The Colorado Avalanche’s offseason has been pretty quiet. Aside from some day 1 signings like Jaden Schwartz and Noah Juulsen, the rest have been depth signings to bolster their roster and fill out AHL Colorado Eagles contracts. While there are still some big names left in free agency, the Avalanche have negative cap space, so it won't be hard to make room, but that leaves out many potential targets.
Though they could go bargain hunting and look to sign potential veteran maximum contracts, something similar to Brent Burns' new contract, low AAV, but with bonuses and signing bonuses to appease the player. Potentially a soon-to-be Hall of Famer looking for a short-term deal in hopes of one more Stanley Cup?
Show Time Coming To Mile High?
OnLeafs Morning Take, NHL Insider for The Fourth Period, David Pagnotta, appeared on the show, and during a discussion on what Patrick Kane’s future looks like, here is what he had to say:
“Is it [Toronto], is it Buffalo, is it back to Chicago, is it Colorado” - Leafs Morning Take (7/10)
Last season with the Detroit Red Wings, Kane finished with 16 goals and 41 assists for 57 points in 67 games, 19 of those points coming from the power play.
During the season, Kane talked about his time in Detroit, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, what it might look like if he came back to Detroit if he wanted to.
“I think there is mutual interest for me to come back and continue my career here. It’s been a great spot for me, my family, and my son, and I’ve definitely enjoyed my time here," Kane said in April during Detroit's season-ending media availability. "But there’s no rush. I’ll talk things over with my agent and my family, and we’ll see how everything plays out.
As Pagnotta said, there are many options for where he might want to play out the remainder of his career. Does he want to re-sign with the Red Wings and see if they put something together? What about a reunion with the Chicago Blackhawks and helping mentor Connor Bedard and the rest of the prospects over there? Or he heads home to Buffalo and joins the red-hot Sabers.
All places mean something to Kane, but if he wants to join a contending team and potentially push for one more championship, the Avalanche might be the best fit.
Taking The Offense To Another Level
Despite turning 38 heading into next season, Kane has shown during his time with the Red Wings that the skills that earned him the nickname “show time” remain, though he has also shown signs of regression. Though in a system like the Avalanche, there could be ways to enhance those positives while mitigating some of the negatives.
The main aspect of Kane joining the team is the power play. Last season, it was not good at all. At times, it looked like it was progressing better, but it quickly reverted to overpassing and missing shots on net that went wide, ending up reaming all the way back to the other end of the ice. If you're looking for a better player to set up players like Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, or Cale Makar to put the puck on net, it's Kane. Add Arturri Lehkonen as a net front presence and work from there.
As a right-winger who shoots left, he opens up options in the top nine for how they might want to utilize him. You could force either him or Necas to the left if you want a really dynamic top line, but we have seen Necas moved down with Brock Nelson and Valeri Nichushkin. So we could rock a line of Gabriel Landeskog, MacKinnon, and Kane, and the second line would be Lehkonen, Nelson, Necas, bumping Kadri down to the third line as a winger or center.
Steps Needed Before Signing
The biggest issue would be what Kane is asking for and for how long. I can’t imagine it's going to be a long contract, somewhere in the two-year range, but what AAV can work between Kane and management? As stated, the Avalanche are currently over the cap. If they want a contract to go through, they will need to move off some money, likely meaning Nicholas Roy, Parker Kelly, or Lehkonen going out, which is something I imagine the Avalanche don’t want to do.
As another winger, who comes out of the lineup? Is one of the recent additions, Zachary L’Heureux or Fyodor Svechkov, a casualty? While it's not the worst to replace them for Kane, you hoped they'd get playing time to really reignite and further develop their skills.
Is it likely that the Avalanche are done this offseason and are happy with the moves (or lack thereof) they made? For sure, but if there is an opportunity for Kane, I think they should 100% take that chance, given that level of talent is available every offseason. At the same time, it might not be what he showed in Chicago; it's another level this Avalanche offense can add.
The Athletic released its 2026 summer edition of their top NHL-drafted prospects, featuring four St. Louis Blues prospects.
Topping the list was unsurprisingly Gavin McKenna, the first overall pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL draft. Following closely behind McKenna in the top tier of Scott Wheeler’s rankings were San Jose Sharks’ Ivar Stenberg, Philadelphia Flyers’ Porter Martone, and Sharks’ Michael Misa.
The four Blues players to feature in these rankings were Tynan Lawrence, Dalibor Dvorsky, Justin Carbonneau and Adam Jiricek, all of whom are first-round picks for the Blues in the past four drafts. Wheeler mentioned left winger Otto Stenberg and defenseman Theo Lindstein as some of the final cuts. He considers those players Tier 6 prospects.
In Wheeler’s rankings, he provides tiers for groups of players, their positional ranks, and blurbs about their games.
Tynan Lawrence, C
Lawrence was the highest-ranking Blues prospect, landing at 27th, good enough for Tier 2 and the 11th-highest-ranked center. The 10 centers ranked above Lawrence were Misa, Caleb Malhotra, Viggo Bjorck, James Hagens, Ilya Protas, Anton Frondell, Berkly Catton, Michael Hage, Caleb Desnoyers, and Jake O’Brien. Five of the 10 centers ranked above him have already played NHL games.
Lawrence is still just 17 years old, as he’ll turn 18 on August 3. Heading into the 2025-26 season, Lawrence was widely considered the top center in the draft, but an injury delayed the start of his season, and after dominating the USHL, he decided to make the big jump to NCAA hockey.
The transition wasn’t smooth, and his production suffered, but he still has plenty of translatable NHL qualities. He plays a sound two-way game, is a strong skater, and is creative with the puck.
He has a natural release, getting pucks off his stick quickly after an intentional move to the inside or a pass into his catch-and-release (though he can overhandle it at times). He’s a good, strong skater who plays with pace and can make plays off the rush as well as inside the offensive zone. He plays pucks into space and under sticks a ton and wants to take the play to the slot. He moves into the middle of the ice and stays around the action. - Scott Wheeler
In his rookie season, Dalibor Dvorsky showcased all the qualities that will allow him to have a long NHL career, as he ranked 37th overall, in Tier 3 and as the 15th-ranked center.
His attention to the defensive side of the puck will, without a doubt, provide him the floor to be a third-line center who can score 20 goals and be a lockdown center.
But it’s the little parts of his offensive game that, with some fine-tuning, will allow him to be a top-six center. On multiple occasions, Dvorsky displayed his lethal shot. Whether it was the one-timer on the power play or his wrist shot in transition, Dvorsky has a heavy, accurate shot.
At the moment, what seems to be holding Dvorsky back is his explosiveness with his skating. He doesn’t have the acceleration to separate himself from his defender and make plays. Dvorsky is reliant on moving the puck to teammates and working off them to find open space. It’s a trait that will allow Dvorsky to score a lot of goals in the NHL, but if he truly wants to be a star, play driving is the next step.
He uses his body to gain inside positioning on defenders and shields pucks from defenders extremely impressively. I don’t think his skating is prohibitive. He has shown more fire and competitiveness as he has developed. I see legitimate finesse skills, point-production upside and power-play tools. He can run the wall or the point on the PP, effortlessly picking coverage apart and feathering pucks through seams. He has excellent touch and weight on his passes (he’s a great saucer passer off his forehand and backhand in particular) and does a beautiful job waiting for lanes to open. - Scott Wheeler
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Justin Carbonneau, RW
By size and frame, Justin Carbonneau isn’t a true power forward, but he’s showing more than a willingness to be aggressive and physical. Coming in at the 39th spot in Wheeler’s rankings, Carbonneau lands in Tier 3 as the fifth-ranked right winger. The four right wingers ranked ahead of Carbonneau were Stenberg, Martone, Roman Kantersov, and Alexander Zharovsky.
Carbonneau was excellent in the QMJHL season once again, and when the campaign concluded, he joined the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL for a few playoff games. Standing 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, Carbonneau has become a high-end goal scorer with strong playmaking instincts.
Although Carbonneau has his sights set on earning an NHL roster spot during training camp, it’s more likely he’ll start the season in the AHL and continue to develop. With his NHL-ready attributes, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Carbonneau earn a call-up at some point in the season. A one-two punch of Jimmy Snuggerud and Carbonneau as the top two right wingers of the future is a strong foundation.
Carbonneau is a talented offensive-zone player with naturally quick hands, a quick release that can beat goalies from midrange and change angles on defensemen and strong athletic tools as a solid and sturdy skater, though he could get a little quicker, with a pro frame. He can challenge defenders and threaten offensively on or off the puck. He has good outside-in hands pulling pucks across his body. He has a good wall game and can make plays for himself or play in and out of give-and-gos; he does try to beat guys one-on-one a little too much, but often pulls it off. - Scott Wheeler
Adam Jiricek is often a prospect Blues fans are a bit higher on than most scouts, but it’s for good reason. Wheeler ranked Jiricek 82nd overall, landing in the fifth tier and as the 14th best right-handed defenseman. Jiricek has struggled to stay healthy, but when he is on the ice, he’s a game changer. In the 2025-26 season, Jiricek finally had that spell of good health he desperately needed, and he showed everyone exactly what he is.
In the OHL and at the World Junior Championships, Jiricek was a two-way force, routinely finding his name on the score sheet while also taking on the bulk of the top matchups. On a stacked Brantford Bulldogs team, Jiricek didn’t have to be line-matched, as that roster featured stout defenders like Ben Danford, Vladimir Dravecky, Edison Engle and Owen Protz. But at the biggest junior hockey tournament in the world, Jiricek scored five goals in seven games while logging huge minutes as Czechia won silver.
Jiricek then made the jump to the AHL when his season concluded and impressed once again, skating in six post-season games. Jiricek has the size, puck skills, skating, and defensive awareness to be a potent top-four defender in the NHL. With some more time to develop, the Blues could see a top pairing of Philip Broberg and Jiricek for a long time.
He plays the game with confidence and intention, and has shown ambition and even creativity at times against his peers. He has good four-way mobility, an active disposition — he also showed at the pro level that he could simplify and play a more effective game — and balanced shooting mechanics. Jiricek has an eye for spacing and identifying opportunities to jump on both sides of the puck, plus good skill with the puck, and spent a lot of shifts all over the offensive zone in the OHL. I like his defensive habits, and he has size and ability. He breaks up his fair share of plays in the neutral zone with good timing on surfs and close-outs, though he will occasionally get beaten by being a little overactive. He’s capable of involving himself against his peers. He projects as a No. 4 D for me. - Scott Wheeler
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LAS VEGAS — In Tyler Herro's mind, he is entering a new chapter in his career — he's been traded from the only NBA team he knew, Miami, back to where he was born, Milwaukee, and that's what he wants to focus on.
He'd rather forget the altercation he had with former Heat teammate Bam Adebayo outside a Las Vegas casino and hotel this week, he told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.
"Honestly, I'm just trying to move past all of it," Herro told ESPN. "I'm focused on Milwaukee and building something special. They obviously just traded the greatest player in their history, so we want to come in and help continue what they've been doing....
"I'm ready to come home and not prove everyone wrong," he said, "but just be able to represent the city and the state because I wanted to do that coming out of school as well."
Both the Heat and Bucks were asked by NBC Sports about the incident — coincidentally, they played each other in a Summer League game as news of the altercation broke — but both chose not to comment.
The incident reportedly occurred outside the Resorts World Casino, where the Miami Heat's Summer League team showed up to practice on a court that had been used not long before by Herro's AAU team (in town for an EYBL event). The altercation was reportedly over direct messages sent to someone from a secondary Instagram account linked to Herro (not his primary one, but apparently this second account was widely known to be Herro's). Those comments reportedly included "You should get paid 60 million to be a top tier defender on some nights?"
According to the latest ESPN report, Adebayo walked up to Herro, confronted him, and the altercation got physical but was quickly broken up, and Herro was not knocked to the ground.
Considering it happened in front of a casino and Herro's teenage AAU team, it's surprising that video of the incident has yet to be leaked. But for both sides, they likely want to move on... although it will be a subplot when Miami and Milwaukee face each other this season.
The Buffalo Sabres took care of some significant business on Monday, avoiding arbitration with forward Peyton Krebs and agreeing to a four-year, $18 million contract extension, making a minor trade with the Washington Capitals (sending Tyler Kopff for Zac Funk) and announcing the addition of veteran NHL executive John Davidson as a senior advisor.
“John and I have a strong working relationship that we have developed over many years. His experience leading multiple organizations, combined with his player evaluation skills and relationships around the NHL make him a great fit for this role.” Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen said in a press release. “He will lend his expertise and guidance to all areas within the hockey department as we aim to continue to improve our club."
The 73-year-old has a long history with Kekalainen, who was an assistant GM in St. Louis when Davidson was hired to his first stint as an NHL executive as President of Hockey Operations with the Blues in 2006. After shifting to the same position with the Blue Jackets in 2012, the former NHL goalie fired Scott Howson and replaced him with Kekalainen as GM.
After leaving to serve as president of the NY Rangers, Davidson returned to Columbus for three seasons as president before becoming a senior advisor the last two seasons under Kekalainen and Don Waddell.
“I am excited to join the Buffalo Sabres and look forward to the opportunity to help the organization in any way I can,” Davidson said. “The momentum in Buffalo is palpable throughout the entire league and the passion from Sabres fans makes this opportunity all the more exciting. I look forward to continuing the relationships with many in the Sabres’ front office and building new ones in this role, all with the goal of contributing to a winning culture.”
This continues the transition of ex-Columbus management personnel to the Sabres, as Kekalainen brought in Josh Flynn as an assistant GM after taking over for Kevyn Adams last December. Ironically, on Tuesday the Boston Bruins announced that Adams had been hired as a senior advisor to GM Don Sweeney.
Adams was fired by the Sabres last December, which coincided with the club’s turnaround, but was later given credit for assembling the talent that finally broke through to make the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. The Bruins seem to collecting former Sabres, as Sweeney dealt a pair of first round picks to Utah for JJ Peterka, who will join Casey Mittelstadt, Henri Jokiharju, Nikita Zadorov, and Connor Clifton in Beantown.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Tyler Herro says he wants to "move on" from his altercation with former Miami Heat teammate Bam Adebayo after it was reported that Adebayo hit him in the face.
According to multiple media reports, Herro was approached by Adebayo at the Resorts World Hotel in Las Vegas on July 10.
Herro was at the hotel watching his AAU team practice when Adebayo confronted him about comments made on social media.
"Honestly, I'm just trying to move past all of it," Herro said to ESPN. "I'm focused on Milwaukee and building something special. They obviously just traded the greatest player in their history, so we want to come in and help continue what they've been doing."
"I'm ready to come home and not prove everyone wrong," he said, "but just be able to represent the city and the state because I wanted to do that coming out of school as well."
Adebayo and Herro spent seven seasons as teammates before Herro was traded to Milwaukee in a deal that sent two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 10: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on July 10, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I thought I’d ask the question, Who do you think will improve the most the second half of the season?
I planned on have all the Jays regulars in the poll, but I’m limited to six option in the poll. Oh well.
There is room for any of our hitters to improve, but let’s go with these six. The team offense isn’t what it ought to be. Let’s use OPS as a measure, the one who’s second half OPS is the most improved from the first half.
Obviously, Vlad’s numbers are nowhere near what we expect from him. And there has been some improvement over the ten games. He has a .773 OPS over those ten games, mostly because he hit two home runs and took seven walks in those ten games. I don’t think that means he is sure to improve after the All-Star break, but it would be hard for him not to improve.
Myles Straw has a .626 OPS in the first half. He’s never been a great hitter, but last year his OPS was .680. So there is a lot of room for him to get better. And he’s been some better in his last ten games, with a .692 OPS.
Andrés Giménez has a .640 OPS. He isn’t in the lineup for his bat, but he can do batter than that. His last ten games have been awful offensively, .400 OPS.
Daulton Vasho has a .696 OPS, after a .833 last year. And his last ten games have been terrible, .276 OPS. I think he’s looking better defensively, but the bat? He isn’t striking out, but he isn’t making any hard contact.
George Springer has a .677 OPS. After a bounce back season last year, he’s back to be hitting like he did in 2024. He’s finally been moved out of the leadoff spot. He’s only had three games since the last injury.
Alejandro Kirk has had a tough season, breaking a hand. Guys often have a tough time after an injury like that. His OPS is .587. I’ve always thought that Kirk could fall out of bed and hit .290. In his last ten games, he has an .589 OPS.
NEW YORK - JULY 15: (L-R) David Ortiz #34 and Manny Ramirez #24 of the Boston Red Sox look on prior to the 79th MLB All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium on July 15, 2008 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When your franchise is decades older than the very first iteration of your sport’s all-star event, you’re bound to have some iconic players making some key plays during the league’s premier mid-year showcase. The Boston Red Sox are no exception to that.
Over 125 seasons and……….well, a lot of All-Stars later (I ain’t counting all of these; there’s at least four guys on there though, no arguing that), the law firm of Rafaela, Chapman, and Contreras (Suarez is on vacation, it appears) will look to add on to that legacy of Sox getting the job done during the Midsummer Classic or the preceding Home Run Derby.
With the 96th MLB All-Star Game set to take place in Philadelphia tonight, what better way to celebrate than by counting down the best Red Sox memories from All-Star festivities of yesteryear?
One catch, though: We’re looking at the moments that happened after the 1999 ASG at Fenway. Sorry, that’s too easy. You and I both know that the two best Red Sox All-Star moments are Ted Williams riding out in the golf cart from center and the masterclass that Pedro put on immediately afterwards. You can pick which order you want to put them in. Regardless, including 1999 into this countdown would make everything a foregone conclusion, so let’s mix it up a bit and call this a list of 21st century Sox memories from the ASG.
Honorable Mention: Johnny Damon Doin’ Some Karaoke With Alter Bridge (Detroit 2005)
Dudes rock.
I thought I had maybe imagined this while trying to find the footage. I was striking out for a little bit, thinking I perhaps had a Mandela Effect thing going on. Surely, World Series champion and 2005 All-Star Johnny Damon was not singing some butt rock at Comerica Park before the Home Run Derby, right?
Nope, it was real. Johnny Damon (and Mike Piazza!) were getting fans revved up to see some dingers with the best way the knew how: belting out the tunes. All-Stars can be crooners, too.
5. Brock Holt Just Being There As An All-Star (Cincinnatti 2015)
That was awesome, huh? .280/.349/.379 sure looks like the triple slash of an All-Star to me, dear reader.
In a season that was as garbage as 2015 was, it was nice to have a win like this one. Someone had to represent the team in Cincy—I’m glad it was our ol’ pal Brock. That can be the the beauty of MLB’s All-Star Game: Future Hall of Famers can rub elbows with guys who are cult heroes in their own cities.
And Holt took a bag off of one of the best defensive catchers we’ve ever seen! Not too shabby for a guy who was selected just because every team has to have a representative!
4. Manny And Papi Have Liftoff In Space City (Houston 2004)
The best 1-2 combo in the league in 2004 showed everybody what they were about during the 2004 All-Star Game, as Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz both left the yard en route to a massive 9-4 win for the Junior Circuit.
Manny was first in the opening frame, sending a two-run bomb into the Crawford Boxes to really open up the scoring. It was part of a six-run first inning against, guess who, Roger Clemens. Papi followed in the sixth inning to extend the AL’s lead with a massive dinger.
The duo went on to have no other notable hits in the 2004 season.
3. David Ortiz: Derby Champion (Anaheim 2010)
Speaking of Ortiz homers….
It took Papi a couple of tries (he was in three straight derbies between 2004 and 2006), but he was finally able to claim the Home Run Derby crown at Angels Stadium in 2010. Ironically enough, he beat future teammate Hanley Ramirez in the final.
Much like his lack of output in 2004, Mr. Ortiz went on to have a quiet career after his triumph in the summer of 2010.
(By the way, look at how far news videos have come based off of that video from the AP)
2. JD Drew Ties It Up In The Bronx (New York 2008)
JD Drew waited a while to become an All-Star. When he finally got his chance, he did not disappoint.
His two-run dinger in the seventh inning finally got the AL on the board at the old (but not the OLD old) Yankee Stadium in 2008. The game eventually lasted for 15 innings—the NL actually got the lead right back after Drew’s heroics before the AL tied it again—before the American League walked it off late into the summer night. Still, Drew’s home run was enough to earn him the MVP nod.
Drew didn’t even have the best homer as a Boston player en route to an ASG MVP award in the 21st century, though…
1. Jarren Duran Gives The AL The Lead (Texas 2024)
Jarren Duran’s excellent 2024 campaign with the Sox was punctuated with a huge go-ahead homer in the fifth inning to put the American League out in front in Texas. The AL went on to hold onto the lead for the rest of the game, and number 16 was rewarded with the game’s MVP award for his efforts. He was also rewarded with an interview from that guy who didn’t amount to much after he and his pal hit some homers of their own in Texas 20 years earlier.
On top of that, his homer ensured that people would forget that Tanner Houck gave up a nuke to that Ohtani fella earlier in the night. Nice teammate!
Hopefully, this article will be a lil’ out of date by the end of the night. Let me know if you think I forgot any memories in the comments below. Regardless of whether you think I did or didn’t, though, enjoy the game!
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - MARCH 30: Hunter Dietz #32 of the Arkansas Razorbacks throws a pitch during the game against the LSU Tigers at Baum-Walker Stadium at George Cole Field on March 30, 2024 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Tigers 7-5. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As the 2026 MLB Draft played out, several early surprises created a scenario where it seemed like a wealth of position playing talent was going to still be on the board for the Yankees to choose from. Bo Lowrance, Daniel Jackson, and Cole Prosek were three names that had traction with Yankees fans online. With all those options on the board I expected the Yankees to grab a position player in the first round, but they took advantage when a highly ranked pitcher was unexpectedly still available with the 35th overall pick.
University of Arkansas pitcher Hunter Dietz was the highest-ranked prospect still on the board as the Yankees made their first pick of the draft, and the team jumped at the chance to bring him into their pitching development system. The 6-foot-6 lefty from the University of Arkansas battled injuries during his first two seasons in college but broke out in a big way this past season. Dietz led the SEC in quality starts during the 2026 season while striking out 131 batters in 85.2 innings.
One player comparison that will excite Yankees fans is with Cam Schlittler, as Dietz’s large frame and big velocity should give him a similar tool set to work with as the Yankees had with Schilittler when he joined the organization.
The Yankees then followed up with Canadian prep left-hander Sean Duncan, who is considered one of the most polished high-school pitchers in the draft. Duncan is a Vanderbilt commit, but it is widely assumed that he will sign after being taken in the second round. Yankees fans will have to wait a while to see him in action as it was reported in June that he will need Tommy John surgery, but with a long track record of being one of the top pitchers in his age group, there are not many concerns that he will return to form after his recovery.
With these two picks the Yankees bolstered the left-handed pitching depth of their farm system. In order to get these two talented left-handed pitchers, the Yankees passed on several other areas of weakness within their farm system but quickly turned to start addressing those needs. They used their third- and fifth-round picks on college catchers, which is not surprising as their farm system currently does not have a catcher ranked among the top-30 prospects by either MLB.com or Baseball America.
In the third round the Yankees grabbed Brendan Brock, an exciting prospect with the rare tool of elite speed for a catching prospect who just played a big role in the University of Oklahoma’s national championship run. Brock is athletic enough that scouts also see him as a legitimate option anywhere in the outfield if the Yankees choose to go that way.
Two rounds later, the Yankees grabbed Texas A&M’s Bear Harrison. The younger brother of Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison, Bear has a career .445 on-base percentage in three years of college, peaking with a .495 mark this past year. He has also produced outstanding exit velocities during his career showing the potential to be a solid power hitter as he moves into the professional ranks.
Another fun pick came in the eighth round when the Yankees selected Luke Pettitte as a two-way player from Dallas Baptist University.
Andy Pettitte’s son took advantage of his year recovering from Tommy John surgery to put up big numbers including 16 home runs while serving as a full-time designated hitter. It is more likely that we will see Pettitte on the mound when his arm is recovered, as Baseball America credits him with some of the best command in the 2026 draft class.
The other storyline to follow now that the picks are complete is signability. In the age of NIL, only a handful of college teams can compete with a solid signing bonus and improved minor league pay, but it is a different environment than in many previous years. The Yankees selected four high-school players and will likely have to be creative to sign all of them away from their college commitments. Sixth-round pick Andrew Gonzalez was moving up draft boards as his strong left-handed power from the caught the attention of a very well-funded Texas Tech program. Further down in the draft, the Yankees selected outfielder Lee Garris and shortstop William Cutshall. Garris is coming off a Virginia state championship for his high school team and was expected to head to James Madison University before being drafted by the Yankees with the 398th overall pick. Cutshall was planning on starting at the University of Mississippi in the fall and may be one of the toughest picks to keep from going to campus.
The Yankees put together a very solid draft, bringing in a mix of exciting arms and talented position players. Over the course of two days, they drafted players who will slot as their top or second-best left-handed pitching prospect. They also picked up two players who will rank as the best catching prospects in the organization for now. Around that they selected a blend of solid performance, and potential upside. In the coming weeks, we will get to see many of these players take the field for the first time as Yankees prospects.
In case you missed it, check out Pinstripe Alley’s full draft coverage!
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 13: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves speaks to the media during the 2026 National League Media Availability at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves will be well represented at the 2026 All-Star Game. Veteran left-hander Chris Sale is part of a five-player contingent set to suit up when the National League battles the American League at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Sale will be flanked by second baseman Ozzie Albies, catcher Drake Baldwin, first baseman Matt Olson, and closer Raisel Iglesias. While Albies and Olson each received the honor for the fourth time, this All-Star selection marks the 10th in the Hall of Fame career of Sale.
Reaching that double-digit plateau puts Sale in exclusive company. He is just the eighth starting pitcher in Major League Baseball history to be selected to 10 All-Star Games. Sale joins Braves legends Tom Glavine and Warren Spahn as well as Steve Carlton, Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Clayton Kershaw, and Tom Seaver on the list.
Sale earned this trip to Philadelphia by compiling a 2.20 ERA, second only to fellow All-Star Jacob Misiorowski (1.62) in the NL. This marks the third consecutive season that Sale has been named to the All-Star team since joining the Braves, ending a five-year absence after going to seven straight for the American League from 2012-2018.
Atlanta’s group of All-Stars also includes two first-timers in Baldwin and Iglesias, the former in just his second big league season while the latter was wondering if he’d ever make the cut.
I spent a few minutes catching up with Sale to hear his memories from his first All-Star Game, the road back from injury to once again being selected for this honor, and his thoughts on a long-awaited All-Star nod for Iglesias.
Grant McAuley: Let’s chat a little about the All-Star game, because I know as somebody who’s been around the game and had the opportunity to take part in some of these, they’re all special. What does this one mean to you? Third year in Atlanta, third All-Star appearance. As you get to this point of your career, I would imagine it’s just a different level of meaningful.
Chris Sale: Yeah, I think there’s nothing like the first one. The first one’s probably always going to be the coolest one, the funnest one, just because you’ve never been there before. But that doesn’t mean that any of the other ones aren’t special and cool again. I just think about all of the people that helped me get here. You go back five or six years ago, I don’t think a whole lot of people had this on their bingo card, so I’m just really thankful for everyone that helped me get back to this point and to be able to enjoy these things.
GM: Walk me through that first All-Star game. It was 2012, if memory serves. It was a different game back then, a different time in your life and career. As a young player coming up, what was it like walking into that locker room and being among the guys you looked up to, players who at that moment in time were the best in the game?
CS: Shoot, I want to say there’s at least two Hall of Famers in there. I remember, you know, CC Sabathia was there, Derek Jeter was there. Some of those bigger name guys that I looked up to when I was a kid were just walking around that clubhouse. I was just thinking, ‘Man, I don’t feel like I belong in here.’ So, to be able to look back on that moment and then to where I am now, it’s just special. Again, I just appreciate the opportunity and I’m just thankful for all the people that helped me get here.
GM: You mentioned people a few years ago might not have had this on their bingo card, you becoming a multiple time All-Star again. I know you went through a lot and I’m sure that was a gut check experience in so many different ways, emotionally, physically, and everything in between. To be here at this point, I’d imagine that there’s a fair amount of appreciation not just for the people that got here but the fact that being an All-Star is still a path you’re able to walk by pitching at a very high level.
CS: For sure. This game is very humbling. There’s not a single person that’s ever played for an extended period of time as a Major League Baseball player that hasn’t been just absolutely humbled by this game. The rough parts of it, you know, they happen to everybody. I think perspective helps a lot, too. Sometimes your problems are your problems, but they’re not real problems. I certainly could have gotten a lot worse news than some of the news I was getting.
There’s always someone having a rougher time than you, I can promise you that. So, I think perspective helps a lot. I know I keep going back to it, but just leaning on the people that I had around me helped me a lot through the bad times. Then to be able to experience the good times with them and being able to make some of these phone calls I’ve made over the last few days.
Certainly in 2024, with the way that year played out, you know, being able to make some of those phone calls and then go and sit in Coach Dave Tollet’s office at FGCU and just being like, ‘Man, what the hell just happened?’ It was kind of a whirlwind, but I’m just so thankful.
GM: Well, the people who are around you for this All-Star game include several of your teammates. Drake Baldwin is a first-timer, but another first-timer is Raisel Iglesias. You know how hard this game is. You know how long you have to chip away sometimes to maybe get some recognition from the outside. Raisel said that he’d all but given up on the idea of being an All-Star and was just looking forward to that vacation with his family for a few days. Obviously, he was very happy to change his plans this time around. How happy are you for Raisel?
CS: Very happy. Like I said, that first one is always the best one, you know? The excitement and everything surrounding it. It’s going to be fun for me to be able to go and experience that with them for the first time. And correct me, if I’m wrong and I haven’t fact-checked this, but he has the most saves for a first time All Star.
And not only that, and I might sound like a homer here, but I think if you look at the numbers it’ll back it up, but he probably should have been an All-Star in 2024 as well. I think making it that far into your career and feeling like you kind of got snubbed once, maybe twice, along the way, it’s got to be tough. I’m just happy for him. I mean, it’s been a long time coming and it’s an honor that should be recognized for him and it’s something that he’s earned. He deserves it. So, I’m just happy for him. You get a guy that’s been in the game that long, 12 seasons now, and a first time All-Star? That’s awesome.
GM: It absolutely is. Chris, I appreciate your time. Enjoy the All-Star Game, the All-Star break, and all those good things.
CS: Thank you.
For more All-Star conversations, check out this piece on four-time MLB All-Star Ozzie Albies
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 2: Lucas Duda #21 of the New York Mets watches as his two run home run clears the fence during the third inning against the Washington Nationals on August 2, 2015 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s that time of year again: A collection of baseball’s finest from across the country rendezvous for 48 hours of red-carpeted, star-studded celebration. And along with all the fanfare and festivities comes an inevitable complaint ringing out from the bleachers, the internet echo chambers, and heated family dinners: “Why isn’t [insert favorite player with a probably pretty compelling case] at the All-Star Game?! End fan voting! End player voting! Get rid of analytics!” Or something to that effect.
As it stands, the All-Star Game is an exhibition. Without home-field advantage at stake, the point is to have fun and showcase players worthy of celebration. So it’s in that spirit of fun and celebration (and not in the spirit of anger) that I have embarked on creating the Mets’ No-Star Team — a roster of longtime staples, postseason heroes, and fan favorites who never made an All-Star Game in their entire career. Note that the criteria here excludes players who earned an All-Star selection with a different team, so no Nolan Ryan-types are eligible. It also doesn’t incorporate projections, so you won’t find Nolan McLean or Carson Benge on the list (though with another couple years of similar production and no All-Star selections, both would have a solid case).
Without further ado, here are my selections for the Mets’ No-Star roster.
FIRST BASE – Donn Clendenon
The All-Star Game might be all about first halves, but Clendenon’s Mets legend was built on the power of his second half after being traded from the Expos in 1969. After the All-Star Break, Clendenon put up an .851 OPS with 11 homers in 47 games as the Miracle Mets surged their way to the postseason, where Clendenon slashed .357/.438/1.071 with three homers in four games. Clendenon was never an All-Star, despite a strong 1970 season with New York and several formidable seasons in Pittsburgh during the mid-60s. But who needs an All-Star selection when you’ve got a World Series MVP Award, right?
SECOND BASE – Wally Backman
Neil Walker, Ken Boswell, and Tim Teufel all have solid cases, but Backman ultimately gets the nod here in recognition of his nine-year tenure in orange and blue. It’s not difficult to see why Backman never made an All-Star team, as he only once entered an All-Star break hitting over .300 (in 1986) and only played in north of 60 games by the break on three occasions (1982, 1984-85). But he finished his Mets career with a solid .283 average and 165 RBI, and he recorded a top-10 bWAR on two division-winning teams.
THIRD BASE – Dave Magadan
Magadan spent seven seasons with the Mets, averaging 100 games played per season with a 122 OPS+. His best shot at the Midsummer Classic came in 1990, when he ended the first half slashing .355/.438/.483, but he didn’t earn the full-time starting job until early June. He didn’t put up eye-opening power numbers, but he was an offensive force, and could serve as the No-Star Team’s honorary hitting coach as well.
SHORTSTOP – Wilmer Flores
Of all the positions to consider when making this No-Star roster, this one might have been the weakest. There’s Francisco Lindor and José Reyes, the titans of the Mets’ shortstop pool, but both players were of course perennial All-Stars. Kevin Elster, Bob Bailor, Amed Rosario, and Rubén Tejada all have their cases, but with no clear candidate, the honor should go to the heart and soul of the 2015 Mets. His numbers (a .262 average, .727 OPS, 68 homers, and 2.3 bWAR across six seasons) might not tell the whole story, but they don’t need to — Mets fans will still be telling Wilmer’s story for generations. Call it this No-Star Team’s fan vote. Our Ernie Clement.
LEFT FIELD – Kevin McReynolds
Only 28 MLB players to debut since 1933 (when the first All-Star Game occurred) have accumulated 30+ bWAR and not made an All-Star team. Kevin McReynolds is one of those 28 players. During five seasons with the Mets between 1987-91, he averaged 24 homers, 28 doubles, 87 RBI, and 13 steals a year, with a .273 batting average and a 122 OPS+. In his 1988 campaign, when he clubbed 27 homers behind a 142 OPS+, he placed third in National League MVP voting behind Kirk Gibson and teammate Darryl Strawberry — but even in that season he did not make the NL All-Star team, as the bulk of his production came in a second-half surge.
CENTER FIELD – Mookie Wilson
Mookie Wilson is precisely the type of player who provides immense value to winning baseball teams, but tends to slip through the All-Star cracks. A speedy, glove-first center fielder, Mookie never recorded more than 3.8 bWAR in a season, never finished a season batting over .300, and only once (in 1984) reached double-digit home runs. But he was almost freakishly consistent with the bat, recording a .276 batting average in three consecutive seasons between 1983-85. For that, he also earns a selection to the All-Khris Davis team.
RIGHT FIELD – Brandon Nimmo
As has been documented on this site by long-winded hacks before, it seems as if the baseball gods have conspired to keep the very-good-but-not-quite-elite Brandon Nimmo from the All-Star Game. Some years, it’s been injuries. Some years, it’s been a proper snub. One year, it was a global pandemic. When all is said and done, Brandon Nimmo concluded his Mets career with 135 homers, 463 RBI, 524 walks, and 26.0 bWAR — all of those marks ranking first among Mets players with zero All-Star selections.
CATCHER – Francisco Alvarez
There were a number of solid candidates to choose from for the catcher position, but Alvarez eked out the competition on the back of his 57 homers, already fourth-most among Mets catchers — and he’s not even 25 years old yet. Alvarez’s bat may not be able to live up to the lofty expectations that come with top prospect status, and his health has certainly defied him (he’s only once played more than 100 games in a season), but Mets fans shouldn’t take for granted what he’s given them. Since 2023, only eight players in baseball have caught at least 300 games while maintaining an OPS+ above 100, and Alvarez is the youngest of that group by almost two years.
DESIGNATED HITTER – Lucas Duda
Of the 23 Mets players to record 30-homer seasons, only three never made an All-Star team in their careers: Bernard Gilkey, Ike Davis, and Lucas Duda, this No-Star Team’s designated hitter selection. The left-handed slugger spent eight seasons in Queens, with his two best coming in 2014 (the aforementioned 30-homer season) and 2015 (when the Mets won the NL pennant). Duda finished his Mets tenure with a total of 125 homers, 11th-most in franchise history, and has the third-most at Citi Field with 71.
RESERVES
Catcher: Todd Pratt Infield: John Milner, Wayne Garrett Outfield: Juan Lagares, Bernard Gilkey
For backup catcher, Todd Pratt fits the bill, providing an iconic series-clinching walk-off home run in the playoffs and five years with a 100 OPS+ as a Met. Apologies to Ron Hodges, who played 12 seasons and 666 games as a Met, but even for a No-Star Team his .240 average and .663 OPS wasn’t quite enough to make the cut.
Our backup infielders are a pair of 1970s Mets, with Milner offering power (multiple 20-homer seasons) and Garrett providing versatility around the diamond. Todd Zeile and Ed Charles both had solid cases, but ultimately neither spent quite enough time in orange and blue to beat out Milner and Garrett.
The outfield reserves might just have been the most competitive portion of this entire roster. It feels painful excluding Ángel Pagán, who put up a 4.0 bWAR season in 2009 followed by a 5.3 bWAR season in 2010. It feels even worse excluding Steve Henderson, who came one vote short of winning NL Rookie of the Year Award in 1977 before putting up three more solid years.
But Lagares is the ultimate fourth outfielder for a No-Star roster. A Gold Glove Award winner with a career .701 OPS against lefties (just barely enough to earn him starts as a platoon) and contributions to a pennant-winning team, he handily makes the cut.
Gilkey only played in parts of three seasons with the Mets, but one of those was a monster 8.1-bWAR campaign in 1996. Since 1933, only 22 players have put up 8+ bWAR in a season and not made the All-Star team that year. Of those 22 players, only three never made an All-Star Game in their entire careers: John Valentin, Andrelton Simmons, and Gilkey. This No-Star article was essentially made to highlight players like Gilkey, who did exceptional things on the field yet never received baseball’s most traditional honor designated for exceptional players.
ROTATION – Bob Ojeda, Craig Swan, Gary Gentry, Steven Matz, Sean Manaea
Ojeda is the clear ace of this staff. The left-hander put up a 2.57 ERA as part of an elite rotation in 1986, and went 2-0 with a 2.33 ERA in four postseason starts. He followed that up with four more solid seasons in New York, giving him a body of work worthy of this honor. Over his 15-year career, Ojeda went 115-98 with a 3.65 ERA and 1,128 strikeouts. He earned a third-place Rookie of the Year finish in 1981 with the Red Sox and a fourth-place Cy Young finish in ’86, but no All-Star selections.
Here’s a trivia question. Only five Mets pitchers have won an ERA title. Four of them are predictable enough: Tom Seaver (1970, ’71, ’73), Dwight Gooden (1985), Johan Santana (2008), and Jacob deGrom (2018). But the fifth might stump even a confident Mets fan. Craig Swan captured the title with a 2.43 ERA in 1978, despite only going 9-6 on a 96-loss, last-place team. The Mets’ sole All-Star representative that season was right-hander Pat Zachry, who had come over in the Tom Seaver trade the summer prior. Swan spent 12 seasons in New York, starting 184 games for the Mets — 10th-most in franchise history, and first among pitchers without an All-Star appearance (coming in just ahead of Jon Niese in both pools).
Selecting Gentry as this rotation’s No. 3 starter is a part-logical, part-sentimental decision. Gentry’s role in Mets history is in some ways the embodiment of a third starter, with his 3.43 ERA in 1969 providing a contribution less flashy than Seaver’s and less remembered than Koosman’s, but no less important in helping the Mets become champions. He shone especially bright in that Fall Classic, tossing 6.2 scoreless innings against the Orioles in Game 3 (the first World Series game played at Shea Stadium).
Among the Mets’ five young fireballers of the mid-2010s, four became All-Stars. Matt Harvey started the All-Star Game in 2013, Noah Syndergaard was selected despite not pitching due to injury in 2016, Zack Wheeler has made it thrice since joining the Phillies in 2020, and Jacob deGrom is a five-timer. But Steven Matz — whose career got off to a sizzling start in 2015 with a 2.27 ERA in six regular season starts and a 3.68 ERA in three postseason starts (including the Mets’ pennant-clinching game at Wrigley Field) — missed out on the honor. He’s had solid seasons, with a 3.40 ERA in 2016 as a Met, a 3.82 ERA in 2021 as a Blue Jay, and a 3.86 ERA in 2023 as a Cardinal. It’s never been enough to make an All-Star Team, but it’s certainly enough for a No-Star Team.
Manaea hasn’t quite been the same since 2024, but his efforts that season as the effective ace of a team that came two games from the World Series more than earn him the fifth spot in this rotation. And if he ended up looking more like 2025 or 2026 Sean Manaea than 2024 Sean Manaea, then Jon Niese and John Maine would both be on call to jump in as potential No-Star replacements.
BULLPEN
Closer: Roger McDowell Setup: Turk Wendell, Addison Reed, Skip Lockwood Lefty specialist: Aaron Loup Long men: Jim McAndrew, Ray Sadecki
The first four names here are true, traditional relievers. McDowell, the right-handed anchor in the Mets’ ’80s bullpens, ranks eighth on the franchise’s all-time leaderboard with 84 saves. In 1998-99, Wendell put up back-to-back seasons with a 140+ ERA. He also won’t have to fight anyone for a number on this No-Star Team, being one of only two Mets along with Taijuan Walker (a 2021 All-Star) to wear No. 99. Reed only spent part of three seasons (with one full one) in New York, but it was a dominant run. The right-hander posted a 2.09 ERA (194 ERA+) with 156 strikeouts in 142.0 IP. And Lockwood’s Mets career was bracketed by a pair of strong seasons, with a 1.49 ERA in both 1975 and 1979.
The competition for that last traditional spot in the bullpen made for a brutal decision. A shoutout is in order to Ron Taylor, Bob Apodaca, Terry Leach, and Jeff Innis, each of whom had particularly compelling cases.
For the role of left-handed specialist, there were two clear frontrunners: Jerry Blevins and Aaron Loup. Blevins spent four seasons in New York, two of which were elite. Loup spent just one season in New York, but it was one of the best relief seasons in Mets history, with a 0.95 ERA in 56.2 innings. Ultimately, I went with Loup because of how utterly insane those 2021 numbers are, but Blevins would be well-justified to run an SNY segment challenging the decision.
The long relievers are a pair of starting pitchers who barely missed the cut for the rotation. McAndrew spent six solid seasons as a Met, with a 3.54 ERA. Sadecki, an 18-year veteran who also spent six seasons as a Met, has the fifth-most wins (135) of any southpaw without an All-Star selection to debut since 1933. He also split time between the rotation and the bullpen, making 62 starts and 103 relief appearances as a Met, making him perfect for this long relief role.
And that does it for the Mets’ No-Star Team. Surely, now that every possible Met without an award has been given an award, this will end all complaint and debate, right? Let me know in the comments!
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 11: Commissioner of Major League Baseball Robert D. Manfred announces Daniel Jackson as the 37th overall pick by the Colorado Rockies during the 2026 MLB Draft presented by Nippon Express at Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday, July 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rockies fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The 2026 MLB Draft is in the books, and we got our first look at how the Rockies’ new front office envisions this team. They took 21 total players, and you can keep up with the signings here.
But now that we’ve had some time to analyze and reflect, how do you think the Rockies did in this year’s draft? Which player are you most excited to see? Specifically, which player from Day 1 excites you the most?
San Diego, CA - August 17: Gio Rojas pitches for the East team during the Dick's Sporting Goods Perfect Game All-American Classic at Petco Park on August 17, 2025 in San Diego, CA. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rangers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The 2026 MLB Draft took place over the weekend, with the Texas Rangers’ selections highlighted by prep lefties Gio Rojas and Brody Bumila in rounds one and three and Austin Anderson infielder Connor Comeau in round two.
Today’s Rangers Reacts survey asks you to grade the Rangers’ draft. Yes, I know, its an exercise of futility to try to grade a draft the day after it ends. It takes years to see how a draft works out. But we’re doing the poll anyway, because its fun, dammit!
Nicholas Robertson, who was acquired by the Penguins on Jul. 1 from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 2028 fourth-round pick, came to terms on a two-year deal worth $3.75 million annually. In 78 games with the Maple Leafs last season, the 5-foot-9, 180-pound left wing registered 16 goals and 32 points, and he has 48 goals and 88 points in 234 NHL games dispersed across parts of six seasons.
The Penguins elected to take a chance on Robertson when he became available as an RFA trade option on Jul. 1, and they were able to get an original trade deal across the finish line. Robertson requested a trade from the Leafs two summers ago, but Pittsburgh felt now was the right time to take advantage.
"To be honest, this morning, Nick came up," Penguins' assistant general manager Jason Spezza said on Jul. 1. "And, because we had the space and we had the ability and the picks to make the move quickly, we were able to move fast on it."
Robertson, 24, is the younger brother of Dallas Stars superstar winger Jason, who has also been the subject of trade rumors involving the Penguins. Nick joins a crowded cast of forwards for the Penguins, as they have also added Andrei Kuzmenko and Hendrix Lapierre and just signed RFA forward Egor Chinakhov to a three-year extension.
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker was the biggest star on the Home Run Derby stage Monday night in Philadelphia. But his family members cheering him on from the stands might have been a close second.
As the 24-year-old Walker slugged his way to a victory over hometown favorite Kyle Schwarber in the final round, his parents' emotional reaction to each and every homer provided a refreshingly human aspect to the slickly produced and sponsor-heavy event.
“He was awesome today," Derek gushed. "I just loved everything about it. Just his attitude, his approach, the smoothness of swing. Looked like his dad. But yeah, he just did a great job. We're so proud of him.”
That familial pride certainly came through during the competition, as the broadcast repeatedly cut to reactions from his dad and mom, Katrina, who were both sporting Cardinals jerseys with Walker's No. 18 on the front and "Jordan's Dad" and "Jordan's Mom," respectively, on the back.
“From an early age, he always loved the game. He always loved to play baseball. Loved to sleep with his glove. He always had a bat," Derek continued.
"We traveled with it all the time. He ate, slept, thought baseball, and he just kept progressing. He just kept getting better and better and working on his craft. And again, we can't be more proud.”
Walker's parents were such a hit, they later joined the postgame set, along with his sister and grandmother, to chat with MLB superstars Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols and Anthony Rizzo.
Who’s cutting onions? 🥺
You’re going to want to watch this moment with Jordan Walker and his family after he won the T-Mobile Home Run Derby ❤️ #HRDerbypic.twitter.com/bhOeQdfBVg
It all made for a memorable evening for the Walker family, especially since the $1 million prize for winning the competition was more than he'll earn in salary for the entire 2026 season.
It also made for a memorable evening for viewers who stuck around for the postgame celebration.
The Mets will return from the All-Star break on Thursday night in Philadelphia with a record of 40-57. Mathematical elimination is perhaps months away, but New York's season -- when it comes to competing for a playoff spot -- is over.
That is a gut punch for a team that entered the year with enormous expectations.
The job for the front office now becomes deciding just how much to tear down at the trade deadline and which players are true keepers for 2027 and beyond.
Juan Soto Francisco Lindor Carson Benge A.J. Ewing Nolan McLean Christian Scott
Beyond those six players, I think it makes all the sense in the world to keep Francisco Alvarez (an above average offensive catcher under team control through 2029) and Luis Torrens (one of the best defensive catchers in baseball, signed through 2028) unless the Mets are absolutely bowled over.
But pretty much everyone else should be available.
At the top of the list will be players who are set to be free agents at the end of the season, including Freddy Peralta, Brooks Raley, and A.J. Minter, while a reliever like Huascar Brazoban should also have some value given his years of control and relatively low salary.
Jun 9, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. / Vincent Carchietta - Imagn Images
Clay Holmes' situation is tricky, since he's all but certain to decline the $12 million player option he holds for the 2027 season. But he's open to an extension, which seems like a no-brainer for the Mets.
The same can be said when it comes to Luke Weaver, who is under contract through 2027, but could potentially bring the Mets a relative haul if they trade him now.
It has been a strange, disjointed season for Lindor, who made uncharacteristic mental mistakes in the field early this season before landing on the IL with a calf injury that cost him two months.
Since returning, Lindor has been shaking off the rust at the plate, and his defense has still been iffy -- including a play last Sunday against the Red Sox where he booted a grounder that would've been a game-ending 6-4-3 double play.
Overall, Lindor's defense at shortstop is in the 65th percentile, via Baseball Savant/OAA, which is a tick above average. So the optics have been worse than the actual results.
The same can be said for his offense.
Lindor is hitting just .216/.298/.373 (.671 OPS, 86 OPS+) in 40 games, but he is average to well above average this year in 12 of 13 key advanced metrics tracked by Baseball Savant, including xwOBA, xBA, xSLG, average exit velocity, and hard hit percentage.
Add to the above the fact that Lindor was an elite player from 2022 to 2025, finishing top 10 in MVP voting each season, and it's fair to believe his numbers will be there when the year ends.
Also of interest: will the relationship between Lindor and Soto, which was frosty last season, continue to grow?
One of the Mets' hopes ahead of this season was that Jonah Tong and/or Jack Wenninger would excel for Triple-A Syracuse and be an option for the big league rotation sooner rather than later.
That hasn't happened. And in the case of Tong, who has been attempting to add some east to west pitches to his profile to complement his north to south arsenal, the struggles have been deep.
That has opened a door in the bigs for Thornton, who has been very impressive in limited action.
Jun 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zach Thornton (49) follows through on a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Citi Field. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images
In 17.1 innings over three starts, Thornton has a 2.60 ERA (2.98 FIP) and 0.92 WHIP while allowing just 11 hits, walking five, and striking out 15.
It is command over stuff for Thornton, who relies heavily on his four-seam fastball and cutter, while mixing in a sweeper and sinker as his other main offerings.
The Mets don't need Thornton to be a savior. They simply need him to be someone who can be relied on to eat innings and limit blowup outings -- something most of their rotation members this season have not been able to do.
If Thornton continues to pitch well -- and he should get every opportunity to remain in the rotation down the stretch -- he could add a nice element to their rotation plans for 2027.
Both Semien and Polanco are having nightmare first seasons in New York after being acquired as part of David Stearns' offensive makeover.
Semien struggled on both sides of the ball, played through a hip injury for a while, and then landed on the IL.
Polanco, who has been slowed by an Achilles issue for most of the season, has played just 19 games and posted a .514 OPS.
Jun 24, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (10) turns a double play during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Citi Field. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Semien should be back shortly after the All-Star break, when he could potentially show that his substandard second base defense had a lot to do with his hip injury. But his offense, which was a tick below average for the Rangers last season, will be a huge concern until he shows he can again produce at an acceptable level at the plate.
As far as Polanco, he has been limited to DH duty since returning and will likely not get much playing time in the field moving forward.
Semien is under contract through 2028, with Polanco signed through 2027, so the Mets are in a bit of a bind if they don't improve.
The Mets have been high on Baty for a while, and he appeared poised to hit the ground running this season after posting a career-best .748 OPS (110 OPS+) last year while popping 18 home runs.
Baty also played a career-high 130 games last season, meaning that there was reason to believe that what he did was repeatable.
But it's been a struggle for Baty in 2026, with him hitting just .221/.297/.314 (.610 OPS) with four homers.
His advanced metrics are also mostly poor, meaning this can't be blamed on bad luck.
With this being Baty's fifth big league season, it will be very hard for the Mets to justify having him enter 2027 as an expected key piece of the offense if he doesn't turn it around in the second half.
Nathan MacKinnon’s Leadership Redefines the Avalanche Power Play in Bednar’s Evolving Tactical SystemNathan MacKinnon’s willingness to reshape his role has become the catalyst for a Colorado Avalanche power play resurgence, underscoring Jared Bednar’s experimental system and the team’s rapid post-Olympic evolution.
BREAKING: Avalanche Trade Jack Drury to Predators for Fedor Svechkov, Zachary L'HeureuxThe Colorado Avalanche moved Jack Drury to the Nashville Predators in a multi-piece trade after failed contract extension talks, acquiring Fedor Svechkov and physical, hard-charging winger Zachary L’Heureux in return.
Colorado Avalanche Officially Sign Fabian Lysell to Prove-It ContractThe Colorado Avalanche have officially signed Fabian Lysell to a one-year prove-it contract, giving the former first-round pick a fresh opportunity to revive his NHL career. 
