PHILADELPHIA - MAY 22: Relief pitcher Jose Contreras #52 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch during a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on May 22, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Nationals won 5-2. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a successful career in Cuba, Jose Contreras finally came to the United States at age 31 in 2003. He was a decent mid-rotation starter for a few years and even made the All-Star Game in 2006 for the White Sox. But his performance steadily declined, and he spent most of 2009 in the minors.
The Phillies signed him before the 2010 season with the intention of using him in relief. He did well in his new role, serving as one of the team’s main setup men, and even filled in for closer Brad Lidge when he was injured. The Phillies re-signed him to a two-year deal after the season, but (and this isn’t terribly surprising since he was 39 at the time) he was often injured and ineffective after that.
— Philly Sports By Number (@philly_number) June 2, 2025
12. Ronny Cedeño, 2014
Ronny Cedeño carved out a decent career as a utility infielder, able to play every position on the infield, and even some outfield. Mostly due to an anemic bat, was never able to maintain a starting job – he only had two seasons with more than 500 plate appearances – but every season from 2005 to 2013, he would end up on some team’s bench.
Come 2014, the Phillies decided they would be that team, signing Cedeño to a one-year deal. Unable to promise him a spot on the major league roster, they released him towards the end of Spring Training. Cedeño found that no other team was going to offer him a major league deal, so he returned to the Phillies less than a week later and accepted a minor league assignment.
Cedeno was eventually called up for a six-game stint in June. Despite going 0-9 in that stint, the Arizona Diamondbacks wanted him enough that they sent an actual human being (the immortal Raywilly Gomez) to the Phillies in order to get him.
Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice spoke to the media today following an optional practice, providing updates on three recently injured players.
Those players are Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Anton Lundell. All three players are considered day-to-day and possible game-time decisions for tomorrow’s contest against the Boston Bruins.
“There’s a chance they all play tomorrow; there’s a chance none of them play tomorrow,” said Maurice.
The 29-year-old has scored 19 goals and 42 points in 55 games this season and was recently named an injury replacement for Team Canada.
Marchand had returned for four games before suffering another injury. He’s missed the previous two games with an undisclosed injury and is hoping to get back into the lineup before departing for the Olympics. The 37-year-old ranks second in both goals and points on the Panthers.
Marchand was on the ice today, skating in a regular practice jersey.
Lundell is the final Panthers forward now dealing with an injury, as his is also to the upper body. He’s missed the previous three games, but like Bennett and Marchand, he hopes to return to the lineup before joining Team Finland for the Olympics.
The 24-year-old has scored 15 goals and 21 assists for 36 points in 52 games this season.
The Panthers are now nine points back of the Bruins for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and if they are without all three forwards, they run a real risk of falling even farther behind in the playoff race. Their chances of making the playoffs are already slim, and a pair of losses before the Olympic break would begin to shut the door on their three-peat hopes.
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Harden is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game in his 17th season in the NBA. Yet, even though the Clippers have drastically improved their play recently, they entered this season with the oldest roster in NBA history, so an eventual youth movement makes sense.
There is one team, however, that has clearly emerged as a likely destination.
Here are potential landing spots in a trade for James Harden:
This is the destination that has the most momentum. Both Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports identified Cleveland as being in serious talks with the Clippers over Harden. The fit is actually pretty smooth.
The Cavaliers have been waiting for Darius Garland, who also plays point guard, to return to full health. Garland is 10 years younger, so the Cavaliers might be wanting Los Angeles to attach some form of draft capital — be it a first-round selection or a future pick swap — to finalize the deal.
The salaries are practically identical, which matters most for Cleveland as a second-apron team. And it makes sense for Los Angeles, which entered the season with the oldest roster in NBA history. The Cavs appear to be the clear frontrunner here.
Minnesota Timberwolves
This is a team that has been in the market for a point guard for some time. Harden would instantly provide experience and playmaking — not to mention a scoring threat — at the position.
The Timberwolves have made consecutive conference finals appearances, but have come up short each time. Minnesota almost certainly is looking to bolster its roster and give star guard Anthony Edwards a little more firepower. Depending on the price it would take to swing a deal, Harden would represent a solid, win-now move.
Ever since veteran point guard Fred Van Vleet went down before the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, the Rockets have experimented with various solutions at point guard. None has been a long-term fix.
Harden, who played in Houston for a little more than eight seasons, would instantly bring a steady, playmaking presence on a Rockets team that is built to contend right now for a championship.
Atlanta Hawks
They have plenty of draft capital and do have a void left by Trae Young, whom the Hawks traded last month to the Wizards. Yet, Atlanta may not be the most seamless fit, given that the Hawks still appear a ways from contention and given that general manager Onsi Saleh has been calculated in stashing draft capital. The Hawks most likely favor financial flexibility over a pricey veteran.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 31: Ty Jerome #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the second half T at FedExForum on January 31, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After missing the first 46 games of the season due to a lingering calf strain, former Virginia Cavaliers star Ty Jerome is finally back in action and already winning over a new fanbase.
It was a disappointing start to the season for Jerome, who broke out last year with the Cleveland Cavaliers to the tune of 19.9 points and 7.0 assists per game, leading to a third-place finish in the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Voting.
Jerome’s impressive campaign earned him a three-year, $27 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies in July, but his Grind City debut was pushed back until the final day of January for the first of a pair of home games against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The 2019 National Champion has quickly made up for lost time, scoring a team-high 20 points in Saturday’s 131-114 loss before following it up with a 19-point, 8-assist, 6-rebound performance on Monday night in a 137-128 rematch win over the T-Wolves.
Despite playing just 20 minutes in each of his first two appearances for Memphis due to a minutes restriction, Jerome is already bringing stability to a Grizzlies backcourt that has dealt with injuries and inconsistency throughout the season. Jerome is shooting 54.5% from the field while showing off his trademark deliberate pace and elite decision-making as Memphis’s floor general.
“[Jerome] doesn’t look like the most explosive guy, but he gets to his spots on the floor because he reads so well the body language of not only his own defender but also the helping defenders,” said Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo to the media after Monday night’s win. “He’s actually so good that he can manipulate [defenders] to get out of the space that he wants to create or get into the space that he wants to create for someone else.”
With Jerome sidelined and several other key players (including 2x All-Star Ja Morant, who has missed 28 games this season) in and out of the lineup, the Grizzlies went just 18-28 in their first 46 games, leaving them currently three games out of the play-in equation in the Western Conference.
In other pro ’Hoos news, De’Andre Hunter made headlines over the weekend as he was dealt from the Cavaliers to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis ahead of February 5th’s NBA trade deadline.
BREAKING: The Cleveland Cavaliers are trading De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, sources tell ESPN. The three-team deal includes the Chicago Bulls acquiring Kings forward Dario Saric and two future second-round picks. pic.twitter.com/Hoc6bP0hhj
It hasn’t been the season that many envisioned for Hunter, who averaged 14.0 points in 43 games this season with Cleveland on 42.3% shooting from the floor and a career-low 30.8% from beyond the arc. But a new home might be exactly what is needed for the 2019 fourth-overall pick. The Kings, which have a league-worst 12 wins this season, are in full-on tank mode, meaning we won’t be seeing Hunter back in the postseason this spring. However, Sacramento could be a perfect spot for the former ’Hoo to become an offensive focal point and once again show the league what he’s capable of in the right environment.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 08: Eugenio Suarez #7 of the Cincinnati Reds blows a bubble during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 8, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It appears the Cincinnati Reds will not be carrying three catchers to begin the 2026 regular season. What they most certainly will be carrying, though, is one Eugenio Suárez.
The Reds made their signing of Geno official on Tuesday afternoon, designating catcher Ben Rortvedt for assignment in the process in order to make room on the 40-man roster.
The #Reds today signed IF Eugenio Suárez to a one-year Major League contract with a mutual option for 2027 and designated for assignment C Ben Rortvedt.
Geno will wear #28 this time around, and he’ll once again do so while incredibly happy to be plying his trade for the Reds. When speaking to the media shortly after his 1-year, $15 million deal was made official, he noted that Cincinnati was ‘where you want to be,’ as ESPN 1530’s Mike Petraglia relayed.
"It wasn't about years. It was about where you want to be." Geno Suarez
As for Rortvedt, the out-of-options catcher was DFA’d to make room on the roster before ever actually appearing in a game for the Reds. He was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers back in mid-November, initially having been a Dodger in the first place after being dealt there by the Tampa Bay Rays in the very same three-team trade that brough Zack Littell to the Reds at the July 31st trade deadline.
He was never really expected to crack the Opening Day roster, and being out of options meant the Reds couldn’t simply stash him in AAA to keep him around. I’m assuming their hope is that he clears waivers and remains in the organization as a non-roster guy, but if he happens to get claimed after being DFA’s I would certainly expect the Reds to bring in another non-roster catcher before spring camp gets underway in Goodyear in a little over a week and a half.
It’s a jam-packed night of hoops action with 10 games on the NBA schedule. That means a seemingly nonstop supply of NBA player props.
I’ve scoured the odds and found my best bets for today, which include Jalen Johnson cleaning the glass in a matchup vs. the Heat, and Desmond Bane staying hot against the Thunder.
Those and more NBA picks, for Tuesday, January 3, below.
Fading the Miami Heat on the glass has been profitable, so we’ll keep that up by backing one of the best rebounders in the NBA, Jalen Johnson.
The newly minted All-Star is hauling down 10.5 rebounds per game this season, and that’s up to 13.5 over his last six outings.
The matchup with the Heat is so enticing because of their high tempo. They lead the NBA in pace and field-goal attempts per game, which means a lot of boards. Miami also surrenders the second most rebounds per game.
All the rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially being traded still can’t distract from the product the Milwaukee Bucks are putting on the court.
They’ve lost eight of nine and have the fourth-worst defensive rating since the start of January. The Bucks also allow the fourth-most assists per possession during that period. That has me looking at Coby White.
The Chicago Bulls guard is averaging 5.4 assists per game over his last seven games, topping 4.5 four times over that stretch.
Bane is putting up 21.4 points while shooting 42.3% from three over the last 10 games, and I love him to keep firing tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
OKC's defensive effort has been a little more inconsistent this season, and slowing down guards has been a problem. The Thunder surrender the third-most points and the fourth-highest opponent 3-point shooting percentage to opposing guards.
At even money, Bane’s a great bet to go Over a number he’s topped in six straight.
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.
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The Pittsburgh Penguins saw their six-game winning streak snapped by the Ottawa Senators on Monday night and will try to bounce back in their biggest regular-season game to date on Tuesday against the New York Islanders.
In fact, this is probably the biggest Penguins game since they played the Boston Bruins on Apr. 13, 2024, with all of their playoff hopes on the line.
A regulation win for the Penguins would give them a four-point cushion on the Islanders with two games in hand. However, a regulation win for the Islanders would pull them even with the Penguins for second in the Metropolitan Division.
The Islanders enter this game losers of two-straight games and didn't look good in a 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Monday. They'll have Ilya Sorokin for Tuesday's game, which is a big deal since he's arguably been the best goaltender in the NHL this year and has covered up many of their defensive warts. Sorokin leads the NHL with 27 goals saved above expected and also has a .916 save percentage and a 2.44 goals-against average.
Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer is having a fantastic season for the Islanders, compiling 15 goals and 37 points in 56 games. He's been exceptional in his own zone, and his skating is breathtaking.
Don't forget about Mathew Barzal, either. His edgework is elite, and he's having a really good season with 15 goals and 47 points in 55 games. Bo Horvat earned his way to the Team Canada Olympic roster this season and has 21 goals and 35 points in 42 games.
The Penguins will get Bryan Rust back from his three-game suspension on Tuesday, which could be huge for Sidney Crosby. Crosby hasn't been himself for the last week, so getting his linemate back might jumpstart him.
Stuart Skinner is set to start in goal after Arturs Silovs started on Monday. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT and HBO Max. Fans can also listen to the game on 105.9 'The X.'
The New York Knicks face off with the Washington Wizards in an Eastern Conference clash. The second-place Knicks have won six straight, covering all of them. Meanwhile, at the other end of the standings, Washington has won three of the last four.
However, the Wizards haven’t beaten a team with a winning record since Jan. 6, 13 games ago. They’ve covered just two of their last seven as double-digit dogs.
That’s why my Knicks vs. Wizards predictions & NBA picks call for New York to get a road cover on Tuesday, February 3.
Knicks vs Wizards prediction
Knicks vs Wizards best bet: Knicks -13.5 (-105)
The Washington Wizards have faced four lines this large in the last month and a half and lost all of them by double digits, going 1-3 ATS with losses by 25, 21 and 19 points.
Yes, Washington is enjoying its best run of the season — winning back-to-back games for just the third time and taking three of four for only the second time.
But those victories have come against struggling competition, as the Wizards knocked off three losing teams, including a sub-.400 Milwaukee squad and Sacramento, one of the few NBA teams with a worse record than their own.
The Wizards will also be shorthanded without Tre Johnson, as the team’s third-best perimeter shooter and 12.9-point scorer is set to miss his third straight game with a sprained ankle.
While Washington is expected to welcome center Alex Sarr back after he sat out Sunday with a calf issue, it likely won’t be enough to keep pace with the New York Knicks.
The Knicks have been favored by double-digits in their last six head-to-head meetings with the Wizards. They’ve won them all and covered four, including three straight.
Knicks vs Wizards same-game parlay
The Knicks have gone Under in nine of their last 10 games and play at the No. 24 pace in the league, while Washington prefers to push the tempo as the NBA’s ninth-fastest team.
Still, the Wizards have struggled to dictate terms against stronger opponents, forcing the Over just four times in their last 11 games against slower-paced teams favored by double digits.
Despite hitting six threes in a game twice during the six-game winning streak, there still doesn’t appear to be much trust in Landry Shamet.
He’s been boom-or-bust — scoring 23 against the Lakers and 18 versus Brooklyn but totaling just 26 points with seven made threes in the other four wins, with his big nights coming against two of the league’s five worst perimeter defenses.
Knicks vs Wizards SGP
Knicks -13.5
Under 228.5
Landry Shamet Under 8.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Can we interest you in KAT?
If insider buzz is accurate, the Knicks are pushing to make a move before the trade deadline, with New York eyeing Giannis Antetokounmpo and reportedly willing to include Karl-Anthony Towns in a potential package.
Towns, who previously struggled amid trade chatter, may be feeling it again after shooting just 18-for-49 (.367) over his last four games, well below his season average.
Knicks vs Wizards SGP
Knicks -13.5
Under 228.5
Landry Shamet Under 8.5 points
Karl-Anthony Towns Under 20.5 points
Knicks vs Wizards odds
Spread: New York -13.5 (-105) | Washington +13.5 (-115)
Moneyline: New York -700 | Washington +500
Over/Under: Over 227.5 (-110) | Under 227.5 (-110)
Knicks vs Wizards betting trend to know
The Knicks have won 10 straight over Washington, six by double figures, three by 20 or more. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Wizards.
How to watch Knicks vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Date
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
MSG, MNMT
Knicks vs Wizards latest injuries
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SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 13: Kyle Freeland #21 of the Colorado Rockies warms up prior to throwing a bullpen at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 13, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kyle Cooper/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Spring training officially kicked off for the Colorado Rockies today as pitchers and catchers report to camp, and it won’t be long before Cactus League action begins with games taking place on February 20.
As usual, a batch of games will be available for consumption thanks to the Rockies Radio Network and the return of Rockies.TV for another year. On Wednesday, the Rockies officially announced the broadcast schedule for spring training.
850 AM/94.1 FM KOA Rockies Radio Network
(All times Denver time)
Feb. 20 vs. Diamondbacks (1 p.m. pregame/1:10 p.m. first pitch)
Feb. 22 at Rangers (12:55/1:05)
Feb. 24 vs. Angels (1/1:10)
Feb. 28 vs. Royals (1/1:10)
March 1 at Guardians (12:55/1:05)
March 2 vs. Dodgers (1/1:10)
March 4 vs. Team USA (1/1:10)
March 8 vs. Guardians (2/2:10)
March 9 at White Sox (1:55/2:05)
March 13 vs. Rangers (2/2:10)
March 15 at Angels (2/2:10)
March 17 vs. Mariners (2/2:10)
March 23 vs. Tigers (7/7:10)
Rockies.TV
Feb. 20 vs. Diamondbacks
Feb. 24 vs. Angels
Feb. 28 vs. Royals
March 1 at Guardians (opposing team broadcast)
March 2 vs. Dodgers
March 4 vs. Team USA
March 8 vs. Guardians
March 13 vs. Rangers
March 17 vs. Mariners
March 20 at San Diego (6:10/opposing team broadcast)
March 21 at Arizona (1:10/opposing team broadcast)
March 23 vs. Tigers (Games on March 4 and March 23 will feature Rockies TV broadcasters. All others are simulcasts with the KOA Rockies Radio Network)
All spring training games will be free to stream without blackouts with an MLB.com account, no purchase necessary. For the regular season, Rockies.TV costs $99.99 for the year or just $19.99 per month. You can also bundle it with MLB.TV for $199.99.
One of the more notable games will be the match-up against Team USA on March 4 as they get a tune-up for the World Baseball Classic. Additionally, the Spring Breakout game featuring top prospects from the Rockies and the Diamondbacks will take place on March 21. Broadcast info has not been ironed out for that game yet.
Rockies play-by-play broadcaster Drew Goodman returns for his 25th year calling Rockies games, and will be joined once again in the booth by Jeff Huson, Ryan Spilborghs and Cory Sullivan. Kelsey Wingert and Marc Stout will also return in their roles as dugout reporters, and will be joined this year by Rachel Tos, who has served as a reporter and host for the Colorado Avalanche over the past six-plus years.
Meanwhile, Jack Corrigan returns for his 24th season as the play-by-play voice for KOA, and his 41st season in MLB. It appears we will not have a dedicated partner this season after long-time co-announcer Jerry Schemmel was laid off this offseason by iHeartRadio.
Rockies baseball is right around the corner. Who are you most excited to follow through the broadcasts this year? Carry on the discussion below!
Aug 27, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Baseballs are pictured during a game between the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
It’s that time of year again!
After a busy offseason of transactions that’s seen several top prospects shipped out for controllable talent, the Mariners farm system looks substantially different than it did at the end of last year. Despite plenty of graduations over the course of last season and a healthy amount of trades that sent prospect talent out the door, Seattle still finds themselves with one of the more promising crops of young talent across the league and remain amongst the upper tiers of farm systems league-wide. It’s perhaps not at the elite level it once was, but assuredly above average.
Our annual prospect rankings begin today with Part One of our honorable mentions: The Bats. (Part Two, The Arms, will drop on Thursday.) We’ll be sharing writeups on our top twenty players every Tuesday and Thursday, thoroughly analyzing our favorite prospects and sharing why we’re bullish on their futures. These rankings are a composite of our own personal rankings and aim to reflect the average view of our sitewide prospect team. If you disagree, please let us know (nicely) in the comments!
Brock Rodden – UTIL
2025 Statistic of Note – .342/.405/.526 in AZ Fall League
Rodden has been in the organization for a few years now, routinely finding his way inside of our top twenty rankings. Unfortunately, after an injury-marred season that saw him garner under 200 PA’s, we had him fall just outside of our list this season. When on the field, Rodden has done nothing but produce. The switch-hitting utility man has collected a minor league Gold Glove for his play at second base and has far more power than his 5’7 frame might have you think. He’s sneakily been one of the most consistent performers in this entire system, and despite his relatively advanced age compared to other prospects (he’ll be 26 in March), there’s plenty of reason to believe he can provide the team with a do-it-all utility infielder sometime soon. If the bat to ball skills come back down a little to his career norms, I’d expect Rodden to be a viable option to serve in a fill-in role, a la Leo Rivas or Dylan Moore.
A muscled-up free swinger with a boatload of power, Grant Jay is a super intriguing bat drafted in the 12th round of the 2025 MLB draft. With some legitimate buzz around his name entering the year, Jay went on to slash .309/.437/.655 as a junior for the Dallas Baptist Patriots and was one of the key cogs in the middle of a super talented lineup. Snagging 14 bags as a catcher provided further intrigue to the strong-armed catcher as well, seemingly giving him a ton of tools for teams to dream on at a premium position. What’s not to like?
For starters, Grant Jay’s hit tool is quite poor. Striking out 25.6% of the time in college isn’t necessarily a death sentence, but that’s a pretty significant sign of serious bat-to-ball issues. Additionally, Jay’s defensive future is a little unclear at the moment. Playing primarily as a catcher throughout his college career, most evaluators seem to have him moving off the position moving forward, likely into a corner outfield spot. He’s tremendously strong and a good athlete, but it’s not always super fluid out there and there’s concern he’s a tweener defensively. If he can’t provide passable defense behind the plate, a high-whiff corner outfielder is a far less desirable player and is likely the reason why he ended up slipping to the 12th round. Regardless of his draft position, Jay is absolutely one to watch. He’s far more talented than a lot of players that were taken ahead of him.
Grant Knipp – C/RHP
2025 Statistic of Note – DNP
One of, if not the most unique player in this entire system, Grant Knipp was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 draft out of Campbell as a two-way player. Though unproven on the mound, he’s been clocked up to 98 from the right side and showed off promising raw shapes with his slider and cutter alike. Perhaps even more interestingly, Knipp was leading the country in homers before he went down with an oblique injury midway through the season and has truly tremendous raw power at the dish. His .402/.547/1.029 slash through his first 29 games (that’s a 1.576 OPS!) is an obviously astronomical accomplishment that shows just how promising a player Knipp is, though it doesn’t come without some clear concerns to his game. Swing-and-miss is going to be a major part of his game as a professional, and having only logged 5.2 IP in his life, to say he’s a little raw on the mound is an understatement. We’re yet to see Knipp take the field as a professional just yet, but with the level of athleticism he possesses, his debut is sure to be an exciting one.
Aiden Taurek – OF
2025 Statistic of Note – .336 AVG | 16/12 K/BB
Aiden Taurek probably isn’t a player most are familiar with, but the young outfielder showed a surprising amount of promise in the early days of his professional career that has him on prospect radars for 2026. Coming out of Saint Mary’s in California from last summer’s 2025 draft, the 13th rounder did nothing but spray the ball all over the Modesto ballpark and looked like an extremely professional hitter from the right side of the plate. There hasn’t been much power in his game thus far and it’s a corner outfield profile, but the contact ability has been phenomenal, the plate discipline is certainly present, and he’s been successfully aggressive on the basepaths. It’s probably not going to be an insanely dynamic prospect that headlines prospect lists, but Taurek looks like he’s got a shot to be a productive piece of this system. He’s got to get to more power in-game, but after his strong debut, he’s undoubtedly turned himself into a piece you’ll want to keep an eye on.
What an at-bat by Aiden Taurek. Singles on the 12th pitch of the AB & it turns into a Little League HR. pic.twitter.com/K5e0SWupdg
2025 Statistic of Note – 151 wRC+ in 300 PAs at AA; 0.88 BB/K
After a long, slow climb through the minors, the fun-sized Cuban has finally landed in Tacoma. Labrada has been a bit of a slow mover since debuting in 2021, needing to repeat levels at times, especially early in his career, but he figured out Double-A this year and is on his way to solving Triple-A. One of the better stolen base threats in the minors, he swiped 44 bags last year and could be an option if the team needs a speedster later in the season, provided he can continue his Oops! all OBP approach in the box.
Leandro Romero – SS
2025 Statistic of Note – 9 HR across 180 PA in DSL
Joining the Mariners as a raw, unpolished 17 year old in the 2024 IFA class, Romero struggled adjusting to the uptick in opposing talent and had a disappointing season. Returning to the DSL for a second round, Romero flipped the script entirely and dominated the competition all season, ultimately changing his prospect outlook entirely. The athletic shortstop displayed good power and improved plate discipline in his retread of the DSL, pairing it with above average marks for his defense on the dirt. It’s a power-over-hit profile, but with extremely advanced exit velocities for his age and exciting tools everywhere else, the hit tool might not need to be all that good for this kid to be an impact player. Romero is a super talented player that should be on everyone’s radar for the 2026 season.
Check back in on Thursday for part two of our honorable mentions!
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 30: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the second half of an NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 30, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers are actively exploring all trade options for starting center Jarrett Allen, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. Allen’s salary, over $90 million owed to him for the next three seasons, could be used to fill multiple holes on the roster or bring back several assets for a larger trade deal. And it appears the Cavs are in the market hunting for a big fish.
Amick notes that league-wide chatter indicates that the Cavs indeed are seeking a star, such as Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, and moving Allen as well as Darius Garland is the pathway. While that possibility may be stomach-churning to Cavs fans, there may be external pressures on the organization to make something happen.
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Donovan Mitchell is extension-eligible this summer, and there appears to be real fear that he will decline that opportunity and ask for a trade or simply force Cleveland’s hand to push their chips in. This appears to be the latter, and moving Allen would give the Cavs assets and options to go get that game-changing stud.
Allen, fresh off a 40-point explosion against the Portland Trail Blazers, is averaging 14 points and eight rebounds per game on 60.5% shooting (which is a dramatic downturn from last season’s 70.6%). There have been many questions about Allen’s ability to play up against bigger centers and/or in stressful playoff moments, something that may finally be coming to a head. That being said, the Allen has been in trade rumor mills several seasons over for a reason. His contract is still pretty palatable compared to other centers, and he is only 27-years-old.
Pat Knight resigned as basketball coach at Marian University, an NAIA program in Indianapolis. Knight said he made the decision after "administration" told him to fire an employee.
"I quit today. They wanted me to fire a staff member, and I didn't want to," Knight told IndyStar on Monday evening. "When the administration starts trying to tell you what to do, nah, I've been there before."
Knight went out in style all-too-reminiscent of his late father, legendary Indiana coach Bob Knight. Knight was ejected from the Jan. 31 game against Goshen in the first half. He however, did not throw a chair.
It would be Knight's final game as Marian coach. The Knights lost 75-74, snapping Goshen's 54-game conference losing streak and a 19-game losing streak to Marian.
Knight declined to name the staff member administration wanted him to fire. IndyStar reached out to Marian athletic director Steve Downing for comment on Knight's resignation but did not immediately receive a response.
"I always wanted to go out on my own," Knight said. "I'm glad to be back home in Indianapolis. Hopefully, I'll get back into the NBA scouting. I'm too old. Life's too short to put up with that bull(crap)."
Knight was 16-34, 7-23 in the Crossroads League, after taking over in 2024.
Knight was 79-123 as a Division I coach, succeeding his father at Texas Tech during the 2007-08 season and posting one winning record — 19-16 in 2009-10 — in four seasons. He was at Lamar for three seasons, going 23-12 in 2011-12, winning the Southland Conference regular season and conference championships to make the NCAA tournament. But Knight then went 6-50 his final two seasons.
Knight also spent 10 years as a scout for the Indiana Pacers, was an assistant in the basketball operations staff for the Suns then served as an assistant in the Continental and International Basketball Associations, as well as Texas Tech, Akron and IU. Knight lettered for four seasons Indiana, and was a member of the 1992 Final Four team.
IndyStar sports director Nat Newell contributed to this story.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 28: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 129-99. 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
It’s been a hectic 24 hours for the Cleveland Cavaliers. A swap featuring Darius Garland for James Harden is potentially on the way—and Cavs fans are scrambling to figure out how we got here.
According to multiple NBA insiders, it’s because the front office is concerned that this might be the last chance to convince Donovan Mitchell to sign a contract extension in the summer.
“The key here is that the Cavs are moving away from believing in the Core 4,” Brian Windhorst told ESPN Cleveland. “And I think the genesis of this is because they’re worried that Donovan is not going to re-sign this summer.”
Mitchell is in the middle of a stellar season. He’s averaging a career-high 28.8 points and has consistently translated his scoring to the playoffs. The argument here is that Mitchell is growing frustrated with Cleveland’s shortcomings in the postseason and could decline to sign an extension with the franchise.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps shared the same sentiment, saying he believes an extension is unlikely if the Cavs fall short again in the playoffs this season.
Now let’s get some context out of the way.
Speculation is fair. Especially when that’s part of your job. But, with all due respect, Bontemps also said that the Cavs had ZERO chance of extending Mitchell two summers ago. In fact, numerous NBA media members were adamant about Mitchell refusing to stay in Cleveland.
Does that mean that everyone is wrong this time? Of course not. It would make sense if Mitchell felt frustrated and looked for a change of scenery if the Cavs collapsed in the playoffs again. That’s only natural. I’m just trying to provide context and temper the flames before they get out of hand on Twitter.
Things change fast in the NBA. Mitchell signed an extension in 2024 before he believed in the future of the franchise. Two disappointing seasons are more than enough to shift that perspective. Regardless of whether or not the Cavs make any blockbuster trades before the deadline, they certainly have pressure on them to compete in the playoffs and convince Mitchell that this ship isn’t sinking.
The Ottawa Senators take a four-game winning streak into the Lenovo Center to face the Carolina Hurricanes tonight.
My Senators vs. Hurricanes predictions and top NHL picks are calling for Ottawa to cover the puck line in a low-scoring game tonight.
Senators vs Hurricanes prediction
Senators vs Hurricanes best bet: Under 6.5 (-105)
The Ottawa Senators have allowed the fewest expected goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5, and the Carolina Hurricanes have surrendered the eighth-fewestper 60, so I’m not expecting the scoreboard to be lit up tonight.
Additionally, the Sens will be playing the second leg of a back-to-back road set, and for the third time in four nights, so it’s a tough schedule spot for Ottawa.
Hurricanes starter Brandon Bussi has also posted a rock-solid .912 SV% and 2.01 GAA with a respectable 4.36 goals saved above expected across his past nine starts.
Senators vs Hurricanes same-game parlay
Ottawa has won four straight with just six goals against, and that highlighted strong defensive play will enable the Sens to keep this game close. Carolina has only won once by multiple goals across its past six games, too.
Sens winger Drake Batherson has marked the scoresheet in three consecutive games and continues to skate on the top line and jump the boards with the No. 1 power-play unit alongside leading scorer Tim Stutzle. The duo has been on the ice for a high-end 5.45 goals per 60 minutes this season, too.
The Senators have covered the puck line in eight of their last 13 away games for +6.35 units and a 34% ROI. Find more NHL betting trends for Senators vs. Hurricanes.
How to watch Senators vs Hurricanes
Location
Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
Date
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
TSN, FDSN-North
Senators vs Hurricanes latest injuries
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.
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PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 27: (L-R) Assistant coach Todd Nelson, Nick Bonino, head coach Dan Muse and Mike Stothers talk during the game against the St. Louis Blues at PPG PAINTS Arena on October 27, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
There are a couple of different ways you can look at the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Monday night.
You could take the charitable approach and say they have been playing spectacular hockey for more than a month now, and that after such a long, sustained run of excellent play they were probably due for a stinker and a regulation loss.
You could also rightfully acknowledge that the Senators are probably a better team than their record indicates, and with better goaltending would probably be closer to a playoff spot right now. They were nearly flawless on Monday and have been on a roll over the past week-and-a-half, beating quite a few playoff teams rather convincingly.
But I was not really in the mood to be overly charitable after that game. Not because the Penguins are not entitled to loss, or an off night, or because they should win every game. It was not about the result. It was about the way they played. It was about how much of a no-show performance it was in a game where two points were there for the taking against a team below them in the standings.
If the Penguins were still the team everybody expected them to be at the start of the season I think games like Monday become more tolerable, especially after a hot streak. But the Penguins are not that team. They have raised the bar for what should be expected of them this season, and they have done that through their own play.
They entered Monday’s game with the sixth-best points percentage in the NHL, the third-best points percentage in the Eastern Conference, the fifth-most regulation wins in the NHL and a top-10 goal differential. Their underlying numbers are strong, their defensive play has steadily improved, they are getting steady, winnable goaltending.
What anybody expected before the season does not matter at this point.
What you think of their roster on paper does not matter at this point.
What matters is what they are doing on the ice, the way they are playing and the results they are producing.
And those results are that of a good team. A very good team.
This is no longer a team that should be looking at this season as, “Hey, what if we make the playoffs?” This a team that should be looking at this season and expecting to make the playoffs.
The question should not be “can they make the playoffs?” It should be “what can they potentially do in the playoffs?”
That is the position the Penguins have put themselves in in the standings. We are getting down to under 25 games in the regular season, and they are not only in a good position to potentially have home ice in the first round of the playoffs, there is a gap forming between them and the teams on the outside of the playoff picture. Not only due to the gap in points, but also due to the fact the Penguins still have multiple games in hand on pretty much every team they are competing with for one of those playoff spots.
It is a good team, and our expectations for them should be that of a good team. Sometimes that means being disappointed with such a flat effort. Sometimes that means criticism for such a flat effort, even in the context of a larger sampling of good to great games.
That is what makes Monday so disappointing. They did not just lose. They did not lose a competitive, well-played game. They were dominated from start to finish. While Ottawa was excellent, a lot of the Penguins mistakes were also very self-inflicted. There was no crispness to their game, their best players were some of their worst players in the game and had it not been for starting goalie Arturs Silovs absolutely standing on his head that could have easily been a 6-2 or 7-2 game. The fact they were even in a position to potentially get a point with five minutes to play in regulation is a testament to the game Silovs played.
When the Penguins had that disastrous home stand against against the Minnesota Wild and Seattle Kraken back in late November, coming back from the Sweden trip, head coach Dan Muse fumed after one of the games that just playing well and not getting results was not acceptable, and that they should be beyond that point in their expectations.
At the time, when the Penguins were still very early in the season and had not yet developed a larger sampling of play, it was a pretty bold statement from a first-year head coach of a team that was thought to be in a rebuilding season. That mindset is even more true now. Even though this is a team in some sort of a rebuilding phase, and even though there are young players on the roster and players developing, it is still, in general an older more veteran team that now should have serious playoff expectations.
Generally speaking, I am not down on the Penguins based on yesterday’s game.
I am simply down on that performance because my expectations have changed on this season.
This is a good team. Part of me thinks it is a really good team, and perhaps even a better team than a lot of people in Pittsburgh think it is. With strong play comes expectations. The Penguins failed to meet those expectations on Monday. Not because they lost. The way they lost. They have a big opportunity on Tuesday in a big game against the New York Islanders to make up for it.
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