Jun 22, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha (52) walks off the field after pitching the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
A 5-3 final score does not feel super lousy if you’re just hearing about it in passing. But if you watched any of the Yankees’ game last night in Detroit, it sure felt lousy.
A brief 1-0 lead was lost due to an ineffective Gerrit Cole, as he gave up an uncharacteristic nine hits and five runs, failing to get through five innings on 89 pitches. The Bombers bats didn’t do much against Framber Valdez, and only a two-run homer by Amed Rosario off Drew Anderson brought this back to a two-run game. Jasson Domínguez struck out with two on and two outs in the eighth, and that was the end of the Yanks’ last real threat. Bummer. The Yanks must get out of the muck today, or they’ll face a potential sweep and five-game skid at the hands of Tarik Skubal tomorrow.
The AL West-leading Mariners were idle on Monday, but here’s some of what else was going on around the Junior Circuit.
Tampa Bay Rays (43-32) 1, Kansas City Royals (33-46) 2
The Yankees’ two-game lead in the AL East remained intact because the Rays had their own lifeless showing in their own ballpark against an underachieving Royals team that didn’t have their best player at their disposal. Not great, Bob(by).
Fortunately for Kansas City, if they have any All-Star this year outside of Bobby Witt Jr., it’s starter Michael Wacha. He got to pitch Monday and handled the Rays pretty easily with seven innings of six-hit, one-run ball, pushing his innings total up to an AL-leading 101 through 16 starts. He only fanned five, but he made the right pitches in the counts he needed them, and this game was over in 2 hours and 13 minutes.
Tampa Bay ace Drew Rasmussen drew the short straw of this pitchers’ duel and lost despite a fair outing of six innings with four hits and two runs allowed. He actually leads the AL in WHIP and BB/9 with a sterling 0.884 and 1.6 respectively. He did walk two yesterday though and the first quickly burned him at the beginning of the second. Lane Thomas doubled in Michael Massey to score the game’s first run in the second, and he moved to third on the play.
Rasmussen buckled down to retire the next three batters in order with two K’s. In the fifth however, KC struck out again, this time with small ball. Nick Loftin got a hit and stole second, and following Rasmussen’s second free pass of the evening, capable catcher Carter Jensen drove Loftin in with a single to center. Rasmussen ended the inning on the next two pitches, but the insurance run was helpful for Wacha, as the Rays plated their only run in the home half of the frame, Yandy Díaz doubling in Richie Palacios with two outs.
Wacha stranded Díaz on a groundout by Jonny DeLuca and retired six of the next seven batters to end his outing with ease. The Rays ran themselves out of a threat in the eighth when a pinch-running Victor Mesa Jr. got thrown out on a stolen base attempt with two outs and masher Junior Caminero at the plate, who generally has runners in scoring position already when he steps up to bat. Oops. Alex Lange tossed a perfect ninth for KC, nailing down the one-run win.
Other Games
Toronto Blue Jays (39-39) 4, Houston Astros (37-43) 2: The Jays got back to .500 for the first time since May 29th. Ace Hunter Brown made his second start off the IL for the Astros, and though he allowed just one run, he was worked through three innings, tossing 85 pitches — one of which left the yard on a Kazuma Okamoto homer. Somewhat amusingly, the rest of the Toronto runs against the Houston bullpen all came on sacrifice flies, the most important coming off the bat of Myles Straw in the seventh to break a 2-2 tie. Those count! Dylan Cease struck out eight in 5.2 innings of two-run ball, though Braydon Fisher got the win with four key outs in middle relief.
Cleveland Guardians (41-38) 5, Chicago White Sox (40-37) 6: This was a spirited back-and-forth on the South Side! It was all Chicago for the first half and change, as Anthony Kay spun six shutout innings and a Randal Grichuk homer helped build a 3-0 lead. But Cleveland came alive with three in the seventh on three singles and two walks off reliever Grant Taylor. Sam Antonacci put the Pale Hose ahead with an RBI knock after the seventh-inning stretch, and manager Will Venable handed the lead to free-agent closer addition Seranthony Domínguez.
It’s been a bumpy road for Seranthony thus far in 2026 unfortunately, and he fell apart in the ninth. He walked Travis Bazzana and uncorked a wild pitch while Bazzana was already stealing, allowing the tying run to move up 90 feet. Patrick Bailey singled him in and Brayan Rocchio followed with an laser double to right. Bailey froze at third and Domínguez did fan Rhys Hoskins for the second out. But Chris Murphy entered and let Kyle Manzardo tie it up on a sacrifice fly that just barely scored Bailey upon replay review.
The more reliable Cade Smith had already thrown a scoreless eighth for Cleveland, and skipper Steven Vogt had no qualms about letting him go for the save in a second inning. Alas, the South Siders had one last rally in ’em. Braden Montgomery worked a one-out walk and Tristan Peters hit a check-swing/excuse-me double down the left field line to put two in scoring position. Pinch-hitter Jacob Gonzalez struck out swinging in his attempt to be the hero, but for the second time in three innings, Antonacci came through. Down to their last strike and in an 0-2 count, Antonacci took ball one, fouled two off, and then singled cleanly to center, scoring both Montgomery and Peters to walk off the Guardians. The two teams are in a virtual tie atop the AL Central.
Watch the full four-ish minute highlight package for this one! It’s a hoot.
San Diego, CA - August 17: Gio Rojas pitches for the East team during the Dick's Sporting Goods Perfect Game All-American Classic at Petco Park on August 17, 2025 in San Diego, CA. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
As we close in on the 2026 MLB Draft, the focus on who the Atlanta Braves are looking at for the ninth overall pick has come into focus a bit. Names like Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress, Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick, Kentucky shortstop Tyler Bell, and Florida prep lefty Gio Rojas seem to be the names most prominently linked to the club. Massachusetts prep lefty Brody Bumila is also a name that has received some buzz. My goal is to start to break down who these players are and their strengths and weaknesses to prepare you for the newest Braves prospect.
We will continue the series by looking at Florida high school pitcher Gio Rojas, the lone pitcher and prep player being prominently linked to the Braves at #9.
Extended look at LHP Gio Rojas ‘26 (FL) from last night.
Rojas has a big fastball up to 98 MPH from the left side, coming in with plenty of life. This is definitely a bat missing pitch that will grade out as a plus offering for him.
Slider 60
As good as his fastball is, the slider is his out pitch and comes in with very high spin rates. It’s just nasty and should be a pitch that will rack up the strikeouts for him as he continues to progress.
Changeup 50
Like many high school pitchers with a powerful arm, Rojas doesn’t use the changeup much in games because it actually gives his competition a better chance at being successful due to him taking something off his premium stuff. He does however have some feel for it and it should be a solid third offering for him – though this does take some projection to get to the average grade.
Command 55
Rojas is a strike thrower who has a chance to get to above average command in the future. He needs to clean up his mechanics a little bit, mostly by being more consistent all the time, but that is a coachable thing for an arm like him. Once that takes place, it’s not hard to see the 55 grade coming into play.
Gio Rojas is the popular LHP1 this draft, usual prep SP1 too. Little old, but a fluent mover & low release. Tremendous spin feel. Solid zone feel.
Rojas is a projectable, athletic young arm who only turns 19 about two weeks ahead of the draft. All of the ingredients are there for him to have top of the rotation potential. That is why he is not only the top ranked prep pitcher in this draft, but may even be the second best arm in this draft, behind only Jackson Flora.
He would almost certainly be an underslot option for the Braves at #9, but at the same time he wouldn’t come extremely cheap either. Even if you took the underslot out of things, he is probably my favorite option among the four most commonly linked players to the Braves – simply because he has the highest ceiling of those options.
Rojas ceiling is a potential ace, but with his stuff and command he also seems like a higher floor option than most prep arms. If the Braves did draft him I would count on him maybe seeing Augusta for a short stint this season, and he might get the chance to earn his way to Augusta in 2027 – similar to Briggs McKenzie from last year. He would potentially be a big league option mid-2029 at the earliest.
SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 20: Kendry Chourio #33 of the Kansas City Royals pitches during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
This Week in the Minors is our weekly look at notable performances from all over the system, from big-name prospects and less-heralded guys alike. The mission is to answer this simple question: “Who had a good week?”
Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers (33-41, 13.5 games back)
The Storm Chasers split their series on the road in St. Paul. On the mound, Randy Dobnak, who the Royals traded for, made his first start with the organization. He went 4.1 innings, allowing 6 hits, 3 runs, walking 1 and striking out 5. Génesis Cabrera threw 3.1 innings of 2 run ball, both runs unearned, over 3 relief appearances, striking out 4 batters. Bailey Falter made a start, going 4 innings, allowing 3 hits, 2 runs, walking 3 and striking out 4.
At the plate, Abraham Toro had a great week, going 9-for-23, hitting 2 doubles, 2 triples and 3 homers, while driving in 10 runs. Oh, and he hit for the cycle, the sixth in modern Omaha history. Brandon Drury went 9-for-15, with 3 doubles, 2 homers, driving in 6 runs. Matthew Lugo was 12-for-29, with 3 doubles, 2 homers and 4 runs batted in.
The Storm Chasers return home to take on the Columbus Clippers this week. The series runs from Tuesday through Sunday.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals (29-38, 16 games back)
The Naturals lost 4 of 6 to the Tulsa Drillers, the best team in Double-A. At the plate, outfielder Connor Scott went 6-for-15, with a double and homer, also driving in 3 runs. Scott is a 26-year-old, from the Marlins organization, he was taken 13th overall in 2018. Rudy Martin was 7 for 21, Jack Pineda was 7 for 19 with a double and 5 runs batted in.
On the mound, Drew Beam was fantastic in his only start of the week, going 7.1 innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 run, walking 1 and striking out 5. Beam seems to finally have settled in at Northwest after getting promoted right before the season started from Quad Cities. Frank Mozzicato threw 4 scoreless innings over two relief appearances, allowing 2 hits, walking 5 and striking 5 batters out. Hunter Patteson made two starts, totaling 13 innings, allowing 6 hits, 5 runs, walking 3 and striking out 11. Patteson is a 26-year-old lefty out of Central Florida selected in the 5th round draft pick in 2022 by the Royals. He has a 5.22 ERA over 58.2 innings so far this season.
Our Hero!! 🤩🤩🤩
Rudy Martin Jr. walks off the Tulsa Drillers in the 10th!
— Northwest Arkansas Naturals (@nwanaturals) June 19, 2026
The Naturals hit the road, to take on the Springfield Cardinals this week. The series runs Tuesday through Sunday.
Quad Cities River Bandits (30-35, 10 games back)
The River Bandits lost 3 of 5 to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, with one game being rained out. On the mound, Kendry Chourio made his High-A debut after getting promoted from Columbia. The 18-year-old right hander went 4.2 innings, allowing 7 hits, 7 runs (5 earned), while striking out 10 batters. It was a mixed bag performance against the fourth best team in High-A. Elsewhere, David Shields went 5 innings, allowing 5 hits, 3 runs, walking 1 and striking out 10 hitters. It’s the second straight start for Shields with 10 strikeouts. Jordan Woods threw for the first time in a couple weeks, going 2 scoreless innings, allowing 1 hit, walking 1 and striking out 2. Emmanuel Reyes threw 6 innings of 2 run ball, allowing 7 hits, while striking out 5.
At the plate, Ramon Ramirez was 7-for-20, with a double and 2 homers, while driving in 5 runs. On the season, Ramirez is hitting .285/.360/.487. The 21-year-old catcher is in his first year at Quad Cities. Derlin Figueroa was just 1-for-16, cooling him down after a good start to June and an overall good month. Figueroa is slashing .277/.366/.564 with 15 homers this season. The first baseman is just 22 years old.
Royals’ No. 7 prospect Ramon Ramirez homered not once, but TWICE in the win last night! 💣💣
— Quad Cities River Bandits (@QCRiverBandits) June 19, 2026
The River Bandits hit the road to take on the South Bend Cubs, one of the best teams in High-A. The series runs Tuesday through Sunday.
Columbia Fireflies (34-35, 5 games back)
The Fireflies lost 4 of 6 to the Hickory Crawdads. On the mound, Jose Gutierrez threw 7 innings, allowing 5 hits, 3 runs, striking out 4. Ryan McDonagh, a 20-year-old right hander from Canada, made his Low-A debut after getting promoted from Rookie Ball. In his start, he went 5 innings, allowing 1 hit, 2 runs, 2 walks, striking out 4.
At the plate, Josh Hammond went 8-for-18, with a homer and 2 runs driven in. Hammond is slashing .287/.349/.422 on the year. Sean Gamble went 6-for-16 with a pair of doubles and 3 runs batted in. Gamble in the month of June is slashing .292/.444/.438. Raising his season average all the way to .179, it’s good to see the Royals first round draft pick from last season starting to put things together.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 22: Pete Alonso #25 of the Baltimore Orioles watches his run-scoring sacrifice fly against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning of a game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 22, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Scott Strazzante/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Orioles fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This is not going to be one of those years where the American League All-Star roster is chock full of Orioles. There will probably only be one. The fan voting is not going to bring any Orioles on as starters, nor should it, because there aren’t any guys who are doing so overwhelmingly great to deserve that.
Still, there are a few Orioles with at least interesting cases to make the roster. In this week’s survey, I’d like you to think about who deserves it the most. You can define “deserve” however you like. For me, it’s a player who is among the best at his position in the league so far this year, or at least close enough to it that he’s not likely to end up on the level of an “All-Star Ty Wigginton” kind of embarrassment years down the road.
What do you think? Vote here:
Results will be shared on Friday. I’m curious to see how this one shakes out, because you could make the case for a few of these guys. It might come down to the commissioner’s office decision of who would fit the roster best based on the choices of the fans for starters, the players for reserves, and other “this team must have one All-Star” decisions.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JUNE 18: Bobby Witt Jr. #7 of the Kansas City Royals goes to the ground after making a play against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth inning at Kauffman Stadium on June 18, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In these divided times, there aren’t that many things that we can all agree on. But in Kansas City Royals land, there are at least a few: that Bobby Witt Jr. is the franchise’s best position player since George Brett, that keeping him healthy is important for the short and long term, and that it would not be a good thing if, say, he weren’t in a knee brace.
Unfortunately for us all, he’s hurt. He’s in a knee brace. And manager Matt Quatraro hopes that he will be available in the next few days after being diagnosed with a grade 1 MCL sprain.
#Royals manager Matt Quatraro provided an update on Bobby Witt Jr.
Witt fielded ground balls, ran the bases and hit in the cage. He is also getting accustomed to wearing a knee brace.
“We’re hopeful that in the next couple of days he’s available.”
— Jaylon T. Thompson (@jaylonthompson) June 22, 2026
Witt last played on June 18, where he went down after a defensive play at shortstop. It looked scary, and though he stayed in the game afterwards, he was taken out of the game later.
While we’re on the subject of other things we can all agree on, let’s also talk about Maikel Garcia, who is also an important player for the Royals to succeed. Unfortunately for us all, he has been hurt, too. On May 30, Garcia was removed from the game after seven innings. He was diagnosed with a grade 1 hamstring strain, and though he made an appearance as a pinch hitter and as the designated hitter a few times in the following games, it took eight days for him to be well enough to play in the field again.
#Royals are awaiting test results on Maikel Garcia’s hamstring strain to determine his timeline and next steps. He and the team are hopeful it’s a low-grade strain but they won’t know until the results come in, including whether an IL stint is necessary.
Just a few weeks later, Garcia saw some time off due to injury, this time due to hand soreness which he said first happened in the St. Louis series in mid-May. Garcia left the game on June 16 after six innings and then saw the field five days later at shortstop while Witt was out.
Maikel Garcia said he’s been dealing with this hand soreness since the series in St. Louis a month ago. He says it really only flares up on him when he hits foul balls. Doesn’t hurt when he makes direct contact, nor in the cage. He’s not in the lineup today. #Royals
And finally, one thing that we can all agree on, too, is that Salvador Perez is the best defensive catcher on the team. Yet at the beginning of May, Salvy spent eight consecutive games as the designated hitter due to a hip injury (and was on base only five times in 32 plate appearances).
What ties all these events together? You probably guessed, especially if you read the title of this article, but the answer is that the Royals didn’t put any of these players on the injured list at any point.
Putting a player on the injured list provides the team with a clear benefit: players on the injured list don’t count against the active roster. So, as long as a player is on the injured list, they can call up another player to take their spot. The downside, though, is that injured list stints require a minimum of 10 days for position players (and 15 for pitchers) for non-concussion injuries.
I don’t want to get into nitpicking whether or not any of these specific situations warranted an injured list trip or not. The fact of the matter is that the team doctors know more than us both about medicine in general and these situations in particular. Plus, players want to play, and more of them are banged up to some degree than not at this point in the year. Teams are better off with their core players playing at less than 100% than they are with Triple-A guys filling in at full strength, and of course there’s a chance that those players are also at less than 100%.
All the listed injuries I brought up could have easily been injured list material. Salvy went 11 days between games behind the dish with his hip injury. Garcia went eight days between games in the field with his hammy injury. And Witt will, at minimum, be five days between any baseball action at all; he’ll hit the 10-day counter this upcoming Sunday.
This is clearly a pattern, and it’s one that has actually gone back a few years. The Royals just do not like putting guys on the injured list if they don’t know for sure they’ll be out a minimum of 10 days. And it would be one thing if this were just limited to the player, but there are teamwide consequences, too–with guys on the bench but unable to play, Kansas City is forgoing a roster spot every time they do this.
I think it would also be one thing if the Royals were fighting for a playoff spot, but the 2026 Royals are simply fighting to not be the worst team in the American League. What’s the worst that could happen if Witt or Garcia or Salvy spend a few unnecessary days on the injured list? The team loses 95 games instead of 93 games? Oh, the horror.
Witt’s injury is particularly worrying to me. Yeah, I’m sure he wants to play. Yeah, I know the Royals want to win, still, regardless of their record. But the Royals are going to look really dumb if that MCL sprain turns into some other, bigger knee damage that affects 2027 if they don’t even put him on the IL and send him back out there to play as soon as he can.
Jun 22, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) salutes the fans as he receives a standing ovation in his first visit back to St. Louis during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Kelly has logged more than one uncharacteristic start this season after re-signing with Arizona, but he didn’t let the latest last week against the Los Angeles Angels (six earned runs on 11 hits) carry over into Monday.
It didn’t look like a bounce-back start was loading in the first, with the first three St. Louis batters reaching on two singles and a walk. But a lineout to Geraldo Perdomo by star right fielder Jordan Walker and 4-6-3 double play hit into by Lars Nootbaar was a huge zero to put on the board.
The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to look like a rudderless team. Once again, they have fallen back to the .500 line after taking another tough loss in their series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are, admittedly, a tough opponent. But in what has seemed to be an extremely common theme in recent days, the D-backs struggled to take advantage of the numerous opportunities they had on Monday night, losing by a thin margin of 3-2 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
It’s been a rocky 2026 for Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen after re-signing with the franchise on a one-year contract this offseason.
His most recent outing on Saturday that ended with a shower of boos at home was a prime example of that.
The reunion hasn’t been what many expected. And with the MLB trade deadline in the not-so-distant future (Aug. 3), The Athletic’s Jim Bowden has Gallen as an under-the-radar trade target to watch.
Nolan Arenado has been through the spin cycle of returning to a former home ballpark before, so he has the benefit of experiential wisdom when it comes to handling the emotions of four games at Busch Stadium this week.
“Being 35 now [helps],” Arenado joked Monday from the Diamondbacks’ dugout. “I’m a little older now, so I’ll be OK. In ‘21, it was kind of a weird moment, obviously being there [in Colorado] for eight years. I’m gonna take it in. I know I’m coming toward the end. Back then in Colorado, I didn’t really take it in as much. Here I probably will just because it means a little different here. I’m really excited for the game to start.”
“It’s gonna be weeks and not days, hopeful for the fastest return possible,” Lovullo said (via Arizona Sports 98.7’s Alex Weiner). “We’re hoping it’s gonna happen before the four to six week period of time, everybody seems to be throwing out, but I’ll keep you guys updated on their progression.
“Just unfortunate news. MRIs confirmed that there was something that was going on in there and they’re gonna have to step away and rest up.”
Phase 1 of the voting concludes Thursday at noon ET. If Ohtani and Clement remain on top in their respective league, they will automatically receive spots in their side’s starting lineup for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on July 14.
During Phase 1, you can vote as many as five times per every 24-hour period exclusively at MLB.com, on all 30 MLB club sites and on the MLB app.
Beyond the two leading overall vote-getters, the top two vote-getters at every position, and the top six outfielders, will advance to Phase 2 of the voting, which begins on June 29. If an outfielder is a league’s leading vote-getter, only the next four outfield finalists will move on to Phase 2 to determine who starts at the two remaining spots.
Week 12 ranking: 12 Record: 39-38 (3rd in NL West) Biggest strength: Umm … the offense has underperformed
OK, that’s not really a strength, unless you consider that the Diamondbacks are still over .500 even though the offense has underperformed compared with last season. Indeed, it’s a little difficult to figure out how they’re over .500 in the first place considering they’re scoring about a half-run less per game than last year and the rotation is 29th in strikeout rate and has just two pitchers with an ERA under 4.97. And while the bullpen has been good, it’s not like Arizona has cleaned up in one-run games (13-12) or extra-inning games (2-4).
Will it continue? Sorry about the confusion here. This is more complicated than the 2016 Diamondbacks’ uniform scheme. We’re asking: Will the underperforming continue? Which isn’t a strength, since the Diamondbacks need the strength to be “better offense.” Anyway, FanGraphs projects Arizona averaging 4.59 runs per game the rest of the way, which is better than its current 4.28. But it’s probably not enough to get into the playoffs, unless the Diamondbacks start getting better work from the back end of the rotation.
A year or two is actually quite significant when dealing with an elite free agent or free agent-to-be. When you’re talking to guys that land megadeals, getting a player like Juan Soto or Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a couple years early basically allows you to swap a year in their 40s for a year in their prime. This isn’t just mean math guys and their even meaner projection systems; teams are aware of this, which is why someone like Pete Alonso largely gets shrugs in free agency, certainly relative to how early-30s non-elite sluggers were treated 15 years ago. And yes, I’m fully aware of the irony of my noting how much teams have soured on non-elite free agents in their 30s, since, as I’ve been told both by multiple front office decision makers and multiple agents, I’m one of the people responsible for the spread of that attitude!
ZiPS originally projected Soto to get a 15-year, $719 million contract in free agency after the 2024 season, compared to the $765 million he actually netted. Keeping everything the same and making him two years older drops that projected salary from $719 million to $588 million, a pay cut of $131 million.
With the Red Sox’ season continuing to spiral — they’re buried in the AL East cellar and have the American League’s second-worst record — speculation about a potential deadline sale continues to mount. The team hasn’t made any major directional decisions at this juncture, but if they opt to go the seller’s route, veteran right-hander Sonny Gray will be open-minded about waiving his full no-trade protection, he tells Tim Healey of the Boston Globe.
“If someone came to me from the Red Sox and made a decision that that’s the direction that this team was going to go, I would be open for a conversation,” Gray said. The 36-year-old righty declined to indicate whether geography would play any sort of role in his decision process.
Whether the trade transforms the Heat into championship contenders is up for debate, but it ends a long search for a franchise player in the post-Dwyane Wade years for Pat Riley. Now it's up to Miami's front office to build around the two-time MVP, who has battled injuries in recent years.
Following rampant trade speculation throughout the 2025-26 NBA season, perhaps an introduction "Heat Culture" is the type of fresh start that Antetokounmpo needed after 13 seasons in Milwaukee.
As for the Bucks, they can now hit the reset button on a team that had stalled since capturing the franchise's second NBA championship in 2021.
So who won the trade? Are the Heat contenders? Reaction has been pouring in across the league and media in the wake of the trade. Here's what the people are saying:
Miami Heat owner Micky Arison and his son, Heat CEO Nick Arison, pulled off a major major trade for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Bucks. Put them right there with the World Champion New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 23, 2026
congratulations to Giannis from going from a tapped out asset-poor team where it's cold to a tapped out asset-poor team where it's warm
Traded for Alonzo Mourning. Traded for Tim Hardaway. Drafted Dwyane Wade. Traded for Shaq. Signed prime LeBron. Signed prime Bosh. Drafted Bam Adebayo. Traded for prime Jimmy Butler. Signed prime Giannis.
Giannis came to Milwaukee as a kid. He leaves as an MVP, champion & the most important person in franchise history. For whatever frustration we had at the end, the ride he gave us to the top of the world will forever be worth it.
Who will win Dodgers vs Twins today: Dodgers -1.5 (+101)
Justin Wrobleski has taken advantage of his opportunity in the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation, posting an 8-2 record and 2.72 ERA this season. The left-hander has pitched well lately, compiling a 3.40 FIP over his last four appearances while walking just 0.76 hitters per nine innings.
The Minnesota Twins counter with reliever Kendry Rojas, but the bigger concern is a Twins bullpen that owns a 5.50 FIP and has allowed 2.08 home runs per nine innings over the last two weeks.
Dodgers vs Twins Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (+105)
This matchup has the makings of Los Angeles scoring most of the runs while Minnesota struggles offensively.
The Dodgers' bullpen has been lights out lately, posting a 2.71 xERA across its last 26 innings while holding opponents to a 27.3% hard-hit rate.
Wrobleski typically pitches into the sixth or seventh inning, limiting the amount of bullpen work required. While the Twins are batting .320 over their last six games, this is a significantly tougher pitching matchup for them.
Los Angeles should produce some offense against Minnesota's shaky pitching staff, but an offensive eruption feels unlikely. With the Twins potentially struggling to contribute, the Under still offers value.
I'll play this pick up to -120.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 29-24, +2.63 units
Over/Under bets: 31-21, +5.60 units
Dodgers vs Twins weather
Conditions at Target Field could play a role tonight. Temperatures are expected to be around 71°F with 9.2 mph winds, 68.3% humidity, and an 89% chance of rain. The mild weather is generally favorable for hitters, but the potential for rain could create a slightly less predictable environment.
Dodgers vs Twins odds
Moneyline: Dodgers -163 | Twins +156
Run line: Dodgers -1.5 (+104) | Twins +1.5 (-108)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-113) | Under 8.5 (+108)
Dodgers vs Twins trend
The Dodgers have hit the Moneyline in 34 of their last 50 away games (+6.50 Units / 8% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Twins.
How to watch Dodgers vs Twins and game info
Location
Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
First pitch
7:40 p.m. ET
TV
SNLA, Twins.TV
Dodgers starting pitcher
Jacob Wrobleski (8-2, 2.72 ERA)
Twins starting pitcher
Kendry Rojas (1-0, 1.26 ERA)
Dodgers vs Twins 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.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 22: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres a jumping catch in the fourth inning during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park on June 22, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Michael King took the mound for the San Diego Padres who were opening a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park on Monday night. It must have been good to be home because King delivered his best start since May 18 when he completed seven innings without allowing a run to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco. In that game he allowed four hits and two walks with nine strikeouts. King completed seven innings against the Braves without allowing a run, allowed six hits without issuing a walk and had five strikeouts and led the Padres to a 1-0 win.
The Padres did not do much to support King’s stellar effort on offense, but in the end a solo home run from Manny Machado in the bottom of the fourth inning proved to be all that King would need. He finished seven then gave the ball to Adrian Morejon for the eighth and Mason Miller for the ninth. Miller did allow a single and a walk, which was strange to see, but he got the three outs he needed to seal the win and get his 21st save of the season.
King was the story and Machado provided the lone offensive highlight, he also doubled to open the bottom of the eighth inning but was stranded at second, but the play of centerfielder Jackson Merrill made up for his 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts at the plate. Merrill made multiple highlight reel plays, one running back toward the right-center field wall on a well struck ball that would have been a double, another on a sinking liner that would have been a hit, if not for a last-minute half-dive knee sliding catch. Even the balls Merrill was not able to catch he was able to get to quickly and make strong throws back to the infield that held the batters to singles on what looked like extra bases.
It was not a game that put the Friar Faithful’s minds at ease when it comes to the offensive struggles they have seen from the team all season, but it was a glimpse at what could be when King is pitching like the ace Padres fans know and expect him to be. San Diego will try to win the series tonight at 6:40 p.m.
Padres News:
The Padres have a tough stretch of games ahead, which started with their series opener against the Braves yesterday. After three games with Atlanta, San Diego hosts the Dodgers, then travels to Chicago to face the Cubs before four more games against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. It will be a critical stretch for the Padres. Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Balltakes a look at what is in store for the team as they get closer to the All-Star break.
The San Diego bullpen is a big reason, if not the sole reason the Padres have had success in 2026. Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune believes they cannot be expected to carry the team for the remainder of the season.
Manager Craig Stammen, in his ongoing search to find consistency on offense, put Samad Taylor in the nine spot in the order and for the first game since being called up from Triple-A he went hitless.
It would be difficult to script a better Father’s Day weekend for Keith Tkachuk.
After years of waiting for the phone call, the former Winnipeg Jets captain officially received hockey’s highest individual honour, being named a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.
Photo by Scott Rovak/USA Today
As if that wasn’t enough, the announcement came just a day after the Tkachuk family received another piece of unforgettable news: Keith’s two sons, Matthew and Brady, are finally joining forces in the NHL as members of the Florida Panthers.
Not a bad few days for the extended Tkachuk household.
Keith may finally have a good enough excuse to purchase that Florida lake house and spend eight months of the year in the Sunshine State.
The 54-year-old joins the Hall as part of a loaded 2026 class featuring Patrice Bergeron, Carey Price, Pekka Rinne, Cindy Curley and Brian Burke. For Tkachuk, the honour represents the final stamp on a career built around skill, size, toughness and competitiveness.
Long before his sons became two of the NHL’s premier power forwards, Keith helped define the position.
Drafted 19th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 1990, Tkachuk quickly became one of the franchise’s most important young players. He made his NHL debut during the 1991-92 season and developed into the exact kind of player opponents hated facing - a bruising winger who could punish defenders physically while also filling the net.
Tkachuk spent parts of five seasons with the original Jets before the franchise relocated to Arizona, serving as Winnipeg’s captain during its final years before the move. He became the face of a transitioning organization and provided Jets fans with one of their final superstar talents before NHL hockey left Manitoba in 1996.
His best offensive years followed shortly after, including a 52-goal campaign in 1996-97 that made him the first American-born player to lead the NHL in goals. Over 1,201 career regular season games with the Jets, Coyotes, St. Louis Blues and Atlanta Thrashers, Tkachuk finished with 538 goals, 1,065 points and more than 2,200 penalty minutes.
Few players in league history have combined offence and edge quite like Tkachuk. And that style has clearly been passed down.
Matthew and Brady have carved out their own identities as two of the NHL’s most impactful forwards, both carrying many of the same traits that made their father a star - physicality, emotion, net-front presence and an ability to take over games.
Now, for the first time at the NHL level, they will do it together.
Florida’s blockbuster acquisition of Brady from the Ottawa Senators (for a package including three first round picks) reunites the brothers with the Panthers, giving Keith a front-row seat to watch both of his sons chase the Stanley Cup together.
For a family already deeply woven into hockey history, the timing could not have been much better.
Keith spent years watching Matthew become a Stanley Cup champion and Brady develop into one of the league’s top leaders. Now, the two brothers will wear the same sweater while their father prepares for his official Hall of Fame induction.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 20: Leody Taveras #30 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with Jackson Holliday #7 after scoring during the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tonight, the Orioles will play their 81st game of the season, marking the mathematical halfway point of the regular season. The best they can do is 39-42. That’s disappointing relative to preseason hopes that this thing would get turned around, but this first half really could have been a lot worse than it was. Whatever else can be said about this year’s Orioles, they have not let themselves crash out of the picture early like last year’s team did.
In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m looking at what’s been working and what hasn’t over the first three months worth of games, as well as what might actually have a chance of getting better from here on out. Can they do well enough to get Mike Elias to make a real, serious move in July to improve this team in the short-term? There is a lot to be figured out still. They’re going to need to win like they did last night a lot more often to get anywhere good this year.
Also in this episode, a question in the mailbag about who is exciting in the minor league system right now. One answer is obvious to anyone who’s been paying attention to the farm this year. I try to figure out who else is on the cusp of maybe being exciting heading into next season as well.
If the above player isn’t displaying, view this article in Incognito Mode or check it out on the show’s page.
This is my weekly podcast about whatever is going on lately with the Orioles. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to subscribe. You can get the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you prefer to access your podcasts.
How are you feeling about the way things are going with the Orioles right now? Answers could make it into the mailbag section of a future episode of the podcast.
Welcome back to A Pod of Their Own, an all-women led Home Run Applesauce podcast where we talk all things Mets, social justice issues in baseball, and normalize female voices in the sports podcasting space.
This week, we begin by discussing the Mets’ rotation, which has completely fallen apart, and the impending return of Francisco Lindor and Tyrone Taylor. We also talk about the grim outlook for the trade deadline and potentially beyond.
Next, we cover the latest in the CBA negotiations, as the league has put forth a set of proposals involving the draft, which the union swiftly rejected. We also discuss the latest in the Giants Pride Night scandal, which has escalated all the way to a DOJ investigation.
We also plug a GoFundMe for Adam Bayatti aka TheMetsHomeRunner in order to get him to New York to see a Mets game in person. Throw a few bucks his way if you are able.
Finally, we wrap things up with Walk-off Wins, where each of us talks about what’s making us happy this week, baseball-related or otherwise.
You can listen or subscribe to all of our wonderful Home Run Applesauce podcasts through Apple Podcasts, where we encourage you to leave a review if you enjoy the show. It really helps! And you can find us on the Stitcher app, Spotify, or listen wherever you get podcasts. You can also support our work by subscribing to our Patreon, which will get you bonus episodes, access to our Discord server, livestream experiences, an exclusive monthly playlist, and more!
You can follow A Pod of Their Own on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky (@apodoftheirown) and you can follow Home Run Applesauce on Twitter and Instagram (@HRApplesauce). You can also follow our co-hosts on Twitter and Bluesky: Allison McCague (@PetitePhD), Maggie Wiggin (@maggie162), and LindaSurovich (@LindaSurovich). You can also email the show at aa.apodoftheirown@gmail.com.
Look for A Pod of Their Own in your feeds every week and don’t forget: there’s no crying in podcasting!
The Chicago White Sox picked up a high-scoring walk-off victory in their series opener against the Cleveland Guardians.
While another competitive game should be expected, my Guardians vs. White Sox predictions and MLB picks believe the wrong team is favored and see value in backing Chicago to take Game 2.
Who will win Guardians vs White Sox today: White Sox (-105)
The Chicago White Sox are one of the league’s best offenses against southpaws, ranking fifth in wOBA, fourth in OPS, and first in ISO.
Parker Messick is very promising, but his level of play has tailed off of late.
Messick owns an xFIP of 4.01 and SIERA of 4.25 over the past 30 days. Both of those outputs are well above the 3.21 ERA he has posted, a sign a dip could be coming.
Guardians vs White Sox Over/Under pick: Over 7 (-120)
The White Sox have posted high-end metrics across the board against left-handed pitching. They have also hit more homers than anybody.
While Messick generally doesn’t give up much power, it’ll be tough to neutralize such a potent offense.
Even without Ramirez and DeLauter, the Guardians have scored at least three runs in five of their last six games.
Sean Burke ranks in the 52nd percentile in xERA and is a mid-tier arm. Behind him is the 22nd-ranked bullpen in FIP. The Guardians should still chip in.
This total is half a run too low. Play the Over to -130.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 39-29, +2.00 units
Over/Under bets: 36-28-4, +4.64 units
Guardians vs White Sox weather
Temperatures in the high 60s are expected, with slight northeast winds. The weather should have little impact on this game.
Guardians vs White Sox odds
Moneyline: Guardians -115 | White Sox -105
Run line: Guardians -1.5 (+155) | White Sox +1.5 (-180)
Over/Under: Over 7 (-115) | Under 7 (-105)
Guardians vs White Sox trend
Chicago has won 20 of its last 24 games at home (+18.10 units, 70% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Guardians vs. White Sox.
How to watch Guardians vs White Sox and game info
Location
Rate Field, Chicago, IL
Date
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
First pitch
7:40 p.m. ET
TV
CHSN, CleGuardians.TV
Guardians starting pitcher
Parker Messick (7-3, 2.70 ERA)
White Sox starting pitcher
Sean Burke (4-4, 3.89 ERA)
Guardians vs White Sox 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.
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: Jaylen Brown speaks with press after being selected third overall by the during the 2016 NBA Draft on June 23, 2016 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Amanda Westcott /NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks traded Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat late Monday night for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, a pick swap and a second-round pick. Boston had pursued Antetokounmpo with an offer built around Jaylen Brown, but Milwaukee ultimately preferred Miami’s younger players and draft capital.
It’s finally over.
After weeks of reports, counterreports, fake trades, real negotiations and enough collective bargaining agreement analysis to qualify half of Celtics Twitter for an entry-level front office job, Giannis Antetokounmpo is taking his talents to South Beach.
The Celtics were involved deeply enough for Shams Charania to report that Jaylen Brown had been placed at the center of their offer, and close enough for Boston fans to spend several days weighing the arrival of one of the greatest players ever against the end of the partnership that has defined this era of Celtics basketball.
This would have hurt.
For a moment, Brown stopped feeling like the player we would watch next season and became the player we were preparing to remember. We pictured him in a Bucks uniform and imagined Jayson Tatum returning without the teammate who had grown up beside him. We began sorting through the past ten seasons of playoff runs, criticism, improvement and the championship they eventually won together.
Then Milwaukee chose Miami.
Brown remains a Celtic for now. Whatever happens next, the possibility of losing him brought his entire Boston career into sharper focus. It reminded us how much of the last decade he has occupied, how much he has given this franchise and how strange it would feel to see No. 7 play anywhere else.
Ten years ago, Boston greeted him with boos.
Brown was 19 years old when the Celtics selected him third overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, a pick that immediately disappointed a loud section of the fanbase. People wanted a trade. They wanted a bigger name like Kris Dunn, Dragan Bender or Buddy Hield. They wanted someone they had already decided was safer, readier or easier to understand.
Brown stepped into that noise and made a promise anyway.
“I’m going to go to war for the city,” he said shortly after being drafted. “I wear my heart on my sleeve and I’m gonna leave it on the floor every night. I love to play ball and I know you guys love to watch. So let’s build this bond, and I promise I won’t disappoint.”
Ten years later, Boston already has its answer. Brown has kept every part of that promise.
Jaylen has grown up in front of us
Brown’s path to NBA stardom has been anything but smooth.
He fought for minutes as a rookie on a veteran team trying to contend. He worked his way into the rotation, then into the starting lineup, then into the heart of a team that kept reaching the edge of something bigger without quite getting there.
Every step forward in his game seemed to uncover a new flaw for everyone else to discuss.
His handle was too loose. His decision-making was too slow. His shooting came and went. He couldn’t go left. He and Jayson Tatum supposedly could not play together. One of them would eventually have to leave. Brown’s contract was too large, his game too limited, his fit beside JT too uncertain.
Then he would come back the next season with another answer.
The handle tightened. The jumper improved. His body got stronger. His reads became quicker. He took on harder defensive assignments and gradually became someone Boston could trust with an entire possession when a game began to wobble.
His growth has rarely been graceful, and maybe that’s part of what makes his journey so satisfying.
Brown has become a five-time All-Star and a two-time All-NBA selection during his first decade in Boston. He has climbed to 10th on the Celtics’ all-time scoring list, surrounded by names that already hang above the floor at TD Garden. He’s helped Boston reach six conference finals and two NBA Finals while spending his entire career under the pressure that comes with playing for a franchise that measures success in banners.
Through all of it, he has simply kept getting better.
The run that changed everything
Brown’s place as a Celtics great was secure before 2024. That year’s postseason run made him a Celtics legend.
He entered the year carrying the label of the league’s most overpaid player after signing his (at the time) record-breaking supermax extension. He had just been left off the All-NBA teams despite helping Boston post the league’s best record, and the Celtics’ shiny new toys in the form of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis led some people to wonder whether he would become the odd man out.
Instead, Brown played the best basketball of his life when Boston needed it most.
He averaged 23.9 points during the 2024 playoffs while shooting 51.6 percent from the field, often drawing the most difficult defensive assignment on the other end. When the Celtics were seconds away from losing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, Brown deflected an inbound pass, then buried the game-tying three. Two nights later, he scored 40 as Boston took control of a series it would eventually sweep.
On this day last year: Jaylen Brown @FCHWPO hit INSANE 3 to force OT in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Pacers ☘️ pic.twitter.com/0RrughR8DL
If we thought that was the mountaintop, the Finals showed us Jaylen still had another level to reach.
Brown hounded Luka Doncic, attacked Dallas whenever Boston’s offense started drifting and delivered one of the defining performances of his career in Game 3. Boston nearly lost a 21-point fourth-quarter lead that night, but Brown steadied the game with the jumper that effectively ended Dallas’ comeback.
When the series ended in Boston, the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP trophy belonged to him.
Brown’s first instinct was to share it.
“It was a full team effort,” he said. “I share this with my brothers, and my partner-in-crime, Jayson Tatum. He was with me the whole way.”
Jaylen Brown gets the finals MVP, and the first thing he does is he shout-outs his Celtics teammates and his partner in crime Jayson Tatum: pic.twitter.com/ozb1pi2hGu
That remains the Jays’ story at its best. They were drafted one year apart, compared constantly and blamed regularly whenever Boston fell short. Together, they grew through it. And when they finally reached the top, Brown used the greatest individual moment of his career to pull Tatum right beside him.
There is no banner 18 without both of them.
Boston has gotten more than a basketball player
Brown has never treated Boston like a temporary workplace. His ambitions have always extended beyond basketball.
Through the 7uice Foundation, he has worked to close opportunity gaps for young people in communities that are often overlooked. The Bridge Program brought students from Dorchester, Roxbury and other Boston neighborhoods to MIT, where they studied fields including artificial intelligence, robotics and climate science. He wants kids to see themselves in places that may once have felt closed to them.
Brown also launched Boston XChange with the goal of creating generational wealth in communities of color. Its creator incubator has supported local entrepreneurs working across arts, fashion, food and media. He partnered with Jrue Holiday to invest in people who had ideas and talent but had not always been given access to the rooms where money and opportunity move.
Brown has also become a trusted voice among his peers. In 2019, at only 22 years old, he was elected as a vice president of the National Basketball Players Association. His fellow players re-elected him to a third term in 2025, another reflection of the leader he has become and the respect he commands well beyond Boston.
All of it speaks volumes about the man Jaylen has become over the years. Brown could have kept his relationship with the city confined to basketball. Plenty of players do. They arrive, perform, maybe donate to a few visible causes and eventually leave.
Brown has studied the city, challenged it and invested in it.
BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 14: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics participates in a hospital visit on December 14, 2017 at Boston Children's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Like Bill Russell before him, Brown cares about Boston without pretending the city is perfect. He has spoken openly about racism, education and economic inequality. He has marched against injustice and used the attention that comes with basketball to force conversations far beyond it.
Sometimes, that has made him complicated. He’s willing to say things that invite disagreement and think out loud in ways professional athletes are often trained to avoid. Brown is curious, ambitious and occasionally difficult to place into the neat little boxes fans prefer.
This year, Brown continued offering people a closer look at how he saw the game and the team around him. After the season, his livestreams became their own source of controversy when he called it his favorite year of basketball. Some fans heard that as a dismissal of the championship season, but his full explanation was far more personal. He had watched young teammates earn real roles, seen Tatum fight his way back from injury and helped a team with modest expectations become one of the East’s best.
The reaction was revealing. Celtics fans say they want athletes to be more open and candid, then occasionally bristle when those athletes give answers that do not match the ones they expected. Brown’s Twitch streams offer something rare: an unfiltered look at one of the best players in franchise history thinking through his season in real time. Even when people disagree with him, there is something special about being invited that close.
I, for one, am thrilled Boston gets the whole person.
History will remember the Jays together
When you talk about one Jay, it’s hard not to talk about the other. Brown and Tatum are not simply two stars who happen to share the court. As a duo, they have been Boston’s timeline. Celtics fans have watched them evolve from young prospects to playoff regulars, then through painful losses that felt like referendums on everything they were building.
They lost to LeBron James as kids. They battled with the Brooklyn experiment, Heat culture and Golden State’s dynasty. They heard that they did not pass enough, did not fit well enough and would never finish the job together.
But they did finish it together, and no trade can ever separate them in the Celtics history. The trade that never was would’ve ended the partnership. Instead, the Giannis pursuit reminded everyone how much the partnership has already accomplished.
If this is it, the Jays Era ends with:
477 regular season wins (most in NBA) 220 road wins (most in NBA) 77 playoff wins (most in NBA) 36 road playoff wins (most in NBA) 5 Eastern Conference Finals 2 NBA Finals 1 Championship https://t.co/dvxvJEgqnx
What happens next between Brown and the Celtics is harder to know. Shams Charania reported that Boston made an offer built around Brown, but we have no idea what Brad Stevens told him behind closed doors, how seriously the Celtics believed Milwaukee was considering their package or whether Boston’s involvement helped force Miami to offer more. Once Milwaukee began prioritizing younger players and draft capital beyond Brown, the deal may have stopped making sense for the Celtics anyway.
Still, seeing your name publicly attached to a trade for your replacement can leave a bruise, even in a league where everyone understands the business. Stevens now has to make sure Brown knows where he stands and whether the trust that carried this partnership through years of rumors remains intact.
Brown has spent a decade giving Boston answers. After the past week, the Celtics may owe him one.
The promise became the legacy
There is a symmetry to Brown’s story in Boston that already feels almost too perfect to be real.
He arrived with people booing the pick before he had even put on the jersey. Instead of shrinking from that reception, he told the city exactly what he planned to give it.
He would go to war for Boston.
Over the next decade, he has lived up to every word.
He has played through criticism and trade rumors, transforming parts of his game that people treated as permanent limitations. He has defended the best players in the world, carried the Celtics through crucial playoff moments and kept the franchise among the league’s top-tier contenders.
Away from the floor, he’s treated Boston like a place worth investing in. He’s given young people access to education and helped local creators imagine businesses of their own. He understands that wearing Celtics green gives him influence and has tried to make that influence useful and positive.
The boos did not define his relationship with Boston. They only made what followed more meaningful.
One day, Jaylen Brown will walk onto the TD Garden floor with his family beside him and watch No. 7 rise above his head. Tatum’s No. 0 will find its way up there eventually, too, because even history should understand that those two are inseparable.
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 17: Jayson Tatum #0 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrate in the locker room after winning Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks on June 17, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Grace Beal/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Brown’s journey in Boston began beneath those rafters with people wondering why he was here. Someday, it will end in the same building with thunderous applause, as the city he went to war for gets the chance to thank him for everything he has given it.
But that day is not here yet.
No. 7 still belongs on the floor. Jaylen Brown is still a Celtic. And after spending the past week imagining how we would say goodbye, Boston has another chance to appreciate him before his place among the legends becomes something we can only look up at.
Jun 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy (31) and Colorado Rockies outfielder Tyler Freeman (2) celebrate after a ninth inning walk off win against the Boston Red Sox at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images | Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
The end of last night’s Red Sox game was nothing short of a debacle. A fiasco. A disaster. Whatever you want to call it. Garrett Whitlock and Aroldis Chapman combined to allow eight hits in the eighth and ninth innings, though the former somehow escaped without allowing a run, while the latter coughed up a two-run lead.
It was probably the worst loss of the season. There have been plenty of other bad losses, but losing to the (2nd?) worst team in baseball in that fashion is downright embarrassing. So, what’s the worst loss you can remember? It doesn’t have to be this season. It could be a massive blowout, a huge blown lead, or a certain Game 6.
Talk about what you want and be good to one another.
COVERS INTEL: Minnesota's bullpen consistently struggles with command, allowing 4.82 BB/9 this season, and 
