Category: Sports News

Worldwide Sports News

Posted on

Blues' Justin Barron Was Originally Brought In As Depth, Now There's An Opportunity For More

The St. Louis Blues made an intriguing move by claiming Justin Barron off waivers from the Nashville Predators. 

The move was initially seen as a depth addition, but it has quickly become more important because of the long-term injuries to Logan Mailloux and Tyler Tucker. 

Mailloux will miss at least eight weeks after undergoing hand surgery, while Tucker is considered week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Not only have the Blues lost their seventh defenseman in Tucker, but they've also lost a player expected to play critical minutes in Mailloux.

This has made Barron a more important piece of the Blues roster than originally expected.

In addition to claiming Barron, the Blues recalled top prospect and 2024 first-round pick Adam Jiricek from the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds. 

While the organization has high hopes for Jiricek and was pleased with his pre-season performances, Barron joins the organization with 208 NHL games, a 6-foot-2 frame, and decent results.

In each of the past two seasons with the Predators, Barron posted Corsi For and expected goals percentages above 50 percent at 5-on-5. The Predators had been outscored with Barron on the ice, but much of that can be attributed to poor goaltending. The Predators posted save percentages of .864 and .904 with Barron on the ice in each of the last two seasons, according to NaturalStatTrick.com.

There are reasons to believe an improved enviroment can help Barron's game, and GM Alexander Steen is in agreement with that notion.

"Our scouts have liked his game when we watched him play," said the rookie GM. "This is a fresh start for him... We brought Adam (Jiricek) up, and we felt organizationally we had depth on our left side. This helps create more depth on our right side." 

Blues Reportedly Willing To Trade Depth Forwards Ahead Of The 2026-27 NHL SeasonBlues Reportedly Willing To Trade Depth Forwards Ahead Of The 2026-27 NHL SeasonThe latest report from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman suggests the St. Louis Blues are making it clear they are open to trade offers for their depth forwards.

For Barron, he understands what this could mean for his career and is ready to show it.

"I'm here to show these guys what I can do, and hopefully bring an aspect of my game that can help this team win games." 

For now, the 24-year-old will have to wait for his moment, as today's practice lines suggest Jiricek will get the first go in the lineup, skating alongside Cam Fowler on a power-play unit. 

With a long 84-game season, injuries are inevitable, and one of the youngsters, Jiricek or Lindstein, could stumble out of the gate, opening a spot for Barron in the lineup. 

In the meantime, Barron has to keep a next-man-up, stay-ready mindset. 

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free.

See more of The Hockey News on Google and save us as a preferred source. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Posted on

David Stearns addresses possible regrets over Pete Alonso situation: ‘I don’t get mulligans’

David Stearns didn't speak when Pete Alonso was in to town with the Orioles. 

So sitting in the Citi Field press conference room just two weeks later, the Mets’ president of baseball operations was asked if he had any regrets over the way things went down. 

Alonso, of course, left the Mets this offseason for a big money five-year deal with the Orioles after not receiving an offer from the only organization he’d ever known.

In turn, Stearns attempted to replace his production by bringing in veteran Jorge Polanco, who ended up appearing in just 37 games after battling wrist and ankle injuries. 

So after seeing Mets fans give their fan favorite ovation after ovation in his heroic Citi Field return, Stearns said it’s a fair question looking back on things. 

“The truth is in this job I don’t get mulligans,” he emphasized. “I also recognize Pete had a tremendous year, and the totality of our production at first base wasn’t good enough, so my job now is to ensure that we’ve got better success across our roster, but for the entirety of the season better production at first base, as well.”

Alonso showed no ill-effects transitioning during his first year in the American League, as he became the first player in baseball history to lead both leagues in RBI in separate seasons (113).

He also launched a league-high 43 homers and posted career-best marks in OBP (.363) and OPS (.884), among several other offensive statistics, while missing just one game (Sunday’s rainout in the Bronx). 

The Mets, on the other hand, struggled to receive much of anything from the position before Jared Young stepped up with his breakout second-half of the season. 

Even with Young's production, it wasn't nearly good enough. 

“I give Pete an enormous amount of credit, he went out and had a great year,” Stearns said. “Our entire season our first base production wasn’t neatly good enough, now it’s my job to put a group together that plays better.”

Posted on

Former Penguins Forward Announces Retirement After 12 NHL Seasons

A former Pittsburgh Penguins forward is officially hanging up the skates. 

Former Penguins forward Matt Nieto announced through his Instagram account that he has retired from professional hockey. 

Nieto noted that injury trouble is the reason why he has decided to retire from hockey. 

Nieto spent each of his last two NHL seasons with the Penguins in 2023-24 and 2024-25. He was limited to only 54 games over that span for the Metropolitan Division club, where he recorded two goals, seven points, 53 hits, and a minus-3 rating. 

Nieto also played in 15 AHL games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins during the 2024-25 season, posting three goals, four assists, seven points, and a plus-2 rating. 

In 705 career NHL games over 12 seasons split between the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, and Penguins, Nieto recorded 87 goals, 119 assists, and 206 points. He also posted eight goals and 21 points in 62 career NHL playoff games.

Overall, Nieto had a solid career as a depth forward in the NHL. 

Posted on

Pistons still awaiting Jalen Duren decision as training camp begins

The biggest story of the Detroit Pistons’ summer now lingers into the start of training camp.

Jalen Duren remains unsigned.

Coming off the best season of his career, one that included his first All-Star appearance and an All-NBA Third Team selection, Duren and the Pistons have spent the summer negotiating a new contract without reaching an agreement.

That remained the case Monday at Pistons Media Day, which Duren did not attend.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Duren has declined a fully guaranteed five-year, $200 million offer from Detroit as the two sides remain at a stalemate.

Still, Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon made one thing clear Monday: Detroit still wants Duren back.

“We will be excited to have him in regardless of what decision he does make,” Langdon said. “He was a huge reason for our success the last two seasons, had a tremendous season individually last year as well, and we believe he will do the same thing this year.

“We’ll integrate him, and he’s going to have a fantastic season regardless of his decision. But we’re looking forward to getting him.”

Duren, 22, averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 65% from the field last season, establishing himself as one of the league’s top young centers and a major piece of Detroit’s rise.

But his long-term future with the franchise has remained unsettled throughout the offseason.

Langdon declined to discuss specifics of the negotiations Monday, but acknowledged that he has not personally spoken with Duren throughout the summer.

“I have not spoken to the young man all summer, so I don’t know how that is,” Langdon said. “For me, I’m not going to hold anything against him. Again, I would be very happy to have him back. I’ll be excited. He’s been a huge part of our success. I think he’ll continue to be a huge part of that going forward.”

Despite the lack of an agreement — and the lack of communication between Langdon and Duren — Detroit’s stance publicly has remained consistent.

The Pistons still view Duren as one of the pillars of a young core, alongside Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson.

“When he is back, it’s bringing him in, letting him know that he has a huge part, and putting him in situations where he can be the best version of himself and help us out to the best degree that he can,” Langdon said. “So, we’ll be excited to have him back and incorporate him into the team.”

While the situation is unfamiliar territory for a Pistons organization that has spent the last two seasons building continuity around its young core, Langdon has dealt with contract stalemates before during his time as an NBA executive.

His message Monday was that the organization would not allow the negotiations to change how it views or treats Duren once he returns.

“We’ll do everything we can to support him and get the best version of him, which is what we’ve done the past two years,” Langdon said. “That will not change. Those are things that we can control. His decision, it’s not one that we can control.”

Duren’s next major deadline comes Thursday, Oct. 1.

If he does not agree to a long-term contract, Duren has the option to accept Detroit’s one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer. Doing so would allow him to return to the Pistons this season before becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Sacramento and Milwaukee have been among the teams reportedly interested in Duren, although Langdon declined Monday to discuss whether Detroit has explored potential sign-and-trade scenarios.

Whatever frustration may exist within the negotiations, however, it does not appear to have changed Duren’s relationship with his teammates or coaching staff.

Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Cunningham both said Monday that they remained in contact with Duren throughout the summer without attempting to influence his contract decision.

“He knows how I feel about him, and I continue to let him know how I feel about him,” Bickerstaff said. “And that’s really all that matters. I love JD.

“I know how JD feels about me, how he feels about being a member of the Pistons. It’s positive. He’s a huge part of what we do, and where we are right now, the steps that we’ve taken to get there. We look forward to having him back.”

The Pistons open training camp Tuesday without Duren, who remains unsigned and therefore is not currently part of the team’s training camp roster.

How long that remains the case is still unknown.

But after an entire summer of negotiations, Detroit enters training camp with the same major question hanging over the organization — and only days remaining before Duren must make his next decision.

Posted on

2 Former Canadiens Defenders Find New NHL Homes Through Waivers

Two former Montreal Canadiens defensemen have found new homes after being placed on waivers. 

This is because Justin Barron has been claimed off waivers by the St. Louis Blues, while William Trudeau has been claimed off waivers by the Nashville Predators.

Barron was placed on waivers earlier this week by Nashville. Now, the former Canadiens blueliner will be joining the Blues organization and will be aiming to impress.

Trudeau, on the other hand, was placed on waivers by the New York Rangers. The Canadiens traded Trudeau to the Rangers during the off-season for forward Brett Berard. Yet, Trudeau will now be joining the Predators instead. 

Barron appeared in 52 games last season for the Predators, where he recorded nine assists and a minus-1 rating. He spent four seasons with the Canadiens from 2021-22 to 2024-25, where he posted 13 goals, 31 points, and a minus-11 rating in 109 games. 

As for Trudeau, he is still looking to make his NHL debut. The 2021 fourth-round pick spent four seasons with the Laval Rocket but never earned a call-up to the Canadiens' roster before being traded this summer. 

In 260 AHL games with Laval over four seasons, Trudeau recorded 28 goals, 62 assists, 90 points, 236 penalty minutes, and a plus-19 rating. 

Posted on

LeBron James reveals he had ‘visions’ of finishing career with Knicks — until they won the title

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows LeBron James smiles at a press event in a blue Philadelphia 76ers jersey, Image 2 shows Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James, VJ Edgecombe, and Jaylen Brown pose for a photo at a media day event

LeBron James once envisioned sporting the orange and blue.

That was before the Knicks won their first NBA title in 53 years.

James admitted as much to ESPN during the 76ers’ Media Day on Monday.

“I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,” James said. “One of the best places I’ve ever played.

“I think it’s the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as for a basketball player. But after they beat San Antonio, I was like, ‘Hey, I can’t.’ I couldn’t do it.”

Philadelphia 76ers’ LeBron James reacts as he goes between stations during the NBA basketball team’s media day in Camden, N.J., Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Following the Knicks’ championship in June, the 41-year-old only considered his current team along with the Cavaliers, Heat, Warriors and Timberwolves for his free agency decision this offseason. James felt he would be taking a lot of heat from Knicks fans and the media if he jumped on the team after a historic season.

“Y’all wouldn’t have let me lay that down, at all,” he said, referring to the media. “But much respect to the Knicks, obviously. An unbelievable team, unbelievable players. Shout out Jalen Brunson. I love that guy, he’s unbelievable. But, yeah, I’m happy where I’m at, and I’m looking forward to it.”

The Knicks “checked in” with James in July, however The Post reported the signing was “very, very unlikely.” His agent Rich Paul expanded on the Knicks’ lack of appeal following their NBA title while on his “Game Over” podcast on Netflix.

“It’s difficult. The last thing you want to do is mess up something like that,” Paul said. “The Knicks have a good thing. … If the Knicks hadn’t have won [the title], there would be no board [of teams]. He’d be going to the Knicks.” 

From left, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers’ LeBron James and VJ Edgecombe get ready for a group photo during the NBA basketball team’s media day, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, in Camden, N.J. AP Photo/Chris Szagola

James, who plans to spend time between residences in Philadelphia and New York, went on to sign a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers, but the 22-time All-Star continuously emphasized it was never about the money for him.

Rather, James wants to have an impact and bring a championship home to a new city at what is the twilight point of his career.

The four-time NBA champ even bluntly stated: “I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round” on Monday.

The Knicks swept the 76ers swiftly in the second-round of the playoffs in May. Philly has not been to the NBA Finals since losing in the 2000-01 season to the Lakers in five games.

Alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and young star VJ Edgecombe, James will start his Sixers era on Oct. 20 against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Posted on

Monday Morning Minnesota: The “We’ll See You…Next Year” Edition

Sep 27, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Royce Lewis (23) runs the bases on his solo home run against the Texas Rangers in the eighth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Twins ended the season on a high note, winning their last two series, including playing spoiler in the AL West race, taking two games from the Rangers. This wraps up the season with a 77-85 record, good for 3rd in the AL Central, a distant seven games back from the last wild card spot, and the 11th worst team in the majors. But now we look forward to a lengthy offseason that could get messy quick with CBA negotiations between players and owners.

The Past Week on Twinkie Town:

Elsewhere in Twins Territory:

In the World of Baseball:

  • We have our playoff bracket! Ultimately, Tampa Bay and Cleveland earned byes to the Division Series in the AL. We have a marquee matchup between the Yankees and Red Sox on the Tampa side of the bracket and the White Sox and Astros will face off on the Cleveland side of the bracket.
  • In the National League, the Brewers and Dodgers earned byes, with Milwaukee facing the winner between the Padres and Cubs, and Los Angeles facing the winner between the Phillies and Atlanta.
  • Black Monday got an early start with the Mariners parting ways with manager Dan Wilson on Sunday.
  • Yordan Alvarez won the AL Batting Title, but Pete Alonso’s furious September (11 homers, 22 RBI), stopped Alvarez from winning the Triple Crown, finishing second to Alonso in both categories. Still, he’s the likely AL MVP, so can’t complain too much.
  • Gabriel Moreno finished with the best average in the NL, one point above Luis Arraez, while PCA led the league in home runs and Alec Burleson gave a silver lining to the Cardinals season, finishing first in RBI.
  • Jacob Misiorowski capped off his dominant regular season, leading the majors in ERA, strikeouts, and opponent batting average. He’ll now hope to lead the Brewers to their World Series title.

Posted on

Luka Dončić says he ‘really wanted’ Walker Kessler

Amid a busy offseason full of signings, trades and departures, the Los Angeles Lakers’ most notable addition was center Walker Kessler, whom they acquired via sign-and-trade from the Utah Jazz. Ideally, Kessler will serve as the long-term answer at center during the Luka Dončić era, a position which has eluded the Lakers since trading away Anthony Davis to acquire Dončić in February 2025.

During Monday’s media day, Dončić spoke about Kessler, telling reporters he “really wanted him” and that he believes Kessler is “gonna help [the Lakers] a lot.” Dončić noted Kessler was always a challenging opponent to face during his four years with the Jazz and considers the 25-year-old “an amazing fit” for Los Angeles.

Between his generational passing and defensive inconsistencies, Dončić has long paired well with defensive-minded, play-finishing centers, so his desire to land Kessler is no surprise. When the Dallas Mavericks made the 2024 NBA Finals, Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford played some of the best basketball of their careers alongside Dončić. Last season, Deandre Ayton’s true shooting percentage was 5.4 points higher (69.6 vs. 64.2) with Dončić on the floor, according to Databallr.

Since entering the league, Kessler’s converted 74.7% (716-of-959) of his shots around the rim and posted a block rate no lower than the 95th percentile (excluding last year’s five-game sample), per Cleaning the Glass. He is both a reliable interior scorer and high-level rim protector who will benefit from Dončić‘s offensive splendor while helping cover for his struggles defending in space.

Most interestingly is the lengths to which head coach JJ Redick deploys Kessler as a screening and playmaking hub. He’s developed in both areas over the past four years and could be a short-roll outlet when Dončić is doubled or help create easier scoring chances for Dončić and Austin Reaves off the ball. The finishing and interior defense are bankable. It’s the scope of his offensive capabilities that could further validate Dončić‘s belief Kessler is “an amazing fit.”

You can follow Jackson on Twitter at @jackfrank_jjf.

Posted on

Boston Celtics Daily Links 9/28/26

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 17: The sneakers worn by T.J. Bickerstaff #49 of the Detroit Pistons during the game against the Miami Heat during the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 17, 2025 at the Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

GlobeThe team enters training camp healthy, Jayson Tatum appreciated Jaylen Brown, and other takeaways from Celtics media day

Watch live: Boston Celtics media day

It’s a new era for Jayson Tatum and the Celtics, plus other takeaways from Media Day

CelticsBlogYour burning questions before Celtics training camp

Jayson Tatum isn’t interested in calling these Celtics “his team”

Hugo Gonzalez is dressing for the job he wants

Joe Mazzulla apologies, free throws, and yellow Gatorade: An introduction to Mitchell Robinson

Celtics enter 2026-27 season with strength in numbers

Celtics .comCeltics Announce 2026-27 Training Camp Roster

NBC Sports BostonLive updates: Exclusive interviews and reaction from Celtics Media Day

Ramp to Camp: Record and 2026-27 season prediction for Celtics

NESNWhy Mitchell Robinson Demanded an Apology from Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla

Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla ‘Inspired’ and ‘Motivated’ Heading into New Season

Brown Isn’t Taking the Bait

Former Knicks Teammates React to Mitchell Robinson Signing With Celtics

Celtics Get Great News About Paul George’s Trade Value

Celtics Preseason Schedule 2026: Dates, Channels, Streams for NBA Games

8 Big Things You Need to Know About Payton Pritchard’s Celtics Extension Options

Celtics Set Up Fascinating Roster Battle As Training Camp Opens

Mass LiveBrad Stevens explains Celtics signing intriguing former lottery pick

Mitchell Robinson reveals issue he had with Joe Mazzulla before Celtics signing

Jayson Tatum gives health update heading into new season

Former Celtics big man dealing with ‘health issue’ to open season

Celtics Wire Dillon Mitchell on learning from Tatum, PG on joining Celtics

Mitchell Robinson shares appreciation for Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla

Brad Stevens happy with the extensions he gave Boston Celtics players this offseason

How Joe Mazzulla made the most of a long Boston Celtics offseason

Ron Harper Jr. on first real contract with Celtics, earning playing time

Amari Williams on what he can learn from Neemias Queta, Luka Garza

Neemias Queta on what he learned from Celtics playoff loss to Sixers

Celtics history: Grousbeck, Pagliuca buy Celtics; Bing, Milicic signed

Baylor Scheierman is ready to breakout for the Celtics

Paul George joins growing crew of Boston Celtics golf fans on the team

The AthleticJaylen Brown says ‘bizarre’ criticism bothered him after moving on from Celtics

What to expect at Celtics’ NBA Media Day: Jaylen Brown questions and Jayson Tatum answers

Hardwood HoudiniMitchell Robinson’s comments on starting makes Celtics’ choice even easier

Devin Carter could become first Celtics guard for numerical oddity

Paul George has golden chance to beat same allegations Al Horford once did

HoopsHype’s latest NBA center list ridiculously disrespects Neemias Queta

CLNS Media/YouTubeLIVE STREAM: 2026 Celtics Media Day Press Conferences

Ron Harper Jr. on Paul George BUYING His Jersey Number | Celtics Media Day

Payton Pritchard on Defying Expectations, Learning From Mike Conley | Celtics Media Day

Baylor Scheierman on Offseason Improvement, Role With New-Look Celtics | Celtics Media Day

Derrick White Ready to Move Past Shooting Struggles | Celtics Media Day

Hugo Gonzalez on Filling in For Paul George When He Misses Time | Celtics Media Day

Mitchell Robinson Made Joe Mazzulla APOLOGIZE For Fouling Him | Celtics Media Day

Paul George WISHES He Was in Boston Sooner, Feels Fully Healthy | Celtics Media Day

Jayson Tatum on Playing Without Jaylen Brown, New Leadership Role, and More | Celtics Media Day

Brad Stevens FULL Media Day Press Conference

Joe Mazzulla on Losing Jaylen Brown, Paul George Upside and More | Celtics Media Day

Locked on CelticsMailbag: Pritchard EXTENSION, Devin Carter, and WINNING with Paul George & Mike Conley

Hoops RumorsAtlantic Notes: Fernandez, Knicks, Clowney, Walker

Heavy Celtics Release Official Training Camp Roster

Celtics Get ‘Surprise’ Update on Paul George Trade Value

Jayson Tatum Shuts Down Talk of Celtics Being ‘His Team’

Celtics’ Mitchell Robinson Reveals Surprising Joe Mazzulla Gesture

Rookie Wire5 fun facts: Get to know Celtics’ Chris Cenac Jr. before rookie season

Sporting Logically/YouTubeEveryone Is Overlooking The Celtics

Basketball Network “I like him a lot there” – Iman Shumpert thinks Paul George could make Celtics doubters eat their words

“Be a legend in your recovery” – Delonte West explains how basketball discipline is helping him stay sober

“Every penny that I did get, I earned” – A rookie Larry Bird wasn’t bothered by people thinking his reported $700,000 salary was too high

Bleacher ReportJayson Tatum Says Jaylen Brown-76ers Trade Was ‘Tough,’ Talks Paul George’s Impact with Celtics

SI .comBoston Celtics Media Day Tracker: Quotes, Notes, Injury News and Takeaways

Mitchell Robinson Says He Made Joe Mazzulla Apologize For Intentionally Fouling Him

Losing Mitchell Robinson is the Knicks’ Headache That Keeps Aching

BasketNewsMitchell Robinson opens up on decision to leave New York for Boston

Fan Recap Celtics Add Another Developmental Lottery Ticket To A Crowded Camp Battle

Celtics Projected Starting Five Says A Lot About Bostons New Identity

Celtics Can Afford To Be Patient With This Center Decision

Celtics Fans Have A New Neemias Queta Disrespect Debate

Basketball NewsPaul George Steers Clear of Clippers Controversy With Pragmatic Comment on Media Day

Posted on

Woeful Mets outspend the Dodgers while Rays, Guardians and White Sox win on the cheap

A wet Teoscar Hernandez douses himself with liquid from bottles with his mouth wide open
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, right, celebrates with teammates after the team clinched their fifth consecutive National League West title on Sept. 17 in Cincinnati. (Tanner Pearson / AP Photo)

It seems like a simple equation: $338 million produces 100.

That’s the Dodgers season-ending payroll and victory total. But to assume a franchise can merely buy a playoff berth is a stretch.

The New York Mets sit at home — or more likely at lavish vacation destinations, given their perch at the top of baseball’s payrolls at $345.8 million. They finished last in the National League East with a 74-88 record.

The Cleveland Guardians also sit at home, but are quite pleased about it. They earned a first-round bye and berth in the American League Division Series this weekend despite a payroll of only $74.2 million — baseball’s lowest and barely one-fifth that of the Mets.

Twelve of the 30 MLB teams qualified for the postseason, with four best-of-three Wild Card Series beginning Tuesday. Eight of the dozen have payrolls in the top 10, with the defending AL champion Toronto Blue Jays joining the Mets as supreme underachievers given their No. 5-ranked payroll of $275.4 million.

Yet three playoff teams — the Tampa Bay Rays ($98.3 million) and Chicago White Sox ($98 million), in addition to the Guardians — rank among the six lowest payrolls, according to MLB Labor Relations Department’s (LRD) present-day salary calculations obtained by USA Today.

Read more:Plaschke: The Dodgers cannot three-peat without 'That Guy'... but who is he?

The combined LRD payrolls of those three overachievers don’t come close to the Mets or Dodgers, highlighting the enormous disparity between the haves and have-nots that team owners point to while demanding a salary cap during ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.

Oddly, only one playoff qualifier is among the 14 mid-range payrolls of roughly $100 million to $200 million — the Milwaukee Brewers, who achieved baseball’s best record at 103-59 while paying its roster $143.5 million. The Angels are also among that group, ranking No. 15 at $179.8, not enough to keep them from losing 100 games for the first time in franchise history.

The LRD payroll tracks a team’s real-time salary commitments for the current season, accounting for the 26-man MLB roster’s base salaries plus a prorated portion of signing bonuses. LRD differs from luxury tax payrolls, which are based on the average annual value of every player contract on the 40-man roster.

Luxury tax payrolls determine whether a team exceeds the league’s luxury tax threshold and owes financial penalties. MLB is using luxury tax payrolls in the CBA negotiations over a hard salary cap and floor, proposing a $245.3 million ceiling and $171.2 million floor for 2027.

Luxury tax penalties from clubs that exceed the thresholds funnel back to low-revenue clubs through revenue sharing. A record $402,637,907 was paid in luxury tax penalties last season, with the Dodgers paying the most at a record $169.4 million. This year the Dodgers’ luxury tax is projected at $180 million — higher than the LRD payroll of 16 teams.

The Dodgers also have the highest luxury tax payroll at $430 million, dwarfing the Mets’ $363 million number. Reasons? The Dodgers pay more in penalties because they have exceeded the luxury tax six years in a row, they have more players with massive average annual values and they took on additional penalties by acquiring starter Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline.

Read more:Shaikin: How the playoffs might impact the lockout, and ... unfair to the Yankees? What?

MLB 2026 payrolls (playoff teams in bold)

1. New York Mets: $346.8 million

2. Dodgers: $338.0 million

3. New York Yankees: $304.6 million

4. Philadelphia Phillies: $291.7 million

5. Toronto Blue Jays: $275.4 million

6. Atlanta Braves: $263.9 million

7. Houston Astros: $249.5 million

8. Chicago Cubs: $248.8 million

9. San Diego Padres: $223.9 million

10. Boston Red Sox: $210.2 million

11. Detroit Tigers: $202.1 million

12. San Francisco Giants: $197.6 million

13. Arizona Diamondbacks: $192.8 million

14. Texas Rangers: $192.5 million

15. Angels: $179.8 million

16. Seattle Mariners: $170.5 million

17. Baltimore Orioles: $169.2 million

18. Kansas City Royals: $149.8 million

19. Milwaukee Brewers: $143.5 million

20. Cincinnati Reds: $128.3 million

21. Colorado Rockies: $117.0 million

22. Minnesota Twins: $109.5 million

23. Pittsburgh Pirates: $107.6 million

24. Athletics: $98.7 million

25. Tampa Bay Rays: $98.3 million

26. Chicago White Sox: $98.0 million

27. St. Louis Cardinals: $94.7 million

28. Washington Nationals: $90.3 million

29. Miami Marlins: $83.0 million

30. Cleveland Guardians: $74.2 million

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Posted on

Paul George responds to ‘washed’ label: ‘I’m capable of doing those things again’

BRIGHTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 15: Paul George #13 of the Boston Celtics speaks to the media during a press conference on September 15, 2026 at The Auerbach Center in Brighton, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

BOSTON — As he embarks on his Year 17 NBA season, Paul George has heard it all.

He knows he’s been counted out by most of the basketball world after several injury-riddled campaigns that saw him perform well below his previous All-Star levels. He knows how his four-year, $211.58 million maximum contract, signed two summers ago, is widely perceived (spoiler alert: it hasn’t been viewed as a steal).

But on Celtics Media Day, George made clear that he’s confident that he has plenty left in the tank. He might not be in his physical prime — he might not be Indiana Pacers Paul George, or Oklahoma City MVP candidate Paul George — but he’s still really darn good.

(For reference, George averaged 17.4 points per game while shooting 48.9% from the field in 7 playoff games against the Celtics last Spring, and taking turns guarding Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum).

On Monday afternoon, donning a Celtics jersey for the first time, George attributed some of his more underwhelming stretches in recent years to injuries that he tried to persevere through. And this year, fresh off his first fully-healthy offseason in years, he’s ready to show the world what he’s capable of.

“I think the most frustrating thing about it is when a player is not healthy — but he tries everything to put it all on the line, tries to be available for his team, knowing that he’s not fully 100%, and then people are saying ‘Oh, he’s not this, he’s not that,’” he said. “Like, the fact of the matter was I wasn’t healthy; I was trying to play through injuries and be available and give everything that I had to the team, when I maybe — I probably — should have took a little more time off to let my body fully heal. And so, to hear that he’s not capable of this or he’s ‘washed’, it’s frustrating just because it’s like, I’m still capable of doing those things when healthy and I feel like my body is is back healthy. I feel I’m capable of doing those things again.’”

For his career, George averaged 20.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. From 2015 to 2024, he never averaged below 21 points per game. But in his last two seasons in Philadelphia, his numbers declined across the board; he averaged 16.2 in 2024-2025 and 17.3 points in 2025-2026 while playing 78 games across both seasons.

When he was formally introduced earlier in September, George said he felt reborn.

“This summer really was a chance to continue to work: strengthen my body, strengthen my knee,” he said. “It’s almost like a kind of rebirth, or reborn again — to be in a system, to be in a winning culture, a winning environment, and to feel good. To be able to work, to be able to train again in the summers — my summers the last couple of years were dedicated to rehab.”

Still, his biggest motivation won’t be motivating the naysayers and critics, it’s showing himself what he’s capable of.

It’s reminding himself that the physical limitations he faced over the past couple of years were a result of injuries and surgeries that have since healed.

“It’s more so from a personal standpoint,” George said. “It’s not about going out and trying to drop 30 every night. I think it’s more so about being available, being efficient, being consistent, and I think, again, for myself, just proving that, when healthy, I’m able to do what I’ve done in my career, and I don’t judge it off of what I’ve done while being injured. It’s two different tales, I think, and so I’m erring on the side of what can I do when I’m healthy.’”

Paul George looks forward to excelling alongside Jayson Tatum

George’s mindset on Media Day was consistent with what he expressed in his introductory press conference two weeks ago: he’s not trying to turn back the clock to his prime, when he was often his teams’ leading scorer. But he does want to excel in a complementary role to Jayson Tatum.

“I’m here to help JT. He’s the guy,” George said then. “I’ve played alongside another superstar wing, and we coexisted beautifully. I see this with myself, with JT, being able to play off him.”

Fittingly, George walked into his Media Day press conference as Tatum was mid-answer to a question about George’s impact on him as a young basketball player.

“I’m around that generation of kids that kind of grew up watching him play, especially when I was in middle school and high school,” Tatum said.

George dapped up Tatum as he took his place at the podium: “That was sentimental.”

In a few short weeks, the two will take the court together. And George looks forward to returning to the high level of play he feels he is capable of.



Posted on

Scale of City’s punishment is the only story but Premier League must bear some responsibility | Barney Ronay

Manchester City have come out fighting against the guilty verdict but the Premier League faces questions of its own

Nothing is over, nothing is done. Or at least not judging by the bravura, balls-out confidence of Manchester City’s chair, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, who remains convinced the past three days of whiplash are simply the drumroll before the big reveal, prelude to some clinching piece of evidence that will swish away the initial finding of guilt on the Premier League’s 100-plus charges.

This appears to be the official City position right now. Rope‑a‑dope litigation. Scooby‑Doo justice. A verdict that is simply exposition, buildup to that moment where we finally get to rip off the zombie mask and reveal the cranky old amusement park owner underneath, with his bulging ring‑binder full of irrefutable evidence of City’s innocence.

Continue reading...
Posted on

A look at Cubs postseason history

As we await the Cubs playing starting tomorrow in a Wild Card series against the Padres, let’s take a look back at the team’s long Modern Era postseason history. That history dates to 1906, when the team lost the World Series to the White Sox after winning a record 116 games during the regular season — a mark that still stands (though tied by the Mariners in 2001).

You know, of course, of the 108-year drought between World Series wins in 1908 and 2016, and the rest of the team’s post-1908 postseason history is, shall we say, not really very good.

Entering this year, the Cubs had participated in 22 postseasons with an overall record of 51-79-1. That’s a .392 winning percentage, equivalent to a 64-98 regular season. Yikes. Although, that is an improvement over last year at this time, when the winning percentage was .385. Baby steps.

The tie happened in the pre-lights era 1907 World Series, when Game 1 went 12 innings at West Side Grounds in a 3-3 tie and then was called for darkness. The Cubs won the next four games and the World Series, becoming the first team to win the championship series without losing a game.

Here are the Cubs’ records for each of the 22 postseasons in which they have participated before this year. Prior to 1984, all games are World Series games.

1906: 2-4
1907: 4-0-1
1908: 4-1
1910: 1-4
1918: 2-4
1929: 1-4
1932: 0-4
1935: 2-4
1938: 0-4
1945: 3-4
1984: 2-3
1989: 1-4
1998: 0-3
2003: 6-6 (3-2 NLDS, 3-4 NLCS)
2007: 0-3
2008: 0-3
2015: 4-5 (1-0 NLWC, 3-1 NLDS, 0-4 NLCS)
2016: 11-6 (3-1 NLDS, 4-2 NLCS, 4-3 WS)
2017: 4-6 (3-2 NLDS, 1-4 NLCS)
2018: 0-1 (NLWC)
2020: 0-2 (NLWC)
2025: 4-4 (2-1 NLWC, 2-3 NLDS)

Overall by round:

Wild card game/series: 3-4
NLDS: 14-18
NLCS: 11-21
WS: 23-36-1

Obviously none of those records is very good, and it includes nine straight losses from 2003 through 2008 before the Wild Card Game win against the Pirates in 2015.

Now, if you’ll indulge me a bit, I present to you my personal records of attending Cubs postseason games. The Cubs have played 78 postseason games in my lifetime (the games from 1984 to now). Two of those games, the wild-card series vs. the Marlins in 2020, were during the pandemic season and not open to fans.

Of the 76 Cubs postseason games open to fans since 1984, I have attended 56 — all 37 played at Wrigley Field plus 19 road games, as follows: two in San Diego (1984), three in San Francisco (1989), three in Miami (2003), two in Arizona (2007), one in Pittsburgh (2015), two in St. Louis (2015), two in San Francisco (2016), three in Los Angeles (2016) and one in Milwaukee (2025).

Personal W/L record in all postseason games attended:

1984: 2-2 (2-0 home, 0-2 road)
1989: 1-4 (1-1 home, 0-3 road)
2003: 4-6 (2-5 home, 2-1 road)
2007: 0-3 (0-1 home, 0-2 road)
2008: 0-2 (all home)
2015: 4-3 (2-2 home, 2-1 road)
2016: 8-5 (5-3 home, 3-2 road)
2017: 2-3 (all home)
2018: 0-1 (home)
2025: 4-2 (4-1 home, 0-1 road)

Total personal record: 25-31 (18-19 home, 7-12 road). Of the 56 games, nearly half (26) came between 2015 and 2018.

Beginning Tuesday, the Cubs will try to improve on that postseason record, and I hope to notch a few personal postseason wins as well. Go Cubs!

Posted on

Here’s all the NBA records LeBron James can break with the Philadelphia 76ers

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows LeBron James of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles while wearing his blue team jersey during NBA media day, Image 2 shows LeBron James Philadelphia 76ers jersey number 23 hanging in a locker

LeBron James has spent over two decades rewriting the NBA record books. James holds over 40 different major official records, including the league’s all-time leading scorer. 

Now, in what he has called his “last decision” of his legendary career, he has one final opportunity to add a few more chapters to the record books, as well as extend many of those major records he already holds. 

James stunned the basketball world in July when he signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, sacrificing tens of millions of dollars for one last opportunity to chase another championship alongside Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown. 

“I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round,” James said during Sixers Media Day on Tuesday.

James with his new 76er teammates Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. AP Photo/Chris Szagola

At 41 years old, the numbers say he’s already the most accomplished statistical player in history. The scary part? He’s not finished yet. 

The moment James steps onto the floor for Philadelphia in the season opener, he’ll extend his own record by appearing in his 24th NBA season. It’s a record that feels increasingly more untouchable in an era defined by load management and shorter careers. 

James will also extend his records for all-time points and regular season minutes, pushing him further beyond Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in both categories. If he’s able to average at least 20 points per game with Philadelphia, something he’s done every season of his career since he entered the league in 2003, he’ll stretch that unprecedented record to 24 consecutive seasons. 

Even the records that sound almost routine for James have become monuments to his longevity. James already owns the most 30-point games in NBA history, having passed Michael Jordan a long time ago. He also owns the record for the oldest player to ever score 40 points in a game, record a triple-double, and many other milestones that prove he’s winning the annual battle against Father Time. 

LeBron James making his debut in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform at the team’s media day in Camden, NJ on Sept. 28, 2026. AP Photo/Chris Szagola

But the Sixers didn’t court James to chase records, they brought him to the City of Brotherly Love to chase rings. 

Philadelphia currently has a 43-year championship drought with their last title coming in 1983 over James’ former team, the Los Angeles Lakers. If James can help end that drought and lift the Larry O’Brien trophy for a fifth time, he would become the first player in NBA history to win a championship with four different franchises. If he wins Finals MVP, he’d stand alone as the only player in NBA history to capture Finals MVP with four different teams. He’d also become the oldest player to ever win Finals MVP. 

Here’s 10 NBA records LeBron James can either break or extend in this upcoming season with the Philadelphia 76ers:

Most seasons played (24th) — His 23rd season last year already broke Vince Carter’s record of 22. No active player is within five seasons of him.

Most regular-season minutes (57,000+) — He passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career mark of 57,446 in December 2024 and keeps climbing.

LeBron James. Instagram/@sixers

Most seasons averaging 20+ points (23) — He has never averaged under 20 in a season, rookie year to age 40. A 20-point average in Philadelphia stretches it to 24 straight, alone at the top.

Most 30-point games (672) — Ahead of Michael Jordan (671) and Wilt Chamberlain (557). Every 30-point game widens the gap.

Oldest player to score 40 in a game (40 years, 38 days) — He took it from Michael Jordan (40 years, 4 days) with a 42-point night in February 2025. They are the only two players to score 40 after turning 40.

Oldest player to record a triple-double (41 years, 44 days) — He broke Karl Malone’s 22-year-old record (40 years, 127 days) in February 2026 with a 28-12-10 against Dallas.

Most missed field goals (14,482) — The quirky one. He passed Kobe Bryant’s 14,481 in October 2024, the cost of scoring more points than anyone in league history.

Records within reach if Philadelphia wins the NBA Championship:

First player to win a title with four different franchises — No one has done it. James, Robert Horry, John Salley and Danny Green are tied at three. A Sixers title also ends Philadelphia’s championship drought dating back to Moses Malone and Julius Erving in 1983.

First player to win Finals MVP with four franchises — He is already the only player to win it with three (Miami, Cleveland, LA).

Oldest Finals MVP in history — Kareem set it at 38 years, 54 days in 1985. James would be 42.

LeBron James of the Philadelphia 76ers. Instagram/@sixers

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post SportsFacebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!

Posted on

Highlights from Justin Verlander’s retirement weekend

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 25: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers poses for a photo with his wife Kate Upton and his daughter Genevieve Upton Verlander while holding Bellamy Verlander during Career Celebration Ceremony prior to playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park on September 25, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It was an emotional weekend to be a Tigers fan. First, the team ended their season in September instead of making a repeat trip to the postseason, which was certainly a bummer after the year got off to a strong start. But 2026 was not meant to be the Year of the Tiger. This weekend also saw the return of Justin Verlander to the mound at Comerica Park, just in time to make his final MLB start ever. Verlander, who had announced earlier in the year he would retire at the end of the season, missed most of the year due to injuries. It was poetic to see him back in action just in time to take his final bow.

Friday saw a tear-jerker of a retirement ceremony before the game, including a charming first pitch from Verlander’s daughter Genevieve. Then Saturday he took the mound one last time, had a strong final outing, before AJ Hinch brought Genevieve in once more to go get the ball from her father. It was one of those baseball moments that proves how wrong Tom Hanks was in A League of Their Own when he insisted, “There’s no crying in baseball!”

There is, Tom, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house on Saturday.

There was a lot going on this weekend, so we’ve collected some of the social highlights in case you missed anything.

Speaking of caps, Verlander was presented with a wooden replica of his on-field cap as part of his retirement gift from the Tigers.

The artist shared how he created the replica, and it’s honestly incredible to watch.

Verlander spoke to the press after his final outing.

Before Verlanders final start, the team made custom tees with iconic images from JV’s Instagram profile and had the rest of his teammates wear them.

JV’s long-time catcher Alex Avila took to the internet to remember their time together.

And of course, Verlander’s brother Ben shared his feelings.

Some faces we know and love got together to wish Verlander the best.

And if you missed it, here is the entire retirement ceremony from before last Friday’s game.