Worldwide Sports News

July 16, 2026

What brought on the strange final pre-break week of the White Sox?

For the White Sox offense, it has become a tale of two hands. | (yourtherapysource.com)

The homestand before the All-Star break went to wild extremes. Sure, being swept in the first series was in part because Boston is a pretty good team despite its record. And sweeping the second one was in part because the A’s are awful, especially with their best hitters out or slumping.

But the handedness thing was something else again. It was only a few years ago that the White Sox killed lefties. Now they just roll over and play dead. That final week painted a vivid picture of the situation.

The Red Sox started three back-of-the-rotation lefties. The White Sox scored one run, zero runs, and one run.

The Athletics used a lefty opener in the first game, and he retired all five batters he faced. Then they brought in a righty — the constipation-relief-sounding bulk reliever — and the Sox scored 14 runs. In the next game, against a regular left-handed starter, the White Sox scored one run. In the finale, against a pretty decent right-hander, they scored nine.

Even stranger, the Sox lineup without Munetaka Murakami doesn’t, on the surface, explain the wide disparity of handedness.

Or does it? Let’s take a look.

THE TWO EXTREMES

GRAND CANYON WIDE: Anyone who wonders why Will Venable will sit .300+ hitting All-Star left-handed hitter Tristan Peters for far-below-the-Mendoza-line Junior Perez against southpaws need only take a look at Peters’ platoon splits, which are as wide as they come:

Vs. RHP: .324/.376/.523, for an amazing .899 OPS, a batting average that would be third in MLB

Vs. LHP: .111/.172/.111, for an abysmal .284 OPS, which is less than half the lowest OPS in the majors this year

Note that his three hits against lefties are all singles and were probably all bunts. Maybe they don’t have lefty pitchers in Banana Ball.

BACKWARDS: When Colson Montgomery bashes a lefty, Steve Stone is inclined to act surprised. He shouldn’t be, because lefty Colson has reverse splits, and pretty big ones at that:

Vs. RHP: .206/.294/.433, an OPS of about-average .727

Vs. LHP: .250/.319/.546, a fine OPS of .866, with a higher percentage of homers and doubles, but also more K’s per AB

How can that be? Maybe because his main weakness is high heat, which doesn’t have a handedness factor. Or maybe because he also has trouble with breaking balls under his hands, which are harder for a southpaw to throw.

LET’S LOOK AT THE REST

Overall, in big-league ball, platoon splits are actually quite small, statistically. It’s no doubt because managers play the righty-lefty game so much and don’t bat especially vulnerable players like Peters. Still, right-handed batters hit righty pitchers for a .692 OPS and lefties for .750, only slightly more. Same small difference for lefty hitters, .679 OPS against lefties, .731 vs. righties.

For the White Sox, in descending bWAR order, bearing in mind that WAR is a cumulative stat, so those with fewer games played will be at a disadvantage:

Miguel Vargas, 3.3 bWAR, All-Star, bats right-handed, power hitter you’d expect to have large splits

Vs. RHP: .233/.338/.454, .792 OPS
Vs. LHP: .272/.395/.583, .978 OPS

Fairly pronounced splits, but no real weakness either way.

Chase Meidroth, 1.9 bWAR, bats right-handed, contact hitter you’d expect to have small splits

Vs. RHP: .247/.325/.342, a satanic .666 OPS
Vs. LHP: .320/.381/.466, nifty .847 OPS

Bit of a surprise, right?

Munetaka Murakami: 1.8 bWAR despite losing time, bats left-handed, a pure power hitter

Vs. RHP: .250/.383/.595, sky-high .978 OPS
Vs. LHP: .190/.342/.413, still an above-average .754 OPS despite low BA thanks to homers and walks

Pretty much what you might expect, especially since the fear he couldn’t hit heat was misplaced, but he does have a problem with breaking pitches unless they hang, in which case they travel very, very far.

Sam Antonacci: 1.6 bWAR despite starting season late, bats left-handed, mostly a contact hitter

Vs. RHP: .314/.405/.475, nifty .881 OPS in part thanks to 11 doubles
Vs. LHP: .193/.292/.211, really bad .503 OPS

Did you realize Antonacci was that bad against lefties? I sure didn’t. Helps explain the team’s failures in that direction since he’s the spirit of the outfit.

Randal Grichuk: 0.6 bWAR in limited action, bats right-handed, famed lefty killer

Vs. RHP: .204/.200/.388, OPS. 588
Vs. LHP: .273/.319/.591, very solid .910 OPS

Yet somehow, he, Vargas, and Meidroth aren’t enough to close the handedness gap.

Braden Montgomery: 0.1 bWAR, but only up for 29 games so far, switch-hitter

Vs. RHP: .233/.325/.438, above-average .761 OPS
Vs. LHP: .226/.242/.290, very poor OPS .532

An important note is that he draws lots of walks from righties, but, in a small sample size of 31 trips to the plate, has just one walk the other way, against 10 strikeouts.

Kyle Teel: 0.0 bWAR, bats left-handed, only 51 AB, so too small a sample size to count, but he does have pretty big splits in the normal direction, as he also had last year.

Andrew Benintendi: -0.2 bWAR, bat left-handed

Vs. RHP: .251/.313/.458, OPS .772
Vs. LHP: .182/.229/.212, but he’s rarely allowed to bat against lefties, just 33 AB

Interestingly, Benintendi has a career OPS of .703 against lefties, and had big reverse splits last year. Maybe he forgot how to hit them, or they learned how to pitch him.

Luisangel Acuña: -0.2 bWAR, contact hitter, speedster, bats right-handed, even though Chris Getz thinks he’s a switch-hitter

Vs. RHP: .229/.286/.277 for a .563 OPS
Vs. LHP: .258/.265/.288 for a .553 OPS

Note the much higher average against lefties, as you’d expect. But almost no walks from them, so almost the same OPS either way.

Junior Perez and Drew Romo: Not worth worrying about

SO, WHAT DID WE LEARN?

Well, there are reasons the White Sox hit right-handed pitchers better, but there sure aren’t enough reasons to explain the huge difference on the team level. They just have to hope opponents don’t decide to bring lefties up from the minors or out of the bleachers whenever the Sox are on the schedule. Or that they learn how to hit lefties better.

July 16, 2026

The Short Porch is thinking about the Cubs and the Trade Deadline

Freddy Peralta could be one of the starters the Cubs pursue in trade | | Getty Images

The All-Star Game in the rear view mirror, and the Cubs have played their way to a 54-42 mark on the season so far. It’s not quite good enough for a lead in their division, that belongs to the 59-37 Milwaukee Brewers, but it does have them in sole control of the first Wild Card spot, one game in the loss column ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies. It’s a pretty miraculous record when you consider they have a pretty elite rotation and bullpen sitting on the injured list, and have for much of the season. I mean, just look at this:

While some of those pitchers seem slated to return soon-ish (Jameson Taillon is on a rehab assignment and Edward Cabrera and Daniel Palencia are throwing), many are out for the year. It’s a team tailor-made for the trade deadline, which believe it or not, comes up on Aug. 3, just 18 days from now.

Cubs fans would be forgiven for being a bit skeptical that reinforcements are on the way at the deadline, however. Last year saw them add Michael Soroka, who immediately hit the injured list, along with Andrew Kittredge and utility man Willi Castro. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and PJ Mooney put the outlook for this year’s deadline pretty bluntly yesterday:

Hoyer’s front office trusts the team’s pitching coaches, and Counsell believes they can maximize pitchers who might not look like obvious contributors.
“The job in a game is to get 27 outs,” Counsell said. “It doesn’t matter what the names are — just get 27 outs. That’s the pitching staff’s job, to somehow put together 27 outs every day. So it doesn’t matter how you do it, or what you’re called when you do it. It matters that we do it better than the other team.”
A pessimist would doubt the front office’s willingness to go all in at the trade deadline for a likely wild-card team; a pessimist would probably also doubt the club’s ability to stay healthy. An optimist would look at all the potential in the names on the injured list and the opportunities to improve the team through transactions before early August.

Bruce Levine was even more blunt on a now-deleted Tweet that was surely meant to be a DM or text message that surfaced over the break:

Bruce Levine deleted one of the greatest tweets of all time. pic.twitter.com/Q4pAcpiGvi
— Chief Cub (@ChiefCub) July 14, 2026

It seems fans are not alone in feeling that the Cubs front office has been a bit too cautious at adding players to this roster.

To my eye, a reunion with Kittredge (or a similar pitcher) could make sense. While his ERA and FIP look less stellar than last season (4.32 ERA off a 4.06 FIP in 2026 v. 3.45 ERA off a 3.52 FIP prior to the trade in 2025) the underlying numbers are similar: about a strikeout per inning, low walk rate and a 51.3 percent ground ball rate that is better than what he put up in 2026.

That said, while the Cubs should add to the back end of the bullpen, what they really need is starting pitchers. MLB Trade Rumors has a solid write-up of the arms who might be available, which include everyone from Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, old division foe Freddy Peralta, the Twins’ Joe Ryan and Sonny Gray of the Red Sox. Cubs fans are certainly familiar with Gray from his time in the NL Central with the Reds and Cardinals.

Unfortunately for Cubs fans, among the teams the Cubs could trade with above, the Twins, Red Sox, Orioles and Tigers are all within 3.5 games of a Wild Card spot in a lackluster American League, so all of those teams could take it down to the last minute before deciding to sell this trade deadline. That could mean a lot more waiting (and fretting) for fans anxious to see the Cubs try to make another run at the Postseason in 2026.

July 16, 2026

2027 Arizona Diamondbacks schedule released

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 21: General view of Chase Field before the MLB game on May 21, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The D-backs’ 2027 Home Opening Day on Friday, April 2 vs. Miami Marlins kicks off the home slate and a 6-game homestand against the Miami Marlins (April 2-4) and Los Angeles Dodgers (April 5-7). The second homestand, from April 16-21, will feature 3-game sets against the San Diego Padres (April 16-18) and Chicago Cubs (April 19-21).

Fan-favorite home holidays return with Mother’s Day Weekend against the Texas Rangers (May 7-9), Father’s Day Weekend against the Boston Red Sox (June 18-20) and 4th of July Weekend against the San Francisco Giants (July 1-4).The 2027 home schedule will wrap with a much-anticipated, season-ending, 6-game divisional showdown against the San Diego Padres (Sept. 21-23) and Los Angeles Dodgers (Sept. 24-26).

The D-backs will open the season on the road with a week’s worth of divisional matchups against the San Diego Padres (March 25-28) and San Francisco Giants (March 29-31). The remaining NL West road showdowns are at the Los Angeles Dodgers (May 24-26), Colorado Rockies (June 21-23), San Diego Padres (August 9-11) and Colorado Rockies (August 20-22) before ending the season’s road schedule with a 7-game roadtrip to face the San Francisco Giants (Sept. 13-15) and Los Angeles Dodgers (Sept. 16-19).

The road slate also features visits to the New York Yankees (April 9-11), Philadelphia Phillies (April 23-26), Atlanta Braves (May 14-16), Milwaukee Brewers (May 28-30), Toronto Blue Jays (June 8-10), Chicago White Sox (July 9-11) and Chicago Cubs (August 16-18).

For the full Diamondbacks 2027 schedule, visit dbacks.com/schedule.

It’s kinda hard to look at the schedule and figure out what sections might be tough or not. I recall everyone looking at this year’s calendar and deciding they had “a brutal early schedule.” Turns out that the Tigers, Mets, Orioles and Blue Jays – currently eight, seventeen, five and six games below .500 respectively – were not exactly the tough opposition predicted. The Diamondbacks went 9-3 against those opponents. So I’m a little reluctant to make any predictions when we are still more than sixty games from the end of this season, never mind any changes which may then get made during the winter.

However, based on current standings, it looks like it may be difficult to get out of the gate quickly. There’s an early 12-game stretch where we face the Marlins, Dodgers, Yankees and then back to the Marlins again. Based on the current standings, that would be a tough couple of weeks. It’s then then followed by ten more against the Padres (still at .500, though well off their early page), Cubs and Phillies. All told, that’ll be 22 games where all but three are against teams currently – again, a lot of water under the bridge between now and then – in the top eight of the MLB standings. Though the Marlins are probably gonna Marlin and sell everyone off for 2027.

After that though, I wasn’t seeing too many other cases where we have more than two consecutive series against teams currently with winning records. Maybe we’ll have Corbin Burnes back as Opening Day starter? Let’s wait and see there though.

July 16, 2026

Giants at the trade deadline: 3 players I’d like to see them keep

Jung Hoo Lee and Luis Arráez posing on the bench — LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - May 13: Casey Schmitt #10, Jung Hoo Lee #51 and Luis Arráez #1 of the San Francisco Giants prepare for the game at Dodger Stadium on May 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Suzanna Mitchell/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The MLB draft and All-Star festivities are over and we San Francisco Giants fans don’t have much to look forward to other than the looming trade deadline.

Of course, the Giants should be one of the busiest teams during the next couple of weeks as they sell away the bitter memories of lost season. Depending on who you believe, we could see a massive fire sale with most of the current 26-man roster available if the price is right. So, it could get wild as San Francisco has a chance to add some real firepower to an already much improved farm system. Yes, reading updated top 30 prospect lists has become much more enjoyable than scouring the MLB standings.

Still, there are some veteran players I’d like to see the Gaints resist dealing. Lets take a look:

Luis Arráez

I was excited when Arráez mentioned last week that he’d like to stay with the Giants. I’ve been screaming for weeks that Buster Posey needs to extend him, not trade him. Arráez is the type of player who the Giants can easily build around in the next half decade. He likely won’t be unbearable to absorb financially and he is just 29 years old. He is such a special player with the bat and his drastic defensive improvement shows he is still an ascending player who cares. You keep these types of players. Also, I wouldn’t expect another team to part with a top prospect for a non-power hitting middle infielder on an expiring contract. Just sign him now and move forward.

Jung Hoo Lee

The Lee rumors ramped up when ESPN recently included him as one of the more likely players to be dealt at the deadline. I have my doubts the Giants will actively shop him and that’s my hope. He was signed two years ago to be a core player and after some growing pains in MLB and some injuries, that’s exactly what he has become. At 27, Lee has a chance to be a premier hitter for the next several years. Now that he is the player tge Giants envisioned him becoming when the signed him out of KBO. Why would they cut bait now? He and Arraez give the Giants some serious OBP juice. Why mess with that? Let’s see this guy become an all-time San Francisco Giant.

Rafael Devers

Look, I’m as disappointed in the outcome of his trade last year as you are and his body language drives me nuts. But let’s just move on with Devers. Let’s face it; the Giants won’t get much if they give up on Devers either in player return and financial burden relieved. So, they might as well just embrace having him and move forward. Yes, he hasn’t been as good as advertised and he’s been frustratingly streaky in his 13 months as a Giant. But, there is no denying the guy can hit and he will hit for the next decade. Let’s bookend him with Bryce Eldridge for the next several years and enjoy it. Let’s forgive the shortcomings and just hope breaks the streakiness and rakes regularly like he can.

July 16, 2026

Could Adou Thiero fill the Lakers’ athletic wing void?

Los Angeles’ crosstown rivalry reignited Tuesday about 300 miles away from their respective arenas.

A potential highlight transition dunk from Adou Thiero turned into a hard foul, deemed reckless enough to be upgraded to a flagrant. Some extra pushing and shoving followed, resulting in technicals.

Thiero and the Summer League Lakers brushed off the mini scuffle and went on to win their fifth straight game, including three in a row to remain undefeated in Las Vegas. The purple and gold’s 36th overall pick from a year ago finished with 13 points, six rebounds, a steal and a block in 27 minutes.

As has been the case all summer, the numbers don’t do justice to the impact of his athletic force on both ends of the floor. With the Lakers roster clearly devoid of athletic wings, it gives way for Thiero to make his case for a real potential spot on the floor.

Even while entering only 25 games last year due to injuries, Thiero has played 100 more minutes than the next-closest player on the Summer League roster. In this summer exhibition environment, experienced second-year players are relied on to lead their teams.

On offense, there’s not much coloring outside the lines. It’s a simple but effective diet of relentless drives to the basket as he’s determined to get downhill with force at any opportunity. Without many playmakers to accompany him, Thiero is relied on as a main creator to manufacture paint touches and kickouts. In Vegas, he’s second on the team in assists.

He’s oscillated between being a screener and operating in the short roll and running actions as the ball handler, as shown below. Watch as he gets a ghost screen from fellow summer standout Cameron Carr. A bump of the shoulder sends his defender flying before he dips into his bag for a hard gather crossover finish at the basket.

These drives and paint touches collapse the defense, creating ample opportunities to be a playmaker. After a few rough games in the California Classic while getting his feet under him, Thiero’s shown much better poise on his drives. Rather than force off-balance shots at the rim, he opted to find teammates for kick-out threes or cutters at the rim.

His downhill force and highlight-dunk finishing ability have teams walling off the paint against him. Watch below as he comes off a screen action in the corner, splits the defense with an under-control spin and flings the pass back out for a wide open 3-pointer.

Where he’s unstoppable is on the break and it’s not hyperbole to say Thiero is the best transition athlete currently on the Lakers. Listed at 6’5, 220 pounds, he walks around with a trampoline to launch from for lobs and thunderous dunks.

Watch below as the Lakers force a turnover and Thiero acts as the trailer in the play. Once he gets momentum going downhill, the seas part and he finishes with a powerful slam.

As with any young player on a team hoping to be in contention, Thiero’s minutes will be determined by his ability to lock in on the defensive end. Projecting him into the Lakers’ rotation, his potential as a predator on defense is an enticing fit.

His five steals in Vegas leads the team, picking players from behind with great hands and turnovers with ball pressure. Offensive players have even chosen to avoid attacking him, moving the ball or calling for a screen to switch to a different defender.

The Arkansas product has used his athletic powers to recover for some impressive chase-down blocks. Watch below as the offensive player hears footsteps and gets engulfed at the apex of his jump. Thiero goes up with two hands, prepared for the takeaway on either side.

His three blocks in Vegas are second behind center Anton Watson.

Thiero is still a very raw prospect in many aspects, evidenced by his refusal to take any shot outside the paint. The drives toe the line between force and recklessness, showing a clear need for development in reading the defense and improved spatial awareness. Athletic advantages won’t be as pronounced against NBA competition, and, as with most young players, his defensive focus on and off the ball can fade in interest.

With all that being said, the Lakers are starved for uber-athletic wings to pair around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, as proven by reports of interest in potentially adding Jonathan Kuminga and signing Ziaire Williams to a minimum contract.

Barring a carryover of health issues from last season, Thiero’s two-way athletic profile provides a hopeful road map to a run at minutes next season in year two.

You can follow Raj on X at @RajChipalu.

July 16, 2026

5 Games To Circle On 2026-27 Chicago Blackhawks Schedule

The Chicago Blackhawks have released their schedule for the 2026-27 season, which is a slate of 84 games, up from 82. The full schedule came out on Thursday after every team announced its home opener on Wednesday.

The Blackhawks will visit every building in the NHL at least once, and every team will come to the United Center at least once. From late September to early April, these 84 games will see the Blackhawks attempt to take a step in their rebuild.

Every game will be something special in its own way, but some games stick out more than others when it comes to the "must-see" mentality. These are the five to circle right away on the calendar:

September 29th - @ Vegas Golden Knights

The Chicago Blackhawks will open their season on the road with a match against the Vegas Golden Knights, who happen to be the reigning Western Conference Champions.

Right off the bat, the Blackhawks have as tough a test as they will face. The Golden Knights will kick off their 10th season in the NHL with this game, and the Blackhawks will be hoping to catch them at a vulnerable time to kick off their 101st season with a win.

October 6th - vs St. Louis Blues

After playing Vegas, the Blackhawks have two more road games against the Utah Mammoth and Buffalo Sabres before coming home to face the St. Louis Blues in their home opener on October 6th.

It is always a special time for the players, organization, and fanbase to return to the United Center for a fresh season, which is why this game is worth circling on the calendar.

October 10th - vs Carolina Hurricanes

On October 10th, the Chicago Blackhawks will welcome the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes to the United Center for their first and only visit. Like Vegas, the team that Carolina defeated in the Final, this is a great test for the young Blackhawks early in the season. All of the games up to this point will be played without Connor Bedard.

December 18th/20th - vs Ottawa Senators in Germany

The Chicago Blackhawks will face the Ottawa Senators for two games in Germany this season as part of the NHL Global Series. This initiative allows fans from across the world to see NHL hockey in person, and the Blackhawks are one of the teams this year. Connor Bedard should be back by this point.

January 30th - @ San Jose Sharks

The last game for the Chicago Blackhawks before their 10-day break for the All-Star Game will be in Northern California against the San Jose Sharks. This will be Connor Bedard's first meeting of the season with his friend and player rival Macklin Celebrini.

The funny thing is that their return game following the break is also against the Sharks in San Jose. Then, later in the season on March 16th, the Sharks will make their one trip to the United Center.

Before long, this is going to be a premier rivalry in the Western Conference because both teams are on the come-up at the same time, and it will be a treat to witness the matchup in 2026-27.

Potential For More

All of these are relatively early in the season. If there is going to be more intrigue later in the campaign, it would likely mean that the Blackhawks were having a good season, causing these games to be more exciting. If people are circling more games on their calendar late in the year, that means the team (or someone on the team) is doing big things.

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay up to date on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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July 16, 2026

Grading the 'Yzerplan': The Best and Worst Moves of Steve Yzerman's Red Wings Tenure

The Detroit Red Wings closed the book on one of the most significant eras in franchise history on Wednesday, as Steve Yzerman stepped down from his role as general manager and executive vice president of Hockey Operations, transitioning into a senior advisory role.

The move brings an end to what was ultimately a lackluster stretch for the organization, one defined by a lengthy rebuild that never fully delivered.

Yzerman, who spent 22 seasons as Detroit's captain during his playing days, left the Red Wings organization years ago to build a winner elsewhere, taking the reins of the Tampa Bay Lightning and constructing an eventual Stanley Cup contender.

His roster reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2015, and with additional tweaks from successor Julien BriseBois, that same core would go on to win back to back championships. While it's difficult to measure exactly how much credit belongs to Yzerman versus BriseBois for those titles, Yzerman had already proven he could build a winner from the ground up.

That track record made him an obvious target when the Red Wings came calling, and Yzerman returned to Detroit in April of 2019. What became known around the league as the "Yzerplan" was billed as a methodical, multi-year approach built on drafting and developing young talent while making calculated additions along the way, eventually forming a true contender.

Instead, the plan never fully materialized, and the Red Wings missed the playoffs for a tenth consecutive season this past year.

In many ways, the approach mirrored the Philadelphia 76ers' infamous "Process," banking on years of difficulty in exchange for sustained future success. Now, with Yzerman's tenure as GM officially over, it's worth looking back at some of the moves that defined his time running the franchise, for better and for worse.

Best: Locking Up Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond

Signing elite young talent never comes cheap, but Yzerman's belief in Seider and Raymond paid dividends. Seider has developed into one of the league's premier defensemen, and his $8.55 million cap hit through 2031 already looks like a bargain. The same goes for Raymond, who signed for $8.075 million through 2032 and has since become a point-per-game player.

Worst: Trading Jake Walman for Future Considerations

On June 25th, 2024, Detroit shipped defenseman Jake Walman to the San Jose Sharks for future considerations, a deal widely attributed to cap clearing amid reported friction between Walman and the organization.

The trade has aged poorly, as Walman broke out with San Jose, posting 32 points in 50 games as an offensive defenseman. The Sharks would later flip him to the Edmonton Oilers for a conditional 2026 first-round pick, a return Detroit could have used for themselves, not to mention losing a talented piece on their blue line.

Best: The Alex DeBrincat Trade

On July 9th, 2023, the Red Wings sent Dominik Kubalik, Donovan Sebrango, a 2024 conditional first-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Alex DeBrincat.

The move paid off in a big way, as DeBrincat has been one of Detroit's top offensive weapons over the past two seasons, leading the team with 66 goals to go along with 71 assists for 137 points, third-most on the roster in that span.

Meanwhile, Kubalik was eventually moved to Chicago, Sebrango has made little impact at the NHL level, the fourth-rounder became winger Javon Moore, and the conditional first eventually became forward Dean Letourneau, who is now in the Boston Bruins system.

Worst: The Justin Holl Signing

Heading into the 2023 offseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs were more than happy to part ways with underperforming defenseman Justin Holl, who they had been paying $2 million per season.

Detroit not only added a player who had struggled against one of their fiercest rivals, but gave him a raise with a $3.4 million cap hit over three seasons. The deal played out largely as expected, with Holl managing just 13 points in 111 games over the first two seasons before spending the final year of his contract entirely in the minors, eventually being dealt to the St. Louis Blues as part of the Justin Faulk trade.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.

Best: The Patrick Kane Signing

For a young and developing roster, adding a veteran presence like Patrick Kane proved to be an ideal fit. Over three seasons in Detroit, Kane helped mentor younger players like Lucas Raymond while still producing on the ice, tallying 57 goals and 106 assists for 163 points in 189 games.

Worst: The Justin Faulk Trade

At the 2026 trade deadline, Yzerman sent Justin Holl, prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov, a 2026 first-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick to the St. Louis Blues for rental defenseman Justin Faulk.

The move was widely criticized after Detroit stumbled to a 6-10-3 finish, missing the playoffs and surrendering a valuable first-round pick in the process. Faulk remains under contract for next season and could still provide value as a veteran mentor for young defensemen like Seider, Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Simon Edvinsson.

But if the Red Wings miss the playoffs again next season, the trade will go down as the final costly misstep in Yzerman's tenure.

Best: First Five First-Round Picks (2019-2022)

Drafting and developing talent worked out early and often for Yzerman. His first five first-round selections as GM, Seider (sixth overall, 2019), Raymond (fourth overall, 2020), Simon Edvinsson (sixth overall, 2021), Sebastian Cossa (15th overall, 2021) and Marco Kasper (eighth overall, 2022), all look like hits.

All are already making an impact at the NHL level, aside from Cossa, who is expected to get his opportunity with the Utah Mammoth next season. Tasked with rebuilding the Red Wings with essentially only Dylan Larkin as a foundation, Yzerman quickly unearthed multiple franchise cornerstones.

Worst: Trading Sebastian Cossa for J.P. Hurlbert

It's still too early to fully judge the long-term impact of a trade made less than a month ago, but the optics are far from favorable. Despite Detroit's deep goaltending pipeline, Cossa looked like the franchise's presumptive goaltender of the future.

Can't stop watching this AMAZING save by the one and only Sebastian Cossa 🤩 #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/4bP7U8Y3Gm
— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) February 22, 2024

Instead of using him to bring back immediate help, Yzerman moved him to the Utah Mammoth for the 23rd overall pick, a selection lower than where Cossa himself was drafted, along with prospect J.P. Hurlbert.

If Hurlbert fails to develop into a full-time NHL contributor and Cossa emerges as Utah's franchise goaltender, this deal could end up looking like one of the final missteps of Yzerman's Detroit tenure.

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July 16, 2026

Start of Mets-Phillies series pushed up due to air quality concerns

The start of Thursday's game between the Mets and Phillies -- and the official start of the second half of the 2026 season -- has been changed.

New York and Philadelphia will begin their three-game series at 6:10 p.m., an hour earlier than its originally scheduled time due to air quality concerns later in the evening, the Phillies announced.

"They had to meet about it at 4," Marcus Semien, who was activated off the IL prior to Thursday's game, said of the new start time. "Definitely the opposite of a delay. It's for the better, it looks pretty bad out there."

“There is some air quality alerts out there. MLB, city teams feel it's safe enough to play a baseball game. We surely hope it stays that way, interim manager Andy Green said of the conditions. "You can’t predict this kind of thing. We limited our outside exposure, very short time out there for our guys.”

Green said their schedule changed a lot with the new start time, as they received word a little before four o'clock, but the team got as much done as they could.

"We got the work done that needs to get done, just in a condensed format," Green said. "This is a typical day where you might have an elongated workout because guys are coming off a break. It’s an adjustment but baseball always tends to make us make them."

Christian Scott (2-1, 3.17 ERA) will take the mound for the Mets, who are looking to snap their three-game losing streak. The Phillies will send Aaron Nola (3-6, 5.75 ERA) to the bump as Philadelphia looks to extend its winning streak to three games.

July 16, 2026

NBA Summer League Discussion: Brooklyn Nets vs. Houston Rockets, 4:30 PM ET

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 14: Chaney Johnson #31 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket during the game against the Sacramento Kings on July 14, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Well, that was fun! The Nets absolutely dominated on Tuesday with a 115-83 victory against the Kings. It was arguably the best we’ve seen the Flatbush Five play together, and certainly the best Brooklyn has played this summer. And that’s saying something.

They’ll move onto face the Houston Rockets in their final pool play match of Las Vegas NBA Summer League. There are 12 teams competing 12 for four semifinal spots, meaning the might or might not be the last game for another 3+ months. Enjoy!

📺 Watch

Watch: YES Network, Gotham Sports, ESPNU
Who: Nets vs. Rockets
When: Tip after 4:30 PM

💬 Discussion

Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.

July 16, 2026

Padres Reacts Survey: Can San Diego climb back into playoff picture?

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 12: Manager Craig Stammen #14 of the San Diego Padres looks on from the dugout before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Petco Park on July 12, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

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

The San Diego Padres made a last push to overcome their worst losing streak of the season with winning four of their last seven games against Arizona Diamondbacks and the Toronto Blue Jays. The two wins against the Blue Jays came on back-to-back days heading into the All-Star break. With only Mason Miller being named to the National League All-Star roster, the rest of the team got the week off to rest and reset before San Diego returns to the field against the Royals in Kansas City at 5:10 p.m. on Friday.

The back-to-back wins over Toronto ensured the Padres would have a .500 record at the ceremonial half-way point of the season. It was a far fall from the 11 games over .500 they had been earlier this season before an eight-game losing streak dropped them out of playoff contention. The expectation is that with 66 games to go before season’s end, San Diego should have an opportunity to push for playoff position. The Padres Reacts Survey poll question this week on Gaslamp Ball is asking respondents to determine if the Padres will compete in the postseason.

The answer to this question may be determined by how San Diego performs in the 16 games after the All-Star break leading into the trade deadline. Of course, it would make sense the answer is no if the Padres become sellers and it might be easier to say yes if they buy. Worse than either outcome is San Diego plays well enough to remain mediocre, convincing general manager A.J. Preller to hold onto potential trade pieces while adding on the fringes with players who have not stood out to their previous organizations.

The results of the poll will be posted in the near future.

Brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, the official sportsbook partner of SB Nation.

July 16, 2026

Gamethread 7/16: Phillies vs Mets

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 14: Brandon Marsh #16 of the Philadelphia Phillies, Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets, and Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Here are the lineups for game 1 against the Mets. Let’s discuss.

For the Phillies:

And we're back!#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/tUyIDcuDb8
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 16, 2026

For the Mets:

Starters in Philly ⚾️ #LGM pic.twitter.com/CtncemX5jZ
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 16, 2026

July 16, 2026

Phillies’ pitcher Brad Keller out for remainder of 2026 due to UCL tear in crushing blow

Brad Keller is out for the season for the Phillies.

The Phillies will be without one of their top offseason acquisitions for the rest of 2026.

Right-handed relief pitcher Brad Keller, who inked a two-year, $22 million deal with Philadelphia in free agency during the offseason, was placed on the 15-day injured list with a torn UCL in his right elbow, the team announced Thursday.

Keller, 30, already missed time earlier this season when the Phillies placed him on the IL in mid-June with right forearm tendinitis.

Brad Keller is out for the season for the Phillies. Getty Images

“He’d been having just little stuff going on, and it kind of continued,” interim manager Don Mattingly told reporters at the time. “It was something that we felt like we’re better off knocking it out right now and not letting it get too far.”

He returned before the All-Star break and made one appearance on July 8, tossing a scoreless inning in a 11-5 loss versus the Reds.

In 32 appearances this season, Keller posted a 4.02 ERA along with three saves.

Keller was a hot commodity this past winter, coming off a career year with the Cubs in which he notched a 2.07 ERA in 68 appearances.

The Yankees were among several teams that were interested in the longtime Royals hurler before he agreed to terms with Philadelphia.

Given the average recovery time for UCL surgery and the possibility of a lockout in 2027, it’s possible Keller will not pitch again until 2028.

The Phillies will kick off the second half on Thursday in Philadelphia against the struggling National League East rival Mets.

New York got a key player back from the IL on Thursday, with second baseman Marcus Semien reinstated and journeyman infielder Zack Short designated for assignment.

July 16, 2026

LeBron James on free agency: ‘Won’t hold you guys up too much longer’

LeBron James on a stage, with a bottle of wine, speaking at the Fanatics Fest. — NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 16: LeBron James speaks onstage during the mind the game panel at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026 at Jacob Javits Center on July 16, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Fanatics) | Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Fan

Despite what most people expected when the summer began, LeBron James’ free agency has been the biggest storyline of the 2026 NBA offseason. James delivered a shocker at the beginning of the free agency period, announcing that he would not be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers. For the fourth time in his historic career, the league’s all-time leading scorer will hand pick his next home.

There are a lot of intriguing options. While James has been linked to about a third of the league’s teams, the rumors have persisted about four enticing options: a third stint with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, bookending his career with a return home to team with Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen; a second stint with the Miami Heat, where he won half of his four NBA championships, and a chance to join Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo; a surprising pivot to the Philadelphia 76ers, who suddenly have a tremendous core of Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and V.J. Edgecombe; and, of course, a link up with his long-time frenemies Steph Curry and Draymond Green with the Golden State Warriors.

It’s entirely unclear where the Warriors stand. Most of the reports have suggested that they’re a secondary option behind that trio of competitors, but a few hints and rumors seem to suggest that the Dubs have a good chance. Many of the prediction markets have shifted to the Warriors being favorites, and while I despite those things with a passion, such shifts are often due to some sort of insider information.

And then there are the little bits and pieces that probably mean nothing but we all overanalyze just in case. On Wednesday, Warriors coach Steve Kerr playfully told Warriors fans, “We got him” when asked at a red light about signing James. At roughly the same time, a Pardon the Interruption podcast was mistakenly released with the title, “Steph Curry Behind LeBron’s Stunning Decision?”

These things mean, almost certainly, nothing. It’s deeply improbably that Kerr or ESPN would have this information before James reveals it. Kerr’s soundbite was almost certainly just a playful and lighthearted joke, while ESPN’s faux pas was most likely a pre-written headline that was accidentally published instead of staying in the batter’s box for if it was needed.

One thing is certain: as silly and entertaining as all these rumors, reports, and conspiracy theories are, it will be a breath of fresh air when they’re finished. And it seems like we’re nearing that moment, according to the man himself.

James was in New York on Thursday for Fanatics Fest to speak at the Game Plan Summit, presented by CNBC and Boardroom (the latter being Kevin Durant’s media company). The 22-time All-Star was a scheduled speaker along with other industry titans such as Durant, Adam Silver, Cathy Engelbert, Diana Taurasi, Dana White, Elle Duncan, Michael Rubin, Rich Kleiman, Lindsey Vonn, and Jimmy Pitaro. While speaking during a panel, James hinted at a timeline for his decision, saying simply, “I won’t hold you guys up too much longer.”

The four-time MVP didn’t offer any hints as to where he would land, but did express excitement and optimism, saying, “Looking forward to what’s next as I wind down the final stages of my journey … It’s going to be pretty fun wherever I land. I’m going to do what I do best.”

Of course, “much longer” isn’t exactly a firm date, so who knows. We may still be doing this song and dance when the calendar rolls into August. It will all be worth it for one franchise, at least…

July 16, 2026

MLB 2027 schedule revealed: When is opening day? Will there even be a season?

Major League Baseball announced its schedule for the 2027 season on Thursday, July 16 – assuming there is going to be a season to play next year.

The current collective bargaining agreement ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1, and there could be a lockout if issues such as owners' calls for a salary cap are not resolved by then.

For now, opening day is set for March 24 with a standalone game on Netflix. MLB has yet to announce the teams playing in that game.

There are no international games on the schedule. The All-Star Game will take place at Wrigley Field in Chicago on July 13, and the regular season is set to end Sept. 26.