By definition, a Game 7 always delivers. While the official ratings data won’t appear for at least another 24 hours, Fox’s super-stuffed Dodgers-Blue Jays finale has drawn an audience that’s commensurate with the sheer can’t-miss thrills of Saturday night’s 11-inning masterpiece.
According to preliminary Nielsen data, the final game of the 2025 MLB season averaged just shy of 26 million viewers across the broadcast flagship and the Fox Sports streaming platforms, a figure which marks the biggest TV turnout for a baseball game since Game 7 of the 2017 World Series. (The Astros’ 5-1 victory over the Dodgers eight years ago averaged 28.3 million viewers).
As the rushed fast-national numbers do not reflect Nielsen’s newly-implemented “Big Data + Panel” currency, it’s worth noting that the official deliveries are almost certain to exceed the 25,984,000 viewers captured via the first stab at a Game 7 rating. That said, the extra boost from set-top boxes and connected TVs isn’t likely to beat out the final tally for the analogous broadcast in 2017.
Even a modest 4% lift in the final BDP figures should send Fox right to the outskirts of the 27 million-viewer mark, an outcome that would place Game 7 among the top 25 most-watched broadcasts of 2025. By way of comparison, the concluding frame of last season’s Yankees-Dodgers Fall Classic averaged 18.2 million viewers, making Game 5 the 84th-biggest draw of the year.
Fox said Saturday night’s clincher peaked with 31.5 million viewers in the 11:30 p.m. ET quarter-hour.
By virtue of their relative scarcity—there have been eight empty-the-tank outings since the century began—every Game 7 is an unqualified treat, but the Dodgers’ clinch was one for the ages. L.A. not only became the first club to repeat as World Series champs since the 1998-2000 Yankees, but on the way to the title they served up Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s MVP performance (a 34-pitch mopping up that arrived just one day after the hurler threw 96) and a highlight-reel performance by Miguel Rojas. The No. 9 hitter launched the tying homer in the top of the ninth before making a game-saving throw to the plate with the bases loaded at the bottom of the same inning.
Will Smith’s solo blast in the 11th sealed the Jays’ fate, but along the way fans feasted on a host of World Series anomalies, including a rare bench-clearing in the bottom of the fourth after Dodgers reliever Justin Wrobleski plunked Jays shortstop Andrés Giménez with a four-seamer. And while Clayton Kershaw wasn’t called upon on Saturday night, the roster of all-world pitchers that took the hill in the finale included the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Max Scherzer, Tyler Glasnow, Trey Yesavage and Yamamoto.
The official Nielsen data is expected to land Tuesday afternoon.
As the Phillies head into what could be their most pivotal offseason in years, the front office faces a long to-do list.
Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suárez, Harrison Bader and Max Kepler headline a crowded free-agent class, while bullpen arms Jordan Romano, David Robertson, Lou Trivino and Tim Mayza — plus starter Walker Buehler — are also set to hit the market.
With needs behind the plate, across the pitching staff and in the outfield, expect Dave Dombrowski to be aggressive with his payroll.
Here’s a look at ten realistic targets who could fit what the Phillies need:
If J.T. Realmuto departs, Caratini offers a capable bridge option. The 32-year-old quietly put together one of his best seasons, ranking in the 77th percentile or better in chase, whiff, and strikeout rate. His switch-hitting bat provides steady contact and the ability to get on base, but defensive inconsistency has limited him to part-time duty in recent stops. The Phillies could pair Caratini with Rafael Marchán to form a balanced tandem that prioritizes contact and pitch-handling without a major financial commitment.
Alonso remains one of baseball’s most dangerous right-handed hitters. In his seventh big league season, he ranked in the 95th percentile or better in average exit velocity, barrel rate, and expected slugging. The glove remains serviceable, but his power makes him elite — and he’d bring a true middle-of-the-order presence if Kyle Schwarber walks. Alonso’s durability, big-market experience, and run production make him an ideal fit to protect Bryce Harper and add balance to a lefty-heavy lineup.
Naylor’s bat brings a lot of stability. The 29-year-old limited strikeouts (83 Ks in 604 PAs) while maintaining strong production against both lefties (.287) and righties (.298). With runners on, he slashed .324/.376/.506, showing value in bigspots. His 30 steals made him just the fourth primary first baseman in MLB history to post a 20–30 season. For a team that could use more contact and situational hitting, Naylor’s aggressive but controlled approach would fit cleanly into Philadelphia’s middle order.
If the Phillies explore upgrading from Alec Bohm, Bregman is the logical choice. The 32-year-old posted a 128 OPS+ and continued to provide solid defense (3 OAA) at third base. His career postseason line — .791 OPS with 19 homers — reflects the consistency the Phillies have lacked in October. A disciplined right-handed bat with elite control of the zone, Bregman fits the front office’s preference for veterans with playoff experience and on-base skills.
Robert’s season was cut short by a hamstring strain in August, but the talent remains obvious. The 28-year-old ranked in the 93rd percentile in outs above average and 90th in sprint speed, swiping 33 bases despite limited action. A change of scenery could help him recapture his 2023 All-Star form at the plate, when he hit 38 homers with an .857 OPS. The White Sox are unlikely to pick up his option unless they plan to trade him, and Philadelphia’s need for right-handed power and athleticism makes him an intriguing fit.
After a breakout 2023 in Washington (28 HR, 32 SB), Thomas hasn’t replicated that success. Still, his underlying metrics — 94th percentile sprint speed and 88th percentile arm strength — make him a strong buy-low target as a fourth outfielder. A career .292/.359/.500 hitter against lefties, he’d complement Brandon Marsh in a corner-outfield platoon. At 30, Thomas could fill a depth role with the chance for more if he rebounds at the plate.
Eflin’s 2025 was cut short by multiple injuries, ending with back surgery, but his prior two seasons (3.59 ERA, 1.09 WHIP over 59 starts) proved his dependability when healthy. The right-hander was tied for second in the American League in wins in that stretch (26). The Phillies know the 31-year-old well, and a reunion would make sense given Zack Wheeler’s uncertain timeline and Ranger Suárez’s free agency. Eflin’s command and five-pitch mix help him eat up innings, which could fit the backend of the Phils rotation, especially if Taijuan Walker is dealt.
Projected contract: 2 years, $32 million
Jordan Montgomery, SP
2025: Did not pitch (injured) | 2024: 21 GS, 8–7, 6.23 ERA, 117 IP, 83 K, 1.65 WHIP
Montgomery missed 2025 recovering from Tommy John surgery, but his 2021–23 stretch (30 or more starts each year, 3.48 ERA) shows what he can still offer. The 32-year-old’s postseason success — 2.63 ERA in 37.2 IP — fits Philadelphia’s mold of proven October performers. If Suárez departs, Montgomery represents a solid short-term lefty option who can slot into the middle of the rotation once healthy.
Rogers led all relievers in appearances and posted the lowest ERA among pitchers with at least 70 innings. His unique submarine delivery induces soft contact better than anyone — ranking in the 99th percentile in average exit velocity and 100th in walk rate and barrel percentage. The 35-year-old remains effective and could be an extremely successful setup man to closer Jhoan Duran. Rogers’ style contrasts perfectly with Philadelphia’s power-heavy bullpen mix.
Projected contract: 2 years, $35 million
Derek Law, RP
2025: Did not pitch (injured) | 2024: 75 G, 7–4, 2.60 ERA, 90 IP, 76 K, 1.18 WHIP
Law missed all of 2025 with a partial flexor tear but is expected back midseason. In 2024, he ranked in the 96th percentile for chase and barrel rate thanks to his slider-cutter combo. A healthy Law could stabilize Philadelphia’s middle innings, where depth faltered in the postseason. Given his track record and versatility, he’s a low-risk veteran option who could return solid value in the sixth and seventh innings.
Projected contract: 2 years, $11 million
FA begins, important dates to know
Free agency began Sunday, but teams have five days of exclusive negotiation with their own players before outside offers are permitted on Nov. 6. All option and opt-out decisions must be finalized within that window, with qualifying-offer announcements to follow (Nov. 18). The GM Meetings in Las Vegas (Nov. 10–13) typically mark the first movement, while the Winter Meetings in Orlando (Dec. 7–10) remain the offseason’s busiest stretch. Arbitration figures are exchanged in early January, and the international signing period opens on Jan. 15.
As the Phillies head into what could be their most pivotal offseason in years, the front office faces a long to-do list.
Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suárez, Harrison Bader and Max Kepler headline a crowded free-agent class, while bullpen arms Jordan Romano, David Robertson, Lou Trivino and Tim Mayza — plus starter Walker Buehler — are also set to hit the market.
With needs behind the plate, across the pitching staff and in the outfield, expect Dave Dombrowski to be aggressive with his payroll.
Here’s a look at ten realistic targets who could fit what the Phillies need:
If J.T. Realmuto departs, Caratini offers a capable bridge option. The 32-year-old quietly put together one of his best seasons, ranking in the 77th percentile or better in chase, whiff, and strikeout rate. His switch-hitting bat provides steady contact and the ability to get on base, but defensive inconsistency has limited him to part-time duty in recent stops. The Phillies could pair Caratini with Rafael Marchán to form a balanced tandem that prioritizes contact and pitch-handling without a major financial commitment.
Alonso remains one of baseball’s most dangerous right-handed hitters. In his seventh big league season, he ranked in the 95th percentile or better in average exit velocity, barrel rate, and expected slugging. The glove remains serviceable, but his power makes him elite — and he’d bring a true middle-of-the-order presence if Kyle Schwarber walks. Alonso’s durability, big-market experience, and run production make him an ideal fit to protect Bryce Harper and add balance to a lefty-heavy lineup.
Naylor’s bat brings a lot of stability. The 29-year-old limited strikeouts (83 Ks in 604 PAs) while maintaining strong production against both lefties (.287) and righties (.298). With runners on, he slashed .324/.376/.506, showing value in bigspots. His 30 steals made him just the fourth primary first baseman in MLB history to post a 20–30 season. For a team that could use more contact and situational hitting, Naylor’s aggressive but controlled approach would fit cleanly into Philadelphia’s middle order.
If the Phillies explore upgrading from Alec Bohm, Bregman is the logical choice. The 32-year-old posted a 128 OPS+ and continued to provide solid defense (3 OAA) at third base. His career postseason line — .791 OPS with 19 homers — reflects the consistency the Phillies have lacked in October. A disciplined right-handed bat with elite control of the zone, Bregman fits the front office’s preference for veterans with playoff experience and on-base skills.
Robert’s season was cut short by a hamstring strain in August, but the talent remains obvious. The 28-year-old ranked in the 93rd percentile in outs above average and 90th in sprint speed, swiping 33 bases despite limited action. A change of scenery could help him recapture his 2023 All-Star form at the plate, when he hit 38 homers with an .857 OPS. The White Sox are unlikely to pick up his option unless they plan to trade him, and Philadelphia’s need for right-handed power and athleticism makes him an intriguing fit.
After a breakout 2023 in Washington (28 HR, 32 SB), Thomas hasn’t replicated that success. Still, his underlying metrics — 94th percentile sprint speed and 88th percentile arm strength — make him a strong buy-low target as a fourth outfielder. A career .292/.359/.500 hitter against lefties, he’d complement Brandon Marsh in a corner-outfield platoon. At 30, Thomas could fill a depth role with the chance for more if he rebounds at the plate.
Eflin’s 2025 was cut short by multiple injuries, ending with back surgery, but his prior two seasons (3.59 ERA, 1.09 WHIP over 59 starts) proved his dependability when healthy. The right-hander was tied for second in the American League in wins in that stretch (26). The Phillies know the 31-year-old well, and a reunion would make sense given Zack Wheeler’s uncertain timeline and Ranger Suárez’s free agency. Eflin’s command and five-pitch mix help him eat up innings, which could fit the backend of the Phils rotation, especially if Taijuan Walker is dealt.
Projected contract: 2 years, $32 million
Jordan Montgomery, SP
2025: Did not pitch (injured) | 2024: 21 GS, 8–7, 6.23 ERA, 117 IP, 83 K, 1.65 WHIP
Montgomery missed 2025 recovering from Tommy John surgery, but his 2021–23 stretch (30 or more starts each year, 3.48 ERA) shows what he can still offer. The 32-year-old’s postseason success — 2.63 ERA in 37.2 IP — fits Philadelphia’s mold of proven October performers. If Suárez departs, Montgomery represents a solid short-term lefty option who can slot into the middle of the rotation once healthy.
Rogers led all relievers in appearances and posted the lowest ERA among pitchers with at least 70 innings. His unique submarine delivery induces soft contact better than anyone — ranking in the 99th percentile in average exit velocity and 100th in walk rate and barrel percentage. The 35-year-old remains effective and could be an extremely successful setup man to closer Jhoan Duran. Rogers’ style contrasts perfectly with Philadelphia’s power-heavy bullpen mix.
Projected contract: 2 years, $35 million
Derek Law, RP
2025: Did not pitch (injured) | 2024: 75 G, 7–4, 2.60 ERA, 90 IP, 76 K, 1.18 WHIP
Law missed all of 2025 with a partial flexor tear but is expected back midseason. In 2024, he ranked in the 96th percentile for chase and barrel rate thanks to his slider-cutter combo. A healthy Law could stabilize Philadelphia’s middle innings, where depth faltered in the postseason. Given his track record and versatility, he’s a low-risk veteran option who could return solid value in the sixth and seventh innings.
Projected contract: 2 years, $11 million
FA begins, important dates to know
Free agency began Sunday, but teams have five days of exclusive negotiation with their own players before outside offers are permitted on Nov. 6. All option and opt-out decisions must be finalized within that window, with qualifying-offer announcements to follow (Nov. 18). The GM Meetings in Las Vegas (Nov. 10–13) typically mark the first movement, while the Winter Meetings in Orlando (Dec. 7–10) remain the offseason’s busiest stretch. Arbitration figures are exchanged in early January, and the international signing period opens on Jan. 15.
Two years removed from the Giants managerial position, Gabe Kapler is moving up the ranks with another organization.
The Miami Marlins promoted Kapler to the organization’s general manager position, the team announced Monday, along with other promotions in their baseball operations leadership.
We are excited to announce the following promotions within our Baseball Operations Leadership. pic.twitter.com/y7Qkw3dERG
Kapler, who was fired as the Giants manager in September 2023, joined the Marlins as an assistant general manager in January 2024. He becomes the sixth general manager in Marlins history.
The Marlins spent the last two seasons without a general manager after Kim Ng declined her 2024 option as the team decided to hire Peter Bendix as president of baseball operations to preside over her. Ng held the general manager title for the Marlins for four seasons from 2020-23.
Kapler, when initially hired by the Marlins, returned to a front office position for the first time since serving as the director of player development for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2015-17. He previously spent six seasons as the manager for the Philadelphia Phillies and Giants.
In his four seasons as San Francisco’s manager, Kapler finished with a 295-248 record, including a record-setting 107-win season in 2021. His lone playoff appearance in 2021 ended with an NLDS loss to the Dodgers.
Over the last two seasons since Kapler joined Miami’s front office, the Marlins have gone 141-183. The Marlins have not won a playoff game since they won the 2003 World Series.
Fast bowler says England have confidence and belief as he prepares for what could be his final series against the old foe
“My dad would be Australia and I’d be England,” Mark Wood says with a wry smile when remembering his first Ashes Tests as a boy in his back garden in Ashington, Northumberland. “I’d try to copy Darren Gough, Andrew Caddick, Matthew Hoggard and, later, Jimmy Anderson, who I’d go on and play with. My dad, who didn’t do the actions so well, had to be Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Shane Warne. He was most proud of his Gillespie but his Warne wasn’t great.”
Wood snorts at the idea that his dad, Derek, might have let him win most of those matches. “No, no, no. It was proper cricket.You had to give each other lbw and every time I hit my dad in the leg he’d be going: ‘No, that’s going over’ or ‘That’s down the leg side.’ I was like: ‘Dad, that was plumb.’ I had to get my DRS right.”
Miles Wood(4) and Denton Mateychuk(3) scored the goals for the visiting CBJ, and Elvis Merzlikins was phenomenal, making 36 saves in a 3-2 loss to the Islanders on Sunday night.
Columbus allowed two goals in 29 seconds to lose.
The game was absolutely dominated by the New York Islanders, but Elvis Merzlikins was the singular reason this game was even close down the stretch. He made some huge saves throughout the game to frustrate NYI.
Many people thought moving Miles Wood up to the second line was a mistake by Dean Evason, but Wood proved them wrong. He scored a goal, a shot, and punished rookie Matthew Schaefer with a huge hit late in the first period.
In the end, they probably didn't deserve to win this game, but it's frustrating, nonetheless.
Dean Evason mentioned postgame that Denton Mateychuk is a bit "banged up."
First Period - 1-0 Islanders - SOG 18-3 Islanders
The first period didn't start too well for the CBJ. They looked slow, sluggish, and lived in their defensive zone for large chunks of the period. When Damon Severson took a penalty early in the first, rookie Matthew Schaefer wasted no time putting the Isles up 1-0. He blasted one past Elvis for his 4th goal of the season.
By midway through the period, the Jackets were being outshot 13-2 and had no sign of offense. The Jackets, despite not really putting shots on goal, started to get their legs under them and push back a little.
Jackets forward Miles Wood put a legal hit on Matthew Schaefer late in the period. Jean-Gabriel Pageau of the Isles responded immediately with a hit that probably should've been called for boarding but wasn't. Wood looked very shaken up by the play.
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 17 of 18 NYI shots to keep the Jackets alive despite being shelled for most of the period.
Second Period - 1-1 - SOG 28-17 Islanders
The second period didn't start any better for the Jackets. In the first five minutes of the period, they were outshot 4-2. The Jackets even had a power play when Mathew Barzal went off for hooking Kirill Marchenko, but they couldn't muster any good chances.
Midway through the second period, nothing had changed. The Isles dominated the shot clock and were winning the faceoff battle 68.2% to 31.8%. New York was also punishing the Blue Jackets in Corsi, Fenwick, and all scoring chances.
Columbus earned another power play when Tony DeAngelo slashed Kirill Marchenko. They couldn't muster any offense once again.
At 15:19 of the second, the Jackets finally broke through. Miles Wood scored his fourth goal of the season when Adam Fantilli served him up with an amazing pass. Wood was waiting on Rittich's right side to tuck one home to tie the game. The goal was also assisted by Boone Jenner.
The Jackets drew another penalty with 3:40 left when Anthony Duclair hooked Isac Lundestrom. They again couldn't score on the power play.
Third Period
As in the previous two periods, the Islanders came out flying and took it to the Jackets. They outshot Columbus 4-0 in the first 7 minutes of the period, but Elvis stood tall and kept them in it. The Jackets again looked sluggish and tired.
At 12:10 of the third, all the patience paid off when youngster Denton Mateychuk scored to make it 2-1. It was his third goal of the season. At the time of the goal, the Jackets were being outshot 34-20 and had been pressured the entire period.
Matthew Schaefer scored his second of the game with 1:07 left in the period to tie it. Just 29 seconds later, Simon Holmstrom scored the game-winner to make it 3-2. An absolute meltdown at the end of the game.
It's worth noting that the referees called off a goal after saying Charlie Coyle interfered with the Isles' goalie. We will agree to disagree, but no one outside of UBS Arena thought that was goalie interference.
Final Stats
Player Stats
Miles Wood scored his 4th goal of the season.
Denton Mateychuk scored his 3rd goal of the year.
Adam Fantilli tallied his 4th assist.
Boone Jenner recorded his 5th assist.
Kirill Marchenko had an assist, his 7th.
Sean Monahan got his 5th assist
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 36 of 39 Islanders shots.
Team Stats
The CBJ went 0/4 on the power play.
The Jackets PK went 1/2 on the night.
Columbus only won 31.9% of the faceoffs.
What's Next: They head out to Western Canada to take on the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, Nov. 5th, the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, Nov. 8th, and then the Edmonton Oilers on Monday, Nov. 10th. They will wrap up their Western swing with a matchup against the Seattle Kraken.
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The 2025-26 MLB free agency period got fully underway at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, as free agents are now allowed to sign with a new team.
The opening of free agency came just days after the Los Angeles Dodgers successfully defended their crown by beating the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2025 World Series championship. But now, the chase for the 2026 title is on.
So, from the top players available to how the qualifying offer works and more, here’s everything you need to know about MLB free agency:
When does MLB free agency start?
Players scheduled to hit free agency officially became free agents the day after the World Series ended. At that time, teams were able to re-sign their departing free agents.
But players weren’t permitted to sign with a new club until 5 p.m. ET on the fifth day after the World Series ended.
When is the MLB option deadline?
The exercising of a player, club or mutual option had to occur within five days following the conclusion of the World Series.
Teams had five days after the World Series ended to extend qualifying offers to their departing free agents. A team could only extend a qualifying offer to a player who hadn’t received one before and spent the entire 2025 season on its roster.
The qualifying offer is a one-year deal with a value equal to the mean salary of MLB’s 125 highest-paid players, and a player has until 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 18 to accept it.
Should a player reject the qualifying offer and then sign with a new club in free agency, the team who lost the free agent will receive a compensatory draft pick. A club that signs a rival player who rejected a qualifying offer is subject to the loss of at least one draft pick.
How much is the MLB qualifying offer worth?
This year’s qualifying offer is worth $22.025 million.
Which MLB players received the qualifying offer?
Here are the 13 players who were extended the qualifying offer, according to multiplereports:
Bo Bichette, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
Dylan Cease, RHP, San Diego Padres
Edwin Díaz, RHP, New York Mets
Zac Gallen, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Trent Grisham, OF, New York Yankees
Shota Imanaga, LHP, Chicago Cubs
Michael King, RHP, San Diego Padres
Kyle Schwarber, DH, Philadelphia Phillies
Ranger Suárez, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies
Gleyber Torres, 2B/SS, Detroit Tigers
Kyle Tucker, OF, Chicago Cubs
Framber Valdez, LHP, Houston Astros
Brandon Woodruff, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers
When are the MLB Winter Meetings?
The Winter Meetings will run from Dec. 8-11 in Orlando, Florida.
Who are the top 2026 MLB free agents?
Here’s a look at the top players who hit free agency (listed alphabetically by last name, all contract details via Spotrac):
Josh Naylor, a trade deadline pickup from Arizona, hit three homers with a .967 OPS across 12 games in the 2025 playoffs. (Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images)
Just days following a sudden prospect swap, forward Samu Tuomaala has evened the score after the Philadelphia Flyers traded him away.
Tuomaala, 22, was never going to make it with the Flyers after being surpassed by players like Alexis Gendron, Devin Kaplan, Alex Bump, and Denver Barkey, as well as the recent draft additions of Porter Martone, Shane Vansaghi, and Jack Murtagh.
The Flyers' former second-round pick had managed to produce 26 goals and 75 points over the last two seasons, but struggled with injuries that severely limited his availability to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
As a result, and after three scoreless games to start the season and numerous healthy scratches, the Flyers decided to pull the plug, trading Tuomaala to the Dallas Stars for Christian Kyrou.
Kyrou, 22, has been a pleasant surprise early in his tenure with the Flyers organization, already tallying a goal and three points in just two games with the Phantoms.
The Finn made his season debut for the AHL Texas Stars on Sunday, opening the scoring with his first goal for his new club early in the second period against the Manitoba Moose.
Tuomaala raced to a puck along the left wall, executed a feint to create space, then attempted to feed a pass into the crease for his teammate.
Fortunately for him, the puck was inadvertently deflected into the net by a Moose defender, giving Tuomaala his first goal for the Stars organization in his first game.
Kyrou's points with the Flyers organization have been a little less lucky, but they all count equally on the scoreboard at the end of the day.
So far, though, it seems that both players are enjoying the change in scenery, but we'll have to give the edge to Kyrou and the Flyers for the time being.
The Boston Celtics just wrapped up a blizzard of early season basketball, logging five games in seven nights with matchups against some of the top teams in each conference. But amid that 240-minute blur, one play is seared in our brains more than any other.
Late in the third quarter in Philadelphia on Friday night, as Boston’s double-digit lead evaporated in an NBA Cup tilt with the 76ers, Quentin Grimes collected a Celtics turnover and broke out in transition for what should have been a breezy breakaway dunk. Even with the swat-happy Derrick White in pursuit, Grimes coasted toward the basket, only to get unexpectedly met at the rim by a full-throttle Hugo González.
The Celtics’ rookie had covered 80 feet from the opposite side of the floor before brazenly trying to contest at the rim. He succeeded in denying the dunk, though a foul was whistled, and Gonzalez crashed hard into the stanchion beyond the basket for his troubles.
It’s the sort of hustle play that can endear you quickly to the Celtics fan base. Gonzalez could have been forgiven if he elected to linger near the midcourt stripe given that a Grimes dunk seemed inevitable. Instead, he put his head down and sprinted, then launched himself like a SCUD missile trying to intercept Grimes at the basket. Teammates rushed off Boston’s bench to pry him off the floor for his effort.
Gonzalez has played just 76 minutes over the first five games of his NBA career (15.2 per game). He got a surprise start against Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons, then logged a DNP in New Orleans the very next night. That about sums up the life of a rookie under Joe Mazzulla.
But even in small doses, Mazzulla has displayed solid trust in Gonzalez, or at least what he hopes Gonzalez might eventually be.
The rookie has been dispatched to cover a venerable All-Star team worth of talent in his NBA infancy and has shown he’s unafraid of the moment. He’s made mistakes and gets an earful each time from Mazzulla, who seems to be pushing him in all the right ways.
Gonzlaez’s top four assignments might be the Eastern Conference All-Star backcourt if voting took place after two weeks of play. Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, and VJ Edgecombe account for most of Gonzalez’s on-court possessions. On Saturday night, Mazzulla asked Gonzalez to take some turns on Kevin Durant.
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Those Durant minutes went about how you’d expect for a rookie giving up considerable size against a future Hall of Famer. But the fact that Gonzalez is willing to throw himself into the fray — be it with that hustle against Grimes, or taking on the challenge of a Durant — is an encouraging sign for the future.
During Mazzulla’s tenure, rookies have rarely seen early floor time in Boston. Gonzalez was one late third-quarter whistle away from getting on the court on opening night while the Celtics struggled to contain Maxey and Edgecombe. His debut ended up being delayed despite his trip to the scorer’s table, but his efforts against Brunson and Cunningham in the aftermath proved he could be trusted against elite offensive talent.
That’s impressive for any rookie, let alone a 19-year-old still getting acclimated to new surroundings. The Madrid native got invaluable reps as a pro in Spain before the Celtics snagged him with the 28th pick in this year’s draft.
The Celtics are outscoring opponents by 4 points per 100 possessions when Gonzalez is on the court. Boston’s defensive rating is 105.6 in his floor time, or 8.6 points per 100 possessions better than the team’s season average.
Opponents are shooting 40 percent against Gonzalez, or 4.9 percent below expected output, per NBA tracking. That’s a solid differential considering the caliber of player he’s routinely defended.
Regardless how the Celtics’ season plays out, the team needs to identify and develop some younger players who can be rotation-caliber presences on the next version of a championship-hunting team. Gonzalez and offseason addition Josh Minott have distinguished themselves with their energetic play out of the gates and look like they can positively impact a team with defense and hustle alone. Both need to evolve as offensive players but you can see their potential.
Gonzalez carries himself with an obvious swagger. He doesn’t look like a teenager in a foreign land. He seems almost offended when whistles don’t go his way. During one of his first games with Boston, Gonzalez got absolutely hammered trying to score near the basket and didn’t get a call despite how obvious the contact was. Welcome to life as a rookie.
Gonzalez is going to get a tough whistle on both sides of the ball early in his NBA journey. He’s going to get yelled at by Mazzulla and the coaching staff when he makes rookie mistakes. It’s all about learning from the experience.
The potential with Gonzalez is obvious. There’s an All-Defense-caliber player inside of that 6-foot-6 frame, and it simply needs to be unlocked. He shoots with confidence and his ability to knock down shots could be key to increasing his floor time early in his NBA journey.
For now, he’s going to get thrown to the wolves as a defensive specialist. And he just needs to keep competing. That same night in Philadelphia, a loose ball squirted into the backcourt and was quite clearly headed out of bounds. Gonzalez still put his head down, sprinted, and lunged hard to the floor as the ball trickled into the front row. You could feel the floor burn through the television.
Hustle doesn’t go unnoticed. And in a week where the Celtics did a lot of good things, Gonzalez might have been one of the biggest bright spots with his willingness to compete.
