FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 15: Wilyer Abreu #52 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during live batting practice during the first full squad workout at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 15, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning! The Red Sox lost to the Pirates yesterday, with Ranger Suarez giving up a homer to the number one prospect in baseball, Konnor Griffin. Luckily, absolutely nothing that happens in a spring training game in February matters one stinking bit. In fact, if anyone remembers anything at all about yesterday’s game, it will be this:
For years, New England dads of a certain age have been regaling the world with a story about Jim Rice breaking his bat on a check swing. They don’t build ballplayers like that anymore!
So, sorry dad, by they do in fact make ballplayers like that these days, and Wilyer Abreu is one of them. So the question of the day is: how many homers do you think Wilyer is going to hit this year? 73 is probably a bit too much to ask for. So I’ll go with 72.
Talk about what you want and be good to one another.
With the Winter Olympics now behind us for another four years, it's intriguing to think about how different the Senators' roster could look by the time the 2030 Games in the French Alps roll around.
At the moment, barring a trade, only four players are locked into Ottawa contracts that take them beyond 2030. And of the four, three are definitely on their nation's radar, and two are shoo-ins.
Tim Stutzle
Nov 13, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Tim Stutzle (18) scores against Boston Bruins goalie Joonas Korpisalo (70) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images
Stutzle is in year three of an eight-year, $66.8 million deal that will take him to 2031. He is a lock for Team Germany in 2030 and probably two or three Olympic Games after that if the NHL continues to participate beyond France.
That's certainly not automatic.
Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss which players will be more likely to come home to the NHL more inspired after the Olympics, the gold medalists or the silver medalists?
As a sidebar, the league has to be concerned about the injuries in the tournament. Sidney Crosby heads back to Pittsburgh injured. LA Kings star Kevin Fiala suffered a gruesome season-ending leg injury, and Stutzle might not be 100 per cent either.
After Germany bowed out in the quarterfinal, TSN's Mark Masters alluded to Stutzle getting his shoulder checked out, which Stutzle didn't directly respond to, but he's clearly a man who left it all on the ice in Italy.
"Yeah, to be honest, I'm pretty exhausted," Stutzle said. "My body's hurting, but I'm excited to get back to playing (NHL) hockey again."
Stutzle would be a key player for any nation, but on Team Germany, he might be welcome to play for them into his 40s.
Jake Sanderson
No Senator is locked in longer than Jake Sanderson, whose eight-year $64.4 million contract expires in 2032. Sanderson played a bigger role for Team USA this year than he did last year at the 4 Nations Face-Off and continues to improve in the NHL. With 46 points, he's tied for eighth in NHL scoring among defensemen, and he's easily one of the fastest skaters in the league.
Travis Green said this week that Sanderson hasn't yet hit his ceiling as a player. That's bad news for the rest of the world. He'll be 27 in France, and should be right in his prime by then.
Shane Pinto
Jan 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (12) controls the puck in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Pinto's four-year deal, worth $30 million with the Senators, kicks in this fall, and his progress with the Senators and Team USA will be interesting to monitor. Pinto went to the Team USA orientation camp last summer, so he's already on their radar. But to get to France, he'll need to elevate his point production (29 points in 47 games).
The Senators believe he can do that, or they wouldn't have just doubled his salary to $7.5 million. But right now, three of the four locked-in players on this list are centres, so Pinto may continue to be blocked through 2030, playing the role of reliable third-line two-way centre.
But there's a chance that Brady Tkachuk (2028 UFA) and Drake Batherson (2027 UFA) may explore free agency, so it's easy to imagine a move to the wing to vault Pinto into a top-six role and power play time.
Dylan Cozens
Jan 31, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Dylan Cozens (24) skates against the New Jersey Devils during the first period at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
In 2023, the Buffalo Sabres inked Cozens to a seven-year, $49.7 million extension, then traded him to Ottawa less than two years into the contract. The Workhorse from Whitehorse is a member in good standing with Hockey Canada, representing us twice at U18s, twice at the World Juniors, and twice at the men's World Hockey Championships.
With 43 points in 57 games, Cozens is on pace for 62 points, which would be the second-best season of his seven-year career. So while he's not on Canada's Olympic radar right now, he's a 25-year-old whose career appears to be heading in the right direction.
By the time the Olympic flame is lit in the French Alps in 2030, the Senators could look like an entirely different team. But if these four are still leading the way, Ottawa fans can feel pretty good about where the future is headed.
Steve Warne The Hockey News
This article was first published by The Hockey News. More headlines here:
Carson Benge is starting in right field and leading off, with prospects A.J. Ewing, Nick Morabito, and Ryan Clifford set to enter in the middle innings
Adbert Alzolay and Luis Garcia are expected to pitch after Tong
CARDINALS
METS
JJ Wetherholt, SS
Carson Benge, RF
Jose Fermin, 2B
Juan Soto, LF
Nolan Gorman, 3B
Francisco Alvarez, DH
Nelson Velazquez, RF
Mark Vientos, 1B
Leonardo Bernal, C
Hayden Senger, C
Nathan Church, CF
Christian Arroyo, 3B
Joshua Baez, DH
Vidal Brujan, SS
Blaze Jordan, 1B
Cristian Pache, CF
Chase Davis, LF
Grae Kessinger, 2B
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The Knicks have depth, but they’re still figuring out how to use it.
The starting five, Mitchell Robinson, Jose Alvarado, and Landry Shamet are solidified. When Deuce McBride eventually returns from his sports hernia, he will be too. The battle for the ninth or tenth man, though, is up in the air.
On one end, you have exciting, 19-year-old rookie Mo Diawara, who has shown tremendous flashes on both ends just a few months after not being good enough to go top 50 in the NBA Draft. With his recent three-point outburst, he’s becoming more and more of a viable role player as a rookie.
But on the other end, you have another young player, but one who’s more experienced and is looking to make an impact in a new situation. Jeremy Sochan is still only 22, but fell out of favor in San Antonio and elected to sign in New York after being released mid-season.
These two are on the Knicks’ rotation bubble, with players like Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti, and Kevin McCullar Jr. waiting in the wings in case of injuries. But which of the two makes more sense for the Knicks? Could they both play a role?
A rotation doesn’t need to be concrete. From game to game, things can change. The strengths of the two are different, but both are common in the sense of being full of potential with considerable downside. It’s easy to scheme both out of a game, which makes identifying specific matchups necessary.
Sochan’s biggest weakness is shooting; he’s always been a basket case on offense. He brings rebounding and a smidge of secondary playmaking, but he’ll make the people guarding Josh Hart look like Patrick Beverley if he gets the ball on the perimeter.
Diawara’s simply being a limited rookie. If you remember, he started the game against the Spurs on New Year’s Eve, which started the slump, and Mitch Johnson expertly schemed him out of the game. He sagged off Diawara, daring him to either shoot or put the ball on the floor. He’s not an advanced enough jumpshooter (especially in non-C&S situations) to shoot out of it, and his ballhandling needs improvement. It’s not a terrible thing for a rookie, but it must be considered.
So what are their strengths? Diawara is a switchable defender who can hold his own against most players due to his size and length, as is Sochan. Sochan is a great rebounder, while Diawara has sneakily been extremely effective on catch-and-shoot (41.5 3pt%) and corner threes (12-for-14).
Diawara is an asset in non-OG Anunoby minutes for a team that has a lot of guards and small wings in the rotation, but the team has specifically dominated minutes where Karl-Anthony Towns is playing and Jalen Brunson is sitting:
The best role for Diawara is to play the non-Brunson minutes, where KAT is the lead option on offense. Alvarado comes off the bench as the ballhandler, and his two-man game with him and Towns can collapse the defense enough to get it to an open shooter, such as Shamet or Diawara. It’s not a big role, but it’s a useful one for a rookie.
Figuring out a role for Sochan is more difficult, as he’s struggled mightily in his first few games as a Knick. It wasn’t going to be pretty every time, and it hasn’t yielded much in a small sample. Still, there might be one option that has the best chance of working out.
The Knicks are struggling badly when one of Towns or Robinson isn’t available. As much as we’ve wished Hukporti could emerge as a viable third center, it’s rough at times out there. When Towns had to sit for a bit in the fourth quarter against the Bulls, the offense ground to a halt.
That’s where Sochan comes in. Against teams without much size (like the Bulls, who deployed Jalen Smith and OAKAAK Guerschon Yabusele at the 5 that night), Sochan is a viable small-ball five who’s more versatile than Hukporti. Mike Brown hasn’t totally leaned into untraditional fives, but I think it’s worth considering deploying Sochan in that role over Hukporti when the team can’t throw one of Robinson or Towns out there.
There is a spacing component, as Sochan’s lack of perimeter shooting makes it so that it’s hard to see him on the floor with one of the Knicks’ worst/unwilling shooters (Robinson, Hart), but he can viably be used in spurts as a small-ball five in a lineup full of floor spacers.
The Stephen Curry-less Golden State Warriors head to the FedExForum this evening to take on the Memphis Grizzlies, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Draymond Green has been stepping it up offensively lately, and my Warriors vs. Grizzlies predictions are targeting him to keep that trend alive here.
Read more in my NBA picks for Wednesday, February 25.
Warriors vs Grizzlies prediction
Warriors vs Grizzlies best bet: Draymond Green Over 10.5 points (-115)
Draymond Green is averaging 8.5 points per game this season, which is right on par for him. After all, the veteran is more of a defensive presence and playmaker than a scorer. However, Steph Curry remains sidelined, and Draymond has seen an uptick in minutes.
He’s played 24+ minutes in three of his last four, surpassing the 30-minute mark in two of those contests. Green has also cashed the Over in points in three of his last four.
Draymond registered 11 points on Tuesday, and he’s averaging exactly 10.5 PPG across two meetings with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2025-26.
Warriors vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
De'Anthony Melton has been on a different level lately, hitting the Over in points in three straight, erupting for 28 points in Tuesday’s loss to the Pelicans.
He also dropped 20 on Sunday against the Nuggets. Yes, this is a high total for a guy averaging just 12.7 PPG, but Melton is in his bag right now.
Dating to January 2025, the Golden State Warriors have won four straight against Memphis, including both this season.
While Golden State doesn’t have Curry and it's compiled an 11-17 record on the road, the Warriors will be motivated to bounce back after losing to a very poor Pelicans team.
Warriors vs Grizzlies SGP
Draymond Green Over 10.5 points
De'Anthony Melton Over 19.5 points
Warriors moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Seein' Green
Green is averaging 5.1 dimes this season, and he’s cashed the Over in two of his last three. The veteran is also averaging 6.0 assists against the Grizzlies in ‘25-26.
The Golden State Warriors have hit the 2Q Moneyline in 12 of their last 17 away games (+8.60 Units / 40% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Warriors vs Grizzlies
Location
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Date
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports Bay Area, FDSN Southeast-Memphis
Warriors vs Grizzlies latest injuries
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The 2025–26 NHL season is officially back in session, with the Vancouver Canucks returning from the break with a home-ice matchup against the Winnipeg Jets. Vancouver started off their 2026 Winter Olympic break with a 5–2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on February 4, while the Jets lost 5–1 to the Montréal Canadiens on the same day.
Winnipeg has two players on their roster who were part of the USA’s gold medal-winning effort — Kyle Connor and Connor Hellebuyck — though it’s still slightly unclear which of them will take part in today’s game. On the Canucks’ side, Filip Chytil remains out of the lineup due to a facial fracture sustained in practice, while previously injured players such as Brock Boeser, Nils Höglander, and Zeev Buium have all taken part in the team’s practices through the past few days. Their statuses for tonight’s game will be confirmed later on in the day.
Through the final 25 games of their 2025–26 season, many will be watching the Canucks not for their usual end-of-season playoff push, but to get a better gauge of what the future looks like moving forward. Younger players like Tom Willander, Zeev Buium, and Liam Öhgren will be some who likely get increased minutes as a result of this. With the NHL Trade Deadline coming up, this will also probably end up occurring due to the moves many want Vancouver to make.
Heading into the 2026 Winter Olympic break, the line of Öhgren, Conor Garland, and Teddy Blueger found success together. These three played particularly well compared to the rest of the teams’ performances in the final two games against Vegas and the Utah Mammoth, as they factored into every goal scored during this span of time. The trio were put together during Vancouver’s practices through the past couple of days and will likely skate together again tonight.
Players To Watch:
Conor Garland
Alongside Blueger and Öhgren before the break, it looked as though Garland had begun to find his form. The forward had three assists in Vancouver’s games against Utah and Vegas at that time, with those being his first points since a two-assist night against the San Jose Sharks on December 27. Garland’s name has emerged in trade reports as of late, making the next couple of games leading into the March 6th Trade Deadline all the more notable.
Kyle Connor
Fresh off winning a gold medal with Team USA, Connor will be returning to the Jets with energy that his American teammates may not have. The forward skated in only two games while at the Olympics, sitting out of his team’s final four matches. Heading into the break earlier in February, Connor had been riding a five-game point-streak that he can increase with a goal or an assist later tonight.
Nov 11, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk (4) watches as goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save on Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser (6) in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Vancouver Canucks (18–33–6):
Points:
Elias Pettersson: 13–21–34
Filip Hronek: 5–27–32
Jake DeBrusk: 13–15–28
Brock Boeser: 12–13–25
Evander Kane: 9–16–25
Goaltenders:
Thatcher Demko: 8–10–1
Kevin Lankinen: 7–19–4
Nikita Tolopilo: 3–3–1
Jiří Patera: 0–1–0
Winnipeg Jets (22–26–8):
Points:
Mark Scheifele: 27–41–68
Kyle Connor: 25–39–64
Gabriel Vilardi: 21–29–50
Josh Morrissey: 10–32–42
Alex Iafollo: 9–11–20
Goaltenders:
Connor Hellebuyck: 13–16–7
Eric Comrie: 9–9–1
Thomas Milic: 0–1–0
Game Information:
Start time: 7:00 pm PT
Venue: Rogers Arena
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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Feb 7, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) reacts during the second half against the BYU Cougars at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images | Aaron Baker-Imagn Images
Folks, it’s time. With the Dallas Mavericks firmly in position to compete for the NBA Draft Lottery, we need to take our first look at how the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft could play out. Myself, along with fellow Mavs Moneyball contributors David, Bryan and David hashed this all out during a live Pod Maverick during the all-star break, which you can see here.
Here’s where we settled in the lottery, with the remainder of the first round hashed out by me after the stream.
1) Brooklyn Nets – Darryn Peterson (G, Kansas)
Despite all his challenges, Peterson remains in the top spot. It’d be nice if over the course of the last month of the year, he’s able to consistently play full minute loads, as he did against Cincy and Houston on Saturday and Monday. However, the talent is undeniable, and he will be here until proven otherwise.
You could flip either of Dybantsa and Boozer around at two or three, depending on the team. Washington, in this scenario, takes Dybantsa to bolster their scoring with Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr manning the four and five.
3) Sacramento Kings – Cam Boozer (F, Duke)
Boozer follows suit and goes third to Sacramento, who desperately needs a steadying presence. With Sabonis likely on the move, Boozer is a plug and play starter.
4) Indiana Pacers – Caleb Wilson (F, North Carolina)
Indiana was favored by the Lottery Gods here in our sim, getting to keep their pick. The reward? Potentially the best defender in the class with Caleb Wilson.
5) Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans) – Mikel Brown Jr. (G, Louisville)
The first real shocker comes at five, with Atlanta making Mikel Brown Jr. the first guard after Darryn Peterson to go off the board. However, when you dive into the numbers since conference play began for Brown Jr., he’s been every bit as good as the three guys who will follow him in this mock.
in conference play:
Flemings: 45.9% halfcourt rim (31.9% of FGA); 49.3% overall rim, 23.8% 3Pr
Brown: 59.1% halfcourt rim (25.9% of FGA); 65.6% overall, 57.5% 3Pr
Brown also 16-34 on pull-up threes
imo Mikel Brown Jr. has been the better player since conference play started https://t.co/ysFKw9ZmDH
As I said on the stream, this part of the draft is the ice cream shop. These guys are all comparable, and teams will simply be picking their favorite flavor.
6) Utah Jazz – Keaton Wagler (G, Illinois)
Wagler remains an interesting scout, as he and Acuff have similar strengths and weaknesses. The difference is that Wagler is 6’6”, which buys a lot of good will in NBA front offices.
Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
If the board were to fall this way, it’s a no brainer for the Mavericks. Kingston Flemings could be a day one starter at guard alongside Kyrie Irving. The defensive intangibles that come from playing for Kelvin Sampson at Houston are a huge strength, along with his offensive production. You could ask, “why would he fall?” An answer could be that the jumper just doesn’t look as good as some of the others here. However, it goes in all the same.
8) Memphis Grizzlies – Darius Acuff (G, Arkansas)
Memphis has had success in the past with smaller guards, in going from Mike Conley to Ja Morant. Acuff would be protected defensively here, as Cedric Coward and Zach Edey are pretty good safety blankets.
Yaxel Lendeborg went through the draft process last year before pulling out and transferring to Michigan. It’s paid off, as he has drastically improved as a player. His only real weakness is his age, but if Milwaukee is trying to win now, it’s a great pick. If not, they’ll probably take Ament.
10) Chicago Bulls – Nate Ament (F, Tennessee)
Tennessee forward Nate Ament (10) moves the ball while guarded by Oklahoma guard Nijel Pack (9) during an NCAA college basketball game on Feb. 18, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. | Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The aforementioned Nate Ament has come a long way since the start of the season. Since SEC play began, he’s improved basically every statistical category from the non-conference slate. He might not make it all the way to the top five, as was projected preseason. However, the player we’ve seen for the last six weeks is the guy who was promised.
11) San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks) – Hannes Steinbach (C, Washington)
Leave it to the Spurs to take the international guy. Steinbach, of Wurzburg, Germany, has been a glass eater for the Huskies this season. There is development to be done with some of the finer things, but you don’t have to squint too hard to see the vision.
12) Charlotte Hornets – Jayden Quaintance (F/C, Kentucky)
Quaintance has struggled with complications from knee surgery last year and has missed a lot of the season. However, he remains here because he has a ton of potential on the defensive side of the ball. If healthy, he’s probably a top six guy in the class. As is, if he slips any further than this it would make sense for him to return to school.
Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Brayden Burries might be my favorite prospect in the class. He plays with an outstanding feel for the game, mainly off ball with Jaden Bradley handling point guard duties for the Cats. Burries is an excellent shooter, works well in the secondary creation role, and defends very well. I’d take him as high as nine.
Portland is a true wildcard here, as their draft is somewhat run by former ESPN draft scout Mike Schmitz. Philon has had some wild variance over the course of this draft cycle. It went overshadowed, as Darius Acuff scored 49, but Philon dropped 35 points and seven assists in that double overtime win against Arkansas. He’s got great burst to get to the rim, and he shoots it at high level. Philon is firmly in the mix here late in the lottery.
15) Miami Heat – Koa Peat (F, Arizona)
It’s fair to wonder if Koa Peat returns to school if he falls out of the lottery. Peat has some seasoning that needs to happen offensively in order to reach his potential, as it’s pretty much all bully ball right now. However, they don’t make them like this guy physically. He’s a brute.
16) Golden State Warriors – Karim Lopez (F, New Zealand)
Lopez has seen a steady rise all the way to the outskirts of the lottery. He is a bit of a combo forward, which could be intriguing to a team like Golden State.
17) Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic) – Thomas Haugh (F, Florida)
The Grizzlies are a data-driven organization, which makes a guy like Haugh an interesting option. He does it all for Florida and could be a fun option alongside Coward, Edey and a guy like Darius Acuff. However, Memphis could be a trade team if they package their two first round picks together.
18) Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers) – Joshua Jefferson (F, Iowa State)
It would be shocking if OKC didn’t try and package these picks together for one better lottery selection. If they do stick here, Joshua Jefferson could be a replacement for the likes of Isaiah Hartenstein.
19) Charlotte Hornets (via Suns) – Braylon Mullins (G, UConn)
Mullins would add more offensive pop to the Hornets, which would be pretty scary off of their bench. Again, keep an eye on Charlotte to potentially trade in the draft.
20) Toronto Raptors – Cam Carr (G, Baylor)
Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Baylor has been an unmitigated disaster this season. Their lack of a true point guard has hurt both Carr and Tounde Yessoufou, but the talent is still flashing. Carr is an excellent shooter and good at creating off secondary action, making him a nice fit in Toronto.
21) Detroit Pistons (via Wolves) – Morez Johnson (F, Michigan)
Detroit earned this swap at the trade deadline, which would allow them to take a guy in Morez Johnson that has been wonderful for Michigan this season. Detroit could use some forward help, especially if they decide not to pay some of the guys they currently have.
22) Los Angeles Lakers – Patrick Ngongba (C, Duke)
The need for a center is still there in Los Angeles. Luka Doncic has already shown the ability to win the west with a rookie center from Duke. So, might as well spin the block.
23) New York Knicks – Dailyn Swain (F, Texas)
Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Swain has been a steady riser during this process, as he has really taken off since SEC play began. The worry here is the shot, because he is ready made in all other aspects of the game.
24) Atlanta Hawks (via Cavs) – Bennett Stirtz (G, Iowa)
Atlanta could use a guard that will help steady them, and Stirtz fits the bill nicely. He won’t ever be a star, but he seems destined to run second units for 12 years. He does almost everything well on the offensive end, but the limits defensively will cap him.
25) Denver Nuggets – Amari Allen (F, Alabama)
If Denver is truly unable to pay Peyton Watson this offseason, it’s time to start looking for his replacement. Amari Allen is perfect for that, as he will come in as a readymade shooter and defender.
26) Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets) – Chris Cenac Jr. (F, Houston)
Cenac is awesome, but it’s fair to question whether he’d remain in the draft if he is slated to slip here. If he stays, teams are getting an elite rebounder, solid defender and a guy who isn’t afraid to shoot. He’s got nice touch, but the shot selection could use some work.
27) Boston Celtics – Aday Mara (C, Michigan)
Don’t let the Duke game fool you, Aday Mara has been really good for the Wolverines and is deserving of this first round consideration. For a Boston team that needs a big, he’d be an immediate fit.
28) Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs) – Christian Anderson (G, Texas Tech)
Christian Anderson is undervalued by almost everyone, which allows the fall here to 28 and Cleveland. The sophomore guard is an excellent offensive player, shooting over 40% from three and running an elite two man game with JT Toppin. With Toppin now out, it’s time to see Anderson do what he did in the FIBA U19 World Cup with Germany: Carry a team to victory.
Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Yessoufou has been victimized by Baylor’s lack of point guard play, so the numbers aren’t as impressive as you’d hope. But the athletic ability is truly elite, as Yessoufou is able to guard and is a connecting piece offensively. The shot doesn’t look as bad as the low 30’s percentage from three would tell you, so there is hope on that end, too. Think Lu Dort, but without everything you hate about Lu Dort.
Tyler Tanner is an absolute joy to watch. He is fantastic on the offensive end, and the effort can never be questioned. Of course, he’s listed at 6’0”, 170 pounds, which is why he finds himself here. But, there’s a spot in the league for guys like him. Minnesota could work, especially considering their need for guard play off the bench.
MILWAUKEE, WI - FEBRUARY 24: Kevin Porter Jr. #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a three point basket during the game against the Miami Heat on February 24, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks put their disappointing loss to the Toronto Raptors in the rear-view mirror last night, taking down the Miami Heat 128-117. The Bucks’ defense shut the door on Miami, holding them to six points in the final six minutes of regulation. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below.
What a fourth quarter it was for KPJ. He just went into total takeover mode. Also, having seven assists to just one turnover is the next step in his evolution.
It took Green until the second half to put in his first points, but he found other ways to contribute with five rebounds and four assists. You want more scoring and shooting from him, but efforts like last night are good enough.
If Kuzma didn’t tail off in the second half, he might have gotten highest grade on the team. Kuz got a little three-point happy throughout the game, but starting the game with nine of the Bucks’ first 11 points made up for a lot of that.
Thomas was due for a stinker. He did have a nice stretch to end the first half, converting a crazy and-one layup and drilling a step-back midrange jumper over Tyler Herro. Outside of that, though, it was a quiet night for Cam.
Big shoutout to the load Sims carried. He played the final 17:22 of the game and looked great (particularly in the fourth, helping to limit Bam to just two points and one rebound).
The Ous finally got loose in Milwaukee. After going scoreless in his home debut against Toronto, Dieng had himself a solid day against Miami; he was much more assertive and aggressive.
Grade: B
Doc Rivers
Doc nearly cost the team the game again in the fourth quarter. For some reason, he left in a lineup of Rollins, Thomas, Dieng, Sims, and Portis that was getting shredded by the Heat. He stuck with that lineup for too long in the fourth quarter, getting down by nine at one point. Rivers saved himself by subbing in Green, and the Bucks immediately went on a 9-0 run.
Grade: C+
DNP-CD: Gary Trent Jr., Gary Harris, Andre Jackson Jr., Pete Nance, Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Inactive: Alex Antetokounmpo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Taurean Prince
Bonus Bucks Bits
Doc used the term “manhandled” when describing their performance against the Raptors on Sunday. He was asked about how his team responded last night:
“This was a big response for us. This is what we haven’t done this year. We’ll get a nice stretch of games going, then we’ll lose, and then, in the next game, we’ll give in again. There were stretches where we could’ve given in, and we didn’t. I told them after the game, ‘that’s a gut kind of win for us.’”
Ousmane Dieng finally got on the scoreboard at Fiserv. I asked Doc about what he thought of the young wing’s performance.
“He was terrific, more in the second half. I thought in the first half he got beat a couple of times off the dribble, some of the fouls. In the second half, I just thought he got aggressive, pushed the ball, made plays, made threes. The kid is 22 [years old], and he’s gonna get better every night.”
On Sunday, the Lakers immortalized legendary former head coach Pat Riley with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena (still hate that name). Doc Rivers, who played under Riley when they were both on the New York Knicks, talked about Riley being the one who got him into coaching in the first place:
“People think I’m exaggerating, but I’m not; if Pat Riley never coaches me, I never coach; it’s that simple. Mike Fratello would argue he’s the one; he always told me I was going to coach, but I was hell-bent on going into TV when I was playing with the Hawks. During the summer, I worked for TNT and CNN, and I was going to become a broadcaster; that is what I wanted to do. Then I played for Pat Riley, and I just watched him coach. How he motivated, how he pushed, and it changed me. I’m sure it’s in one of Pat’s books; the big blow-up argument we had, a lot of it was over that. He said, ‘you’re gonna coach one day,’ and I was so mad at him at the time, I told him, ‘have you frickin’ lost your mind?’ The fact that I’m closing in on him, with a chance to pass him in wins, is crazy to me. I never thought I’d do it this long, and I’d like it this much because I never wanted to do it.”
Rivers also said that he thinks coaches should go back to wearing suits in the playoffs, after Pat Riley said as much. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra seemed a bit more tepid about the idea:
“Pat and I debate about this all the time. We went to the Hall of Fame for Mickey Arison (owner of the Miami Heat). So, I had to wear back-to-back nights of suits, and I swear that’s all Pat was talking about. I could see the argument both ways. I think as long as we look professional and different from the players, I think that’s great. I think it’s becoming a little bit different in corporate America, but then I also see Pat’s point of view. When I see the footage of him from the Lakers to the Knicks to the Heat, he did look sharp.”
Up Next
The Bucks are back in action tonight in the second game of a back-to-back, as they’ll be hosting the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers with James Harden. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central time, and you can watch it on both FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin and over the air on WMLW.
Parking in one lot near Minute Maid Park reaches $80 before Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. (Photo by Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
A completely pointless exercise, as we’ll find out soon enough, but I’m curious what you all think.
Current MLB.tv-based single-team packages are about $20 per month. This includes things branded exactly the same as Braves.TV, like “Padres.TV” and “Giants.TV.”
Braves.TV might offer more than the games, though I’m not sure it’s going to have an impact on the price. I’m not sure anything else, might, either. Though, the Braves might try to capture some revenue by bumping it up and hoping demand for the upcoming season isn’t particular elastic for folks that cut the cord but are in-market. I don’t think an introductory, lower promotional offer is in the cards, either, but who knows.
As I type, I realize the question is almost “Will it be $20/month or not?” essentially. But, weigh in on what you think.
LAKELAND, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 17: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers poses for a photo during the Detroit Tigers Photo Day at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on February 17, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Happy Wednesday everyone! We’ve had real baseball on our screens, complete with curmudgeon announcers griping about players with too many chains, and hot Tigers’ prospects missing some routine fly balls (both Max Clark, sorry Max). But more important than any of that: we have been able to see and hear the Tigers play, which means we are getting our first real look of what this year’s team might look like, and also it means we are getting ever closer to Opening Day.
Between us and that magical day, though, there is still the World Baseball Classic, and Tarik Skubal surprised many by announcing he would only make one start for Team USA. He shared his reasoning (we’ll get into it below) and it doesn’t make us any less excited about watching that one start.
We’ve got that and other baseball tidbits below, so let’s just get right into today’s news.
Detroit Tigers News
Don’t count on Tarik Skubal being on the mound for the finals in the WBC.
Tarik Skubal said today he will make only one start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic before returning to Tigers camp.
"If they go to the finals, I think I'm going to try and lobby to just go watch and be with the guys," he said.
Tarik Skubal got into why he would only have one start at the WBC, and it’s primarily so he can be on site with the Tigers during Spring Training so he can be with the team as they gear up for the regular season. Here’s a quote from Kyle Koster’s reporting:
“That was the communication I had with those guys [Team USA]. There’s some risk obviously, and I’m trying to do both things, trying to pitch for Team USA, but also I understand I need to be here with these guys and get ready for the season.”
One could certainly read between those lines and suggest that Skubal also isn’t willing to risk an injury when this season will be his way to guarantee a massive free agency deal in 2027. Seems like he’s playing it smart and safe.
Paws really digging up the embarrassing teenage year photos here….
BREAKING: Nine-time All-Star Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a one-year, $27 million contract extension that includes a club option for $30 million in 2028, sources tell ESPN. Sale, 36, was set to hit free agency after this season but will remain in Atlanta.
SARASOTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 13: Tyler O'Neill #9 of the Baltimore Orioles smiles during practice at Ed Smith Stadium on February 13, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Baltimore Orioles/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s a real rush following a team that’s active in free agency. The Orioles flushed a disappointing 2025 by making several moves that should significantly improve the team this season. The Pete Alonso deal rivaled the Corbin Burnes trade as the most exciting offseason acquisition in recent memory. The Birds brought in an established closer, acquired multiple starting pitchers, and added players that can make an impact on both sides of the ball.
The Chris Bassitt signing likely marked the last major transaction until the trade deadline in July, but I’m not ready for the Orioles to stop adding production. Now, with spring training underway, I’m looking for players that can exceed their projected value and emerge as an X factor this year.
I’ve already made the case for Blaze Alexander and Albert Suárez. Alexander looks like an everyday player with Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg sidelined. Holliday remains optimistic for a quick recovery, but things have taken a darker turn with Westburg’s partial UCL tear. Alexander can play second, shortstop or third base while adding additional versatility in the outfield.
Suárez started yesterday and allowed one run in a pair of innings. The veteran could carve out a valuable role as a multi-inning reliever while still maintaining the ability to make a spot start or two if needed.
Tyler O’Neill provided -0.3 WAR last season while struggling to stay on the field. The Orioles inked O’Neill to a $49.5 million dollar deal with an opt out after last season. To no surprise, O’Neill did not opt out after making only 54 appearances last season.
The Orioles gave this guy $50 million because they believed in his bat. O’Neill slugged 31 homers while posting a 217 wRC+ against lefties in 2024. There’s no guarantee that O’Neill will return to form—and there’s even less reason to believe he’ll stay healthy—but he’s a prime example of a guy that can provide more value than he did last season.
O’Neill will face more competition for playing time this season. Baltimore added slugger Taylor Ward from the Angels, and Dylan Beavers looked like an everyday player at the end of last season. That being said, O’Neill would make for a prime platoon candidate with the left-handed Beavers. If he hits, and he’s healthy, the Orioles will make room for O’Neill.
On the other hand, there’s not much competition for Colton Cowser in center field. Leody Taveras will make the team if Baltimore feels it needs a true center fielder on the bench, but he’s not a threat to steal at bats. Cowser possesses the level of job security that’s up there with Alonso and Gunnar Henderson. That may bring some comfort, but it also adds pressure.
Cowser hit below the Mendoza Line over 92 games last season. Imagine the type of value spike he can provide if he matches his 120 OPS+ and 3.1 bWAR from his rookie campaign in 2024.
Staying in the outfield, 2025 marked another lost season for Heston Kjerstad. The former first-round pick faces an uphill battle for playing time this season, but there’s an early buzz about the 27-year-old’s power in Sarasota.
Adley Rutschman sits firmly at the top of the bounceback candidate list, but there’s real optimism there. If we’re looking for guys further under the radar, the bullpen is the place to search.
This could be Yennier Cano’s last chance to recapture the magic of his rookie season. Cano posted a disappointing 5.12 ERA and 79 ERA+ last season. He may never replicate the 194 ERA+ from 2023, but even his 123 ERA+ (3.15 ERA) from 2024 would add stability to an unestablished bunch of relievers.
The Orioles appear content to start the season with Keegan Akin as their top lefty. Akin’s 3.41 ERA and 118 ERA+ from last year is really all anyone should expect from the 30-year-old at this point. If a southpaw is going to emerge as an X-factor in the bullpen, it would likely have to be Grant Wolfram, Dietrich Enns or non-roster invite Eric Torres. Wolfram has struck out five batters in two innings of work this spring.
All of these guys are on the list because they could exceed expectations this season. The number of players that outperform projections will have a direct impact on how the team performs overall. The stars need to deliver, but these type of players can make the difference over a 162-game season.
13 Oct 1999: Right fielder Paul O''Neill #21 of the New York Yankees falls as he makes a catch during game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 4-3. | Getty Images
Today’s Yankee birthday boy is a doozie, a member of the late ‘90s dynasty teams, a fierce and iconic competitor, and a downright good baseball player. Paul O’Neill, born on this day in 1963, may not have spent his entire career in New York, but he will be remembered for his time in pinstripes, and with good reason.
Between four All-Star selections, four World Series rings, a batting title, a Top 100 Yankee nod, a few decommissioned water coolers, and ultimately a retired number and a plaque in Monument Park, The Warrior’s tenure in the Bronx was a highly memorable and successful one.
O’Neill was drafted by the Reds, and got his first call-up to the majors with his hometown team in September of 1985. He would appear in just five games that season, and only in three the next year, but things would get rolling in ‘87. Across 160 plate appearances, O’Neill had a 111 wRC+ and cemented himself in the starting lineup for the Reds going forward.
Paulie continued to be productive player through the late-’80s, and was a crucial part of the 1990 Reds team that won the World Series in an upset over the dynastic A’s. He fully broke out in 1991, hitting a career-high 28 homers with a 128 OPS+, and earning his first All-Star selection. 1992 would be his final year with the Reds, as in November of that year, O’Neill was traded to the Yankees on the heels of a fine but underwhelming season at the plate. Pressed by Cincy manager Lou Piniella to further bolster his power, he instead regressed and savvy Yankees GM Gene “Stick” Michael eyed him as someone in need of a fresh start. New York ultimately received a star for the better part of a decade.
O’Neill’s impact was apparent upon arrival, as he enjoyed perhaps his best big league season at the plate during his first year in the Bronx. He went 4-for-4 in his Bronx debut, got back over 20 homers once again, slugged over .500 for the first time, and reached a then-career-high 134 wRC+. His second season in the Bronx would be one for the ages, but one ultimately shadowed by what-ifs. The 1994 season was cut short by the player strike, but in his 103 games, O’Neill played the best baseball of his life. By the end of April, his average sat at .448, and didn’t drop below .400 until mid-June. The Yankees sat atop the league when play stopped, thanks in large part to O’Neill’s MVP-level play — 21 homers in just 103 games and a league-leading .359 batting average.
He continued to play terrific ball in 1995 and ‘96, earning a second straight All-Star selection in the former, and helping the Yankees win the first of their dynasty championships in the latter. The good times kept rolling in the following year for O’Neill — 21 homers, .324/.399/.514 slash line, 139 wRC+, and another All-Star nod; Paulie was as consistent as they come. The Yankees would lose in the ALDS, but it had nothing to do with him, as he was terrific in October. He homered twice and reached base in half of his plate appearances.
1998 was a year in which just about everything went right for the Yankees, and O’Neill was no exception. He once again put up his near-patented stat line, 24 homers and a 129 wRC+ in 152 games, in what was his most valuable season according to fWAR, with a figure of 5.4. He earned his fifth All-Star selection, and the Yankees won a then-record 114 games in the regular season. They swept the Rangers in the DS, and ultimately defeated Cleveland for the American League pennant. They would take on the Padres in that year’s Fall Classic, and sweep their way to their rightful spot atop the mountain. O’Neill was solid in the championship run, holding up an .806 OPS across 60 plate appearances with a homer in each of the first two series.
In 1999, O’Neill’s age-36 campaign, the outfielder showed his first signs of slowing down. An early-season slump, paired with an injury late in the year and the loss of his father during the World Series finale made for a difficult end of the century for O’Neill. Nonetheless, despite a step back in terms of performance, he was still a positive contributor, and did his part in the Yankees’ second consecutive World Series win.
Retirement was in question for the veteran following the tough year, but he ultimately elected to stick around. He was by no means bad, but his 92 wRC+ marked the first and only below average offensive season of his career. He was no hole in the lineup either, as he still slugged 18 homers and 100 RBI in the down year, and the Yankees went on to their third consecutive World Series. O’Neill hit .310 in the postseason, with a gutty 10-pitch battle against Mets closer Armando Benítez keying a ninth-inning rally in World Series Game 1. Even on those old legs, he tripled twice in the series while earning a fifth ring in his decorated career, and the Yanks took down the Amazins in the Fall Classic.
His status was up in the air again for 2001, but O’Neill ultimately returned for one more season in the Bronx. His regular season ended with injury trouble, but it was still a productive one. O’Neill oddly set a career high with 22 stole bases at 37-years-old, and became the oldest player to record a 20-homer/20-steal season.
Although that 2001 World Series run was a famously devastating one, O’Neill’s contributions were huge in their near-miss. He homered twice and managed a 123 wRC+ in the postseason, with his health likely less than 100 percent. The fans serenaded him in the ninth inning of his final appearance in the Bronx, the unforgettable World Series Game 5.
The heartbreaking Game 7 in Arizona would prove to be his last big-league game, putting a cap on what was a terrific 17-year Major League career.
There is a good argument to be made that he was at the center of the Yankees’ historic run from 1996-2000, which saw them win four championships. not only for his spirit on the field, but because he was an significant and consistent producer with the bat. This was certainly the case when October came around, and as a result, it is hard to picture that dominant run without Paul O’Neill in the middle of it.
A YES Network announcer for over two decades now, O’Neill’s tremendous impact on the Yankees would not go unrecognized, as he would have his No. 21 retired in Monument Park during the 2022 season, forever cementing his place in Yankee history.
Here’s to a happy 63rd to the ever-entertaining Paul O’Neill!
See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.
Missouri baseball’s trip through Boca Raton and Fort Myers mostly followed the status quo, in the sense that the best team came out on top. Across its last four games before the Tigers’ return to Columbia, the continuous high performance of the starting pitching continued, with what has been a real offensive punch to begin. On the mound, showing that just maybe, a pitching staff that isn’t facing an injury bug every other week is beginning to take shape. Who’s continued to settle in, who’s heating up, and what this group has shown right before the calendar turns to March and the Tigers’ opening games at Taylor Stadium.
The promising debut of Dohrmann
The lone loss of the four‑game stretch came in a 4–2 loss at Florida Atlantic, but even that night offered more positives than the scoreboard suggested. Freshman JD Dohrmann showed flashes of his command in the team scrimmage and handled his collegiate debut with high poise, working five innings and allowing just one earned run while striking out five.
Through four games, Missouri’s rotation had already established a pattern: Javyn Pimental, Josh McDevitt, Brady Kehlenbrink, and now Dohrmann had each gone at least five innings in their respective pitching outings. Together, they’d allowed only five earned runs in 20 innings, giving the Tigers a real backbone, one that wasn’t often there last season.
Missouri, similar to its loss to Mount Saint Mary’s had its chances against Florida Atlantic. Jase Woita tied the game in the sixth with his second home run in as many days, continuing a scorching start that pushed his average near .400 with double‑digit RBI. Tyler Macon added a hit and a run from his strong position in the leadoff spot, and Pierre Seals made one of the defensive plays of the night with a diving grab in right. The bullpen couldn’t hold on to keep the Tigers ahead, Kadden Drew in his appearance chipped in 0.2 scoreless innings in the 4-2 defeat.
Macon’s hot start continues in his personal playground
Is it Terry Park, or is it an established leadoff hitter for Missouri? I’d go with the latter based on the in-game evidence. In the first game against New Haven, Macon continued his absurd run of reaching base in Fort Myers, going 3‑for‑4 with four runs, two RBI, a double, and two stolen bases. Did I mention he now has reached base 21-out of his last-27 at bats according to MU Athletics?
Behind him, Pimentel delivered his part of the young season: five innings, one run, three hits, and a career‑high 10 strikeouts. Missouri didn’t need a massive offensive outburst — though they got contributions from Seals, Maisonet, and Frost — because their starter set the pace and the bullpen, including freshman Luke Sullivan, handled the rest. Sullivan’s 1.2 scoreless innings, complete with three strikeouts and a bases‑loaded escape, were one of the weekend’s quieter but still interesting pitching developments.
A 17‑run reminder
The second game against New Haven was the kind of afternoon where Missouri’s lineup looked like it had been waiting to tee off like a golfer on Pebble Beach. The Tigers scored 17 runs on 15 hits, spreading the damage across nearly everyone in the order.
Serna doubled home a run, Humbert added two more, Frost reached base four times, and Maisonet kept his steady start to the season rolling with two hits and an RBI. Macon of course drove in four more, and McDevitt gave Missouri another five‑inning start with seven strikeouts. It was the type of game that makes a lineup feel deeper than it did the week before.
Closing with authority
Missouri wrapped the weekend with a 16–2 run‑rule win, and the first inning alone told the story: eight runs and once again a lineup that didn’t let up.
Macon’s red-hot bat led to his triple, driving in three. Seals collected three hits, Maisonet homered, and Sam Parker added three RBI of his own. Kehlenbrink punched out seven in five innings, continuing the rotation’s early‑season consistency, and the bullpen finished the job, this time not playing down to competition and finishing the game without drama.
Missouri’s last four games were another pad the win column; and showcasing the pitching rotation which has been stacking five‑inning starts like clockwork thus gar and giving the batters in the lineup a claustrophobic’s favorite thing. Room to breathe.
The offense in this portion of the non-conference schedule is capable of blowing a game wide open, depending on the day, and, importantly for the Tigers, players like Tyler Macon and Jase Woita are continuing to shape their places in the batting order.
At the risk of beating a dead horse, it’ it’s the early stretch of the season. The four-game stint showed the early signs of a team that’s beginning to mold itself together— to make its display on the theatre field that is the baseball diamond more fun to watch.
The NHL resumes following the Olympic break, and the Winnipeg Jets head to Rogers Arena for a must-win game against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, February 25.
Winnipeg needs wins in bunches to make a playoff push, and my top Jets vs. Canucks predictions and NHL picks are calling for Winnipeg to continue its recent dominance over Vancouver tonight.
Jets vs Canucks prediction
Jets vs Canucks best bet: Jets moneyline (-125)
The Vancouver Canucks are just 6-17-4 on home ice this season, so I’m happy to lay the vig with a superior Winnipeg Jets lineup.
Both teams are dealing with injuries and Olympic returnees, so while there are questions to be answered on both benches, I also value Winnipeg beating Vancouver in eight of their past 10 matchups.
Of course, the Jets also rank higher in Corsi For percentage and expected goals percentage at five-on-five, in addition to both special teams.
Jets vs Canucks same-game parlay
Vancouver has scored the fourth-fewest goals per game (2.54), and Winnipeg has hit the Under in six of its past nine games. Additionally, the Jets haven’t hit an Over with a 6.5 total since November 29.
Turning to Winnipeg center Mark Scheifele, he recorded two or more shots in 10 of 14 games before the Olympic pause, and he also averaged a hefty 21:49 of ice time centering the top line and jumping the boards with the No. 1 power-play unit.
Vancouver has also allowed the seventh-most shots per game this season.
Jets vs Canucks SGP
Jets moneyline
Under 6.5
Mark Scheifele Over 1.5 shots
Jets vs Canucks odds
Moneyline: Jets -130 | Canucks +110
Puck Line: Jets -1.5 (+185) | Canucks +1.5 (-225)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+105) | Under 6.5 (-125)
Jets vs Canucks trend
The Vancouver Canucks have only won five of their last 25 games at home (-15.35 Units / -57% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Jets vs. Canucks.
How to watch Jets vs Canucks
Location
Rogers Arena, Vancouver, CA
Date
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Puck drop
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
TSN3, SNP
Jets vs Canucks latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 12: Anthony Seigler #48 of the Boston Red Sox reacts as he takes batting practice during a spring training workout at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 12, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who is he and where did he come from?
He’s Anthony Seigler. Have you not had enough infield depth pieces to read this winter? You’re in luck, because we’ve got more.
This particular infield depth piece started 25 games at third base for the playoff-bound Brewers in 2025 after making his MLB debut in July. The 26-year-old lefty from Cartersville, Georgia was a first round draft pick for the Yankees (three picks in front of Triston Casas!) and spent the first five years of his professional career in that organization. The Yankees-Red Sox crossover comps don’t stop there, because he is just the second Navajo player of all-time to make a Major League roster, joining none other than Jacoby Ellsbury.
Is he any good?
Stop me if you’ve heard thus one before: he’s exactly okay. Which is fine! Seigler has not quite found it yet at the plate in his short Major League career, batting just .194 with one extra base hit (a double) in his 62 at-bats. He fared a lot better at Triple-A, slashing .285/.414/.478. This is bolstered by his ability to draw walks, as his percentage as a pro approaches 20 percent. He’s patient, quick, and can pull a ball when he does hit it. Check out his Prospect Savant page for this hot chart (minimum 700 pitches seen.)
Clearly, Seigler has more work to do about getting that ball out of the park, but it’s interesting looking at the small sample size that is his Major League spray chart below (blue represents fly balls) and noticing that the ballpark he played last year in Nashville (a city that, in my opinion, is bound to have a Major League team in the next few decades) has a center field wall that measures about 20 feet further than where he’ll be hitting in 2026 (we’re talking about Worcester, here, not count Fenway’s triangle…)
One more thing about Seigler: he’s played all over the diamond, splitting most of his minor league innings between catcher and second base. And if that’s not enough versatility for you, he was drafted as a two-way player who also pitches, something that is great in, uhhh, emergency situation. But, I wouldn’t put too much stock in it, as he was only called upon to take the mound once in 2025. Plus, if you ask Alex Verdugo, he can throw 98 miles per hour and should pitch, too.
Here’s his first Major League hit. He has a really interesting swing here, as he appears to choke down a little. Which, if you’re hitting well, great! With Seigler, though, you almost wonder if an adjustment is needed.
But believe it or not, Seigler has even cooler highlights than his first Major League hit. That’s because, not only is he a two-way player, he’s a two-way player who throws with both hands:
It’s really tough to tell, and depends how good (and healthy) Durbin, Mayer, or whoever actually ends up playing third base is. It’s curious that the Red Sox dealt two pitchers, albeit some blocked from the rotation, in acquiring Durbin AND two guys that could potentially replace Durbin, who’s also going into just his second season in the show. If you see too much of Seigler outside of some Worcester highlights in 2026, it probably signals something going pretty badly. But you never know: if you see enough of Seigler at Fenway, it could also signify something went very right very quickly in developing him.
