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MLB teams to never win a World Series: 2026 will have first-time champion

In 2026, we will have a first-time World Series champion.

The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Cleveland Guardians7-3 on Monday, Oct. 19 in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series to punch their ticket to the World Series. They powered their way through the ALCS after going down 2-1 early and persevering after Game 4 was postponed due to rain. They were the top seed in the American League and swept the New York Yankees in the Division Series.

They will face the Milwaukee Brewers, who secured their spot in the Fall Classic by sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. They beat the San Diego Padres 3-1 in the division series after finishing the regular season with a 103-59 record, making them the National League's top seed.

Both teams have appeared in the World Series before, with the Rays having more recent experience, but have yet to hoist the Commissioner's Trophy.

Which teams haven't won a World Series?

There are five teams that have never won a World Series. Two of them are the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, who will face each other in the 2026 World Series. The Seattle Mariners are the only active franchise to have never appear in a World Series.

  • Colorado Rockies - established 1993, one World Series appearance in 2007
  • Milwaukee Brewers - established 1970, one World Series appearance in 1982
  • San Diego Padres- established 1969, two World Series appearances in 1984 and 1998
  • Seattle Mariners - established 1977, zero World Series appearances
  • Tampa Bay Rays - established 1998, two World Series appearances in 2008 and 2020

When is the last time the Rays and Brewers played in the World Series?

The Rays and Brewers have three previous World Series appearances between them.

Tampa Bay has two of those, playing in the 2008 Fall Classic when they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies, and in the 2020 World Series where they were defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

It's been a little bit longer since Milwaukee played in the World Series. They faced the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982 and lost in seven games. That Brewers team featured several players who would eventually be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame: Rollie Fingers, Don Sutton, Robin Yount, Paul Molitor and Ted Simmons.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB teams to never win a World Series: 2026 will have first-time champion

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Recap: Avalanche play ghost in 3-2 loss to Philly

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 19: Matvei Michkov #39 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period of a game against the Colorado Avalanche at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The city of brotherly love was the setting, but the Avalanche didn’t really harness Rocky Balboa’s energy, and we didn’t get a hard-work montage leading to ultimate victory.

Instead, the Flyers played stingily behind a strong netminding performance, and a disjointed Avalanche club dropped a game that looked like a scheduled win. The Flyers had just one win before tonight.

First Period

Unfortunately, the Avalanche are turning slow starts into a bad habit; for the second game in a row, the opposition seemed to bring more effort and focus. Just like their last time out against Pittsburgh, the Avalanche conceded the first goal of the evening to Matvei Michkov off a Trevor Zegras attempt at 07:41.

It just felt like the Avalanche hadn’t woken up, and things would only get worse in the middle frame.

Second Period

Michkov scored again to give the Flyers a 2-0 lead and put himself on the cusp of a hat trick. At 12:21, Matvei took a drop pass from Zegras, held the puck, and rounded the net. As he finally made a full circle back to the point, he fired a shot that was going wide but glanced in behind Blackwood.

Martin Necas got back at Philly with a seeing-eye wrist shot just after a Colorado Avalanche power play expired. Necas’ 5th of the season came on a helper from Artturi Lehkonen, who pushed his point streak to four games at 17:52.

Third Period

The Avalanche had one more twenty-minute frame to clean up their bad start, but instead let Noel Acciari give the Flyers a 3-1 lead at 06:34 in the final frame.

Rookie forward T.J. Hughes got a few looks throughout the night and on the power play, but his net-crashing ability ultimately earned him his second NHL goal. Hughes has two goals in his last two games and logged top-six minutes (16:54 TOI) this evening.

The Flyers won 3-2, with Colorado holding Philly in their own end but unable to cash in with the net empty and an extra attacker as time expired.

Takeaways

This game was a serious dud for the Colorado Avalanche, who should have dominated given the talent imbalance. It’s the NHL, and every team can be competitive on any given night, but from my vantage, this was more about Colorado’s problems than the Flyers putting on a show. Jared Bednar felt the same way, calling it “sluggish and sloppy,” according to Corey Masisak of the Denver Post.

You can’t expect to win many games with 16 giveaways on the stat sheet.

Netminder Mackenzie Blackwood was the best Avalanche player this evening. Without a few right-pad and blocker saves, this could have been even uglier. In my opinion, Blackwood provided in the “needed save” department.

I’m not sure what to make of the line combinations and usage in a game like this, but it felt like either Nathan MacKinnon was being punished or T.J. Hughes and Jaden Schwartz were being rewarded. The three players spent time on the same line in a look I hadn’t seen coming into the evening. I’m not saying Hughes and Schwartz aren’t useful linemates, but MacKinnon looked off his game.

Up Next

Colorado’s road trip continues as they head to New Jersey to take on the Devils tomorrow night. Yeah, that’s right, another back-to-back.

Let us know what you thought of tonight’s game in the comments!

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Rangers stay unbeaten at home with 5-2 win over Ducks

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean Durzi scored 78 seconds in, Dylan Garand made 29 saves and the New York Rangers defeated the travel-weary Anaheim Ducks 5-2 on Monday night to improve to 6-0-0 at home this fall.

The Rangers did not pick up their sixth victory at Madison Square Garden last season until Jan. 26, their 23rd game there. They lost 27 of 41 at home on the way to missing the playoffs and finishing last in the Eastern Conference.

There is hope of a turnaround given this start, even missing franchise goaltender Igor Shesterkin for the rest of the season. Garand was making a fifth consecutive start since Shesterkin went down, and he has allowed two or fewer goals in nine of 10 NHL appearances dating to his debut last spring.

He got support early and often, with Durzi’s goal making it three home games in a row where the Rangers have a goal in the first two minutes. That has only happened once before for New York, in March 1989.

Oliver Bjorkstrand scored twice, captain J.T. Miller and Gabe Perreault each had a goal and Alexis Lafrenière recorded two assists. Pavel Dorofeyev, the team’s most notable trade acquisition over the summer, came close on several occasions but remained stuck on two goals for the season.

FLYERS 3, AVALANCHE 2

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Matvei Michkov scored two goals and Philadelphia beat Colorado for its second straight victory after opening the season with nine consecutive losses.

Michkov leads the Flyers with six goals this season. Noel Acciari also scored for Philadelphia, which lost six games in regulation and three in overtime or shootouts before breaking through on Saturday with a victory over Ottawa.

Joseph Woll made 24 saves for his first victory with the Flyers. He spent the previous five seasons with Toronto.

Martin Necas and rookie T.J. Hughes scored for the Avalanche (5-3-1), last season’s Presidents’ Trophy winners. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 21 shots.

Cole Knuble made his NHL debut for the Flyers, the team he grew up rooting for. His father, Mike, played for Philadelphia from 2005-09 and in 2013. The 22-year-old right wing had 13 minutes, 44 seconds of ice time.

Mitchkov scored on a power play at 7:41 of the first period and made it 2-0 at 12:23 of the second when he skated around the net and fired a long-range wrist shot past several players that beat Blackwood on the glove side.

MAPLE LEAFS 3, SHARKS 1

TORONTO (AP) — Gavin McKenna scored the go-ahead goal on a third-period power play and Toronto snapped a three-game slide with a victory over San Jose.

Auston Matthews added a goal and two assists for Toronto. Sergei Bobrovsky made 30 saves to pick up his first home win for the Maple Leafs. Nick Paul added an empty-netter.

Mason Marchment scored for San Jose, which got 28 stops from Yaroslav Askarov.

The game featured the first meeting between the No. 1 and 2 picks of the 2026 NHL draft — McKenna and Sharks winger Ivar Stenberg.

Marchment opened the scoring at 13:54 of the first when he was left alone in front of Bobrovsky after Matthews turned the puck over in the defensive zone.

Matthews made up for that mistake and got his team even with 12 seconds left in the second on a power play. Toronto’s captain took a pass from Kirill Marchenko and ripped a shot upstairs on Askarov before McKenna pushed the Leafs in front in the third.

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Cavs give injury update on multiple players

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 08: Sam Merrill #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Jordan Walsh #27 and Mike Conley #45 of the Boston Celtics during the first half of the preason game at Rocket Arena on October 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers have multiple players working through injuries as the start of the 2026-27 regular season looms.

Kenny Atkinson provided updates on Sam Merrill, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, and Khalifa Diop.

“[Everyone practiced] except for Nae’Qwan,” said Atkinson. “Sam was limited.”

Diop and Tomlin did not appear throughout the preseason. Merrill played in two of the three.

Atkinson noted that Diop had a setback in his recovery from a recent injury.

“He’s fitting great culturally, coming back from a setback injury,” Atkinson said. “I love his spirit, and he’s a guy who I can speak French with.”

Diop has played multiple years overseas and is set to play his rookie season in Cleveland. He’s one of only a few frontcourt players on the roster and could end up playing real minutes if any of the other bigs on the roster get injured this year.

Meanwhile, we know how important Merrill is.

Merrill was one of Cleveland’s most important bench players last season and will be even more so this year. He’s their lead sharpshooter with the second unit and arguably the best shooter on the team. The Cavs will lean on Merrill for volume three-point shooting as Max Strus was traded this summer.

As for Tomlin, another step forward from the lanky, athletic wing would be sweet. Tomlin brought energy and hustle to the table last season but struggled to put it all together. He’ll need to improve as a three-point shooter and refine his defensive impact before being a full-time rotational player. But Tomlin has all the tools to do so.

Cleveland plays their first game of the season on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. They’ll play their home opener in Rocket Arena on Saturday, hosting the Brooklyn Nets.

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Egor Demin’s added muscle is already showing in way he’s playing for Nets

Egor Demin of the Brooklyn Nets passes the ball during a game against the Miami Heat.
Egor Demin (8) of the Brooklyn Nets passes the ball during a game against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026.

With the Nets tipping off Wednesday against the Hornets, it’s hard to quantify just how far Egor Dëmin has come from this point a year ago as a rookie.

But coach Jordi Fernández’s quippy answer does speak to Dëmin’s biggest strides.

“Maybe ask the performance team about his weight and how much bigger his biceps is. Maybe that’s a way to quantify,” Fernández said. “I’m very happy with the way he’s played. …He sees the floor very well, and he’s done a great job getting into the [paint].”

Dëmin’s added muscle has been well documented, as has his growth from a lithe teen who struggled against NBA physicality to a more filled-out version.

The second-year guard couldn’t or wouldn’t say how much stronger he’s gotten, only that he’s more ready for the rigors of the league.

“That’s true. There was a growth, a significant growth, in what dumbbells I’m picking up on the arm day, yeah,” Dëmin laughed.

But for the Russian, it’s about more than just touching the paint or even getting to the rim.

It’s about knowing what to do when he gets there.

“Yeah, play off two feet and look for the spray or keep your options open. But don’t go in there without a plan,” Fernández said. “He’s done a great job. He’s worked at it, and shown he’s way more comfortable now getting there.

Egor Demin (8) of the Brooklyn Nets passes the ball during a game against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

“When you’re 18, 19, the game goes so fast. Now it slows down, because you’re more confident, you’re stronger. We’ve seen it in preseason — he’s just got to continue to do it in the regular season.”

That regular season starts Wednesday against the visiting Hornets.

Dëmin will likely start on the ball, with Mikel Brown Jr. still on a minutes limit. That means Dëmin will have to not only not get turned at the point of attack, but actually have a plan once he gets in the paint.

Brooklyn Nets’ Egor Demin (8) dribbles the ball during a game against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center in Miami, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

“I haven’t done that for a while, getting to the rim like that actively, and sometimes when I get there it’s hard to believe, where I’m like, ‘I’m actually here,’ and I almost expect something to happen,” Dëmin admitted. “So for me, realize that I’m actually a big body, so… it’s harder to defend for people, especially now. So just having a state of mind that nobody can stop me, and just having that idea of getting there aggressively and finishing with quality and not just to show that I got to the paint.”

Joshua Jefferson (back) practiced full contact Monday and will be available vs. Charlotte. Tyler Bilodeau will be out with a sprained shoulder.

Fernández on having legendary soccer coach Pep Guardiola — who is also Catalan — visit during the summer: “He loves basketball, so he wanted to see the gym and the players and watch them work out. … He’s curious on how we do things, how we work here. And obviously I have a lot of questions for him on how he’s handled certain situations. … There’s a lot you can learn from a leader like that. He’s one of my favorites, so it’s always good to see him and obviously have him [here].”

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Nets decline to extend Noah Clowney but Jordi Fernandez praises consistency

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 03: Noah Clowney #21 of the Brooklyn Nets in action during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center on April 03, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As they do, the Brooklyn Nets declined to offer Noah Clowney an extension Monday, the deadline for such deals. Indeed, only eight players from the 2023 Draft were rewarded. Big names like Scoot Henderson, Anthony Black, Derick Lively II, Bilal Coulibaly and Jaime Jacquez didn’t make the cut either.

At this point, Clowney is on a prove-it deal. He’ll be paid $5.4 million and come June, he will be a restricted free agent meaning the Nets will be able to match any bid from any time. In the new world of the CBA, that’s what free agency looks like.

The 6’10” forward who’s just turned 22 is coming of a season where he he averaged 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and got to the line 3.4 times in 66 games, 60 of them, all encouraging numbers. His shooting splits were less so: 40/33/80. More important so was his consistency. Now, of course, he won’t be starting 60 games, not with Julius Randle starting at the power forward. He told the media Monday that he understands the dynamic.

“I mean, realistically, we’re professionals. You should be able to adjust to a new role,” Clowney said. “It might take a couple games to click — maybe more than a couple of games — but you should be able to figure it out. 

“It’s not changing so drastically to where it’s like concerning me. I play less minutes more than likely. Other than that, my role is not too much different. Coming in with two ball handlers, the ball will be in my hands a lot less, 100 percent, but pick your spots, create chaos. That’s the goal.” 

Despite that, Jordi Fernandez sounded optimistic about Clowney’s role in the upcoming season.

“I’ve seen consistency from him, and that’s the key,” Fernández said. “If he can provide that to the group, Noah is going to help us win a lot of games, [with] not just his size and physicality, but also his shooting, getting to the free-throw line, just doing the simple things. 

“He’s put in all this work all summer and he’s shown … consistency. And now we’re going into real games. … We’re all excited and I think Noah’s going to be a big part of it.”

More importantly, the head coach is more interested in how Clowney helps the team

 “Yeah, he can be better,” Fernández admitted. “And he will be better, and that’s important. He focuses. He’s focusing on it. We brought those points to him, and we know he can impact not just the defensive glass but also the offensive glass.

“And there’s no excuses. Sometimes we put him [on] very good offensive players, and that’s still not an excuse. He’s going to go and finish possessions.”

Clowney has looked good in preseason … very good, as Brian Lewis noted. He averaged 9.8 points this preseason on solid 52.2/60.0/85.7 shooting splits, and was a team-best plus-7.5. On the other hand, he grabbed only three rebounds. The inconsistency thing again. Clowney told the media he gets it.

“Rebounding, I don’t know the numbers,” Clowney said. “That’s the goal, to get more. But I try to do what I’m asked. 

“Play defense, go get some rebounds to end possessions, make shots when the ball comes to you. Pretty much that. Just bring an energy on the court, especially playing bench minutes. It’s a lot easier to come in and play harder for one stint per half. But yeah, just pretty much guard, keep the ball flowing, just play basketball.” 

If Clowney sounds less than excited, not to worry. He is excited. Clowney is notoriously low-key.

“Everybody’s excited about it,” Clowney said of the season. “There’s no benefit from losing. There’s none. So, win games. We’re going to go into every game with the idea of winning it, put our best foot forward. And that excites a lot of people. So yeah, it’s a lot more excitement in the building.”

Bottom line: the decision not to extend Clowney was not unexpected. The Nets have a history of prove-it contracts and seven of the eight players given extensions were taken ahead of him in the 2023 Draft.

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Jaden McDaniels, Timberwolves reportedly agree to one-year $40 million extension for 2029-30

Jaden McDaniels has looked very good for Minnesota this preseason, averaging 24.8 points in less than 21 minutes a night while shooting 60.6% from the field and an unsustainable but promising 71.4% from beyond the arc. If Minnesota is going to thrive in the Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball era, McDaniels' two-way contributions will be key.

That is why the Timberwolves agreed to terms on a one-year, $40 million extension for the 2029-30 NBA season, a deal first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

McDaniels is already under contract for this season and the next two at a total of $84 million. This new $40 million year will be more than a $10 million bump from the previous year, rewarding a player who will be critical to the team. He is now signed for four years and $124 million. This contract also takes McDaniels to 10 years of service, allowing him to potentially chase more money in the summer of 2030.

McDaniels is a 6'9" forward best known for his elite defense, but whose offensive game has shown real growth in recent seasons. Last season he averaged 14.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, shooting 41.2% from 3-point range. In the playoffs last season, McDaniels showed more offensive creation in his game and averaged 16.3 points per game.

The Timberwolves need McDaniels' defense on the court, the fact that his offensive game is taking a step forward makes him that much more critical to what Minnesota wants to do.

The Timberwolves now have McDaniels locked up through 2030, and Ball and Edwards through 2029 (reserve Ayo Dosunmu also is under contract through 2030). The next big contract Minnesota needs to consider is center Rudy Gobert, who can be a free agent next summer but has a $38 million player option for the 2027-28 season.

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Rangers handle Ducks for bounce-back win to stay undeafeted at Garden

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Rangers right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand celebrates a goal with right wing Taylor Raddysh during a game against the Anaheim Ducks, Image 2 shows New York Rangers goaltender Dylan Garand (33) makes a save during a game against the Anaheim Ducks

The Rangers were business as usual Monday night back at Madison Square Garden. 

On the heels of two frustrating road losses, the Blueshirts handily beat the Ducks 5-2 to remain undefeated on home ice and match the second-longest season-opening home win streak in franchise history at six games. 

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At the very least, in a moderately challenging schedule to start the season, the Rangers are taking care of the teams they’re supposed to. 

Against the clubs projected to finish near the bottom of the standings — such as the Red Wings, Canucks and Ducks — the Rangers have won by a combined margin of 13-4. 

Injuries have forced the Rangers to make recalls and dress a lineup noticeably different from opening night in Boston, but this hasn’t slightly influenced how the team is playing on home ice. 

“It’s our fans. It’s an exciting time,” Sean Durzi said. “We heard what was going on tomorrow night [at the Knicks championship banner raising ceremony], so it’s nice to give back-to-back good nights at MSG. They’ve been great.” 

New York Rangers goaltender Dylan Garand (33) makes a save during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks at Madison Square Garden in New York, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. Jason Szenes for NY Post

The team game that was missing in New Jersey and Columbus returned as soon as the Rangers stepped onto the ice in Manhattan. 

Rookie goalie Dylan Garand played his role to the fullest, stopping 29 of the 31 shots he faced. 

Scoring within the first two minutes after puck drop for the third time this season, the Rangers controlled the pace of play frequently. 

Durzi’s shot through traffic from the top of the zone gave the home team a 1-0 lead just 1:18 into the first period, marking the second time in franchise history the Rangers have scored in the opening two minutes in three consecutive home games. 

The Rangers could’ve easily had a multigoal lead by the first intermission had Pavel Dorofeyev put away either one of his two grade A opportunities in the opening 20 minutes. Dorofeyev continues to find scoring opportunities, but the finish hasn’t quite been there thus far. 

Not only did he hit the post on a wide-open net during a 5-on-3 power play, but the 25-year-old Russian also missed entirely when on the doorstep later in the first period. 

Rangers right winger Oliver Bjorkstrand (28) celebrates with right winger Taylor Raddysh (14) after scoring a goal during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at Madison Square Garden in New York, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. Jason Szenes for NY Post

With one goal through his first 11 games as a Ranger, Dorofeyev is still looking to find his stride with his new team. The reason he was briefly taken off the top power-play unit, however, had more to do with discipline. 

“I’ve been asking the power-play [unit] for a number of games now that the first unit — they have to change smarter,” head coach Mike Sullivan said. “And when the puck gets dumped down two or three times, and they’ve got to go 200 feet to get it and then work back into the offensive zone, they should change — and Pav didn’t. At some point, there needs to be some accountability around it.” 

From the start of the second period, the Rangers absolutely dominated play. 

Center Mika Zibanejad (93) of the New York Rangers is checked on by a trainer after taking a hard hit during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks at Madison Square Garden. Jason Szenes for NY Post

The top power-play unit converted less than five minutes into the middle frame, after captain J.T. Miller redirected an Adam Fox shot from the top of the zone for his second goal of the season. 

Jump-started by Alexis Lafrenière’s cross-ice backhand feed, a Rangers tic-tac-toe passing sequence ended with Gabe Perreault tapping the puck in at the side of the net. The game seemed to get out of hand from there, with the Ducks struggling to maintain possession. 

Oliver Bjorkstrand then capped the second period with his third goal of the season before scoring his fourth early in the third. 

“I thought we just took what the game gave us,” Sullivan said. “I thought we played well and that we created a fair amount of offense just off our own defense.” 

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Matvei Michkov scores 2 goals and Flyers beat Avalanche 3-2 for 2nd straight win

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Matvei Michkov scored two goals and the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 on Monday night for their second straight victory after opening the season with nine consecutive losses.

Michkov leads the Flyers with six goals this season. Noel Acciari also scored for Philadelphia, which lost six games in regulation and three in overtime or shootouts before breaking through on Saturday with a victory over Ottawa.

Joseph Woll made 24 saves for his first victory with the Flyers. He spent the previous five seasons with Toronto.

Martin Necas and rookie T.J. Hughes scored for the Avalanche (5-3-1), last season's Presidents' Trophy winners. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 21 shots.

Cole Knuble made his NHL debut for the Flyers, the team he grew up rooting for. His father, Mike, played for Philadelphia from 2005-09 and in 2013. The 22-year-old right wing had 13 minutes, 44 seconds of ice time.

Mitchkov scored on a power play at 7:41 of the first period and made it 2-0 at 12:23 of the second when he skated around the net and fired a long-range wrist shot past several players that beat Blackwood on the glove side.

Necas got the Avalanche on the board with 2:08 left in the second. Acciari restored Philadelphia's two-goal lead at 6:34 of the third, the veteran center's first goal as a Flyer.

Hughes scored at 14:40 of the third, his second straight game with a goal after he found the net for the first time in Friday's win over Pittsburgh.

Up next

Avalanche: At New Jersey on Tuesday.

Flyers: At Buffalo on Wednesday.

___

See AP’s full NHL coverage here

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Angels prospect Arjun Nimmala named Arizona Fall League hitter of the week

The face of the Los Angeles Angels' youth movement is already showing promising returns in the Arizona Fall League.

Arjun Nimmala, the top prospect in the Angels organization, earned hitter of the week honors after his red-hot start with the Mesa Solar Sox at the plate continued, MLB announced Monday, Oct. 19. The 21-year-old led the league in six different categories including OPS (1.758), slugging percentage (1.091), doubles (2), triples (2), extra-base hits (4) and total bases (12) for the week of Oct. 12-18.

His biggest game came on Oct. 15, when Nimmala finished a home run shy of the cycle and went 4-for-5 with two triples and a double and drove in three RBIs for the third four-hit game of his professional career.

Who is Arjun Nimmala?

Nimmala is the Angels' No. 1 prospect and No. 34 prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. He was drafted at 17 years old in 2023 Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays with the 20th overall pick, which made him the highest first-generation Indian-American ever taken in one of the four major sports, per Pipeline.

The shortstop out of Strawberry Crest High School in Dover, Florida, was the centerpiece of the prospect haul the Angels received from their fire sale at the trade deadline in August, during which they sent star pitcher José Soriano to Toronto in exchange for Nimmala, outfielder Eddie Micheletti and right-handed pitcher Angel Rivero.

Nimmala reported to Double-A Rocket City after the trade and hit eight home runs and nine doubles with 17 RBIs with a .966 OPS in 27 games.

Though he projects plus power and arm strength, he's not considered a strong runner and his defense is a work in progress. Nimmala is expected to be MLB ready in 2028.

What is the Arizona Fall League?

The Arizona Fall League enters its 34th season as the "premier league for baseball's top prospects." Run by MLB, the AFL is based out of Arizona and plays its games at six different Cactus League (MLB spring training) complexes. Each big league club provides seven of their prospects, who are then spread out across six teams of 35-man rosters.

The two keystone events in the league schedule are the Fall Stars Game – an All-Star showcase – on Nov. 8, followed by the Arizona Fall League championship game on Nov. 14.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Angels prospect Arjun Nimmala named Arizona Fall League hitter of the week

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Drew Timme Waived, Immediately Picked up by Phoenix Suns

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 12: Drew Timme #17 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks on October 12, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

After four preseason games with the Minnesota Timberwolves on an Exhibit 10 training camp contract, forward/center Drew Timme was waived before the start of the 2026-27 regular season.

No need to fret, as the Phoenix Suns immediately picked up the Gonzaga Bulldog legend off waivers and signed him to their third and final two-way contract spot. This was first reported by The NBA Consensus. Timme replaced guard Koby Brea, who was cut in order to add more frontcourt depth to second-year coach Jordan Ott’s roster.

The 6-10, 235-pound talent plans to split his time with the big club and their G League affiliate, Valley Suns. Former Gonzaga guard David Stockton will be teammates with Timme on the Valley Suns. The G League franchise’s general manager, Brendan Sabean, used to be a student manager under coach Mark Few from 2010-14.

This will be the sixth NBA organization that Timme has been involved with in his professional career since going undrafted back in 2023. His second time being on a two-way deal after being with the Los Angeles Lakers and the then South Bay Lakers in the G League during the 2025-26 campaign.

During this past preseason with Minnesota, Timme averaged 6.0 points on a shooting split of 60.0 field goal percentage/40.0 three-point percentage/57.1 free throw percentage, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 10.8 minutes per game. He has put together 5.6 points and 2.7 rebounds in 36 games played across two NBA seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and Lakers.

With Timme being named to Phoenix’s opening night roster, that makes 12 active former Zags in the NBA.

Chicago Bulls forward/center Zach Collins

Los Angeles Clippers forward Rui Hachimura

Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren

Atlanta Hawks wing Corey Kispert

Denver Nuggets wing Julian Strawther

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard

Denver Nuggets guard Ryan Nembhard (two-way)

Golden State Warriors forward/center Graham Ike (two-way)

Toronto Raptors guard Malachi Smith (two-way)

The 2026-27 NBA season tips off on Tuesday, Oct. 20, with Oklahoma City’s Holmgren traveling to the San Antonio Spurs at 6:30 p.m. PT on NBC.

Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho

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Failed Lakers trade prophesized Dalton Knecht’s epic downfall

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht walks toward the bench during a game, Image 2 shows Dalton Knecht of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball past a Denver Nuggets defender during a game

Both Dalton Knecht and the Lakers took a giant kick to the chin. 

As for the Lakers?

They waived their No. 17 pick in the 2024 draft on Monday after trying to use the 25-year-old forward as trade bait but getting no bites. 

This is their second first-round pick in the last few years that turned out to be fool’s gold following selecting Jalen Hood-Schifino with the 17th overall pick in the 2023 draft and then declining his third-year option and watching him slip out of the league. 

As for Knecht?

He went from being a promising stud who had back-to-back 27-point and 37-point performances his rookie season to slipping out of Lakers coach JJ Redick’s rotation. 

His fall from grace was precipitous, leaving the forward treading water in no-man’s land with his best option at this point likely being signing a two-way contract. 

So, how did we get here?

Dalton’s downfall

This is unfortunate for both parties. The Lakers let a desperately-needed first-round draft pick evaporate into thin air. And Knecht’s career is snowballing downhill. 

Things reached a critical point in February 2025. 

Shortly after the Lakers stunned the basketball world by acquiring Luka Dončić from the Mavericks ahead of the trade deadline, they sent Knecht, Cam Reddish, a future first-round pick and a pick swap to the Hornets in exchange for Mark Williams. 

Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4) walks toward the bench during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, in San Francisco. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

But Williams failed his physical with the Lakers, who then rescinded the deal. That meant Knecht had to tuck his tail between his legs and walk back into a locker room that had been ready to move on without him. 

There’s no coming back from that, really. 

How could his confidence not be irrevocably shaken by that? Imagine your boss firing you. Then getting a call from him, saying, “Never mind.” And then having to go into the office the next day. 

After that, Knecht’s deficits became more and more glaring. 

He was liability on defense. And when his shot wasn’t falling, trying to plug him into a roster that needed shooters that could create space for Doncic and Reaves became like trying to shove a square into a round hole. 

He went from averaging 9.1 points on 46.1% shooting (37.6% from deep), 2.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 19.2 minutes per game his rookie season, to averaging 4.2 points on 45.5% shooting (34.2% from deep), 1.4 rebounds and 0.4 assists in 10.2 minutes per game last season. 

Things got even worse for him this preseason. 

Dalton Knecht (4) of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during a game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. NBAE via Getty Images

With nine new players trying to prove themselves, Knecht kept free falling. 

In four preseason games, he averaged 2.8 points on 25% shooting from the field (3-for-12) and 14.3% from 3 (1-for-7) as well as 1.3 rebounds in 11.9 minutes per game.

“The team changed. The needs changed, the fit changed,” Redick said when asked about Knecht before the Lakers played the Nuggets. “I think he got better as a player over the last two years. I think each guy has, particularly last year, each guy got plenty of opportunities with the amount of injuries we had. So I just think coming into this year, we added a lot of wings and he’s in a tough spot right now.”

So when the Lakers had to trim their roster from 16 players under contract to 15 on Monday, the inevitable happened. 

Knecht was first in line, ahead of Bronny James (the 55th pick in the 2024 draft) and Jaden Hardy, whom the Lakers acquired along with two future second-round draft picks (in 2031 and 2032) in a exchange for Deandre Ayton in July. 

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) and forward Dalton Knecht (4) look on from the bench during the first half of a game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Lakers ultimately decided to wave the white flag, letting one of their prized first-round picks drift into the ether with absolutely nothing to show for it but $4.2 million in debt that was remaining on his deal. 

It’s a shame the Lakers didn’t trade him the summer after the botched Williams trade. It’s unfortunate they couldn’t strike a deal last season. And it’s unsurprising that they couldn’t get a Hail Mary before Monday.

Now, this is a blight for Lakers’ general manager and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka. 

And it’s a darn shame for Knecht, who just a short while ago was headed on a very different career trajectory. 

Just a lose-lose for both parties. 

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Blake Griffin confirms wedding to designer Francesca Aiello after ring buzz

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Blake Griffin and Francesca Aiello at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2026 held at Sony Pictures Studios on October 18, 2026 in Culver City, California. , Image 2 shows Blake Griffin speaks during the NBA On Prime Season 2 Launch Event
Retired NBA forward Blake Griffin and swimwear designer Francesca Aiello are married.

Retired NBA forward Blake Griffin and swimwear designer Francesca Aiello are married, a representative for Griffin confirmed to People.

The pair, who reportedly got engaged in late 2024, have yet to share details of their wedding.

Griffin made waves when he was spotted wearing his gold wedding band while promoting Season 2 of NBA on Prime, as well as his new weekly talk show, “The Stepback,” last week.

Blake Griffin and Francesca Aiello at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2026 held at Sony Pictures Studios on October 18, 2026 in Culver City, California. Variety via Getty Images

The six-time NBA All-Star put his wedding ring on display while posing with Aiello, who founded the lifestyle brand Frankies Bikinis, on the red carpet at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

Before that, he donned it at an exclusive screening of “The Stepback with Blake Griffin,” on Wednesday, and the NBA on Prime Season 2 Launch Event “The Art of Basketball” on Tuesday.

Blake Griffin speaks during the NBA On Prime Season 2 Launch Event “The Art Of Basketball” at Storied NYC on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in New York. Getty Images for Prime Video

Griffin and Aiello never announced an engagement.

He reportedly proposed to Aiello around the holidays in 2024.

The model, a Malibu native, stirred buzz when she showed off her massive engagement ring in various Instagram posts in early 2025.

Blake Griffin and Francesca Aiello at YouTube’s New Series “We Are Osos” Premiere held at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Variety via Getty Images

Griffin and Aiello first started dating in June 2018 and briefly split before they reconnected in August 2023.

Griffin is a father to son Ford, 13, and daughter Finley, 10, from his previous relationship with ex-girlfriend, Brynn Cameron.

He spent eight seasons with the Clippers after being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.

The 2011 Rookie of the Year also played for the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics.

Griffin’s new weekly late-night sports talk and comedy show, “The Stepback with Blake Griffin,” premieres Tuesday, Oct. 20 with Amazon Studios, YouTube and Wondery.

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Courtyard used keep, flip, or ship data to build a tiered ranking of the cards collectors are most likely to hold

Courtyard used keep, flip, or ship data to build a tiered ranking of the cards collectors are most likely to hold

The 2026-27 NBA season tips off next Tuesday, but the basketball card market is already in midseason form. 

Since the Knicks’ dramatic NBA Finals victory in June, NBA fans have largely been focused on LeBron’s move to the 76ers, because it wouldn’t be an offseason without The King commanding the vast majority of the attention. However, when it comes to cards, Michael Jordan inserts and Cooper Flagg’s Rookie Debut Patch stole the show this summer. 

As the world prepares for the NBA’s opening night tripleheader, which features the Knicks’ banner-raising, LeBron’s 76ers debut, Wemby vs. Shai round 2, and a matinee Pistons-Celtics clash, digital collectibles platform Courtyard, released an interesting take on their platform’s data with the introduction of a unique NBA tier list. 

Unlike most player rankings floating around social media around ahead of a new season, this list isn’t based on on-court performance. Instead, Courtyard’s used data to showcase the players basketball collectors are most likely to hold—or sell—after they’re pulled from one of Courtyard’s basketball packs.

The Keep, Flip, Ship Hierarchy

On Courtyard, collectors who rip one of the company’s many digital basketball packs can take an instant buyback offer (flip) on their new, graded card, keep the card vaulted for free, or redeem it and have the physical version of the card shipped to them. Courtyard’s tier list ranks players by how collectors treated their pulls, with the S-Tier representing the players that collectors held onto the most, while the F-Tier represented the players that were most frequently flipped.

A few placements stand out. Tyrese Maxey ranks above Flagg, the reigning Rookie of the Year. Donovan Clingan, who averaged a double-double last season and Pistons guard Ausar Thompson, who might find his shot one day, share a tier with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Chet Holmgren, an All-Star and All-Defensive First Team selection last season, landed in the D-Tier, alongside Mikal Bridges, who helped the Knicks win their first title since 1973. Needless to say, collectors will have plenty of opinions about who is where on this list.

Does this mean that Donovan Clingan is a better buy than say, Nikola Jokic who is on the B-tier? Definitely not, at least in my opinion. It’s more a reflection of where the market has him currently priced (low) versus his overall potential. Conversely, Cooper Flagg is still high on the list but not at the top, likely because his market is currently reaching new market highs each day, which leads to collectors selling quickly. In that regard, the list is very interesting.

“Keeping a card is about the most honest thing a collector does. A sale tells you what the market thinks a card is worth. Holding onto it tells you what it’s worth to you,” said Nico le Jeune, co-founder and CEO of Courtyard. “That’s why this list doesn’t look much like an MVP ballot. Collectors hold onto Tyrese Maxey more than Cooper Flagg, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lands in the same tier as Donovan Clingan. Fans have their own idea of who matters.”

Key Offseason Moves

The Knicks might have won the NBA Finals, but Mavs’ rising sophomore forward holds the title for the biggest NBA card of a single player sold since June. Others haven’t played a game in decades.

  • Cooper Flagg: His 1-of-1 Topps rookie debut patch autograph sold for $8.04 million at Fanatics Collect on September 25th. It’s the highest price paid for any single NBA player’s card, and the third-highest NBA card sale overall, behind only a Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant Dual Logoman Auto 1/1 ($12.93 million) , and a Jordan/LeBron Dual Logoman Auto 1/1 ($10 million). Flagg’s previous record was $366,000.
  • Kobe Bryant/LeBron James: A 1-of-1 2007-08 Exquisite Dual Logoman Autograph sold for $6,501,840 through Alt on September 24th, the most expensive sale in the marketplace’s history. It also marked what might’ve been the high point of the recent Jordan boom, which has captivated The Hobby for what seems like forever at this point—leading to rising prices for other vintage cards from players like Shaq, when the cost of Jordan inserts started to price people out.
  • The Knicks starting five: A 1-of-1 Topps Now quintuple autograph featuring Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns sold for $317,200. Credit where it’s due. It’s nice to see something other than RCs and vintage, for once. 

The 2026 Rookie Class Gets Its Debut

Last week, the preorder for Topps Flagship Basketball crashed Topps’ website. We all know rookies drive demand, but the class of 2026 has a wider breadth of potential than collectors are used to. 

Washington selected former BYU star AJ Dybantsa first overall, followed by Darryn Peterson (Utah Jazz), Cameron Boozer (Memphis Grizzlies), Caleb Wilson (Chicago Bulls), and Keaton Wagler (Los Angeles Clippers). Their first Topps rookie cards will arrive… sometime soon, as the initial launch date during the NBA’s opening week (October 23rd) has since been pushed back to November 5th. 

Who will you be chasing in NBA packs this season?

Let us know over on Mantel.

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