2026 White Sox MLB trade deadline tracker

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 16: New York Mets pitcher Huascar Brazoban #43 is shown during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets on July 16th, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA.

Hello, and welcome to the 2026 White Sox MLB trade deadline tracker!

Below, you’ll find every trade and acquisition the White Sox made over the past two weeks, anticipating the near-freeze of transactions after August 3. Where applicable, there are links to our trade deadline stories, which pack more detail.

A reminder, the trade deadline is 5 p.m. CT on August 3.


August 3
Acquire CF Brenton Doyle from the Colorado Rockies for Triple-A RHSP Mason Adams and DSL INF Carlos Vielma
So, now we have a bad trade, for a defensive replacement CF who may even have lost his defensive edge for a likely MLB starter in Adams (SSS preseason No. 10 prospect, holding a 4.25 ERA with the Knights as he battles back from TJS) and definition of a lottery ticket with DSL masher Vielma. Doyle was outstanding in 2024 but has seen his road to stardom severely sidelined since, including a demotion back to Triple-A in May.

Acquire RHRP Huascar Brazobán from the New York Mets for RHSP Gabe Davis and RHRP Zach Franklin
An absolute masterstroke of a minor deal that could pay huge dividends, beyond 2026. Brazobán is young by MLB standards but ancient (36 years old) for a pitcher who is controllable for the rest of this decade. He’s a little wild but allows hits like Jerry Reinsdorf hands out nine-figure contracts. At worst, he’s an upgrade of the departed Seranthony Domínguez, at 10% of the price. Franklin will see some time with the Mets, probably immediately, as he’s been a pro long enough to be Rule 5 draft-eligible next winter, while Davis projects long-term as a relief arm.

August 2
David James put together hisbiggest White Sox needs ahead of Monday’s trade deadline.

August 1
Acquire RHSP Luis Castillo from the Seattle Mariners for RHRP Seranthony Domínguez, Triple-A OF Nolan Jones and Double-A C Boston Smith
The first major move of GM Chris Getz’s 2026 deadline was a bit of a yawner. No doubt, snagging Castillo helps fill the most pressing need for the White Sox, starting pitching. But the 2026 version of Castillo has been horrific, worse even than an arm in Domínguez the entire fan base seemed so desperate to drop. Plus, Castillo’s 2026-27 salary will hamstring the White Sox going forward if the club continues to operate with the budget of a Triple-A team. If Castillo flounders and best-in-system catching prospect Smith continues to mash, this swap could be disastrous.

July 28
Sign free agent C Eric Haase to a minor-league contract, send him to Triple-A Charlotte
Haase hasn’t been a true MLB contributor since 2022, and as such is mere catching depth in case of catastrophe. That said, his -0.3 WAR in 29 games with the Giants this season is right in line with the production of current White Sox catchers Drew Romo (-0.6 WAR) and Edgar Quero (-0.9 WAR).

July 26
Acquire RHSP José Urquidy from the Pittsburgh Pirates for RHRP Felix Doroteo
A somewhat bizarre deal, as Urquidy provides deep emergency rotation depth (the White Sox immediately sent him to Triple-A Charlotte), but nothing that will assist in winning the AL Central. The return for Urquidy is the only thing more puzzling than the acquisition itself: 21-year-old Arizona Complex League reliever Doroteo, who was part of Chicago’s international signing class in 2025 but missed the entire year with injury.

We also published the results of our deadline-centered Reacts poll, which saw Noah Schultz as the rostered rookie the fan base would most be willing to part with in a deal to improve the team for the stretch run.

July 17
Hannah Filippo took a look at three possible starting pitcher rentals the White Sox could pursue at the deadline: Michael Wacha, Foster Griffin and Logan Webb


A memorable Max Muncy home run at Dodger Stadium

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers Max Muncy (13) victorious with talc powder after hitting game winning walk off home run after game vs Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles, CA 8/21/2019 CREDIT: Kohjiro Kinno (Photo by Kohjiro Kinno /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X162837 TK1 ) | Sports Illustrated/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES — Max Muncy homered once during the Dodgers’ homestand last week, and his home run last Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners tied Eric Karros for most regular season home runs in Dodger Stadium history.

Muncy and Karros each hit 130 regular season homers at Chavez Ravine, but if you factor in postseason home runs too, Muncy has the edge, 137-132.

So I asked Muncy over the weekend of all his home runs at Dodger Stadium — excluding his 18th-inning home run in Game 3 of the 2018 World Series to end the longest postseason game of all-time — was his favorite.

Muncy thought about this for a moment. First he remembered his walk-off home run on April 10 against the Texas Rangers, when he joined Don Demeter in 1959 as the only Dodger to cap off a three-homer game with a walk-off shot.

“One it’s a walk-off, two it’s the third home run of the night,” Muncy reasoned.

But after a few more moments cycling through his memories of nine seasons hitting home runs in Los Angeles, Muncy suddenly remembered another important dinger.

On August 21, 2019, Muncy hit a walk-off home run to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 2-1 in the 10th inning at Dodger Stadium. “Max Muncy saves the Dodgers tonight,” said Joe Davis on his home run call.

This home run was hit off Toronto southpaw Tim Mayza. Of the 137 home runs Muncy has hit at Dodger Stadium, 102 have been against right-handers and 35 against left-handers.

Winning the game was nice, but off-field events were what made it special for Muncy, who was four days shy of his 29th birthday at the time.

“That one might actually be my favorite, because of the circumstances outside the field surrounding it. It was on or around my birthday,” Muncy explained. “My wife flew home to pick up the puppy we just bought. I hadn’t met the puppy yet. She came to the stadium, and that was going to be the first night that I met him.”

That puppy is Jax, a french bulldog who was 14 weeks old at the time.

The Muncys still have Jax, now along with their three kids. But thinking back to that Wednesday night seven years ago and the ensuing few days made for a special memory.

‘We went into extra innings,“ Muncy said of his 2019 home run, ”and the circumstances surrounding it might be the most memorable.“

Rangers trade Josh Smith to Toronto

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 25: Josh Smith #8 of the Texas Rangers bats during the game against the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field on July 25, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Texas Rangers are trading infielder Josh Smith and pitcher Josh Stephan to the Toronto Blue Jays for lefthanded reliever Adam Macko, per multiple reports.

Macko, 25, was a 7th round pick of the Mariners in 2019, and was sent to the Jays after the 2022 season, along with Erik Swanson, in the Teoscar Hernandez deal. Macko has split the season between AAA and the majors, putting up a 4.07 ERA in AAA and a 4.91 ERA in the majors. He relies primarily on a fastball and a slider, with the occasional changeup and knuckle curve. He has average velocity but struggles with his control and command. He will have six years of team control remaining after this season.

This is a sad ending to Josh Smith’s time in Texas. Acquired as part of the Joey Gallo deal in 2021, Smith spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons as a regularly-used bench guy who didn’t hit much, then broke out with two very good seasons in 2024 and 2025, when he slashed .254/.336/.380 with a 6.4 bWAR in 293 games, though he faded badly in the final two months of those seasons.

Smith started the 2026 season as the replacement for Marcus Semien at second base, but ineffectiveness, a strained glute, and then a case of viral meningitis while he was on the i.l. with a strained glute resulted in his losing his job to either Ezequiel Duran or Nicky Lopez, depending on who else was on the i.l. Smith will have two years of arbitration eligibility remaining after this season, and is making just $3.23 million this year. This deal saves the Rangers about $1 million in the remaining obligation to him for 2026, and let’s them avoid having to make a decision as to whether to non-tender him if he doesn’t turn things around over the final two months.

Stephan, 24, is a Texas native who the Rangers signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020. A pitchability guy, was very good in the lower levels but struggled in AA and AAA, as is often the case with pitchability guys. He was slated to be a minor league free agent after the season and the Rangers almost certainly weren’t adding him to the 40 man roster.

UPDATE — Just read this on Baseball America’s write-up on Macko:

Macko grew up in Slovakia and learned to pitch by watching YouTube videos. 

So that’s something…

UPDATEII — The trade is official: Josh Smith and Josh Stephan to the Jays for Adam Macko.

UPDATE III — Macko has been optioned to AAA Round Rock.

Breaking down the Mets’ return for Brooks Raley

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Emmanuel Rodriguez #20 of the Minnesota Twins catches a fly ball off the bat of John Spikerman of the Philadelphia Phillies' prospects during the second inning of a Spring Breakout game at the Lee Health Sports Complex on March 19, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

The third of their pure rental pieces to go, Brooks Raley landed with the Phillies on deadline day. Once again, the Mets received a portfolio return, acquiring two minor league arms from their division rivals.

John Spikerman was the Phillies’ 3rd round pick in 2024 out of Oklahoma (NOT the same school as Carson Benge / Nolan Mclean / new Met Gabe Davis). The profile is pretty easy to understand here; potentially elite CF defense with the added bonus of passable up-the-middle infield ability; a bit of speed on the basepaths; decent feel for contact enhanced (or inflated) by a passive approach; and literally zero power. That final flaw is what kills the profile here and makes him more an organizational depth piece than an exciting prospect. The plus side is that there is an outlier skill (the defense) that makes him a potential contributor as a 5th or 6th outfielder type.

The more interesting and valuable part of the return is Luke Gabrysh, a 23-year-old right hander. While the surface-level ERA in High-A this season is ugly, but he’s already demonstrating the ability to generate a ton of in-zone whiffs with a 5-pitch mix – two fastballs, two breakers, and a change. Grabbing an arm with these sort of traits is what you want to be doing at the deadline when dealing rentals; if you’re getting someone with shiny surface stats, they’re likely underwhelming on true talent.

That said, this feels a touch light for Raley, who has been quite good since returning from his Tommy John recovery. Even with peripherals that don’t support a sub-2 ERA, Raley is likely to be the best lefty reliever moved this deadline. Getting a slightly better second piece than Spikerman, or a slightly better arm than Gabrysh would’ve made this look a bit better. Perhaps that changes once we evaluate the deadline as a whole.

We’ll have full grades for every deadline deal the Mets make once all the moves for the deadline have been made. Check back in for those next week.

Lakers face new Jonathan Kuminga threat from West contenders

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring , Image 2 shows The Lakers remain favorites for Jonathan Kuminga, but a potential one-year Timberwolves deal could complicate their pursuit of the free-agent forward
Luka Doncic; Jonathan Kuminga

The Los Angeles Lakers may be considered the favorites to land Jonathan Kuminga, but a new threat has emerged in the prolonged pursuit of the free-agent forward.

NBA insider Evan Sidery reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves should be viewed as a “realistic option” for Kuminga, whose free agency could be resolved this week.

“The Lakers are viewed as the favorites, but don’t rule out the Timberwolves as a realistic option,” Sidery wrote. “Kuminga might end up betting on himself taking a 1-year deal playing alongside LaMelo Ball + Anthony Edwards.”

The Lakers remain favorites for Jonathan Kuminga, but a potential one-year Timberwolves deal could complicate their pursuit of the free-agent forward. NBAE via Getty Images

The Lakers have reportedly offered Kuminga a considerably more lucrative multiyear contract than Minnesota can provide. Los Angeles would need the Atlanta Hawks to cooperate in a sign-and-trade, however, creating a complicated path to completing the deal.

A sign-and-trade contract must cover at least three seasons. The Lakers could reportedly offer Kuminga between $15 million and $18 million annually, but they would also need to move players such as Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia or Dalton Knecht. Draft compensation or a third team may be required to convince Atlanta to participate.

Minnesota can offer only its $6.06 million taxpayer mid-level exception and must create additional room below the second apron. The Timberwolves’ potential advantage is the opportunity they could offer Kuminga rather than the money.

Los Angeles can offer more financial security and a role alongside Luka Doncic (pictured February 3). Corey Sipkin for NY Post

The 23-year-old could accept a one-year contract, take over Minnesota’s starting power forward job and attempt to rebuild his value alongside Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. He would then return to the market in 2027 rather than committing to an offer he believes undervalues him.

Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, a career-high 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 36 games last season. His desire for a larger role contributed to the end of his tenure with Golden State before he was traded to Atlanta.

Los Angeles can offer more financial security and a role alongside Luka Doncic, but Minnesota’s shorter path back to free agency could complicate the Lakers’ pursuit.


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Where Do The Sabres Atlantic Division Rivals Stand? – Tampa Bay Lightning

The Buffalo Sabres snapped their 15-year postseason drought, winning the Atlantic Division and advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but after an offseason that saw Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch being dealt, the task of repeating as division champion or finishing in the top three of the Atlantic could be significantly more difficult. 

This week we will finish up looking at the seven other teams in the Atlantic to see where they stand in comparison to where they were at the end of last season and see where they potentially stack up as competition with the Sabres.

The Tampa Bay Lightning who have been a consistent high-level regular season performer, but have had issues in the playoffs. After winning consecutive Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021, and reaching the Cup Final for the third year in a row in 2022, the Lightning have lost in the first round of the playoffs for four straight seasons. 

Last season, under Jack Adams winning head coach Jon Cooper, Tampa Bay encountered a slew of injuries to key players, including defenseman Victor Hedman and center Brayden Point, but still managed to piece together a lineup that finished only three points behind the Sabres for top spot in the Atlantic, but in the first round they could not play at the same level against the Montreal Canadiens, who surprisingly eliminated them in seven games. 

Other Sabres Stories

Sabres Emotionally Devastated By Game 7 Overtime Loss

Will the Sabres add some scoring punch before training camp?

Additions

Ilya Mikheyev - signed a four-year, $15.4 million deal as a free agent

Jeffrey Viel - signed a five-year, $12.5 million deal as a free agent

Dennis Hildeby - acquired in a trade with Toronto

John Carlson - signed a two-year, $17 million deal as a free agent

Subtractions 

Darren Raddysh - traded to Toronto in a sign-and-trade deal

Oliver Bjorkstrand - signed by NY Rangers as a free agent

Nick Paul - traded to Toronto for a third-and-fourth round pick and Hildeby

Corey Perry - signed by Los Angeles as a free agent

Outlook

GM Julien Brisebois has had to jump through hoops over recent seasons to create or manipulate the salary cap, but has also had the advantage of being in a no-tax state and in a destination where players want to play. The main issue with the Lightning is that the core pieces of the club that won the Cup earlier this decade are in the latter half of their prime. 

Both Andrei Vasilevskiy and Nikita Kucherov were phenomenal, winning the Vezina and Hart Trophies respectively, but performed well under expectations in the postseason. Victor Hedman played only 33 games and missed the playoffs, calling into question how much longer does the future Hall-of-Famer have, but the Lightning got productive seasons out of Jake Guentzel (88 points), Brandon Hagel (36 goals), and Raddysh (70 points) taking over the PP quarterback role.

The loss of Raddysh should be diminished by the addition of Carlson, who likely will take over as the QB of the Lightning power-play unit if Hedman cannot, but most of their additions and subtractions were cosmetic. Mikheyev is an excellent penalty killer and speedy winger, Viel will provide a level of toughness needed in the Atlantic, and Hildeby should be an upgrade on backup Jonas Johansson, but the fortunes of Tampa Bay will rest on if Hedman can still be effective, and if veterans like Point, Ryan McDonagh, Erik Cernak and Anthony Cirelli can stay healthy. 

With the loss of Alex Tuch and the Sabres current state at forward, the Lightning would appear to have more firepower and less question marks than the Sabres up front. Defensively, the departure of Bowen Byram and replacing him with Louis Crevier and Olen Zellweger has Buffalo’s defense taking a step back, but age and durability questions with Tampa’s blueline gives Buffalo a slight advantage. Vasilevskiy is in the top five of NHL goalies, while the trio of Buffalo netminders performed above expectations and there is a question whether they can do it again. The Lightning should be a top three club in the Atlantic, but health will be the biggest factor.  

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

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Emma Raducanu to miss US Open with leg injury in latest fitness setback

  • 2021 US Open champion out with stress fracture in leg

  • Raducanu also missed Wimbledon through injury

Emma Raducanu will miss the US Open because of the stress fracture in her right leg that she sustained during the grass-court season and forced her to pull out of Wimbledon.

It is understood that following consultation with her medical team, Raducanu has concluded she will be unable to play in New York this month.

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Chris Bosh opens up on scary medical emergency: ‘Almost dropped dead’

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Chris Bosh and his wife, Adrienne, at a college basketball game, Image 2 shows Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh reacting during a game
Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh revealed just how frightening a recent medical emergency was.

In an interview with Hoops Hype, Bosh shared that he suffered another pulmonary embolism in January and explained that he nearly died as a result.

“I almost dropped dead pretty much and came back to life. I’m not joking,” Bosh, 42, said.

Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh and his wife, Adrienne, attend an NCAA college basketball game between Miami and Georgia Tech on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, in Coral Gables, Fla. (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) AP

The former Heat star mentioned that he passed out in his bathroom after feeling a numbing sensation shoot down his leg. Upon waking up, he was in a pool of his own blood. His wife had called 911 and Bosh was hospitalized for a week to recover.

Bosh battled blood clots during his 13-year career, which ultimately forced him to officially retire in 2019. He won two NBA championships alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami.

“After coming back from the darkness, there was no euphoric clarity. No life montage flashing before my eyes. No voice in my ear telling me it’ll be ok and what to do next,” Bosh said. “Just the gratitude for still being alive, and a newfound, sobering awareness of how everything actually is. What did change was an immediate outlook on life that was simpler and more honest.”

Bosh said the scare was a tough reminder of the need to take his medicine and care for his body, despite not having any symptoms before the incident.

Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh reacts to a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. AP

Bosh previously discussed the scare in February.

“It was crazy. It was fast. It was instant. There was no warning,” he said in a video posted to his social media. “I was getting ready to go on a date with my wife and the next thing you know I was on the ground.”

The incident changed Bosh’s view on life.

“No matter what it is, make sure you don’t wait. That’s the thing that I get from this. Don’t wait to take action because it could come fast,” Bosh said. “And now I’m thinking about how I live my day-to-day life. That’s really it. But don’t wait.”

Canadiens Sign New Prospect Defenseman For 2026-27 Season

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have signed defenseman Maksymilian Szuber to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2026-27 season. 

Szuber was acquired by the Canadiens earlier this off-season from the Utah Mammoth in exchange for forward Joshua Roy. Now, with this new deal, Szuber is officially ready to get his tenure with the Canadiens organization started. 

Szuber spent this past season in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners. In 65 games with the AHL club in 2025-26, he posted 11 goals, 16 assists, and 27 points. This was after the 6-foot-3 blueliner recorded seven goals, 25 assists, and 32 points in 65 games for Tucson during the 2024-25 season. 

Szuber also has one game of NHL experience, which he played during the 2023-24 season with the Arizona Coyotes. Now, the 23-year-old defenseman will be hoping to get into more NHL action after landing his new one-year deal with the Canadiens. However, he is more likely to be a key part of the Laval Rocket's blueline in 2026-27.

Rockies reportedly trade Brenton Doyle to the Chicago White Sox

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 01: Brenton Doyle #9 of the Colorado Rockies looks on prior to the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Saturday, August 1, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Early reporting this morning from Francys Romero indicated that the Colorado Rockies were in discussions with multiple teams, including the Chicago White Sox, about a trade involving Brenton Doyle.

Ken Rosenthal has since reported that a deal sending Doyle to the White Sox had been agreed to pending medical review. Mark Feinsand followed up, indicating that the return for the Rockies is RHP Mason Adams and SS Carlos Vielma.

The last two seasons have been a struggle for Doyle as he fought to come back from injury. Most recently, he was injured during a game on May 19th against the Texas Rangers when he made a diving play in the outfield.

Doyle originally started a rehab assignment for this left oblique injury in late June but that was shut down before he was activated due to a groin injury.

Over the course of two separate rehab appearances with the Triple-A Isotopes, Doyle played in 11 games and slashed .395/.447/.651. Before being placed on the IL in May, Doyle had struggled at the plate in 43 games and slashed .207/.279/.270.

On Friday, he returned to the Rockies lineup and has been solid offensively since rejoining the team. In seven plate appearances, he has two hits, including a double and an RBI.

The move begins to make space in a crowded Rockies outfield but Doyle may not be the last Rockies outfielder to be on the move today.

Adams is a 26-year-old right-handed pitcher in Triple-A for the White Sox and was drafted in the 13th round of the 2022 draft and ranked as the White Sox’s No. 8 prospect per MLB Pipeline due to his good command and ability to spin the ball.

He has performed relatively well in 49 innings in the minors this year with a 3.86 ERA and a 4.05 xFIP between Triple-A and High-A, where he began the season after finishing his rehab from Tommy John surgery.

Vielma, the other player coming over from the White Sox, is a 16-year-old shortstop currently playing in the Dominican Summer League. He was signed in January for $400,000. Vielma has made consistent contact in his first taste of the DSL, batting .337/.507/.474 through 34 games, making him an intriguing lottery ticket despite being unranked by MLB Pipeline.

UPDATE: 12:16 pm

The Rockies have annouced their trade with the White Sox.

This is a developing story and Purple Row will provide more information as it becomes available.


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Serena and Venus Williams set to play doubles in Cincinnati as US Open nears

  • Pair last played doubles at the 2022 US Open

  • Serena returned to action at Wimbledon before injury

  • US Open begins 31 August in New York

Serena Williams and Venus Williams are ⁠set to make their Cincinnati Open doubles debut this ⁠month after being ⁠awarded ​a wild card on Monday, marking their return ⁠to doubles action for the first time since 2022.

The Williams sisters ⁠have won 14 major doubles ​titles, including six ‌at Wimbledon, ‌plus three Olympic gold medals.

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Which young Celtic will make the biggest leap? (Staff Roundtable)

Oct 8, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Boston Celtics guard Hugo Gonzalez (28), forward Baylor Scheierman (55) and center Luka Garza (52) react during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

For this installment of the Staff Roundtable, I asked the crew “Who makes the biggest developmental leap next season?” Below are the answers:

Ian Inangelo

I feel like Hugo Gonzalez will make the biggest developmental leap going into next season. After a rookie year where he was able to show a lot of potential more specifically on the defense end, I feel like we will see more from him on the offensive side of the ball. Boston really believes him and he showed some real offensive flashes when he played for Spain in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. If he can become a consistent average three point shooter from the corners on top of his already great defense and hustle, he will get a lot of playing time and continue to develop into a star in his role for Boston.

Trevor Hass

I think Ron Harper Jr. has a chance to emerge as a very solid backup point guard. The genes are there, and watching his brother emerge as a star has surely added more fuel to the fire. He’s explosive, makes sound decisions and can really shoot it. Give him the rock and see what happens.

Jake Issenberg

The battle for minutes among the development pieces on the Celtics roster will be a bloodbath. Hugo Gonzalez, Ron Harper Jr, Jordan, Walsh, and Baylor Scheierman all have a claim to more playing time after impressing in their minutes last season. For that reason I am choosing Neemias Queta. Despite finishing fourth in the Most Improved player race I expect Queta to continue to make significant strides in his second season in a featured role. We can start with eliminating the head scratching fouls he picked up in the first round of the playoffs. What we saw from Queta in Game 7 against the 76ers is what I want to see every night.

Nate Moskowitz

I think it’s hard to go wrong answering this question. Hugo feels like a clear option, especially with some of the on-ball reps we saw from him in summer league. If the minutes are there, Harper Jr. taking the biggest leap could definitely be on the table in terms of the limited sample we’ve seen of him in comparison to the type of player I think he can become. My darkhorse pick might actually be Chris Cenac Jr. though. His flashes are very encouraging, and the Celtics are extremely intentional about how they use and develop bigs. I can picture him making major strides throughout the year if he can find his way onto the floor as a rookie like Hugo did.

Grant Burfeind

I know Hugo is going to be the popular answer, but give me Baylor Scheierman.

Last year was really his first season getting consistent NBA minutes, and I think having a full offseason knowing exactly what’s expected of him could make a big difference. I’d love to see him play with a little more freedom and confidence to do Baylor things instead of playing not to make a mistake. Hugo probably has the higher long-term ceiling, but if we’re talking about this season, I think Baylor has a better chance to surprise people.

Robby Fletcher

Hugo Gonzalez has been under the spotlight this offseason after his name was attached to speculation regarding the Giannis trade. It’s gotten the causal fan worked up over what makes Hugo so special to not be a blockbuster throw-in.

Those fans will learn this year why Gonzalez  wasn’t someone the Celtics have been so willing to move. Hugo showed impactful defensive instincts and game-shifting hustle in his rookie season, quickly establishing himself as a player that needed to see the floor before we even finished with the preseason. More opportunities await Hugo, who will look to show improved shooting/driving confidence in a more consistent bench role.

And to think he’s only 20 years old.

Jeff Clark

Ok, hear me out. How about Jordan Walsh? He’s already one of the best defenders on the team. He came into the league at age 19 and is entering his 4th season. The Celtics believed in his progress enough to give him an extension. He shot 38.4% from 3 last year. He only played 17.8 minutes a game last year and he’ll be fighting for minutes with a lot of wings again. But what if he just adds the ability to attack the paint off a close out? What if he starts setting monster screens and cuts backdoor and finishes with more comfort around the rim? What if the game just slows down a little bit more for him this year? He’s going to out-hustle anyone he faces up with on a night to night basis. All he needs is a little more offensive comfort level and he could be the leap guy.

Mike Dynon

Hugo Gonzalez and Baylor Scheierman seem like the most ready guys, and Ron Harper Jr. was impressive when called upon. But if we could put a twist into the question, Sam Hauser and Derrick White need to develop their shots back to what we know they can be. Sam was below 40% on threes for the first time in his career, and Derrick was below 40% for field goal shooting overall, by far his worst season. Celtics can’t afford that again.

Rich Jensen

I’m a sophomore leap guy, so I’m going with Hugo Gonzalez. I think there’s a ‘there’ there with Hugo that might catch a lot of people off guard next season. He’s fearless and dedicated to the game. That’s a potent combination.

Ryan Paice

I’d bet on Baylor Scheierman taking the biggest leap, even over Hugo. I think Baylor’s ability to improvise and make plays for himself and others is going to be crucial for the C’s in lieu of Jaylen Brown. As I’ve said before about Boston’s lack of a strong tertiary playmaker, I think there are going to be several possessions where our first options get shut down and our role players will be asked to finish them. Outside of the Celtics’ top four players (Tatum, White, Pritchard, George), I don’t know if I trust anyone more than Baylor to answer that call. And I think we’ll see him blossom into a starting caliber player because of that. He’s shown a lot of flashes on the court, but he’s yet to eclipse 20 minutes per game, so his opportunities to shine have been limited. Give Baylor 25+ per game and I think we’ll see some magic.

Your Turn – How would you answer this question?

Maguire survives missed cuts and controversy to headline Solheim Cup wildcard picks

  • Irish golfer one of four wildcard picks for Europe

  • Rookies Ramirez, Nadaud and Rhodes also selected

Leona Maguire has retained her place in Europe’s Solheim Cup team despite a disappointing 2026, with the Irish golfer one of four wildcard picks named on Monday by Anna Nordqvist.

Maguire joins three rookies – Julia López Ramirez, Nastasia Nadaud and Mimi Rhodes – in completing the Europe side who will attempt to reclaim the trophy in the Netherlands next month.

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Jose Soriano trade grades: Blue Jays buying, selling at deadline

The Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as both a buyer and a seller at the MLB trade deadline, acquiring right-hander Jose Soriano on Monday from the Los Angeles Angels.

The deal comes less than 12 hours before the 6 p.m. ET deadline.

Jays GM Ross Atkins has been quite busy the last few days, sending ace Kevin Gausman to the Chicago Cubs for a pair of prospects, while also acquiring veteran starter Jameson Taillon from the Cubs in a separate deal.

In his fourth MLB season, Soriano, 27, has posted a record of 9-6 with a 3.29 ERA in 123 innings for the Angels.

In return, the Angels pick up a trio of minor leaguers, headlined by shortstop Arjun Nimmala, who rates as the game's No. 43 overall prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.

Jose Soriano trade details

  • Blue Jays receive: RHP Jose Soriano
  • Angels receive: SS Arjun Nimmala, OF Eddie Micheletti, RHP Angel Rivero

Blue Jays trade grade: B

Unlike Kevin Gausman (whom they traded to the Cubs), Soriano, 27, doesn't become a free agent until after the 2028 season. That gives the Jays a bit more runway to build their future rotation. He's a hard-thrower whose fastball is averaging 96.8 mph this season, resulting in a career-high strikeout rate (9.3 K/9). If Gausman was going to leave anyway after the season, the Jays have found a capable replacement − one who's going into his second season of arbitration.

But Soriano isn't without his flaws.

He has battled control issues throughout his three previous MLB seasons, issuing roughly four walks per nine innings. That's resulted in a fairly high 1.30 WHIP over the course of his career.

Right-hander Jose Soriano spent the first four seasons of his MLB career with the Los Angeles Angels before being dealt to Toronto at the trade deadline.

An incredible beginning to the 2026 season likely boosted Soriano's value on the trade market. In his first six starts (the last of which was at Toronto), he allowed just one run over 37 2/3 innings (0.24 ERA). But since then, he's reverted to his previous form with a 4.64 ERA and 1.44 WHIP.

However, moving from a last-place team to one that has playoff experience and is focused on being a perennial playoff contender should sharpen his focus.

The Jays were able to include Nimmala in the package because they still have 19-year-old shortstop JoJo Parker as their shortstop of the future.

Angels trade grade: A-

The Angels may be on the verge of a complete (and much-needed) rebuild. And Soriano could become expensive by the time they're ready to compete for a playoff spot.

This may not be the last of their moves as the deadline draws closer.

Nimmala, 20, was a first-round pick by Toronto (20th overall) in the 2023 draft. The Jays' No. 2 prospect is the key piece to this deal as the Angels look to bolster what's been a very weak farm system for quite some time. Nimmala has missed some time this season with injuries, but he's moved up three levels already and is currently hitting .279/.355/.451 in 33 games at Class AA New Hampshire.

Although he's progressed quickly, Nimmala seems at least a year away from a call to the majors. However, he could potentially be viewed as a replacement for the Angels' current shortstop Zach Neto, who's been the subject of several trade rumors.

Micheletti, 24, is a corner outfielder and first baseman who's also at Double-A New Hampshire. He's slashing .251/.347/.454 with 14 home runs in 402 plate appearances for the Fisher Cats. He was an eighth-round pick by the Jays in 2024 out of Virginia Tech.

Rivero, 19, was signed out of Venezuela in 2024. The right-hander is currently pitching in the Florida Complex League and has a 2.36 ERA in 42 innings.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jose Soriano trade grades: Blue Jays buying, selling at deadline

Brewers among most likely landing spots for Clay Holmes

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: Clay Holmes #35 of the New York Mets pitches during the game against the New York Yankees at Citi Field on May 15, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As the Trade Deadline approaches, Joel Sherman and Mark Feinsand are reporting that interest in Clay Holmes remains high. The Milwaukee Brewers are among those with the most interest in Holmes, and the Mets are expected to make a deal for him by the 6 PM ET deadline today.

Holmes had a strong start to the season, among the best in the Mets’ rotation, with an ERA of 2.39 and WHIP of 1.10 through nine starts, but his season was abruptly interrupted by a comebacker that fractured his fibula Spencer Jones during his start against the Yankees. He has been on the 6o-day IL, and instead of making his scheduled major-league start on Sunday, made another rehab start in Brooklyn.

Holmes has a player option for next year that he is expected to decline, though he has expressed interest in an extension in New York. Despite that, no meaningful extension talks have materialized, and he has been floated as a trade candidate for weeks. The Brewers need starting pitching as Brandon Woodruff and Quinn Priester are both out for the season.