Posts

Posted on

Kansas City Royals news: Will Royals broadcasts feature drones?

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, ITALY - FEBRUARY 17: A drone follows Pilot Martin Kranz and David Tschofen of Team Liechtenstein competing in the Two-Man Bobsleigh Heat 3 on day 11 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Cortina Sliding Centre on February 17, 2026 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Anne Rogers writes about the pitchers working on new pitches this spring.

Add Schreiber to the list of pitchers working on a kick-changeup, a pitch he introduced last season but then worked on consistently the entire offseason. The right-hander posted a 3.80 ERA and will be a reliever the Royals turn to in middle- to high-leverage situations again, but he has to be able to get lefties out. Last season, left-handed batters had a .754 OPS in 111 plate appearances against Schreiber compared to a .671 OPS in 154 plate appearances for right-handers. With his four-seam, sinker, sweeper and cutter, Schreiber has the east-to-west movement plot covered.

Stephen Kolek was scratched from his outing on Wednesday due to tightness in his side.

“If they can figure out what it is [inside at the complex], we’ll have an answer,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “If not, we’ll have to get him more testing. But we were just being cautious and not forcing him out there.”

Jaylon Thompson writes about how Noah Cameron is preparing for his sophomore season.

So this offseason, Cameron did some scouting of his own — some self-scouting. He went back and looked at some of his starts with the Royals and found that his optimal success came from suppressing his pitch count and being effective in the strike zone.

“I think in the minor leagues, it’s pitch however long you can and have as good of stats as you can,” he said. “You know, feel the best and that’s all you can do. But here (in the majors), it doesn’t matter how you feel and how sexy your stats are. It’s just to help the team, pitch deep and limit their runs. That’s just the name of the game.”

Pete Grathoff writes that Royals broadcasts this year could feature drones.

Craig Brown writes about whether Bailey Falter can add velocity to his repertoire.

Touching 96 mph is a nice goal and everything, but I feel like it’s important to note that Falter has topped 95 mph with his fastballs just twice in his major league career. He did it one time last season, on a sinker, right before he was traded to Kansas City. Of course, all these guys are looking to add velocity these days…and visiting different pitching labs and training facilities with their own coaches to find that edge that will get them a tick more. Especially guys who know they are fighting for a spot on the club and the rotation. This will be an interesting development to monitor going forward.

David Lesky writes about Seth Lugo’s first spring start.

Nothing was in the middle. Last year, after the break, it felt like he was either missing big out of the zone or leaving a pitch right in the middle of the plate to get crushed. I think if my math is right, he’ll make one more start in Royals camp before leaving for the WBC, though I may be off on that, depending on how the Royals set that up. But I’ll be curious to watch the command and that slider in his next outing. It’s easy to lament giving him $20 million per year for the next two, and it would hurt if he pitches like he did in August again, but if he can give the Royals even just league average for 175 innings per year, that’s a reasonable cost to pay for that

And Witt’s drive to improve is relentless. J.J. Picollo, the head of baseball operations for the Royals, wrote in a text, “[Witt] is so easy to deal with because he takes such good care of himself that we have little-to-no concern. More of what we discuss with him is how we can keep him fresh and strong throughout the season.

“Some of the finer points of base stealing are things that are always being discussed, but he is clearly a very good baserunner.”

He is clearly very good at everything.

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Keep wonders if the curve is the key to Lugo’s success.

Buster Olney at ESPN ranks Bobby Witt Jr. as the top shortstop in the game.

And Witt’s drive to improve is relentless. J.J. Picollo, the head of baseball operations for the Royals, wrote in a text, “[Witt] is so easy to deal with because he takes such good care of himself that we have little-to-no concern. More of what we discuss with him is how we can keep him fresh and strong throughout the season.

“Some of the finer points of base stealing are things that are always being discussed, but he is clearly a very good baserunner.”

He is clearly very good at everything.

Keith Law ranks Carter Jensen tops on his rookies list.

Jensen has a long history of getting on base, the power is real and he’s a strong defensive catcher. I understand the desire for loyalty, especially given Perez’s tie to the 2015 World Series winning team, but Jensen should be the Royals’ primary catcher this year, with Perez backing him up and maybe playing some first or DHing if there’s a need. Assuming the Royals go that route, Jensen will be a strong contender for Rookie of the Year.

The Yankees are still open to adding a platoon bat.

The Padres shut down pitcher Matt Waldron after a hemorrhoid procedure.

Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day.

Angels owner Arte Moreno says fans don’t really care about winning that much.

What are teams paying per-win in free agency these days?

Tarik Skubal will only pitch once for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

The Yankees will retire the number of pitcher CC Sabathia.

The Pirates are open to a long-term deal with top prospect Konnor Griffin.

Should the Rays have a 5.5-man rotation?

Harrison Bader dents a food truck with a home run, and signs the truck.

An umpire has five consecutive pitches overturned on ABS challenges.

Would you let Jacob Misiorowski throw a fastball to hit an apple on your head?

MLB players want to participate in the 2028 Summer Olympics.

How Salt Lake City is becoming a frontrunner for MLB expansion. [$]

The NFL is not expected to get a proposal to ban the “tush push.”

Bodø/Glimt pulls off one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history, knocking out Inter Milan.

An FCC study shows TV station consolidation has led to lower quality for viewers.

Phil Collins, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, Oasis, and Pink are among the nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Do we really need this much protein?

Your song of the day is Sebadoah with On Fire.

Posted on

Thursday Rockpile: Rockies players and coaches offer their thoughts on the new ABS system

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Catcher Braxton Fulford #37 of the Colorado Rockies warms up prior to a game at Salt River Fields on Friday, February 20, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kyle Cooper)

Over the last few years, we have seen a number of rule changes to Major League Baseball. This year is no different, with the addition of the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) at the major league level. 

It was originally implemented in the minors starting in 2022, and a few stadiums began using it in spring training last year. It has also been used in the Arizona Fall League since 2024, and they added a “check swing challenge system” last year that may be on the horizon.

MLB players and fans got their first glimpse of the future at the 2025 All-Star Game when the system was implemented.

But the Colorado Rockies got their first taste of it last Friday with the start of spring training games. Opinions varied, but, overall, players and coaches think it’s a good addition to MLB — plus, many of them first experienced ABS in Triple-A Albuquerque.

“I think it’s good,” said Warren Schaeffer. “I’m looking forward to seeing how each team handles it differently. It’s definitely a point of strategy, and each team is going to do it differently.”

Brenton Doyle sees in it a way to keep everyone honest.

“It keeps umpires accountable here and there,” Doyle said, “and when [the umpires] do miss, they know you know where they’re missing. So I think it’s a good reminder for them, and it’s also a chance for us to maybe get some good out of it, too.”

For Hunter Goodman, it’s a way to empower hitters.

“I think it’s interesting,” said Goodman. “But I think in those big situations – in big games – it gives the player the power if they think something was wrong versus getting rung up in a big situation. Now you have the power to say, ‘Alright, I think that was wrong.’ So I think it’ll be cool to see. I think there’ll be some fan interaction with it, and that’ll be exciting as well. I think it’ll be fun.”

Goodman also offered some insight as to how the Rockies are practicing with it during spring training.

“In some of the live at-bats, we would have the TrackMan up, and I’d catch a pitch and be like, ‘That’s a strike,’” he said. “And then we look at the TrackMan and see what it was and stuff like that. 

“Or even our hitters sometimes in lives, (with) the pitching coach or the hitting coach calling pitches,” he continued, “and then they call one and the hitters say, ‘I think that was off,’ and then you look at the TrackMan. So we’re trying to figure it out in different ways.”

Tanner Gordon said they’ve discussed a slightly different ABS strategy for pitchers..

“We’ve talked about just kind of feeling out the game,” Gordon said. “Obviously, you’re not going to challenge the second pitch of the first inning, but a high-stakes pitch, maybe. Maybe with the game on the line, maybe in the seventh or eighth inning that can turn the game one way or another.”

“You definitely want to use it in key situations,” Braxton Fulford added, “big counts, 1-1 counts are a big one. There’s a big difference between a 2-1 count and a 1-2 count.

“Same thing offensively,” he continued. “If you have runners on base and it’s late in the game, you want to use it in those key situations as opposed to just using it. Early in the game, when you think it might be a strike, might not be the best time to use it.”

Fulford was also part of two challenges on Friday – one that went his way and one that went the other way.

View Link
View Link

“I was struck out on an ABS strike, and then I got one myself, which is a good feeling,” he said. “You think it’s a strike, but you could never do anything before, and now if you think it’s a strike, you can challenge it and get it overturned. It’s kind of a big momentum swing for you and your team.”

Jordan Beck and Kyle Karros acknowledged the inconsistencies they’ve faced with it, but overall are still in favor.

“I think when I was out there on Day 1 (in Triple-A), it seemed like it was pitcher friendly that day because the catcher was, like, 4-for-4 or something,” Beck said. “But I think it’s good. Pitchers still have to throw strikes and stuff, and hitters need to know their zones as well, so I think it’s good.”

“Friday was a unique day,” Karros said. “I feel like literally every single ABS challenge was called a ball and then overturned into a strike — oftentimes two strikes — and that was the end of your at-bat, which feels a little weird just waiting to see if you get punched out. But I think it’s going to be good.”

View Link

Karros also acknowledged that he never used it in Triple-A because he wasn’t sure it was a worthwhile skill to learn.

“I felt like it didn’t really make sense to use it,” he said. “If we [didn’t] use it in the big leagues, why would I use it in Triple-A? So I didn’t use it at all then, but I know some guys were challenging.”

He did say he will “100%” start challenging now, though.

Like everything else, Schaeffer has a plan and a framework for teaching his players how to navigate the ABS system effectively.

“It’s not in the hard rules but more about education of the players in terms of game situations and general game awareness, especially in the minor leagues when you’re trying to develop more game awareness,” Schaeffer said.

“When to use it in a higher leverage situation, and if it wasn’t used in a higher leverage situation, it was a conversation behind closed doors about getting better decisions made. Pitchers were not allowed to challenge because of, I think, for obvious reasons, in terms of their body’s moving, their head’s moving, the catcher’s moving the ball… there’s a bunch of different things. And the catcher pretty much knows the strike zone back there.”

Goodman also acknowledged that everyone is experimenting and getting used to the new system.

“During spring training, everybody’s trying to figure things out, whether it’s hitting or pitching or defensive stuff,” he said. “So it’s a great time for us as catchers and hitters to figure out the zone and challenge things and see where we’re at.”

So far, the Rockies have been part of 23 challenges so far and have won 10. 

This will be a story to watch in 2026.

Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado ‘will be a force’ in NL West, Rockies’ Warren Schaeffer says | Denver Post ($)

Over the weekend, Patrick Saunders and I walked across the concourse into “enemy territory” to chat with an old friend wearing a different uniform. Nolan Arenado is turning 35 in a few months, but is hoping to bounce back after a down year in St. Louis. Warren Schaeffer offered some memories of their playing days, as well, and is excited to play against him in a different role.

My take will run next week on the SB Nation MLB home page, so be on the lookout!

Amador looking to make noise in Rockies’ 2B battle | MLB.com

Adael Amador is one of many young Rockies fighting to break camp this year. After a meteoric rise, the middle infielder hit a snag as soon as he hit the majors and seems to be slowly fading behind other players who are more MLB-ready. Warren Schaeffer and Josh Byrnes offer their insights as to what Amador could bring to the table in 2026, and the 23-year-old himself says “my confidence was always high.”

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

Posted on

Nathan Church is your #14 St. Louis Cardinals prospect

Sep 7, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Nathan Church (27) slides to the turf after he caught a fly ball to centerfield for the out on San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers (not shown) in the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Vizer-Imagn Images | Tim Vizer-Imagn Images

When I added Nathan Church to the vote, I compared him to Moises Gomez and Matt Koperniak. I’d like to apologize for doing so. I ridiculed those choices and I’m not going to do the same for Church. I don’t know where Church will place on my list, but him being on the list makes sense. He appears to be a defensive-oriented prospect who we hope can hit, who in fact did hit a lot in both AA and AAA and he’s still going to be 25-years-old. He certainly fits the profile of a top 20 prospect in a way I don’t think the other two did. This may be the first year where the voters don’t make an outright bad choice, so good job so far!

  1. JJ Wetherholt
  2. Liam Doyle
  3. Rainiel Rodriguez
  4. Quinn Mathews
  5. Jurrangelo Cjintje
  6. Joshua Baez
  7. Leonardo Bernal
  8. Jimmy Crooks
  9. Brandon Clarke
  10. Tink Hence
  11. Tekoah Roby
  12. Tanner Franklin
  13. Brycen Mautz
  14. Nathan Church

Comparable Player Poll

I’m going to do something a bit more unconventional for this vote. You see I couldn’t figure out a good player to compare Hancel Rincon with. Namely, I couldn’t figure out a vote where the result didn’t already seem obvious to me. Unless you guys are significantly higher or lower on him than I think anyway. So I’m forcing him into a vote here today. It is a vote between him and two pitchers who won their own three-person polls.

Andrew Dutkanych IV was drafted in the 7th round of the 2024 draft, and was widely considered a higher round talent who dropped because he had Tommy John surgery earlier that year. Last year, in mostly rehab appearances, he showed swing-and-miss, but also some control problems in 9 total appearances, 6 of them in Low A. He’ll be 22 this season.

Mason Molina was also drafted in the 7th round of the 2024 draft by the Brewers. He lasted two appearances and was traded to the Rangers for middle reliever Grant Anderson. He saw time in both Low A and High A before being included in a trade for Phil Maton. He had a lot of swing and miss, but also had some control problems in High A. He’ll be 22 this season.

Hancel Rincon was not drafted in the 7th round of the 2024 draft, but was signed as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic way back in 2019. The pandemic delayed his progress and he found himself still in the DSL in the 2021 season. He didn’t show much as a prospect until this past season when he pitched well in High A and then pitched REALLY well in AA until an injury ended his season prematurely. He will be 24.

VOTE HERE

New Add

Sometimes, I’m forced to pay attention when I run a player in a comparable player poll – and they absolutely wipe out the competition. I ran Won-Bin Cho, who ranked 21st on last year’s list (I think? He ran against Max Rajcic for the 20th best prospect, but the results are lost to history), Zach Levenson, and Colton Ledbetter against each other. Ledbetter received more than half the vote. That got my attention.

Now I don’t think you guys think Cho is the 21st best prospect – it’s a better system and you might have possibly lowered your opinion of him – nonetheless when a guy easily wins a vote against that guy, I feel there’s a possibility you consider him a top 20 prospect. So I’m listening to what the votes are telling me. The votes are telling me to add Colton Ledbetter to the voting.

Jesus Baez, IF – 21

Stats (High A): 416 PAs, .244/.327/.397, 10.3 BB%, 18.5 K%, .153 ISO, .270 BABIP, 116 wRC+, 121 DRC+

Scouting (FG): 30/45 Hit, 35/50 Game Power, 50/55 Raw Power, 40/40 Speed, 40/45 Fielding

I really appreciate the players who I add to the list and leave pretty quickly, because I run out of new things to say at a certain point and that point was quite a few votes ago for Baez. You understand the deal. He is very young for his level, and seemingly acts like it, but performance-wise, it’s kind of hard to argue against the kid. Likely to end up at either 2B or 3B, although that is true for just about any notable infield prospect thanks to the presence of Masyn Winn.

Yhoiker Fajardo, RHP – 19

Stats (CPX): 6 G, 20.2 IP, 31.6 K%, 9.2 BB%, 51.2 GB%, .205 BABIP, 0.44 ERA/2.41 FIP/3.29 xFIP

Low A: 13 GS, 51.1 IP, 27.8 K%, 9.4 BB%, 50 GB%, .326 BABIP, 2.98 ERA/2.50 FIP/3.14 xFIP

Scouting: 40/45 Fastball, 55/60 Slider, 30/50 Change, 35/50 Command

It’s always tough to judge a prospect like Fajardo, who is sort of absurdly young for the level he will pitch at in 2026. Granted, they might put him back in Low A, because he only made 13 starts and he is still only 19. But he is at least on the doorstep to High A. He’s already built up to throw 71 innings and at the lower levels, he missed a lot of bats. All of these are good signs. The scouting numbers are sort of underwhelming, but hard to scoff at 50 potential command and an elite out pitch at the same time.

Ixan Henderson, 24 – LHP

Stats (AA): 25 GS, 132 IP, 25.2 K%, 9.6 BB%, 37.1 GB%, .278 BABIP, 2.59 ERA/3.16 FIP/4.00 xFIP/4.51 DRA

Scouting: 50/60 Fastball, 45/50 Slider, 30/40 Change, 40/45 Cutter, 40/50 Command

Let’s hope we get good news on Henderson, but for now we are firmly in the uncertain stage. I’ve mentioned it before, but for some reason Henderson’s injury, even if serious, feels like a slight hiccup to me – I’m currently not worried long-term about his injury-proneness. But I don’t have a good reason for that. Feels like a rite of passage for all pitchers. But, it is not guaranteed that he will have a serious injury either. Good luck in figuring out how to weigh this information for your vote.

Cooper Hjerpe, 25 – LHP

Didn’t pitch

Scouting: 55/55 Fastball, 55/60 Slider, 50/50 Change, 45/50 Cutter, 45/50 Command

It’s possible I feel that way about Henderson because my comparison point is Cooper Hjerpe. Hjerpe has a higher upside, but has had significant issues with injuries. We’re hoping that the Tommy John solved those issues, that all the previous injuries were in some way connected to the fact that his arm needed to be repaired. Thus repaired, he can be healthy for at least some stretch of time. And we should find out this year somewhat – he had the surgery in April of last year, so he should pitch in 2026.

Colton Ledbetter, 24 – OF

Stats (AA): 535 PAs, .265/.337/.378, 9.5 BB%, 23.9 K%, .114 ISO, .339 BABIP, 112 wRC+

Scouting: 30/35 Hit, 40/50 Game Power, 55/55 Raw Power, 50/40 Speed, 50/50 Fielding

You might be mistaken for double checking his stats and scouting numbers, because they don’t exactly line up. It makes more sense if you include his 2024 into the equation. He had actual power in High A, but struck out quite a bit. Actually his 2024 season lines up pretty well with the scouting. It doesn’t mean the scouting is outdated, because the effort to strike out less by Ledbetter seemingly led to a big drop in power. The power may not exist without the bad hit tool. Of course if he manages to maintain the K rate and add power, well then we may have something here.

Chen-Wei Lin, 24 – RHP

Stats (Low A): 12 GS, 38.2 IP, 27.2 K%, 17.2 BB%, 50 GB%, .283 BABIP, 4.89 ERA/3.69 FIP/4.17 xFIP

High A: 4 GS, 9.2 IP, 41.7 K%, 18.8 BB%, 50 GB%, .412 BABIP, 9.31 ERA/4.80 FIP/2.76 xFIP

What a crazy season. Limited by injuries – you’ll notice the innings per start is pretty low – he struggled with control all season. Walked a lot of guys. But he also struck out a lot of guys and I actually find it crazy that he struck out 20 of the 48 batters he faced in Springfield. Other things went wrong, but that’s a lot of strikeouts. I’d like his stats a lot more if he had thrown 5 innings per start.

Ryan Mitchell, 19 – OF

No stats

Scouting: 25/55 Hit, 25/50 Game Power, 40/55 Raw Power, 60/60 Speed, 25/50 Fielding

I apologize, when I re-added Mitchell to the voting, I don’t think I realized he now had scouting numbers on his Fangraphs pages. Mitchell was drafted out of high school, so we should probably expect him to play in the complex leagues, although he is really, really worth paying attention to if the Cardinals send him to full-season Low A ball out the gate. He might be kept in minor league camp later even if they plan for him to start in Low A, just because it’s tough to jump from a high school baseball schedule to a 5 month schedule in A ball.

Deniel Ortiz, 21 – 1B/3B

Stats (Low A): 320 PAs, .285/.406/.446, 15.3 BB%, 27.5 K%, .162 ISO, .386 BABIP, 145 wRC+, 119 DRC+

High A: 130 PAs, .336/.438/.500, 13.8 BB%, 22.3 K%, .164 ISO, .436 BABIP, 168 wRC+, 97 DRC+

Scouting (Baseball Savant): /45 Hit, /55 Power, /55 Arm, /45 Field

Thank you to Steve in Alabama – not a random guy I met from Alabama, that is the username of a commentator here – for sharing that Baseball Savant has given Ortiz some scouting grades. He wondered if those were current or potential, but I am relatively sure those are potential grades. They aren’t giving a guy in High A a current power number of 55. And it more less tracks with his stats as well. He has shown swing-and-miss and that is considered his weakness so it makes sense he has a 45 hit tool. Power actually seems high, but I’ll certainly take it, and keep in mind both Low A and High A are not good places for power hitters. And I don’t believe his defense is considered anything to write home about either.

Yairo Padilla, 19 – SS

Stats (CPX): 38 G, 148 PAs, .283/.396/.367, 12.2 BB%, 14.2 K%, .083 ISO, .340 BABIP, 119 wRC+

Scouting: 25/55 Hit, 20/55 Game Power, 40/60 Raw Power, 50/40 Speed, 30/40 Field

Presumably, Padilla will be spending the 2026 season in full-season Low A. That means he’ll be at Palm Beach, an incredibly hard place to have power. I would not not necessarily expect his potential power to show up and really any increase in power, however marginal, should be seen as a huge positive given the difficult run environment he will be entering. But yeah as things stand, it doesn’t seem like 2026 will answer the question on Padilla’s power and if it does, he’s going to be way higher on this list next season.

Tai Peete, OF – 20

Stats (High A): 529 PAs, .217/.288/.404, 8.7 BB%, 30.6 K%, .187 ISO, .282 BABIP, 79 wRC+, 79 DRC+

Scouting: 20/30 Hit, 30/50 Game Power, 50/60 Raw Power, 60/60 Speed, 45/55 Fielding

You guys still surprise me sometimes, but I also feel like I have a pretty good handle on prospects that this community likes and prospects this community will not like. And I was pretty sure this community wasn’t going to vote for Peete. You guys value performance and proximity probably more than a typical outlet will and it’s not hard to see why, but Peete has neither of those things going for him. He’s a scout pick. Scout picks require a bit more faith than someone actually performing.

VOTE HERE

Posted on

Thursday BP: What offseason signing will look the best?

Harrison Bader walking on the field during Spring Training.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 18: Harrison Bader #9 of the San Francisco Giants walks onto the field at Scottsdale Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It is far, far, far too early to make any proclamations about the San Francisco Giants, positive or negative. It’s far, far, far too early to make any proclamations about any of their players, save for things like “Logan Webb is awesome,” and “Jung Hoo Lee is cool” and “Does Christian Koss have a book club and if so how can I join.”

But so far, things have looked excellent for the position player acquisitions that Buster Posey and Zack Minasian made this offseason. Second Baseman Luis Arráez has hit 3-6 with a double, and generally played decent defense. Center fielder Harrison Bader has hit 4-9 with a double, a walk, and a home run so impressive that it caused property damage.

Things haven’t been quite as pretty on the pitching front. Reliever Sam Hentges has dealt with an injury setback, and is unlikely to be available for Opening Day. Starter Tyler Mahle is sick, and we haven’t seen him pitch yet. And starter Adrian Houser made his spring debut on Wednesday and gave up four baserunners, including a home run, in two innings, with no strikeouts. On the other hand, many of the NRI relievers, like Caleb Kilian and Michael Fulmer, have pitched well.

Again: it’s too early. Far, far, far too early. It will be too early this time next month, too, and even this time in April. Bader and Arráez might end up having awful seasons while Mahle and Houser make 30 starts each and garner Cy Young votes.

But while it’s many months too early to judge these players, it’s never too early to predict them. So … which offseason signing will look best when the season is over?

I don’t mean the player who will increase the win total the most, per se. More the player who we’ll get to the end of the season and say, “Yeah, Posey and Minasian were cooking with that one.”

For me, it’s a non-roster player: reliever Gregory Santos. I’ve been a big believer in Santos for years, and was sad when the Giants got rid of him due to roster logistics. He was one of the best relievers in baseball in 2023, and it’s not like he fell off the last two years — he was just injured. And those injuries weren’t even to his arm, so there’s a strong reason to believe that he’ll bounce back this year if he can stay healthy. We’ve already seen it, as he breezed past 100 mph in his preseason debut.

And if he does pitch well, the Giants will have him under team control for two more seasons after this one.

So that’s my pick. What’s yours?

Posted on

Former Canadiens Forward Mathieu Darche Returns To Montreal As Islanders General Manager

EAST MEADOW, NY --New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy has already been back to Montreal three times since taking over behind the Long Island bench.

However, Thursday marks the first time that first-year general manager Mathieu Darche faces his hometown team, a team that he suited up for from 2009 to 2012. 

"We both have great memories from our time in Montreal, and every time we talk about Montreal, we both have just great things to say about the organization," Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. "It's a first-class organization, and it's been special. It's special to play for them, like it is special now to coach the Islanders."

Roy won two Stanley Cups as a member of the Canadiens in 1986 and 1993, winning the Conn Smythe trophy in both years. 

Darche, who was a grinder who paid his dues in the minors to live out the NHL dream, recorded 48 points (22 goals, 26 assists) in 149 games played. 

Puck drop between the Islanders and Canadiens comes your way at 7 PM ET. 

Posted on

Columbus Blue Jackets (65 pts) vs. Boston Bruins (69 pts) Game Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets are on the road to take on the Boston Bruins tonight at 7 PM.    

Boston Bruins - 32-20-5 - 69 Points - 6-1-3 in the last 10 - OTL 2 - 5th in the Atlantic

Columbus Blue Jackets - 29-20-7 - 65 Points - 9-1-0 in the last 10 - Won 7 - 4th in the Metro.

Team Notes Per CBJ PR

  • Columbus returns to action from the Olympic Break with games against teams directly above in the Wild Card race (Boston; 69 pts in 57 GP) and Metropolitan Division (NY Islanders; 69 pts in 58 GP) on Thursday and Saturday.
  • CBJ won their final seven games prior to the break. It's tied for the fifth-longest winning streak in a season in club history and the longest since a 10-game win streak from Mar. 3-22, 2018.
  • Since Dec. 22, the Blue Jackets have gone 15-5-1 (31 pts, .738 points pct.) and are among NHL leaders in team save percentage (.913/1st-T), points pct. (2nd-T), points (3rd-T), goals-against per game (2.52, 3rd), penalty kill pct. (84.1 pct./5th) and goals-for per game (3.48/12th).
  • The club has scored the opening goal in 10 of the past 12 games and has scored the first goal in 34 contests (24-6-4), tied for third-most in the NHL in 2025-26.
  • The Jackets lead the NHL in goals scored by defensemen and rank fourth in points with 44-98-142 in 56 games.

Player Notes Per CBJ PR

  • Charlie Coyle posted points in five of the final six games before the break and ranks fourth-T in the NHL in scoring since Jan. 24 with 5-7-12 and four multi-point efforts.
  • Adam Fantilli (1-5-6), LW Mason Marchment (4-2-6), RW Mathieu Olivier (4-2-6), F Cole Sillinger have also averaged a point-per-game over the last six contests since Jan. 24.
  • Jet Greaves (6-0-0, 2.10 GAA, .924 SV%, 2 SO in 7 GP) and G Elvis Merzlikins (5-1-0, 2.03 GAA, .925 SV% in 6 GP) have each won five starts since Jan. 11.
  • Boone Jenner (207-203-410, 783 GP), who is the club's all-time leader in games played and ranks third in goals and points, is one assist from tying David Vyborny (204) for third-most in CBJ history.
  • Zach Werenski helped Team USA capture a Gold Medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics (1-5-6, 6 GP). He has posted points in seven-straight games with the Blue Jackets (2-8-10), one shy of tying his career high (5-11-16, Nov. 15-Dec. 1, 2024). He also has points in 20 of his past 22 since Dec. 11 (11-21-32, 10 multi-point efforts).

Blue Jackets Stats

  • Power Play - 19.7% - 18th in the NHL
  • Penalty Kill - 77.4% - 23rd in the NHL
  • Goals For - 174 - 18th in the NHL
  • Goals Against - 176 - 18th in the NHL 

Bruins Stats

  • Power Play - 26.3% - 3rd in the NHL
  • Penalty Kill - 76.4% - 28th in the NHL
  • Goals For - 193 - 5th in the NHL
  • Goals Against - 179 - 20th in the NHL

Series History vs. The Bruins 

  • Columbus is 17-17-0-10 all-time, and 7-9-0-5 on the road vs. Boston.
  • The Blue Jackets are 9-8-1 in the last 18 games against the Bruins.
  • The winning team has scored four or more goals in four-straight and seven of the last nine meetings.
  • The teams have combined for four goals or less in three of the past four games played at TD Garden as well as five of the past eight at Boston since Mar. 16, 2019.
  • The winning team has also won by multiple goals in nine of the last 11 games of the series, including by three-plus goals in seven of them.
  • The teams have combined for less than 60 shots on goal in six of the past seven meetings, including five-straight (averaging 54 shots over the five).

Who To Watch For TheBruins 

  • Morgan Geekie leads the Bruins with 32 goals.
  • David Pastrnak leads Boston with 49 assists and 71 points.
  • Jeremy Swayman is 22-12-3 with a SV% of .903. He just the Gold Medal for Team USA at the Milan Games.
  • Joonas Korpisalo is 10-8-2 with a SV% of .893. Korpisalo is a bronze medal winner for Finland.

CBJ Player Notes vs.Bruins 

  • Zach Werenski has 14 points in 21 career games vs. the Bruins.
  • Boone Jenner has 13 points in 23 games.
  • Cole Sillinger has 3 points in 10 games against Boston.

Injured Reserve

  • Brendan Smith - Lower Body - Missed 18 Games IR - Out for the rest of the regular season.

TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 155

How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on FANDUEL SPORTS NETWORK. The radio broadcast will be on 97.1 The Fan, with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play.  

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story.

Let us know what you think below.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Posted on

Old faces in new places: 2026 edition

Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Devin Williams (38) works in the bullpen during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The 2026 Yankees are defined, at least so far, by continuity: the organization opted not to make a major splash this winter, with all but two members of last year’s ALDS roster returning for this year’s campaign. Even in such an inactive offseason, though, a number of players find themselves in new uniforms this season. While no truly big-ticket players have departed this winter, there has still been enough turnover for us to take our annual look throughout the league to check out old friends in their new threads.

Luke Weaver

Arguably the biggest departure of the winter was Luke Weaver. A former starting pitcher who reinvented himself as a dynamic reliever and became a fan favorite both for his fun personality and his strong performance as the closer during the Yankees’ trip to the World Series in 2024, Weaver signed a two-year, $22 million deal to join former Yankees closer Clay Holmes in Queens.

Devin Williams

Of course, Weaver wasn’t the only former Yankees closer to make the trip across town this winter. Two weeks prior to Weaver’s signing, Devin Williams inked his own three-year, $51 million contract with the Mets. While very few Yankees fans will lament Williams’ departure, as he never quite got into a groove with the Bombers, this does continue a rather strange trend in recent years of the Mets targeting former Yankees in free agency.

Jonathan Loáisiga

The longest-tenured Yankee to depart this winter, Jonathan Loáisiga joined the Arizona Diamondbacks on a minor league deal after his team option was declined in November. Johnny Lasagna looks to bounce back after struggling in his return from Tommy John surgery.

Ian Hamilton

Ian Hamilton joined the Atlanta Braves organization on a minor league deal after being non-tendered in November. He spent three years with the Yankees, starting with an elite 2023, a solid 2024, and a lackluster 2025.

Mark Leiter Jr.

Acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the 2024 trade deadline, Mark Leiter Jr. was left off the postseason roster in 2024, then added as an injury replacement, and got critical outs as the Yankees defeated the Cleveland Guardians to punch their ticket to their first World Series since 2009. Unfortunately, that would be the highlight of his career in pinstripes. Due to his inconsistency, the Bombers opted to non-tender him this past winter, and he inked a deal with the Athletics.

Scott Effross

Sensing a theme, here? The sixth Yankee reliever to depart in free agency this year, Scott Effross was supposed to be a dominant reliever with several years of team control when the Yankees acquired him from the Cubs at the 2022 trade deadline. Unfortunately, the injury bug got him, and he wound up making just 27 appearances across four seasons in pinstripes. Looking to revamp the bullpen, the Yankees non-tendered him in the winter, and he found himself in Detroit on a minor league deal.

Austin Slater

The only non-reliever to depart this winter, Austin Slater was acquired at the trade deadline last year to give the Yankees some pop against lefties. Unfortunately, injuries limited him to just 14 appearances, and while the Yankees had some interest in bringing him back, he opted for a minor league deal with the Detroit Tigers, where he is competing for the fourth outfield spot.

Former Prospects

Several Yankees prospects departed this winter, most of them as a result of minor trades. These include Dillon Lewis, Dylan Jasso, and Brendan Jones, who were traded to the Marlins for Ryan Weathers, and T.J. Rumfield, who is now a Rockie.

Posted on

‘We are quirky and imaginative’: how Hull KR won the treble and world title

The club’s chief executive, Paul Lakin, explains how they reached the top so quickly and what it will take to stay there

By No Helmets Required

When Hull Kingston Rovers play Leeds Rhinos in Las Vegas on Saturday night, they will do so as domestic treble winners and world club champions. The club’s chief executive, Paul Lakin, explains how they made it this far and what they want to achieve next.

Leeds say they will struggle to break even on Vegas as the Super League teams have to pay all their own costs. So how difficult a decision was it to give up a home game to go? “It was a big decision and one that we didn’t take lightly. Part of our strategy is to constantly raise our profile and when you looked at the results from a marketing and audience perspective for Wigan v Warrington in Vegas last year, the eyeballs on that were incredible. You don’t get given a pot of money: you have to generate your own money through ticket sales. But like Leeds, we felt that we have a big enough fanbase to financially support our ability to go out there. It’s an incredibly tough schedule but to put ourselves on that stage was too big an opportunity to turn down. A year ago we said: ‘What if we won the Grand Final? It’ll be the World Club Challenge and straight into Vegas.’ We just decided to worry about it when it happens. And now it’s happened!”

Continue reading...
Posted on

Canadiens: Noah Dobson Trade Paying Off Big Time

During this past off-season, the Montreal Canadiens acquired Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders in exchange for forward Emil Heineman, the No. 16 overall pick of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft (Viktor Eklund), and the No. 17 overall pick of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft (Kashawn Aitcheson). This was one of the biggest trades of the off-season and naturally created plenty of chatter in the hockey world. 

With the Canadiens needing a star right-shot defenseman on their blueline, it made sense that they brought in Dobson this past summer. Now, as we enter the final stretch of the 2025-26 season, it is clear that the Habs made the right call acquiring him. 

Dobson has come as advertised with the Canadiens, and the truth can be seen with his stats this campaign. In 57 games this season with the Original Six club, the 6-foot-4 defenseman has recorded 10 goals, 28 assists, 38 points, and a plus-12 rating. With numbers like these, there is no question that he has been providing some solid offense from the Canadiens' blueline.

Dobson is also a defenseman whom the Canadiens rely on heavily as well. The 26-year-old blueliner not only plays on their top pairing, but also sees time on both their power play and penalty kill. With this, he is one of the Canadiens' most important players, which was expected. 

Dobson also still has plenty of time to build on his strong first season with the Canadiens. At this juncture of the campaign, the 2018 first-round pick has a real shot of breaking his current career-high of 13 goals, which he achieved during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons as a member of the Islanders. He also needs only two more points to pass his 39 points from last season, which he reached in 71 games. 

The Canadiens have taken another step in the right direction this season, and acquiring a star defenseman like Dobson has been a major reason for it. It will be fascinating to see how he builds on his strong first season with the Canadiens, but it is clear that the Habs made the right call bringing him in. 

Posted on

Top 5 performances by Connor Hellebuyck, USA hockey hero and NHL goalie

Connor Hellebuyck, the primary reason Team USA broke its 46-year Olympic men's hockey gold medal drought, forever dispelled his previous tag of not being a big-game goaltender. 

The three-time Vezina Trophy recipient and reigning Hart Trophy winner, proved to everyone why he's so decorated and in need of a larger trophy cabinet. U.S. President Donald Trump even said on Tuesday he will award Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Let's dive into Hellebuyck's five best performances, three of which came from his first trip to the NHL playoffs. Nobody will be surprised to see which is cemented in the No. 1 spot. 

And I doubt he'll ever top the performance we witnessed to culminate the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.

Connor Hellebuyck's top 5 performances

5. 2017-18 playoffs (Game 4, first round) 

Hellebuyck has five shutouts in 58 playoff games, two of which occurred in consecutive games in the first round of the 2017-18 postseason against the Minnesota Wild. 

Hellebuyck made the identical number of saves in Games 4 and 5, with 30 each. Due to playing on the road with the series still hanging in the balance (2-1 Jets), his Game 4 performance was marginally better.

The Jets won 2-0, leading to their Game 5 series clincher at home.  

4. 2017-18 playoffs (Game 1, second round)

Playing in Nashville, one of the most inhospitable playoff environments, the Jets faced a daunting task against No. 1 seed Nashville in Game 1. 

Hellebuyck made the 4-1 upset appear effortless despite the relentless barrage of attacks he was up against. He made 47 saves on 48 shots, finishing with a .979 save percentage. 

Kevin Fiala broke Hellebuyck's shutout bid early in the third period, but the Jets' netminder was named the first star of the game. 

3. 2020-21 playoffs (Game 2, first round)

The Jets stormed into Edmonton in the second straight COVID-impacted playoffs and prevailed 1-0 over the Oilers in overtime, thanks to Hellebuyck's heroics. 

He made 38 saves against Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Co., providing Winnipeg with a commanding 2-0 series lead heading back to Winnipeg for Game 3. 

What made the goose egg even more impressive is the fact the Oilers haven't been shut out in the playoffs at home since that fateful night at Rogers Place. 

2. 2017-18 playoffs (Game 7, second round)

Easily his best Game 7 performance, Hellebuyck marched into Nashville and silenced the raucous home crowd. 

He made 36 saves on 37 shots for a .973 save percentage, propelling the Jets to a 5-1 victory and securing their place in the Western Conference final against the Vegas Golden Knights. 

Hellebuyck won three of four in Nashville during his most successful playoff series. 

1. 2026 Olympic gold medal game 

With the weight of a nation and a 46-year wait tossed on his shoulders, Hellebuyck stood taller than the world's tallest building, assembling arguably the greatest goaltending performance in any competition, ever.

He faced 42 shots, many of which were of the high-danger variety, and turned aside 41. He made several monumental saves, including on Canada's 5-on-3 second-period power play, and stopped McDavid and Macklin Celebrini on breakaways. 

That merely scratches the surface of his fairytale-like performance on the world's biggest stage.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck top 5 games across NHL and Olympics

Posted on

'Play Like We're A Team Fighting For The Playoffs': Maple Leafs' Postseason Hopes Slipping Away After Loss To Lightning

The Toronto Maple Leafs are slowly floating into uncharted territory.

Since 2017, the Maple Leafs have been a playoff team, one that's usually hopeful to travel deep into the postseason. They've been buyers at the trade deadline every year, trading picks and prospects away to achieve hockey's greatest success.

But after a troubling 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, only five games remain until the Mar. 6 NHL trade deadline. And despite Toronto still being six points out of a playoff spot, time is running out on their season as other teams continue to win games.

The Buffalo Sabres won on Wednesday night. They move nine points ahead of Toronto. The Washington Capitals also won, moving themselves two points behind the Boston Bruins for the final wild-card spot.

We could be looking at the Maple Leafs' playoff streak — the longest active in the NHL — coming to an end after nine straight postseason appearances.

"Games matter right now," said Matthew Knies, who had a goal and an assist in Toronto's loss to the Lightning. "Every point matters. We got to be focused and just give a better effort; play like we're a team fighting for the playoffs next game."

Wednesday's game in Tampa couldn't have represented Toronto's season more perfectly.

There have been nights throughout the year when the Maple Leafs give a complete game. However, what happens far more often is that the team either lacks work ethic or execution.

Sometimes it's both.

And when you can't get one or the other on most nights, the game usually ends with a tick going in the loss column. At this time of year, with points so crucial, the Maple Leafs need every win they can get.

Maple Leafs CEO Keith Pelley Says Team Will Do 'Whatever Is Needed' To Contend In 2025-26 Despite Slim Playoff ChancesMaple Leafs CEO Keith Pelley Says Team Will Do 'Whatever Is Needed' To Contend In 2025-26 Despite Slim Playoff ChancesAccording to TSN, Pelley's email was sent to season-ticket holders on Wednesday, ahead of the team's first game back after the 2026 Winter Olympics.

There wasn't enough time when they pushed late in the third period on Wednesday against the Lightning.

"I thought our effort was pretty good, to be honest," Knies said, "I thought our execution wasn't there, though."

What the Maple Leafs need right now is life. It might already be too late, but maybe one more sign of life — a win against the Florida Panthers on Thursday night — could give management the boldness to hold on just a little bit longer.

Is it worth it, though? That's the real question.

They've got pieces to trade, who could bring back draft picks, something Toronto doesn't have much of for the future. The same goes for high-level prospects; the cupboard is pretty bare.

Auston Matthews Addresses Women’s Hockey Controversy, White House Invite as Maple Leafs Star Returns Ahead of Tampa Bay Lightning GameAuston Matthews Addresses Women’s Hockey Controversy, White House Invite as Maple Leafs Star Returns Ahead of Tampa Bay Lightning GameWhile addressing the "unfortunate" discourse surrounding the President's remarks, Auston Matthews expressed his hope that the dual gold-medal achievements would bring more unity to the country.

When is enough, enough?

Could it have been after Wednesday's loss? It's always possible. But maybe Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving sees this week out, given there are two more big games against divisional opponents, the Panthers and Ottawa Senators.

Whatever management is planning, Toronto's players aren't ready to throw in the towel.

"I think everyone just has energy and is ready to go. I don't think it showed tonight. I think we'll get it back. I think we'll get that desperation back," added Knies. "But, yeah, it's got to show up next game and on the way out of the regular season here."

Posted on

Franchise icon Wilkins speaks on Jalen Johnson, Trae Young, and more

Mar 9, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; NBA Hall of Fame player Dominique Wilkins, left, congratulates Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) after their double overtime win against the Charlotte Hornets at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-Imagn Images

Dominique Wilkins needs no introduction around these parts. His jersey hangs in the State Farm Arena rafters after a Hawks career that saw him total nine All-Star Games and seven All-NBA appearances.

So when he speaks, you listen.

If you’ve been living under a rock, a lot has happened with the Hawks this season. Trae Young has departed, and at the same time Jalen Johnson has ascended to stardom, becoming a first-time All-Star earlier this month. ‘Nique spoke with DJ Saddiqi of Casino dot org on his meteoric rise, saying:

“Well, I must say he’s a little bit of Scottie Pippen as far as being a point forward,” Wilkins led with. “Pippen was a point forward and was very effective at the position. This guy Jalen, he brings even another element, because the way he rebounds, the way he passes, and he flirts with a triple-double every single night. I love Jalen Johnson. The way he plays, man, and he’s so deserving of this honor that he received during All-Star weekend. I couldn’t be happier for him.”

On his relationship with Johnson and his family

“I look at Jalen like someone like your brother in a sense,” Wilkins continued. “I have a great relationship with him. I have a great relationship with his mom and dad. I saw the growth in him two years ago, and I said to his parents, ‘Don’t worry, he’s gonna do very well in this league, and he’s gonna be a great player in this league. Just be patient.’ And now look where he’s at.”

On Jalen Johnson’s improvement

“Jalen Johnson has developed quicker than a lot of people have given credit for or expected,” Wilkins said. “But they always say, take care of your business at hand. Don’t worry about too much down the road right now. Worry about what you’re doing now. You take this one game at a time, one month at a time, one year at a time.”

“He’s still a young guy, so it’s a few different areas where he can get better, and he will get better,” Wilkins detailed. “He will get better defensively. He will get better as far as different ways he can score. As a young guy, you can always get better. You can always add new things to your game to make you an even more lethal player. Being 24 years old, he’s still learning right now.”

On the current Hawks

It’s clear the Hawks have undergone a whirlwind series of changes to their roster in the past calendar year. As a result of the instability, the team is in ninth place in the East and slightly under .500 (29-21). But Wilkins believe the foundation has been laid, explaining:

“What you’re trying to do right now in this part of this season is continue to build some chemistry. And once you build that chemistry — hopefully sooner than later — we still have a chance to do a lot of damage, because there’s still 30 games left in the season. You have to make up some ground, because you’re right there. The Eastern Conference is very close, and we have a very good young team: Jalen Johnson, you got Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels. Now you bring over Jonathan Kuminga, and you got Onyeka Okongwu, who’s come along now, and young Zaccharie Risacher, so you got all these younger kids now developing on the job. I think that’s the way it should be done. I look for us to make a move as far as the way we play and try to win games in the second half of the season, because now coming out of this All-Star break, now you really refocus yourself on winning games.”

On the youth and winning streaks

“We have something special and we can be that new young team that makes a difference in that Eastern Conference,” Wilkins explained. “I look for us to make a difference now. Not waiting for next year, because we are right there. In this league, it’ll only take you a month to get hot. You look at the Charlotte Hornets. They won 10 of the last 12, so they got hot at the right time going into the All-Star break, coming into the second half of the season. You need a quick run like that, maybe not eight or nine games, but you get on a five or six-game winning streak, that changes things.”

On the exit and lasting legacy of Trae Young

Young was the franchise pillar for the better part of 8 seasons here in Atlanta, and he leaves behind a résumé as good as any player since Dominique Wilkins himself. Wilkins can also empathize closely with being traded away from a franchise so key to one’s own identity.

Wilkins spoke on the trade, saying that, “sometimes in life, things don’t work out, and it’s time. We all have been through it. I’ve been through it, and it’s nobody’s fault. It’s just the way the business is running, how it’s done. Trae was a tremendous player in an Atlanta Hawks jersey. No one could ever take that from him. What he did was very special.”

Posted on

Franchise icon Wilkins speaks on Jalen Johnson, Trae Young, and more

Mar 9, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; NBA Hall of Fame player Dominique Wilkins, left, congratulates Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) after their double overtime win against the Charlotte Hornets at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-Imagn Images

Dominique Wilkins needs no introduction around these parts. His jersey hangs in the State Farm Arena rafters after a Hawks career that saw him total nine All-Star Games and seven All-NBA appearances.

So when he speaks, you listen.

If you’ve been living under a rock, a lot has happened with the Hawks this season. Trae Young has departed, and at the same time Jalen Johnson has ascended to stardom, becoming a first-time All-Star earlier this month. ‘Nique spoke with DJ Saddiqi of Casino dot org on his meteoric rise, saying:

“Well, I must say he’s a little bit of Scottie Pippen as far as being a point forward,” Wilkins led with. “Pippen was a point forward and was very effective at the position. This guy Jalen, he brings even another element, because the way he rebounds, the way he passes, and he flirts with a triple-double every single night. I love Jalen Johnson. The way he plays, man, and he’s so deserving of this honor that he received during All-Star weekend. I couldn’t be happier for him.”

On his relationship with Johnson and his family

“I look at Jalen like someone like your brother in a sense,” Wilkins continued. “I have a great relationship with him. I have a great relationship with his mom and dad. I saw the growth in him two years ago, and I said to his parents, ‘Don’t worry, he’s gonna do very well in this league, and he’s gonna be a great player in this league. Just be patient.’ And now look where he’s at.”

On Jalen Johnson’s improvement

“Jalen Johnson has developed quicker than a lot of people have given credit for or expected,” Wilkins said. “But they always say, take care of your business at hand. Don’t worry about too much down the road right now. Worry about what you’re doing now. You take this one game at a time, one month at a time, one year at a time.”

“He’s still a young guy, so it’s a few different areas where he can get better, and he will get better,” Wilkins detailed. “He will get better defensively. He will get better as far as different ways he can score. As a young guy, you can always get better. You can always add new things to your game to make you an even more lethal player. Being 24 years old, he’s still learning right now.”

On the current Hawks

It’s clear the Hawks have undergone a whirlwind series of changes to their roster in the past calendar year. As a result of the instability, the team is in ninth place in the East and slightly under .500 (29-21). But Wilkins believe the foundation has been laid, explaining:

“What you’re trying to do right now in this part of this season is continue to build some chemistry. And once you build that chemistry — hopefully sooner than later — we still have a chance to do a lot of damage, because there’s still 30 games left in the season. You have to make up some ground, because you’re right there. The Eastern Conference is very close, and we have a very good young team: Jalen Johnson, you got Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels. Now you bring over Jonathan Kuminga, and you got Onyeka Okongwu, who’s come along now, and young Zaccharie Risacher, so you got all these younger kids now developing on the job. I think that’s the way it should be done. I look for us to make a move as far as the way we play and try to win games in the second half of the season, because now coming out of this All-Star break, now you really refocus yourself on winning games.”

On the youth and winning streaks

“We have something special and we can be that new young team that makes a difference in that Eastern Conference,” Wilkins explained. “I look for us to make a difference now. Not waiting for next year, because we are right there. In this league, it’ll only take you a month to get hot. You look at the Charlotte Hornets. They won 10 of the last 12, so they got hot at the right time going into the All-Star break, coming into the second half of the season. You need a quick run like that, maybe not eight or nine games, but you get on a five or six-game winning streak, that changes things.”

On the exit and lasting legacy of Trae Young

Young was the franchise pillar for the better part of 8 seasons here in Atlanta, and he leaves behind a résumé as good as any player since Dominique Wilkins himself. Wilkins can also empathize closely with being traded away from a franchise so key to one’s own identity.

Wilkins spoke on the trade, saying that, “sometimes in life, things don’t work out, and it’s time. We all have been through it. I’ve been through it, and it’s nobody’s fault. It’s just the way the business is running, how it’s done. Trae was a tremendous player in an Atlanta Hawks jersey. No one could ever take that from him. What he did was very special.”

Posted on

Inside the Suns: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns goes to the basket against Sam Hauser #30 and Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to Inside the Suns, your weekly deep-down analysis of the current Phoenix Suns team. Each week the Fantable — a round table of Bright Siders — give their takes on the Suns’ latest issues and news.

Fantable Questions of the Week

Q1: After returning from injury, Jalen Green’s offensive production for February has been underwhelming. 15 ppg, 35.3 FG%, 23.7 3PT%, 60 FT% on 12 FGAs per game. What are your thoughts on this?

GuarGuar: I don’t think he’s best as a #1 option, which is what he’s had to be these past few games with all the injuries. He’s also been injured literally all season and it was a hamstring reinjury, so I’ll give him some grace to come back to form. He’s gotta get used to NBA action again and regain that confidence in his body.

Ashton: Can you imagine being Jalen Green right now? He finally returns to the court, looks around, and there is an M.A.S.H. unit sitting on the bench. If we see “Hawkeye” (Alan Alda – not Marvel) on the bench, then I know the Suns are in trouble.

Between having work off some of the rust, he just does not have the starting player support needed to get those percentages up. The bench players and rookies are not going to help. But GA spotting up for a three or Book pulling double teams while making timely passing decisions would. Brooks doing his usual bullying thing would seriously help.

Sure, there is a bit of concern about the FT percentage, but that can be fixed. A broken and hobbled starter squad cannot. I would not read too much into it.

OldAz: He has not been on the court with these teammates all season, and now he has to be the focal point of the offense with the normal #1 and #3 options missing. On top of that, he has to do it without the needed practice time to even figure out what that offense looks like. And finally, he is supposed to do it while working himself back into game shape. One for finally, the pressure of fan expectations (based on his salary and a couple tantalizing games when Book and Brooks were playing) has to make every miss feel like the hole is a foot deeper. I believe he will work his way through this, but it is not going to be quick or easy.

Rod: It’s frustrating for fans, and I’m sure it is for him too. The team has recently been devastated by injuries that have left him in the position of trying to carry much of the scoring load instead of being eased back into the rotation after returning from his own injury, which already caused him to miss the bulk of this season. We already knew he wasn’t an especially efficient scorer, which has been very apparent lately as he’s been relied on way to much at this point.

He’s certainly not a perfect player, far from it, but he’s better than what we’ve seen lately. At full or even half-strength, I believe this team is good enough to cover for each other’s flaws, but, as it is now, those flaws are going to stand out even more and we’ve been seeing a lot more of those lately from more players than just Jalen.

Q2: Dillon Brooks’ broken hand will likely cause him to be out for 4-6 weeks, meaning that it is possible for him to miss all of the Suns’ remaining games. If that happens, do you believe that the Suns will finish the regular season with a record good enough to qualify for the play-in games?

GuarGuar: Barring absolute catastrophe, I think we are locked into the Play-In game. Unfortunately, with this injury, I think it’s really tough for us to finish higher than 7th and not have to play in the Play-In. We’d need to really get hot starting in March when Booker gets back. Hopefully, Brooks comes back sooner than expected. His toughness is much needed on this squad.

Ashton: I was a real proponent of the Suns taking the sixth seed. Now? It is time for a major revision. The two-way players are not going to be able to play much longer, and the rookies really just have not developed in the NBA, though they are doing fine in the G League.

To be honest, what a rotten turn of events for the Suns and their fans. Even if some of the starters outside of Brooks return, what remains is the question of how long they can stay healthy. I will take the under, but the over that Book can sell more shoes.

With all that said, I am not all doom-and-gloom. The Suns will need to lose a lot of games to fall out of the tenth seed. They have a six-game lead over the Clippers as of Tuesday afternoon.

I think the Suns will go dancing. Is it March Madness yet?

OldAz: I write this on Monday night, and the Suns have an 11-game cushion on the 11th-place Grizz with 24 to play. Those same Grizzlies are 14 games under .500 and on pace to win 31 games (the Suns have 33 currently). I am not sure I am prepared to contemplate this question further, as that would be an all-time collapse by the hometown team.

Rod: While I don’t think this is likely, I do believe there’s a small possibility of it happening, depending upon the health of the rest of the team…and how determined the teams currently below 10th in the West are to tank the rest of the season. With Brooks out for all of the rest of the regular season, I see it as pretty difficult for the Suns to stay put as the 7th seed, and could drop well down the play-in ladder though. At this point, I’m just hoping that they can avoid falling to 9th or 10th, where they would have to win two play-in games just to get into the playoffs.

Q3: With the recent rash of injuries, rookies Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming have gotten some meaningful rotation minutes. Do you believe they proved that they’re ready for more, even when the team gets healthy again?

GuarGuar: I don’t know if they can crack the rotation yet when everyone is fully healthy (if that ever happens again this season haha), but I have liked what I’ve seen from them recently. Man Man had some bright stretches during that Portland game and Rasheer is beginning to look a tad more comfortable offensively. I still doubt they would be in the rotation come play-in/playoff time, though.

Ashton: No. This is probably the short answer, but they just have not been given the time to develop the minutes against NBA caliber players.

If this were a buy/sell question, I would sell. Maybe we will change the title of Inside the Suns to ‘Around the Suns Horn’ article.

Suns are going to lose some games in the immediate future (please beat the Lakers, and I will call it a win during the injury stretch), and the best-case scenario is that Fleming and KM get some decent development minutes for the future.

But for now, I will keep my expectations low.

OldAz: I thought this about Fleming the last time he got meaningful minutes and held his own, but alas, those minutes dried up pretty quick. Player development takes commitment, and I am hoping these injuries force the Suns to make a little (or a lot) more of this necessary commitment. I wouldn’t mind seeing KM get some more minutes too, but it seems to me that with Brooks out, Dunn and Fleming combining for 40+ minutes a night would not be a bad thing, even if the growing pains cost them a few wins in a stretch where they were likely to struggle anyway.

Rod: Not just yet. What I have seen from them lately in encouraging though and, hopefully, they’ll show that even more as they’re given more court time until the team heals up. And I do believe they’re now at the point where, even with the team fully healthy, it’s really worth taking a chance on putting them in under certain circumstances, particularly when the Suns are facing bigger teams whose size is creating problems for them.

As always, many thanks to our Fantable members for all their extra effort this week!

Quotes of the Week

“We do have to find ways to turn teams over, and a lot of that’s Goodie (Jordan Goodwin), so we’re going to have to find ways to manufacture it. That’s a big piece of what we do.” – Jordan Ott

“Especially with those guys being out (Book, Brooks, Goodwin), everybody has got to be aggressive to get open looks, take the open drive and knock down open shots.” – Royce O’Neale

“We’re 30th in free throws differential since February 1. We can’t get to the free throw line, cant get their rim.” – Jordan Ott

“When he (Dillon Brooks) first found out (that his hand was broken), he was probably disappointed. The next morning I think he was in here shooting with one hand. He’s crazy, but that’s who he is. That’s how hard he works and a testament to him as a player and a person. He’s special in that way.” – Collin Gillespie

“Everybody has got to have a little grace. He (Jalen Green) has been out for three quarters of the season. It’s not an easy thing to do to just insert yourself back into the lineup and be able to just play at that level or play at the speed of the game. I have a ton of grace for him because I’ve been through that where I missed a whole year. He’s missed like three quarters of the season. It’s not easy and he’s done an incredible job of just fitting in seamlessly. It’s been pretty cool to see.” – Collin Gillespie

Suns Trivia/History

On February 27, 1972, the Suns’ 6’1″ rookie reserve guard Mo Layton led all scorers with a career high 37 points to fuel a Suns 127-125 come-from-behind victory over the Cavaliers in Cleveland. It was the single 30+ point game of Layton’s 5-year NBA career. He only played for the Suns for two seasons, averaging a modest 8.2 ppg before being waived by the Suns before the beginning of the 1973-74 season. He also spent a short time that year playing for the ABA’s Memphis Tams under his former Suns head coach, Butch van Breda Kolff. Coach van Breda Kolff owns the dubious distinction of having the shortest tenure ever as a Suns head coach after he was fired just 7 games into the 1972-73 season.

On March 3, 1993, the 41-13 Phoenix Suns – as expected – defeated the 19-35 Philadelphia 76ers 125-115 in Phoenix. The one unexpected thing during that game was 76ers backup center, 7’7″ Manute Bol, who was mostly known only for his shot blocking, making 6 three pointers, 2 more than the entire Suns team. Suns forward Charles Barkley was both amazed and amused by it all.

On March 6, 2019, Devin Booker became the youngest player ever to make 500 3-Point Field Goals at 22 years, 127 days.

On March 6, 2020, Suns’ backup center Aron Baynes scored 37 points, gathered 16 rebounds, and recorded 2 blocks while making 9 of 14 shots (64.3%) from three while taking over for injured starting center Deandre Ayton in a 127-117 home win over the Portland Trail Blazers. In NBA history, no one else had ever done all of those things in one game.

This Week’s Game Schedule

Thursday, Feb 26 – Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers (7:00 pm)
Tuesday, March 3 – Suns @ Sacramento Kings (9:00 pm) Peacock

This Week’s Valley Suns Game Schedule

Thursday, Feb 26. Valley Suns vs South Bay Lakers (7:00 pm) ESPN+
Saturday, Feb 28 – Valley Suns @ Texas Legends (6:30 pm)
Monday, March 2 – Valley Suns vs Salt Lake City Stars (6:30 pm) Prime Video

Important Future Dates

March 1 – Playoff eligibility waiver deadline
March 4 – Final day to sign players to two-way contracts
March 28 – NBA G League Regular Season ends
March 31 – 2026 NBA G League Playoffs begin
April 12 – Regular season ends (All 30 teams play)
April 13 – Rosters set for NBA Playoffs 2026 (3 p.m. ET)
April 14-17 – SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament
April 18 – NBA Playoffs begin

Posted on

Inside the Suns: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns goes to the basket against Sam Hauser #30 and Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to Inside the Suns, your weekly deep-down analysis of the current Phoenix Suns team. Each week the Fantable — a round table of Bright Siders — give their takes on the Suns’ latest issues and news.

Fantable Questions of the Week

Q1: After returning from injury, Jalen Green’s offensive production for February has been underwhelming. 15 ppg, 35.3 FG%, 23.7 3PT%, 60 FT% on 12 FGAs per game. What are your thoughts on this?

GuarGuar: I don’t think he’s best as a #1 option, which is what he’s had to be these past few games with all the injuries. He’s also been injured literally all season and it was a hamstring reinjury, so I’ll give him some grace to come back to form. He’s gotta get used to NBA action again and regain that confidence in his body.

Ashton: Can you imagine being Jalen Green right now? He finally returns to the court, looks around, and there is an M.A.S.H. unit sitting on the bench. If we see “Hawkeye” (Alan Alda – not Marvel) on the bench, then I know the Suns are in trouble.

Between having work off some of the rust, he just does not have the starting player support needed to get those percentages up. The bench players and rookies are not going to help. But GA spotting up for a three or Book pulling double teams while making timely passing decisions would. Brooks doing his usual bullying thing would seriously help.

Sure, there is a bit of concern about the FT percentage, but that can be fixed. A broken and hobbled starter squad cannot. I would not read too much into it.

OldAz: He has not been on the court with these teammates all season, and now he has to be the focal point of the offense with the normal #1 and #3 options missing. On top of that, he has to do it without the needed practice time to even figure out what that offense looks like. And finally, he is supposed to do it while working himself back into game shape. One for finally, the pressure of fan expectations (based on his salary and a couple tantalizing games when Book and Brooks were playing) has to make every miss feel like the hole is a foot deeper. I believe he will work his way through this, but it is not going to be quick or easy.

Rod: It’s frustrating for fans, and I’m sure it is for him too. The team has recently been devastated by injuries that have left him in the position of trying to carry much of the scoring load instead of being eased back into the rotation after returning from his own injury, which already caused him to miss the bulk of this season. We already knew he wasn’t an especially efficient scorer, which has been very apparent lately as he’s been relied on way to much at this point.

He’s certainly not a perfect player, far from it, but he’s better than what we’ve seen lately. At full or even half-strength, I believe this team is good enough to cover for each other’s flaws, but, as it is now, those flaws are going to stand out even more and we’ve been seeing a lot more of those lately from more players than just Jalen.

Q2: Dillon Brooks’ broken hand will likely cause him to be out for 4-6 weeks, meaning that it is possible for him to miss all of the Suns’ remaining games. If that happens, do you believe that the Suns will finish the regular season with a record good enough to qualify for the play-in games?

GuarGuar: Barring absolute catastrophe, I think we are locked into the Play-In game. Unfortunately, with this injury, I think it’s really tough for us to finish higher than 7th and not have to play in the Play-In. We’d need to really get hot starting in March when Booker gets back. Hopefully, Brooks comes back sooner than expected. His toughness is much needed on this squad.

Ashton: I was a real proponent of the Suns taking the sixth seed. Now? It is time for a major revision. The two-way players are not going to be able to play much longer, and the rookies really just have not developed in the NBA, though they are doing fine in the G League.

To be honest, what a rotten turn of events for the Suns and their fans. Even if some of the starters outside of Brooks return, what remains is the question of how long they can stay healthy. I will take the under, but the over that Book can sell more shoes.

With all that said, I am not all doom-and-gloom. The Suns will need to lose a lot of games to fall out of the tenth seed. They have a six-game lead over the Clippers as of Tuesday afternoon.

I think the Suns will go dancing. Is it March Madness yet?

OldAz: I write this on Monday night, and the Suns have an 11-game cushion on the 11th-place Grizz with 24 to play. Those same Grizzlies are 14 games under .500 and on pace to win 31 games (the Suns have 33 currently). I am not sure I am prepared to contemplate this question further, as that would be an all-time collapse by the hometown team.

Rod: While I don’t think this is likely, I do believe there’s a small possibility of it happening, depending upon the health of the rest of the team…and how determined the teams currently below 10th in the West are to tank the rest of the season. With Brooks out for all of the rest of the regular season, I see it as pretty difficult for the Suns to stay put as the 7th seed, and could drop well down the play-in ladder though. At this point, I’m just hoping that they can avoid falling to 9th or 10th, where they would have to win two play-in games just to get into the playoffs.

Q3: With the recent rash of injuries, rookies Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming have gotten some meaningful rotation minutes. Do you believe they proved that they’re ready for more, even when the team gets healthy again?

GuarGuar: I don’t know if they can crack the rotation yet when everyone is fully healthy (if that ever happens again this season haha), but I have liked what I’ve seen from them recently. Man Man had some bright stretches during that Portland game and Rasheer is beginning to look a tad more comfortable offensively. I still doubt they would be in the rotation come play-in/playoff time, though.

Ashton: No. This is probably the short answer, but they just have not been given the time to develop the minutes against NBA caliber players.

If this were a buy/sell question, I would sell. Maybe we will change the title of Inside the Suns to ‘Around the Suns Horn’ article.

Suns are going to lose some games in the immediate future (please beat the Lakers, and I will call it a win during the injury stretch), and the best-case scenario is that Fleming and KM get some decent development minutes for the future.

But for now, I will keep my expectations low.

OldAz: I thought this about Fleming the last time he got meaningful minutes and held his own, but alas, those minutes dried up pretty quick. Player development takes commitment, and I am hoping these injuries force the Suns to make a little (or a lot) more of this necessary commitment. I wouldn’t mind seeing KM get some more minutes too, but it seems to me that with Brooks out, Dunn and Fleming combining for 40+ minutes a night would not be a bad thing, even if the growing pains cost them a few wins in a stretch where they were likely to struggle anyway.

Rod: Not just yet. What I have seen from them lately in encouraging though and, hopefully, they’ll show that even more as they’re given more court time until the team heals up. And I do believe they’re now at the point where, even with the team fully healthy, it’s really worth taking a chance on putting them in under certain circumstances, particularly when the Suns are facing bigger teams whose size is creating problems for them.

As always, many thanks to our Fantable members for all their extra effort this week!

Quotes of the Week

“We do have to find ways to turn teams over, and a lot of that’s Goodie (Jordan Goodwin), so we’re going to have to find ways to manufacture it. That’s a big piece of what we do.” – Jordan Ott

“Especially with those guys being out (Book, Brooks, Goodwin), everybody has got to be aggressive to get open looks, take the open drive and knock down open shots.” – Royce O’Neale

“We’re 30th in free throws differential since February 1. We can’t get to the free throw line, cant get their rim.” – Jordan Ott

“When he (Dillon Brooks) first found out (that his hand was broken), he was probably disappointed. The next morning I think he was in here shooting with one hand. He’s crazy, but that’s who he is. That’s how hard he works and a testament to him as a player and a person. He’s special in that way.” – Collin Gillespie

“Everybody has got to have a little grace. He (Jalen Green) has been out for three quarters of the season. It’s not an easy thing to do to just insert yourself back into the lineup and be able to just play at that level or play at the speed of the game. I have a ton of grace for him because I’ve been through that where I missed a whole year. He’s missed like three quarters of the season. It’s not easy and he’s done an incredible job of just fitting in seamlessly. It’s been pretty cool to see.” – Collin Gillespie

Suns Trivia/History

On February 27, 1972, the Suns’ 6’1″ rookie reserve guard Mo Layton led all scorers with a career high 37 points to fuel a Suns 127-125 come-from-behind victory over the Cavaliers in Cleveland. It was the single 30+ point game of Layton’s 5-year NBA career. He only played for the Suns for two seasons, averaging a modest 8.2 ppg before being waived by the Suns before the beginning of the 1973-74 season. He also spent a short time that year playing for the ABA’s Memphis Tams under his former Suns head coach, Butch van Breda Kolff. Coach van Breda Kolff owns the dubious distinction of having the shortest tenure ever as a Suns head coach after he was fired just 7 games into the 1972-73 season.

On March 3, 1993, the 41-13 Phoenix Suns – as expected – defeated the 19-35 Philadelphia 76ers 125-115 in Phoenix. The one unexpected thing during that game was 76ers backup center, 7’7″ Manute Bol, who was mostly known only for his shot blocking, making 6 three pointers, 2 more than the entire Suns team. Suns forward Charles Barkley was both amazed and amused by it all.

On March 6, 2019, Devin Booker became the youngest player ever to make 500 3-Point Field Goals at 22 years, 127 days.

On March 6, 2020, Suns’ backup center Aron Baynes scored 37 points, gathered 16 rebounds, and recorded 2 blocks while making 9 of 14 shots (64.3%) from three while taking over for injured starting center Deandre Ayton in a 127-117 home win over the Portland Trail Blazers. In NBA history, no one else had ever done all of those things in one game.

This Week’s Game Schedule

Thursday, Feb 26 – Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers (7:00 pm)
Tuesday, March 3 – Suns @ Sacramento Kings (9:00 pm) Peacock

This Week’s Valley Suns Game Schedule

Thursday, Feb 26. Valley Suns vs South Bay Lakers (7:00 pm) ESPN+
Saturday, Feb 28 – Valley Suns @ Texas Legends (6:30 pm)
Monday, March 2 – Valley Suns vs Salt Lake City Stars (6:30 pm) Prime Video

Important Future Dates

March 1 – Playoff eligibility waiver deadline
March 4 – Final day to sign players to two-way contracts
March 28 – NBA G League Regular Season ends
March 31 – 2026 NBA G League Playoffs begin
April 12 – Regular season ends (All 30 teams play)
April 13 – Rosters set for NBA Playoffs 2026 (3 p.m. ET)
April 14-17 – SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament
April 18 – NBA Playoffs begin