Former Florida Panthers goaltender Brandon Bussi has signed a three-year contract extension with the Carolina Hurricanes.
The 27-year-old will earn $1.9 million annually starting in the 2026-27 season. Bussi has been one of the best stories of the season so far and has earned the job as the No.1 goaltender in Raleigh.
Bussi started the season with the Panthers, signing a one-year deal with the Panthers in the off-season. The goal was for Bussi to serve as the third-string goaltender and spend most of the season with the Charlotte Checkers.
This season, Bussi had posted a .908 save percentage and a 2.16 goals-against average in 27 games. Additionally, he’s posted a 23-3-1 record with two shutouts.
Although the Panthers would have loved to see him remain with the organization, there wasn’t going to be much of an opportunity for Bussi to make such a lasting mark. With Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov remaining relatively healthy through the season, the Panthers would have seen no purpose in recalling Bussi to the NHL.
In all, it’s a happy moment for Bussi, who is a perfect example of never giving up on your dreams and of hard work helping you accomplish what you desire.
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DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 19: The sneakers worn by Jaden Ivey #23 of the Detroit Pistons during the game against the Boston Celtics on January 19, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Team World center Victor Wembanyama (1) of the San Antonio Spurs reacts in game three during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The All-Star Game isn’t what it used to be. It used to be a star-studded, spectacular event that put the biggest basketball talents in the world on their own stage. The talent level on one court challenged even the NBA and Olympic Finals, and the players played like they had something to prove. However, in recent years, the performance level has dropped, and it has become more of a formality to simply show up and get the All-Star nod on the resume since it can lead to extra pay, be it bonuses built into contracts or a checkmark towards a supermax contract extension.
The play has been uninspiring with zero defensive effort — whether it’s out of exhaustion, laziness, fear of injury, or some of each — and the other events of the weekend have become repetitive, mundane, and not as interesting thanks in no small part to fewer stars participating. To make matters even worse for this year, All-Star Weekend was sparsely attended for multiple possible reasons: high prices, afternoon times (thanks to the Winter Olympics), the novelty of the event having worn off, etc.
With Friday’s Rising Stars Challenge typically the least popular event regardless, and the Saturday events losing luster (especially the Slam Dunk Contest), it was up to what had become the least reliable event in recent years to save the day: the All-Star Game itself. With multiple years of tinkering with the teams and format to find something that appealed — from captains drafting teams, to a round robin tournament, and finally a USA vs. The World format — the NBA needed SOMEONE to step up and save the day. Someone did, and he is none than Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama.
Already known for being fiercely competitive, he wasn’t about take any opportunity lying down. After talking the talk before the game, saying he would play hard and hoped others would follow suit, he walked the walk, and sure enough everyone else followed. He flew out of the gates, opening round 1 with a dunk, three and two blocks, and as eventual ASG MVP Anthony Edwards put it, he set the tone by playing hard, and they had no choice but to respond.
All-Star Game MVP Anthony Edwards repeats his earlier praise of Victor Wembanyama.
"I ain't gonna lie, Wemby set the tone. He came out playing hard, and we had to follow that." pic.twitter.com/yvDelkWCqL
Wemby’s Team World may have gone 0-2 and missed the finale, giving him no shot at the MVP award, but if there was an MVP of the entire weekend to be handed out, he would win it.
As a result, plenty of praise is being heaped his way, essentially calling him the savior of the All-Star Game and weekend as a whole.
If Wemby truly has set a new tone that will followed going forward, the next step will be saving the entire weekend, and making The Dunk Contest the top Saturday event again will play a big role. That’s something he and Edwards could help do, and even though they may be rivals on the court, they’re two of the most competitive players in the league and the faces of this new generation of players. Hopefully together, they can set a new tone going forward.
Yankees captain Aaron Judge spoke following Monday’s first full squad workout…
On this offseason…
Judge admitted it was brutal watching this offseason play out early on with the team not very active in free agency, and the uncertainty around Cody Bellinger’s future stretching in to the New Year.
“I see a lot of free agent’s out there, I see a lot of guys like the Bellinger’s, the [Trent] Grisham’s, the [Paul] Goldschmidt’s -- it was like let’s sign these guys right now and then start adding some more pieces because I’m seeing other teams around the league get better with trades and signings.
“It was tough there in the beginning, but I think once we solidified Bellinger back, we solidified Trent back as our centerfielder, then you add a guy like Goldy and some of the backend bullpen pieces like we’ve been doing, I think we’re in a good spot,” he said.
“But early on, it was definitely tough to watch, it’s like we’re the New York Yankees, let’s go out there and get the right people, get the right pieces and go out there and finish this things off -- it was frustrating, but I think we’re right where we need to be.”
Judge admitted that he did voice some frustration to the front office, particularly on retaining Bellinger, but is glad they were able to take care of business.
On the Yanks “running it back…”
While much has been made with this squad essentially running it back with the same roster that fell short last season, he loves the team as currently constructed.
“People might have their opinions on it, because we didn’t win it all last year and we fell short in the division series, but we get a chance to bring a lot of those guys back -- they’re impact players for us.
“You bring a guy back like Bellinger who can play all over the diamond, come up a big hit when you need him. Goldschmidt who is an MVP, has played all over, just what he brings not only on the field but in the clubhouse, he elevates with the young group we have,” Judge said.
“I’m excited. You get another year for the young guys to develop, bring back some big pieces, especially Grisham our center fielder who had a breakout year, so I’m looking forward to it. Then you add G Cole down the line with some other guys, I like our chances.”
On his elbow…
Judge was slowed down by a flexor strain in his right elbow towards the end of last season, but he’s back to 100 percent at the beginning of camp.
Oct 2, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) heads for the dugout between innings during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
“It’s feeling great,” he said. “I haven’t had any issues so far, I think we’re ready to go. I’m out there throwing confidently, I’ve thrown to the bases a couple of times already, so no worries -- excited to get out there and have that confidence.
“That was the toughest thing for me last year, the pitcher working his butt off and the guys working their butts off, and a ball gets hit to me and it’s kind of like I had no shot -- so excited to get back out there and do my thing for the team.”
Judge is scheduled to play in “four or five” of the Yanks’ first nine spring games.
On leading USA in the WBC…
Judge is excited for the opportunity to captain USA in his first World Baseball Classic.
“The time is right,” he said. “In 2023 being a free agent I didn’t know where I was going to go, then coming back to the Yankees and being named the captain, I didn’t want to miss out on that first spring training being the captain, I wanted to be around the guys.
“The time is now to do it. USA came up a little short year, but it’s an exciting group of guys. [Mark DeRosa’s] got quite a squad he’s put together so far, so I’m looking forward to seeing what’s happened -- it’s pretty cool.”
He’s looking forward to a rematch with the defending champion, Team Japan.
“Definitely hoping to see them in the Finals,” Judge said. “They’re the reigning champs and they have a great squad coming back, so I think that’s why Team USA really bulked it up this year to go out there and take care of business.
“If they’re bringing back the same crew, it’s gonna be a heavyweight fight, that’s for sure.”
Judge began throwing a little earlier than usual, but he didn’t have to change his offseason routine too much to ensure he’s ready for USA’s opening matchup.
On what he’s working on…
Judge doesn’t have too much to improve after taking home his second straight MVP, but he’s been working on taking a step forward in one area of his game in particular.
“Baserunning’s on my mind this year a lot,” he said. “I saw a lot of guys around the league with 40, 30 stolen bases that you don’t normally expect to be running that much -- especially with how the game’s changed with the pickoffs and pitch clock.
“I think that’s one way we can utilize some of my skills a little bit more.
“With the lineup we have, this was probably the best offense in all of baseball last year -- if I can find a way to get myself in scoring position, if they're going to walk me or do something, then some good things are going to happen.”
Judge swiped 12 bases last season, just four shy of his career-high.
On the energy so far in camp...
Judge feels a different energy after the Yanks were knocked out by the division-rival Blue Jays in the ALDS last year.
"Any time you don't take it all the way and win the championship you get a bad taste in your mouth," he said. "I think guys are definitely motivated and ready to go, there's a different energy coming in, especially when you lose to a division rival like that where you're tied with the same record, they have the tiebreaker.
"The boys came ready to work, so I'm looking forward to changing that script and going all the way."
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 28: Haywood Highsmith #24 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball during the game against Cleveland Cavaliers during round 1 game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Eric Espada/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Haywood Highsmith
Small and Power Forward, 6’5”, 220 pounds, 29 years old, 5 years of NBA experience
The Phoenix Suns got off to the right start of the year before the All-Star Break transpired. Even if they went 1-2 in their final three games, this team has proved every doubter wrong with their success. This team currently sits 32-23, over its win total from the beginning of the year.
The Suns (32-22) hit the over on their preseason win total before the All-Star break 😳 pic.twitter.com/czwVQgwD0i
With them exceeding expectations and setting themselves up for a postseason run, the team decided to add some more reinforcements, and a big one on the buyout market with Haywood Highsmith.
Free agent forward Haywood Highsmith has agreed to a multiyear deal with the Phoenix Suns, his agent Jerry Dianis tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/UbkwghKYRL
From watching Highsmith in the past and seeing where this team is going, this is a great move from the front office. They take a low-value swing, and if it pays off, they will make this roster even richer than before.
2024-25 Recap
Highsmith has had a bit of a wild career, but fortunately, last season dealt with a tamer one than the previous. This was due to his success with the Heat during their 2023 Finals run. He was then able to secure a 2-year deal worth a little more than $10 million.
In the 2024 season, he had a healthy year, playing in 74 of the Heat’s 82 games and starting 42. For the Heat, he played a consistent role as a solid wing defender who can take big assignments, is scrappy, plays for loose balls, and is a strong defender. Not only will he do that defensively, but he could also stretch and shoot the three-ball at a decent clip. In a year when he had his most minutes (24.6), Highsmith averaged career highs in almost every category. He had a stat line of 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks while shooting 46/38/72 from the field.
Unfortunately, Highsmith suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during training camp in the offseason. He then underwent surgery and was said to miss 8-10 weeks. With this happening in August, pretty late in the offseason, the Heat knew he would not be back and needed some additions. That is when, a week later, after getting this injury, Highsmith was traded to the Brooklyn Nets for essentially a $5.6 trade exception, giving the Heat flexibility to add to their team, knowing Highsmith would not be available to them.
The Miami Heat have traded Haywood Highsmith and a 2032 second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for a protected 2026 second-round pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ilO1dBStWw
The Brooklyn Nets then waived him on February 5th, as the Nets could not trade him and did not want him. With him prepping a comeback, many playoff teams would be interested in the dynamic wing.
Contract Details
With Highsmith being waived by the Nets, he became a free agent and could have signed any deal with the Suns. He ended up signing a minimum two-year contract with the team, with the second year non-guaranteed.
This is a huge win for both Highsmith and the Suns. For Highsmith, he gets to go to a team that is in the mix of things and could actually carve out a role in this rotation. If he does and succeeds, well, the Suns are going to keep him, and he will have a home for two seasons after fighting to get to the league since 2018. For the Suns, they take a flyer on a wing who can help them now, and if he does carve out a role in the rotation, well, they got a scam contract for next year. One that is needed, given how financially stuck this team already is, and with some paydays coming in for some of their own free agents.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Highsmith’s versatility is his greatest strength, as he can help on both sides of the court and fits the scheme that coach Ott has laid out perfectly. Since he is another 3&D wing, he will fit in like a glove, just like the others on this roster. He can play solid perimeter defense, something this team has lacked a bit as some of its role players have gotten older. He brings high effort and energy, just like many others on this roster, which has been another staple. Then on the offensive end, he can strike down from three-point range, which has been a staple of the success this year on that side of the ball. With him shooting 38% and close to 40% the year previous, you can see exactly why he can fit into this offense.
My only weakness for Highsmith is that he cannot really create his own shot. The only benefit of the second one is that it is not going to be his role. I’d expect Highsmith to serve as a buffer when Grayson Allen is out and they need more size on the wing. He can slot in and be that catch-and-shoot three-point scorer, while playing some hard-nosed defense on the other end.
One Key Factor
Even if Highsmith has had a solid couple of years recently, we cannot expect this signing to put the Suns over the moon. In NBA history, it is notoriously known that buyout guys do not make much of a difference unless you are Kevin Love joining the Heat. Now, Highsmith was only in this predicament because he tore his meniscus, but that makes you wonder: Will he be back to that form? As we all know, with injuries, especially serious ones like Highsmith’s, sometimes a player is never the same. If that were to be the case for Highsmith, it would not only be upsetting for him but also for the Suns fans.
I know personally, when I saw this notification, I was shocked. I did not expect Highsmith to come to Phoenix, and he is the best player this team could have added. So, for his sake, I want to see him healthy and able to contribute.
Prediction Time
I am excited to see Highsmith suit up for Phoenix, even if he does not have a solid field role in this rotation. For someone who can give some good energy on the defensive end, he should see some playing time just for his effort. Once he can get comfortable offensively and find his spots, that is when the threes will start falling as well. Even if he is at the end of the rotation and only used in situational situations, he will be needed for the size on the wing in the playoffs to help match up against other stars.
Stat Prediction: 20 Games Played, 5.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, on 45/40/75
Final Thoughts
I am excited to see what Haywood Highsmith can do for this team. After watching him take on the Boston Celtics in the 2023 playoffs, he gave me nightmares, and I hope he can recreate those same memories for other fanbases around the league now that he is in the Valley.
It’s time to dive into the potential for the new season.
Spring training is here, and exhibition games will be on the schedule as early as the end of this week. With that in mind, it’s time to kick the mailbag back into high gear, and get back to answering your questions on a weekly basis. The Yankees are gearing up in camp, and have gotten some promising news so far with both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón aiming to get into Grapefruit League games by the end of spring. There are a couple of minor bumps to address, namely Ben Rice sitting out a couple of days with a sore neck, but they avoided dropping any major bombs on us in the first presser of the year so all things considered that’s a great start.
The floor is wide open for questions about this team. They’ve infamously decided to run it back with the roster that took them to the ALDS last year, plus or minus some bullpen tweaking, and they’ve got a bigger role in store for both Rice and Trent Grisham compared to the start of last year. Will their gamble to bet on themselves work out? Will they get reinforcements for the rotation earlier than expected, or is that a pipedream? Can Aaron Judge really be a superhuman for another consecutive year? If you have questions like these, or anything else on your mind, send ‘em in for a chance to be featured in our Yankees mailbag.
Answers will run on Friday afternoon. All questions received by the night of February 19th will be considered. You can leave your submissions in the comment section below or by e-mail to pinstripealleyblog [at] gmail [dot] com.
MESA, Arizona — By the time I got to the Cubs Sloan Park complex this morning, much of the activity had slowed down for the day. However, I do have some photos and video to show you. First, though, since this was the first full squad workout day for the team, Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts had a few comments after meeting with players:
Tom Ricketts: "It's about winning. All of this other stuff, it all leads to one thing and that's winning. We just have to put the kind of teams on the field that can be in the playoffs every year and get back on top." 🔥 pic.twitter.com/R6BTMOt2hP
It’s the usual thing he says every spring. This year, though, I think the team is in very good position to win.
After the catchers workout was done, Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya stopped and signed autographs — for everyone waiting. There were a couple dozen kids waiting and the catchers obliged everyone.
So that’s a good thing.
Then, I went over to Field 1, where I had heard Ian Happ, Michael Busch and Alex Bregman were supposed to be hitting. But, I found out those three had been there earlier and were done for the day.
Instead, I saw some brief hitting sessions from Dansby Swanson and Kevin Alcántara, so I can share some videos of that with you.
That’s a very brief visit to Cubs camp today. There was actually a game going on at Sloan Park today. The Cubs (along with several other Spring Training parks) are hosting the Desert Invitational involving college baseball teams. Today’s Sloan Park game was Air Force vs. Kansas State — I saw quite a few fans dressed in KSU purple.
Tuesday is supposed to be a bit rainy and cool in the Valley so practices will likely be indoors. The Cubs’ first spring game will be Friday against the White Sox at Sloan Park at 2:05 p.m. CT. That game will be televised on Marquee Sports Network, with a radio broadcast on The Score.
England’s Tommy Freeman has revealed the extent of his mental struggles after the victorious British & Irish Lions tour of Australia at the end of a season when he exceeded the player welfare limits for the number of appearances.
Freeman played in 34 games last season – 19 for Northampton, nine for England and six for the Lions – and has spoken of a “built-up anxiety” as a result of the workload. The mandated limit is 30, but players were given dispensation for the Lions tour on the proviso they were allowed five weeks off on returning from Australia and missed the first two rounds of the 2025-26 season.
Jaylen Brown, left, with Jalen Duren, center, and Kawhi Leonard, during the NBA All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
NBA star Jaylen Brown had a public spat with the Beverly Hills Police Department Saturday night after police shut down a brand event he was hosting.
Brown, who signed a $285-million contract with the Celtics in 2023, was in Los Angeles for the National Basketball Assn.'s All-Star festivities.
He told ESPN that the event was hosted at Oakley founder Jim Jannard's house. Brown is sponsored by Oakley.
The event took place in the Trousdale section of Beverly Hills and was shut down about 7 p.m. In a video posted on Brown's Instagram account, the NBA star could be seen arguing with a BHPD officer who was shutting the party down.
"The owner didn't say we needed a permit," Brown told the officer in the video. Brown claimed the event was not a party, but rather a panel on culture.
"300k down the drain," Brown wrote in a post on X after the incident, tagging the Beverly Hills Police Department.
"An event permit had been applied for and denied by the City due to previous violations associated with events at the address," BHPD said in a statement.
"Despite the fact that the permit was denied, organizers still chose to proceed with inviting hundreds of guests knowing that it was not allowed to occur," the statement continued.
Brown plays for the Boston Celtics, a historic rival of the Los Angeles Lakers, but added that he was surprised at his treatment by the city of Beverly Hills.
"I feel like we're being targeted right now," he said in a video posted to Instagram.
With a little bit of help and guidance from Vladislav Gavrikov, Artemi Panarin pinpointed the Los Angeles Kings as the team he wanted to be traded to.
Panarin and his agent, Paul Theofanous reportedly, spoke to multiple teams about a potential contract extension as the New York Rangers made their intentions not to re-sign Panarin public with the hope to trade him before the March 6 NHL Trade Deadline.
It was Panarin's full no-move clause that allowed him to dictate exactly where he wanted to play and treat this process almost as if he were already a free agent.
Eventually, Panarin gave the Rangers the green light to trade him to Los Angeles, and a deal was finalized with the Kings on February 4.
It’s unclear exactly why Panarin specifically wanted to play for the Kings, but he admitted that conversations with Gavrikov, who played for the Kings from 2023-2025, helped sway his decision.
“I tried to find a team for myself, where I want to be, so it was kind of about feeling,” Panarin said. “Obviously, you look at the players, and then I spoke with Gavrikov the last couple days a lot.
“He introduced me to a great organization, great teammates in there and obviously a great spot to live. I just want to play for these guys, for that organization. Other teams were on the list too, but I actually never wanted to go anywhere else.”
While Gavrikov’s high praise of the Kings organization may not have been the deciding factor in Panarin’s ultimate choice to sign a two-year, $22 million contract extension with the Kings upon being dealt, it certainly helped guide the 34-year-old forward in the direction of Hollywood.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone spoke to the media following Monday's workouts in Tampa…
Carlos Lagrange 'excellent' in first live BP session
The first full-squad workout of camp began with rising prospect Carlos Lagrange on the mound for live batting practice, and he turned some heads with fans in attendance.
Facing the heart of the Yankees' lineup, Lagrange showcased his triple-digit velocity, inducing strikeouts of Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger across a 49-pitch session.
While the appearance wasn't flawless for the right-hander -- he served up a monstrous home run to Judge on a fastball down the middle -- he ultimately got revenge by fanning the Yankees' captain on three pitches. The third-strike fastball reached 102 mph.
Lagrange also forced Giancarlo Stanton to ground out and pop out in at-bats before walking off the field with a changing-speeds punchout of Bellinger. The performance was met with cheers.
"I thought he was excellent. First one to go out there on first full-squad day," Boone said. "The crowd's full, he's facing the big boys. What I liked is, he was filling up the zone with it too. The stuff obviously jumps off the page at you. Thought he held his stuff, most importantly held his strike throwing. February, but really good to see him out there."
Lagrange, the No. 79 prospect on MLB Pipeline's latest Top 100 rankings, logged a 3.22 ERA with 104 punchouts over 78.1 innings in Double-A Somerset last season. Boone has compared the 22-year-old to former Yankees reliever Dellin Betances, based on his 6-foot-7 frame and blistering fastball.
The next step for Lagrange is to develop the "next layer" of strike throwing, according to Boone, but his overall makeup and leadership traits have grabbed the coaching staff's attention. Lagrange's composure against Judge and other Yankees sluggers was lauded, too.
"That's a big thing to walk in to, for a guy who hasn't been over here," Boone said. "It didn't seem like a big thing to him. He was just out there executing... After the homer, he really came back and executed. The chanegup is special. I thought the sweeper was a good pitch for him, got a lot of outs with it. Fun to watch all that unfold."
The Yankees will begin Grapefruit League action on Friday against the Orioles, and Boone said Lagrange has a very strong chance of starting the game in Sarasota.
Positive updates on Cam Schlittler, Anthony Volpe
Anthony Volpe took the next step forward in his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery, starting a hitting program on Monday that included some dry swings, per Boone.
With the expectation of Volpe missing at least all of April while rehabbing, utilityman Jose Caballero should see ample playing time at shortstop and create some in-season competition.
Meanwhile, Cam Schlittler is scheduled to throw off the mound on Tuesday, less than a week after revealing a minor back issue.
The right-hander was never shut down completely -- he threw on flat ground over the weekend and neither Schlittler nor Boone expressed actual concern about the mild injury.
"He was built up pretty good and we didn't shut him down at all," Boone said. "I don't think we thought it was a big issue, but more of one we wanted to get out in front of, just in case."
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 20: Zak Kent #61 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches against the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning of game two of a doubleheader at Target Field on September 20, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Righthanded pitcher Zak Kent has been claimed off of waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals, it was announced today. The Rangers had designated Kent for assignment a few days ago to clear a 40 man roster spot for the newly signed Jordan Montgomery.
This is the second time this offseason that the Cardinals have claimed Kent, who was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2019, and then traded to Cleveland for international bonus pool money at the end of spring training 2024 when the Rangers were opening 40 man roster spots for Jared Walsh, Wyatt Langford and Jose Urena.
Kent made his major league debut for Cleveland in 2025, but was placed on waivers in December, with St. Louis claiming him. The Cardinals then waived him in January, and Texas claimed him. Now he’s back with St. Louis, and I would wager he’ll be placed on waivers again towards the end of spring training when the Cards need a 40 man roster spot and teams are flooding the waiver wire with similar guys, making it more likely he goes unclaimed and can be outrighted.
Mar 2, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Josue De Paula against the Chicago White Sox during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Eric Longenhagen, Brendan Gawlowski, and James Fegan wrote up the prospects, a list that was expanded from 100 to 110 to account for the prospects with a Future Value rating of 50 (on the 20-to-80 scouting scale) or higher.
Three outfielders lead the Dodgers contingent represented here, with Josue De Paula ranked 17th, Zyhir Hope 41st, and Eduardo Quintero 43rd.
De Paula is ranked between 14th and 24th on prospect lists at FanGraphs, Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus, ESPN, The Athletic, and MLB Pipeline, with an average ranking of 18.5. Says FanGraphs of his future: “De Paula’s combination of present raw power and long-term physical projection give him a great shot to develop 40-homer raw power at peak, though it’s debatable whether his hitting skills are the kind that will allow him to actualize all of that raw thump in games.”
Other Dodgers to show up on the list at FanGraphs are shortstop Emil Morales ranked 61st and pitcher River Ryan at 107th coming back from Tommy John surgery. De Paula (48th) and Ryan (101st) are the only Dodgers returning from last year’s preseason ranking at FanGraphs.
'It's A Great Day To Say The Least.': Brandon Bussi Talks New Deal, Extending In Raleigh And MoreRecord-shattering goalie Brandon Bussi inks a three-year Carolina extension, ready to chase championships and celebrate big moments in Raleigh.
