Anthony Volpe (ETA May).
Current depth: IF Paul DeJong, Braden Shewmake, Jorbit Vivas; OF Seth Brown, Spencer Jones; C Ben Rice.
Summary: There's room to add a right-handed hitting first baseman, a corner outfielder and possibly a catcher (to better complement the lefty-hitting Wells).
Free agent outfielders Austin Hays and Harrison Bader could see their markets accelerating now that the major free agents are off the board and Luis Robert Jr. is a Met, traded by the White Sox this week.
Paul Goldschmidt has designs on playing in 2026 and the 2025 Yankee remains in free agency, as does veteran Rhys Hoskins, whose career since 2023 has been hampered by injuries.
With their recent free agent signing of Victor Caratini, the Minnesota Twins might have a catching surplus.
Switch-hitting former All-Star catcher Jonah Heim remains in free agency, as does catcher Gary Sanchez and outfielder Miguel Andujar (who mashes lefty pitching) though the defensive shortcomings of both ex-Yankees is notable.
The Golden State Warriors are back in action tonight, and they’re headed to Texas to take on Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg, and the Dallas Mavericks. It’s the Warriors first game on the road since January 5, and their first out-of-state game since New Year’s Eve.
Both teams are missing some serious star talent. Here’s the full injury report.
Warriors
Out — Jimmy Butler III (right knee ACL tear)
Sigh. It’s not fun writing it out, but I’ll be doing it a lot, as Butler will be sidelined for the rest of the year, and the start of next season following an ACL tear on Monday night.
Out — Seth Curry (left sciatic nerve irritation)
Curry should be re-evaluated soon, and hopefully can get back on the court before too long. The Warriors could use some extra scoring with Butler out.
Questionable — Gary Payton II (right foot soreness)
I wouldn’t be surprised if GPII sees a bigger role going forward, given the defense and athleticism that the team lost with Butler’s injury. Hopefully he’s good to go tonight.
Mavericks
Out — Anthony Davis (left finger sprain)
Davis was linked to the Warriors a little bit before suffering yet another injury. Now that Butler — whose contract matches Davis’ — is out for a year, you can expect to at least see a little speculation that the teams might swap their injured stars on massive deals. I don’t think there’s much of a chance of it happening, though.
Out — Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery)
Like Butler, Irving has a torn ACL, which he sustained in March of 2025. It’s unclear when he’ll be back on the court.
Out — Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery)
After a standout rookie season in 2023-24, things have gone downhill for Lively. He was limited to 36 games last year, and didn’t show much improvement. And this year he suffered a foot injury after just seven games, and is out for the season.
Out — Dante Exum (right knee surgery)
Exum, unfortunately, saw his season end before it started. He hasn’t played this year and he won’t play this year, as he rehabs from knee surgery.
Doubtful — Daniel Gafford (right ankle sprain)
Gafford plays a critical role for the Mavs with Davis sidelined, but he’s had his own issues staying healthy. He’s missed the last three games, and 15 overall this year.
Probable — Moussa Cissé (illness)
Cissé went undrafted in June, but has filled in for the injury Davis and Gafford on a few occasions this year. He’s a very strong rebounder.
Enjoy the game, Dub Nation. It tips off at 4:30 p.m. PT on Prime.
Several games on Saturday, Jan. 24 have been either postponed or had their tip-off times pushed up, including Duke's ACC bout with Wake Forest and North Carolina's conference game against Virginia, which would have also included the dedication of Virginia's court to former head coach Tony Bennett.
College basketball looks like it's going to deal with quite a few shake-ups, with several situations pending.
Here are the events that have been affected in anticipation of the inclement weather.
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College sports rescheduled due to winter storm warning
All times Eastern
Men's basketball
Saturday's Virginia vs North Carolina tip-off pushed up to noon from 2 p.m. (court dedication to Tony Bennett postponed) (ESPN2)
Saturday's Wake Forest vs Duke tip-off pushed up to noon from 5:45 p.m (The CW)
Saturday's Louisville vs Virginia Tech tip-off pushed up to 2:15 p.m. from 3:15 p.m. (The CW)
Saturday's Little Rock vs UT Martin doubleheader postponed
Saturday's Towson vs North Carolina A&T tip-off pushed up to noon
Saturday's James Madison vs Texas State tip-off pushed up to 1 p.m.
Jacksonville State vs MTSU rescheduled to Friday at 6:30 p.m. from Saturday
Lipscomb vs Florida Gulf Coast rescheduled to Friday, Jan. 23 from Saturday, Jan. 24
Women's basketball
UConn vs Seton Hall tip-off pushed up to noon on Saturday, Jan. 24 from Sunday, Jan. 25
Saturday's Princeton vs Brown tip-off pushed up to noon
Saturday's Eastern Kentucky vs North Florida tip-off pushed up to 11 a.m.
Swimming
Tennessee vs Georgia swim meet rescheduled to 1 p.m. Friday from Saturday
Gymnastics
Friday's Georgia vs Oklahoma meet pushed up to 2:45 p.m. from 6 p.m.
Tim MacMahon of ESPN published a mid-season report on Cooper Flagg Thursday. It featured thoughts from opposing teams’ personnel and statistics comparing him to great teenagers of years past, like soon-to-be Hall of Famer LeBron James. The reviews were raving. One Western Conference scout said he was “better than advertised”. An East scout called him a “winning player”. And, my favorite quote, one West general manager said, “his greatest strength is his competitiveness”.
Throughout the piece, the common sentiment became clear: Flagg is an uber-talented, uber-driven star-in-the-making. What he can be is better than you think, and what he will be has a less volatile floor than you realize. And if you have watched him this season, you have seen this play out in real time. I found a draft profile from around this time last year, where they labeled his weaknesses as not being able to handle perimeter pressure, a question mark over his isolation scoring ability, and the fact that he needs to get stronger to handle contact. It has not even been 50 games into his rookie campaign, and his lack of turnovers (2.2 per game), clutch scoring (ninth most in the NBA), and ability to get downhill at will (53.5 percent on 11.4 drives per game) have put those concerns to rest.
To say the sky is the limit for Flagg would be doing him a disservice. He is improving at a rate even bullish analysts have undersold. The narrative he has had since high school is that his defense would translate to the next level, but it remained to be seen how quickly his offense would come along. In 37 college games, he averaged 19.2 points on 48.1 percent shooting. Through 41 NBA games, he is at 18.8 points on 47.8 percent shooting. Every question we have asked has been answered (except for three-point shooting). As a 19-year-old rookie, the eye test tells you Flagg can be anything he wants. And, according to Tim MacMahon, the league agrees.
The most meaningful aspect of MacMahon’s reporting is that it confirms a thought I have had since the Mavericks secured the number one pick last May: the intangibles will define him, not his raw skill. Being a good player does not make you a part of a winning formula (see Bradley Beal and LaMelo Ball). There is plenty of talent in the NBA. What there is not an abundance of is winners. With the amount of money that has been pumped into not only professional sports but also college sports in the last few years, it is easy to lose sight of winning. Flagg is not someone who has fallen victim to that. His physical frame and talent will prevent him from being less than a very good player. But his mindset, his addiction to improvement, and his singular commitment to winning will make him great. How great he will be is something only he can determine.
At the trade deadline in 2025, the Jays traded for Shane Bieber, who hadn’t pitched in the majors to that point in 2025, coming off Tommy John surgery in 2024. The Guardians received Khal Stephens (who I mentioned was named by his Kryptonian parents).
Shane didn’t pitch for the Jays until August 22nd (my wife’s birthday). He was pretty good, in seven starts, with a 3.57 ERA, batters hit .225/.264/.417 in his 40.1 regular season innings.
The Jays picked him up, planning for the playoffs (we have very hopeful people running our team). He did work out; he made five starts and one relief appearance in the playoffs, with a 3.86 ERA. Unfortunately, what we will remember is the relief appearance (such is the life of a pitcher).
Shane had a player’s option for the 2026 season, which we were pretty sure he would decline, but he didn’t, so he is a Jay going into 2026.
There may be a reason, the team says he is dealing with ‘arm fatigue’ and may not be ready to start the season on the active roster. I’m sure I’m not the only one who reads the words arm fatigue and thinks there may be more going on than they are telling.
Bieber turns 31 in May and is 8 seasons into a very good career. He’s won a Cy Young, received votes to other seasons, got MVP votes once, made two All-Star teams and won a Gold Glove. And he also had the pitcher’s Triple Crown, leading the league in wins, ERA and strikeouts in the strike-shortened 2020 season.
He has a 66-34 record, a 3.24 ERA in 141 starts, 883.1 innings and an 18.5 bWAR. A good run in his 30s, and he would have a shot at the Hall of Fame. But then, that depends on him having good health in his 30s, and that’s the question for the team at the moment. In the Berrios post, I talked about how Berrios might not have a path to the rotation, but there are always things that happen with a pitching staff, there is never enough depth.
Shane throws five different pitches:
A Four Seamer (that averaged 92.6 mph last year).
Slider
Knuckle Curve
Change up
Cutter
Steamer figures him to make 24 starts, throw 143 innings with a 3.87 ERA.
