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Washington Nationals trade ace MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers in a quantity over quality return

Just after I wrote that a MacKenzie Gore trade seemed unlikely, Paul Toboni pulled the trigger. He sent Gore to the Texas Rangers for a five prospect haul. While the Nats did not get Sebastian Walcott, they got five quality pieces from Texas. The return consists of SS/3B Gavin Fien, RHP Alejandro Rosario, 2B Devin Fitz-Gerald, 1B Abimelec Ortiz and OF Yeremy Cabrera.

The headliner of the return is Fien, who was selected 12th overall by the Rangers last year. He was a shortstop in high school, but is likely to move to third base. Fien was one of the most impressive hitters in last year’s class with a really nice blend of hitting ability and power.

Analytically inclined scouts loved Fien’s bat speed and plate discipline. While his swing is not the most traditional, he made plenty of contact on the showcase circuit. He may not be a top 100 prospect yet, but with a strong year, he can surge on to the list.

Admittedly, this is a bit of an underwhelming headliner for Gore. However, that is the reason the Nats were able to get five interesting pieces in this deal. Toboni had a choice, he could swing big for one top 50 type prospect or get a grab bag of solid pieces. He chose the latter option, and only time will tell if he is right. 

Most of my trade suggestions had the Nats going after a big name headliner, but only getting one or two other pieces. Toboni decided to do something different, which is a bit of a gamble. However, it is one that could pay off in a big way.

There is a world where Fien and Fitz-Gerald are top 100 prospects. As Jeff Passan noted, evaluators loved Fitz-Gerald. He is a switch hitter with a really nice blend of contact and power. Fitz-Gerald is not much of a defender, but scouts think he could be serviceable at second base.

Alejandro Rosario is an interesting case. He was a top 100 prospect in 2024, but went down with a torn UCL in 2025, missing the whole season. However, it has been reported that he did not get his Tommy John Surgery until a couple weeks ago and will miss all of 2026 as well. A weird situation, but if the 2024 version of Rosario returns, his upside is massive.

The squatty 5’10 230 pound Abimelec Ortiz is the fourth prospect in the deal. The 23 year old slugger hit 25 homers in the minors last year and has very good bat to ball data. He should have a chance to compete for reps at 1B or DH. 

The last piece is 20 year old outfielder Yeremy Cabrera. He is a speedster who also has some power upside. It is more of a throw in, but he is better than your average throw in. 

Overall, the package is solid, but unexpected. It is pretty similar to the Shane Baz deal that went down between the Rays and the Orioles. The Nats needed to add more depth to their farm system and they did that here. Only time will tell if this is the right move, but I am intrigued.

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Rangers trade for MacKenzie Gore as Yankees miss out on potential trade target

MacKenzie Gore #1 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning in game two of a split doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 16, 2025 in Washington, DC.
MacKenzie Gore traded to Rangers.

MacKenzie Gore scored the Nationals a haul.

Washington traded the lefty hurler to the Rangers on Thursday, according to The Post’s Jon Heyman.

The Rangers shipped minor leaguers Gavin Fien, Alejandro Rosario, Abimelec Ortiz, Devin Fitz-Gerald and Yeremy Cabrera. FanSided reported.

Fien, a prized shortstop and the first-round pick of the Rangers last year, was the franchise’s No. 2 prospect, according to MLB.com.

MacKenzie Gore traded to Rangers. Getty Images

Gore, 26, went 5-15 for the woeful Nationals last season, with a 4.17 ERA over 30 starts with 185 strikes over 159 2/3 innings. He led all Nats pitchers with a 3.0 WAR.

He now joins a rotation that includes Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi.

The Yankees were among the teams reported to be interested in Gore’s services this offseason as they prepare to open the season without aces Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt.

All three hurlers are working their way back from various injuries.

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Boston Celtics Daily Links 1/22/26

HeraldWhy Jaylen Brown, Pacers coach believe Derrick White should be NBA All-Star

Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser lead way as Celtics breeze past Pacers

Celtics wing misses eighth straight game with ankle injury

Globe Zach Lowe maps out Celtics’ plans at NBA trade deadline

Celtics showing they have more ways to win than relying on 3-pointers

Celtics celebrate homecoming by getting measure of revenge in rematch with Pacers

Celtics GreenComments from the Other Side – Pacers 1/21/26

CelticsBlogDerrick White is an All-Star — but don’t take it from me

Same jersey, different job: Sam Hauser

What should the Celtics do at the NBA trade deadline? (staff roundtable)

10 Takeaways from a TD Garden win as Celtics crush Pacers

Sam Hauser enters his “next phase” as more than a shooter for the Celtics

Celtics exact revenge on Pacers, win 119-104

CLNS Media Sam Hauser Emergence an Important Development for Celtics Playoff Hopes

Celtics .comKeys to the Game: Pistons 104, Celtics 103

NBC Sports BostonCeltics-Pacers recap: Jaylen drops 30 in dominant win at TD Garden

NESNCeltics Veteran Flourishing In New Role After Early-Season Slump

Mass Live Celtics rivals unlikely to trade for polarizing Grizzlies guard

Rick Carlisle shares eye-opening opinion of Celtics guard

Celtics forward creating intriguing trade deadline decision for Brad Stevens

Boston Celtics starter getting irreplaceable lessons in breakout season

Jaylen Brown jokes why Celtics drawing more fouls: ‘Maybe it was the fine’

Neemias Queta is the Celtics ‘Name to Know’ Player of the Game in Wednesday’s win over Pacers

4 takeaways as Celtics blow out Pacers, finish odd NBA scheduling quirk

Celtics WireJaylen Brown credits resiliency, Hauser shooting for Celtics excellence

Sam Hauser on snapping slump, growing game with Celtics

Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla on how NBA players are like F1 drivers

Boston Celtics jersey history No. 55 – Acie Earl (1993-95)

Celtics legend Larry Bird weighs in on the NBA’s 3-point revolution

How Isaiah Thomas rose to stardom with the Celtics at just 5-foot-9

Celtics history: Maravich signs with Celtics; Powe, Vrankovic born

Larry Bird on Bill Walton staying healthy to help Celtics win ’86 title

Neemias Queta revealed that a title is still the ultimate goal for the Celtics

Jaylen Brown makes a case for Derrick White being an All-Star, and maybe even DPOY

The AthleticNBA Awards Watch: MVP Jaylen Brown? It’s not that far-fetched

Boston Sports JournalSimone’s Six: Symbiosis, Dr. Seuss, and trends in Celtics-Pacers

BSJ Game Report: Celtics 119, Pacers 104 – An all-around performance did the trick

Hardwood Houdini Celtics are getting the Neemias Queta show they’ve been waiting for

Celtics trade proposal offers polarizing path to truly contending

Celtics just received brand new lesson with latest success

CLNS Media/YouTube LIVE Garden Report: Celtics vs Pacers Postgame Show on CLNS Media

Celtics Keep Winning, Jaylen Brown’s MVP Consistency & D-White DPOY? | You Got Boston w Noa Dalzell

Sam Hauser on his Recent HOT STREAK | Celtics vs Pacers FULL Postgame Interview

Neemias Queta on his Growth as a Rim Protector | Celtics vs Pacers FULL Postgame Interview

Jaylen Brown mentions Derrick White for DPOY | | Celtics vs Pacers FULL Postgame Interview

Joe Mazzulla FULL Postgame Interview | Celtics vs Pacers 1-21

Locked on CelticsJaylen Brown’s ‘Validation?’, Jayson Tatum’s return, and are the Celtics contenders?

Jaylen Brown POWERS Boston Celtics, Sam Hauser SHINES in Scorching WIN Over Pacers

Athlon SportsMock Trade Sends Celtics’ Anfernee Simons to Bulls for $60 Million Veteran to Address Major Need

Hoops WireCeltics continue to do more than survive as they wait on Jayson Tatum

The Lead Celtics’ Recent Officiating Complaints Reflect League-Wide Attitude

BasketNews Celtics trade plans revealed, big move could be coming

Celtics star makes bold DPOY claim about Derrick White

Duke RoundtableDuke Legend Jayson Tatum’s Return Timeline Just Received Another Hint

Heavy Jayson Tatum Issued Warning by HOFer Ahead of Celtics Return

Celtics’ Anfernee Simons Has New Trade Suitor: Report

Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Sends Strong Message About Derrick White

Celtics RoundtableJaylen Brown Sets Tone as Boston Celtics Cruise Past Indiana Pacers 119-104 at TD Garden

Celtics ChronicleAnother Game, Another Defense That Struggled To Stop Boston’s Pick-And-Roll

WEEI/YouTube Celtics Buyers at Deadline? Impact Move? Would Celts Entertain a Jaylen Deal? |The Greg Hill Show

AudacyIs this the best version of Sam Hauser we have seen?

82 Games Jaylen Brown: the NBA’s Best Two-Way Player?

SI .comSam Hauser is on fire, and he helped the Boston Celtics torch the Indiana Pacers

Jaylen Brown scored 30 in easy win: Six reasons why the Celtics cruised past Indiana

Boston Celtics/YouTubeDoes Sam Hauser’s Threeball Make the Celtics Unbeatable? | SOUND OFF

Barstool Sports Jaylen Brown Continues To Play The Best Basketball Of His Life At A Time When It’s Needed More Than Ever

SportsnetCEBL’s BlackJacks hire Justin Mazzulla, Joe’s brother, as head coach

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How to watch Warriors vs. Mavericks

Coming off a 6–2 homestand, the Golden State Warriors head out on a four-game road trip beginning Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 PM PT in Dallas and can be watched on Prime Video and NBC Sports Bay Area.

Previously with the Warriors:

The Warriors are coming off a tough 145–127 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night in what was the team’s first game without Jimmy Butler — who was officially ruled out for the season after suffering a torn ACL the night before. Butler’s absence was felt immediately, as Golden State surrendered 41 points in the first quarter and spent the rest of the night playing from behind. Despite a few spirited runs in the second half, the game remained firmly in Toronto’s control with the team still figuring out how they plan to navigate the Butler injury.

What to watch for tonight:

Golden State looks to bounce back Thursday night as they begin their road trip in Dallas. With Butler gone, the Warriors must find new ways to replace his all-around impact on the game, especially on the offensive end where he was averaging 20 points per game this season. On Tuesday, that responsibility fell to Jonathan Kuminga, who returned after 16 straight games listed as a DNP to score 20 points in just 21 minutes.

Despite a turbulent stretch that included Kuminga requesting a trade from the team, he provided a much-needed offensive spark. Head coach Steve Kerr has consistently pointed to the lineup fit alongside Butler and Draymond Green as the reason for Kuminga’s extended absence, but with Butler sidelined, the door is now open for him to slide into a larger role. For now, this appears to be the Warriors’ solution, but it’s worth monitoring whether Kuminga playing is merely a short-term fix or part of a broader plan to keep him beyond the Feb. 5 trade deadline.

Enjoy the game Dub Nation. GO WARRIORS!!! 

Projected Starters

Warriors: Steph Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Draymond Green, Quinten Post

Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Max Christie, Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington, Dwight Powell

How to watch Regular Season Game 46

Who: Golden State Warriors (25 – 20) vs. Dallas Mavericks (18 – 26)

When: Thursday, January 22nd, at 4:30 p.m. PT

Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

TV: Prime Video and NBC Sports Bay Area (available on fuboTV)

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Rangers land All-Star pitcher MacKenzie Gore in trade with Nationals

The Texas Rangers landed the most coveted arm remaining on the trade market when they acquired MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals in exchange for five prospects, the clubs announced Jan. 22.

Gore, 26, earned his first All-Star nod in 2025, and while he faded a bit in the second half, still possesses one of the most dominant left-handed arms in the game. He established career highs in strikeouts (185) and strikeouts per inning (10.4) last season for Washington.

Part of the return package includes shortstop Gavin Fien, as the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 draft joins the No. 1 overall, Eli Willits, in Washington's system. 

The Rangers finished last season 81-81, their second consecutive non-winning season since taking the 2023 World Series. They traded second baseman Marcus Semien to the New York Mets, non-tendered slugger Adolis Garcia and have been relatively quiet this offseason otherwise. 

Now, they can slot Gore between the right-handers Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom atop the rotation, giving them a potentially dominant starting pitching look. 

That's assuming Gore, whose fastball reaches 98 mph, cleans up some of his peripherals. He posted a 1.35 WHIP last season and walked 3.6 batters per nine innings. Yet after the trade of Freddy Peralta from Milwaukee to the New York Mets Jan. 21, Gore was the clear-cut best remaining arm on the trade market - and he comes with two years of club control before becoming eligible for free agency.

Gore joined Washington as one of the centerpieces of the blockbuster 2022 deal that sent Juan Soto to San Diego. While the trade worked out splendidly for the Nationals, with Gore, shortstop CJ Abrams and slugger James Wood emerging as foundational pieces, the Nationals lost 91, 91 and 96 games in the three full seasons since that deal. 

Their most recent struggles preceded the firing of manager Dave Martinez and longtime GM Mike Rizzo. Now, the original rebuilding structure is getting torn down as new GM Paul Toboni tries to construct a winner anew. 

In addition to Fien, a high school draftee from Temecula, Calif., the Nationals will receive right-hander Alejandro Rosario, a 24-year-old who sat out all of last season due to Tommy John surgery. Abimelec Ortiz (Class AAA outfielder, 23), Devin Fitz-Gerald (Class A infielder, 20) and Yeremy Cabrera (Class A outfielder, 20) are also headed to Washington. 

MacKenzie Gore trade details

Texas Rangers receive:

  • LHP MacKenzie Gore

Washington Nationals receive:

  • SS Gavin Fien
  • RHP Alejandro Rosario
  • 1B/OF Abimelec Ortiz
  • INF Devin Fitz-Gerald
  • OF Yeremy Cabrera

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MacKenzie Gore trade to Rangers details as Washington deals All-Star

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Roman Josi reflects on career with Nashville Predators ahead of 1,000th career game

It has been 5,171 days since a 21-year-old Roman Josi was called up from the Milwaukee Admirals to join the Nashville Predators. 

He remembers it vividly. On Nov. 26, 2011, Josi played his first NHL game against the Detroit Red Wings. 

"I remember going out there for warmups and thinking that it was the coolest thing," Josi said. "It was at Joe Louis Arena, which was historic and across from me, you had guys like Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom, which was pretty surreal. You never forget your first one." 

Thursday, in the Predators' home matchup against the Ottawa Senators, Josi will play his 1,000th career game and become the first player in franchise history to play all 1,000 games with the Predators. 

"It's a crazy number and a pretty special day," Josi said at Thursday morning's skate. "It's a good time to reflect a little bit and think about the time you've been here. It's pretty special to do it with this organization and the only team I've played for."

Josi's list of accolades, not just in the Predators organization, but in the NHL and internationally, is a long one.

He's established himself as one of the best defensemen of his generation, a four-time NHL All-Star, 2020 Norris Trophy Winner, and just the second defenseman ever to lead an NHL franchise in points, the other being Hall of Famer Ray Bourque (1,506 points) with the Boston Bruins. 

Over 999 career games, Josi has tallied 198 goals and 554 assists for 752 points. 

"To play 1,000 games in one uniform is really hard these days," Predators head coach Andrew Brunette said. "With the CBA and free agency, it's a heck of an accomplishment."  

Josi has been a pioneer in the growth of Switzerland's hockey presence, winning three silver medals at the IIHF World Championships, competing in the 2014 Olympics, and gearing up for another run at the 2026 games next month. 

While he's originally from Switzerland, Nashville has become home to Josi. It's where he met his wife, Ellie Ottaway-Josi, and where his two kids were born and are being raised. 

 Josi's family will be attending the game on Thursday. 

"My kids are at a good age now where they kind of understand what's happening a little bit," Josi said. "I met my wife here. My kids were born here. There are so many things that have happened in this town over the last 15 years. 

"My family is here from back home (Switzerland). They've been here so many times and they love it."

Nov 26, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) takes the puck up ice against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period at the Joe Louis Arena. Detroit won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
Nov 26, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) takes the puck up ice against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period at the Joe Louis Arena. Detroit won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images

Reaching 1,000 games means even more, considering Josi's health and the possibility in the 2025 offseason that he may not reach the milestone. 

After missing the final two months of the 2024-25 season, it was revealed that Josi had been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a circulatory disorder that causes a rapid heart rate increase.

With his status in flux throughout the summer, days before training camp, General Manager Barry Trotz announced that Josi would be ready, "100 percent healthy." 

"We were all a little bit scared last year. I'm sure he was," Brunette said. "I think the clarification with what he was dealing with eased a lot of tension in all of us, especially him. To see him back, he's pointed at a really high level this year.

"We played better because Roman's healthy and in his groove, so I'm happy to see him. He's been scoring some goals lately. His game is at a really high level." 

Josi said a lot has to go right health-wise in order to get to 1,000 games, but he credited the people around him in the Predators organization who got him there. 

"There are a lot of people to be thankful for," Josi said. "Our staff does an amazing job to keep you healthy and a lot goes into it. I feel very lucky, health-wise, to make it to 1,000." 

Feb 9, 2011; St. Paul, MN USA; Minnesota Wild forward Andrew Brunette (15) with his wife Laurie Brunette (second left) and father Dan Brunette (left) is presented with a silver hockey stick for his 1000th game played last week before the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-Imagn Images
Feb 9, 2011; St. Paul, MN USA; Minnesota Wild forward Andrew Brunette (15) with his wife Laurie Brunette (second left) and father Dan Brunette (left) is presented with a silver hockey stick for his 1000th game played last week before the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-Imagn Images

The moment allowed Brunette to reflect on his 1,000th career game, which he eclipsed in 2011, with the Minnesota Wild. He said the moment can be emotionally "tough." 

"When you get to that game, sometimes it feels like an obituary at times," Brunette said. "You see everybody talk about it and you gotta kind of catch yourself that you're, you're not dead. The tributes and the things people say.

"As a hockey player, you're always moving forward. Next game, next shift, the next play. To take a second and reflect, for me, wasn't a great feeling." 

The celebration has already begun ahead of the game, as Josi has received gifts from his teammates, including a limited-edition Norqain watch and VIP tickets to the US Open. 

It'll be a special celebration Thursday night, but Josi is aware of the task at hand of beating the Senators and avoiding a third straight loss. 

"You obviously want to enjoy the moment, but once the game starts, we're trying to win," Josi said. "It's a special game for me, but once the game starts, you focus on that."

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Rangers land Gore from Nats, per reports

MLB Trade Rumors: The Texas Rangers have acquired starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals, per reports. Texas is sending five prospects, including 2025 first rounder Gavin Fein.

Well, we have been saying that the Rangers needed to add another starting pitcher. It appears they have done so.

Gore, who turns 27 next month, is a lefthander who was picked third overall in the 2017 draft out of Whiteville High School in North Carolina. He was a consensus top-10 prospect heading into both 2020 and 2021, but a disappointing 2021 season that saw him start poorly at AAA, miss time due to blisters and general ineffectiveness, and ultimately make just 12 starts in affiliated ball (half of them below AAA) before struggling in three Arizona Fall League starts saw him plummet in the rankings.

He started 2022 in the minors, but ended up making 13 starts and three relief appearances in the bigs for the Padres before being traded to the Washington Nationals in the Juan Soto deal while on the injured list with elbow issues.

From 2023-25, Gore has posted a 4.15 ERA in 89 starts covering 469.1 IP, with 517 Ks against 186 walks and 62 homers. Last season he threw 159.2 innings in 30 starts, with a 4.17 ERA, a 3.74 FIP and a 4.33 xERA.

We will update as more information becomes available.

UPDATE — According to Evan Grant, along with Fein, the Nats are getting Abi Ortiz, Devin Fitz-Gerald, Alejandro Rosario, and one other prospect. The unknown prospect is not, he says, Sebastian Walcott or Caden Scarborough.

UPDATE II — The fifth prospect is reportedly Yeremy Cabrera.

Fein is the guy in the deal who you feel like could make the Rangers regret the deal.

Ortiz had a strong final couple of months of 2025, but he’s a bat-only guy who wasn’t a lock to be added to the 40 man roster this offseason. He was, of course, ultimately added, which means that Gore will replace Ortiz on the 40 man.

Rosario was a super-exciting prospect at the end of 2024, a guy who was on most top 100 lists. He then was diagnosed with a torn UCL in the spring, needed Tommy John surgery, didn’t actually have Tommy John surgery for a while, and it isn’t clear whether he actually has had it or not (ed. note — he had it on January 13, so nine days ago). He was not going to be pitching again until 2027, so you see why the Rangers would be willing to part with him, given his injury situation.

Fitz-Gerald was the Rangers’ 5th round pick in 2024. He performed well in the ACL in 2025, and earned a promotion to Hickory to finish out the season.

Cabrera was a $10,000 international signee who turned heads in 2024. He spent the 2025 season at Hickory, slashing .256/.364/.366 with 43 stolen bases.

Their ranks on the Rangers’ BA list:

Fein — #3

Fitz-Gerald — #8

Rosario — #13

Cabrera — #14

Ortiz — N/R

I will offer more extensive thoughts on Gore later on tonight.

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Europa League roundup: Tielemans and Emery clash as Sancho seals Villa progress

  • Manager shoves his own midfielder in stoppage time

  • Aston Villa into last 16 with victory at Fenerbahce

Aston Villa sealed a top-eight finish in the Europa League after Jadon Sancho’s first goal for the club gave them a 1-0 win over Fenerbahce in Turkey. But the Villa manager, Unai Emery, was involved in a touchline spat with Youri Tielemans after the midfielder was substituted in stoppage time.

Villa’s win was their sixth from seven European matches this season and ended Fenerbahce’s unbeaten home record. Sancho opened his account in Villa colours to put the visitors in the driving seat amid a loud Sukru Saracoglu Stadium atmosphere.

Continue reading...
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Hawks rally in Memphis, defeat Grizzlies behind Johnson’s all-around night

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Atlanta Hawks showed resilience, poise, and just enough late-game execution to slip past the Memphis Grizzlies, 124–122, grinding out one of their most satisfying road wins of the season. Atlanta

After absorbing an early punch from a fired-up FedExForum crowd, Atlanta settled in, leaned on its versatility, and delivered when it mattered most exactly the kind of performance Hawks fans have been waiting to see after being on a four-game losing streak.

Atlanta was powered by a monster all-around night from Jalen Johnson, who was everywhere on the floor. Johnson attacked mismatches, cleaned the glass, and facilitated offense in transition, finishing just shy of a triple-double with 32 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, setting the tone for the Hawks’ aggressive approach.

“I thought our group showed real toughness tonight. Memphis made multiple runs, the crowd was into it, and we didn’t blink. Jalen set the tone with his force and competitiveness, and we trusted each other late. Those are the kinds of wins that build you — especially on the road,” said head coach Quinn Snyder.

Whenever Memphis threatened to seize control, Johnson answered whether with a strong finish at the rim or a timely defensive play that swung momentum back Atlanta’s way. His clutch drive late in the fourth quarter ultimately sealed the victory.

The Hawks didn’t rely on just one option. Nickeil – Alexander- Walker orchestrated the offense and made key plays down the stretch, while Atlanta’s supporting cast chipped in with timely shooting and interior toughness. The Hawks consistently punished Memphis on second-chance opportunities and executed with greater composure in late-clock situations.

Inside, Atlanta’s bigs held their ground, limiting easy looks and forcing Memphis into contested finishes a subtle but decisive factor in a game decided by just two points. Onyeka Okongwu delivered 18 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, while Luke Kennard spaced the floor with 18 points, including four three-pointers.

Memphis countered with strong production from Ja Morant, who pressured Atlanta’s defense all night with his speed and playmaking. Morant finished with 23 points and 12 assists as the Grizzlies surged in the third quarter and carried momentum into the fourth.

But late missed opportunities and Atlanta’s calm execution at the free-throw line proved costly. Memphis even held a slim lead late in the final period, yet a desperation three from Morant at the buzzer rimmed out, sealing the Hawks’ hard-earned victory.

Atlanta is 21-25 on the season as they are currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference.

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Raptors willing to part with several starters in trades

A few days ago, we talked about what the Toronto Raptors could do at the deadline. Knowing Bobby Webster, but actually knowing his mentor Masai Ujiri, tells us that it’s a real possibility for the Raptors to not do anything spectacular at the deadline. Instead, they could wait for the summer to make moves. Yet, there is that little possibility that Webster starts his tenure as leader of the Raptors with a bang and makes a big trade before Feb. 5th’s deadline.

As Josh Lewenberg of TSN reports, the Raptors seem willing to part with more than one of their starters. Webster has apparently been on the phone with several other teams, tossing around possibilities, and doing what Lewenberg calls his “due diligence” on checking in on several targets around the NBA. This is definitely a move reflective of Masai’s tactics — staying extremely informed but not necessarily doing anything. It’s why the Raptors usually end in a ton of trade reports this time of year, because the Masai-now-Bobby method usually involves picking up the phone and having a chat about literally every player whose name is floating around. It’s less about wanting to make a move and more just knowing what options are out there in case you decide you might want to make a move. Something Lewenberg details in his reports as well. We all know the deal in this front office by now.

Can you see why I hate the trade deadline now?

Another good point Josh makes above is that sometimes these little check-ins turn into something more — take Brandon Ingram a year ago. I would have been one to tell you there’s no way the Raptors pull the trigger on that one, and they did. Mind you, the price ended up being lower than expected, which was nice. Another thing about Masai and Bobby — they know how to negotiate.

Now, another thing Lewenberg says is that if the Raptors don’t make a move at the deadline, its more because their “hands are tied” than anything. Makes sense, given their maybe most valuable asset is an injured Jakob Poeltl. The new-ish part in Lewenberg’s reporting is that the Raptors seem to be willing to part with any or all of Poeltl, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. Take this with a grain of salt, though, as the Raptors aren’t ones to leak themselves, and these speculations are more coming from other teams’ sources. As we all know, it’s these players (well, their salaries) that are the most valuable in trades for Toronto, and also prevent the Raptors from making any big signings now or in the summer.

If I had to make an educated guess, I would say Quickley was the most likely to be moved at the deadline, if anyone does get dealt. I would say Poeltl, yet his precarious injury situation doesn’t make me as confident that teams will bite. With Barrett, I’m sure it’s not off the table to include him in the deal, but it would have to be the right deal. If Barrett is traded this season, it’s because it’s the only way the Raptors get their top choice guy, in my opinion. He also still has a year left on his contract, so it’s a big undertaking for any team trading for him.

As I mentioned in last week’s update, most of the players that maybe would have been Toronto’s big targets (Young, Davis, Sabonis) are either gone, too expensive, or hurt. Or multiple of those options. We’ll have to see if anything comes up in the next few weeks as teams head into the final days before the deadline.

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Bulls vs Timberwolves Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

A three-game losing streak can knock you from thinking about the No. 2 seed to worrying about the Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference. The Minnesota Timberwolves cannot let this slide continue, but fortunately, hosting the Chicago Bulls is a ripe chance to right things.

My Bulls vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks recognize the value presented by a possible Minnesota injury.

Bulls vs Timberwolves prediction

Bulls vs Timberwolves best bet: Jaden McDaniels Over 16.5 points (+100)

With Julius Randle questionable tonight due to left foot soreness, the quick question becomes who will handle the ball more if Randle is out of this Minnesota Timberwolves lineup. The first instinct is Naz Reid, as he could slide into the starting lineup if Randle is indeed ruled out.

Howeve, Reid banged up his shoulder on Saturday, and his 5-for-15 shooting on Tuesday did not ease those worries. 

Then look to Jaden McDaniels. The wing has already been handling the ball more often for Minnesota, often initiating the offense as Mike Conley continues to struggle and Donte DiVincenzo seems to play best in an off-ball role. Randle often initiates the offense, as well, but if he is indeed ruled out, that work should land more on McDaniels’ shoulders.

He has already cleared this prop in five of his last eight games. That trend should continue with or without Randle, but particularly if the Timberwolves are without him tonight.

Bulls vs Timberwolves same-game parlay

Jaden McDaniels is not much of a pull-up shooter from deep. His threes usually come on catch-and-shoot chances, and with the thought that Randle may be sidelined, those chances will be fewer. Furthermore, McDaniels has cleared this scoring prop while not hitting multiple 3-pointers four times since Christmas. 

Bulls vs Timberwolves SGP

  • Jaden McDaniels Over 16.5 points
  • Jaden McDaniels Under 1.5 threes
  • Timberwolves moneyline

Our "from downtown" SGP: Wolf pack of props

This is not doubt in Reid. This is seeing value in an Under if his shoulder is indeed bothering him, and Tuesday’s 5-for-15 shooting was his worst showing of January, a decent indication his shoulder is indeed bothering him. 

Bulls vs Timberwolves SGP

  • Jaden McDaniels Over 16.5 points
  • Jaden McDaniels Under 1.5 threes
  • Timberwolves moneyline
  • Naz Reid Under 15.5 points

Bulls vs Timberwolves odds

  • Spread: Bulls +8.5 | Timberwolves -8.5
  • Moneyline: Bulls +270 | Timberwolves -340
  • Over/Under: Over 238 | Under 238

Bulls vs Timberwolves betting trend to know

The Timberwolves are 3-0 ATS against the Bulls in the last two seasons, all of those coming as at least a three-bucket favorite. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Timberwolves.

How to watch Bulls vs Timberwolves

LocationTarget Center, Minneapolis, MN
DateThursday, January 22, 2026
Tip-off8:00 p.m. ET
TVFDSN-North, CHSN

Bulls vs Timberwolves latest injuries

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Derrick White is an All-Star — but don’t take it from me

BOSTON — Before the Celtics’ win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, head coach Rick Carlisle was asked about what he expected from this year’s Celtics team. And Carlisle, who has been coaching against the Joe Mazzulla Celtics for years, made clear he was far from surprised at the Celtics’ success this season. Before even being prodded further, the longtime NBA coach explained why.

“Derrick White is an All-Star,” Carlisle said. “He’s an All-Star player. I mean, the guy is 8th in the league in blocked shots.”

White is not the only reason Carlisle cited for his preseason confidence in the Celtics: he touched on Jaylen Brown’s greatness, Payton Pritchard’s growth, Sam Hauser’s shotmaking, and Mazzulla’s offensive creativity.

But the unprompted proclamation about White is what stood out most about Carlisle’s answer — in large part because there hasn’t been a ton of chatter about the Celtics guard being an All-Star this season, or at least not as much as many expected going into the year.

The reason for that is simple: his offensive efficiency is down. The 31-year-old is averaging 17.7 points and 5.4 assists — both career-highs — but he’s doing so while shooting 39.1% from the field (the lowest of his NBA career) and 32.4% from three (the second-lowest of his NBA career).

Still, Carlisle was adamant: “He’s such an important part of their team.”

Jaylen Brown, who on Monday was announced as an All-Star starter for the first time in his career, was equally decisive in his proclamation.

“D-White has been a two-way player all year,” Brown said. “And I know we live in an era where that doesn’t get as much praise or respect, but that contributes to winning a lot. Derrick White has been playing at an All-Star level because he plays both sides of the ball. And that’s no disrespect to some of those other guys that are maybe in All-Star contention — but it’s a clear difference.”

White has been in a particular offensive slump as of late; he is averaging just 10 points on 30.2% shooting in his last 5 games. Still, the Celtics have outscored opponents by 76 points with him on the floor in that span.

That doesn’t surprise those who know his game best, such as his longtime head coach.

“He’s not defined by shooting efficiency,” Mazzulla said. “To me, that’s a bonus.”

After Wednesday’s 119-104 win over the Pacers, Mazzulla pointed out White’s expansive list of more intangible contributions for the Celtics: his role as one of the Celtics’ lead pick-and-roll ball handlers, his ability to make 2-on-1 reads, his defensive versatility, his penchant for getting backtips and stopping fast breaks, and proclivity for doing all of the things that have made him one of the most valuable role players in the league.

As a result, even amid an uncharacteristic shooting slump, White has the highest +/- rating on the team, a +275 on the year

“I just think it’s hard to recognize all the other stuff, and it’s just easy to notice the shooting efficiency because it’s right there,” Mazzulla said.

Carlisle and Mazzulla are far from the only two NBA coaches to gush about White this season; it’s become a regular occurrence.

“I think he is the most underrated player in the league,” Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said last month. “The guy is an absolute winner.”

Derrick White for Defensive Player of the Year?

Jaylen Brown went so far as to say he feels like White is a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate. And, there’s a real case to be made; White is fourth in the NBA in stocks (steals and blocks), and he’s averaging career-highs in both categories (1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks per game).

Among NBA players who average at least 30 minutes per game, White has the second-highest Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus (+2.1), a metric that assesses a player’s defensive impact per 100 possessions (he trails only four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert).

And, he is as durable as they come — White has only missed one game this season — and he’s the best shot-blocking guard in the NBA.

“I think Derrick is a first-team All-Defense type of ballot, or maybe even Defensive Player of the Year,” Brown said. “But on top of that, he contributes on offense, and that takes a lot more energy, a lot more effort to do night-to-night. And he’s healthy, he’s available.”

Neemias Queta, who oftentimes has the clearest view of White’s defensive accument, praised his savviness as a defender.

“He’s always got a good chance of getting a stop, no matter who he’s guarding, or even off the ball, too,” Queta said. “He’s really communicative, too. He’s a Swiss Army knife, and he can do a little bit of everything on both sides of the floor. But defensively, especially, I feel like he holds his own in pretty much all types of matchups.“

Brown pointed out that White is doing all that while also shouldering significant offensive responsibilities; he’s the team’s second-leading scorer behind Brown and has the second-highest usage rate on the Celtics (23%). No other defensive player of his caliber concurrently carries such a heavy load on the other side of the ball.

“You’ve got to give that respect to Derrick,” Brown said. “It’s not an easy job to do and play both ends of the ball at a high level for the duration of the season — and be available for a majority of the games. That’s extremely difficult. He’s been doing that for us all [season], and that has helped us be a second seed.”

White probably won’t be named an All-Star, though reserves — selected by coaches — will be announced on February 1st. And, it’s too early for a real Defensive Player of the Year campaign, though White will certainly be in the mix when those conversations begin.

But those who know White’s game best— and basketball best — know that his impact is inherently not captured on the stat sheet.

And, it probably won’t ever get the recognition it deserves; that’s why NBA coaches go out of their way to give him his flowers.

“Regardless of what the stats look like,” Brown said, “Derrick White is an All-Star.”

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NBA 2025-26 midseason Sixth Man of the Year: Naz Reid is man to beat, plus betting tips on race

We've reached the midpoint of an NBA season that has been filled with surprises — Detroit and Boston lead the East, San Antonio is second in the West — and also far too many injuries to stars. It's also given us jaw-dropping moments, and not just the ones Victor Wembanyama seems to deliver us on a nightly basis.

The midpoint also means it's time to take stock of the NBA postseason awards. All week long, I will make my picks for some of the NBA's top awards at this point in the season, plus get betting angles from NBC Sports experts. Today: Sixth Man of the Year.

NBA Sixth Man of the Year: Naz Reid

2. Jaime Jaquez Jr.
3. Ajay Mitchell

Analysis of Sixth Man of the Year race

Naz Reid won Sixth Man of the Year two years ago with stats that are not as good as the ones he is putting up for the Timberwolves this season, including a career-high 14.5 points per game. He is also someone coach Chris Finch leans on in clutch minutes (depending on the matchup) because of his versatility and ability to play both ends of the floor (he is a plus defender and a big shooting 38.8% from 3-point range).

Usually, the Sixth Man of the Year race sees a lot of movement in the second half of the season, but it feels like someone else is going to win the award this year, they are going to have to prove themselves better than Reid. Good luck with that.

Miami's Jamie Jaquez Jr. — who has carried the Heat offense for stretches — might be the guy to pull that off, although he needs to be a little more efficient with his scoring to win this. Ajay Mitchell has been a revelation off the bench in Oklahoma City in his second season, and the fact that he tends to be on the court with a stacked roster — have you seen the Thunder bench? — shouldn't be held against him. Mitchell has been fantastic.

Three other names to watch in this race are Reed Sheppard in Houston, Keldon Johnson in San Antonio, and the hot Anfernee Simons in Boston. Any of them could climb into the top three — or the top spot itself — with a strong second half of the season.

Orlando's Anthony Black, Atlanta's Nickiel Alexander-Walker and Phoenix's Collin Gilespi are not on this list because all three have become regular starters and have started more than half of their team's games to this point.

Betting Sixth Man Race

We reached out to the NBC Sports betting experts for their thoughts on the Rookie of the Year race and how they might bet it.

Drew Dinsick, NBC Sports Betting Analyst

The rubric for this award is the most productive bench player in terms of raw scoring for a Top 3 seed in either conference. We've seen a rotating cast of favorites for this award throughout the season at this point but the man coming on strong at the moment is clearly Anfernee Simons of the Boston Celtics. His price at 14/1 does not capture the recent surge which find him Top 3 in points scored off the bench, slightly behind Naz Reid and Jaime Jaquez Jr. It seems likely he will lead bench scoring by the All-Star break for the 2-seed Celtics which will likely mean he will be the market favorite and the best awards bet on the board at this time. 

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2026 Fantasy Baseball Top 300: Jackson Chourio tumbles in final preseason update

With Opening Day here, here's the final update to the preseason Top 300. I will be continuing on with a weekly updated in-season Top 300 on Mondays. Players are ranked for 5x5 mixed leagues using a one-catcher format. I include the mixed-league disclaimer because I do reward upside, particularly past the top 200 or so.

⚾️ Coming soon: MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.

2026 Fantasy Baseball Top 300 overall ranks

**Updated March 26**

2026Top 300TeamPosPos RkMar 20
1 Aaron Judge Yankees OF 1 1
2 Shohei Ohtani Dodgers DH 1 2
3 Bobby Witt Jr. Royals SS 1 3
4 Ronald Acuna Jr. Braves OF 2 4
5 Juan Soto Mets OF 3 5
6 Jose Ramirez Guardians 3B 1 6
7 Tarik Skubal Tigers SP 1 7
8 Julio Rodriguez Mariners OF 4 8
9 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Blue Jays 1B 1 9
10 Kyle Tucker Dodgers OF 5 10
11 Paul Skenes Pirates SP 2 11
12 Gunnar Henderson Orioles SS 2 12
13 Elly De La Cruz Reds SS 3 13
14 Corbin Carroll Diamondbacks OF 6 14
15 Fernando Tatis Jr. Padres OF 7 15
16 Nick Kurtz Athletics 1B 2 16
17 Pete Alonso Orioles 1B 3 17
18 Zach Neto Angels SS 4 18
19 Garrett Crochet Red Sox SP 3 19
20 Kyle Schwarber Phillies DH 2 21
21 Junior Caminero Rays 3B 2 22
22 Logan Gilbert Mariners SP 4 23
23 Trea Turner Phillies SS 5 24
24 Francisco Lindor Mets SS 6 25
25 Yordan Alvarez Astros OF 8 26
26 Cristopher Sanchez Phillies SP 5 27
27 Ketel Marte Diamondbacks 2B 1 29
28 Yoshinobu Yamamoto Dodgers SP 6 30
29 Austin Riley Braves 3B 3 31
30 James Wood Nationals OF 9 28
31 Michael Harris II Braves OF 10 33
32 Pete Crow-Armstrong Cubs OF 11 34
33 Cal Raleigh Mariners C 1 35
34 Bryan Woo Mariners SP 7 36
35 Jackson Chourio Brewers OF 12 20
36 Freddie Freeman Dodgers 1B 4 37
37 CJ Abrams Nationals SS 7 32
38 Bryce Harper Phillies 1B 5 38
39 Jarren Duran Red Sox OF 13 39
40 Jazz Chisholm Jr. Yankees 2B 2 40
41 Mason Miller Padres RP 1 41
42 Max Fried Yankees SP 8 42
43 Brent Rooker Athletics OF 14 43
44 Maikel Garcia Royals 3B 4 44
45 Manny Machado Padres 3B 5 45
46 George Kirby Mariners SP 9 46
47 Wyatt Langford Rangers OF 15 47
48 Sal Stewart Reds 1B 6 57
49 Roman Anthony Red Sox OF 16 48
50 Edwin Diaz Dodgers RP 2 49
51 Oneil Cruz Pirates OF 17 73
52 Jackson Merrill Padres OF 18 50
53 Cody Bellinger Yankees OF 19 51
54 George Springer Blue Jays OF 20 52
55 Jacob deGrom Rangers SP 10 53
56 Brice Turang Brewers 2B 3 54
57 Cade Smith Guardians RP 3 55
58 Chris Sale Braves SP 11 56
59 Geraldo Perdomo Diamondbacks SS 8 58
60 Shohei Ohtani Dodgers SP 12 59
61 Aroldis Chapman Red Sox RP 4 60
62 Vinnie Pasquantino Royals 1B 7 61
63 Framber Valdez Tigers SP 13 62
64 Bo Bichette Mets SS 9 63
65 Hunter Brown Astros SP 14 64
66 Jhoan Duran Phillies RP 5 65
67 Joe Ryan Twins SP 15 66
68 Logan Webb Giants SP 16 67
69 Dylan Cease Blue Jays SP 17 68
70 Devin Williams Mets RP 6 69
71 Luis Robert Jr. Mets OF 21 70
72 Cole Ragans Royals SP 18 71
73 Jeremy Pena Astros SS 10 79
74 Tyler Soderstrom Athletics 1B 8 72
75 Matt Olson Braves 1B 9 74
76 Corey Seager Rangers SS 11 75
77 Andres Munoz Mariners RP 7 76
78 Josh Naylor Mariners 1B 10 77
79 Jacob Misiorowski Brewers SP 19 80
80 Mookie Betts Dodgers SS 12 81
81 Zack Wheeler Phillies SP 20 82
82 Luke Keaschall Twins 2B 4 83
83 Ben Rice Yankees C 2 85
84 David Bednar Yankees RP 8 86
85 Sonny Gray Red Sox SP 21 87
86 Jose Altuve Astros 2B 5 88
87 Rafael Devers Giants 1B 11 89
88 Seiya Suzuki Cubs OF 22 78
89 Byron Buxton Twins OF 23 90
90 Kyle Bradish Orioles SP 22 91
91 Riley Greene Tigers OF 24 92
92 Daniel Palencia Cubs RP 9 93
93 Drew Rasmussen Rays SP 23 94
94 Noelvi Marte Reds 3B 6 95
95 Christian Yelich Brewers OF 25 96
96 Xavier Edwards Marlins SS 13 97
97 Josh Hader Astros RP 10 98
98 Eury Perez Marlins SP 24 101
99 Mike Trout Angels OF 26 102
100 Jeff Hoffman Blue Jays RP 11 103
101 Salvador Perez Royals C 3 104
102 Jesus Luzardo Phillies SP 25 105
103 Matt McLain Reds 2B 6 107
104 Jo Adell Angels OF 27 108
105 Nolan McLean Mets SP 26 109
106 Brandon Nimmo Rangers OF 28 110
107 Ivan Herrera Cardinals DH 3 111
108 Bryan Reynolds Pirates OF 29 106
109 Kyle Stowers Marlins OF 30 84
110 Griffin Jax Rays RP 12 112
111 Shea Langeliers Athletics C 4 113
112 Alec Burleson Cardinals 1B 12 114
113 Teoscar Hernandez Dodgers OF 31 115
114 Willson Contreras Red Sox 1B 13 116
115 Ryan Helsley Orioles RP 13 117
116 Daylen Lile Nationals OF 32 118
117 Alec Bohm Phillies 3B 7 119
118 Gerrit Cole Yankees SP 27 120
119 Daulton Varsho Blue Jays OF 33 121
120 Ceddanne Rafaela Red Sox 2B 7 122
121 Blake Snell Dodgers SP 28 100
122 Nico Hoerner Cubs 2B 8 123
123 William Contreras Brewers C 5 124
124 Raisel Iglesias Braves RP 14 125
125 Michael Busch Cubs 1B 14 126
126 Tanner Bibee Guardians SP 29 127
127 Trevor Megill Brewers RP 15 133
128 Jacob Wilson Athletics SS 14 128
129 Nick Pivetta Padres SP 30 129
130 Drake Baldwin Braves C 6 154
131 Ranger Suarez Red Sox SP 31 130
132 Brenton Doyle Rockies OF 34 131
133 Trevor Story Red Sox SS 15 132
134 MacKenzie Gore Rangers SP 32 134
135 Jorge Polanco Mets 2B 9 135
136 Eugenio Suarez Reds 3B 8 99
137 Alex Bregman Cubs 3B 9 136
138 Freddy Peralta Mets SP 33 137
139 Andy Pages Dodgers OF 35 138
140 Jakob Marsee Marlins OF 36 139
141 Yandy Diaz Rays 1B 15 140
142 Kevin Gausman Blue Jays SP 34 141
143 Emilio Pagan Reds RP 16 142
144 Tyler Glasnow Dodgers SP 35 155
145 Hunter Goodman Rockies C 7 143
146 Kenley Jansen Tigers RP 17 144
147 Agustin Ramirez Marlins C 8 145
148 Ezequiel Tovar Rockies SS 16 146
149 Shota Imanaga Cubs SP 36 147
150 Bryson Stott Phillies 2B 10 157
151 Nathan Eovaldi Rangers SP 37 149
152 Ian Happ Cubs OF 37 150
153 Pete Fairbanks Marlins RP 18 151
154 Chase Burns Reds SP 38 153
155 Andrew Vaughn Brewers 1B 16 156
156 Ryan Walker Giants RP 19 158
157 Jung Hoo Lee Giants OF 38 186
158 Jackson Holliday Orioles 2B 11 167
159 Caleb Durbin Red Sox 3B 10 159
160 Shane McClanahan Rays SP 39 160
161 Brandon Woodruff Brewers SP 40 161
162 Steven Kwan Guardians OF 39 163
163 Willy Adames Giants SS 17 148
164 Dansby Swanson Cubs SS 18 164
165 Seranthony Dominguez White Sox RP 20 165
166 Matthew Boyd Cubs SP 41 166
167 Kerry Carpenter Tigers OF 40 168
168 Cade Horton Cubs SP 42 169
169 Wilyer Abreu Red Sox OF 41 170
170 Luis Garcia Jr. Nationals 2B 12 171
171 Adolis Garcia Phillies OF 42 172
172 Isaac Paredes Astros 3B 11 173
173 JJ Wetherholt Cardinals SS 19 229
174 Colson Montgomery White Sox SS 20 175
175 Edward Cabrera Cubs SP 43 176
176 Tommy Edman Dodgers 2B 13 162
177 Munetaka Murakami White Sox 3B 12 177
178 Randy Arozarena Mariners OF 43 178
179 Michael King Padres SP 44 179
180 Gleyber Torres Tigers 2B 14 180
181 Konnor Griffin Pirates SS 21 181
182 Cam Schlittler Yankees SP 45 182
183 Brendan Donovan Mariners 2B 15 183
184 Nick Lodolo Reds SP 46 184
185 Josh Lowe Angels OF 44 185
186 Addison Barger Blue Jays 3B 13 187
187 Bryce Miller Mariners SP 47 190
188 Bryan Abreu Astros RP 21 191
189 Taylor Ward Orioles OF 45 192
190 Joe Musgrove Padres SP 48 193
191 Otto Lopez Marlins SS 22 194
192 Sandy Alcantara Marlins SP 49 195
193 Jordan Beck Rockies OF 46 196
194 Xander Bogaerts Padres SS 23 152
195 Dennis Santana Pirates RP 22 197
196 Matt Chapman Giants 3B 14 198
197 Abner Uribe Brewers RP 23 188
198 Dylan Crews Nationals OF 47 199
199 Marcell Ozuna Pirates DH 4 201
200 Trent Grisham Yankees OF 48 202
201 Will Smith Dodgers C 9 203
202 Kodai Senga Mets SP 50 204
203 Jordan Lawlar Diamondbacks 3B 15 205
204 Carlos Rodon Yankees SP 51 206
205 Brett Baty Mets 2B 16 189
206 Max Muncy Dodgers 3B 16 207
207 Bubba Chandler Pirates SP 52 215
208 Willi Castro Rockies 2B 17 260
209 Heliot Ramos Giants OF 49 209
210 Brandon Lowe Pirates 2B 18 221
211 Emmet Sheehan Dodgers SP 53 174
212 Kazuma Okamoto Blue Jays 3B 17 210
213 Chandler Simpson Rays OF 50 211
214 Miguel Vargas White Sox 3B 18 212
215 Hunter Greene Reds SP 54 213
216 Spencer Torkelson Tigers 1B 17 214
217 Luis Arraez Giants 1B 18 216
218 Jonathan Aranda Rays 1B 19 217
219 Robert Garcia Rangers RP 24 218
220 Spencer Schwellenbach Braves SP 55 219
221 Nolan Schanuel Angels 1B 20 220
222 Matt Wallner Twins OF 51 222
223 Masyn Winn Cardinals SS 24 223
224 Kevin McGonigle Tigers SS 25 224
225 Jameson Taillon Cubs SP 56 225
226 Carlos Estevez Royals RP 25 208
227 Colt Keith Tigers 2B 19 227
228 Ramon Laureano Padres OF 52 228
229 Gavin Williams Guardians SP 57 231
230 Josh Bell Twins 1B 21 232
231 Gabriel Moreno Diamondbacks C 10 233
232 Ryan Pepiot Rays SP 58 200
233 Yainer Diaz Astros C 11 236
234 Kris Bubic Royals SP 59 237
235 Anthony Volpe Yankees SS 26 238
236 Mickey Moniak Rockies OF 53 239
237 Trey Yesavage Blue Jays SP 60 240
238 Royce Lewis Twins 3B 19 241
239 Andres Gimenez Blue Jays 2B 20 243
240 Cody Ponce Blue Jays SP 61 244
241 Tyler O’Neill Orioles OF 54 245
242 Lawrence Butler Athletics OF 55 246
243 Riley O’Brien Cardinals RP 26 247
244 Jorge Soler Angels OF 56 248
245 Josh Jung Rangers 3B 20 251
246 Nick Martinez Rays SP 62 249
247 Shane Bieber Blue Jays SP 63 252
248 Jordan Westburg Orioles 3B 21 226
249 Lenyn Sosa White Sox 2B 21 250
250 Justin Steele Cubs SP 64 235
251 Ernie Clement Blue Jays SS 27 254
252 Christopher Morel Marlins OF 57 255
253 Aaron Nola Phillies SP 65 256
254 Jake Burger Rangers 1B 22 257
255 Evan Carter Rangers OF 58 258
256 Reid Detmers Angels SP 66 259
257 Shane Baz Orioles SP 68 261
258 Sal Frelick Brewers OF 59 262
259 Parker Messick Guardians SP 69 265
260 Marcus Semien Mets 2B 22 234
261 Adley Rutschman Orioles C 12 263
262 Ozzie Albies Braves 2B 23 264
263 Spencer Strider Braves SP 70 230
264 Brandon Marsh Phillies OF 60 253
265 Christian Walker Astros 1B 23 266
266 Giancarlo Stanton Yankees OF 61 268
267 Jake McCarthy Rockies OF 62 269
268 Clay Holmes Mets SP 71 271
269 Jonathan India Royals 2B 24 272
270 Will Benson Reds OF 63 NR
271 Zac Gallen Diamondbacks SP 72 273
272 Luis Castillo Mariners SP 73 274
273 Lucas Erceg Royals RP 27 275
274 Jeff McNeil Athletics 2B 25 277
275 Carlos Correa Astros SS 28 278
276 Braxton Ashcraft Pirates SP 74 279
277 Logan Henderson Brewers SP 75 280
278 TJ Friedl Reds OF 64 281
279 Chad Patrick Brewers SP 76 282
280 Colton Cowser Orioles OF 65 283
281 Robert Suarez Braves RP 28 284
282 Merrill Kelly Diamondbacks SP 77 285
283 Max Scherzer Blue Jays SP 78 286
284 Victor Scott II Cardinals OF 66 287
285 Mark Leiter Jr. Athletics RP 29 297
286 Ryan Weathers Yankees SP 79 290
287 Justin Crawford Phillies OF 68 291
288 Kyle Manzardo Guardians 1B 24 292
289 Max Meyer Marlins SP 80 293
290 Carson Benge Mets OF 69 NR
291 Paul Sewald Diamondbacks RP 30 NR
292 Jesus Sanchez Blue Jays OF 70 294
293 J.T. Realmuto Phillies C 13 295
294 Jose Caballero Yankees SS 29 298
295 Nolan Arenado Diamondbacks 3B 22 299
296 Noah Cameron Royals SP 81 300
297 Dominic Canzone Mariners OF 71 NR
298 Ryne Nelson Diamondbacks SP 82 NR
299 Jac Caglianone Royals OF 72 NR
300 Clayton Beeter Nationals RP 31 NR

March 26 Notes

Falling off: Kirby Yates (242nd), Reynaldo López (267th), Brooks Baldwin (270th), Spencer Steer (276th), Aaron Ashby (288th), Dylan Beavers (289th), Ryan O'Hearn (296th)

- Opening Night has passed, but there was still one more round of rankings tweaks to be posted. A lot of the changes are lineup related. I had high hopes Sal Stewart would eventually become the Reds' cleanup man, but I never thought it would happen in time for Opening Day. He climbs from 57th to 48th, while Eugenio Suárez falls from 99th to 136th. Oneil Cruz got a bump up to 51st with the Pirates seemingly committed to him as a leadoff man. JJ Wetherholt moves from 229th to 173rd; he'll have plenty of time to establish himself in the leadoff spot for the Cardinals with Lars Nootbaar surprisingly on the 60-day IL.

- Jackson Chourio was the final update, going from 20th to 35th with the news that he'd miss two to four weeks with a hairline fracture in his hand. That gives Garrett Mitchell more of a runway in Milwaukee after a rough spring, but Mitchell still fell a tad short of making the list. He'll be there in the first in-season update if he gets off to a nice start.

March 20 Notes

- The unfortunate Dylan Crews update.

I was, of course, very high on Crews for fantasy purposes this year, not so much because I expected him to emerge as a star (at .747, he had the second lowest projected OPS of my top 60 position players ahead of only Pete Crow Armstrong), but because I thought he'd make a run at 40 steals on a bad Nationals team. I probably should have factored into my expectations that said bad Nationals team can retain him for an extra year by keeping him in the minors for seven weeks or so. And after his demotion on Friday, it sure looks like that's what they'll do.

Crews was in the midst of a poor spring. I didn't care about that, and I don't think the Nationals really did, either. After all, the prospect likely replacing him on the roster, Christian Franklin, is hitting .241/.267/.241 with a 10/1 K/BB in 30 plate appearances. I still expect that Crews will come back and be pretty useful in mixed leagues starting in June, but even if he goes on a tear right away and the Nationals offense is as poor as seems likely, he's probably not returning until those seven weeks are up. He comes in at No. 199 for now.

- That's the day's only change to the top 300. The Twins' decision to release Liam Hendriks got Cole Sands moved up some in my projections, but not enough to crack the list. It's kind of hard to imagine a bullpen with less upside than the one Minnesota is going to running out there. Like, it's not going to be as bad as Washington's, but at least the Nationals have a couple of guys who are interesting. My favorite Twins reliever is probably Cody Laweryson, who the team DFA'd over the winter and who later wound up getting released by the Angels before making his way back to Minnesota. And he still might not make the club.

March 19 Notes

Falling off: Lars Nootbaar (285th), Zebby Matthews (295th)

- We're short on major changes this week, which is great, because major changes are usually the result of injuries. I did drop Joe Musgrove once again, though it still looks like he might return from his Tommy John setback before the end of April. Trey Yesavage fell from 50th to 62nd among starters after the Jays finally came clean about the reason they were slowplaying him this spring. Still, the shoulder impingement doesn't sound like a disaster; he was able to pitch in a minor league game earlier this week.

- Moving up on the pitching side of things was Nathan Eovaldi, who has looked strong after missing the final five weeks of last season with a shoulder injury. I've also moved Zac Gallen back into the top 300 after dropping him following his late re-signing with the Diamondbacks. Gallen has averaged 94.7 mph with his fastball in his three spring starts. He averaged 93.5 mph last year, and his career-high there is 94.1 mph from 2022. There's no guarantee the boost will stick around, but if it does, one imagines he'll bounce back in the strikeout department; he finished with a 21.5% K rate last year after never coming in below 25% previously.

- On the offensive side, I couldn't help but give Daulton Varsho another boost. I put little stock in spring numbers for veteran bats, but five homers and two strikeouts in 47 plate appearances is absurd. Chandler Simpson (up 12 spots to No. 211) and Kevin McGonigle (up 18 spots to No. 224) also climbed while getting projected for a little more playing time.

- In case you missed it, I posted an article with all of my favorite players for 2026 on Sunday.

March 13 Notes

- Falling off: Sean Manaea (277th), Brandon Pfaadt (295th), Ryne Nelson (298th)

- Sorry, no notes right now. Working on my annual "undervalued players" column. Expect another update here early in the week.

March 9 Notes

- Falling off: Jurickson Profar (239th), Jordan Walker (299th), Dominic Canzone (300th)

- Aside from Profar's 162-game PED ban, it was a pretty quiet week. Profar's exit from the heart of Atlanta's lineup moved up a couple of the players who were due to hit behind him. Mike Yastrzemski still didn't crack the list, though; he's a nice player, but not one with a lot of fantasy potential.

- Hunter Greene's elbow problem has dropped him some while waiting for the official word about the source of his stiffness. He said his UCL is just fine, and if that's the case, he hopefully won't be looking at any sort of lengthy absence. He's tumbled from 49th to 74th for now.

- Pitching for his country did nothing for Carlos Estévez's velocity woes Monday, as his fastball was still down five mph from last year's norm. Maybe he gets it back, but he was far from one of my favorite relievers in the first place. He drops to No. 210 for now, and Lucas Erceg joins the top 300 at No. 282.

- Kevin McGonigle is another debut this week, as Detroit's No. 1 prospect comes in at No. 260. As of this point, I still think he's a little bit of a long shot to make the team; he'd be a defensive downgrade at short, and the Tigers entered the spring pretty well set with their 13 position players. But he might well be one of the club's better hitters already. When it comes to fantasy potential, I'm not sure he's ready to hit more than 20 homers yet, and he probably wouldn't be a big factor in steals (he was 10-for-17 stealing base in 88 minor league games last year after going 22-for-24 in A ball in 2024). He'd be a mixed-league guy playing regularly, but I don't think he'd offer top-100 potential as a rookie.

March 2 Notes

- Falling off: Pablo López (205th), Zac Gallen (244th), Jake McCarthy (297th), Max Scherzer (299th), Jac Caglianone (300th)

- This was longer between updates than I wanted to go, but things will definitely be better this month. One big change this update is that relievers have been pushed up. There's just aren't as many good bets for saves as usual this year, and the third- and fourth-tier closers are going earlier as a result. So, Kenley Jansen, for instance, jumping from No. 174 to No. 146 isn't the result of a projections change. It's just more the price that needs to be paid to get a mid-range closer.

- Many of the position player changes are a result of new lineup projections. Jo Adell was hit particularly hard there; I had him as the Angels' likely cleanup hitter entering the spring, but it's starting to look like he'll hit sixth behind Yoán Moncada and Jorge Soler. I had already dropped the Reds' Noelvi Marte some because of doubts over whether he'd continue to bat second, but now it looks like he might hit as low as eighth initially. On the other hand, Matt McLain has moved up some, since he's the likeliest choice to replace Marte.

- That Kyle Tucker is likely to bat second for the Dodgers moved him up from 13th to 10th. Fernando Tatis Jr. lost a little ground with the Padres seemingly dropping him from the leadoff spot, but not quite enough to push him below Nick Kurtz in the rankings, since there was a significant gap there initially.

- Yordan Alvarez is down a few spots because the Astros' self-inflicted logjam will put him back into the outfield at least occasionally. I was really hoping for 150 games from him as a DH this year. It's now pretty clear that neither Christian Walker nor Isaac Paredes is getting traded prior to Opening Day, so Paredes is down to No. 171 and Walker fell about 30 spots to No. 261. Paredes would be about 40 spots higher if assured regular playing time, and he really ought to be, given that he's probably Houston's second-best hitter.

- Konnor Griffin's three early homers helped get him a 20-spot bump in the rankings to No. 193, but I'm still projecting him to open up in the minors. If the Pirates announced tomorrow that he'd be their starting shortstop, I'd have him around 110th or so. He'd probably be good for 30-40 steals, but his ability to hit for average would be in some question, and while he already has above average major league power, he'll be playing half of his games in a ballpark that's as tough for right-handers to homer in as any in the league.

- The Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt is looking increasingly likely to land a starting job at second base. I'm not quite sure that would make him an asset in shallow leagues, in part because the Cardinals just don't have a very good lineup. He might make a run at 15 homers and 15 steals, but the run and RBI numbers probably won't be there, especially if he's batting in the bottom half of the order early on. He checks in at No. 264 for now.