OMAHA, NEBRASKA - JUNE 21: Ryan Lynch #53 of the North Carolina Tar Heels delivers a pitch against the Oklahoma Sooners during game two of the Division I Baseball Championship held at Charles Schwab Field on June 21, 2026 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Tyler Schank/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
The 2026 MLB draft wrapped up last weekend, with six Tar Heels getting selected by a major league team. Somewhat surprisingly, Gavin Gallaher wasn’t one of them; the clutch-hitting junior wasn’t selected, and will return to UNC next season to further hone his skills (and presumably make some decent NIL money).
Five different MLB teams selected a Tar Heel, with the Red Sox opting to grab both Jake Schaffner and Owen Hull. Coming off an impressive post-season showing, Jason Decaro is heading to Pittsburgh. Ryan Lynch and Matthew Matthijs will both head west and join the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, respectively. Macon Winslow was drafted by the Phillies to round out the Carolina selections.
So, who ended up in the best spot for to further their development and career? It’s obviously an opinion-based question, but let’s give it a shot. The Red Sox are known as a pretty decent farm system to play for; and development aside, both Schaffner and Hull have to be a little stoked to have their college roommate in the same organization. That being said, I feel like Ryan Lynch landed in a good spot with the Padres. According to Padres vice president Chris Kemp, the team has had an eye on Lynch much of the year and thinks he has starter potential. Having that kind of vote of confidence coming in helps; playing in a pitcher-friendly park in a lower pressure organization like the Padres is good as well. So, my answer would be Lynch; it seems like he landed in a great spot to make his MLB aspirations a reality.
Which Diamond Heel do you think landed in the best spot? Let us know below!
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 24: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets looks on prior to the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Friday, July 24, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Meet the Mets
The Mets began a three-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field last night, and unsurprisingly the best team in baseball defeated one of the worst teams in baseball. Sean Manaea pitched six solid one-run innings, but Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter combined to give up three runs over the next two innings, and solo homers were all the Mets’ bats could muster.
The Phillies had no answer for Cam Schlittler, and a solo homer from Paul Goldschmidt was enough to doom Philadelphia to a 1-0 loss against the Yankees.
The Nationals are treating their series against the Diamondbacks like a postseason series, and they are now down 0-1 in that postseason series after suffering a 3-2 defeat last night.
The Marlins’ losing streak has now reached ten games after a 4-2 loss to the Padres as the Fish continue to sink out of playoff contention.
After being placed on the injured list earlier this week, the Marlins have shut Max Meyer down from throwing for at least two weeks.
The Cubs didn’t generate much offense Friday night in Pittsburgh, just six hits and three walks. They struck out 11 times and left seven runners on base.
Thanks to some great defensive work, solid pitching, a Pete Crow-Armstrong homer and a two-run 10th inning, the Cubs opened their road trip with a 3-2 win over the Pirates in 10 innings at PNC Park Friday night.
Neither team scored through four innings as starters Matthew Boyd and Jared Jones dominated. The Cubs had some help from the defense in getting out of the third inning. Nico Hoerner made a spectacular diving stop of a ground ball by Nick Gonzales with two on and two out and Nico and Alex Bregman pulled off this play [VIDEO].
That’s just heads-up defense all the way around. It would not be the last great defensive play by the Cubs on the evening.
The Pirates took a 1-0 lead in the fifth without hitting the ball out of the infield. Boyd walked the first two Pirates he faced in that inning and Jared Triolo laid down a perfect bunt and beat it out for a hit, so the bases are loaded with nobody out. An infield single by Henry Davis scored a run and left the bases loaded. But Boyd bore down and got two routine fly balls and then struck out Bryan Reynolds to end the inning.
That’s a pretty good result, only one run scoring with the bases loaded and nobody out. The run expectancy matrix says teams should score at least two, maybe three runs in that situation.
This is the sixth consecutive game in which the Cubs have hit at least one home run, their longest such streak since seven in a row, June 15-24, which matched their season high, set May 2-8. They had two previous streaks of six games, April 12-18 and 20-25.
The score was still 1-1 heading to the bottom of the seventh, with Boyd still in the game. A pair of one-out singles put Pirates runners on first and third.
Ian Happ played that perfectly. He set up so his momentum was taking him toward the plate as he made the catch, and he made a perfect throw to Carson Kelly for the tag and an inning-ending double play. For Happ, it was his fourth assist of the year, which leads the league, and his 39th over the last five seasons. He’s going to win another Gold Glove this year.
Boyd had an outstanding outing, seven innings, one run, four strikeouts. His ERA dropped to 3.81. More from John:
Matthew Boyd’s quality start was his fourth of the season, tying Edward Cabrera, Colin Rea and Jameson Taillon for second most among Cubs pitchers, behind Shōta Imanaga’s eight.
Boyd has made 11 starts; Cabrera, 14; Rea, 17; Taillon, 14; and Imanaga, 20.
No one came close to scoring in the eighth or ninth, so on the game went to extras.
In the top of the 10th, Happ was the placed runner. Pedro Ramirez beat out an infield grounder to put runners on first and second with one out after Nico had struck out. Michael Conforto batted for Kelly and hit a soft line drive to second.
You can see that Happ beat the throw, but his foot might have come off the plate as he was crossing it. The call on the field was “safe.” At one point you can see Happ’s back leg possibly touch the plate before Davis tags him. It’s really hard to tell, and so the play was ruled “call stands” and the Cubs had a 2-1 lead, with runners still on first and second with two out.
Then PCA’s bat scared the Pirates into giving him an intentional pass after running a 2-0 count on him, loading the bases
Pirates pitcher Yohan Ramirez was a bit wild in this inning and Seiya Suzuki took four pitches outside the zone for a walk, forcing in another run [VIDEO].
The bases are still loaded, but Michael Busch struck out to end the inning. Still, the Cubs had a two-run lead and as the visiting team, that’s really the least you want in the top of an extra inning.
Gavin Hollowell, who entered the game with one career save (in 2023 with the Rockies) was given the save opportunity. Davis was the placed runner and was advanced to third on a bunt that went for a hit — the Cubs will take that, there’s one out, on one pitch. Two pitches later Gonzales grounded to Swanson, and of course the Cubs will trade a run for an out in that situation.
In so doing Hollowell became the 11th Cub to record a save this year. The other 10, from John, along with the number of saves each has recorded:
5: Jacob Webb 3: Daniel Palencia and Trent Thornton 2: Caleb Thielbar and Jordan Wicks 1: Ben Brown, Corbin Martin, Hoby Miller, Colin Rea, Ryan Rolison
And if you think that’s weird, check this out (Bluesky link):
The Cubs’ total of 21 saves ranks 23rd in MLB, but a win is a win, and the Cubs will certainly take this one. The win improved the Cubs’ record in one-run games to 16-10, and their extra-inning record is now 8-5.
And they gained a game on the Brewers in the NL Central. Thanks, Rockies, for defeating the Brewers Friday afternoon. The Cubs edge to within six games of the division lead. The Cubs also gained a game on the Phillies for the first wild-card spot and now lead Philadelphia by 2.5 games for that spot.
The Cubs will go for the series win Saturday evening at PNC Park. Shōta Imanaga will start for the Cubs and Paul Skenes will go for the Pirates. Game time is again 5:40 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network.
It’s a battle of the aces tonight at PNC Park when Shota Imanaga and Paul Skenes go head-to-head.
The Chicago Cubs are +117 moneyline underdogs tonight, but my Cubs vs. Pirates predictions are picking them over the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are overvalued at -122.
Keep reading for my free MLB picks for Saturday, July 25.
Who will win Cubs vs Pirates today: Cubs moneyline (+114)
Paul Skenes’ resume speaks for itself, but the Pittsburgh Pirates ace is not himself this season.
Skenes’ ERA is up to 3.43 compared to his 2.35 career average, and he’s not getting nearly as many swings and misses. His Whiff % is down to the 68th percentile in MLB after ranking in the 83rd last season.
Meanwhile, Chicago Cubs starter Shota Imanaga is trending up with a stingy 1.62 ERA over his last three outings. He’ll dominate a Pirates lineup that’s missing three everyday players and ranks 19th in runs scored and 20th in SLG since the All-Star break.
Play the Cubs up to +110.
COVERS INTEL: Imanaga has a 0.28 career ERA in five starts against the Pirates. He pitched six scoreless, hitless innings vs. Pittsburgh on April 10.
Cubs vs Pirates Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (-116)
Skenes has a lofty 5.27 ERA over his last five starts, and the Pirates cashed the Over in each of those games.
Both bullpens are also shaky, with Pittsburgh’s relief corps owning the 10th-highest ERA in MLB (4.40), slightly worse than Chicago’s (4.04).
It feels like this line was set with prime Skenes in mind, but that’s probably not who the Cubs will face tonight.
The Over is the play up to -120.
Chris Faria's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 6-3, +2.07 units
Over/Under bets: 2-7, -4.9 units
Cubs vs Pirates weather
Temperatures will be 80F at first pitch, with minimal winds blowing out to center field. Slight boost to the batters.
Cubs vs Pirates odds
Moneyline: Cubs +117 | Pirates -122
Run line: Cubs +1.5 | Pirates -1.5
Over/Under: Over 7.5 | Under 7.5
Cubs vs Pirates trend
Chicago is 12-3 in its last 15 road games against Pittsburgh. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Pirates.
How to watch Cubs vs Pirates and game info
Location
PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Date
Saturday, July 25, 2026
First pitch
6:40 p.m. ET
TV
MARQ, SNP
Cubs starting pitcher
Shota Imanaga (6-8, 3.91 ERA)
Pirates starting pitcher
Paul Skenes (9-8, 3.43 ERA)
Cubs vs Pirates 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.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 5: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers handshake after the game on February 5, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Fifteen years ago, amid another promising summer, an Eagles backup quarterback named Vince Young surveyed the talent on hand – new acquisitions like himself, Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Jason Babin, added to a Michael Vick-led core – and declared the Birds a “Dream Team.”
Turned out that none of the new guys (least of all Vince Young) made a significant difference. Those Eagles finished 8-8, then tumbled to 4-12 the following season, spelling the end of the Andy Reid Era.
The point being that we all need to pump the brakes on what the addition of LeBron James might mean for your 76ers. That as rosy as things appear to be, it might all prove to be a summertime dream.
But sure, have your fun. Marvel at a roster that, following the additions of LeBron, Jaylen Brown and others now features players who have won five MVP trophies (four by LBJ), made 29 All-NBA teams (21 by James) and appeared in 36 All-Star Games (22 by his ownself).
Rest assured, this team is as talented as any the Sixers have ever assembled. It rivals the Julius Erving–Moses Malone 1982-83 team, the last one to win a title, and the ‘66-67 championship bunch, which started three Hall of Famers in Wilt Chamberlain, Chet Walker and Hal Greer and brought another, Billy Cunningham, off the bench. (The other starters, Luke Jackson and Wali Jones, weren’t too shabby, either.)
And certainly the mission is clear – especially to the 41-year-old James. He tweeted Friday that after this past season, the last of eight he spent with the Lakers and the 23rd of his career, he thought his playing days were over. But then he added the following: “I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship. I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.”
Still, there are questions. Of course there are questions. Questions about fit and ego. About spacing and sharing. About who will take, much less make, a big shot from downtown. (Check the three-point percentages of potential Sixers starters not named Tyrese Maxey or VJ Edgecombe.)
And the biggest of all is this: What can they get out of Joel Embiid? How much will he play, and how effective will he be?
After all this time and all these roster machinations, that is the long and short of it: They need the big fella to deliver … something. That does not mean they need vintage, MVP-level Embiid; that guy doesn’t exist anymore. What it does mean is that they need him on the floor, engaged and efficient, when it matters most. Because even in an era when the center position has been devalued, a capable big is still a must. And after Embiid, all the Sixers have are Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti.
Certainly those guys will see their share of action. Embiid, 32, has played 96 of a possible 246 games the last three seasons, including 38 in 2025-26. And certainly Nick Nurse can spackle over Embiid’s regular-season absences by using a center-less closing lineup. (You will recall, for instance, that there were times Boston used Brown as a center on defense against the Sixers.)
But to navigate the postseason company they now figure to keep, they will need Embiid. While it is obvious that his creaky knees will not allow him to be what he once was, he can still be an on-court presence. He can still counter the Karl-Anthony Townses of the world (and, if it comes to that, the Chet Holmgrens and Victor Wembanyamas as well). Even at this late stage of his career, Embiid can be the difference between a berth in the conference finals and something far, far greater, no matter who is arrayed around him.
It is not a question of whether the Sixers will be good this season. It is, rather, a question of how good. And to be at their very best – to be something more than a summertime dream – they will need to maximize Embiid. For all the talent they have, there is no one else like him on the roster, even now. He still holds the key to what they might become.
It's a busy day in the Majors, and I've found value on the mound and at the dish.
Let's dive into my favorite MLB player props and MLB picks for Saturday, July 25, including Casey Mize, CJ Abrams, and Sonny Gray.
Best MLB player props today
Player
Pick
Odds
Casey Mize
Under 1.5 earned runs
+101
CJ Abrams
Over 1.5 total bases
+111
Sonny Gray
Under 2.5 earned runs
-145
Casey Mize Under 1.5 earned runs (+101)
Detroit Tigers starter Casey Mize has been dominant lately, posting a 2.22 FIP across his last four outings while surrendering just 0.40 HR/9. In fact, the righty hasn't given up a homer in back-to-back starts.
Mize is also pitching well at home this season, compiling a 2.17 FIP. He held the Los Angeles Angels to one earned run in his last appearance, and Mize faces a Kansas City Royals lineup with a 90 wRC+ in the last week and minimal power at the moment.
Abrams has cashed the Over in total bases in six of his last seven contests. No one has been able to slow him down since the All-Star break. The youngster will face Arizona Diamondbacks lefty Mitch Bratt tonight, and he has a 9.10 FIP in his last two outings.
But Bratt doesn't typically stay in long, and the Diamondbacks bullpen isn't exactly lights out, posting a 4.75 xERA in the last week.
I'll play this pick up to -120.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: DBacks.TV, Nationals.TV
Sonny Gray Under 2.5 earned runs (-152)
The Boston Red Sox hand Sonny Gray the baseball today against the Toronto Blue Jays, and he's in a prime position for another gem. The righty has been carving up opponents, sporting a 3.18 FIP over the last month while giving up just 0.71 HR/9.
Gray has surrendered Under 2.5 earned runs in five consecutive appearances, consistently pounding the strike zone and inducing weak contact. He'll face a Jays lineup that is in horrendous form, posting a mere 69 wRC+ in their last 10 games.
Expect Toronto's struggles to continue. It will be another gem for Gray.
I'll play this pick up to -160.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Sportsnet, NESN
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 0-0 0.00 units
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Detroit Tigers head into today's matchup with the Kansas City Royals as a heavy -168 moneyline favorite behind Casey Mize.
After winning the first two games of the series, my Royals vs. Tigers predictions are targeting another victory for Detroit.
Find out more in my MLB picks for Saturday, July 25.
Who will win Royals vs Tigers today: Tigers moneyline (-168)
Casey Mize has been utterly dominant lately for the Detroit Tigers. The right-hander sports a 2.22 FIP across his last four outings while allowing just 0.40 HR/9.
Michael Wacha hasn't been awful for the Kansas City Royals, but he is vulnerable right now. The right-hander owns a 4.83 xERA in his last four appearances, allowing 1.85 HR/9.
The Tigers are swinging it relatively well, carrying a 100 wRC+ and .182 ISO in the last week. They should be able to do some damage off Wacha and K.C.'s vulnerable bullpen, who have a 6.29 FIP in their last 26 1/3 frames.
I'll play this pick up to -170. The run line is also a solid option if the moneyline becomes out of sight.
Royals vs Tigers Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-121)
There's obviously some vulnerability for the Kansas City 'pen, but they've allowed fewer runs lately, surrendering four in this series so far.
Detroit's relief corps has a 4.70 xERA in the last week, but they've held opponents to a 4.9% barrel rate and just 0.61 HR/9.
While the Tigers are in respectable form offensively, they're not tearing the cover off the baseball, and Wacha isn't exactly getting lit up at the moment.
Mize, meanwhile, is lights-out at Comerica Park, and he often pitches into the fifth or sixth, limiting Detroit's bullpen exposure.
K.C. also carries a 90 wRC+ in their last seven contests with a .158 ISO.
Hammer the Under to -130.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 36-45, -13.34 units
Over/Under bets: 44-35, +2.80 units
Royals vs Tigers weather
Conditions should be pleasant at Comerica Park this afternoon, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures climbing from the mid-70s into the low 80s. Winds look light, and rain does not appear to be a concern. Overall, weather should have minimal impact, though the warmer afternoon air could slightly help carry.
Royals vs Tigers odds
Moneyline: Royals +156 | Tigers -163
Run line: Royals +1.5 (-133) | Tigers -1.5 (+127)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+113) | Under 8.5 (-117)
Royals vs Tigers trend
The Tigers have hit the Under in 26 of their last 40 games at home (+10.75 Units / 24% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Royals vs. Tigers.
How to watch Royals vs Tigers and game info
Location
Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
Date
Saturday, July 25, 2026
First pitch
1:10 p.m. ET
TV
Royals.TV, DSN
Royals starting pitcher
Michael Wacha (5-7, 3.66 ERA)
Tigers starting pitcher
Casey Mize (4-6, 2.79 ERA)
Royals vs Tigers 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.
Apr 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) defends in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
A lot has been said about homecomings this offseason. Kyle Lowry retiring a Raptor, Kawhi Leonard in limbo, but ostensibly one step away from joining the team. However, all this talk about the greatest Raptors has left me feeling like there’s something missing. And that’s because my favourite Raptor of all-time might potentially be back on a squad, facing off against his greatest rival in LeBron James. And I’m here for all 82 games of it.
DeMar DeRozan has had a long NBA career that has, frankly, been characterized by unfortunate flame-outs in Toronto, unrealized team potential in Chicago, and being traded away from the Raptors in exchange for Kawhi Leonard and our championship. In many ways, I feel that this is the Faustian bargain or original sin of the Raptors, that we had 20 years of stars wanting to leave, and we traded one of the only stars that wanted to stay so we could win. But now, things are different, and it looks like we might be able to have our cake and eat it too.
Just in: The Sacramento Kings are waiving DeMar DeRozan, making the six-time All-Star one of the top free agents, sources tell ESPN. The sides worked collaboratively on this resolution after exploring trade routes. pic.twitter.com/IsSZXhV4An
Earlier this month, Shams Charania reported that DeMar DeRozan was waived after the Kings couldn’t trade him, meaning that their most reliable scorer would be hitting the open market, and potentially, making his way back to Canada. Insider Jake Fischer has suggested that this certainly could be the case, with DeMar on a veteran’s minimum potentially heading either North to Toronto or South to South Beach.
DeRozan has always been adamant about his love for Toronto, and I believe that if he had never been traded, he’d never have left the team. And I think now, the best thing for both parties here is to get DeRozan back – ideally off the bench – and try and make a push for a championship. Toronto would be a crowded place for him, with Kawhi theoretically slotting in at the 3 ahead of DeRozan. Kind of like moving into your ex-wife’s basement while she lives on the main floor with her new guy. But, I believe that professional maturity will win out, and DeMar could successfully embrace a reserve role and do very well in it. I like DeMar for a lot of reasons. The guy is California Cool. He’s played in the Michael Jordan archetype, dropping in middies and dunks that scratches the old-school itch for me. He’s upfront about mental health, and wrote a damn good book on the subject. And he reps Toronto better than maybe anyone else ever has.
NEW YORK, NY- SEPTEMBER 10: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings attends a book signing to promote his new book at the NBA Store in New York, New York on September 10, 2024. 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 NBAE 2024 (Photo by Evan Yu/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Bill Russell said it best: “What these young bloods have to understand… that this game has always been, and always will be, about buckets.” And Toronto does a lot of things really, really well. Defending, passing, playing team basketball. But when it comes to getting buckets? Sometimes, that just doesn’t seem like a priority for us. The whole point of getting Kawhi Leonard is doing just that, getting someone to score and do the heavy lifting our guys can’t quite do. And from a bench perspective, DeMar DeRozan might be the best guy for that. Our most productive bench scorer was Sandro Mamukelashvili, who averaged 11 points in 22 minutes. I find it hard to believe that with him and Gradey Dick gone, Demar couldn’t give us at least 15 off the bench and be a real flamethrower. Since 2011, DeRozan has made his living off of being able to score, and even at 36, he can still do just that.
For me, this isn’t just a basketball decision. It’s a morale pick: it’ll be good for the fans and good for the city to have a star from the days of a real, entrenched culture of Raptors Basketball to be back. I’m not suggesting we go back to We The North; those days are long gone. But, DeRozan still has gas left in the tank, and to have him get one last chance to team up with Lowry, to play actual meaningful basketball (sorry Kings), and to have a chance to exorcise his demons on the hardwood would be a really great thing for everyone involved. But, the matter that now looms over a potential DeRozan return is the new reality of the old wolf of the Eastern Conference, LeBron James, back in his old hunting grounds for at least 2 more years.
I am not someone who wants to sit around defending the Raptors’ playoff collapses of yore, but we were being quite simply outmatched and outclassed by what the Akron Hammer in his prime was doing. And now, we seem to be staring down the barrel of the most loaded Philadelphia team that’s been assembled since 1983. LeBron James has been the kryptonite of the Toronto Raptors, and of DeMar DeRozan at that. But, at the same time – James is getting older, and would not be feasting on a young Raptors squad. Rather, he’d be facing off against the team he lost his 10-point streak against, a team that would be adding Kawhi Leonard, a player he famously doesn’t like to play against, paired with Scottie Barnes, for some of the most suffocating forward defence in the league. All that’s been said by the front office about assembling a real two-way team is going to be put to the test in the crucible that is Philadelphia this year. But, with a good enough team around him, it’s entirely possible that DeMar DeRozan could use his talents and make it to the NBA Finals, and past LeBron James, finally closing a chapter in a book written in blood, that is shamefully titled “LeBronto.”
Jul 3, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Reid Detmers (48) throws against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Angels are a mess, and are likely best served by opening the floodgates this trade deadline. They leaked on Thursday that they are interested in trading shortstop Zack Neto, but perhaps the single most-likely-to-be-dealt player on the entire market is lefty starter Reid Detmers.
Detmers just turned 27 and is under team control for two seasons after this. He’s always been decent enough, with a pair of two-win seasons and a strong bullpen year in 2025 that was cut short by elbow injury. This year, it’s a bit of a coming out campaign for Detmers, with a 3.27 FIP and 3.32 xERA contributing to a 3.0 fWAR across 120 innings so far in 2026.
If he played for a functioning franchise, he’d probably be approached with an extension — 3.5-4 win seasons from guys in their age-27 seasons are nothing to sneeze at. But this isn’t a functioning franchise, and the returns from dealing away a player like this are probably more in line with the direction that a (in theory) rebuilt front office would want to go. Once again, teams like this are an object lesson that Yankee fans, for as frustrated as we can get with them, have it better than most.
Detmers features one of the best arrays of breaking pitches in the sport, especially his slider, which he’ll often front door against southpaws and run hard away from right handed batters. It’s been a +14 (!!) run pitch for him this year, running a 35 percent whiff rate. His curveball, which has seen usage drop off this year, gets a whiff 38 percent of the time, and you wonder if the right idea is to lean into pitching backwards even more. Neither of his four-seam nor sinking fastball are all that good, and that may be what keeps him outside the inner circle of elite starters. Then again, the Yankees have had success developing all kinds of fastballs making him the kind of pitcher that fits Matt Blake’s pitching lab — play up the breaking balls that are working, and add some shape to a fastball while in a rotation that features some damn good heaters.
The added benefit of trading for Detmers is that you also functionally trade for a reliever at the same time. We’ve batted around all year which guy in the rotation is best suited to shore up a bullpen that desperately needs some reinforcement, and landing Detmers, who would be a better option than both Ryan Weathers and Will Warren, in my opinion lets you transfer one of those two to the relief corps. Even if you don’t want to do that, you give the rotation margin for rest. You may want to give Max Fried or Gerrit Cole the odd day off, or save Cam Schlittler’s arm in a random September start and hope that helps him in the postseason, and an additional very good pitcher gets you that room to breathe.
The downside is cost. Detmers’ skill and team control means he’s going to be pricey, and you almost drool at the potential he could reach in a pitching lab like the Brewers’. The bidding for Detmers will rival any other player on the market, and if the Angels are able to play that well — a significant if — they should be able to kick start a rebuild off the return.
Jul 24, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) greeted by catcher Joey Bart (16) following his three run home run during the tenth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images | Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Braves’ weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles started off strong after Friday’s 7-6 win in extra innings. Matt Olson was the man of the hour and gave Atlanta the lead in 10th, courtesy of his three-run homer.
Things were shaky for Atlanta in the bottom half of the 10th inning, but fortunately the Braves were able to hold on and win the series opener. The series continues tonight at 7:05 ET as Bryce Elder gets the start.
More Braves News:
AJ Smith-Shawver continues to progress after a solid outing for Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday. More in the minor league recap.
The FCL Braves are done for the season, and here is how 2026 shaped up.
Bench spots in Philadelphia just became much more appealing.
Ex-LeBron James teammate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is negotiating a buyout with the Grizzlies with the plan to sign with the 76ers and reunite with the future Hall of Famer, according to Chris Haynes.
The 33-year-old previously exercised his $21.6 million player option for the 2026-27 season in June.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is negotiating a buyout with the 76ers. NBAE via Getty Images
Caldwell-Pope and LeBron spent three seasons together with the Lakes from 2018-21, helping deliver the franchise’s last championship in 2020.
They also have shared the same representation in Klutch Sports.
Caldwell-Pope added another championship to his resume in 2023 with the Nuggets, but would be slated for a backup role with the 76ers.
Philadelphia would hope that the veteran could provide strong shooting and defense in a reserve role, although he’s coming off a down year from beyond the arc.
Caldwell-Pope made just 31.6 percent of his 3-point attempts, a notable dip from his 40.3 percent five-year average spanning the 2019-20 season to 2023-24 campaign.
A change of scenery could perhaps help after Caldwell-Pope played for a poor Grizzlies team, and he averaged 8.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game spanning 21.3 minutes last season.
LeBron James (l) and Caldwell-Pope (r) in 2020. Getty Images
Memphis acquired Caldwell-Pope last year in the blockbuster that sent Desmond Bane to the Magic, with the former lasting just one season with Orlando after signing a three-year, $66 million deal in 2024.
The idea of veterans joining James-led teams is not a new concept, with veterans on the downside of their career often joining contenders in hope of winning another ring.
Philadelphia has an incredible starting five featuring James, former MVP Joel Embiid, star guard Tyrese Maxey, ex-Finals MVP Jaylen Brown and emerging second-year guard VJ Edgecombe, but recent NBA history has shown that teams need deep benches to make sustained postseason runs.
Caldwell-Pope is set to join a 76ers reserve unit that potentially features Anfernee Simmons, first-round pick Labaron Philon Jr., Dean Wade and ex-Knick Ariel Hukporti.
SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 12: Sean Armstrong #40 of the Texas Rangers pitches during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Surprise Stadium on March 12, 2025 in Surprise, AZ. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Sometimes ups outnumber the downs. Not in Nottingham.
This little ditty from Disney’s Robin Hood is brought to you by a terrible last three days for the Cleveland Guardians. But, don’t worry, folks. At least we aren’t the Mets. Or something.
The Guardians lost 11-3. Sean Armstrong pitched horribly and seemingly got hurt.
Rumors abound on Twitter that the Guardians won’t be able to sign second round pick Logan Schmidt. In which case they will get the 60th pick in next year’s draft. Sure, why not? Add it to the mix.
AROUND MLB:
Tigers beat the Royals, but the Twins and White Sox managed to lose, thankfully.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 24: Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on July 24, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Kyle Tucker picked a good time for his first home run of July, hitting a two-run home run in the eighth inning which game the Dodgers breathing room for their third straight win on Friday night, beating the Mets to improve to 5-2 on the road trip.
Tucker’s previous home run came on June 27, one day shy of four weeks prior, with Tucker hitting .239/.313/.268 in the 80 plate appearances between long balls.
Roki Sasaki was sharp on Friday, striking out nine Mets while allowing one run in seven innings for the victory. Since the right-hander appeared to be tipping his pitches in a bad start against the Padres on July 2, Sasaki has a 1.93 ERA with 19 strikeouts against only four walks in 18 2/3 innings over his last three starts. Asked if Sasaki’s noticeably larger glove helped resolve the pitch tipping, he told reporters Friday, per Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times, “Probably my face kind of got smaller … That’s why the glove looked bigger.”
Manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Friday, “He doesn’t seem like he’s searching anyore.”
"He (Roki) doesn't seem like he's searching anymore."
Shohei Ohtani threw a bullpen session on Wednesday in Philadelphia, and he’ll throw another bullpen session on Saturday at Citi Field. Though there doesn’t appear to be a set timetable for his return to pitching, according to Roberts, per Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register:
I still think he is very honest with us about how he’s feeling and we’re aligned with that,” he said. “Every player wants to get back out there and do what they do. But I think he understands that it’s not about July, it’s about October. We’ve already taken a lot of time to get him back to full health so we’re not going to start (him in a game) earlier than we need to.”
So LeBron James isn’t a Timberwolf. That’s unfortunate. But life moves on! We checked the rules and the Minnesota Timberwolves will, in fact, still need to participate in the 2026-2027 NBA season without The King. Wolves-centered publications can all stop writing offseason filler content about him, so I think we can all agree to be happy about that.
Let’s move on to the next overplayed commonly discussed topic of the season: Who will be the stopgap fifth starter for the Timberwolves?
Barring another vintage Tim Connelly surprise before the start of the season, the Wolves currently have filled 16 of their 18 maximum roster spots (including the two-way spots). They have just about enough money to spend on a minimum contract or two for the last openings if they wish to stay under the second apron.
Let’s do a quick review in order of contract size (percent of cap):
Anthony Edwards (29.7%)
LaMelo Ball (24.7%)
Rudy Gobert (22.1%)
Jaden McDaniels (15.9%)
Ayo Dosunmu (11.7%)
Josh Green (8.9%)
Donte DiVincenzo (7.6%)
Joan Beringer (2.7%)
Jaylen Clark (1.9%)
Bones Hyland (1.7%)
TJ Shannon (1.7%)
Trey Lyles (1.5%)
Isaiah Evans (1.5%)
(Vacant)
(Vacant)
Rocco Zikarsky (TW)
Zyon Pullin (TW)
Enrique Freeman (TW)
There isn’t a traditional “power forward” that jumps off that list to join Ball, Edwards, McDaniels, and Gobert. You can make the argument that the only player who naturally plays that position is recently signed Trey Lyles, who is on a veteran minimum contract and was not on an NBA roster last season.
This conversation naturally flows to: Do we start Jaden McDaniels as the power forward and bring another wing into the starting rotation?
I’ve decided to fixate on that question and the potential solutions. The Wolves have an awful amount of “wings,” or even guards, that I wanted to categorically compare. Most of the options only check certain boxes of what an ideal candidate should have. Some overlap. I realized a visualization would be helpful to a simpleton like myself.
When looking at players that could slide in as a shooting guard or small forward, I sorted six players between six foot four inches to six foot six inches. Upon pulling measurements from NBA.com and databallr, I decided to include Bones Hyland due to his abnormally long wingspan, and you can’t just include one half of the Twin Turbos without the other. I also looped in the aforementioned Jaden McDaniels and Trey Lyles just for reference.
Wing Flavors
Obviously basketball players shouldn’t and can’t just be deduced down to just three subjective “flavors.” However, for the sake of this exercise, I’m going to do it anyway. I created a Venn diagram of “Scorer/Creator,” “Shooter/Spacer,” and “Defender/Hustle” and categorized the players named above.
Scorer/Creator
*Isaiah Evans statistics from last season in NCAA *Trey Lyles statistics from last season in NBA
First and foremost, I opted not to pick the low-hanging fruit of “points per game” as it doesn’t necessarily capture what I was looking for here. This category is meant to capture who initiates the offense, whether it’s for themselves or others. Thus, I pulled usage percentage, assist percentage, and percentage of field goals that are unassisted.
Bones Hyland obviously pops here. He’s the only true ball handler of the bunch and is functionally a point guard. Two-thirds of his two-pointers are unassisted, the third highest on the team behind Anthony Edwards and Johnny Juzang. Bizzy Bones was also second on the team in AST% among rotation players. He’s not a realistic starting wing option, but I’ve listed him here just for comparison more like I have with Jaden and Trey.
Then comes TJ Shannon. The playmaking numbers aren’t great for him, but he creates a ton of offense for himself. Finch famously mentioned after the Wolves eliminated the Denver Nuggets in the postseason that he had been using Shannon wrong as a spot-up player instead of putting the ball in his hands. He had the third highest percentage of unassisted three-pointers behind the aforementioned Edwards and Juzang. The soon to be 26-year-old is nearly unstoppable once he gets a head of steam, which is even more impressive when you consider he’s as left hand dependent as Julius Randle.
If you score 43 points in a playoff game where two of your team’s most important players go down, you automatically qualify as a “Scorer.” Those are actually the rules. Ayo Dosunmu has also demonstrated an ability to create for others, especially in the postseason where he shouldered a heavier load. He averaged a team best 4.1 assists per game in the 2026 playoffs. Ayo’s ability to be an offensive hub is why many are hoping he remains a sparkplug off the bench especially in lieu of Naz Reid.
Shooter/Spacer
*Isaiah Evans statistics from last season in NCAA *Trey Lyles statistics from last season in NBA
Shooting ability is a must in today’s NBA roster construction, and the Wolves have no shortage of that (Hi, Miami!). This may not be the Dynasty Warriors vs Morey Ball days of chucking up as many threes as possible (Hi, Boston!), but teams are wiser as to how to generate efficient three-point shots. I looked at general three-point shooting ability (overall three-point percentage, catch-and-shoot three-point percentage, and corner three-point percentage), as well as volume (three-point attempt rate).
Let’s all take a minute to pour one out for Donte DiVincenzo. He’s one of the premier volume three-point shooters in the NBA and the Wolves will surely miss his floor spacing gravity next season. He had the second highest three-point rate on the team (Shoutout Mike Conley, besting him by literally 1%) and converted at a good rate, despite a down year. In clutch situations, he was never shy.
The “throw-in” that came in the LaMelo Ball trade needs to be discussed. Josh Green posted elite numbers across these categories. Converting on 42% of your triples with a three-point rate of 76.2% is bonkers. The Aussie is excellent at catch-and-shoot opportunities, and is one of the best corner three-point shooters in the game. This is something he relentlessly developed over his basketball career. He was known in high school as a non-shooter, then grinded his way during his time at University of Arizona to become respectable. Now in the NBA, he’s a dangerous weapon from beyond the arc.
Bones Hyland deserves a shoutout here too. Again, he won’t be a starter, but his strength as a floor spacer is still undeniable. He takes and makes them at a very high rate. It’s impressive especially considering how he often has the ball in his hands. The offense talent is there.
I mentioned Twin Turbos earlier, right? The case for Ayo Dosunmu as a “Shooter” is interesting. His three-point rate is on the low end, but he converts them at a premium caliber. We’re talking team-best caliber (Sorry Joe Ingles and Enrique Freeman). He’s amazing as a catch-and-shoot threat to boot. Ayo isn’t usually in position as a corner shot taker, but his strong numbers at converting threes overall makes me feel comfortable labeling him as a shooter.
The Wolves rookie Isaiah Evans will remain an unknown for now. He was one of the best three-point shooters in the NCAA last season (3rd in ACC), but struggled in Summer League (26.7%). Evans likely won’t be in the rotation for now, but considering that shooting is the main reason he was drafted, we can give him the benefit of the doubt for now.
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) July 18, 2026
Veteran Trey Lyles is by-and-large a stretch big. His numbers weren’t great during his final season with Sacramento, but that team was a mess and his role had diminished at that point. The season prior, he had a much higher conversion rate (38.4%) on higher volume (68.2% 3PAr). He was also 40% on catch-and-shoot opportunities from perimeter. More recently, Lyles shot 39% from distance last year overseas with Real Madrid.
I struggled to determine if TJ Shannon deserved to be here. Similar to Ayo, he shot over 40% from perimeter last season on a slightly higher three-point rate. However, I would categorically consider Shannon to be more of a threat attacking the paint as opposed to as a spacer. His catch-and-shoot numbers were significantly lower so it just didn’t feel right to label him a “Shooter.”
Defender/Hustle
*Isaiah Evans statistics from last season in NCAA *Trey Lyles statistics from last season in NBA *Stocks & deflections listed are per 36 minutes
It has historically been difficult for box score statistics or a singular catch-all measurement to determine a player’s overall defensive impact. Simple “blocks and steals” numbers aren’t close to capturing one’s complete defensive footprint. Even deflections, which has become a more popular statistic recently, though useful, is just looking at one aspect of defense. Based on what was available to me, I did pull Defensive Win Shares and Defensive Box Plus Minus numbers for reference.
Based on these measurements, you can still squint and see some patterns. You have Jaylen Clark, who is clearly the highest overall achiever in this category (DWS is impacted by how many minutes someone plays). He’s elite at getting deflections or finishing defensive plays. It’s as obvious as when he swoops in to steal an inbounds pass, as it is when rides an opponents hip into a tough shot. There’s not much debate here for Clark County’s placement here.
Jaden McDaniels putback layup + Jaylen Clark on-ball defense to force the jump ball pic.twitter.com/OtBcpZ9u2Q
Then you have Josh Green and Donte DiVincenzo. They’re similar in their ability to muck things up on the defensive end. They’ll get in your jersey even if it forces the official to call a foul. Dive for a loose ball even if your legs are in the way. Run down a rebound way outside their zone which sends them flying into the first row. They’re here to irritate you. That said, they still differ in their own unique ways. DiVincenzo is more athletic and agile, while Green is more physical and strong. It’s no surprise that Connelly targeted someone like Green this offseason with DiVincenzo out.
Similar to his case as a “Shooter,” Ayo Dosunmu as a “Defender” can also been debated. The numbers don’t paint a plus defender. He’s never been elite at generating steals or blocks, but he’s one of those “solid as they come” players. Ayo might not wow you, but he will stick to the assignment. He can fight over screens well. He can contest without fouling. He can make quick and on time rotations. He can finish possessions with defensive rebounds. This singular play sequence against Jaylen Brown last season always left an impression on me. It’s why I’m a believer in him as a defender, even if not a top percentile one. Ayo takes pride on defense.
His Twin Turbo brother Bones Hyland is an interesting case too. By the eye test, he is surely a weak link on defense. He struggles to keep his man ahead of him, fouls a lot (second most behind Jaden McDaniels per 36), and is often lost on rotations. However, he generated a surprising amount of deflections and stocks, probably due to his absurdly long wingspan. Remember all those chase-down blocks he had? All to say, it still doesn’t feel honest to put Bizzy Bones in the “Defender” category.
Does this exercise help us determine who the final starter will be? It may depend on what the matchup calls for. Coach Chris Finch alluded to this as much, going to far as to show hesitation with inserting Jaden as the full-time power forward.
If you want to skew towards defense and spacing, you may be looking at Josh Green.
If you want to skew towards offense and creation, you may be looking at TJ Shannon.
If you want a more well balanced approach, you may be looking at Ayo Dosunmu.
We all know our friends over in New York is still celebrating his 2026 championship. The Knicks famously acquired defensive-minded wings on their team who were integral to raising a banner. They had previously earned the nickname “Wing Stop.” Do the Wolves have their own “Wing Stop” brewing? It might be a little early for that, but they have options.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 12: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards shoots against Nique Clifford #00 of the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter of a Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards have very recently finished their 2026 NBA Summer League campaign. In our SB Nation Reacts survey for this week, we asked you to grade them.
FanDuel will probably not predict that the Wizards are winning a championship next season. But I’m happy to see that over 80 percent of fans give the Wizards good grades for their summer performance, even if AJ Dybantsa only played two games.
COVERS INTEL: Imanaga has a 0.28 career ERA in five starts 
Casey Mize
CJ Abrams
Sonny Gray
