A number of former San Jose Sharks were on the move on Wednesday, with some others still remaining on the free agent list. Some players were departing the Sharks for the first time this summer, while some had stints with the team in teal in years past.
Leaving San Jose
There were five players whose contracts with the San Jose Sharks ended on July 1 that have already found a new home for the 2026-27 season and beyond.
The longest-tenured Shark to move on was Mario Ferraro, who had spent his entire career up to this point in the Bay Area. Now, he'll be heading north of the border. The 27-year-old defenseman signed a three-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets with an average annual value of $4 million, well below what many expected him to get on the open market.
Another departing blue liner, Vincent Desharnais, was a player that the Sharks were looking into potentially keeping, but instead he's heading to the nation's capital. The 30-year-old defenseman received a four-year contract from the Washington Capitals, with an average annual value of $4.2 million, slightly higher than Ferraro's figure.
While those were the only two NHL-caliber Sharks to find a new home on the first day of free agency, there were a number of San Jose Barracuda also on the move. Egor Afanasyev returned to North America last season with the hopes of carving out an NHL role for himself, instead he spent the entirety of the season in the American Hockey League with the Barracuda. Now, he's heading back to his native Russia, as he's signed with Avangard Omsk for the 2026-27 season.
A pair of Barracuda players opted to remain in California, as Jett Woo and Laurent Brossoit both signed with the Anaheim Ducks and are expected to report to their AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls.
Sharks of Yesteryear on the Move
Former San Jose Sharks netminder Vitek Vanecek found himself a new home after a less than stellar season with the Utah Mammoth. The 30-year-old joined the New York Islanders on a one-year deal worth $1 million.
Former Sharks forward Lane Pederson is returning to California, as he signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings worth $1.75 million that carries a cap hit of $875k.
The Sharks' 60th overall selection in the 2016 NHL Draft, Dylan Gambrell, has also earned himself another NHL contract, as he signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Wild worth $850k.
Former Sharks forward Jack Studnicka earned himself a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers with the same financial terms as the aforementioned Pederson.
The previously mentioned Ferraro won't be the only former Shark heading to Winnipeg, as he'll be joined by Noah Gregor who signed a one-year contract with the Jets worth $850k.
Enforcer Jeffrey Viel earned himself the most term of any former Shark, signing a five-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning worth $12.5 million.
Kaapo Kahkonen will be staying in Montreal after a short stint as an unrestricted free agent. He signed a one-year contract worth $1 million to serve as a depth goaltender option.
While Mike Grier was busy doing business of his own, a number of former Sharks were finding themselves a new home and there will certainly be more to come in the coming days.
The NBA is looking to speed up the flow of the game, and is tentatively planning to take a page out of the NBA G-League’s book to make it happen. The NBA made an announcement on Thursday that it would test out the “one free throw rule” during the 2026 Summer League, gauging whether or not it should become a staple of the NBA.
This might sound extremely confusing at first glance, so let’s break down how this would work. During the passage of a normal game (i.e. not in the final two minutes or overtime) all free-throw opportunities would be condensed into one shot, awarding points equal to the number of shots previously attempted in the past. So, a basic foul on a missed shot attempt would reward one free throw worth two points. If a player was driving, getting the bucket and the foul (the And-1), then it would result in one shot worth one point. If a player was fouled in the act of attempting a three, then they would receive one shot worth three points.
It’s that final element which is most fascinating, because it creates a significant advantage for elite shooters from beyond the arc who are also fantastic free-throw shooters. For example, the rule effectively does nothing to someone like Steph Curry, who shot 39.3% from three and 92.3% from the free-throw line last season, but it could have a big effect on someone like Anthony Edwards, who shot 39.9% from three and 79.6% on free throws.
While it’s certainly unlikely that we’re going to see some mammoth shift in fouling because of this, having an all-or-nothing approach to free throws is fascinating, because it will add significant pressure on players who already aren’t the best shooters from the charity stripe.
This isn’t the only change being proposed to NBA rules, because the other comes from innovations to the basketball itself.
The connected basketball will be tested at the upcoming NBA summer leagues.
The basketball contains an embedded sensor that detects contact with the ball. The sensor does not materially affect the ball’s weight, feel or playability.
Adding more technology here isn’t a bad thing and should eliminate some bad calls in the process. It seems like a win-win, so long as the technology works.
Athletics top prospect Ryan Lasko was hospitalized after a scary collision in the outfield with his teammate Devin Taylor.
Lasko, who played center field for Double-A Midland Tuesday, collided with Taylor after both players attempted to dive for a ball hit in the gap. Lasko was down for about 10 minutes before he was carted off the field and transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano.
Athletics top prospect Ryan Lasko was hospitalized after a scary collision in the outfield with his teammate. MiLB Athletics top prospect Ryan Lasko was hospitalized after a scary collision in the outfield with his teammate. MiLB Athletics top prospect Ryan Lasko was hospitalized after a scary collision in the outfield with his teammate. Getty Images
Lasko is in stable condition after undergoing spinal decompression and stabilization surgery, which resulted from a C6-C7 vertebra fracture. He currently has no feeling in the lower half of his body.
“The positive in the statement from the doctor is that there is not a definitive statement saying he’s not going to regain feeling in his lower half,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said, who provided the comment ahead of the team’s series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday.
A's No. 18 prospect Ryan Lasko was carted off the field after this terrifying collision with his teammate in center field. No update yet on his condition. #Athleticspic.twitter.com/eZ4LH20JmM
“We send prayers to him, to his family, to his teammate and the team, really. This is a trying and emotional time for them. We need to be there to support them, and I know we are. [A’s director of player development] Ed Sprague flew down [to Texas] this morning. Lasko’s family was with him there. All the teammates are going to go visit him at some point and show support.”
The 24-year-old was a second-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Rutgers University. Lasko spent time with the big league team in camp this spring, where Kotsay and the A’s coaching staff were impressed by the outfielder’s defense.
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Los Angeles, CA - April 10: Lakers guard Luke Kennard, #10, left, makes a basket over Suns guard Grayson Allen, #8 in the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Friday, April 10, 2026. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
It didn’t take long for the Phoenix Suns to find a replacement for sharpshooter Grayson Allen, whom they dealt to the Charlotte Hornets to acquire power forward Miles Bridges. In the first hours of NBA Free Agency, the team agreed to a two-year $13 million deal with sharpshooter Luke Kennard, who is set to fill the bench role that Allen gave the Suns the past few seasons.
When they were at Duke together, here’s how the two teams’ games compare to each other.
Attributes/Intangibles
Grayson Allen
Height: 6’3”
Age: 30
Weight: 198 pounds
Contract: Going into the third year of a 4-year $70 million contract he signed back in 2024
Years in the NBA: 8
Games played: 454
Luke Kennard
Height: 6’5”
Age: 30
Weight: 205 pounds
Contract: Just signed a two-year, $13 million deal
Years in the NBA: 9
Games played: 538
Some extra tidbits
Despite Allen being the older player, Kennard is the one who’s been in the league longer. Allen played four years at Duke, while Kennard spent just two seasons there. Kennard has played roughly a full season more of games and 10 more playoff games, but Allen has one more playoff appearance after making them in five out of his last six seasons.
Last season’s averages: 8.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game on 53.3/47.8/91.3 shooting splits in 78 total games with the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers.
Some extra tidbits
Allen had his best season last year, but lower-body injuries required him to miss 31 games. Allen has typically played more minutes with his teams than Kennard has, and scores slightly less efficiently. Both take more threes than twos. Kennard has never started more than 25 games in a season, while Allen has played the role of reserve and starter almost evenly throughout his career. He started in 74 games his first season in Phoenix, only seven the next, and in 53% of his games during the 2025-2026 campaign.
Playstyles
Grayson Allen
A shooter mostly to start his career, Allen has developed his playmaking and passing abilities in recent seasons. He had his two highest assist seasons with Phoenix, and when Bradley Beal and Devin Booker endured injuries in the 2023-2024 campaign, he was thrust into numerous ball-handling and point guard duties. In February of 2024, when Booker and Beal missed time, Allen averaged 4.1 assists per game and had a career-best 14-assist game against the Utah Jazz, playing point guard.
This past season, taking the most shots of his career (he took 13.1 per game, his second-most is 9.1), Allen’s efficiency dipped as he became more of a volume scorer and someone Phoenix relied on to create offense. He got to the line more than he ever has per game, which coincided with more shot attempts and turnovers. Additionally, he’s become more of a defensive playmaker, diving for loose balls, and was second on the team in steals per game last year.
Luke Kennard
For the entirety of his career, Kennard has been a marksman. He holds the highest three-point percentage out of any active player, including the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made, Steph Curry.
Playing alongside dynamic playmakers such as Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Ja Morant, he’s at his best when he’s being set up for shots, which is why one of the best games of his career came in Games 1 and 2 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs this year against the Houston Rockets when he scored 27 points and 23 points respectively as James was looking for him to find open shooters.
Unlike Allen, Kennard hasn’t been thrust into a main scoring role recently. He hasn’t taken more than 10 shots per game or averaged more than 26 minutes a game since his third season, and his role in Phoenix projects to be no different.
While the Phoenix Suns are getting a cheaper, arguably better shooter, Luke Kennard is not the offensive nor defensive playmaker that Grayson Allen has become, but they filled a hole that they created when they acquired Miles Bridges.
The Cubs’ 10 walk-off wins have come in 43 home games, just a bit more than half the home season. That means nearly a quarter of the home wins in 2026 have ended in a pile-up around a Cubs player and an excited crowd at Wrigley Field.
The franchise record for walk-offs in a season is 14, set in 1930. Walk-offs aren’t something you can necessarily predict or shoot for, but there’s a real chance that record is broken this year. The MLB record is 17, set by the Pirates in 1959, and tied by them in 1977.
There have been 13 seasons in the Modern Era (since 1900) when the Cubs have had more than 10 walk-off wins. I thought I’d take a brief stroll through that history on today’s off day, look at each of the years and how the Cubs finished that season, and pick one game from each year that I think was the most memorable.
(A tip o’ the cap to BCB’s JohnW53, who compiled the list of years for me.)
1930: 14 walk-offs
The Cubs nearly won a second straight NL pennant in 1930. They held first place from Aug. 11 to Sept. 12, and won 90 games. They only missed out on the pennant because the Cardinals went 21-4 in September. That resulted in team owner William Wrigley, incensed because the Cubs didn’t win, firing manager Joe McCarthy, a colossal blunder.
All 14 of the walk-offs happened by Aug. 29. In those days teams had long homestands and long road trips and the Cubs played 21 of their last 26 games on the road.
The best of the 14 has to be the game of June 25, a 13-12 win over the Phillies. The Cubs trailed 8-4 going to the bottom of the seventh, but led 12-10 before the Phillies tied it in the top of the ninth. The Cubs got the tying run to third on a dropped pop-up, a sacrifice bunt and a passed ball, and then Gabby Hartnett singled in the game-winner.
1932: 13 walk-offs
This time, the Cubs took first place in the league Aug. 11 and held on to it, winning the pennant by four games.
Again, all the walk-offs were done early, by Sept. 5, mainly because they had another long road trip in September, 18 games.
The best walk-off in ‘32 was one I’ve written about here many times, most recently last November. Here’s how it went down:
Kiki Cuyler pretty much singlehandedly won this game, 10-9 over the Giants in 10 innings. He had five hits in six at-bats. His single in a four-run Cubs ninth tied the game 5-5. The Giants scored four in the top of the 10th, taking a 9-5 lead. In the last of the 10th, after the first two men were out, the Cubs scored two and have two on for Cuyler, who hit a walkoff home run for a 10-9 win, their 12th straight.
In addition to all of that, there was a total eclipse of the sun that day, which, though not 100 percent total in Chicago, did darken the sky somewhat an hour or so before game time. Also, during the game the Cubs batted out of order at one point, but no one noticed, so they got away with it.
Fun times. It was the Cubs’ 12th consecutive win, in a streak that eventually reached 14.
2015: 13 walk-offs
There were lots of fun walk-offs in this 97-win season, but I think the one I remember most was one over Cleveland, in a game rescheduled to Aug. 24 because of an earlier rainout.
The Cubs took a 1-0 lead to the ninth, when Jon Lester ran out of gas and allowed the tying run.
With two out in the bottom of the inning, Kris Bryant launched Zach McAllister’s first pitch into the right-field bleachers for the walk-off 2-1 win. That led to what was termed the “Strop Strut”:
Watch Pedro Strop “strut” the final 60 or so feet home alongside Bryant. Fun times.
1915: 12 walk-offs
Despite all the walk-off wins, the 1915 Cubs, playing in their final season at West Side Grounds, finished 73-80 and in fourth place in the National League.
This is a very long time ago and so I just picked a game that looked fun – 14-13 over the Cardinals on June 24. The Cubs led 7-3 after five, then gave up a five-spot to St. Louis in the sixth. The Cubs led 10-9 going to the ninth, but the Cardinals scored four in the ninth to go up 13-10. The Cubs then matched those four runs, winning the game on a steal of home by Heinie Zimmerman.
1923: 11 walk-offs
Again, this is over a century ago. The team finished fourth, 12.5 games out of first, but had some memorable wins.
On July 26, they trailed the Giants 10-6 going to the bottom of the eighth. A run in that inning made it 10-7, then in the ninth the Cubs had five straight hits – single, single, double, single, single – and the last single scored the fourth run of the inning for an 11-10 win.
1927: 11 walk-offs
Ninety-nine years ago, the Cubs finally returned to contention, nine years after their last pennant. They held first place for much of July and August before fading in September.
The Cubs led that game 4-0 going to the eighth but the Phillies scored five to take the lead. A home run by Earl Webb in that inning tied the game 5-5 and three ninth-inning singles, the last by Webb, won the game.
1931: 11 walk-offs
The Cubs were never really in contention in 1931, finishing third, 17 games out of first place.
In the first game of a doubleheader Sept. 13 against the Braves, the Cubs led 7-5 going to the ninth, when Charlie Root gave up two runs to tie the game. No one scored in the 10th. In the bottom of the 11th, a one-out double was followed by an intentional walk, then a ground out moved the runners up a base. Another intentional pass loaded the bases, and Rogers Hornsby hit a pinch-hit walk-off grand slam for an 11-7 win. It was one of 11 slams Hornsby hit in his career, but the only one as a pinch-hitter.
1936: 11 walk-offs
The Cubs again held first place in ‘36 for much of July and early August, but went 29-31 in August and September to finish second at 87-67, five games behind the pennant-winning Giants.
On May 6, the Cubs trailed the Braves 8-6 going to the bottom of the ninth. RBI hits by Chuck Klein and Frank Demaree tied the game at 8. In the bottom of the 10th a walk and sac bunt was followed by another intentional walk. Augie Galan struck out, but Billy Herman singled in the game-winner and the Cubs won 9-8.
1946: 11 walk-offs
The year after the ‘45 pennant, the Cubs finished third at 82-71, but still gave 1.3 million fans – the largest total since 1930 – some thrills with a lot of walk-off wins.
On June 6, the Cubs led the Giants 6-0 going to the top of the eighth, but allowed a pair of three-run innings in the eighth and ninth and the game was tied. It wound up in extras. No one scored in the 10th or 11th. In the bottom of the 12th with one out, the Cubs loaded the bases on a single, forceout that allowed the runner at first to advance, intentional walk and another single.
Frank Secory, who played three years for the Cubs from 1944-46 and who later served as a National League umpire from 1952-70, pinch-hit for pitcher Hank Wyse. He hit a walk-off grand slam, one of just seven home runs he hit in his MLB career. The Cubs won 10-6.
1967: 11 walk-offs
Now we’re getting into more “modern” times. The Cubs had only one winning season between 1947 and 1966, but suddenly were in contention by mid-1967.
On July 22, the Cubs trailed the Giants 5-3 going to the bottom of the eighth. Randy Hundley’s RBI double in that inning made it 5-4. In the ninth, Billy Williams homered with one out to tie the game and Ron Santo followed with a triple. The Giants intentionally walked the next two hitters to load the bases with one out, and Hundley singled in the game-winner for a 6-5 win.
The Cubs had been tied for first briefly earlier that month, but fell behind the Cardinals. This walk-off win tied them for first again, the first time they’d been in first place that late in the season since 1945. They faded and finished third, but it was still their best season in 22 years.
1969: 11 walk-offs
Much has been written about this star-crossed season, so I’ll just say that the best walk-off win of this year was a game that’s one of the most famous in Cubs history, the Opening Day walk-off home run by Willie Smith that gave the Cubs a 7-6 win and kind of turbocharged that whole summer.
Here it is:
1984: 11 walk-offs
This time, the Cubs did make the postseason (and we won’t talk about that) with a 96-win season, their most wins since 1945.
No question, we have another top walk-off in Cubs history, perhaps the single most famous game in Cubs history, the Sandberg Game.
This season did not end well. With the Cubs five games out of first with 16 left, they went 2-14 (and started 1997 0-14, so… a pretty bad run).
But ‘96 was fun up to mid-September, anyway.
On Opening Day at Wrigley Field, April 1, the Cubs had a 4-3 lead in the eighth but the Padres tied the game off Doug Jones, yet another former Astros reliever who had a bad year with the Cubs.
In the 10th, the Cubs loaded the bases off future Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman on two singles and a walk.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 26: Hurston Waldrep #64 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the fifth inning at Oracle Park on June 26, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves are in position to win their first series since June twentieth as they take on the Cardinals in the finale this evening.
Hurston Waldrep is set to make his second appearance this season and his first start since late September last year. Waldrep was touching speeds upwards of ninety-nine MPH before he got injured in February where loose bodies were discovered in his elbow. Although Waldrep walked four hitters in two innings in his return, the front office has decided to give him the nod today.
If Waldrep can show what he did last season and Reynaldo López can pitch anywhere close to the way he did last night, the Braves are in much better position than they were just a few weeks ago.
Waldrep has never faced the Cardinals, and none of the players on their roster have faced him before either. With no history of matchups this is going to be fun to see the outcome.
Dustin May will be taking the mound tonight, and he is having as much of an up and down season as one could imagine. He currently holds an ERA of 4.30 over fifteen starts and 83.2 innings pitched. On the fifteenth of June, which was two starts ago he pitched a complete game shutout where he allowed one hit, zero walks, and struck out nine against the Padres. However, in his last start where he faced the Royals, he only lasted 2.0 innings where he gave up six hits to include two HRs, six earned runs, and a walk with two strikeouts. May has three starts where he gave up at least six runs and did not last more than four innings but also has seven starts where he gave up two or fewer runs.
May spent six seasons with the Dodgers so it makes sense that Mike Yastrzemski has faced him the most on the Braves. Yastrzemski has fourteen at-bats against him and has a .500 average and 1.206 OPS. It will be shocking if he does not get the start tonight. Kim has seen him eleven times, but let’s be honest, none of that matters with the way Kim is hitting. Outside of that, no one has faced May in more than eight at-bats and most of the Braves have struggled. Riley has a 2.000 OPS with 2 HRs in his five at-bats against May, and Smith has a HR in his three at-bats, but no other starter than the ones mentioned have an OPS above .400 in their small sample sizes.
This game will likely come down to what version we will see of Dustin May and if Hurston Waldrep can limit walks. A win this evening and a strong showing from Waldrep could go a long way to helping the Braves get back on the right track.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 24: Kyle Nicolas #62 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park on April 24, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Nationals and Orioles linked up for a pretty minor trade last night. Paul Toboni acquired the recently DFA’d Kyle Nicolas in exchange for minor league infielder Randal Diaz. However, this trade has deeper significance because it is the first time that the Nats and O’s have ever made a trade together.
For the very first time in their histories, the Nationals and Orioles have made a trade: The Nats have acquired RHP Kyle Nicolas in exchange for INF Randal Diaz.
This is further proof that tensions are thawing between the two beltway rivals. For most of the Nats’ time in DC, the two teams have not had a great relationship, largely due to the contentious MASN deal. Let’s just say that Ted Lerner and Peter Angelos were not exactly best buds.
However, it is a new day now. Both Lerner and Angelos have passed away. Ted’s son Mark now runs the Nats and the O’s were sold to David Rubenstein. There has also finally been a resolution to the MASN debacle. As we know, the Nats are now on MLB TV.
Now that those factors have been ironed out, it makes sense that these teams would trade together, even if this is just a small deal. The O’s and Nats are just two teams making a deal now. While there will always be a rivalry, it is not like these teams are division rivals. Despite being in the same region, they are not city rivals like the Mets or Yankees either.
As the years go by, we should see more trades between these two teams, especially under these two GM’s. Both Paul Toboni and Mike Elias are transaction happy executives. Both love hunting the waiver wire and searching for value, and that is exactly what is happening here.
As we get into the trade itself, the Nats picked up a hard throwing, but erratic reliever in Kyle Nicolas. The 27 year old had a nice year back in 2024, pitching to a sub-4 ERA in 51 outings. Last season, he regressed a bit, posting a 4.74 ERA in 31 outings. However, his control was taking steps in the right direction, with his walk rate at a not great but manageable 10.8%.
After an offseason trade from the Pirates to the Reds, all of Nicolas’ control gains just vanished. He walked a preposterous 31% of hitters, and his control in the minors for both the Reds and O’s was not much better. Now, the Nats are taking a shot on him, hoping to get him back at least near the zone. There is a good thread about some potential solutions to his command crisis.
Kyle Nicolas has several traits I'd bet on: FB velocity, high spin rates, 92nd percentile extension—great ingredients held back by control.
Cincy (and later Baltimore) tried a couple of changes to help him find the zone that are worth exploring.
The control will never be good, but if it can get back to where it was in 2024 and 2025, he can be a solid piece of a bullpen. Nicolas’ stuff is very loud. He has a fastball that averages 97 and can touch triple digits. The righty also has two deadly breaking balls with his curve and slider. Last year, both got whiffs over 45% of the time, with his curve getting a 50% whiff rate.
At just 27 years old, this is a decent dart throw for the Nats. After picking him up, they immediately sent him to AAA. It is clear that Nicolas needs to make some serious tweaks to improve his control, but if he can do that, the righty has proven he can have success in this league.
This is also a solid deal for the O’s. Any time you can get minor league depth for an arm that was DFA’d, you take it. Randal Diaz is also not having a bad season. The 2024 5th rounder had a dreadful pro debut in Low-A, posting an OPS below .600. However, the 23 year old has a .766 OPS with High-A Wilmington this year. He has 5 homers and 13 steals to go with a .253 average.
The Orioles have traded Kyle Nicolas to the Nationals for High-A infielder Randal Diaz.
Diaz, 23, is a career .235 hitter in the minors with a .652 OPS.
The Nats have so many young infielders that Diaz never really had a shot of flourishing here. This move also allows Eli Willits, Ronny Cruz and Angel Feliz to man the infield just about every day in Wilmington. The Nats also needed to find playing time for youngster Jorgelys Mota, who just got activated from the IL.
There really was just not a spot for Diaz, so he was a good candidate to be moved in a minor trade like this. In the first trade between these two teams, Mike Elias and Paul Toboni combined to make a small, but sensible move. The O’s bolstered their minor league infield depth, while the Nats got a high velocity righty they will try to fix.
The Vancouver Canucks have continued to make depth signings after the first day of free-agency, signing 25-year-old forward Matthew Stienburg to a one-year, two-way contract.
Formerly selected in the third-round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, Stienburg spent his collegiate career with Cornell University before making the jump to professional hockey in the 2022–23 season. His most offensively-productive college season came in 2021–22, when he put together 13 goals and 16 assists in 27 games.
After wrapping up his tenure at Cornell, Stienburg played in his first pro game with the Colorado Eagles of the AHL in 2022–23. His first full AHL season came the year after, during which he tallied five goals and eight assists in 54 games.
Stienburg made his NHL debut as a member of the Avalanche on October 16, 2024 against the Boston Bruins. He skated in a total of eight games through the month of October before being sent back to the Eagles after sustaining an injury.
Since then, injuries have resulted in Stienburg playing in a total of 13 games for the Eagles during both the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons. Through that span, he has put together three goals and three assists.
Sep 25, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Kurtis MacDermid (56) celebrates his goal with the bench ahead of right wing Matthew Stienburg (36) in the third period against the Vegas Golden Knights at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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The Los Angeles Lakers have completely revamped the roster ahead of the 2026-27 season, headlining the offseason by signing center Walker Kessler to a four-year, $130 million deal.
Walker Kessler’s contract with the Lakers won’t be as lucrative because of the high income taxes in California. Getty Images
As a state, Utah has a flat individual state income tax rate of 4.45%, meaning there are no income brackets or top marginal rates. Because it’s a flat tax, all taxable income is taxed at the same rate regardless of the total amount and the state does not have any additional local income taxes.
By comparison, California’s notorious top state income tax rate reaches 13.3%; the highest in the nation. The actual rate is 12.3%, but the state also imposes a 1% surcharge for mental health services as well. Add in the 1.2% State Disability Insurance tax California requires everyone to pay, and Kessler is expected to lose 14.5% of his paycheck to California taxes.
California’s notorious top state income tax rate reaches 13.3%; the highest in the nation AP Photo/Anna FuderKessler’s AAV (average annual value) in Los Angeles will be $32.5 million, which means he’ll lose $4.7 million in taxes. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Kessler accepted Los Angeles’ four-year, $130 million contract over the five-year, $140 million offered by the Jazz. While many within the league believe the Lakers massively overpaid a player who has yet to make an All-Star or All-NBA team — his only accolade is being named first-team all-rookie — it turns our Kessler’s actual take home will be less than what he would’ve received in Utah.
Kessler’s AAV (average annual value) in Los Angeles will be $32.5 million, which means he’ll lose $4.7 million in taxes in California, making his take home amount $27.8 million per season. Over the course of his four-year contract, Kessler is expected to lose $18.8 million and bring home $111.2 million.
If Kessler had stayed in Utah on that deal, his AAV would’ve been $28 million per season. He would’ve lost $1.3 million in taxes every season, making his take home amount $26.7 million. Over the course of his five-year contract, Kessler was expected to lose $6.5 million and bring home $133.5 million.
That means the price of playing alongside Luka Dončić is going to cost Kessler $22.3 million over the course of his contract.
With LeBron James officially moving on, the Lakers will build their roster around Luka Dončić. Getty Images
This would directly conflict with reports that Kessler rejected the Jazz’s offer because he wanted more money. There were, however, other reports that the center was frustrated with Utah and the handling of his contract.
The strained relationship likely opened the door for the Lakers to trade for Kessler and ultimately sign him to the four-year deal. This summer marks a new era for the purple and gold.
Tonight, my MLB strikeout props are looking to back steady, consistent arms while fading a few of the game’s more vulnerable starters.
Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi looks to get our weekend started, so here are my favorite MLB player props for Thursday, July 2.
Best MLB strikeout props and starting pitcher picks today
Player
Pick
Odds
Nathan Eovaldi
Over 6.5 strikeouts
-121
Bryce Miller
Over 7.5 strikeouts
+121
Randy Vasquez
Over 3.5 earned runs
+115
Strikeout prop: Nathan Eovaldi Over 6.5 strikeouts (-121)
As I mentioned in my moneyline predictions piece today, I think this is a letdown spot for the Detroit Tigers after coming off a solid series against the walking corpse we refer to as the New York Yankees. They now draw a red-hot Texas Rangers team led by Nathan Eovaldi, who has been striking out hitters at a very high rate.
On the other side, the Tigers have not been striking out a ton, but this is still one of the most inconsistent offenses in baseball. Over their last 60 plate appearances against right handed pitching, six bats own at least a 23.3% strikeout rate. Three of those six bats are 30% or worse.
With Eovaldi owning a strikeout rate above 30% over his last three outings, I expect that success to continue tonight. Take this down to -130 if you must.
Time: 8:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: RSN, DSN
Strikeout prop: Bryce Miller Over 7.5 strikeouts (+121)
Seattle Mariners right hander Bryce Miller has been on a tear lately, posting a near 40% strikeout rate over his last five outings. Tonight, he draws one of the most swing-happy, lowest contact teams in baseball in the Los Angeles Angels.
The Halos have been one of the worst strikeout teams in the league this season, sitting second-worst in strikeout rate and swinging strike rate, while also ranking third-worst in contact rate.
Those numbers have held steady on the road. Over their last 60 plate appearances against right handed pitching, six hitters carry at least a 23.3% strikeout rate, with three north of 25.4%.
Snagging this prop above +120 feels like a strong price.
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SEAM, ABTV
Earned runs prop: Randy Vasquez Over 3.5 earned runs (+115)
Sure, asking any team to go off for four runs in the first five is a lot, but most teams are not the Los Angeles Dodgers. Plus, most teams are not facing a right hander who owns a 10.03 ERA, 7.80 xERA, and 2.40 WHIP over Randy Vasquez's last three starts.
Even going back to his last five outings, the Padres starter has a 7.59 xERA and 2.13 WHIP, while allowing a 50% hard-hit rate and nearly a 15% barrel rate.
The Dodgers are scorching-hot at the moment, despite falling to the Athletics last night. Over their last 12 games, they have posted a 131 wRC+, .382 wOBA, .807 OPS, and .167 ISO.
I am already a massive fan of Shohei Ohtani and Max Muncy this evening, so why not give me the rest of that lineup?
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MLBN
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 251-481, -20.2 units
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: Mikel Brown Jr. poses for a photo after being drafted by the Brooklyn Nets during the 2026 NBA Draft - Round One on June 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by NBA Photos/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Summer League has become a particularly special time of year for Nets fans over the past two seasons. Last summer, Brooklyn’s 2025 No. 8 pick, Egor Dёmin, headlined a roster packed with rookies. This year, No. 6 overall pick Mikel Brown Jr. leads a squad with even more young pieces to get excited about.
The action kicks off against Sacramento and Darius Acuff Jr., whom the Nets passed on in the lottery. It’s a matchup that’s already fueling heavy debate across sports talk shows. It’s all in fun and they’re all exhibition games. Enjoy!
Full Schedule & TV Info
Date
Matchup
Time (ET)
Broadcast / Streaming Platform
Sat, July 4
Sacramento vs. Brooklyn
5:00 PM
Gotham Sports App
Sun, July 5
Milwaukee vs. Brooklyn
3:00 PM
Gotham Sports App
Mon, July 6
Golden State vs. Brooklyn
8:00 PM
Gotham Sports App
Fri, July 10
New York vs. Brooklyn
6:00 PM
Gotham Sports App
Sat, July 11
Atlanta vs. Brooklyn
8:00 PM
Gotham Sports App
Tue, July 14
Sacramento vs. Brooklyn
6:00 PM
YES Network & Gotham Sports App
Thu, July 16
Houston vs. Brooklyn
4:30 PM
YES Network & Gotham Sports App
Full Roster
#
NAME
POS
HT
WT
DOB
COLLEGE/PRIOR
EXP
34
Tyler Bilodeau
F
6’7”
227
04/17/04
UCLA
R
42
Duke Brennan
C
6’9”
259
04/06/03
Villanova
R
0
Mikel Brown Jr.
G
6’4”
190
04/03/06
Louisville
R
33
Dion Brown
G
6’3”
180
05/26/03
Saint Louis
R
44
Dain Dainja
F
6’9”
255
07/16/02
Sioux Falls Skyforce
R
8
Egor Dёmin
G
6’9”
212
03/03/06
Brooklyn Nets
1
12
Ben Humrichous
F
6’7”
227
07/28/02
Illinois
R
31
Chaney Johnson
F/C
6’7”
240
06/20/02
Brooklyn Nets
1
26
Dwight Murray Jr.
G
6’0”
181
01/31/00
College Park Skyhawks
R
16
Grant Nelson
F/C
6’11”
230
03/18/02
Brooklyn Nets
1
4
Drake Powell
G
6’6”
211
09/08/05
Brooklyn Nets
1
55
Hunter Sallis
G
6’4”
187
03/26/03
San Diego Clippers
1
77
Ben Saraf
G
6’6”
210
04/14/06
Brooklyn Nets
1
10
Aaron Scott
F
6’7”
200
07/11/03
Maine Celtics
R
7
John Ukomadu
F
6’5”
208
10/30/01
Motor City Cruise
R
2
Danny Wolf
F
6’11”
260
05/05/04
Brooklyn Nets
1
Drake Powell missed last year’s Summer League so he’ll be making his debut in this area. On the flip, Nolan Traore is out after the Nets announced the Frenchman had a scope on his knee.
KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 30: Kansas City Royals general manager J.J. Picollo before the Royals home opener against the Minnesota Twins on March 30, 2026 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Pick a negative adjective and you can apply it to the 2026 Kansas City Royals. They’re awful. Terrible. Boring. Gutless. Embarrassing. They fail to do the big things, like scoring runs and preventing the other team from doing the same. They also fail to do the small things, like running the bases without making outs and avoiding crucial defensive errors when it matters most.
If that sounds too harsh, well, I promise you that it’s just what the statistics and the eye test bear out. At 35-52, the Royals are on pace for just 65 wins. They have the worst record in the American League and the worst run differential in the American League; only the shambling corpse of the Colorado Rockies saves Kansas City from being the worst team with the worst run differential in the entirety of Major League Baseball.
Compounding these problems is the weight of expectations, as the Royals entered the season as contenders. The club itself had its sights set on making the playoffs one year after winning 82 games, two years after winning 86 and squeaking into the postseason. Pundits and fans expected good things, and so did the emotionless computers: PECOTA thought the Royals were an 84-win team, and ZiPS thought that the Royals would run it back as an 82-win team.
Kansas City’s response at each of the low points in the year has been to do nothing. A little over a month ago, I wrote that Royals leadership was asleep at the wheel. Despite a wide variety of potential moves available to them, they had chosen to do nothing–only eventually making the most cursory of changes to the lineup out of necessity. Since that point, the Royals have gone 13-18, further sliding down the slippery slope towards oblivion.
Except for the Royals, oblivion has not come. There has been no reckoning even as teams in similarly dire straights made changes. Most recently, the New York Mets fired their manager, Carlos Mendoza, after a 34-48 start. On the same day, the Los Angeles Angels fired their general manager, Perry Minasian, after a 34-49 start. They’re not the only ones, of course; others have paid a price for failing to meet expectations this year.
But not for the Royals. And on the first game of the homestand, we got another look into the reason why: they just don’t hold themselves to the standard that other teams hold themselves to. These few sentences of JJ Picollo’s interview provide some clear insight into that fact (emphasis mine):
“I know what this group is about,” Picollo said. “I know how they work. They’re very curious. They want answers. They want to try to find solutions to the questions we have. I know they’re prepared every day. And that’s all we can ask. At the end of the year, you take a look and say, ‘Is this really moving in the direction we want to go?’
“But right now, just keep having conversations with them, share what we’re seeing as a front office. Let them share concerns they have with us, so together we can be part of the answers with each other.”
A few caveats before digging in: Picollo here is talking about the coaching staff specifically, not the front office or the players. Additionally, there is a grain of salt you have to apply to these interviews: this is a PR play, and Picollo is not going to throw anybody under the bus publicly.
But with that out of the way…yikes!
Sports is simple: it’s entertainment. More winning, more entertainment. Less winning, less entertainment. And at the core is a social contract where if teams try hard to win games, fans will show up. If teams don’t try hard to win games, or if they’re really bad at it, fans stop showing up. Losing, therefore, is a very important part of the feedback loop because it ought to prompt teams to change things so they don’t lose fans.
For whatever reason, though, that part of the feedback loop is gone and is nowhere to be found. Losing just doesn’t stick. It isn’t a strong enough signal. It’s not even a signal that matters–to Picollo, what matters is effort. Are the Royals decision makers trying really hard? Are they curious? Are they prepared? He says it verbatim: “that’s all we can ask.”
That’s all we can ask? Really? I don’t know about any of you, but I don’t decide what to do with my evenings based on how hard any group of people tries or not. I decide based on how much joy any given activity gives me. Right now, the Royals give me, a person who spends who knows how many hours every year writing and thinking about them, no joy.
I don’t know what’s going on behind closed doors. But it doesn’t really matter what’s going on behind closed doors. Right now, it’s about the product on the field–which, objectively, sucks. Right now, it’s about what the Royals are doing about it–which, objectively, is nothing. Kansas City is trying to sell togetherness and solidarity when fans want competent baseball. The Royals should be asking more of themselves than trying really hard. They can ask more. They should ask more. The fans certainly are.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 26: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Four of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Since I’ve had the pleasure of covering games and being around the team for this illustrious blog, I’ve felt proud in my ability to divorce myself from the fandom of the team I grew up with. It’s been easier than I thought it would be to leave those feelings at the door, and that’s only gotten easier over the course of five seasons.
The Sixers trading for Jaylen Brown somehow invoked an extremely negative response that can only be attributed to an irrational fan. The more time that’s passed since Shams Charania broke the news, I’ve come back to Earth a bit, but the vibes of this trade reeks to me in a way I haven’t been able to get over.
Let’s start with why this thought process feels irrational. Brown is a much better basketball player than Paul George at this stage of their careers. That’s before even factoring in George having one of the least appetizing contracts in the league.
Brown solves the most immediate issue for the Sixers’ roster. He isn’t just a star that can carry the team through the slog of an 82-game season, but he’s proved to be one of the most durable stars in doing so. It’s been flat out difficult to parse through the draft compensation the Sixers are sending to Boston in this deal, but the protections are a lot better than just giving the 2028 LA Clippers unprotected pick to the Celtics.
So, why don’t I like this trade?
The biggest reason might be straight up cowardice. The Sixers have had transactions where it’s looked like they’ve pulled one over on the Celtics, only for it to turn into an abject disaster. Stealing Al Horford away killed a season of Joel Embiid’s prime, and nearly cost the Sixers their shot at VJ Edgecombe in the process of unloading his contract.
Markelle Fultz was a slam dunk No. 1 overall pick in a loaded draft class, and the Sixers only had to cough up one extra middle-of-the-first-round pick to get him. Nine years later, Fultz’s NBA career looks over while Jayson Tatum racks up All-NBA team appearance after appearance.
Now, the Sixers have acquired Brown when his trade value was reportedly reaching a low point. It’s honestly great process for Mike Gansey and company to jump on this opportunity, but the fact that it’s a deal with the Celtics has me waiting for the other shoe to drop. I can’t help but feel the Celtics are cooking up something diabolical for next summer using George’s expiring contract, but we’ll just have to wait and see.
A big reason for this feeling is the fact that it was the Sixers that caused this Celtics tailspin in the first place. Their comeback from a 3-1 series deficit had Brad Stevens saying the team needs major changes while Brown was rushing to Twitch to defend his performance in that series. Now it feels harder to laugh at the situation with Brown a big part of this Sixers roster.
If it was any other team that made this trade with the Celtics, my gut reaction would probably be that they got fleeced, but I can’t get this boogeyman feeling out of my head. It’s exacerbated my concerns about Brown as a star-level player, also to an irrational degree.
For as bad as George’s contract is, he looked really good in that Boston series. The caveat that he had much less of a burden to carry is necessary, but George outplaying Brown for prolonged stretches is a big reason why the Sixers pulled off that comeback.
Speaking of contracts, another thing that gave me pause was the idea of giving Brown an extension. George may be one of the most overpaid players in the league, but that deal comes off the books in two years. Even being a younger, better player, Brown’s current contract is looked at as a team-building constraint by many under this current CBA. It sucks for Brown and many other players of his caliber, but the maximum contracts are harder and harder to justify giving out to a non-top-five player in the league.
That’s harsh to a guy like Brown, who is a perennial All-NBA candidate himself. To slow things down a little, Brown is under contract through the 2028-29 season. The Sixers don’t need to be in any rush to hand him a new deal. Whether they do so will have a big impact on if I still feel this negatively about this trade.
Your appetite for this trade probably varies a lot on what you think the Sixers timeline is or should be. I’m personally of the mind that their best path forward is waiting for VJ Edgecombe to age into his prime and wait for bad money to come off the books.
Because I prefer the longer-term approach, this trade reminds me a lot of the Sixers trade for Jimmy Butler in 2018 — in good ways and bad. That trade drastically accelerated the windows of Embiid and Ben Simmons, throwing them into the fires of immediate title contention in just their second trip to the playoffs. At the same time, Butler fit so well with Embiid they nearly beat the team that would eventually win the Finals that year.
With Tyrese Maxey currently in his prime, this Sixers team might be better equipped to absorb a star like Brown and go for it again. If Embiid is correct in the confidence he had in his left knee after this past season ended, they’ll really be cooking with gas.
Embiid’s health will always be a huge if though, too uncertain for me to make any big short-term risks at the moment. I’m probably overthinking this. Even as each hour since the trade has been broken, I feel I’ve come back to Earth on this more and more. Besides, the only people who seem to dislike this trade more than me are Celtics fans.
Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Yankees host the Twins at Yankee Stadium for a three-game series starting Friday...
5 things to watch
Snapping the losing streak
New York enters Friday's series on a seven-game losing streak and 3.5 games behind Tampa Bay for first place in the AL East.
Luckily for them, they own the Twins.
Over their last 10 meetings, the Yankees are 8-2 and have outscored the Twins, 63-39. If there was a time to snap the streak, this would be the weekend to do it.
Will Gerrit Cole get back on track?
Cole is still trying to round into form since returning from Tommy John surgery, but he has had some tough times recently.
In his last two starts, he's allowed nine earned runs across 9.2 innings pitched. His ERA has ballooned to 4.06 and perhaps a little home cooking will do Cole good. Those previous two starts were on the road and in his last home start -- against the White Sox on June 16 -- he allowed two runs in 6.0 innings pitched.
As the Yankees wait for Max Fried to return, and with the starters scuffling a bit, New York needs Cole.
Is Ben Rice back?
Rice was in an 0-for-18 slump when he hit a home run off Tarik Skubal on Tuesday night. Although that was the only hit for him, he followed it up with a 1-for-3 day in the series finale against the Tigers on Wednesday. He also walked twice.
Jun 21, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) hits a solo home run in the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium. / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Rice is still one of the best Yankees hitters this season, batting .269 with a .921 OPS to go with his 23 home runs. With Aaron Judge still on the mend, he'll need to carry the bulk of the offensive load.
But he shouldn't do it alone...
Cody Bellinger, on the other hand....
Bellinger is in the midst of a 5-for-46 slump.
The former MVP is still having a great season and is a big reason -- along with Rice -- that the Yankees got off to a hot start in June with Judge on the IL. Luckily for Bellinger, the Twins will trot out three right-handers (Mike Paredes, Zebby Matthews, Joe Ryan) this weekend, so it could be the get-right series the struggling lefty Yankees are looking for.
Reinforcements on the way
Trent Grisham and Ryan McMahon are expected to be activated from the IL on Friday. While Grisham's bat could help during this stretch, what both provide defensively is key. During this losing streak, the Yanks have committed nine errors and allowed 16 unearned runs. A big part of that is having players play out of position -- mostly at third base -- and McMahon's Gold Glove-caliber defense will help. The same goes with Grisham in center field, allowing Bellinger and Jasson Dominguez/Spencer Jones to man the corners.
That allows Jose Caballero and Amed Rosario to play in position and -- in the case of Rosario -- be used off the bench. We'll see if Grisham and McMahon fix those defensive lapses.
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Ben Rice
The young slugger is starting to look like himself. That continues.
Which Yankees pitcher will have the best start?
Gerrit Cole
Cole will be rested and pitching at home will do him good.
Which Twins player will be a thorn in the Yankees' side?
Royce Lewis
I would say Byron Buxton, but the All-Star outfielder is dealing with a hip injury so his status for this series is uncertain. Since Lewis was recalled on June 6, he's batting .279 with five home runs.
It's officially over: the Philadelphia Flyers aren't signing John Carlson, or any of the other big fish in NHL free agency this year.
That isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, at this point in time.
Carlson, 36, signed a two-year, $17 million ($8.5 million AAV) deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, taking him off the market for the Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes, and other playoff hopefuls around the NHL.
Even though the Flyers needed Carlson's services to improve the dreadful power play, they would be best suited giving those minutes to younger players with the potential to develop that kind of impact.
This is especially important, seeing that the Flyers have regularly failed to recruit elite talent to their cause over the course of this rebuild to date.
The one prospect who will undoubtedly benefit the most from the Flyers' miss on Carlson is defenseman David Jiricek, who was acquired from the Minnesota Wild for Bobby Brink at the NHL trade deadline.
Jiricek, 22, has all the makings of a future NHL power play quarterback with his poise, creativity, vision, and booming shot. His defending, decision-making, and mobility all need to come along, but the Flyers went out of their way to trade for him knowing that.
The 2022 No. 6 overall pick will need to pass through waivers to be assigned to the AHL by the Flyers next season, which effectively guarantees him an NHL roster spot to start the year.
By getting regular high-leverage minutes at the NHL level, Jiricek will continue to hone his hockey brain and defending, learning his opponents' tendencies and better understanding himself, his strengths, and his weaknesses.
"He proved that he's ready for the next level. For him, it's gonna be a battle for ice time. It's going to be up to him. Big summer for him. Yeah, he needs waivers. We're aware of that, and he's going to get a good look, and we hope that he's ready for it. We feel he's ready for it, but he's going to have to show it on the ice," Flyers general manager Danny Briere said of Jiricek in a recent Q&A with The Hockey News. "We know the offense is there, the big shot is there, the size is there, and that's just for him to round out his game, where he becomes a player that the coaches trust every night."
Now that the Flyers won't be getting Carlson, they are likely to pivot and sign former captain Claude Giroux, which would undoubtedly give Jiricek's ability to produce at even strength and on the power play a big boost.
Other decisions the team has made, like re-signing Dan Vladar and Christian Dvorak, say otherwise, but it is objectively the right choice for the Flyers to continue prioritizing the development of their young players over results.
In the long run, the Flyers may be better off missing out on John Carlson.
Nathan Eovaldi
Bryce Miller
Randy Vasquez
