Jul 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Chandler Simpson (14) and shortstop Taylor Walls (6) celebrate after beating the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Tampa Bay Rays have two players nominated for baseball’s top honor for defense in SS Taylor Walls and LF Chandler Simpson.
Perhaps the most underappreciated player on the Rays roster, this is Walls’ third time being named as a finalists for the Gold Glove, as he was nominated in 2023 for his work as a utility player and then last year at shortstop.
The 30-year old Walls has been a staple of the Rays infield since making his big league debut back in 2021. Never one to be an offensive force (career 71 wRC+), Walls forces his way into the starting lineup thanks to his exceptional fielding skills. Walls lost out to Mauricio Dubon in 2023 and then to Bobby Witt Jr last season. This year, Walls will be up for consideration along with Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals (again) and Andres Gimenez of the Toronto Blue Jays.
During the 2026 season, Walls ranked 4th among all players with 21 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS). Walls easily beats out his competition for the Gold Glove in that statistic, as Witt Jr posted 8 DRS while Gimenez posted just 2 DRS. However, the category in which Walls suffers is Outs Above Average (OAA) as he actually posted -3 OAA over the regular season while Bobby Witt Jr was elite with a 24 OAA; Gimenez was just behind him at 19 OAA.
Chandler Simpson’s nomination is a mild surprise — which is to say not at all surprising if you’ve seen him play this season, but quite surprising if you only have a passing look at his stats or performance. Last year, in the field, Simpson was begging the question if he had a future with the glove. After working with former Rays star turned defensive consultant Kevin Kiermaier (on jumps), Rays org Outfield coordinator Jared Sandberg (on technique), and first base/outfielders coach Corey Dickerson (on mentality), Simpson has improved his defense mightily to be one of the best outfielders in baseball, a remarkable single season turnaround.
Simpson will be up for consideration against Cody Bellinger of the NY Yankees, and Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers. Bellinger is the leader in the category with +21 DRS, but Simpson notably logged a higher OAA (+8) than the other finalists, and did so with 200 more innings than Bellinger.
The winners are set to be unveiled on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 1.
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 25: Toronto Blue Jays Catcher Brandon Valenzuela (59) throws the ball during the MLB regular season game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Toronto Blue Jays on September 25, 2026, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
There are five Jays listed among the ‘finalists’ for the Gold Glove awards. Finalist is a funny term, since the vote has happened, but five are among the top three in the vote at their position.
Catcher:
Brandon Valenzuela: This surprises me some, not that he isn’t deserving but that he played less than half the team’s innings at catcher (618.2), with Alejandro Kirk (599.2) and Tyler Heineman (217.2) picking up the rest of the innings. But he showed a great arm (30% of base stealers caught) and I thought he good behind the plate. But he had more errors at catcher (9) than the other two combined (7) and, though there is a lot of noise in the ERA by catcher stat, pitchers had a slightly higher ERA throwing to him (3.94) than Kirk (3.77), but then the pitching staff changed as the season went on.
First base:
Vladimir Guerrero: He deserves the nomination. He had the best number for Outs Above Average among AL first basemen. Also had the most errors, but then only 8.
Shortstop:
Andrés Giménez. I imagine Bobby Witt will win.
Right Field:
Nathan Lukes: Another surprise to me, since he played a little more than half the team’s innings in right field (with 80 innings in left and 60 in center). He’s tied for second among AL right fielders in OAA at 2, though he’s played a lot less innings and he didn’t have an error in right field (nor in center, he had one in left). I doubt he’ll be the winner, but happy for him to be in the top three in voting. That would help his arbitration argument, though he’s not legible until after the 2028 season (baseball rips off players who make it to the majors when they are a little older).
Pitcher:
José Soriano: I don’t know how you pick the best fielding pitcher, but good for him.
The complete list:
Here are your 2026 American League @RawlingsSports Gold Glove Finalists 💪
The Astros have fired their manager Joe Espada. I don’t follow the Astros enough to have an opinion on him, but it seems to be an aging team. I don’t know what the club expects.
And the Dodgers are letting Shohei Ohtani decide if he should be in the lineup and, surprise, he thinks he should be. I also think I should be the Dodgers lineup, but then I think the Dodgers manager should be making the decisions (even though I’m ready to play, today, put me in coach).
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court during the second half of their preseason game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 06, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Through four preseason appearances, the initial in-game returns for Bronny James Jr. aren’t ideal. He’s gone 4-of-15 from the floor (1-of-7 beyond the arc) and dished out 13 assists to 12 turnovers. While Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick acknowledged James’s struggles, he added some context to help explain the slow start.
“I thought he had a really nice September and a good summer with us. I don’t think he’s played well in the four preseason games, but he’s had good practices. Some of it’s just rhythm. Some of it’s who he’s playing with, right?” Redick told reporters after Tuesday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors. “He’s played a lot of minutes, especially in the second half of games, with our two-way guys and tonight we played with Rafael [Castro], who’s who’s been with us for three days. So some of it is like the group he’s with. I think that is not necessarily setting him up for success.”
Aside from James, who did not score (0-of-2 shooting) and committed four turnovers (zero assists), his fellow backend bench guards, Jaden Hardy and Chris Mañon, also labored during Tuesday’s defeat. Hardy scored 10 points on 3-of-9 shooting (1-of-6 from deep) and had two assists to three turnovers. Mañon scored five points on perfect 2-of-2 shooting but logged one assist to four turnovers.
Redick recognized the poor performance of those three, which contributed to a dismal second half offensively (26 total points), and knows they’ll be needed throughout the regular season when injuries to other backcourt members occur. But he didn’t place the blame solely on their shoulders and made clear the coaching staff has to find ways to simplify the game for them as well.
“We’ve talked to those guys. I mean, the reality is, again, if one of our three primary handlers are out, one of those guys…one of those guys is going to play,” Redick said. “It’s too taxing with full-court pressure for [Reaves] and [Luka] to just do that solely. We’ll keep trying to get better and those guys, their intent is there…Overall, it just was not a good offensive product in the second half and I’ll look at what I can do better with that too.”
A day after granting Joe Espada permission to interview for the Seattle Mariners’ managerial opening, the Astros parted ways with their manager. With Seattle the only other team currently searching for a manager, Houston can take its time finding Espada’s replacement. Here are six names that could be in the mix.
Rodney Linares
Currently the Rays’ bench coach, Linares spent 20 years coaching in the Astros’ minor league system, where he was instrumental in the development of José Altuve, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa and George Springer. He joined the Rays’ big-league staff after the 2018 season and took over as Kevin Cash’s bench coach after Matt Quatraro was named manager of the Royals.
Although he has never managed at the major league level, Linares has spent the last eight years working for one of the game’s best managers. Crane has hired from the Rays’ coaching tree in the past, and it’s fair to say Tampa Bay is just as good in the dugout as it is in the front office.
Brad Ausmus
Ausmus was once the sport’s most intriguing managerial prospect, but he chose the wrong jobs and has found himself as a bit of an afterthought.
He chose the established Tigers over the up-and-coming Cubs in 2013, and that turned out to be a disastrous decision. The Tigers won the American League Central in Ausmus’ first season, but they got old and stopped spending money. He parted ways with the Tigers after a 64-98 campaign in 2017.
Ausmus spent 2018 in the Angels front office, and took over as the club’s manager the next season. Again, he chose a bad job, the Angels went 72-90 in 2019 and Ausmus was fired after Joe Maddon became available.
The former Astros catcher remains close friends with senior advisor Jeff Bagwell, and nearly named the team’s general manager in 2023. As long as Bagwell has the ear of Jim Crane, Ausmus has to be considered a possibility to be the team’s manager or general manager.
Martín Maldonado
Maldonado is currently a special assistant with the Atlanta Braves after 15 big league seasons, parts of six with the Astros, all of which included a trip to the American League Championship Series.
While he has never managed before, Maldonado has been mentioned as someone who could do that job in the future. The established relationships he already has Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, and Yordan Alvarez would give him a head start that someone who is a complete outsider.
Jeff Bannister
An alum of La Marque High School and the University of Houston, Bannister spent the last five seasons as Torey Lovullo’s bench coach in Arizona. Before that, he managed the Texas Rangers from 2015-2018, beating out the Astros for the American League West crown his first two seasons.
Bannister interviewed for the Astros managerial job in 2020 that was ultimately filled by Dusty Baker. He was described as “relentlessly optimistic” when he first took over the Rangers, but he does an edge and aggressiveness that is a slight departure from the men who have previously held the Astros job. Some might see that as a welcome change.
Eduardo Perez
One source described Perez, currently an ESPN analyst, as a “sneaky good name.” He interviewed with the Astros in 2020 after he was a finalist for the Mets job earlier that offseason, and he’s managed in Venezuela the last couple of winters.
The Astros hired Larry Dierker straight from the radio booth 30 years ago, despite having never coached before. That isn’t the case with Perez, who was the Marlins hitting coach for two seasons before serving as Bo Porter’s bench coach with the Astros in 2013.
Albert Pujols
If you can’t beat him, hire him!
Pujols spent a Hall of Fame career mashing Astros pitching, so why not try teaming up with him? He has never served on a major league coaching staff, but he led Leones del Escogido to the Dominican Winter League championship and Caribbean Series title in 2025. He also managed the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic last spring.
Pujols was the favorite to land the Angels’ managerial job last offseason before the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a contract. He also interviewed with the Padres and Orioles.
CLEVELAND - JUNE 13: Brian Reith of the Cincinnati Reds pitches against the Cleveland Indians during the MLB game on June 13, 2004 at Jacobs Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Reds 10-8. (Photo by John Reid III/MLB via Getty Images)
The Twins announced this morning that they named Brian Reith as their next pitching coach, replacing Pete Maki who was let go following the end of the 2026 season. They also promoted Ben Myers to the Big League training staff after spending the past few years with the St. Paul Saints, the Twins Triple-A affiliate.
Welcome to Twins Territory, Brian and Ben!
We have announced the hiring of Brian Reith as our pitching coach and Ben Myers as our Assistant Athletic Trainer pic.twitter.com/iUWMGC8rHw
Reith, 48, has been the pitching coach for the Tampa Bay Rays’ Triple-A affiliate for the past five seasons. Reith is a former sixth-round pick by the Yankees, but went on to throw just 128 innings with the Reds from 2001-2004. He then made the rounds through the Indy and international circuit before settling into coaching.
When looking for a new pitching coach, there are few organizations you want to resemble more than the Rays. Plus, with a half-decade of experience with their AAA team, he was an ingrained part of Tampa’s development process and the many iterations they’ve gone through over the years. Reith has actually already coached the Twins’ two best pitchers, spending a lot of time with Taj Bradley and Joe Ryan as they were coming up through the Rays system.
Reith inherits a unique challenge in Minnesota, with a mix of talented veterans (Ryan, Bradley, Pablo Lopez, Jeff Hoffman) and exciting young pitchers that still need some work (Connor Prielipp, Zebby Matthews, Kendry Rojas, Mick Abel, Andrew Morris). However, if Reith can get some more consistency from the vets and help the kids take a step forward, the Twins will have as talented a pitching staff as anyone in baseball (outside of the endless money pit that is the Dodgers and whatever 6th ace they sign this offseason).
Welcome to Minnesota, Brian! Hope you still have some winter gear lying around somewhere because April baseball is frigid up north.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 20: Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals walks off the field after his teams 7-31 loss against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cardinals fans and fans across the country.
The Arizona Cardinals made news last week, for their unorthodox handling of the trade of Marvin Harrison Jr. I don’t think people were too surprised by the trade, but the way they went about things was a little different than we have ever seen before.
That being said, the trade is done, Marv is now a Houston Texan, and the Arizona Cardinals also sent along a 2027 sixth round pick.
In return they received a 2027 second round pick and a 2027 seventh round pick.
So the question is, how would you grade the trade instantly?
We will be able to look back on this move in a year, maybe two and see if Marv figures it out, or if the Cardinals were smart ala Josh Rosen and were able to get something of value for a failed player.
Of course, part of getting something will be turning that pick into something of value, and there are questions if that is something that can be done by this regime as well.
But all of that comes later, for now, how do you grade the overall trade?
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 07: Brooks Lee #22 of the Minnesota Twins throws against the Cleveland Guardians on July 7, 2026 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Twins third baseman Brooks Lee was named a finalist for a Gold Glove award at third base. The positional specification is important since Lee opened the season as Minnesota’s starting shortstop.
Lee is unlikely to bring the hardware home, as the Red Sox’s Caleb Durbin lapped the field in most defensive metrics at third base, but it’s a testament to the work he and the Twins did with Lee in the middle of the season. Lee spent the first month as the worst defensive shortstop in baseball and then became a true asset at third, a remarkable turnaround. Lee was +8 in DRS, +6 in OAA, and +5 in FRV despite just playing 110 of his 156 games there.
No other Twins were named finalists, though I would make a compelling case for Kody Clemens in the utility spot. While he wasn’t outstanding at any individual position, there are very few players who can provide above-average defense at all three outfield positions, second base, and first base. Byron Buxton would almost definitely be a finalist as well had he played a full season, even as he’s lost a step in his mid-30s.
Lee still has a ways to go offensively, with most advanced metrics painting 2026 as a lucky turn, but he showed meaningful strides on that side of the ball as well with an improved approach that led to more power in spurts. However, a league-average bat with top-end defense who can swipe 10-20 bags a year is still an immensely valuable player. Just look at Durbin’s WAR totals the past couple years, for example.
Regardless, it’s a well deserved honor for a player that has worked hard to get where he is after a tough start to his career. Congrats, Brooks!
MACAO, CHINA - OCTOBER 9: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks as part of 2026 NBA China Games on October 9, 2026 in Macao, China at Venetian Arena. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rockets fans and fans across the country.
This is to piggyback off of James’ post. Y’all know how I feel about KD. Great one-on-one scorer, horrible leader and teammate, negative locker room presence, and I’d rather have just about anyone else on my favorite team. Many of you are a little more nebulus on KD. Yet the fact remains, the team was no better and went no further with Durant in the lineup than they did without him.
In addition, a recent report by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon cites Durant as the source of Houston’s obvious locker room issues last year. It was referred to as “turmoil”. Here’s what MacMahon said:
“There were issues of connectivity in the Rockets’ locker room. [Fred] VanVleet directly and significantly impacts both of those issues,” said Tim MacMahon. “Kevin Durant was part of both of those problems. I would say you could even say Kevin Durant was at the top of the list of both of those problems. At the same time, KD was kind of thrust into — I’m not going to say unfair — but a position that didn’t play to his strengths, having to be the primary initiator down the stretch of games, having to be the default leader, the guy most responsible for the mood of the locker room. Those don’t play to his strengths. Those do play to Fred VanVleet’s strengths, and kind of take those burdens off of KD’s shoulders this year.”
If things go south this season or even don’t improve, we all know KD could easily want out. He has a player options next season, so he could opt out and the Rockets lose him for nothing. In that scenario, they would need to trade him by this year’s deadline to avoid losing him for zilch.
So what do you guys think? Do they trade KD at this year’s deadline?
Cast your vote, tell us in the comments, and we’ll be back soon with the results.
High school teammates rarely get the chance to play in the NBA together, but for De’Anthony Melton and Brandon Williams, that opportunity arose when Williams signed a one-year contract with the Warriors in August.
Williams and Melton’s relationship dates back to their shared time at Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, where the two won consecutive CIF state titles in 2015 and 2016. A decade later, the close friends are reunited in blue and gold, where their bond remains airtight.
“I’m probably over at his house too much,” Wiliams told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke. “I think our families are really close and even though we’re not cousins, we kind of look at each other as cousins.”
Melton originally signed a one-year, $12.8 million deal with the Warriors in July 2024 before suffering a torn ACL just six games into the season. During his rehab process, he reached out to Williams, who dealt with knee injuries of his own during his high school and college career the University of Arizona.
Williams, who calls himself a “sponge” when learning from Melton, now was in the position he usually put his friend in.
“He recently had it two years ago and I had mine in 2019, so it felt kind of weird because I’m giving him how I felt when I went through it, and he has all the top doctors looking at it and treating him,” Williams said.
Melton went on to get traded to the Brooklyn Nets in an exchange involving Dennis Schröder before re-signing with Golden State last year and restructuring his contract in July 2026 to a two-year, $12.4 million deal that includes a player option in 2027-2028.
Williams, meanwhile, had a career year, averaging 13 points per game in 66 appearances for the Dallas Mavericks
When asked what he told Williams about the Warriors, Melton said it was time to work.
“I told him one, be ready to be in the gym because we definitely work over here,” Melton said. “We’re definitely striving for something greater than ourselves so be ready to be in the gym and work, and I think that it’s the greatest organization.”
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 13: Shawn Armstrong #43 of the Cleveland Guardians exits Game Two of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Derek Law Elects Free Agency Thanks to be one of the many injured arms the team carried, the Diamondbacks almost never got to know him before he bounced.
Three Big Mistakes from 2025-26 Offseason and How to Avoid Repeating Them Avoiding repeating the mistakes should be incredibly easy as the pitchers are now in recovery, Zac Gallen is gone, and first base now has a plethora of candidates that do not require Arizona wishing on a magic lamp that Goldschmidt would ever return to Arizona.
But in all seriousness, the game has moved forward five hours, so plan accordingly.
What This Year’s Playoffs Say About Baseball’s Future With all due respect to Jess Passan, the playoffs say almost nothing at all about the future of the game. The battle lines have been drawn and both sides have decided to dig in deep. Nothing short of an utter catastrophe will change things at this point. Meanwhile, posts like the one below are missing the point (almost certainly intentionally).
The most likely outcome in Major League Baseball right now is that we’ll have a Brewers-Rays World Series and the owners are going to shut down the sport while telling uneducated fans that only a salary cap can let small market teams compete pic.twitter.com/I48GL8Qbbd
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 28: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex on September 28, 2026 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The way the Sixers’ practice facility in Camden is designed, the media only gets to interact with players on the practice floor — by design, of course.
The players have their own parking lot (with a roof for their super nice cars) and entrance on the far end of the building. The media members park amongst the regular people outside the facility gates and our exit is on the opposite end of the building.
So, you could imagine my surprise when I encountered Tyrese Maxey walking out in the same direction I was.
“You lost?” I asked.
“Nah, I’m getting on LeBron’s helicopter,” Maxey said with a laugh.
He proceeded to walk out of the gated space, awaiting a ride. As I drove away, there was Maxey, an All-NBA performer on a max contract, sitting on the curb, waiting for a ride.
It was quite the dichotomy after seeing James take off from managing partner Josh Harris’ helipad atop the franchise’s business building.
“One of us left on the helicopter,” Maxey said, “the other one sitting on the curb.”
Helicopter or not, James has acknowledged not every organization and player can handle what comes with rostering arguably the greatest player of all time. We’ve already gotten small tastes of it, with a recent notable example over the whole rumored (and debunked) LeBron-Joel Embiid situation.
There’s attention. There’s scrutiny. It can absolutely become a circus.
But there might not be a better player built for the current situation than Maxey.
Think about all Maxey has been through since he was drafted in 2020. He missed the bulk of training camp that year because he got COVID. He had a weird rookie season. He was too good for Doc Rivers to leave on the bench, but the Hall of Fame coach’s reticence to play young players led to Maxey getting inconsistent minutes. He was also in trade rumors for James Harden and Kyle Lowry, both of whom would eventually become his teammates.
He saw Ben Simmons hold out and his role increase with the ball in his hands more. He was here for the Harden trade and moved back into an off-ball role. And remember the next year when Rivers told everyone it was Maxey’s idea to come off the bench after returning from injury? Hilarious. Harden’s ensuing holdout vaulted Maxey to second in the pecking order, leading to his first All-Star appearance and the league’s Most Improved Player Award.
With Tobias Harris and his exorbitant contract gone, Maxey was able to welcome Paul George aboard — and we all remember how 2024-25 went. It was a nightmare for Maxey, Joel Embiid, the Sixers and the entire Delaware Valley. He grew from it and had an outstanding 2025-26 campaign, culminating in his first All-NBA nod.
This offseason he became a dad, without question the most important thing to happen to him, but the second-most important thing was nothing to sneeze at. Maxey successfully recruited James to join the Sixers to play alongside newcomer Jaylen Brown and a ridiculously star-studded starting five.
James hasn’t stopped heaping praise on Maxey since he got here. Brown, too, has lauded Maxey for making a difficult transition much easier by welcoming him with open arms. Labaron Philon Jr. has frequently mentioned how much Maxey is helping the rookie’s assimilation to the NBA.
Mike Gansey did a hell of a job assembling this roster, but Maxey’s fingerprints are all over it. It’s not hyperbolic to say Maxey has changed the entire trajectory of this organization. Imagine if he hadn’t become the player he is after being selected 21st overall. The Sixers would’ve likely been stuck in NBA purgatory. And if not for the positive culture he’s created in the locker room, this franchise could’ve gone sideways at multiple points over the last seven years.
James has acknowledged it’s not always easy being his teammate. Not because of anything on the court, but with the scrutiny and attention that comes with a team he’s on.
If any player can manage it, it’s Maxey.
He was asked on media day what it’s like to be in this position, where he’s been LeBron James’ workout partner and now teammate.
“What if I said LeBron was my workout partner?” he joked.
Maxey was asked about the extra attention LeBron brings.
“I wanted Bron, I didn’t want y’all,” he joked again.
Then, he got serious.
“Listen, with me, I’m focused on basketball, a job,” he said. “The rest of that, I’m not really worried about it. That doesn’t really bother me, honestly. I’ve been blessed to play in Philadelphia for my entire career so far. I played in Kentucky. I’m kind of used to the noise and all those different things, so that doesn’t bother me.
“My biggest thing is I want to help my teammates, this organization, try to win basketball games and try to win at the highest level. So the rest of that, the hoopla, all that, all y’all people being here, that doesn’t bother me.”
Holdouts, drama, injuries, mismanaged rosters, coaching malpractice, losing, media scrutiny, a fan base that expects nothing short of greatness — Maxey has handled it all.
LeBron’s helicopter flying overhead while he sits on a curb is worth nothing more than a chuckle.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 13: Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors is fouled by Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter of a preseason game at T-Mobile Arena on October 13, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Los Angeles Lakers are expecting big things of Walker Kessler this season. They love both his skill-set and how it fits alongside their star duo of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. It’s why they were willing to send a pair of first-round picks and first-round pick swaps to the Utah Jazz while inking Kessler to a four-year, $130 million deal this summer. To help achieve those big things, Kessler and Lakers head coach JJ Redick are latching onto a singular word, one they think should reverberate through Kessler’s approach all over the floor.
“The word I’ve used with him, the challenge is just being relentless. Just in terms of the motor on both ends, running the floor, diving, screening, crashing the glass, playing off Luka and [Reaves],” Redick told reporters Tuesday after Kessler made his preseason debut. “He’s going to have opportunities to playmake in the pocket. That’s just the nature of how teams guard those two guys. His stats are going to naturally come just from playing hard. I thought he did a great job of that. Again, that’s like a very encouraging thing when you have multiple guys on the team that you feel like are going to do the little stuff that maybe doesn’t always show up in a box score, but helps the team.”
Kessler left a positive impression to open his Lakers tenure, with 11 points (4-of-6 shooting), nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors. He knows if he plays relentlessly, high-level impact should follow, so he intends to try and maximize every single possession, which will manifest in array of ways that benefit Los Angeles.
“JJ and I talked and that’s kind of what we came up with this year is relentless,” Kessler said. “For me, that means just crashing every time, trying to be a presence in the paint, run, play hard, don’t take plays off on the offensive end, defensive end. So that’s going to be my goal for this year.”
Kessler’s next opportunity to embody that relentless mantra comes Friday against the Denver Nuggets in the Lakers’ preseason finale before their regular season kicks off Oct. 21 at home facing the Warriors.
On Wednesday, Detroit Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff made his stance clear on the standoff with restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson.
That is good news for Red Wings fans, as the GM appears adamant about bringing back the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. The report builds on comments from several other insiders who have said Detroit's preference all along has been to retain the Swedish blueliner.
Red Wings GM Shawn Horcoff says he has "zero interest" in trading Simon Edvisson. "Not something I'm entertaining. We want to sign him."
The organization has already checked one major contract off its list, with star winger Alex DeBrincat signing a seven-year extension carrying a $13 million cap hit. With that deal done, Edvinsson can become the franchise's focus, and the Red Wings can work toward getting him back into game action.
Detroit could certainly use the help as Edvinsson offers a rare blend of defensive skill and the occasional dose of offense, and the Red Wings are struggling at both ends of the ice.
They sit near the bottom of the league defensively, allowing 3.17 goals per game, while their offense is even worse, averaging 2.33 goals per game, which ranks in the bottom five of the NHL.
With the Red Wings having dropped five of their first six games, they need all the help they can get, and 30-point defenseman like Edvinsson would provide a subtle boost.
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Brice Turang #2 and Jackson Chourio #11 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrate the 3-1 win against the San Diego Padres in game four of the National League Division Series at Petco Park on October 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the 70th time, Major League Baseball has announced its Rawlings Gold Glove finalists, listing three players at each position. Brice Turang (second base) and Jackson Chourio (left field) have been named finalists for the Brewers.
During the 2026 regular season, the Brewers were above league average when it came to fielding percentage. As a team, they allowed the seventh-fewest errors in all of baseball with 72, while playing the second-most innings on the field.
Of course, whether Chourio or Turang wins the Gold Glove depends on the voters. A unique aspect of this year’s second base Gold Glove competition is that all three finalists are from the National League Central. Turang joins Brandon Lowe of the Pittsburgh Pirates and then standout rookie JJ Wetherholt.
Starting at the top, only one second baseman in the NL played more than Turang, and that was Ozzie Albies. Now, fielding percentage and errors are one and the same, as Turang finished fifth among second basemen in the NL as he committed five errors this season, which equates his fielding percentage to .992. Now, the lone category that Turang leads in, and by a decent margin, is dWAR (defensive wins above replacement). dWAR estimates how many wins a player contributes to their team based on their defensive performance compared to a league-average fielder. Out of the finalists, Turang leads the group by 1.1, with Wetherholt in second, and Lowe behind.
Turang is no stranger to the Gold Glove award as he’s been a finalist for the third season in a row, but has not won one since 2024, when he also won the Platinum Glove. While the Brewers have acquired players with multiple Gold Gloves, there have only been two Brewers players who have won multiple while wearing the ball and glove: Cecil Cooper and George Scott. Turang has the opportunity to become the third Brewers player to win multiple.
While the Brewers continue to write history, Chourio looks to further cement his legacy as a Brewers great. If Chourio wins the Gold Glove, he’ll become the first-ever left fielder to win the award for the Brewers. All-time, the Brewers have had four outfielders win the award, most recently Sal Frelick in 2024 as a right fielder.
Chourio will be joined by Ian Happ of the Chicago Cubs and Daylen Lile of the Washington Nationals. While comparing the stats to the other left field finalists, Chourio ranks first in dWAR with 1.0. Happ follows with a 0.6 dWAR, while Lile finished the season with a 0.1. While looking at the less complex statistics, Chourio leads all of the NL in fielding percentage with a perfect 1.000, with zero errors committed. Perhaps one slight against Chourio in the voting chances is that he had the six most chances among the qualified players.
The Brewers duo will try to become the 14th and 15th all-time Brewers players to win a Gold Glove. Winners will be announced on November 1st at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 6: Daylen Lile #4 of the Washington Nationals catches a ball hit by Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium on September 6, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Daylen Lile had a tremendous rookie year in 2025. However, he had a really tough time on the defensive side of the ball. This offseason, Lile made a major effort to improve defensively. That hard work paid off, as Lile is one of three finalists for NL Gold Glove at the left field position.
Lile will be going up against Brewers star Jackson Chourio and Ian Happ, who has won four straight Gold Gloves. I think Lile is a long shot to win the award, but the fact he is even a nominee tells you a lot about his defensive improvements. He has always had the athletic ability to be a good outfielder, but now he has the instincts as well.
When you dive into the numbers, Lile’s defensive turnaround is remarkable. In 2025 Lile posted -14 defensive runs saved, -8 outs above average and -10 fielding run value. This season Lile had 8 DRS, 1 OAA and 2 FRV. If there was an award for most improved defender, Lile would probably win it.
I remember last offseason around this time Lile posted a lot of workout videos and defense was the theme of many of them. One even mentioned the Gold Glove as a goal. That seemed like a far fetched idea at the time, but he is right in the mix after a great defensive season.
If I had to make a prediction, I think Happ is likely to win the award. Voters clearly gravitate to his skillset and he had another great defensive year. Happ posted 10 DRS, 2 OAA and 6 FRV in left field this season. By the numbers, this is Happ’s best defensive season since his first Gold Glove in 2022.
Back to Lile though, I think this improvement speaks volumes about his work ethic. You do not get this much better at defense by accident. This nomination came thanks to hard work, determination and a tireless drive to succeed.
If anything, Lile might have been too hyperfocused on his defense last offseason. With so much of his effort going to improving his defense, Lile fell into some bad habits at the plate this year. However, with his work ethic, I have confidence that those will be corrected. If Lile can combine last year’s offense with this year’s defense, he can be an All-Star caliber player.
When watching the games, there is one area where I think Lile improved the most. That would be his instincts at the wall. Last season, Lile had a really tough time making plays around walls. That flaw led to a lot of balls getting past him and not making tough catches at the wall. He just did not know what he was doing out there.
This season, he had great instincts at the wall. He made a few great diving catches and was good at keeping balls in front of him. There was a catch he made against the O’s in foul territory that really impressed me.
The play he made here was really similar to a catch he made last year against the Mets. While he made both plays, he was in much more control this season. Last year, he made the catch but had to be removed because he crashed into the wall so hard. He was much more aware of his surroundings this year.
Lile is a player I am very bullish on moving forward and a big reason for that is his determination. He wanted to get better at defense after 2025, and he did just that. With his proven ability to get better, I think he can clean things up offensively as well. Daylen Lile is a very likable and hard working player, so it is nice to see him get rewarded.
