CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 27: A view of an Apple TV microphone during the ninth inning between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on June 27, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
There wasn’t a time when we got to see all of the regular season games on TBS or the Fox family of sports networks. There were always carveouts, but always for another cable channel or an over-the-air network. Basic cable was how we saw TBS, so moving to ESPN or one of the networks just meant you didn’t get Skip Caray. But now it’s Apple and ESPN and Peacock and Netflix. The Braves and MLB make a good deal of money off this. I don’t want to stand in front of the Braves making money. But that’s about 100 bucks a month with Braves.tv to see every game. To see it legally, that is.
So how much would MLB charge me to see all of the games? I mean, could we get a MLB package that lets us navigate the carveouts? Something like a “Braves.tv Plus” or some such. Would they take $50 a year? That would be present deal of 100 dollars for 140 games and Braves+ would be another 50 dollars for the other 22 games. I ask myself every time we have Apple+ game. So now I’m asking you all. Is there someone out there buying all these packages?
The New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays clash this afternoon in AL East action, and I'm expecting a clean first inning for both starters.
That matchup will headline my top MLB picks today for the "no run first inning" and "yes run first inning" markets.
Here are my best YRFI picks and NRFI predictions for Saturday, June 13.
Best NRFI/YRFI predictions today
Pick
Odds
/ - NRFI
-127
/ - NRFI
-117
/ - NRFI
-104
Yankees at Blue Jays: NRFI (-130)
Today's pitching matchup screams value in the NRFI market. Cy Young candidate Cam Schittler takes the ball for the New York Yankees, and he hasn't allowed a run in the first inning in 10 straight appearances. The youngster also owns a 3.14 xERA across the last month, and a 1.90 FIP on the road.
As for the Toronto Blue Jays, they counter with Kevin Gausman. He owns a 10-4 NRFI/YRFI record in 2026, and Gausman has been brilliant at home, posting a 2.63 xFIP while walking just 0.99 hitters per nine innings.
The Yankees have failed to score in the first inning in three straight games, while the Jays have scored in the opening frame just once in their last six games. This offense usually takes time to get going, and Schlittler often comes out sharp.
I'll play this pick up to -140.
Time: 3:07 p.m. ET
Where to watch: YES Network, Sportsnet
Cubs at Giants: NRFI (-119)
Reliever turned starter Ben Brown gets the call tonight for the Chicago Cubs, and he's been lights out. The righty has a 5-1 NRFI/YRFI record, and he's riding a three-game streak without giving up any runs in the first inning. Additionally, Brown owns a stellar 2.43 xERA over his last 12.1 innings.
On the other side, San Francisco Giants starter Trevor McDonald has collected a 5-2 NRFI/YRFI record this season, and while he's had his issues at times lately with a 4.21 FIP over his last two starts, the Cubbies aren't at their best offensively, carrying an ISO well under .200 while averaging just 3.8 runs per game across their last six. Chicago hasn't scored in the first in nine straight, while San Fran hasn't come across the plate in the opening frame in four in a row.
I'll play this pick up to -140.
Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Marquee Sports Network, NBC Sports Bay Area
Diamondbacks at Reds: NRFI (-111)
The Arizona Diamondbacks will send Michael Soroka to the mound here, and he's more or less steered clear of trouble in the first. He carries a 9-4 NRFI/YRFI record to go along with a 3.00 xERA over his previous two appearances. The Cincinnati Reds are batting just .222 in the first, and haven't scored in the opening frame in six consecutive games.
As for the Cincinnati Reds, they counter with Rhett Lowder. While he's not as reliable, Lowder has kept scoreless frames in the first in back-to-back outings, and the Diamondbacks aren't exactly thriving offensively out of the gates. They've failed to score in the first in three straight contests.
I'll play this pick up -130.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Reds.TV, DBacks.TV
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
NRFI/YRFI picks: 17-33, -3.61 units
What is a NRFI prediction?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) picks add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI pick is a prediction that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're predicting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI pick is the exact opposite. You're predicting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI picks add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for those looking for a quick resolution.
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.
JUPITER, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Blaze Jordan #84 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits a double during the fifth inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 19, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Last week, I did my best to quantify how the Cardinals’ minor league pitching talent was developing so far this year. When looking at both team level statistics and individual breakouts, I concluded that 2026 has been a net positive for the pitching pipeline. Today, I want to do the same review for the Cardinals’ minor league hitters following the same structure.
Team Statistics Overview
For the team level statistics, I am focusing on age, K%, BB%, and isolated slugging. The average age is weighted by the number of plate appearances.
There has been an explosion of home runs at the four lowest levels of the minor leagues, so I also looked at leaguewide statistics to normalize the Cardinals performances.
Changes in Prospect Grades
I am highlighting players that, in my opinion, have significantly changed their prospect grade based on their performance this year. My intent was to be very conservative about moving players since we are still relatively early on in the year. For example, Joshua Baez is having an impressive season in the power department but has not answered questions around his contact ability. For me, he is performing as expected for a player that was ranked in the top-50 on many of the national prospect lists. I am also only focused on players that, in my opinion, are roughly top-50 overall prospects in the organization. Tre Richardson III is obliterating the Midwest League and has obviously improved his prospect status, but he is not listed here as I do not believe he has reached “real prospect” territory.
Overall, the goal remains to determine if, as a whole, the hitting prospects in the Cardinals system are over or underperforming reasonable pre-season expectations. Finally, I am including the FanGraphs preseason ranking for each prospect for reference.
Memphis Redbirds
The first section in the table shows the year-over-year changes to the age, K%, BB%, and HR% for the International League as a whole. The second section of the table shows the Cardinals-specific performance in 2025 and 2026. Finally, the Cardinals vs. League section shows the Redbirds performance relative to the league year-over-year. The scores are scaled so that 100 is average and higher is better.
The International League environment is much the same as it was last season. The Redbirds have an excellent offense yet again, but this year it is built on power rather than contact. The 2025 Memphis team had contact wizards like Cesar Prieto, Bryan Torres, Jose Fermin, Nathan Church, and JJ Wetherholt propelling them to a strikeout rate 19% better than league average. With that group mostly in St. Louis, the team has seen a massive power uptick going from below league average in isolated slugging to 12% better than the league average.
Prospects holding steady
Joshua Baez (7), Leonardo Bernal (9), Cesar Prieto (27)
Prospects trending up
Jimmy Crooks (4) will be graduating from the prospect category soon, but he still counts for a few more days. His power explosion in Triple-A has clearly increased his stock. Crooks hit 13 home runs in just 39 games en route to a 151 wRC+ at Memphis. He improved his exit velocity metrics across the board while increasing his Barrel% from 7.9% to an elite 18.2%. Blaze Jordan (26) has improved his Triple-A wRC+ from 83 to 137 and now looks like a real prospect rather than a potential bench bat. Throughout his minor league career, Jordan has struggled upon initial promotion to a new level and then come back the next year to torch the league before earning another promotion and repeating the process. Hopefully he gets a shot at St. Louis in the second half immediately to start to get the adjustment period underway. Bryan Torres (47) was never going to get prospect love as a late-20s independent league alum, but he just keeps hitting. Even if he settles in as a bench player, that will be a huge win for the organization. ZiPS gives him a projected rest-of-season wRC+ of 112, so there is reason to believe the bat can continue to play.
Prospects trending down
Colton Ledbetter (46), acquired in the Brendan Donovan trade as a toolsy lottery ticket, has not been able to make consistent contact. The only player to strike out as much as Ledbetter in Triple-A since 2006 (37%) and go on to have a meaningful major league career was Joey Gallo.
Springfield Cardinals
Outside of Rainiel Rodriguez, the Springfield roster is lacking any prospect firepower on the offensive side. While the Cardinals are running good strikeout and walk numbers, the isolated slugging is 14% below league average.
Prospects holding steady
Rainiel Rodriguez (3), Chase Davis (50)
Prospects trending up
With the amount of focus on the Cardinals’ minor league system, it is tough to find an under the radar prospect these days. Ryan Campos (NR) might be the guy. He hasn’t gotten much love from the prospect-watching community. He is listed at 5’8″, has not hit for power, and has struggled to throw out runners. I think the general lack of loud tools has obscured the fact that Campos can really hit. For reference, here is how Campos’s Double-A stat line stacks up with two former lefty-swinging Springfield Cardinals.
Prospects trending down
Deniel Ortiz (NR) was injured in the first game of the year and is now back on a rehab assignment.
Peoria Chiefs
Peoria has had an offensive explosion more than doubling the team ISO year-over-year. The group of hitters is also half a year younger on average. Sure walks are down and strikeouts are up, but just look at that power!
Prospects holding steady
Jesus Baez (20)
Prospects trending up
Tai Peete (14) has battled injuries but has done enough when on the field to materially improve his stock. His wRC+ has increased from 79 to 117. While he is still striking out more than 30% of the time, he has gotten to a new level in the power department. While there is not publicly available statcast data for the Midwest League, Baseball America has highlighted Peete as one of the players to most improve their exit velocity metrics. This improved contact quality has helped Peete increase his isolated slugging from .187 to .256. Jack Gurevitch (48) had absurd exit velocity numbers in Palm Beach before being promoted to Peoria. His 50th, 90th, and max exit velocities were all the 99th percentile. Gurevitch has continued to mash at Peoria while also reducing his strikeout rate from 30.5% to 24.1%. He probably needs to get promoted to Double-A and continue mashing to start getting national attention, but the results and the metrics have been exceptional. Won-Bin Cho (49) is finally hitting for the power (.241 ISO) that made him famous as an amateur. However, he is in his third crack at High-A, so he will have to continue this success in Springfield to entice me to join the bandwagon.
Prospects trending down
None
Palm Beach Cardinals
Ryan Mitchell is the only top-50 position player prospect currently on the active roster. While the 2026 roster is a bit older than last year’s version, the walk, strikeout, and ISO metrics are all improved relative to the league.
Prospects holding steady
Ryan Mitchell (13)
Prospects trending up
None
Prospects trending down
Yairo Padilla (8) hurt his shoulder in spring training and has yet to see the field.
Florida Complex League
Prospects holding steady
Juan Rujano (29)
Prospects trending up
Sebastian Dos Santos (52) and Miguel Hernandez (NR) probably had the most buzz in spring training this year among the group of players coming up from the Dominican Summer League. While both had excellent pro debuts last year, it is hard to get too excited scouting DSL stat lines. Dos Santos is not quite at the Rainiel Rodriguez level from last year, but his 150 wRC+ and six home runs through 26 games are excellent for a middle infielder. Hernandez had a bad first couple weeks, but has been excellent the last month and has wRC+ of 100 with five home runs through 25 games. Both players are setting themselves up for a potential debut in Low-A later this season, which would start to put them on the prospect radar in earnest.
Prospects trending down
None
Conclusion
All things considered, it has been a pretty solid start to the year for the position player prospects in the system. The excellent showings from Crooks, Jordan, and Torres are already having an impact at the major league level. Campos looks like a future major leaguer in some capacity. The Gurevitch, Peete, Cho power explosion in Peoria has been encouraging. Dos Santos and Hernandez could lead the next wave of international talent. The only real disappointments so far have been the injuries to Padilla and Ortiz.
Looking at team statistics in the aggregate, the increase in power is substantial. The combined isolated slugging has risen from .124 last year to .171 so far this season. Every team except for Palm Beach is younger than the league average. While strikeouts are up a bit, the system as a whole is still above average on that front as well.
The Cardinals system has not had the Rainiel Rodriguez or Joshua Baez level breakout from any player yet. Right now, I would give the position player group a passing grade, but there is a lot of baseball to be played. How will Ortiz and Padilla (assuming he is back at some point) finish the year? Can Dos Santos or Hernandez earn a shot at Palm Beach? Will Emanuel Luna or another player from the DSL make a statement in their debut season? If some of these higher-upside players can make strides in the second half, we will be feeling much better about the position player depth heading into the offseason.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Assistant Coach Vince Legarza of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Taylor Jenkins has made another round of hires as Milwaukee’s head man—per reporting from Hoops Hype’s Mike Scotto—bringing in Vince Legarza & Brad Jones as assistant coaches. Legarza’s name may ring a bell for Bucks fans, as he was hired as an assistant under Mike Budenholzer in his final season in Milwaukee; he then followed coach Bud to Phoenix the following year. But the connections don’t stop there, with Legarza and Jenkins having worked under Budenholzer in Atlanta. The NBA: a very small world.
As far as Brad Jones is concerned, he was an assistant for Jenkins with the Grizzlies, having been with the organisation (in some capacity) since 2018. Jones has had quite the journey to get to this point. Way back in 2010, he was named head coach of the Austin Toros (San Antonio’s D-League affiliate), leading them to the title in 2012. In 2013, he got a shot with the Utah Jazz as an assistant coach, which was then followed by his appointment as the GM of the Iowa Wolves (Minnesota’s D-League affiliate) as well as a scout for the big team. Then, as I mentioned, he wound up with the Grizzlies, and here we are.
As Zac wrote about previously, Darvin Ham, and Patrick St. Andrews—both of whom have already had extensive coaching experience in the Cream City—are back under Jenkins, while Joe Boylan arrives for his first stint. The coaching bench seems to be rounding out quite nicely!
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 10: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Four of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 10, 2026 at Madison in New York, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s been five years since Mikal Bridges walked off the court in disappointment after the Phoenix Suns lost Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Now, Bridges finds himself one win away from finishing the job with the New York Knicks, as they are up 3-1 against the San Antonio Spurs with three chances to clinch.
It’s been a long journey for Bridges, who is about to wrap up his eighth season in the NBA. Just two seasons after helping the Suns reach the Finals, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a package for Kevin Durant, moving him to NYC.
That’s where Bridges’ career really began to take off as he averaged 21.2 points per game in 109 games across two seasons with the Nets. His value grew exponentially, so when the Nets found themselves in need of a reset, they traded him to the Knicks for five future first-round picks.
Since the trade, many have criticized the deal, saying the Knicks gave up too much for someone who likely won’t see an All-Star game in his career. He ranks fourth on the Knicks in scoring behind Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, but he brings more value to the team than scoring.
Bridges’ defense, consistency and toughness are why the Knicks traded their entire future. They had a championship in mind when they made the trade, and the prophecy can be fulfilled if they can win one more.
With 1,054 regular-season games and 177 postseason contests, it takes a lot to leave Dwyane Wade feeling “shocked.”
And that’s exactly what the Knicks did Wednesday in Game 4 when they set an NBA Finals record by rallying from a 29-point deficit to stun the Spurs and grab a 3-1 series lead.
“I was just stunned and shocked like — amazed,” the Basketball Hall of Famer told Page Six in an exclusive interview Friday at the Tribeca Festival in New York City. “I know, I’ve been in the Finals a few times, I understand the even-keeled-ness that you need to have, I understand the ebb and flow of games, but down 29, to come back versus a team that seemed to be in control, the way they did with the city, you can feel the energy in the building from your TV, it was incredible. You feel good for the state, you feel good for the city. New York is coming back to life and the Knicks are a big part of it.”
(L-R) Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade attend the “Born Melo” Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at SVA Theater on June 12, 2026 in New York City. Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
Wade, 44, won three championships in his career — all with Miami — and understands the grind it takes to win a championship.
This Knicks team somewhat mirrors his 2006 Miami team that most counted out against the Mavericks before the rallied from a 2-0 series hole to win their first championship.
Wade earned MVP honors in that series for his brilliance.
These Knicks did the reverse of that Heat team by winning the first two games of this series, both on the road, putting the Spurs in a spot no team had recovered from in Finals history.
Wade wouldn’t make a prediction on whether the Knicks will win their first championship in 53 years now that they stand just one win away, but he noticed the effect the team is having on New York City.
“I don’t know,” he told Page Six of the Knicks’ chances to win the title. “I’m just a fan watching. I just want to see great basketball. Whoever wins deserves it, both these teams obviously deserve to win. The Knicks, we here in the city, the city is buzzing, it’s hot, not just because of the heat but because of what the Knicks are doing, they got to get that fourth one. If they go get it, the deserve it and they earned it.”
The Knicks celebrate after taking the lead Wednesday. Getty Images
Wade made his appearance Friday on the red carpet at the Tribeca Festival to support his friend and Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony, whose “Born Melo” documentary debuted.
The two became friends 23 years ago during the Final Four when Anthony led Syracuse to its only national title, while Wade’s Marquette team lost in the national semifinals.
Anthony claimed he helped the Knicks win Game 4 by mentioning how the offensive rebound would be there on the final possession before OG Anunoby tipped in the game-winning shot.
“It’s sweet,” Wade said of the friendship. “We connected then (during the Final Four) and he’s been my brother ever since. To be able go through the journey of life with someone and to always be there for each other away from the game of basketball and show up for each other, that’s all you can ask for.
“I’m excited to be here to support him and his family.”
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is finally starting to find his power stroke. He's slugged three home runs in his last six games, carrying an impressive .417 ISO and 58.8% hard hit rate during that span.
Ohtani will face Chicago White Sox starter Sean Burke this afternoon, and the matchup plays in his favor. Burke has allowed 1.89 HR/9 across his last two appearances, and 45.5% of his contact in those outings was in the air. 20% left the yard.
Nearly 40% of Ohtani's contact is in the air on the road this season. He consistently gets the ball in the air, and Burke's recent tendency to allow fly balls and home runs creates an appealing matchup.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CHSN, SportsNet LA
Home run pick: Alec Burleson (+690)
Alec Burleson is one of the hottest hitters in baseball right now. He's gone deep in three consecutive games, and he has an astounding 52.2% hard hit rate and 26.1% barrel rate over his last six games. Additionally, Burleson also has a .560 ISO.
Minnesota Twins starter Connor Prielipp has thrown the ball relatively well lately, but what stands out to me is that he's allowed over 50% of his contact against left-handed batters in the air. That is dangerous against a hitter like Burleson, who possesses a 40% HR/FB rate during this hot streak.
I'll play this pick up to +500.
Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Cardinals.TV, Twins.TV
Home run pick: Matt McLain (+610)
Matt McLain has found his power stroke lately. He has a .556 ISO over his last five games to go along with three home runs. The Cincinnati Reds stud is consistently squaring up the baseball, carrying a 50% hard hit rate and 33.3% barrel rate.
The matchup here is an appealing one as well. The Arizona Diamondbacks send Michael Soroka to the hill, who has allowed 1.38 HR/9 across his previous two starts. Soroka has also given up nearly 50% of his contact during that span in the air, and McLain has an average 21.5-degree launch angle over his last 22 plate appearances. That's compared to a season launch angle of just 12.4.
Soroka is a fly-ball pitcher lately, and McLain is consistently getting lift when he makes contact.
I'll play this pick up to +450.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: DBacks.TV, Reds.TV
Today’s HR parlay
Shohei Ohtani
Bet Now +22223
Alec Burleson
Matt McLain
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 9-63, -18.56 units
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.
Jalen Brunson and the Knicks will have a chance to close out the series on the road, having already won the first two games in the Frost Bank Center. The Spurs and the Knicks split the two games held in New York, giving the Knicks a 3-1 lead.
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs will have to crawl back into the series after the team gave up a 29-point lead and lost Game 4 on Wednesday, June 10.
The Knicks are searching for their first NBA championship since winning its only two in 1970 and 1973, but have already provided their fan base with a lot to be excited about after reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
Here’s what NBA experts think will happen in Game 5 of the series:
Knicks vs. Spurs Game 5 predictions
USA TODAY staff: Spurs will stand strong at home
The USA TODAY Sports staff is in agreement that the Spurs will force a Game 6 on Tuesday in Madison Square Garden. Here are the picks:
The website predicts the final score for Game 5 on Saturday has the Spurs winning 112-106. This prediction is based on each team's average outcome following 10,000 game simulations.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski never seems to get the respect he deserves. Even after he was awarded the 2026 Norris Trophy, there were some media and fans who refused to give him his flowers.
On Friday, he was also named to the NHL's first team. Pretty good year for Werenski, yeah? Sadly, it wasn't enough for some voters. What were they watching? Or were they watching at all?
Also on Friday, the Professional Hockey Writers' Association President Stephen Whyno released the full ballots for all awards in what he called "the interest of transparency."
You can open Whyno's tweet below and open the document if you'd like.
For a ninth consecutive year, in the interest of transparency, @thePHWA is revealing all voters' NHL awards ballots. You can find them all here: https://t.co/BSg20ATCCi
Are you ready for some weird notes about the Norris voting?
Out of 198 ballots cast for the Norris Trophy, winner Zach Werenski was completely left off four voters' ballots.
Former NHL Goalie Jonathan Bernier, who is with Le Journal de Montréal, cast votes for Rasmus Dahlin, Moritz Seider, Miro Heiskanen, Cale Makar, and Lane Hutson in that order.
One SportsNet writer had Rasmus Dahlin, Cale Makar, Evan Bouchard, Jake Sanderson, and Moritz Seider on its ballot.
A Minneapolis newspaper had Cale Makar, Rasmus Dahlin, Evan Bouchard, Lane Hutson, and Quinn Hughes.
A Utah publication had Cale Makar, Miro Heiskanen, Rasmus Dahlin, Erik Karlsson, and Moritz Seider.
To be fair, it's their decision, but to completely leave off Werenski, who was widely considered the best overall NHL defenseman by hockey experts all over the globe, seems a bit weird.
Of the four ballots who omitted Werenski, only one of them voted for players who all made the playoffs.
Three of the ballots had the Red Wings' Moritz Seider, who also missed the playoffs, so it can't be that. So what was it?
In the end, the four votes didn't matter, as Werenski won it going away, but it would be interesting to hear the whys behind not even giving him a 5th-place vote.
Next Up For Columbus: The NHL Draft is on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, where the CBJ will own pick #14.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 02: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium on June 02, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across Major League Baseball. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Yankees fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Just a little over a week ago, the Yankees were dealt with a pretty sizeable blow, both literally and figuratively, with the loss of Aaron Judge for four to six weeks. While he hasn’t been hitting like the Judge that we’ve come to know, the fact that he’s been dealing with a stress fracture in his rib probably played a pretty big part in that.
Despite losing their captain, the Yankees have hardly fallen off a cliff in the days since putting Judge on the injured list, including a recent sweep of a solid Cleveland Guardians team. With that in mind, we wanted to know if Yankees fans thought the team could still take home the AL East crown despite Judge’s injury. Here are the results:
Pretty overwhelmingly, fans still think they can. Ahead of Friday night’s game against the Blue Jays, the Yankees were tied with the Rays atop the division, and they had one more win on the books already. We as fans always tend to think and want the best thing will happen, so it’s not a shock that on the whole, we expect that they’ll be able to at least keep pace with Tampa Bay, and then turn it on when the likes of Judge and Max Fried return.
Of course, the Yankees have goals that go beyond just winning the division. We all would generally like to see them return to the World Series and hopefully win it. With that in mind, we also asked who the biggest threat in the American League is. The results were:
The American League is a bit of a weak crop at the moment, which probably helps as to why so many think the Yankees will be able to get past the Judge injury. Not surprisingly, fans tend to think that the Rays, who co-held the best record in the AL going into Friday with the Yankees, will be the toughest out. Ahead of Friday’s games, after the Yankees and Rays, the next best record belonged to the Chicago White Sox at 36-31. Considering how bad the ChiSox were just a couple years ago, it’s understandable to be skeptical of them. Including them, pretty much every other team in the AL is hovering around or is below .500.
[Note: Below results are from an MLB-wide survey, not just for Yankees fans.]
We, and other MLB blogs around SB Nation, also asked who the best hitter is baseball was at the moment, and Astros’ slugger Yordan Alvarez came out with that crown. Houston as a team is struggling this season, but Alvarez went into Friday with a 1.066 OPS and led the league in several statistical categories. Of note for us is that Ben Rice is getting plenty of love too. Rice showed promising signs last year, but he’s exploded into life in 2026, with a 1.055 OPS and 18 home runs through Thursday.
Jun 12, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela (3) dives under Texas Rangers shortstop Ezequiel Duran (20) as he steals second base during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Red Sox 10, Rangers 1
That was a trash game.
Just trash.
As a Rangers fan, it felt good for a half inning, when the Rangers hit three singles in the first to score a run and give the team a 1-0 lead.
After that, everything was ass.
Those three first inning singles? Half of the Rangers’ hit total for the day.
Jack Leiter wasn’t good, something that is recurring with an alarming frequency this year.
A pair of runs allowed in the first, highlighted by a Willson Contreras homer.
Then four more in the fifth — Leiter’s last inning — when the first four batters of the inning went double-double-double-sing.
This is the second straight start where Leiter has allowed at least five runs, and the fourth time in his last five starts where he has allowed at least four runs. Leiter has allowed four runs or more in eight of the fourteen stars he has made this year.
After a solid 2025 season, the expectation was that Leiter would take a step forward in 2026. Instead, he appears to have taken a step backwards.
Leiter has now allowed 19 runs in 12.1 IP in the fifth inning of games this year. That seems less than ideal.
Cal Quantrill and Luis Curvelo, apparently not wanting Leiter to feel bad, chipped in, with Quantrill allowing one run and Curvelo three.
Luis Curvelo is now sporting a 7.56 ERA and 7.91 FIP on the season.
Oh, and Evan Carter left the game with an oblique issue after making a diving catch.
Trash game. Bleah.
Jack Leiter hit 98.4 mph with his fastball, averaging 96.9 mph. Cal Quantrill hit 95.5 mph with his sinker. Luis Curvelo topped out at 97.0 mph with his fastball.
Josh Jung had a 105.7 mph single. Wyatt Langford had a 101.7 mph fly out.
We are moving on to the next game and forgetting this one happened.
Knicks fans will be able to get $10 tickets for the watch party at Radio City Music Hall, can procure free tickets for the party in Plaza33 outside the Mecca, or skate over to Wollman Rink in Central Park for another free, but ticketed, event.
Knicks fans celebrate during a watch party inside Central Park during Game 4 of the NBA Finals on June 10, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Heather Khalifa
Fans can reserve their tickets for any of the three events starting at 10 a.m. EST, according to MSG.
Fans have until 10 a.m. EST on Saturday to reserve their tickets for any of the three events.
Knicks alumni are expected to at the events.
The Plaza33 watch party permit Saturday has a maximum of 3,000 attendees and will take place inside an NYPD “frozen zone.”
Only ticketed fans will be permitted entry and will have to go through security checkpoints no later than 8:30 p.m., according to MSG.
The 3,000 permitted fans is about two thousand more fans than were approved for the ultimately scrapped Game 4 watch party, which was canceled by MSG after the city granted just 1,000 spots for the popular events.
Knicks owner James Dolan blamed Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch for failing to accommodate the masses in an interview on sports radio WFAN on Wednesday.
“They have never managed anything like this before and it’s like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches coming out the sides,” he said.
Knicks fans can get $10 tickets for the watch party at Radio City Music Hall as the team looks to clinch the NBA championship in San Antonio. Getty ImagesFans attend a Knicks watch party at SOB’s in the West Village during Game 4 of the NBA Finals. William C Lopez/NY Post
Dolan further claimed that Mayor Mamdani was “not a Knicks fan.”
MSG has complained that the limited capacity of the watch parties ices out ten of thousands of fans from celebrating the possible championship.
Previous watch parties did not require tickets or security screenings.
The first Finals watch party to be canceled was the celebration for Game 3, which was called off due to security concerns surrounding the attendance of President Donald Trump.
Some watch parties across the city have turned violent.
A 17-year-old boy was beaten into a coma by a deranged San Antonio fan shouting “Spurs in 7” at W 35th and 8th Avenue after the historic Game 4 comeback victory at MSG on Wednesday.
The oldest living New York Knick is keeping his cool during the team’s historic — and heart-stopping –championship run.
Hall of Famer Richie Guerin told The Post this week he doesn’t get butterflies seeing his former team on the brink of their first championship title since 1973.
“Not really. Because, you know, I’ve been there too many times before — to watch a team win a game by effort and lose a game by the other team’s effort,” said the 94-year-old Guerin, who played for the Knicks from 1956 to 1963.
Hall of Famer Richie Guerin, now 94, played for the Knicks from 1956 to 1963. NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks legend, who made history as the first guard to score 2,000 points in an NBA season, had the foresight to predict the team would clinch Game 4.
“I think there’ll be a very good chance that the Knicks will win this game tonight and then go to San Antonio with a 3 to 1 lead and hopefully come away with a win,” Guerin said on Wednesday morning, before the Knicks later stunned the San Antonio Spurs with a history-making comeback after being down 29 points in the third quarter.
Guerin spent seven seasons playing for the Knicks, until he was traded to the St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks, where he played seven more years and also coached.
He had an impressive career average of 20 points per game, 11 games of 40 or more points, and several with 50 points. His career high of 57 points stood for more than 50 years until Bernard King broke it with 60 in 1984.
The Bronx native, who played for Iona College and served as an officer in the Marine Corps, was at Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Monday with his daughter as a guest of the organization, which announced him on the jumbotron.
“It worked out very nice to have an enjoyable evening. Everything nice, but winning the game,” the six-time NBA All-Star said.
The Bronx native, who played for Iona College, was at Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. AP
“Monday, it just happened that the other team did a little bit better down the stretch and was able to come away with the win, just like the Knicks were in the game in San Antonio … But sports is a funny thing and teams play differently from game to game.”
The father of four said the league was different in his day — and players had to make ends meet by getting other gigs in the off-season.
“We had to go out and get a job. We had a family. The players today in all sports, it’s a 12-month sport. They take a slight break and they come back,” he explained.
“I worked with a friend of mine who owned a plumbing business. And then I worked at the racetrack up in Yonkers.”
And because current ballplayers are playing more, they’re stronger on the court.
“Today’s athlete is a lot better and physically stronger than the athletes of the era that I played in, in any sport. They play a lot more games than we did in the off-season,” he said.
Guerin, left, said that in his day, NBA players had to get other jobs in the off-season. AP
He also called the Spurs’ 7′ 4″ powerhouse and now-New York archenemy Victor Wembanyama “a very strong, talented player,” but explained that in his era, a man from France would never play in the NBA.
“That’s the other part of the game today, where people are coming into the league from Europe,” he said.
The grandfather of eight said none of his grandkids play basketball — but he still gifted them with precious memorabilia from his storied career.
“I give things to my grandchildren or a friend, and I’m very happy and satisfied to do that,” he said.
“There’s a lot of people who sell it. And I’m not one of those types of people.”
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 28: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at the TD Garden on October 28, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Nothing has happened on the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade front yet, but there are strong rumors that Boston may win the sweepstakes.
There are various reports of how the trade would be structured, with some saying it would be a three-way deal between Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta.
Other reports say Brad Stevens is trying to swing a deal that would get Giannis and possibly former Virginia star Trey Murphy.
This would mean splitting up former Duke star Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. They’ve been very successful, having won a championship in 2024, but in a trade that big, Boston would have to give one of them up, and it looks like they’re choosing to keep Tatum.
There are a lot of moving parts here, but several reports suggest it’s nearly a done deal, possibly with Milwaukee getting Brown and sending him on for some significant bundle of assets from another team.
If this happens – and obviously it hasn’t yet – Tatum will have an incredibly talented frontcourt teammate. As of now, they don’t really have a center, even though Giannis could cover some of that up.
However, a frontcourt of Tatum, Antetokounmpo, and Murphy would cause all kinds of problems for the rest of the league.
As noted, nothing is certain yet, but at least one observer said that Boston and Milwaukee have a handshake deal.
If it goes through, it’s going to shake up the NBA in a way that few trades ever do.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby has made extraordinary progress in NBA Finals MVP odds, pushing into second place behind his teammate, Jalen Brunson.
The latest NBA Finals MVP odds from DraftKings Sportsbook have Anunoby second at +210 to Brunson’s -115.
Key Takeaways
Anunoby was around +5,000 earlier in the series.
Current odds suggest he has a 32.3% chance of winning the award.
Victor Wembanyama claimed that “everyone knows” the Spurs will come back to win the series.
Brunson opened the series second in Finals MVP odds behind San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama. Brunson quickly climbed into the lead after the Knicks took a 2-0 series lead and remains on top of the board with his team up 3-1.
Anunoby, formerly an afterthought in the conversation, has closed from around +5,000 to his current line of +210. Using the implied probability of his odds, Anunoby has a 32.3% chance of winning the award, while Brunson still has a 53.5% chance.
The 28-year-old Anunoby put up 33 points in Game 4, which ended in a Finals-record 29-point comeback for the Knicks. He also blocked De’Aaron Fox’s shot with less than 15 seconds remaining, and then scored the game-winning bucket by tipping in a missed three from Brunson.
“He's been clutch. He's the guy that's actually brought [the Knicks] back from being down,” DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello said. “I think he's got a big shot to win MVP. I really do. We had him at 4-to-1 after the game the other night. Now he's down to +210, so they're loving him right now to win the MVP.”
Anunoby’s raw stats (23.8 points, four rebounds) aren’t as impressive as Brunson’s (29.5 points, five assists, 4.5 rebounds). However, he’s played excellent defense, produced clutch moments, and shot the ball incredibly efficiently, making 58% of his field goals and 55.6% of his three-pointers.
Finals MVP odds contenders
Wembanyama follows Brunson and Anunoby in NBA Finals MVP odds at +390.
On Friday, he boldly declared that “everyone knows” the Spurs are going to win the Finals. That would require them to become the second team to recover from a 3-1 deficit in the championship round, with the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers being the only team to have accomplished that feat.
Wemby on if the Spurs believe they can come back and win the Finals:
Bringing the Spurs back would almost assuredly guarantee that Wembanyama would win Finals MVP. Nobody on his team is shorter than +25,000 in odds, that player being Stephon Castle.
Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns sits between Wembanyama and Castle in odds at +4,000. He looked like the best player on his team in Games 1 and 2, although he was a relative no-show in Games 3 and 4.
Game 5 betting odds
DraftKings reported that Game 4 of the Finals was the sportsbook’s most-bet game in its history. Game 5 will see the series return to San Antonio, where the Knicks won the first two games of the series as underdogs.
Despite those results, and the Spurs trailing in the series 3-1, DraftKings has the home team as a 5.5-point favorite. That line rests between where it did in Games 1 and 2, for which they were 4.5- and 6.5-point favorites.
At DraftKings, 73% of bets and 68% of the handle in the spread market are backing the Knicks. Meanwhile, 59% of tickets and 82% of the money is also on the Knicks in the moneyline market, currently priced at -192 for the Spurs and +160 for the Knicks.
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Shohei Ohtani
Alec Burleson
