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Revisiting the Chris Kreider Trade to the Anaheim Ducks One Year Later

Perception around and within the Anaheim Ducks organization is far different from what it was a year ago today. The Ducks were a month removed from hiring Joel Quenneville as their next head coach, two months from taking a 21-point jump in the standings from the year prior, and had declared a mandate to qualify for the 2026 NHL Playoffs. 

In his first roster move of the offseason, general manager Pat Verbeek made a trade with a familiar dance partner, the New York Rangers, and acquired forward Chris Kreider (35) along with a 2025 fourth-round pick (Elijah Neuenschwander) in exchange for prospect Carey Terrance (21) and a third-round pick (Artyom Gonchar).

Anaheim Ducks Rumor Roundup: 6/13/26

How the Anaheim Ducks can Become a Destination for Star Players

Kreider had two years remaining on his contract, which carried an AAV of $6.5 million. If one were to evaluate this trade from a certain point of view, it could be seen as the Ducks parting with a third-tier prospect and moving down 15 spots in the draft to sign Chris Kreider to a two-year contract, which would have been decent value given the NHL’s increasing salary cap landscape and the projected cap space the Ducks had to work with. 

Coming off an injury-riddled season in 2024-25, where he produced just 30 points (22-8=30) in 68 games, Kreider waived his 15-team NTC to facilitate the trade to the Ducks. 

The Ducks selected Terrance in the second round (59th overall in 2023) three years ago, and though his defensive upside remains, his potential ceiling is likely that of a fourth-line forward. He was just under a point-per-game player in the two years following his draft year in the OHL, playing for the Erie Otters, but struggled to produce in his first professional season, scoring 17 points (8-9=17) in 68 games. 

Gonchar and Neuenschander are still too raw and nearly removed from their draft to evaluate completely, but both are long shots to have long NHL careers at this point in time. 

Kreider started his Ducks tenure white hot, scoring ten goals in his first 13 games of the season and 21 points (13-8=21) in his first 25. He made an immediate impact on Anaheim’s top line, where he’d remain for the majority of the season and playoffs, alongside Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry. During that stretch, he was especially beneficial below the dots in the offensive zone and at the net front, offering the Ducks a strength in an area they’ve lacked in recent memory. 

As the months progressed through the season, his potency dissipated somewhat, and he finished the season with 50 points (22-28=50) in 75 games while playing a top-six role for the duration of the campaign. 

The Ducks qualified for the playoffs for the first time in eight years and advanced to the second round for the first time in nine, with Kreider playing a part in that success. He finished the playoffs with seven points (2-5=7) in 12 games; five in the first round vs the Edmonton Oilers and two in the second vs the Vegas Golden Knights. 

Kreider brought with him, from the blaring media light of the New York Rangers, a humor and lightheartedness that was blended with a veteran professionalism. He commanded respect, but was willing to be playful with teammates and the media. 

He will enter his 35-year-old season in 2026-27, and with any player in their mid-thirties, his impact will be determined by his ability to fend off Father Time as best he can. The hope is that the younger roster pieces on Anaheim’s depth chart will be able to slot into roles higher in the lineup with more consistency, taking some of that burden off of Kreider’s plate. 

The Ducks made the second round in the 2026 Playoffs and will be expecting to return to or eclipse that level in 2026-27. Throughout his 15-year NHL career, Kreider’s been more than willing to get to the hard areas of the ice and is 42 games from reaching the 1000-game milestone. He’s played 135 playoff games in 11 years on top of that total. 

If Kreider can notch another 40-50 points in 2026-27, from a lower-profile spot in the lineup and turn in a more productive postseason, the trade to acquire him in 2025 will prove to be an undeniable win for Anaheim. A lot of evaluation regarding this trade will be determined in year two of Kreider’s presence in Anaheim, when expectations have risen, and the team is projected to threaten the $104 million salary cap ceiling for the first time in a long time.

The Anaheim Ducks’ 2025-26 Starting XI

Gulls Looking For New Head Coach After McIlvane Departure

Offseason Preview: Anaheim Ducks Trade Partners/Targets, Pacific Division

Anaheim Ducks Offseason Rumor Roundup: 6/6/26

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Game 72: Cardinals at Twins

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 12: A detail view of the MLB Debut patch worn by Blaze Jordan #33 of the St. Louis Cardinals in his debut game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on June 12, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

(The below is Brandon’s post. It was somehow incorrectly posted as weeks ago, so I’m copying it here)

First Pitch: 1:10 pm CDT
TV: Twins.TV
Radio: TIBN / WCCO 830 / The Wolf 102.9 FM / Audacy

After years of going “well, that looks fun,” and keeping up with the PC scene on the outside looking in, I finally broke down and bought my first-ever desktop computer this week, which has come with two immediate benefits. One, the already-significant purchase meant that I felt justified in adding a peripheral into the mix, which means you’re reading this from the comfort of my new Keychron keyboard. The other is that Balatro runs a little bit faster.

I bring this to your attention because I’m assuming that the newfound comfort with which I am, shall we say, strokin’ keys, has no doubt translated onto your screens and is making for a significantly more enjoyable readership experience. Basically, you ARE welcome, and you didn’t have to say all that.

Tonight, the Twins continue their interleague series with the St. Louis Cardinals, one of baseball’s reddest, birdest teams. (You can tell from the logo. And the name!) Despite sort of rebuilding, and asserting their intention to deal away rental pieces next month, the second-place Redbirds are the owners of a 37-29 record which puts them four back of the Brewers and atop the National League Wild Card standings by a full game over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

It’s Connor Prielipp, and it’s also Matthew Liberatore. How is that possible? I guess we’re gonna find out. I didn’t think there could be two pitchers in the same game. I’ll have to read up on that.

GO TWINS GO!

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Avalanche Draft Pick May Be Closer Than Expected After Impressive Development Year

Some prospects announce themselves with gaudy point totals. Linus Funck spent his first season in North America proving he could become the kind of defenseman coaches trust.

That's exactly what the Colorado Avalanche were hoping to see when they selected the Swedish blueliner in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Draft.

Funck was never viewed as an instant-impact prospect. He arrived with NHL size, strong defensive instincts and a mature hockey IQ, but the expectation was always that his development would take time. His first season with the OHL's London Knights did nothing to change that outlook.

The 6-foot-3 right-shot defenseman appeared in 65 regular season games, recording four goals and 18 assists for 22 points. Those are encouraging numbers for a defenseman still learning the North American game, especially one whose value extends far beyond the scoresheet.

Funck isn't asked to drive offense. His job is to close gaps quickly, separate opponents from the puck, disrupt passing lanes and make the smart first pass that turns defense into transition. Those details rarely generate headlines, but they're often what determine whether a prospect eventually earns NHL minutes.

Like most European players making the jump overseas, there was an adjustment period. Funck flashed confidence early, looking comfortable with the puck and contributing offensively while adapting to a faster, more physical style of play. As the season progressed and opponents became more familiar with him, the production leveled off, but his overall game never did.

Night after night, he continued to play the same composed, dependable style that earned him regular minutes on one of the OHL's premier teams. For a young defenseman leaving home and adapting to a new country and playing surface, it was impressive on the surface.

The next phase of his development is easy to point out. 

At 6-foot-3 and roughly 190 pounds, Funck has the height NHL teams covet, but there's still room to add strength. More muscle should make him even more effective in board battles, net-front coverage and the physical battles that define professional hockey.

The Avalanche have already seen how a dedicated offseason can accelerate a prospect's development. Seventh-round pick Christian Humphreys spent part of last summer working with renowned strength and conditioning coach Lorne Goldberg before arriving at training camp noticeably stronger and more explosive. He carried that momentum into a standout season with the Kitchener Rangers, helping lead the club to its first Memorial Cup championship in more than two decades.

Funck could benefit from a similar approach. Whether it's with Goldberg or another elite strength coach, adding functional strength while maintaining his mobility could unlock another level in his game.

That's where the offensive upside becomes intriguing. With greater confidence and a stronger frame, Funck should feel more comfortable joining the rush, holding pucks under pressure and trusting his instincts in transition without sacrificing the defensive reliability that already defines his game.

For an Avalanche organization that doesn't boast much prospect depth, this is a promising development. 

Funck didn't need a breakout season to validate his potential. He needed experience, consistency and proof that his defensive foundation could translate to North American hockey.

He accomplished all three, giving Colorado another reason to believe its patient approach may eventually pay off.

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James Harden released from jail in Houston following arrest on misdemeanor gun charge

James Harden has been released from jail in Houston after being arrested in the city on a misdemeanor gun charge.

Harden was arrested for allegedly carrying an unconcealed weapon in his car, according to Harris County records viewed by the Houston Chronicle.

Harden was driving a car with a group of other cars when one of them — not Harden's — was pulled over by Houston police at 3:40 a.m. Harden pulled up behind the police and the other vehicle, and while interacting with police, one officer noticed Harden had a gun in the cupholder of his car, according to the police report. Harden allegedly confirmed the gun was his, which led to his arrest and booking.

Harden is due to appear in court on June 22. He was released from jail on a bond.

While it is legal to openly carry handguns in Texas without a permit, those weapons must be in a shoulder or belt holster at all times.

Harden, a 17-year NBA veteran, played eight seasons — his peak seasons statistically — in Houston and has close ties to the city. He spends much of his offseason there every year.

Harden was traded from the LA Clippers to Cleveland in the middle of this past season and is expected to sign an extension with the Cavaliers this offseason. Between the Clippers and Cavs last season, he averaged 23.6 points and 8 assists per game and shot 37.5% from 3-point range. He is a future Hall of Famer, the 2018 MVP, an 11-time All-Star, an eight-time All-NBA, and a three-time league scoring champion.

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48 minutes from a title, Knicks fans are running out of ways to protect their hearts

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 10: New York Knicks fans celebrate winning Game 4 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, on June 10, 2026 in New York City. Madison Square Garden canceled its planned Game 4 watch party outside the arena after New York Knicks owner Jim Dolan criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch over security requirements for the event. (Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images) | Getty Images

5,242 days.

That’s how long it’s been since a major 4 pro sports New York team played for a championship, when the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots on February 5, 2012, winning Super Bowl XLVI.

Since then, the Yankees, Mets, and Rangers have all advanced to their respective championship series, but all won just a single game.

11,679 days.

That’s how many days it’s been since the New York Knicks woke up with a chance to win a championship. That was June 22, 1994. Game 7 of the 1994 NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets. They had two cracks at it, losing Game 6 after John Starks had a pull-up 3 to win it and losing Game 7 by six in Houston.

19,392 days.

That’s how long it’s been since the Knicks were champions of the world. Game 5 of the 1973 NBA Finals. A 102-93 win in Los Angeles against the Lakers. At that time, the Knicks had won two of the last four titles, played in three of the last four Finals, and six of the 27 in league history. It would be unfathomable, at this point, to imagine that this historic franchise would go another 53 years without tasting victory champagne.

But we all know that’s what happened. Despite the promise and grit of the 1990s, tonight will be just the third time in the last 53 years that the Knicks are one win away from a title, and unlike in 1994, they aren’t staring down the barrel of only road games remaining.

Even if the Spurs show some life and force a Game 6 back in New York, it’ll be the first time since Game 7 back in 1970 that the Knicks will have a chance to clinch a championship at home. As things stand, the Knicks are -500 to win the series on FanDuel, but +172 to close it out tonight as 5.5-point underdogs.

It’s almost too close. For a franchise that has constantly waited for the other shoe to drop, it’s a surreal feeling.

Is it really happening? It’s too good to be true. Everything that’s happened in this playoff run has been a degree of impossible to improbable that makes you shed the feeling of existential dread and really makes you believe this is something different.

The history doesn’t matter to this current group. Even if the Spurs put a scare into them by winning Game 5 and maybe even Game 6, the ghosts of past disappointments seem not to affect them.

You’re close enough that, for the first time, you can start to visualize what a championship would be.

The immediate euphoria. The trophy presentation. The visual of the team we’ve spent now 101 games watching throughout the longest playoff run in over 30 years, lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy. The celebration in the streets of New York. The parade down the Canyon of Heroes. The feeling that, for the first time ever, all the energy you’ve put into supporting this team is finally paying off.

Maybe you can’t visualize it yet. Maybe the pain of the past has you not able to accept what appears to be inevitable until the final buzzer sounds. But that’s what this run has been about.

It’s been about erasing the generational trauma that five decades of Knicks fans have suffered from. The times of never being good enough, never being able to visualize what it would feel like to celebrate the ultimate euphoria that team after team had experienced.

“When will it be my turn?”

Our turn could be coming as soon as later tonight. It’s so hard not to get ahead of yourself, knowing that the Spurs are far from dead and buried, but the simple fact is this.

You only need to be the better team for another 48 minutes.

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Rangers add Ross, option Curvelo

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 18: Pitcher Joe Ross #16 of the Arizona Diamondbacks poses for a portrait during photo day at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 18, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Texas Rangers have purchased the contract of pitcher Joe Ross from AAA Round Rock, the team announced today. To make room for Ross on the active roster, the Rangers optioned Luis Curvelo to AAA Round Rock. To make room for Ross on the 40 man roster, the Rangers have designated pitcher Michel Otanez for assignment.

The Rangers are in a lengthy stretch of games, and after Luis Curvelo’s one inning, three run outing last night, the Rangers apparently decided that he needed to be replaced by a fresh arm. Thus, we have the addition of veteran righthander Joe Ross.

Ross, 33, is the brother of Tyson Ross, who you may remember pitched for the Rangers in their 2017 season. Ross started the season in the majors with the Arizona Diamondbacks, was designated for assignment, cleared waivers, and ended up pitching for their AAA team for a while. He was released in mid-May and signed with the Rangers, who sent him to Round Rock. After allowing three runs in his first outing of 1.2 IP for Round Rock and a run in his second outing, Ross has had five straight scoreless appearances, totaling 8.2 IP, with six strikeouts against no walks.

Curvelo getting sent down was not surprising, though I thought he might be sent down to make room for Alejandro Osuna, if Corey Seager and/or Evan Carter were too banged up to go today, but not so much so that an injured list move was necessary. Osuna left yesterday’s Round Rock game in the fifth inning, presumably due to Carter having to leave the Rangers game yesterday after hurting his oblique.

As for Otanez, he was claimed on waivers over the winter, and managed to outlast several other 40 man roster members, but the axe finally swung for him. He’s not pitched well at Round Rock, with 37 Ks against 25 walks in 26.1 IP over 25 games, and a 6.15 ERA. The Rangers will now have to trade, waive or release him.

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Dodgers on Deck: Sunday, June 14 at White Sox

Jun 12, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker (23) scores against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Dodgers finished off their road trip with one more game against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday afternoon at Rate Field, perhaps during time for brunch back in California.

Emmet Sheehan starts the series finale for the Dodgers, with right-hander Erick Fedde on the mound for Chicago.

Sunday game info

  • Teams: Dodgers at White Sox
  • Ballpark: Rate Field, Chicago
  • Time: 11:10 a.m. PT
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)
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Senators Reveal Their First-Round Draft Approach After NHL Sends Them To The Back Of The Line

At the NHL Draft, you never mind picking 32nd overall, because it usually means you just won the Stanley Cup. But this year, that selection didn't come with a prize; just penance.

The Senators will pick at 32, dead last overall, as their punishment for a messed-up trade from five years ago. And since the NHL's original ruling was no pick at all in Round 1, the Sens aren't complaining.

Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss more on the idea of signing UFA Viktor Arvidsson.

Without the league's change of heart, it would have been a pretty dull first day at the draft for the mighty Sens. Their first pick would have been the coveted 72nd overall selection, which is the pick they got from Florida in the 2024 Vladimir Tarasenko deal.

What also makes the Senators' first-round pick unique is that they're allowed to trade it. Commissioner Gary Bettman still wanted to set an example, and set it the way an elementary school teacher might handle a student who was causing trouble.

Back of the line, kid, and stay there.

So as their time to pick approaches in Buffalo on June 26, there will be no trades, no drama. They will absolutely choose someone at 32.

Senators head amateur scout Don Boyd, who's making a list and checking it twice, talked about his scouting team's preparation this week on TSN 1200 radio.

"We build our list with the idea that these players are going to go in this order, or that we would have them in this order if we were making every pick one to 32," Boyd said. "Other teams will make decisions for us. There may be somebody else outside of our 32 that jumps ahead of our pick, and then we have our list that we can react to that.

"If we were in a position where we could trade the pick... we would still build our list the same way."

No two teams will have the same draft list, so the Senators will almost certainly come away with a player they currently have ranked somewhere in the mid-to-high 20s.

Boyd figures that at least five prospects who they have ranked higher than 32 may be available to them. Or to put it another way, roughly five other teams are expected to use their first-round pick on players who aren't on the Sens' list.

He says there are even three players outside of their top 32 that they would still be very happy with. So they expect to end up with one of eight players.

Boyd, 73, has been around the scouting game for a long time, and was asked how the first-round talent depth this year stacks up with drafts of the past.

"We're looking at a draft that's got a lot of defensemen involved in the top 10-12 of the draft," Boyd said. "There are possibly 6 or 7 that could go in that area... it's a deep draft as far as defensemen go."

One thing that has dramatically changed draft evaluation is the relatively new NCAA eligibility rules.

"Players can go now to major junior and then go to college, and so now our perspective has changed when we're looking at players that are playing at so many different levels.

"We look at players who maybe have not produced at the college level in their first year, and we know they can produce or they've produced before. So we have to go back into their background, acknowledge what they've done in the past and take the big picture of what they've done this year."

Sounds like Boyd and his staff may have a college player or two in mind that other teams might be undervaluing.

The 2026 NHL Draft will be held at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This story was first published at The Hockey News' Ottawa Senators site. Check out more from THN.com/Ottawa at the links below.

Former Senators Forward Retires From Hockey At 34
Senators Top Amateur Scout Weighs In On Carter Yakemchuk's First Pro Season
LA Kings Get Their Man, And The Ex-Senators Coaching Drought Continues
Why Brady Tkachuk Is Poised For A Monster Bounce-Back Season


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Knicks vs Spurs Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for Game 5

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The San Antonio Spurs are backed against the wall. If they want to stop the New York Knicks from capturing their first championship since 1973, they must defend their home floor and force a Game 6. 

Ahead of this high-stakes Game 5 clash, our advanced NBA player prop projections have identified the absolute best value spots on the board. By crunching the data and auditing the latest market lines, we’ve pinpointed exactly where the sharpest betting edges lie.

These Knicks vs. Spurs predictions are driven by numbers instead of guesswork.

If you’re building your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Saturday, June 13.

Knicks vs Spurs computer picks for Game 5

Knicks KnicksSpurs Spurs
Anunoby u18.5 points 
-125		Fox o14.5 points
-130
Towns o11.5 rebounds
+110		Champagnie o2.5 3-pointers 
+125
Brunson o5.5 assists
-130		Wembanyama o11.5 rebounds
+100

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Knicks Game 5 computer picks

OG Anunoby Under 18.5 points (-125)

Projection: 17.51 points

The San Antonio Spurs' top priority tonight? Neutralizing OG Anunoby. In Game 4, Anunoby spearheaded a monumental 29-point New York Knicks comeback, sealing the thrilling win with a historic, miraculous put-back shot. 

He finished the night with 33 points on absurd efficiency by shooting 67% from the field, 78% from deep, and 100% from the free-throw line. San Antonio has its hands full with New York’s offense, but limiting Anunoby is the absolute focus for Game 5, making his Under a highly compelling look.

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Karl-Anthony Towns Over 11.5 rebounds (+110)

Projection: 11.80 rebounds

Outside of New York’s lone defeat in Game 3, Karl-Anthony Towns has consistently cleared—or come incredibly close to—this rebounding line all series.

He fell just short with 10 boards in the unforgettable Game 4, but with a historic championship on the line, expect KAT to dominate the glass. He has been the driving force for the Knicks throughout this postseason run, particularly against San Antonio's frontcourt.

Bank on him coming up big on the boards tonight to smash the Over.

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Jalen Brunson Over 5.5 assists (-130)

Projection: 6.40 assists

Jalen Brunson has been the engine of New York’s offense, most recently logging 36 points and seven assists in Game 4.

As the Knicks look to close out the series, Brunson’s assist prop presents a major betting edge. He has hit the Over on this line in two of the four matchups during this series and neared it in Game 3. 

Because the Spurs' top defensive priority tonight will be forcing the ball out of Brunson’s hands, look for him to turn playmaker and easily clear this total. Back the Over.

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Spurs Game 5 computer picks

De'Aaron Fox Over 14.5 points (-130)

Projection: 17.72 points

De'Aaron Fox loves playing in front of the home crowd, averaging 22.5 points over his last eight games in San Antonio (4.7 points higher than his season home average).

He’ll need that hometown cooking after a highly criticized final sequence in Game 4 pushed the Spurs to the brink of elimination.

San Antonio’s coaching staff is sticking by him, but the message is clear: protect the rock. Look for Fox to slow things down and play a highly strategic, low-mistake style to keep the season alive on Saturday.

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Julian Champagnie Over 2.5 3-pointers (+125)

Projection: 2.5 3-pointers

It was a rough outing for Julian Champagnie in Game 4, as he struggled to a 1-for-7 performance from three-point range.

His inability to stretch the floor was a key component of San Antonio's heartbreaking loss, but a return home for Game 5 might be the exact remedy he needs. 

The Spurs are facing elimination, and they need Champagnie to snap out of this slump immediately. If you’re looking at his props tonight, keep in mind that he’s historically a much more potent perimeter threat—expect a focused effort from him as he looks to redeem that Game 4 performance.

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Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds (+100)

Projection: 13.54 rebounds

Victor Wembanyama has split this rebounding line right down the middle so far, clearing it in two of the first four games of the series.

Now, back on his home floor, he has the perfect opportunity to exact some revenge. Expect the young superstar to fully embrace the villain role tonight; New York fans will find plenty of reasons to resent him as he crashes the glass with a vengeance to keep San Antonio's season alive.

Take Wemby on the Over for a dominant performance on the boards.

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How to watch Knicks vs Spurs Game 5

LocationFrost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
DateSaturday, June 13, 2026
Tip-off8:30 p.m. ET
TVABC

Not intended for use in MA.
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An all-time Yankees’ lineup by decade

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 01: Fans look on in Monument Park before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on May 1, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

If you’ve been around the internet in the past week or so, you may have seen the spread of a series of quick and fun little sports games. Seemingly starting with 82-0 and the NBA, games have been sprouting up where you have to try and make the best possible starting lineup after a random generator spits out a franchise and a decade. However, the conceit is that you have no idea what team and decade may come next. You have to balance picking the best possible player while trying not to leave yourself in a spot where you have to take a complete scrub with your final picks.

There has been a baseball version that’s popped up as well, 162-0. Playing that version of those games got me thinking about what would be the best possible team you could make using only the Yankees. So, here’s an effort to try and find out.

Some rules I made for myself include not repeating any players or decades. For example, I wasn’t going to put both 1920s and 1930s Babe Ruth on the team, nor was I just going to stack the team with a bunch of Murderers’ Row era stars and ignore other decades. I also decided to keep some sense of positional realness. Aaron Judge technically has played a handful of games in left field over his career, but I wasn’t going to put him over there just for the sake of stacking the team. The same deal applied to the designated hitter spot, I wanted to pick someone who has spent a good amount of time playing DH.

With that in mind, here’s my team.

Catcher: 1960s Elston Howard
Yankees stats in that decade: 959 games, .278/.329/.435, 109 HR, 111 wRC+, 24.7 fWAR

I strongly considered 1970s Thurman Munson for this spot, while a bunch of the other candidates (Yogi Berra, Bill Dickey, Jorge Posada) had their decades locked up by other players. Howard’s still a very good choice though, as he was very good in the ‘60s, including his AL MVP win in 1963.

First Base: 1930s Lou Gehrig
Yankees stats in that decade: 1397 games, .343/.453/.638, 347 HR, 173 wRC+, 76.0 fWAR

Yeah, no, there was only one real choice for the ‘30s. The Yankees had other good players that decade and have had other good first baseman, but Gehrig in the ‘30s had one of the single best decades in baseball history.

Second Base: 1980s Willie Randolph
Yankees stats in that decade: 1135 games, .276/.378/.355, 35 HR, 111 wRC+, 32.0 fWAR

Both the 1980s and second base were one of the last spots I filled up, but Randolph’s a pretty solid choice considering that. At least according to FanGraphs WAR, he was actually the best Yankee position player of the decade.

Shortstop: 2000s Derek Jeter
Yankees stats in that decade: 1500 games, .317/.387/.456, 161 HR, 125 wRC+, 46.1 fWAR

Over the course of his career and the discourse that came with it, Jeter somehow simultaneously became one of the most underrated and overrated players at the same time. However, there’s nothing to argue about over what he did in the 2000s.

Third Base: 1970s Graig Nettles
Yankees stats in that decade: 1092 games, .255/.329/.437, 181 HR, 116 wRC+, 40.4 fWAR

You can make an argument for Nettles being one of the most overlooked players in all of baseball history considering his stats compared to how little of a Hall of Fame look he got. I considering a couple different alignments and a couple different third baseman, but than you look at what Nettles did in the ‘70s and it became a pretty obvious pick, at least in my opinion.

Left Field: 1940s Charlie Keller
Yankees stats in that decade: 953 games, .281/.406/.521, 173 HR, 152 wRC+, 39.7 fWAR

Left field is an interesting one, as most of the Yankees’ most legendary outfielders have mostly patrolled center and right. If I was being laxer on the rules, I could’ve shoved one of them over here, but I wanted an out and out left fielder, and “King Kong Keller” was probably my best choice there.

Center Field: 1950s Mickey Mantle
Yankees stats in that decade: 1246 games, .311/.425/.569, 280 HR, 172 wRC+, 67.9 fWAR

Again, there are other good choices for center field and for the 1950s, but when you just look at what the Mick did, I had to pick him.

Right Field: 1920s Babe Ruth
Yankees stats in that decade: 1399 games, .355/.488/.740, 467 HR, 202 wRC+, 106.7 fWAR

The current Yankee captain and the decade so far that Aaron Judge has had is maybe the one player I felt most bad about leaving out, but c’mon, it’s Babe Ruth.

Designated Hitter: 2020s Giancarlo Stanton
Yankees stats in that decade: 588 games, .237/.317/.486, 148 HR, 122 wRC+, 6.9 fWAR

As I mentioned, I didn’t want to just shove the next best player in at DH and wanted to pick someone with a legitimate amount of time at the position. Big G’s 2020s stats over that period somewhat pale in comparison to the rest of the entries on this team, but when healthy, the man has hit.

Starting Pitcher: 1990s Andy Pettitte
Yankees stats in that decade: 165 games, 1044.1 IP, 3.92 ERA, 3.96 FIP, 81-46, 20.9 fWAR

For as much success as the 1990s Yankees had, picking a representative from them was somewhat tough, as their strength was having very few holes as opposed to having a Babe Ruth level star. In the end, I decided to go with Pettitte to be this team’s starter on the mound.

Relief Pitcher: 2010s Dellin Betances
Yankees stats in that decade: 358 games, 381.2 IP, 2.36 ERA, 2.31 FIP, 36 saves, 11.3 fWAR

The Yankees obviously have the greatest reliever ever in Mariano Rivera, but I used his best decades elsewhere and he didn’t pitch long enough into the 2010s to take the spot. Plus, it shouldn’t be forgotten how absolutely unhittable Betances was in his prime.

That’s my team, but I want to see your configurations. Let us know your all-time Yankees lineup picking one player per decade.

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SB Nation Reacts: Michael Busch is your choice to turn things around

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cubs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Earlier this week, I gave you a choice of four Cubs who had gotten off to rough starts this year and asked you which one you thought would turn things around first.

Now, there were a couple things not quite right about the four choices. First, I left Nico Hoerner off the survey, and probably should have included him because though Nico got off to a good start, he’s been in a slump for a while now. And I did include Michael Busch, who had a terrible start but then had a pretty good May.

Also, Josh did a BCB After Dark survey on a similar topic and you can read the results here.

With those caveats, here are the results from this week’s SB Nation Reacts survey:

Given what I just wrote about Busch above, yes, that is probably the correct answer. At the end of April Busch was hitting .193/.295/.281 (22-for-114) with just two home runs in 30 games. Since then: .301/.436/.522 (41-for-136) with six home runs in 39 games, including the big three-run blast Friday night in San Francisco. Given that Busch hit 34 home runs in 2025 — and four in eight postseason games — I’d still like to see him up the power output. Hopefully that will happen.

Nico Hoerner has also been in an extended slump — just .207/.289/.251 (37-for-179) over his last 45 games so, yes, it would be nice to see him turn things around, too.

Here are the results of the national questions asked in the SB Nation Reacts survey.

That’s a really interesting vote. Alvarez has been kind of under-the-radar this year because the Astros have struggled. But, he is currently leading MLB in SLG and OPS, and tops the AL with 22 home runs.

This seems pretty accurate. We’re only at the beginning stages of MLB/MLBPA negotiations, there’s been just one offer made from each side and there hasn’t really been any response to either in terms of modifying anyone’s requests or demands (other than the usual blustering). It’s still nearly six months until the CBA expires so crunch time is a ways away.

Yes. This is definitely a concern. And unless either side budges on what they’re asking for, owners will almost certainly lock players out when the CBA expires Dec. 1. That doesn’t mean that games will be lost in 2027 — not yet, anyway. Nevertheless, it’s worth keeping track of what’s happening in these negotiations as the summer goes by, and I’ll report any developments here.

This edition of SB Nation Reacts is sponsored by FanDuel.

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Mauricio Dubon leads off, Ha-Seong Kim plays short vs Mets

Hoping to even the series in a duel of average-ish pitching, Atlanta is batting Mauricio Dubon at leadoff, starting Ha-Seong Kim at shortstop, and DHing Jorge Mateo, with Sandy Leon starting at catcher…whoof. This lineup desperately needs the return of Drake Baldwin and Ronald Acuna. Austin Riley remembering how to hit like a star player and Sean Murphy returning sure would help too.

I will update this once the Mets post their lineup.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Saturday, June 13, 4:10 p.m. EDT

Location: Citi Field, Queens, NY

TV: BravesVision

Streaming: MLBTV

Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan

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Game Discussion for St. Louis Cardinals vs Minnesota Twins Saturday

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 12: Blaze Jordan #33 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits an RBI single against the Minnesota Twins during the second inning of his MLB debut at Target Field on June 12, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The St. Louis Cardinals continue their weekend in Minneapolis as it’s game 2 versus the Minnesota Twins Saturday. Matthew Liberatore will make the start for the Cardinals while LHP Connor Prielipp will be on the mound for the Twins. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10pm central time at Target Field and the broadcast will be handled by Cardinals.tv. Note that JJ Wetherholt has the day off and Masyn Winn is leading off Saturday.

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Is Shohei Ohtani playing today? Injury update on Dodgers MVP

Shohei Ohtani returned to the lineup after missing a game with left knee inflammation as the Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar is batting leadoff for their Saturday, June 13 matchup against the Chicago White Sox.

Ohtani was pulled from the team’s game Thursday at Pittsburgh and underwent an MRI on his knee Friday in Chicago. Manager Dave Roberts told reporters the scan came back clean and he expected, for now, Ohtani would make his next scheduled pitching start Wednesday.

Roberts initially said there was also pain in the back of Ohtani’s knee, but walked that assessment back. The Dodgers lost the first game of the three-game series 8-6 Friday night.

After what was for him a pedestrian start at the plate, Ohtani has been on a one-month tear since May 12, with seven homers and a .412/.508/.753 line in 118 plate appearances. He's also posted a 1.06 ERA in 11 starts, which would lead the National League if Ohtani had two more innings pitched to qualify.

Now in his third year with the Dodgers, Ohtani won a World Series and an MVP award in each of the first two seasons of his record-setting $700 million deal.

Dodgers lineup today vs. White Sox

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shohei Ohtani injury update: Dodgers' MVP returns to lineup today

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Yankees vs Blue Jays Prediction, Odds & Home Run Pick for Today's MLB Game

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The Toronto Blue Jays have been the kryptonite of New York Yankees star right-hander Cam Schlittler in his young career. 

The Jays’ bats profile well to continue that dominance this afternoon, making Schlittler Over 5.5 hits allowed an attractive play at +120.

Read on for my Blue Jays vs. Yankees Predictions and MLB Picks for this Saturday, June 13 matchup. 

Yankees vs Blue Jays predictions

Yankees vs Blue Jays best bet: Cam Schlitter Over 5.5 hits (+120)

Cam Schlittler is having a Cy Young worthy season, but has struggled against the Toronto Blue Jays throughout his career, which has led to his market being mispriced. 

I expect the Jays to go over 5.5 hits on Schlittler today. 

Toronto’s current lineup owns a .339 batting average, earning 28 hits against the New York Yankees starter through four games, profiling well against his aggressive strike-throwing style and pitch mix.

Schlittler has a high zone rate and uses a mix of four-seamers, cutters, and sinkers. 

As a team, the Blue Jays own a .272 average (8th) with a 41% hard-hit rate (5th) against these pitches.

Schlittler has eclipsed this hit total in 3-of-4 career starts against Toronto, with the lone other start only lasting 1 2/3 innings, where he still gave up five hits.

I’d play Schlitter Over 5.5 hits down to +110. 

Covers COVERS INTEL: Toronto is averaging 13.2 H/9 against Schlittler in his career. 

Yankees vs Blue Jays same-game parlay (SGP)

We'll continue to bank on a productive day for the Blue Jay bats in today’s SGP with Ernie Clement and Jesus Sanchez hitting props.

Clement has 18 hits over his last 12 games, eclipsing this total in 10 of them. He profiles well against Schlittler as a contact hitter, and it has led him to being 4-for-9 against the Yankee starter in his career.  

For the last leg of this SGP, I’ll bet on Sanchez Over 0.5 hits. He owns a .330 average and a .370 BABIP against Schlittler’s pitch mix. He’s also eclipsed this total in four of his last five starts and is 3-for-5 career against the Yankees starter. 

Yankees vs Blue Jays SGP

  • Schlittler Over 5.5 hits
  • Clement Over  0.5 hits
  • Sanchez Over 0.5 hits
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Get the best Jays ML odds at BET99 — every game.

Yankees vs Blue Jays home run pick: Kazuma Okamoto (+475)

Kazuma Okamoto leads the Jays with 14 homers this season and hits Schlittler's pitch mix well with a 60% hard-hit rate, to go along with a 9.7% barrel rate. 

This positions him well for success today as the Yankee starter does get barreled up quite often, while also ranking in the 33rd percentile in hard-hit rate.

However, despite giving up the hard contact, Schlittler does keep the ball in the yard, allowing only four home runs in his 14 starts this season. 

Therefore, I’ll be making this a half-unit wager today.

2026 Transparency record
  • Best bets: 33-34, +3.85 units
  • SGPs: 13-54, +5.35 units
  • HR picks: 10-57, -0.45 units

Yankees vs Blue Jays odds

  • Moneyline: New York -125 | Toronto +105
  • Run line: New York -1.5 (+140) | Toronto +1.5 (-160)
  • Over/Under: Over 7.5 | Under 7.5 

Yankees vs Blue Jays trend

The Toronto Blue Jays have hit the Game Total Over in 10 of their last 16 games at home (+4.70 Units / 27% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Yankees vs. Blue Jays.

How to watch Yankees vs Blue Jays and game info

LocationRogers Centre, Toronto, ON
DateSaturday, 6-13-2026
First pitch3:07 p.m. ET
TVSportsnet
Yankees starting pitcherCam Schlittler
(7-3, 1.87 ERA)
Blue Jays starting pitcherKevin Gausman
(4-4, 3.60 ERA)

Yankees vs Blue Jays latest injuries

Yankees vs Blue Jays weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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