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Rob Manfred has made his position on the Giants’ Pride Night controversy unmistakably clear: San Francisco failed to properly communicate with its players.

“End of story,” the MLB commissioner told reporters Tuesday at the Baseball Writers’ Association of America gathering.

Rob Manfred again blamed the Giants for poor communication after four pitchers protested the team’s Pride Night caps. Laurence Kesterson/UPI/Shutterstock

Four Giants pitchers protested the team’s Pride-themed caps during its June 12 celebration. Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker wrote Bible verses beside the rainbow-colored logo, while Sam Hentges chose to wear the club’s standard cap.

MLB initially warned the three players who added messages to their hats because league rules prohibit players from writing on uniforms or equipment. That response drew criticism from Republican lawmakers and eventually prompted a Department of Justice inquiry into possible religious discrimination.

Giants pitcher Landen Roupp added a biblical verse to his Pride Night-themed cap. AP Photo/Scott Marshall

Manfred, however, has continued to place responsibility on the Giants.

The Giants and the Dodgers are the only clubs permitted to use Pride-themed logos on the field. That allowance came with the understanding that players would not be required to wear them and that each organization would clearly explain the opt-out process.

“The understanding with the two clubs that were grandfathered, in terms of using logos on the field, was that they would take responsibility to communicate with their players that they had the option to wear their own uniforms if they were uncomfortable with whatever logo it happened to be,” Manfred said. “That didn’t happen. End of story.”

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A rainbow-colored logo is shown on a Giants hat during the team’s Pride Night game between the Giants and the Cubs. AP

There is some ambiguity over how widespread the communication failure was. Hentges said after the game that he knew players could decline the Pride cap, suggesting at least part of the roster understood the policy.

Roupp, Brubaker and Walker later told the San Francisco Chronicle they were not pressured to wear the hats and had planned their demonstration in advance. Manager Tony Vitello also indicated he knew some form of protest was possible.

Manfred previously told Sen. Josh Hawley that the players would not be fined or disciplined. He described MLB’s response as a routine warning issued before the league learned the Giants’ messaging had been “inadequate and not clear.”

The Giants have not publicly answered Manfred’s criticism beyond prepared Pride Night statements and have declined interview requests on the issue.

That silence has left the commissioner’s version as the league’s final word.

For Manfred, the controversy was not created by religious expression or uniform policy.

It began with the Giants failing to adequately explain the rules — end of story. Right?

July 15, 2026

Brewers bolster rotation by getting Lance McCullers Jr. and Colton Gordon in a deal with the Astros

MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers acquired right-handed pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and left-hander Colton Gordon from the Houston Astros on Wednesday in exchange for outfield prospect Jadyn Fielder.

Brewers general manager Matt Arnold announced the swap that included cash from Houston. Milwaukee cleared space on the 40-man roster by sending left-handed pitcher Rob Zastryzny to the 60-day injured list.

Milwaukee went into the All-Star break with a five-game lead in the NL Central. They trailed the defending NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers by 1 1/2 games in the league standings.

The Brewers own a 3.48 team ERA that ranks second in the majors — behind only the New York Yankees — but injuries to their starting rotation left them seeking depth.

Two-time All-Star Brandon Woodruff is on the 60-day injured list after an MRI exam revealed a new injury to the anterior capsule in his shoulder, which was surgically repaired after the 2023 season. Left-hander Kyle Harrison was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with tightness in his throwing forearm.

McCullers, 32, who helped Houston win the World Series in 2017 and 2022, has spent his entire career with the Astros. He is 53-40 with a 3.85 ERA over 154 games. He was an All-Star in 2017, had Tommy John surgery in November 2018 and missed the 2019 season. Surgery in June 2023 kept him out through the 2024 season.

This season, the son of former MLB reliever Lance McCullers is 2-3 with a 6.86 ERA in eight starts. Inflammation in his right shoulder landed him on the 15-day IL on May 19, and he has been on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Sugar Land.

Gordon, 27, made his major league debut in 2025. He went 6-4 with a 5.34 ERA and a save in 20 games. Gordon has started one of his four appearances with Houston this season.

Fielder, 21, the son of former Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder, made his professional debut in 2025. He was in Class A before the trade.

July 15, 2026

Winnipeg Could Consider Moving Off Top Goalie Prospect Thomas Milic

The Winnipeg Jets made one of the more intriguing moves of the offseason on July 1, signing goaltender Stuart Skinner, a proven playoff performer with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season, to a two-year contract carrying a $3.75 million annual cap hit.

For now, it appears Skinner will slot in as the backup behind three-time Vezina Trophy winner and Olympic gold medalist Connor Hellebuyck, even as trade speculation continues to swirl around the superstar netminder. Should the Jets keep both goaltenders, the tandem in Winnipeg's crease could be one of the best in the league.

Hellebuyck is widely regarded as the best goaltender in hockey, while Skinner has shown through three deep playoff runs with the Edmonton Oilers that the moment rarely feels too big for him.

The move is a good one for Winnipeg on paper, but it complicates things for the Jets' top goalie prospect, Thomas Milic. The 23-year-old was hoping to compete for the backup job this fall after Eric Comrie, last season's backup, departed in free agency to sign with the San Jose Sharks. Instead, Milic now finds a veteran with legitimate NHL starter pedigree standing in his way.

The signing comes at an awkward time for Milic, who is coming off a strong season in the AHL, posting a 20-13-8 record with a 2.64 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage for a New Westminster, B.C., native looking to take the next step in his development.

Thomas Milic became the first #MBMoose goaltender since Mikhail Berdin in 2019-20 to record back-to-back shutouts 🪄⁣
⁣
🥅 Unbeaten in 119:48⁣
🥅 61 combined saves⁣
🥅 8th in the AHL in SV%⁣
⁣
STAY HOT, MILLY 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dn0M4CewrZ
— Manitoba Moose (@ManitobaMoose) March 11, 2026

Milic did see NHL action last season, appearing in three games while Hellebuyck was sidelined with injury, but he was hardly given an easy runway. All three of his appearances came against playoff teams in the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres, and his lone NHL start came against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.

Simply put, Milic has not been given a fair shake at the NHL level, and the addition of another veteran goaltender only makes his path to regular NHL minutes in Winnipeg murkier. That raises an obvious question of do the Jets now consider moving their young netminder?

The goaltending market around the league remains active, with teams constantly looking to add depth or upside wherever they can find it. Winnipeg could look to flip Milic for future assets, such as draft picks, while also giving the young goaltender a genuine chance to win a roster spot elsewhere.

Some MILLY MAGIC 🪄🎩 to start our game off! pic.twitter.com/Pes5MPZMRF
— Manitoba Moose (@ManitobaMoose) February 26, 2026

A blockbuster return isn't likely, but modest value is still on the table. The Toronto Maple Leafs, for example, were able to package their third-string goaltender, Dennis Hildeby, along with a pair of draft picks, to acquire impact depth forward Nick Paul from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Winnipeg could look to pursue a similar type of deal, one that would net immediate roster help heading into what looms as a pivotal season for a team with legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations.

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July 15, 2026

Merry born day, OG Anunoby! Eight facts you didn’t know about the Knicks great #8

Jun 28, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby throws out the first pitch before the game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

On Friday, the hand heard ‘round the five boroughs and the larger body it belongs to turn 29 years old. In a stunning bit of coincidence, I offer thee a list of reasons to love OG Anunoby even more than you probably already do if you’re reading this. Then again, you could be a Spurs fan; there’s been a lot more cross-pollination between P&T and Pounding The Rock since last month’s NBA Finals.

If you are a Spurs fan, quit talking about how you “actually should’ve” won the Finals. San Antonio owned the first quarters. The Knicks owned the other three. If you’re a fan of the side that wins actual trophies and not made-up analytical ones, enjoy this medium-dive into the Knick who puts the “Ohhhhh” in “jumbo wing.”

1) When the Knicks acquired Anunoby, one of the biggest question marks was his availability. OG had played in 89% of Toronto’s games his first three seasons, but missed a combined 49 games the following two. The Knicks were trading away two younger players in Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, and would have to extend Anunoby that summer. Was the gamble on talent worth the depth being lost?

Spoiler: God, yes. Interestingly, since missing more than a month with an inflamed elbow that first abbreviated season in New York, Anunoby’s played in 86% of the Knicks’ games. Meanwhile, Quickley and RJ have played in 62% and 69% of the Raptors’, both respectively and niiiiiiice.

2) Last season, Anunoby’s free throws made per 36 minutes were up 25%. That’s pretty good! What change are YOU proudest of in 2026?

3) “Adjusted shooting” includes eight categories that measure an NBA player against a theoretical average: field-goal percentage, 2-point shooting, 3-point shooting, free throw, effective field goal, true shooting, free-throw attempt rate and 3-point attempt rate. 100 is average, anything above 100 above-average and you can take it from there. Only one Knick was above-average from all eight categories. You guessed it. The birthday boy.

4) Every postseason, the NHL awards the Conn Smythe Trophy to that year’s top playoff performer. The NBA doesn’t. If it did, last year’s Conn Smythe winner would’ve been OG. Over 17 playoff games, he averaged 20 points, six rebounds and 2.5 stocks on 56/49/85 shooting. You probably remember, but I’m not even a little tired of repeating it. And honestly, he looks better on the mound than half the Mets starters, too.

5) Another way of numerically translating OG’s playoff heroics: his postseason player efficiency rating was 23.8. That would have ranked seventh in the regular-season, behind only Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Nostradumbass, Luka Dončić, Kawhi Leonard and Jalen Duren. They say under the new CBA Big Threes have gone the way of the polar bear — extinct*. Jalen Brunson was as ruthless a Finals MVP as any guard we’ve seen. Karl-Anthony Towns was a Long Island iced tea of novel dominance, 3-point shooting like Dirk, facilitating like Joker, driving like Giannis, rebounding like Moses Malone and defending like Patrick Ewing. On top of those two, OG played at an MVP-level on both sides of the ball for two months. If that’s not a Big Three, there never was such a thing.

*I know, not yet. But soon enough.

6) You already know OG is a great defensive player. Two-time All-NBA All-Defense, in 2023 and this past season. Not only is his defensive disruption remarkable, so is its longevity: Anunoby is one of only three players who were All-Defense both seasons, three years apart. Can you guess the other two? I’ll give the answer at the end.

7) There is a stat under “per 100 possessions” called “defensive rating.” Last year OG’s was 112, while KAT’s was 110. In the playoffs Anunoby’s fell, but Towns’ rating led all playoff performers, period. I don’t know what “defensive rating” measures, but it seems like some B.S.

8) Anunoby had more than 100 dunks and 100 3-pointers last season. How cool is that? If rarity is your kink, it’s pretty hot. There were only two other players in the entire Association to do both. Any guesses?

LeBron James did neither, though came surprisingly closer to reaching 100 dunks (97) than 3s (77). I thought Jaylen Brown was a shoo-in, but he doesn’t even have 100 dunks the past two seasons combined. SGA only dunked 20 times last year. Chet Holmgren (12 dunks away from 100/100) and Kel’el Ware (eight dunks) were the close-but-no-cigar runners-up. You’ve probably already guessed Wembanyama is one of the answers. The other? Well, it isn’t the clip I’d hoped to use, but Trey Murphy III has enough money to hire a social media team. Get your people on Bluesky, yo.

Anunoby was 100/100 in 2026 and 2025. How cool/rare/hot is that? As far as what I can find in Knicks history — which only records dunks as far back as 1996-97 — it’s unprecedented. Not only had no Knick ever done it two years in a row, none did before OG period.

Towns managed the feat twice in Minnesota, back when he was still a kitten; his Knick high for dunks in a season is 76. When you start going back over the years, you realize there aren’t a ton of candidates. Julius Randle made the longballs, but never dunked more than 62 times in a year here. RJ Barrett? 40. Carmelo Anthony ‘s Knick season-high was 34. Young Melo, in his early Denver days, was more spry than you may recall. Even had a couple years early with over 150 dunks, a mark I was stunned to learn LeBron never reached once. But these were still the early 2000s; Anthony wouldn’t break the century-mark for treys in a campaign until the magical 2013 season.

Kristaps Porziņģis’ Knickerbocker peak was 78 dunks his sophomore year. I scraped every player I could think of slamming and splashing. Donte DiVincenzo only dunked 20 times in 2024. JR Smith’s Knick-best was 26. Latrell Sprewell’s was 29. If they’d tracked dunks earlier in Patrick Ewing’s career he’d have had multiple seasons with more than 100; alas, the Big Fella only made 27 3s all-time, regular-season and playoffs combined. Though I’d be remiss not to point out Ewing seemingly swished each and every one.

What was this about again? Oh yeah. Merry born day, OG! Deservedly, you need never pay for a meal in this town again. On the other hand, if wealth disparity weighs at all on your soul, you could afford to spring for your fellow New Yorkers every now and then.

*The other players who were All-Defense in 2023 and 2026: Bam Adebayo and Derrick White.

July 15, 2026

Jonas Valanciunas stepping away from NBA, will play next season in Lithuania

A year ago, there were reports that Jonas Valanciunas wanted to negotiate a buyout with Denver so he could sign with Greek side Panathinaikos, except that the Nuggets didn't want to let their primary backup to Nikola Jokic walk.

A few weeks ago, the Nuggets bought out Valanciunas, and that has opened the door for the veteran big man to head home and play for Lithuanian side Zalgiris Kaunas, the team announced. There had been conflicting reports in the last 48 hours about whether he had signed the deal, but it is now official.

Valanciunas played more than 1,000 NBA games across 14 seasons, averaging 12.8 points and nine rebounds a game in his career. Last season, in 65 games with the Nuggets, averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds a night.

Denver moved on and signed Marvin Bagley III to fill the Jokic backup role next season. While Valanciunas spoke to several NBA teams about a return, it was always expected he would return to Europe for next season.

July 15, 2026

Ottawa's Philadelphia-Themed Offseason: Senators Re-sign Ersson, Giroux, And Cousins

It's been an oddly Philadelphia-themed offseason for Senators fans.

It started with the Sens re-signing Nick Cousins, who was drafted by Philadelphia and spent his first four pro seasons in that organization. Cousins got a two-year contract worth $1.59 million a season.

Later in the day on July 1st, GM Steve Staios addressed his backup goalie riddle, re-signing newly-acquired RFA Samuel Ersson, who had spent the past five seasons with the Flyers.

Steve Staios talked last month on NHL draft day about acquiring goalie Samuel Ersson.

Then, after false reports that he'd gone back to Philly, veteran free agent Claude Giroux signed on for a fifth season in Ottawa and explained to the media on Tuesday why he did so.

Finally, on Wednesday, the NHL announced that the Senators will open their new 42-game home schedule against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 8 at Canadian Tire Centre.

For Giroux, the decision to return to Ottawa wasn't simply about playing another NHL season. It was about staying with a group he's grown so close to over the past four years.

"I chose to come back because I want to be here. I'm excited to be an Ottawa Senator," Giroux told reporters Tuesday during a Zoom media availability.

"Being around those guys for four years, we got really close. The team feels like a family. I just care for those players."

The Senators officially announced Giroux's new contract on July 7. The one-year deal carries a base salary of $2 million, with the veteran forward eligible to earn up to another $3 million in performance bonuses.

Two million dollars of those bonuses are tied to games played, reaching the 10-game and 40-game marks, while the remaining bonuses depend on Ottawa's playoff success.

Giroux's future had been the subject of plenty of speculation after free agency opened. At one point, inaccurate media reports even suggested he had agreed to return to the Flyers, which naturally got tongues wagging in Philly. There was also talk that he may be in the mix in Toronto and Edmonton.

Instead, the 38-year-old appears to be happy to walk into the NHL sunset with Ottawa, the place he's called home since moving here from Hearst, Ontario, at age 14.

While Giroux chose to stay in Ottawa, another player with Flyers ties is just arriving.

Goaltender Samuel Ersson is expected to begin the season as Ottawa's backup behind Linus Ullmark after signing a two-year contract carrying an average annual value of $2.2 million.

As an RFA, Ersson was moved earlier this summer in the deal that saw Philadelphia acquire Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Speaking in an interview posted on the Senators' website, Ersson said he's looking forward to the opportunity and excited for a fresh start.

The Senators' crease now features three goaltenders on NHL contracts, with Ersson joining Ullmark and Leevi Meriläinen, who also signed a one-year contract earlier this offseason. While Meriläinen remains in the picture, Ersson appears to have the clear inside track on the backup job heading into training camp.

Now, the former Flyer won't have to wait long to see his old teammates.

The NHL announced Wednesday that Ottawa's home opener will come against Philadelphia on October 8 at Canadian Tire Centre.

The NHL season starts on September 29th this fall, so that means the Sens will likely open with a two- or three-game road trip. The full regular season schedule, now 84 games long, comes out tomorrow.

With two new extra games to be played in 2026-27, who'd be surprised if one of them is against Philly?

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

July 15, 2026

What does Steve Yzerman move mean for Dylan Larkin trade prospects?

How the Dylan Larkin trade request was handled by GM Steve Yzerman was thought to be a possible watershed moment for his tenure in Detroit. As it turns out, someone else is going to land on that particular grenade.

The Red Wings announced July 15 that Yzerman is being relieved of his GM duties and moved to an advisory role to Chris Ilitch, leaving the organization with Yzerman as a lame duck in the meantime. As such, it stands to reason the Larkin move — should it happen — will be handled by whomever the team appoints to take Yzerman's mantle.

Larkin, of course, requested a trade from the Red Wings in June, and has expressed interest in waiving his no-movement clause for the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers. The Dallas Stars have also been reported as a team Larkin would consider, but those reports are unconfirmed. Larkin has spent his entire professional career with the Red Wings since being drafted in 2014. They made the playoffs in his rookie year but haven't made it since. He was named captain in 2021.

Yzerman and Larkin's relationship has been chilly, at least to the public eye. Larkin criticized a passive trade deadline in 2025, and Yzerman said at the NHL draft whether Larkin would be moved depended on if the return was worthwhile. As a GM, Yzerman has been known to be cautious about trading pieces. Larkin has proven to be no exception.

The transition for the Red Wings creates two branching paths, and they hinge on a big question: Was Larkin's problem with the Red Wings? Or was it with Yzerman?

Path No. 1: Dylan Larkin stays with Red Wings

Yzerman is not exiting the Red Wings organization completely, but there is a world in which Yzerman being out of a decision-making role causes Larkin to rescind his trade request.

The center is on a team-friendly contract, and his extremely truncated list of contenders who would be unwilling to part with win-now pieces makes moving him difficult. The longer this saga drags out, the worse it looks for both parties. If Larkin perceives Yzerman's GM exit as the team choosing him over Yzerman (this is unlikely the case, but some will see it that way), perhaps he stays.

That's still complicated. Captains asking out doesn't happen especially often, so how the locker room would handle this path further muddies the waters of Larkin staying. But that's a bridge the team would have to cross if it gets there.

Path No. 2: A new GM comes in and negotiates a Larkin trade

The problem with trading a player like Larkin, a franchise stalwart, is the return has to be worthwhile. Not just to the person making the trade, but also to the fanbase at large.

Yzerman not making this deal takes every single piece on the board for a Larkin trade and moves it back to start. No passing go. No $200. If the Wild, Panthers or Golden Knights had any momentum in landing Larkin, that momentum has been completely arrested.

That can be good or bad. If Yzerman was asking for an unreasonable package for Larkin, another GM might ask for something more doable. With that being said, the new GM will be under tremendous pressure to get this move right. It can make or break a tenure before a single game has a puck dropped. And the Red Wings are not looking to go into another full-blown rebuild. Anyone will ask for pieces that get them back to the postseason.

Path No. 3: Absolutely nothing changes

This is not physics. Every action doesn't necessarily beget a reaction.

It's completely possible Yzerman moves on, Larkin still wants a trade and Yzerman's replacement can't negotiate anything either. Should that happen, trade talks with the aforementioned teams will resume.

From there, it's just a waiting game as both sides try to navigate the offseason. The Red Wings moving on from Yzerman is in no way a decision on Larkin. But if nothing else, it shows that progress wasn't happening fast enough for the powers that be in Hockeytown.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What does Steve Yzerman move mean for Dylan Larkin trade prospects?

July 15, 2026

Blackhawks Broadcaster Darren Pang Confirms His Involvement With NHL 27 Broadcast

Holy Jumpin'! On "Leafs Morning Take", Chicago Blackhawks announcer Darren Pang confirmed a rumor that was swirling about EA Sports NHL. Pang, along with ESPN's John Buccigross, will be the broadcast team calling matches in the video game.

Pang, an employee of CHSN as a Blackhawks analyst, will complement Buccigross' play-by-play. He also confirmed that this is not a one-year deal; they have a multi-year agreement with EA Sports.

CONFIRMED: @Panger40 will join @Buccigross as the new broadcast team for NHL 27. @EASPORTSNHL @Jay_D_Rosehill | @LMTake_ | @TLNdc

Yes... "HOLY JUMPIN'" made the cut. 😄🎮 pic.twitter.com/vLTaWPGm4m
— Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) July 15, 2026

Pang is a wonderful broadcaster best known for his catch phrases that make fans smile on a nightly basis. In addition to his work with CHSN, he is also a national broadcaster with NHL on TNT, so his knowledge of the league as a whole is second to none. He's perfect for this role in the video game.

On Tuesday, EA Sports revealed that San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini is going to be on the cover of the game, which makes you wonder if Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard has the honor in his future. You'd think.

The next generation is here. Macklin Celebrini is the youngest NHL cover athlete in history. Tune in for the #NHL27 Reveal Trailer on July 16 at 11 AM ET.

➡️ https://t.co/JY6HXf13TU ⬅️ pic.twitter.com/YOUwVtwSTT
— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) July 14, 2026

The full reveal trailer, where you will likely hear Pang's voice in the game, will be published on Thursday, July 16th, at 10 AM CT. That will also come with preorder details, along with a release date.

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

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting on the article below on THN.com or by creating your own post in our community forum.

July 15, 2026

The Cubs and White Sox have been in the postseason in the same year just three times. That might change in 2026.

Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs and Munetaka Murakami of the Sox share a laugh at the All-Star Game. Could these two and their teams meet in October? | Getty Images

The Chicago Cubs are celebrating their 150th anniversary this year. The Chicago White Sox, charter members of the American League in 1901, are in their 126th season.

That’s a lot of baseball and a lot of history. And in the World Series era of Major League Baseball the two Chicago teams have played in October in the same year in just three of the 121 seasons we’ve had postseason baseball. Those years are 1903 to 2025, with these exceptions: 1904 (no World Series because manager John McGraw of the Giants was being pigheaded and refused to play the AL champion A’s) and 1994, when the postseason was cancelled due to a players’ strike.

In addition to having been in the postseason together just three times, the Cubs were often awful when the Sox were in the postseason and vice versa. Consider this article a slice of Chicago baseball history.

I’ve made two tables to show that to you. First, here are the 22 Cubs postseason years:

Year	Cubs record/finish	White Sox record/finish
1906	116-36, NL pennant	93-58, WS champions
1907	107-45, WS champions	87-64, third place
1908	99-55, WS champions	88-64, third place
1910	104-50, NL pennant	68-85, sixth place
1918	84-45, NL pennant	57-67, sixth place
1929	98-54, NL pennant	59-93, seventh place
1932	90-64, NL pennant	49-102, seventh place
1935	100-54, NL pennant	53-99, eighth place
1938	89-63, NL pennant	65-83, sixth place
1945	98-56, NL pennant	71-78, sixth place
1984	96-65, NL East title	74-88, fifth place
1989	93-69, NL East title	69-92, seventh place
1998	90-73, NL Wild Card	80-82, second place
2003	88-74, NL Central title	86-76, second place
2007	85-77, NL Central title	72-90, fourth place
2008	97-64, NL Central title	89-74, AL Central title
2015	97-65, NL Wild Card Game winner	76-86, fourth place
2016	103-58, WS champions	78-84, fourth place
2017	92-70, NL Central title	67-95, fourth place
2018	95-68, NL Wild Card Game loser	62-100, fourth place
2020	34-26, NL Central title	35-25, AL Wild Card series loser
2025	92-70, NL Wild Card Series winner	60-102, fifth place

While the Cubs were good in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, the Sox were pretty bad for almost that entire era. Here’s the chart for the 11 White Sox postseason years:

Year	White Sox record/finish	Cubs record/finish
1906	93-58, WS champions	116-36, NL pennant
1917	100-54, WS champions	74-80, fifth place
1919	88-52, AL pennant	75-65, third place
1959	94-60, AL pennant	74-80, fifth place
1983	99-63, AL pennant	71-91, fifth place
1993	94-68, AL West title	84-78, fourth place
2000	95-67, AL Central title	65-97, sixth place
2005	99-63, WS champions	79-83, fourth place
2008	89-74, AL Central title	97-64, NL Central title
2020	35-25, AL Wild Card series loser	34-26, NL Central title
2021	93-69, AL Central title	71-91, fourth place

Apart from the three matching postseason years, the Cubs were also generally pretty bad when the Sox played in October, most recently in 2021 when the Sox appeared to have a team that could make the playoffs in multiple years and the Cubs had their big selloff. That postseason run for the Sox obviously didn’t happen and they have been terrible since then… until this year.

And that brings us back to 2026, where we come out of the All-Star break with both Chicago MLB teams in postseason position. The Cubs are currently in the first NL Wild Card spot, with a real chance of winning the NL Central, and the Sox are in a virtual tie with the Guardians for the AL Central lead, both teams at four games over .500. In fact, only five of the 15 AL teams are over .500 at this time — besides those two, the Rays and Yankees are battling for the AL East, and the Rangers, currently two games over .500, lead the AL West.

Of the three seasons where both Chicago teams made the postseason, one of them (2020) was the shortened pandemic season and should be taken with some grains of salt. Both teams were bounced out of that year’s 16-team postseason in the first round, the Cubs swept by the Marlins and the Sox losing a Wild Card series 2-1 to the A’s.

In 2008, the Cubs appeared possibly headed to the World Series with the best record in the NL (97-64) and breakage of their WS drought on its 100th anniversary. But they were rudely dispatched by the 84-78 Dodgers, swept in a division series. Meanwhile, the Sox had to win three straight games against three different teams just to get in — the final regular-season game vs. Cleveland, then a rainout makeup game against Detroit, then a divisional tiebreaker with Minnesota. After that they got bounced in the division series by the eventual AL champion Rays.

The other one, of course, was 120 years ago, when the Cubs won a still-MLB record 116 games and were expected to demolish the 93-win White Sox. But the “Hitless Wonders” White Sox, who had the best pitching staff in the American League, outscored the Cubs 22-18 in winning the World Series four games to two.

One other year in which there was hope in Chicago that both teams would make the postseason was 1977, when the Cubs got off to a 47-22 start, only to collapse and finish at .500. The Sox, who roared into first place at midseason on the strength of a 22-6 July, also faded and finished 92-70. Both teams were in first place as late as Aug. 6. This year? “As always, we await developments.”

As we return to the present day, it does seem as if 2026 will be the fourth time both Chicago MLB teams will be in the postseason and first in 18 years. They could, conceivably, both go into the October tournament as division champions with first-round byes. Who knows? 118 years after their only World Series meeting, could the Cubs and Sox play in October this year? Now that would likely grab a lot of nationwide attention.

July 15, 2026

Yankees prospect Tyler Hardman wins honor for big series in Buffalo

COLUMBUS, OHIO - JUNE 18, 2026: Tyler Hardman #36 of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders bats during the fourth inning against the Columbus Clippers at Huntington Park on June 18, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

With the help of Tyler Hardman’s bat, the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders rode some momentum into the All-Star break.

The RailRiders took four of six games in a series at Sahlen Field in New York against the Buffalo Bisons, top affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. Hardman led the way, batting .500 (12-for-24) in the six games with one double, four home runs, eight runs and nine RBIs.

Those numbers earned him International League Player of the Week honors for July 6-12.

In the series opener July 7th, Hardman went 4-for-6 with a double, two home runs, four runs, and four RBIs as the RailRiders romped to an 18-3 victory. He hit a two-run shot in the top of the second inning and a solo blast leading off the top of the sixth. It is his second two-homer game with the RailRiders — the other came June 25th at Indianapolis — and third of the season. The other came May 2nd with Double-A Somerset.

One night later, Hardman capped a four-run first inning with a three-run home run off future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer, who was making a MLB rehab start with Buffalo, and the RailRiders won, 5-1.

Picking up right where he left off‼️💣

Tyler Hardman homers off Max Scherzer! #RepBX pic.twitter.com/EszpYb6g66
— SWB RailRiders (@swbrailriders) July 8, 2026

Hardman had three hits, including another home run leading off the sixth inning, and two RBIs on July 10th in a 9-1 RailRiders win. In a doubleheader July 11th he went a combined 3-for-5 although the RailRiders wound up losing both games of the twin bill, 5-2 and 3-1. Hardman contributed a hit in the series finale which the RailRiders won in 10 innings, 8-7.

It took Hardman quite some time to get to Triple-A and he is making the most of it. In 44 games with the RailRiders, he is batting .276 (43-for-156) with nine doubles, nine home runs, 23 runs, and 26 RBIs.

Including 42 games at Somerset, Hardman is batting a combined .288 (88-for-306) with 17 doubles, and 22 home runs. He leads all Yankees minor leaguers in games played (86) and RBIs (66). His 88 hits rank second behind Kaeden Kent’s 97 with High-A Hudson Valley and his 22 home runs are second behind teammate Garrett Martin. Both Kent and Martin are currently on the seven-day injured list at Hudson Valley and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, respectively. Martin has 24 home runs, with his last three coming as a RailRider.

This is the fourth time this season that a RailRider has won the MiLB weekly award. Yanquiel Fernández was named Player of the Week for the period of May 18-24. Brendan Beck was twice chosen Pitcher of the Week: May 11-17 and June 1-8. Beck also was named IL Pitcher of the Month for June.

By winning four of the six games in Buffalo, the RailRiders took the season series from the Bisons, 10-5. They also improved to 11-6 in the second half (48-43) and are in second place in the International League standings, 2.5 games behind the Durham Bulls — right in the thick of the playoff race.

Coming out of the All-Star break, the RailRiders will be home at PNC Field in northeastern Pennsylvania for nine consecutive games. First, they host the Worcester Red Sox on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Then, they entertain the Syracuse Mets in a six-game series next week. Against the WooSox this season, the RailRiders are 4-7, while they are 7-11 against the Mets.

July 15, 2026

Matt Ponatoski enrolls at Kentucky after being drafted by the Reds, per report

Matt Ponatoski scrambles for a Moeller first down at the Princeton vs. Moeller King of the Block rivalry football game, Aug. 23, 2025. | Geoff Blankenship for The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

There’s just something inherently magical about a kid who can sling a football on Friday nights and launch a 97-mph fastball or turn a smooth double play on the diamond in the spring. That’s exactly what Will Stein, Nick Mingione, and the rest of Big Blue Nation envisioned when Matt Ponatoski committed to the Kentucky Wildcats.

And now, that dream has reportedly become a reality.

According to KSR’s Drew Franklin, Ponatoski has enrolled at UK ahead of the start of football training camp. That means the highly decorated recruit is set to stick with the Wildcats after being drafted in the 18th round of the 2026 MLB Draft by his hometown Cincinnati Reds.

Ponatoski is an absolute stud. A phenomenal talent out of Archbishop Moeller in Ohio, he signed to play both baseball and football at Kentucky. On the gridiron, he’s a highly touted 4-star quarterback who set school records and earned Ohio Mr. Football honors.

On the diamond, he’s a Gatorade Player of the Year with pro-level tools and a winner’s mentality. The talent is undeniable, and he has the skills to excel in either sport. But as the 2026 MLB Draft approached, the looming question hanging over Lexington was: Will he ever actually step on campus?

For those of you who might be unfamiliar with how the MLB Draft rules work, it’s completely different. When a high school player who has signed with a college program gets drafted, they face a massive choice. They have a narrow negotiating window to either sign a professional contract with the MLB franchise that drafted them or honor their college commitment.

The deadline to sign is July 27 at 5 PM ET. If they don’t sign on the dotted line by that exact deadline, the team loses its rights, and the player is headed to college for three years or until they turn 21 at a 4-year school (unless they opt to attend a junior college the school year after the draft, which makes them draft-eligible again the following year).

Ponatoski told Over Slot Baseball that being a professional baseball player was “my dream since I was a little kid.”

Heading into the draft, MLB.com ranked Ponatoski as the 206th-best player in the class (funnily enough, former Cat Tyler Bell comes in at number 10 on those same rankings, the exact same spot he was selected in the first round by the Colorado Rockies). While he isn’t a first-rounder, Ponatoski has serious pro-level stuff, and scouts clearly love his upside.

That’s why Ponatoski was selected by No. 542 overall in the 18th round of the draft. But thankfully, it appears he’s going to attend college and give the Cats some much-needed depth at quarterback on the gridiron while also giving the Bat Cats a boost in the bullpen.

July 15, 2026

Warriors Reacts Survey: How do you feel about LeBron James?

LeBron James hand-shaking and laughing with Draymond Green after a game. — SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shakes hands with Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors after the Lakers defeated the Warriors 118-108 at Chase Center on January 25, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Golden State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The Golden State Warriors have, rather openly, been involved in the LeBron James sweepstakes ever since the NBA’s all-time leading scorer opened the offseason by announcing that he would not return to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Dubs have made their pitches, while Steph Curry has spoken publicly about how much fun it would be to welcome James into the fold, and Draymond Green has spent time vacationing and golfing with the once rival.

But while James is undoubtedly one of the best players in NBA history — and the best, in the eyes of many — opinions about him remain mixed, particularly at this stage of his career. And with the Warriors already aging and injury prone, many people don’t feel like James is a great fit, despite his numbers last season (20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game).

So we’re asking you, Dub Nation: how would you feel about LeBron joining the Warriors as both sides go for one final run?

July 15, 2026

New Jersey Devils Make Coaching Hires, Including Harvard Legend Ted Donato

The New Jersey Devils are coming off a tough season that saw injuries and inconsistencies ruin their campaign. They missed the playoffs and are looking to bounce back in a big way.

Sheldon Keefe was not fired when the Devils overhauled their front office, led by new GM Sunny Mehta. Instead, he was allowed to fill out a new coaching staff in an attempt to get the team on the right path.

The bench boss has his crew.
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) July 15, 2026

Leo Luongo, Ted Donato, AJ MacLean, and Dan Stewart have been named to the coaching/development staff.

Luongo is going to be the man who oversees all goaltending development. He will report directly to Martin Brodeur, who serves as the Vice President of Hockey Operations. Of course, Brodeur is one of the greatest NHL goalies to ever lace up the pads, so good minds are leading the way there.

Dan Stewart has been hired as the goaltending coach, and he will work together with Luongo alongside Utica Comets goalie coach Brian Eklund and goalie scout/development coach Manny Legace.

Drafting and developing goaltenders has been an issue for the Devils since the retirement of Brodeur, who they relied on so much for parts of three decades. Now, they will move their philosophy in a different direction.

AJ MacLean, son of former NHL head coach Paul MacLean, will serve as an assistant coach under Keefe. He is coming off a tenure with the AHL Syracuse team, which serves as the affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

MacLean worked with Keefe when they were together on the coaching staff of the Toronto Marlies.

As for Ted Donato, whose son Ryan is a forward for the Chicago Blackhawks, is a Harvard coaching legend. He recently stepped down from the head coaching position there after a remarkable 22 seasons. He was also an NHL player for parts of 13 seasons, including stints with the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, and New York Rangers.

Donato was inducted into the Massachusetts Hall of Fame in 2010 for his dedication and strength as a head coach of a prominent NCAA program in the state. Now, he is back in the NHL as a New Jersey Devils assistant coach.

Are these the moves that will be the magic wand that gets the Devils back into Stanley Cup contention? Not on their own, but putting the right people in the right jobs is a great way for players to feel comfortable in their roles.

Visit The Hockey News New Jersey Devils team site to stay up to date on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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July 15, 2026

The Summer League Lakers are an exciting watch behind Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 5: Adou Thiero #1, Anton Watson #41, and Cameron Carr #43 of the Los Angeles Lakers speak after the California Classic Game on July 5, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

With three straight wins in Las Vegas after consecutive wins to close the California Classic, the Lakers are have quickly become a fun watch during Summer League.

While results don’t matter as much in these competitions, what is important is that the key players on the roster impress. The Lakers have gotten that as well.

Cameron Carr has had some impressive performances, scoring 23 points in LA’s win over the Clippers and looking like a player who can make an immediate impact.

Adou Thiero is entering his second year and is playing like it in Summer League as he’s punishing the rim with monster dunks in virtually every game. Thiero has scored in double figures in every contest in Las Vegas and had his best game against the Thunder, tallying 20 points in the win.

Whether the Lakers win it all in Las Vegas or not, the fact that the two players on the main roster have played so well makes this Summer League a success.

For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we ask, which player are fans more excited about, Carr or Thiero?

Excited is an interesting word. It doesn’t necessarily mean who you think is better, but which player you are most looking forward to watching.

Thiero is certainly an exciting player. Anyone can watch him attack the rim and understand how special it is. Considering he appears to be more in control of his incredible athleticism, he could not only be the most exciting player on the Lakers but also earn an increased role on a team looking for his youth and athleticism.

If even part of Thiero’s Summer League game translates to the regular season, his second year will be better than his first.

As for Carr, he is less known, which makes him exciting. Right now, nearly all the film of him in a Lakers jersey is encouraging. His shot is so pure and he’s scoring with ease.

Cooking with Cam 👨‍🍳 pic.twitter.com/PstfRkPqdz
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 15, 2026

He’s a bit light but is planning to spend time in the weight room to bulk up. Also, he’s already proving to be a willing defender with at least one block in four of the five Summer League games he’s played in.

After these Summer League performances, Lakers fans likely believe Carr was the steal of the draft and will be even more excited for his official debut.

Who are you most excited about? Let us know by participating in the poll above and in the comments section below.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.