Appreciate Garret Anderson's greatness – even if late Angels star strived to lay low

It would be a bit much to call Garret Anderson the last of his kind. That would draw too much attention to a guy who ducked the spotlight at every turn.

Anderson’s 17-year career is an almost perfect statement of both his greatness and his ability to deflect any attention toward his simple and highly trained focuses: His family, his commitment to play every single day, his ability to rake better than almost any other player in one of the game’s most potent offensive eras.

Looking for a guy who broke open Game 7 of the World Series with a bases-clearing double? That would be Anderson, whose rope into the right field corner off Livan Hernández launched the Anaheim Angels to their only World Series title in 2002, over Barry Bonds’ San Francisco Giants.

How about a player whose metronomic production churned out 1,146 hits between 1998 and 2003, trailing only Hall of Famers Derek Jeter and Todd Helton?

Garret Anderson and the Angels won the World Series in 2002.

A Home Run Derby champion? An All-Star MVP? That was Anderson in 2003, where he outdueled Albert Pujols in the Derby finals.

Anderson, who died stunningly at 53, was a doubles hitter in an era defined by the long ball. He hit 261 of them in that glorious peak from 1998 to ’03, second in that span and again sandwiched by Hall of Famers in Helton and Jeff Kent.

Of course, all the while Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa and eventually Bonds were re-defining the home run record books, shrinking ballparks and commanding attention in a manner that didn’t seem real. (It mostly was not).

Garret Anderson stats only tell part of the story

Which made it all the easier for Anderson to avoid the radar like he avoided the injured list for so long. He ranks 50th all-time in two-baggers, accounting for 522 of his 2,529 hits – a highly impressive hit total yet also just shy of serious Hall of Fame consideration.

Kids, you want a modern comp? GA had some Freddie Freeman in him, albeit with a bit less power.

Yet getting past Anderson’s defenses was a challenge for news media. And if today's era is defined by drip checks and social media activations, Anderson might have been the king of anti-engagement back in the day.

Anderson was the son of a single mother who grew up in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, moving frequently yet excelling athletically all the while. Anderson might have loved hoops even more than baseball, yet it was clear once the Angels drafted him in the fourth round in 1990 which route he would go.

He got his feet on the big league ground in 1995, part of a machinelike Angels offense that blew a 13-game lead to Ken Griffey Jr.’s Seattle Mariners. Not until their World Series year would the Angels get that close again, and more dynamic figures emerged around him.

Jim Edmonds was the slugging center fielder with a penchant for highlight-reel catches. Darin Erstad was the gritty hit machine, Mo Vaughn the huge free agent get and eventual disappointment.

Anderson was very quickly the old reliable, playing in 150 to 161 games from 1996 to 2003. As his track record solidified, there became a certain duality to GA: Avoiding the spotlight yet also fiercely proud of his accomplishments.

He took some heat for his self-preservation in the outfield, rarely leaving his feet and creating the impression he simply had a slower motor than the hyper-aggressive Erstad and, before him, Edmonds.

Then came Game 3 of the 2002 ALCS, when Anderson ended a 2-1 victory with a sliding catch in left field. Observers were stunned. Anderson was reticent, noting that yeah, that one mattered a bit more, even as his body language consistently belied his effort.

“If he was on a basketball court,” teammate Tim Salmon once said, “he’d be called smooth.”

Nope, the pride was always there. Anderson was never adversarial with the media but got cross with a reporter when a play he failed to make inspired the thought that Anderson was “disinterested.”

It wasn’t exactly a multi-day ripple, but GA was not pleased. And then, several weeks, maybe months later, baseball highlights were on in the clubhouse and an outfielder failed to make a play.

Anderson did not miss a beat from his corner of the room.

“Disinterested!” he said, displaying the memory of an elephant and the stubbornness required to survive in the big leagues.

So consistent was he that a slow start one year earned him the “What’s wrong with GA?” treatment from curious reporters. Anderson needed just five words to lay out the next several months.

“Talk to me in September,” he said.

Sure enough, the numbers were always there, and Anderson’s name always in the lineup, at least until April 2004. Shortly after signing a $48 million contract extension (Anderson seemed to take as much glee in keeping that under the radar as he did his lifetime security), he went on the injured list, a lack of strength befalling him.

He was eventually diagnosed with undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis. Of course, he still batted .301 but over just 112 games. He’d muster his third and final All-Star nod in 2005 and participated in four more playoff runs.

He’d play until he was 38, finishing with stints with Atlanta and the Dodgers. His greater lasting legacy might be his children, daughters Brianne and Bailey and son Trey.

His work on the field needs no apologies, not for a World Series champion, an elite professional hitter, a guy whose durability and production never gleaned headlines nor broke records, yet provided the foundation for a championship.

So take a moment to remember GA. Even if he might feel a little sheepish about it.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Garret Anderson stats: Angels star's greatness remembered after death

Thunder Lead Title Odds, Lakers Loom as Sportsbook Nightmare Entering NBA Playoffs

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The reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder enter this weekend’s playoffs as the clear betting favorites to go back to back, while the Los Angeles Lakers are dominating first-round series action. 

Key Takeaways

  • OKC is the best-case scenario for BetMGM in the futures market.

  • The Lakers are the most-bet team to win a first-round series.

  • Bettors are split on three Game 1 spreads this weekend.

Western Conference top seed Oklahoma City opened as a +240 favorite in BetMGM’s NBA champion market, and the Thunder have shortened to +140. Because of the low NBA title odds and bettors taking chances on long shots like the Lakers, the sportsbook will be in a good spot if the favorite holds serve. 

“The Thunder are clear favorites to win the NBA Championship heading into the playoffs,” Anthony Parenti, BetMGM sports trader, said. “Among the true contenders, OKC is the best result on the futures market. The sportsbook is in the enviable position of getting to cheer for the favorite to win it all.”

BetMGM took more money on the San Antonio Spurs (+450) and more tickets on the Denver Nuggets (+1,000) than OKC, which is getting 10.9% of the bets and 15.5% of the handle. theScore Bet reported that the Thunder are leading the NBA champion market with 15.7% of the wagers and 15.8% of the money. 

FanDuel reported a massive influx of wagers on the Lakers at +25,000 earlier this week.

Lakers long shots

Sportsbooks will be sweating the Lakers in many ways. Not only are the LeBron James-led West 4-seed BetMGM’s biggest liability in the futures market, but they’re also the most-bet team to win their first-round series with odds of +425. 

The fifth-seeded Houston Rockets are -550 favorites that are only getting 8% of the tickets and 7% of the handle at BetMGM. The Lakers have taken 60% of the wagers and 80% of the money at theScore Bet, where L.A. is the only underdog with the majority of both categories. 

However, the most-bet correct score market by handle is the Rockets in seven games at +825. 

Heading into Saturday’s prime-time Game 1, the Lakers are 5.5-point underdogs and getting 68% of the bets at DraftKings. The Rockets have seen 54% of the handle in the series opener. 

Series upsets?

Among the first-round matchups set before the play-in concluded, another BetMGM underdog drawing heavy action is the Portland Trail Blazers, who have attracted more than 80% of both tickets and handle at +1,000 to upset the Spurs in a best-of-seven series.

At theScore Bet, No.2 San Antonio has seen over 90% of the tickets and handle to take out No. 7 Portland. The closest first-round series by tickets at the operator is Cleveland Cavaliers-Toronto Raptors, which is nearly an even split. However, 90% of the money is backing No. 4 Cleveland. 

The Cavs winning the series 4-0 with odds of +425 is the operator’s most-bet correct score for the market.

Bettors have taken a clear stance on the No. 2 Boston Celtics, hefty -900 favorites to get past the Philadelphia 76ers, who are getting less than 7% of the series handle at theScore Bet. The No. 3 New York Knicks (-270) are getting close to 90% of the money to eliminate the No. 6 Atlanta Hawks, while the No. 3 Nuggets (-340) have taken over 80% of the money to beat the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves.   

Game 1 splits

Aside from Lakers-Rockets, DraftKings bettors are currently split on two other Saturday Game 1 spreads. The Cavs (-8.5) are getting 69% of the handle, but 51% of the tickets have come in on the underdog Raptors. 

The Nuggets have taken 54% of the wagers as 5.5-point favorites, but the T-Wolves are getting 60% of the spread handle in the series opener. 

The Knicks are getting nearly 60% of the tickets and a dominating 84% of the handle as 5.5-point favorites over the Hawks. For Sunday’s games, the Celtics’ -12.5 and the Spurs’ -10.5 aren’t scaring off the majority of bets and money at DraftKings.

The Eastern Conference 1-seed Detroit Pistons await the winner of Friday’s Hornets-Magic play-in game, while the Thunder get either the Golden State Warriors or Phoenix Suns.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Mets Notes: Juan Soto making more progress; Jorge Polanco dealing with wrist issue

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza shared updates ahead of Friday's series-opener against the Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago...


Juan Soto getting closer

Soto, who hasn't played since injuring his calf on April 3 against the Giants, is continuing to make progress.

The outfielder has been rehabbing at Citi Field with the Mets on the road, and is set to take live at-bats on Friday for the second consecutive day.

Additionally, Soto will be doing "high running intensity," which will include outfield work.

Speaking after Mendoza, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said the expectation is that Soto will be activated from the IL during the nine-game homestand that starts this coming Tuesday against the Twins at Citi Field.

Reading between the lines, it does not seem like a rehab assignment is going to be necessary before Soto returns. 

Another malady for Jorge Polanco

Polanco, whose presence in the lineup has been sporadic lately because of an Achilles issue, is now dealing with right wrist soreness.

He went for an MRI on the wrist on Thursday, and the Mets are waiting on results.

As far as the Achilles, Mendoza said Polanco is "in a better place."

Depending on the results of the MRI and the situation with the Achilles, it's possible Polanco will ultimately be placed on the IL.

Polanco hasn't played since Tuesday, meaning the Mets can backdate a potential IL stint. 

Mets at Cubs: Lineups, broadcast info, and open thread, 4/17/26

Apr 5, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the second inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Mets lineup

  1. Carson Benge – RF
  2. Bo Bichette – 3B
  3. Francisco Lindor – SS
  4. Luis Robert – CF
  5. Francisco Alvarez – C
  6. MJ Melendez – DH
  7. Marcus Semien – 2B
  8. Brett Baty – 1B
  9. Tyrone Taylor – LF

SP: Kodai Senga – RHP

Cubs lineup

  1. Nico Hoerner – 2B
  2. Michael Busch – 1B
  3. Alex Bregman – 3B
  4. Ian Happ – LF
  5. Seiya Suzuki – RF
  6. Moises Ballesteros – DH
  7. Carson Kelly – C
  8. Pete Crow-Armstrong – CF
  9. Dansby Swanson – SS

SP: Edward Cabrera – RHP

Broadcast info

First pitch: 2:20pm EDT
TV: PIX11
Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2

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Rockets vs Lakers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Saturday’s NBA Playoffs Game 1

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There are head-to-head battles that never go out of style.

King Kong vs. Godzilla. Coke vs. Pepsi. Me vs. Mushrooms.

And Kevin Durant versus LeBron James.

These two future Hall of Famers face off in Round 1 of the Western Conference playoffs.

Durant leads a young, promising Houston Rockets squad against LeBron and the Los Angeles Lakers’ skeleton crew, still playing without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Our Rockets vs. Lakers predictions look to Durant to do damage in the series opener, with my NBA picks taking KD to top his points prop.

Rockets vs Lakers Game 1 prediction

Rockets vs Lakers best bet: Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points (-110)

Kevin Durant didn’t go easy down the stretch. The 37-year-old powered the Houston Rockets to a 10-3 SU mark in his final 13 showings, averaging more than 27 points on 54.4% shooting.

To me, this Game 1 scoring total is criminally low, with two quiet efforts against the Los Angeles Lakers in mid-March anchoring this Over/Under. Durant put up twin 18-point performances on a combined 15-for-27 mark from the floor.

This L.A. lineup looks very different now.
 
The Lakers are without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, not only pulling the plug on L.A.’s offensive output but also leaving it with fewer options on defense. 

LeBron James will be forced to guard Houston's bigger forwards, so Durant will draw checks from the likes of Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, and Jared Vanderbilt. The 6-foot-11 small forward can shoot over smaller defenders while drilling 3-pointers when bigger ones can’t close out on the perimeter.

It’s been a minute since we’ve seen KD in the playoffs, but he’s always found another gear in the second season. He averages more than 29 points per postseason game for his career, and that production barely dipped in recent stops with Phoenix and Brooklyn.

Player projections sit as high as 27+ points from Durant in Saturday’s series opener. With the playoff spotlight shining a little bright for some of Houston’s young studs, he’ll set the tone right out of the gate.

Rockets vs Lakers Game 1 same-game parlay

If the Lakers have a shot at winning a game in this series, it’s this one. 

Los Angeles is at home, rested and ready for the Rockets. Houston’s young lineup could get caught up in the postseason pressure, and this opener will be closer than oddsmakers expect.

LeBron James has been doing it all for L.A. since losing Doncic and Reaves. He’s been racking up assists, but the Lakers will need him to score more, and I’m not confident Los Angeles’ supporting cast can capitalize on those setups.

Rockets vs Lakers SGP

  • Lakers +5.5
  • Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points
  • LeBron James Under 9.5 assists

Our "from downtown" SGP: The King and I

The old guard has the green light in this playoff opener.

I’m backing both James and Durant to exceed their points totals while fading their passing numbers, as they take center stage as scorers in Game 1.

Rockets vs Lakers SGP

  • Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points
  • Kevin Durant Under 4.5 assists
  • LeBron James Over 25.5 points
  • LeBron James Under 9.5 assists

Rockets vs Lakers odds for Game 1

  • Spread: Rockets -5.5 (-110) | Lakers +5.5 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Rockets -220 | Lakers +180
  • Over/Under: Over 207.5 (-110) | Under 207.5 (-110)

Rockets vs Lakers betting trend to know

Los Angeles has covered the spread in 11 of its last 13 home games (+8.80 Units / 62% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Lakers.

How to watch Rockets vs Lakers Game 1

LocationCrypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
DateSaturday, April 18, 2026
Tip-off8:30 p.m. ET
TVABC, TSN4

Rockets vs Lakers latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Braves at Phillies Prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 17

The Atlanta Braves (12-7) visit the City of Brotherly Love to face the Philadelphia Phillies (8-10) for a three-game weekend series.

Atlanta is the only team remaining in the MLB that hasn't lost a series yet. The Braves lost the opener versus the Marlins, but won the next two to take the series. Atlanta is 4-3 on the road this season and won the previous two.

Philadelphia has lost its last two games and three of the past four entering this series. The Phillies' last three games combined for at least 13 runs, so the offense is starting to cook again, while the pitching staff hasn't lived up to the hype. Philadelphia's pitchers total for a 4.92 ERA (26th), while Atlanta's ERA ranks first at 2.93.

Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the information and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest details on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats and of course, our predictions, picks and best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details and how to watch Braves at Phillies

  • Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
  • Time: 6:40 p.m. EST
  • Site: Citizens Bank Park 
  • City: Philadelphia, PA
  • Network/Streaming: MLB TV

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team statistics and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for Braves vs. Phillies

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Atlanta Braves (-112), Philadelphia Phillies (-108)
  • Spread: Braves -1.5 (+149), Phillies +1.5 (-181)
  • Total: 9.5

Probable starting pitchers for Braves at Phillies

  • Friday's pitching matchup (April 17): Taijuan Walker vs. Martin Perez
  • Braves: Martin Perez

2026 stats: 14.1 IP, 0-1, 3.14 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 6 Ks, 4 BB

  • Phillies: Taijuan Walker  

2026 Stats: 14.2 IP, 1-2, 7.36 ERA, 1.91 WHIP, 12 Ks, 7 BB

Who’s Hot? Who’s Not?

  • The Braves’ Dominic Smith is hitting .381 with 16 hits, 27 total bases and three home runs over 42 at-bats
  • The Braves’ Michael Harris II is hitting .226 with 14 hits and 15 strikeouts over 62 at-bats
  • The Phillies’ Brandon Marsh is hitting .290 with 18 hits, 28 total bases and 11 RBIs over 62 at-bats
  • The Phillies’ Alec Bohm is hitting .145 with nine hits, 12 strikeouts, and five walks over 62 at-bats

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Braves at Phillies

  • The Braves are 11-8 ATS this season
  • The Phillies are an MLB-worst 4-14 ATS this season
  • The Braves are 9-9-1 to the Over this season
  • The Phillies are 10-7-1 to the Over this season

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks and predictions for tonight’s game between Braves and Phillies

Rotoworld Bet Best Bet

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday's game between the Braves and the Phillies.

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Phillies on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Phillies at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Over on the Game Total of 9.5

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Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks Prediction, Odds & Home Run Pick for Tonight's MLB Game

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With Arizona Diamondbacks SP Mike Soroka on the mound, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should be able to get the Toronto Blue Jays' offense rolling tonight. 

Read on to see why in my free Blue Jays vs. Diamondbacks predictions and MLB picks for Friday, April 17.

Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks predictions

Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks best bet: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 1.5 total bases (+100)

Michael Soroka is off to a great start with Arizona Diamondbacks this season, going 3-0 with a 2.87 ERA.

However, Soroka’s 5.79 xERA would suggest he’s been getting a little lucky out on the diamond. He gives up a lot of contact too, allowing the highest barrel rate in the majors at 22.9%, while sitting in the 46th percentile in xBA against

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leads the Toronto Blue Jays in barrel rate, and is 3-for-7 against Soroka with an OPS of 1.000. 

Additionally, Vladdy handles the fastball well, batting .455 against the four-seamer, which is Soroka’s most utilized pitch this season.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has a 1.110 OPS against the entire Diamondbacks pitching staff.

Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks same-game parlay (SGP)

Daulton Varsho is usually good for a hit. He’s recorded one or more hits in seven straight games and handles the four-seamer well. 

Lastly, I’ll take Andres Gimenez to record a hit as well. He’s 3-for-8 against Soroka in his career and has at least one hit in four straight games heading into today. 

Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks SGP

  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 1.5 total bases
  • Daulton Varsho Over 0.5 hits
  • Andres Gimenez Over 0.5 hits
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Get the best Jays ML odds at BET99 — every game.

Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks home run pick: Andres Gimenez (+730)

I’ll make this a half wager, because Soroka hasn’t allowed very many home runs this season. 

However, there is a good value wager in tonight’s home run market, and that’s Andres Gimenez, who is +750 to hit a home run tonight. 

Gimenez is 3-for-8 against Soroka, with two of those hits leaving the yard. 

The Jays’ shortstop has shown some sneaky power this season, especially against the four-seamer, where he owns a .727 SLG against, and it happens to be Soroka's most utilized pitch. 

He also has a .983 OPS against right-handed pitchers this season. 

2026 Transparency record
  • Best bets: 5-12, -4.35 units
  • SGPs: 2-15, -7.50 units
  • HR picks: 3-14, -0.60 units

Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks odds

  • Moneyline: Toronto +112 | Arizona -132
  • Run line: Toronto +1.5 | Arizona -1.5
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5

Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks trend

The Blue Jays have hit the Over in 26 of their last 45 away games (+8.60 Units / 17% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Diamondbacks.

How to watch Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks and game info

LocationChase Field, Phoenix, AZ
DateFriday, April 17, 2026
First pitch9:40 p.m. ET
TVSportsnet, Dbacks.TV
Blue Jays starting pitcherEric Lauer
(1-2, 7.82 ERA)
Diamondbacks starting pitcherMichael Soroka
(3-0, 2.87 ERA)

Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks latest injuries

Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Felipe Lopez: The Secret Weapon’s Apprentice

ST. LOUIS - JULY 16: Felipe Lopez #3 of the St. Louis Cardinals fields a ground ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Busch Stadium on July 16, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cardinals beat the Dodgers 8-4. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) | Getty Images

How does a player go from being released by a last-place team to hitting .385 for the St. Louis Cardinals in the span of a single week? In this installment of Random Cardinal of the Week, Jim Plaza dives into the fascinating, “roller coaster” career of utility man Felipe Lopez.

A former top-10 pick and Silver Slugger winner, Lopez hit rock bottom in 2008 with a negative WAR and a mid-season release from the Nationals. But when he landed in the St. Louis clubhouse, something clicked. Under the mentorship of “The Secret Weapon” Jose Oquendo, Lopez didn’t just find his swing—he became a statistical anomaly. We look back at his legendary two-month sprint in 2008 where he played six different positions and posted a nearly 1.000 OPS, helping bridge the gap for a Cardinals franchise in the midst of a massive front-office transition.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Oquendo Effect: How Jose Oquendo rebuilt Lopez’s defense and mental approach to transform him from a “bust” back into a weapon.

The 2008 Hot Streak: A deep dive into the 43 games where Lopez hit an unbelievable .385 and became the ultimate La Russa-era Swiss Army Knife.

The 18th-Inning Hero: On the 16th anniversary of the feat (April 17, 2010), we recount the night Lopez stepped onto the mound against the Mets and threw a scoreless inning to save an exhausted bullpen.

The Transition Era: Where Lopez fit in the roster shuffle between the 2006 championship and the 2011 “10.5 games back” miracle.

Whether you remember him for his switch-hitting prowess or his lone career pitching appearance, Felipe Lopez’s story is a masterclass in resilience and the power of a second chance in The Lou. Listen now and subscribe to the Redbird Rundown for your weekly dose of Cardinals history!

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Mets at Cubs Prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 17

The New York Mets (7-12) head to Wrigley Field for a three-game series with the Chicago Cubs (9-9).

Chicago is coming off a series victory against Philadelphia and has won three of the last four contests. In the past seven games and six days, Chicago's offense has been one of the hottest. The Cubs are hitting .292 over the last week (third-best) and tied 10th with 40 RBI.

The Mets are one of the coldest teams in the MLB. New York has lost eight consecutive games and have been outscored 44-12 in that span. New York ranks last in the MLB with a .169 batting average over the last seven days and second-fewest home runs (4).

Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the information and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest details on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats and of course, our predictions, picks and best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details and how to watch Mets at Cubs

  • Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
  • Time: 2:20 p.m. EST
  • Site: Wrigley Field
  • City: Chicago, IL
  • Network/Streaming: MLB TV

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team statistics and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for Mets vs. Cubs

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Chicago Cubs (-150), New York Mets (+124)
  • Spread: Cubs -1.5 (+119), Mets +1.5 (-144)
  • Total: 10.0

Probable starting pitchers for Mets at Cubs

  • Friday's pitching matchup (April 17): Kodai Senga vs. Edward Cabrera
  • Mets: Kodai Senga

2026 stats: 14.0 IP, 0-2, 7.07 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 19 Ks, 7 BB

  • Cubs: Edward Cabrera  

2026 Stats: 16.2 IP, 1-0, 1.62 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 13 Ks, 9 BB

Who’s Hot? Who’s Not?

  • The Mets’ Francisco Alvarez is hitting .271 with 13 hits, 26 total bases and four home runs over 48 at-bats
  • The Mets’ Francisco Lindor is hitting .184 with 14 hits, 16 strikeouts and 10 walks over 76 at-bats
  • The Cubs’ Nico Hoerner is hitting .324 with 23 hits, 36 total bases and 18 RBIs over 71 at-bats
  • The Cubs’ Michael Busch is hitting .148 with nine hits, 14 strikeouts, and nine walks over 61 at-bats

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Mets at Cubs

  • The Cubs are 7-11 ATS this season
  • The Padres are 7-12 ATS this season
  • The Cubs are 11-6-1 to the Over this season
  • The Mets are 8-9-2 to the Over this season

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks and predictions for tonight’s game between Mets and Cubs

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday's game between the Mets and the Cubs.

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Cubs on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Cubs at -1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Over on the Game Total of 10.0

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Which Phillies beatdown of the Braves was better?

Oct 14, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins celebrates after hitting a three-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the 3rd inning in game three of the NLDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

This weekend, the first place Atlanta Braves come to Citizens Bank Park to take on a struggling Phillies team that is falling short in virtually every phase of the game. It’s been a rough go for the Phils, losers of their last three home series, a shocking development given they only lost three home series all last season.

Still, the Braves often serve as an elixir of sorts when the come to Philly. Atlanta has struggled at Citizens Bank Park over the last few years, 5-9 in Philadelphia over the last two seasons. And while this weekend’s clash is viewed as a marquee match-up, with two nationally televised games Saturday night on Fox and Sunday night on Peacock, they don’t hold a candle to some of the most recent postseason series these two teams have played against one another.

Of course, nothing will ever top the 1993 National League Championship Series. Watching John Kruk, Lenny Dykstra and Curt Schilling somehow find a way to outlast a 100+ win Braves team to advance to the World Series will be almost impossible to top.

But most recently, the underdog Phillies dominated Atlanta in two straight NLDS series. Both mirrored each other so closely and were filled with some of the greatest moments in franchise playoff history.

As we get ready for what will hopefully be a get-right weekend against the Braves in Philly, let’s improve the vibes a bit by remembering two series against our division rivals in which the Phils stepped up their game and sent a “superior” team home early for the winter.

2022 NLDS

After a surprising two-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Wild Card round, the Phillies entered Atlanta with absolutely no expectations of winning the series. After all, the Phils had barely snuck into the tournament as the third wild card, clinching on the final weekend and only thanks to an implosion by Milwaukee in the season’s final week.

With just 87 wins, the underdog Phillies finished 14 games behind the 101-win Braves. Atlanta had a run differential of +180, the Phils’ was +62. The Phils began the series by playing their 13th and 14th straight games on the road (they finished the regular season with an 10-game, three city road trip with two straight wild card games in St. Louis). However, fueled by jet fumes, adrenaline and Nick Castellanos’ three-hit, three-RBI day, the Phillies survived a late Atlanta rally to win 7-6. Of course, Castellanos’ game-saving slide in the 9th is the lasting memory.

The Phils lost Game 2 then came home for Games 3 and 4, the first postseason games at Citizens Bank Park since 2011.

Of course, the lasting memory from that series occurred in the 3rd inning against Spencer Strider, one of the most electric moments in CBP history.

Bryce Harper followed with a solo homer he murdered to deep right field, the offense added on, Aaron Nola shoved, and the Phils took a 2-1 series lead with a dominant 9-1 victory.

And the finally, in Game 4, the Phillies took advantage of an early Brandon Marsh 3-run home run and the early injury exit of Charlie Morton to crush Atlanta once again, 8-3. Of course, J.T. Realmuto’s inside-the-park home run added another log to the legendary fire of this series.

It would be hard to top the excitement and pure elation of this series, but the Phils did a pretty good job of copying it the following season.

2023 NLDS

After sweeping the Miami Marlins in two wild card games at CBP, the Phils met the Braves once again in the NLDS. Atlanta, again, was the division winner while the Phillies were the top wild card team, but the distance between the two in the NL East standings was the same.

Powered by one of the most productive offenses in MLB history, Atlanta slugged their way to an MLB-best 104 wins, besting the 90-win Phillies by 14 games in the division once again. But clearly, the Phils were in their head.

In Game 1, Bryce Harper went yard and seven Phillies pitchers combined to give up five hits and eked out a 3-0 victory over Spencer Strider, the NL Cy Young Award winner that season, surprising everyone with a quick 1-0 series lead.

It looked like they would take both games in Atlanta after jumping out to a 4-0 lead, but the Braves scored five runs in the 6th, 7th and 8th innings, the final two coming on a crushing Austin Riley two-run homer off Jeff Hoffman in the bottom of the 8th. And then, the craziness of the 9th inning, when Harper was doubled off first to end the game.

It was a painful moment as it happened, but it only set the stage for one of the greatest individual, in-your-face performances in Harper’s career. After Orlando Arcia was overheard in the clubhouse ridiculing Harper for getting doubled off first, Bryce decided to make it personal in Game 3.

Orlando Arcia and the Braves were officially in hell now, and would only experience another, deeper level a few innings later.

The Phillies destroyed Bryce Elder, Castellanos hit two bombs, and Nola once again stifled the Braves’ potent bats in a 10-2 rout.

Game 4 was closer, with Strider at his peak and Ranger Suarez trying to match him pitch-for-pitch. Suarez held Atlanta to one run over five innings, while the Phillies pecked away at Strider thanks to a Trea Turner home run and another multi-homer game from Castellanos, who was in the midst of the high point of his Phils career.

But it got sticky in the 7th. Holding a slim 3-1 lead, human fire starter Craig Kimbrel entered an loaded the bases with two outs. NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. stepped to the plate, looking to atone for a very quiet NLDS. With the count 2-2, Kimbrel left one out of the plate that Acuna destroyed to center field.

That’s when Johan Rojas entered the chat.

The Phillies finished the job in the 8th and 9th and took another NLDS from the heavily-favored Atlanta Braves.

Unfortunately, neither series led to a championship. The Phils would reach the World Series in 2022, but fell to the Astros in six games, and then collapsed following Game 2 of the NLCS against the Diamondbacks in ‘23.

They’ve never been the same since. But we have the memories of these Atlanta beatdowns in October.

So, which one is your favorite?

Just because you’re winnin’ don’t mean you’re the lucky one: Phillies vs. Braves series preview

Aug 31, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (30) watches his two-run home run during the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Over the past couple of weeks, the Phillies have established a pattern: They’ll play well in one game of a three-game series and make a ton of mistakes in the others. They would do well to reverse that pattern – or even better, avoid the mistake-prone games altogether – because the first place Braves are coming to town this weekend.

Atlanta Braves

Record: 12-7, First place in National League East

The last time they met

The Braves visited Citizens Bank Park for a four-game set at the end of August 2025 and lost three of the four to put a serious dent in their playoff hopes. The opener was the Kyle Schwarber four home run game in which the Phillies squeaked out a 19-4 win.

What’s the deal with the Braves?

Their many injuries should have put a dent in the Braves’ chances this year, and ultimately, they might! But thus far, the Braves’ have been able to overcome their lengthy list of wounded players.

Their starting pitching has been excellent. All five of the pitchers currently in their rotation have ERAs under 4.00, led by Bryce Elder at 0.77 through four starts. Elder isn’t scheduled to start this series, but the guys who will go are Martin Perez, Chris Sale (he’ll face off against Cristopher Sanchez on Saturday), and Grant Holmes, and they’ve been strong too.

Offensively, the Braves are second in the NL in runs scored (behind the Nationals?). Catcher Drake Baldwin is building off last year’s Rookie of the Year campaign, and Matt Olson is hitting up to his usual standards. They’ve also gotten surprising offensive contributions from shortstop Mauricio Dubon. The two-time Gold Glover has been an adequate at best hitter through most of his career, but he’s batting .333 in the early going.

Featured Brave: Dominic Smith

As expected, the Braves’ best hitter in the early going has been designated hitter Dominic Smith. Wait, what?

Smith was once a top 100 prospect for the Mets, but aside from an oddly strong campaign in the shortened 2020 season (he finished 13th in MVP voting!) he never established himself as much more than a quad-A player. He’s spent the last few years bouncing around the league, and after an unimpressive season as a bench player with the Giants in 2025, he signed with the Braves as a free agent.

Serving as the team’s primary DH, he’s off to a hot start, batting .381 with three home runs. There’s a strong likelihood that this start is unsustainable (IYKYK) and in a few weeks, Smith’s numbers will be back into the ordinary realm. But who knows? Smith wouldn’t be the first player to experience an odd breakout campaign in his early 30’s.

What about the Phillies?

The offense has been inconsistent, the starting pitching has been disappointing, and the relief pitching has become leaky. But perhaps the most annoying thing about the Phillies’ recent play is the sloppiness. They’ve made a lot of poor plays in the field and baserunning mistakes. If they want to turn this around, that’s the first thing that they can clean up.

Non-Phillies thought

This should be quite the weekend for Philadelphia sports. Not only will the Braves come to town, but the Sixers and Flyers begin their playoff runs. Both the basketball team and hockey team are in a similar situation: They’re the underdogs in a series against a traditional rival who has largely gotten the best of them over the years. (This might be the best scenario for the fans. As I’ve learned, Philadelphia sports fans greatly prefer underdogs with lessened expectations.)

As a special cherry on top, this weekend is also Wrestlemania! Looks like I might need to set up multiple televisions, although the last time I did that was for game five of the NLDS and the Eagles on Thursday Night Football, and that night went very poorly.

Pennant year song battle

Everybody Wants You has been defeated! It’s a Mistake by Men at Work is our new title holder.

The next contender comes from 2008 and describes how the Phillies have too often looked this season: Clumsy by Fergie:

Vote now:

Closing thought

While I don’t think the Phillies are as bad as they’ve looked, nor are the Braves as good as they’ve played. And it’s still only mid-April, so things can – and probably will – change in a hurry. That said, it would be great if the Phillies could win this series and avoid digging themselves too deep of a hole early in the season.

Friday Night Lights: Rangers at Mariners Series Preview

Apr 16, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (6) gets a hug from shortstop Ezequiel Duran (20) after hitting a two-run home run against the Athletics during the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

A frustrating series sweep at the hands of the San Diego Padres has Seattle scuffling into an important homestand. The Mariners were swept down in Arlington a week ago, helping pump this Texas team into first place in the early days of the AL West. Those Rangers now provide a threat and an opportunity for Seattle similar to what the M’s had with their hosting of the Houston Astros last weekend: win and reset the division, lose and not only slide in the standings but likely cede the season series in a division where tie-breakers have been hugely important in recent years.

GameTimeMariners StarterRangers StarterMariners Win%Rangers Win%
Game 1Friday, April 17 | 6:40 pmRHP Logan GilbertRHP Jacob deGrom57.2%42.8%
Game 2Saturday, April 18 | 4:15 pmRHP George KirbyRHP Nathan Eovaldi58.4%41.6%
Game 3Sunday, April 19 | 1:10 pmRHP Bryan WooLHP MacKenzie Gore59.8%40.2%
OverviewRangersMarinersEdge
Batting (wRC+)92 (12th in AL)113 (2nd in AL)Mariners
Fielding (FRV)21 (3rd)-29 (12th)Rangers
Starting Pitching (FIP-)91 (1st)100 (7th)Rangers
Bullpen (FIP-)94 (6th)97 (10th)Rangers
2025 Stats

While the bullpen has thinned with injuries to RHPs Luis Curvelo and Chris Martin, the Rangers look otherwise as they were a week ago. Time with the Dodgers and Athletics left them licked but not battered, and their series split with Sacramento left both clubs tied atop the AL West. Not yet standout, but stable, Texas looks like around a .500 club in the early going. That’s been better than the rest of the division, but without much ascension it keeps the M’s fully in range for resetting the table.

PlayerPositionBatsPAK%BB%ISOwRC+
Brandon NimmoRFL65221.6%7.7%0.174114
Wyatt LangfordLFR57326.4%12.9%0.190118
Corey SeagerSSL44519.6%13.0%0.216138
Jake Burger1BR37624.7%3.2%0.18389
Evan CarterCFL22018.6%8.6%0.144107
Joc PedersonDHL30621.2%11.1%0.14776
Josh Jung3BR51125.2%5.3%0.13991
Josh Smith2BL56317.8%9.8%0.115100
Danny JansenCR33725.5%12.5%0.184103
2025 Stats

From a previous series preview:

The Rangers brought in Brandon Nimmo this off-season and so far he’s proved a valuable pickup, providing thump and on-base for the Rangers out of the leadoff spot. Wyatt Langford, hitting out of the two-hole, has been slower to get it going, but you know that, like with some of the Mariners’ own struggling stars, it’s just a matter of time. Corey Seager, batting third, has continued to be Corey Seager, and Jake Burger, with two homers on the year already (aka the same number Cole Young has), bats cleanup. The Nimmo-Langford-Seager-Burger set gives the Rangers, who are pretty evenly balanced handedness-wise (Must Be Nice), a nice L-R-L-R punch at the top of the lineup. 

Beyond that things get a little murky: Evan Carter is off to a strong start, but buried in the bottom of the lineup for some reason. The two Joshes (Jung and Smith) and Ezequiel Duran are in a time-share among the non-Seager infield positions. Joc Pederson continues to exist to make Rangers fans Mad Online. So far, this is looking similar to Rangers teams of the past, but Nimmo at the top of the lineup is an x-factor, much like Donovan is for the Mariners. Hopefully the Mariners will be getting their x-factor back for this series.

Probable Pitchers 

Updated Stuff+ Explainer 

PitcherIPK%BB%HR/FB%GB%ERAFIP
Jacob deGrom172.227.7%5.5%13.8%37.8%2.973.64
Logan Gilbert13132.3%5.8%14.8%38.9%3.443.35
2025 Stats
PitchUsage vRHBUsage vLHBVelocityStuff+Whiff+BIP+xwOBA
Four-seam50.0%42.3%97.511098830.299
Changeup2.8%19.3%89.81071291070.294
Curveball1.9%8.1%80.9991151020.240
Slider45.3%30.3%90.4109118960.273
2025 Stats

From a previous series preview:

Last year, Jacob deGrom made 30 starts for the first time since 2019 and crossed the 150 IP threshold for just the fifth time in his career. That health was the result of a conscious effort to pitch with a little less intensity. His fastball velocity was down about a tick from where it was at his peak, though it still averaged 97.5 mph. From a results standpoint, he ran his lowest strikeout rate since 2016 and the highest FIP of his career. Even in his diminished form, he was still one of the better pitchers in baseball, and as they say, the best ability is availability.

deGrom lasted five innings in his previous start against the Mariners, allowing just a single run on a hit and a walk with six strikeouts. He was lifted after throwing just 78 pitches, probably in an effort to keep his early season workload low. 

PitcherIPK%BB%HR/FB%GB%ERAFIP
Nathan Eovaldi13026.0%4.2%9.6%50.3%1.732.80
George Kirby12626.1%5.5%12.8%44.1%4.213.37
2025 stats
PitchUsage vRHBUsage vLHBVelocityStuff+Whiff+BIP+xwOBA
Four-seam50.0%42.3%97.511098830.299
Changeup2.8%19.3%89.81071291070.294
Curveball1.9%8.1%80.9991151020.240
Slider45.3%30.3%90.4109118960.273
2025 stats

From a previous series preview:

Nathan Eovaldi has also been forced to figure out how to do more with less (fastball velocity). Last year, he dropped the usage of his four-seam fastball by nearly 15 points, added a sinker to his repertoire, and increased the usage of his cutter and curveball. The result was a pitch mix that was a lot less predictable and a lot less dependent on his deteriorating velocity. Unfortunately, elbow and shoulder injuries derailed the success he was seeing with his new approach, and he spent most of the second half of the season on the shelf.

Eovaldi allowed two runs in six innings against the Mariners last week. He gave up six hits and two walks while striking out seven.

PitcherIPK%BB%HR/FB%GB%ERAFIP
MacKenzie Gore159.227.2%9.4%11.6%37.2%4.173.74
Bryan Woo186.227.1%4.9%12.8%40.8%2.943.47
2025 stats
PitchUsage vRHBUsage vLHBVelocityStuff+Whiff+BIP+xwOBA
Four-seam51.7%42.3%95.39995910.379
Cutter6.1%0.1%90.3961771110.259
Changeup13.8%0.0%86.2911521340.285
Curveball27.9%12.4%81.6106112670.293
Slider0.5%45.2%86.798122870.235
2025 stats

From a previous series preview:

MacKenzie Gore was the Rangers’ big offseason acquisition in January. After being included in the blockbuster Juan Soto trade (the first one from Washington to San Diego), Gore has established himself as a solid frontline starter over the last few years. His secondary weapons are all fantastic — he’s the only pitcher in baseball to feature four pitches with whiff rates north of 35% — but he’s often let down by an inconsistent fastball. When he’s locating his heater well, it can give opposing batters fits. But too often — and particularly during the second half of the season when he’s worn down significantly — his locations will leak into the middle of the zone and batters will punish the pitch.

Gore was dominant against the M’s last week, throwing five shutout innings, and allowing just a single hit with nine strikeouts.


The Big Picture:

TeamW-LW%Games BehindRun DiffRecent Form
Rangers10-90.526+12W-W-L-L-W
Athletics10-90.526-10W-L-W-W-L
Angels10-100.5000.5+7W-L-W-L-W
Mariners8-120.4002.5+4W-W-L-L-L
Astros8-120.4002.5-10L-L-W-W-L

For as annoying as getting swept was by a NL club, the consequence was a single lost game out of first place, albeit two clubs sharing that space. As noted, the Rangers and A’s share the top of the table, with Sacramento hosting the plucky-but-still-sucky ChiSox for three before jetting up to Seattle next week. Anaheim, meanwhile, takes their turn with the Padres in Orange County after a showcase series split in the Bronx that saw Mike Trout go slug for slug with Aaron Judge. Houston is back home as well, hosting the Cardinals in a former NL Central rivalry that always carries the front office edge of St. Louis’ data stealing scandal against the Astros over a decade ago. Those Redbirds are outdoing expectations in the early going, based heavily upon a breakout campaign from 24 year old OF Jordan Walker.

Garret Anderson has passed away

BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 29: Garrett Anderson #16 of the Anaheim Angels before a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles on May 29, 1997 at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Garret Anderson, long time major league outfielder who spent most of his career with the Anaheim Angels, has passed away, the team announced this morning. Anderson was 53.

Anderson was originally a fourth round pick of the Angels in 1990, and during his career he was a member of the California Angels, the Anaheim Angels, and the Los Angeles Angels. He finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting in 1990, finishing just 6 points behind Marty Cordova, and finished fourth in the Most Valuable Player voting in 2002.

Anderson was a three time All Star and two time Silver Slugger winner. 15 of his 17 seasons in the majors were with the Angels. He finished his career with the Braves in 2009 and the Dodgers in 2010.

Anderson was a hit machine, and his contact ability combined with his durability had him seen as a potential 3000 hit guy. He ended his career with 2529 hits, 287 home runs, and a .293/.324/.461 slash line.

The Angels will be wearing a memorial patch in his honor for the remainder of the 2026 season.

San Diego Padres reportedly set for MLB-record $3.9bn sale to Chelsea co-owner

The San Diego Padres are reportedly being sold for an MLB-record $3.9bn.Photograph: Brandon Sloter/Getty Images

The San Diego Padres are nearing a sale to a group led by José E Feliciano, co-founder of private equity firm Clearlake Capital and co-owner of Chelsea FC, and his wife, Kwanza Jones, for a Major League Baseball-record $3.9bn, according to multiple reports.

The Wall Street Journal and the Athletic reported on Friday that the group was closing in on a deal. The sale requires approval by 75% of MLB’s 30 owners. The reported price would surpass the $2.42bn Steve Cohen paid for the New York Mets in 2020.

Everton owner Dan Friedkin, Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores and Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob were the other reported finalists.

The deal would mark the end of a contentious process that began when the Seidler family, who have owned the Padres since 2012, announced in November they were exploring a sale of the team.

Related: Baseball should be riding high. Instead the salary cap debate has it gearing up for war | Howard Bryant

After the death of chair Peter Seidler in 2023, his widow Sheel Seidler sued her brothers-in-law to in an attempt to prevent another brother, John, from taking control of the team instead of her. Sheel Seidler dismissed the bulk of her claims earlier this year, and John Seidler currently serves as San Diego’s control person.

Feliciano, whose net worth is an estimated $3.9bn, and Clearlake Capital own more than 60% of Chelsea. The ownership group also includes Mark Walter, Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss.

The Padres have made the playoffs in four of their last six seasons and reached the National League Championship Series in 2022.

The record sale price is likely to be a talking point in baseball’s upcoming labor negotiations. The collective bargaining agreement expires 1 December. The owners are expected to push to implement a salary cap, but the MLB Players Association has argued that franchise valuations are continuing to rise without a cap.

The average MLB franchise is worth $2.95bn, up 13% year-over-year, according to valuations released last month by CNBC. The New York Yankees led at $9bn, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers ($8bn), who are co-owned by Boehly and Walter.

The most recent sale of an MLB team was the Tampa Bay Rays last year for $1.7bn.

Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets preview, Friday 4/17, 1:20 CT

Friday notes…

  • MEET THE METS: The Mets arrive with a 7-12 record. The Cubs have played only seven of 18 games against teams that had winning records going into the games. The have won three and lost four. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • BASEBALL IN SUNSHINE: The Cubs have hit 19 home runs this season. Eleven have come in day games. If they hit five this weekend in the three games against the Mets, their total in sunshine will reach 10,000 since 1901, first season of the Modern Era. They have hit 6,535 at home and 3,460 on the road. The Cubs have homered 4,426 times at night: 1,051 at home and 3,375 on the road. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • THE NICO FILES: Nico Hoerner, last 10 games since the second game of the doubleheader April 5 at Cleveland: .356/.408/.556 (16-for-45) with three doubles, two home runs, four walks, seven runs scored and 15 RBI.
  • RISPy BUSINESS: Over the last two games, the Cubs are 11-for-28 (.393) with 16 RBI with runners in scoring position, a huge improvement over their previous five games from April 8-13, in which the club went 10-for-58 (.172) with 13 RBI with RISP.

Cubs lineup:

Mets lineup:

Edward Cabrera, RHP vs. Kodai Senga, RHP

Edward Cabrera was really good his first two starts, not so much last time out against the Pirates. Even so, his outing last Sunday was decent.

As a former denizen of the NL East, Cabrera has faced the Mets a lot. Last year: two starts, nine innings, 10 hits, five runs (three earned), six walks, 11 strikeouts. Other than the walks, that’s not too bad. The only current Mets player who has more than a handful of at-bats against Cabrera is Francisco Lindor, and Cabrera has handled him pretty well: 3-for-18 (.167), but six walks.

Cut down on the walks, Edward, and you’ll be just fine.

Kodai Senga had two decent starts to begin 2026 and then got shelled by the A’s last Saturday: eight hits, seven runs, two home runs in just 2.1 innings.

Senga has not faced the Cubs since 2023 and I include this boxscore link to show you how much the Cubs have changed since then. No current Cub has more than six career at-bats against Senga.

Here is the weather forecast for the area around Wrigley Field.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network. It’s also on MLB Network (outside the Cubs and Mets market territories).

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Mets site Amazin’ Avenue. If you do go there to interact with Mets fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.

The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.

You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).

At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.

The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.

You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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