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NBA All-Star reserves winners and losers: Who got snubbed?

We now know each of the 24 NBA All-Stars.

On Sunday, Feb. 1, during an NBC pregame show leading up to the premier of “Sunday Night Basketball,” the NBA revealed the 14 reserves (seven per conference) to round out the rosters for the Eastern and Western Conferences.

This came after the NBA on Jan. 19 announced the 10 players who would be named starters. But, as with any All-Star selection, there are plenty of deserving players who are left snubbed and disappointed.

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will take place Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, the home of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Here are the winners and losers from the selection of 2026 NBA All-Star Game reserves:

WINNERS

LeBron James

It’s clear, now at the age of 41 and in his 23rd season, that LeBron James’ skills have diminished somewhat. He’s a step slower. He doesn’t jump as high as he used to. And his shot isn’t as pure. But it’s remarkable that James is extending his record to 22 consecutive All-Star Game appearances, even though his streak of 21 straight starts is being snapped.

James remains a consistent threat and a key piece for the Lakers. Through 30 games, James is averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists. He’s this generation’s greatest player and many of his records, including his ones in All-Star Games, might not be touched for decades.

Was this a commemorative nod? Probably. Were there players, based on this season’s performance alone, more deserving? Unquestionably.

First-time All-Stars

Congratulations to Jamal Murray (Nuggets), Chet Holmgren (Thunder), Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers), Jalen Johnson (Hawks), Norman Powell (Heat) and Jalen Duren (Pistons) for making their first-ever NBA All-Star teams.

The recognition is especially sweet for Powell, who is the oldest player of the first-timers at 32, and who has played for four different teams in 10 and a half seasons in the NBA, many of those spent as a sixth man. Either way, there’s nothing quite like the recognition, especially when it’s coaches within the conference who are selecting the reserves.

Adam Silver

The NBA commissioner won’t have to intervene and add All-Stars to ensure that there are at least eight internationally born players to meet the minimum required to field a team under the game’s new structure. There are actually at least 10 All-Star players with international ties so someone like Karl-Anthony Towns, who was born in New Jersey but has represented the Dominican Republic in international play, might have to play on one of the two U.S. teams.

LOSERS

Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers

The Intuit Dome, the arena that is hosting the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, will not see a single Clippers player appear in the exhibition. In particular, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden have a case to be upset. Although Los Angeles stumbled out of the gate this season, the Clippers have course corrected and have won 16 of their last 20 games. Leonard and Harden have been the catalysts.

Leonard is averaging 27.7 points (which is ninth in the NBA), 6.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, while Harden is putting up 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 boards per contest. Either presented an excellent case for an All-Star nod. At least one should have made it.

For my money, Leonard is by far the biggest snub.

The Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard (2) and James Harden attempt to get control of a loose ball away from the Houston Rockets' Amen Thompson on Dec 11, 2025 at Toyota Center.

Brandon Ingram

This is a case where Ingram was probably snubbed for a couple of reasons. For one, his teammate Scottie Barnes made the cut. Barnes is more versatile and impacts the game as an excellent defender. But even though Toronto is 29-21 (No. 4 in the East) has been one of the surprises of the NBA season, the Raptors remain a team that unfairly flies under the radar.

Either way, Ingram (21.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists per game) has been a steady scoring presence and clutch performer for Toronto.

Michael Porter Jr.

Though they’ve been slightly more competitive in recent spurts, the Brooklyn Nets have been inconsistent. But Porter Jr. has shown he can be a scoring threat and a No. 1 option. He’s averaging a career best 25.6 points per game, which is well higher than his production from last season (18.2). He’s remaining active on the glass and had a strong case to make the cut.

The biggest pain point on this for Porter is that it would’ve represented his first-ever All-Star selection.

Lauri Markkanen

Similarly, Markkanen plays for the Utah Jazz, a team that has been irrelevant for a few seasons. Yet, Markkanen entered Sunday ranked 11th in the NBA in scoring, putting up 27.4 points per game, also a career high. He has a silky jumper and can also score in the post, and he also provides some value on the glass, with his 7.0 rebounds per game.

Dillon Brooks, Alperen Şengün

The problem, simply, is that the Western Conference is loaded with talent. So while Dillon Brooks is having a career year for the Phoenix Suns, one in which he has expanded his offensive portfolio, and while Alperen Şengün is thriving on both ends for the Rockets, it’s hard to find spots for them.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA All-Star winners and losers: Biggest snubs

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Cambridge scores 30, Gray adds 21; No. 11 Ohio State women beat Nebraska 90-71

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Jaloni Cambridge had 30 points and six assists, Chance Gray made 5 of 10 from 3-point range and finished with 21 points, and No. 11 Ohio State beat Nebraska 90-71 on Sunday night.

Cambridge and her older sister Kennedy Cambridge made back-to-back 3-pointers early in the second quarter that made it 25-20 and Ohio State (20-3, 9-2 Big Ten) led the rest of the way.

Nebraska (16-6, 5-6 Big Ten), which opened the season with a 12-game win streak, has lost four in a row and six of its last eight. The Cornhuskers are 0-5 against Top-25 opponents this season.

Gray, a 5-foot-9 senior guard who scored 791 points in two seasons at Oregon before she transferred to Ohio State prior to last season, has 1,509 career points.

Kennedy Cambridge had 12 points, eight rebounds and seven steals. The redshirt junior has 94 steals this season, the most by an Ohio State player since Averrill Roberts had 98 and Audrey Burcey had 95 in the 1992-93 season. Yvette Angel had a program-record 115 steals in '84-85.

Amiah Hargrove led the Cornhuskers with 24 points, Britt Prince added 12 on 4-of-13 shooting and Logan Nissley scored 11.

Prince made 2 of 2 from the free-throw line and has made 47 straight from the foul line, where she is perfect in 45 attempts in conference play this season.

Kylee Kitts missed her fourth game in a row for Ohio State. The 6-foot-3 freshman, who redshirted at Florida last season, is averaging 9.3 points and a team-leading 7.1 rebounds.

Nebraska's Jessica Petrie (illness), a 6-foot-2 junior who averages 11.9 points and a team-high 1.1 blocks this season, missed her second consecutive game.

Up next

Nebraska: Plays Wednesday at No. 9 Michigan.

Ohio State: Visits No. 25 Washington on Thursday.

___

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Mets’ Juan Soto set to play for Dominican Republic in World Baseball Classic

New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto #22 hits a single.
Juan Soto hits a single during the Mets' Sept. 16 game.

The Mets’ biggest star will be among those on display during next month’s World Baseball Classic.

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Juan Soto will represent the Dominican Republic in the tournament, the Mets announced Sunday — hardly a surprise given the All-Star outfielder’s visibility within his native country.

Soto also played for the Dominican Republic in the 2023 WBC.

Rosters for this year’s event will be finalized this week.

The Mets will send Nolan McLean and Clay Holmes to represent the United States in the WBC.

Mark Vientos has committed to representing Nicaragua.

Juan Soto hits a single during the Mets’ Sept. 16 game. Charles Wenzelberg

Francisco Lindor was set to serve as Puerto Rico’s captain for a second straight WBC, but the Mets shortstop won’t participate after the event’s insurer ruled last week he was ineligible for coverage following two elbow surgeries in the past three offseasons.

Jose Altuve was also among those denied insurance coverage, removing him from the tournament.

Lindor and the Mets are all too familiar with the insurance ramifications after Edwin Díaz tore the patellar tendon in his right knee during an on-field celebration with Team Puerto Rico during the 2023 WBC.

The All-Star closer underwent season-ending surgery, but received his full salary through insurance.

Soto appeared in four games for the Dominican Republic in the 2023 WBC and finished 6-for-15 (.400) with two homers and a 1.500 OPS.

He will be joined on this year’s Dominican squad by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., Julio Rodríguez, Ketel Marte and Manny Machado, among others.

The Mets have been well represented in the tournament since its inception, most notably by David Wright, who earned the “Captain America” moniker for his WBC heroics.

The team sent Lindor, Díaz, Pete Alonso, Eduardo Escobar and Brooks Raley to the 2023 WBC.

McLean will be a Mets focal point for Team USA in this year’s event after the rookie dominated in eight starts following his call-up late last season.

Holmes will also be a first-time participant.

“It’s an opportunity that you never really know if you’re going to get again,” Holmes said in December. “For me, just looking at the whole workload stuff and kind of where I was at in spring training last year, I feel like I was going to do the same workload this year, the same buildup and it really put me on track to do not much different this year, even with the WBC.”

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Report: Eugenio Suárez and the Reds agree to a 1-year, $15 million contract

Eugenio Suárez and the Cincinnati Reds have agreed on a $15 million, one-year contract, two people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Sunday night.

The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical and had not been announced.

Suárez was the top slugger left on the free agent market and the two-time All-Star returns to Cincinnati, where he played seven seasons. He hit 189 home runs for the Reds from 2015 through 2021, including 49 in 2019.

The move gives the Reds the proven power hitter they had been seeking throughout the offseason. A third baseman for most of his 12-year major league career, the 34-year-old Suárez is expected to be Cincinnati’s primary designated hitter and perhaps play some games at third base or first.

The team has Gold Glove winner Ke’Bryan Hayes at third, and touted prospect Sal Stewart is likely to play first.

The Reds were one of many teams interested in Suárez at the trade deadline last year, but they didn’t want to part with key prospects. He was traded from Arizona to Seattle on July 31 and finished fifth in the majors with 49 home runs and fourth with 118 RBIs. He batted .228 overall with an .824 OPS.

The Mariners fell one win shy of reaching their first World Series, losing to Toronto in the American League Championship Series. Suárez had two home runs in Game 5, including a grand slam in the eighth inning.

Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati has averaged 2.67 home runs per game since it opened in 2003. That is the second-highest homer rate in the majors among ballparks to host at least 1,200 games.

Suárez was traded by the Reds to Seattle during spring training in 2022. He spent two seasons with the Mariners before getting traded to the Diamondbacks.

Suárez broke into the majors with Detroit in 2014. He is a .246 career hitter with 325 homers, 949 RBIs and a .792 OPS.

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2026 Cy Young Odds: Skubal, Valdez Form Scary Duo in Detroit

Tarik Skubal won his arbitration case with the Detroit Tigers and will earn $32 million in 2026. The Tigers also ponied up for fellow left-hander Framber Valdez, with a three-year, $115-million contract.

Detroit now has the betting favorite to win the AL Cy Young and another pitcher considered a realistic contender. 

Meanwhile, the odds haven't shifted on the National League side of things, except for Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach dropping off the board after he was placed on the 60-day injured list with an elbow injury.

Let's look at the latest MLB odds for the 2026 MLB Cy Young races.

Odds to win AL Cy Young award 2026

PlayerDraftKings
Tigers Tarik Skubal<<+350>>
Red Sox Garrett Crochet <<+425>>
Rangers Jacob deGrom<<+1300>>
Royals Cole Ragans<<+1300>>
Astros Hunter Brown<<+1300>>
Yankees Max Fried <<+1700>>
Mariners Bryan Woo<<+2000>>
Mariners Logan Gilbert<<+2000>>
Tigers Framber Valdez <<+2200>>
Guardians Gavin Williams<<+2500>>
Orioles Kyle Bradish<<+3000>>
Twins Joe Ryan<<+3000>>
Blue Jays Dylan Cease <<+3500>>
Red Sox Ranger Suarez <<+3500>>
Yankees Carlos Rodon <<+4000>>
Orioles Trevor Rogers<<+4000>>
Blue Jays Kevin Gausman <<+4000>>
Rangers MacKenzie Gore <<+4000>>
Rangers Nathan Eovaldi<<+4000>>
Mariners George Kirby<<+4000>>
Angels Jose Soriano<<+4500>>
Mariners Bryce Miller<<+5000>>
Yankees Cam Schlittler<<+5000>>
Twins Pablo Lopez<<+5000>>

Odds last updated on 2-12.

Odds to win NL Cy Young award 2026

PlayerDraftKings
Pirates Paul Skenes<<+225>>
Dodgers Yoshinobu Yamamoto<<+500>>
Phillies Cristopher Sanchez<<+1000>>
Braves Chris Sale <<+1400>>
Reds Hunter Greene <<+1400>>
Dodgers Blake Snell<<+1500>>
Giants Logan Webb<<+2000>>
Phillies Zack Wheeler<<+2000>>
Braves Spencer Strider <<+3000>>
Dodgers Shohei Ohtani<<+3000>>
Brewers Brandon Woodruff<<+3000>>
Mets Freddy Peralta <<+3000>>
Phillies Jesus Luzardo <<+3000>>
Brewers Jacob Misiorowski<<+3000>>
Mets Nolan McLean<<+3500>>
Dodgers Tyler Glasnow<<+3500>>
Padres Michael King<<+4000>>
Padres Nick Pivetta<<+4500>>
Reds Nick Lodolo<<+4500>>
Marlins Eury Perez<<+4500>>
Pirates Mitch Keller<<+5000>>

Odds last updated on 2-12.

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Previous Cy Young Award winners

Here are the last 10 winners of the AL and NL Cy Young Award, with Detroit, Cleveland, Houston, Washington, and the New York Mets each leading the way with two. Overall, the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers have the most Cy Youngs all time (12), followed by the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves with eight and the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and Mets with seven apiece.

Previous AL Cy Young winners

YearAmerican League Winner
2025Tigers Tarik Skubal
2024Tigers Tarik Skubal
2023Yankees Gerrit Cole
2022Astros Justin Verlander
2021Blue Jays Robbie Ray
2020Guardians Shane Bieber
2019Astros Justin Verlander
2018Rays Blake Snell
2017Guardians Corey Kluber
2016Red Sox Rick Porcello

Previous NL Cy Young winners

YearNational League Winner
2025Pirates Paul Skenes
2024Braves Chris Sale
2023Padres Blake Snell
2022MarlinsSandy Alcantara
2021Brewers Corbin Burnes
2020Reds Trevor Bauer
2019Mets Jacob deGrom
2018Mets Jacob deGrom 
2017Nationals Max Scherzer
2016Nationals Max Scherzer

Pitchers with multiple Cy Young awards

Twenty-two pitchers have won multiple Cy Young Awards, led by Roger Clemens' seven trophies. Of those 22 winners, five are still active in the majors.

PitcherNumber of Cy Young Awards (Years)
Roger Clemens7 (1986, 1987, 1991, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2004)
Randy Johnson5 (1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)
Steve Carlton4 (1972, 1977, 1980, 1982
Greg Maddux4 (1992, 1993, 1994, 1995)
Seven different pitchers3
12 different pitchers2

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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

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Brian Cashman thinks Yankees got a Trent Grisham ‘bargain’ with qualifying offer

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham (12) hits a solo home run, Image 2 shows New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman speaks to the media
Trent Grisham accepted the qualifying offer to return to the Yankees for 2026.

At the time Trent Grisham accepted the qualifying offer back in November, the $22.025 million seemed like a steep price for the Yankees to pay him.

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A few months later, with the market more defined and the offseason nearly complete, Brian Cashman believes they got a deal.

“At this point, that $22 million looks like a bargain the way the free agent market got away from everyone, on a one-year basis,” Cashman said Sunday morning on MLB Network Radio.

Grisham only made $5.25 million in 2025, his final year of arbitration, but did so while enjoying a breakout season in which the center fielder hit 34 home runs with a .811 OPS and became the regular Yankees leadoff hitter.

Trent Grisham hits a home run during the Yankees’ Aug. 27 game against the Nationals. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

That led the Yankees to extend a qualifying offer to Grisham, who could have explored the free agent market and potentially landed a multiyear deal worth more overall than the $22.025 million.

Instead, he accepted it, giving the Yankees some insurance as they worked to bring Cody Bellinger back as well — ultimately re-signing him on a five-year, $162.5 million contract.

Besides Bellinger and Kyle Tucker (four-year, $240 million deal with the Dodgers), Grisham was the next best outfielder who would have been available on the free agent market.

“What he did last year to unlock and take it to another level was spectacular and all the information that we buy into leads us to believe clearly that by offering him the qualifying offer that [2025] was real, it is sustainable and that he is an offensive and defensive player for us moving forward,” Cashman said.

Brian Cashman talks to reporters Nov. 20. Jason Szenes for the NY Post

“We’re really happy he chose to stay with us at the $22 [million] on a one-year basis and hopefully he can replicate what he did last year for us because it was one of the reasons we had the success we had and made the postseason.”

And so the Yankees are set to bring back the same starting outfield of Bellinger, Grisham and Aaron Judge, with Jasson Domínguez — who was eventually squeezed out of playing time last season because of Grisham’s continued emergence — currently projected to be a fourth outfielder.

While Grisham’s high average annual value is part of the reason why the Yankees’ luxury tax payroll now stands at $335.5 million, according to Cot’s Contracts, his $22.025 million is tied for the seventh-highest AAV of any position player who signed this offseason.

That trails only Tucker ($60 million), Bo Bichette ($42 million), Alex Bregman ($35 million), Bellinger ($32.5 million), Pete Alonso ($31 million) and Kyle Schwarber ($30 million).

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2026 MLB MVP Odds: Injuries Befall Lindor, Carroll

Spring training games are coming soon, and injuries have already hit a few big-name players.

Specifically, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll and New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor both fractured hamate bones and have subsequently gone off the NL MVP board at some books. Both players were considered among the Top 10 options before their injuries were reported, though well behind Shohei Ohtani at -125.

Neither has been ruled out for Opening Day, but this puts that target in jeopardy. And even if they can slot into their respective lineups on Day 1, they could be behind schedule.

At books where they remain, their odds haven't lengthened enough to offer value relative to the risk involved.

Here are the latest AL and NL MVP odds for the 2026 season.  

Odds to win 2026 AL MVP 

PlayerDraftKings
Yankees Aaron Judge<<+225>>
Royals Bobby Witt Jr.<<+550>>
Mariners Cal Raleigh<<+850>>
Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr.<<+1300>>
Mariners Julio Rodriguez<<+1300>>
Athletics Nick Kurtz<<+1500>>
Guardians Jose Ramirez<<+1500>>
Orioles Gunnar Henderson <<+1600>>
Red Sox Roman Anthony<<+1700>>
Rays Junior Caminero <<+2200>>
Orioles Pete Alonso<<+2200>>
Astros Yordan Alvarez <<+2500>>
Astros Jeremy Pena<<+2500>>
Yankees Cody Bellinger<<+3000>>
Rangers Corey Seager <<+3000>>
Astros Carlos Correa <<+3000>>
Angels Zach Neto<<+4000>>
Rangers Wyatt Langford<<+4000>>
Twins Byron Buxton<<+4000>>
Blue Jays Alejandro Kirk<<+4500>>
Orioles Adley Rutschman<<+4500>>

Odds last updated on 2-12.

Odds to win 2026 NL MVP 

PlayerDraftKings
Dodgers Shohei Ohtani<<-125>>
Mets Juan Soto <<+750>>
Braves Ronald Acuña Jr.<<+1200>>
Padres Fernando Tatis Jr.<<+1600>>
Cubs Alex Bregman <<+1900>>
Reds Elly De La Cruz<<+2200>>
Phillies Bryce Harper <<+2200>>
Dodgers Kyle Tucker <<+3000>>
Diamondbacks Ketel Marte <<+3000>>
Phillies Kyle Schwarber <<+3000>>
Pirates Paul Skenes <<+3500>>
Giants Rafael Devers <<+4000>>
Cubs Pete Crow-Armstrong<<+4000>>
Dodgers Mookie Betts<<+4500>>
Padres Manny Machado <<+4500>>
Brewers Jackson Chourio<<+5000>>

Odds last updated on 2-12.

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Previous MVP winners

Here are the last 10 winners of the AL and NL MVP Award, with Shohei Ohtani leading the way as a four-time winner, with two in the AL and two in the NL. Only Frank Robinson has also won MVP awards in both leagues.

Barry Bonds holds the record for most MVP awards (seven)

The New York Yankees have won the most MVPs in MLB history with 25, while the St. Louis Cardinals are second, leading all NL teams, with 21. No player for the Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Mets, or Tampa Bay Rays has ever won MVP.

Previous AL MVP winners

YearAmerican League Winner
2025Yankees Aaron Judge
2024Yankees Aaron Judge
2023Angels Shohei Ohtani
2022Yankees Aaron Judge
2021Angels Shohei Ohtani
2020White Sox Jose Abreu
2019Angels Mike Trout
2018Red Sox Mookie Betts
2017Astros Jose Altuve
2016Angels Mike Trout

Previous NL MVP winners

YearNational League Winner
2025Dodgers Shohei Ohtani
2024Dodgers Shohei Ohtani
2023Braves Ronald Acuna Jr.
2022Cardinals Paul Goldschmidt
2021Phillies Bryce Harper
2020Braves Freddie Freeman
2019Dodgers Cody Bellinger
2018Brewers Christian Yelich
2017Marlins Giancarlo Stanton
2016Cubs Kris Bryant

Popular MLB futures markets

MLB MVP odds explained

Most sportsbooks will display odds in the American format as listed above. When Goldschmidt ran away with the MVP award in 2022 his odds had a minus (-) sign ahead of the number for a large part of the season. 

  • Paul Goldschmidt -6000

That means that a bettor in August had to wager $6,000 to win $100 by betting on Goldy to win MVP. Before the season starts, almost every player will have a plus (+) sign ahead of their odds.

  • Shohei Ohtani +200

That means a bettor would have profited $200 for a $100 wager on Ohtani before the season started. 

If American odds aren't your thing, simply use a tool like our odds converter to switch the odds to decimal or fractional format. Most online sportsbooks also give you the option to change the odds format that you see.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

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Eugenio Suarez returning to Reds on one-year, $15 million contract after monster season

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Seattle Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suarez high-fives teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run, Image 2 shows Eugenio Suarez #7 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates after hitting a two-run home run

Slugger Eugenio Suárez is headed back to Cincinnati. 

Suárez and the Reds have agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal, The Post’s Jon Heyman confirmed. 

The contract includes a mutual option for the 2027 season worth $16 million, ESPN reported. 

Seattle Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suarez (28) comes home on his two-run home run during the first inning when the Yankees played the Seattle Mariners. for the NY POST

Suárez was the biggest bat remaining on the open market, and he heads to the Reds after hitting 49 home runs last season, although he struggled during the second half of the campaign. 

Suárez spent seven of his 12 years in Major League Baseball with the Reds, playing in Cincinnati from 2015-21.

The infielder split last season between the Diamondbacks and the Mariners. 

He clobbered 36 home runs and batted .248 before the trade to Seattle. 

Suárez then hit .189/.255/.428 and recorded 13 home runs in 53 games with the Mariners following the move. 

Eugenio Suarez #7 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the sixth inning of the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on September 17, 2017. Getty Images

He did finish the 2025 season with a career-best 118 RBIs, though he finished the year hitting .228/.298/.526. 

ESPN reported that Suárez is expected to get a majority of his at-bats in Cincinnati as a designated hitter, with the Reds already having Ke’Bryan Hayes at third base and rookie Sal Stewart believed to be taking over at first base for the upcoming season. 

He spent two seasons with the Mariners from 2022-23 before he was traded in November 2023 to the Diamondbacks.

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Game Thread: Knicks vs Lakers, February 1, 2026

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 6: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers plays defense during the game against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks on March 6, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Knicks (30*-18), riding a five-game win streak, welcome the Lakers (29-18) to Madison Garden Tonight. A national audience will tune in to see Luka Dončić and LeBron James, leaders of a Los Angeles team that scores brilliant and defends much less so. Expect a tight game, which might be LeBron’s last appearance at MSG.

Tip off is 7 p.m. EST on NBA / Peacock. Tip off is 7 p.m. EST on NBC. This is your game thread. This is Silver Screen and Roll. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Practice kindness. And go Knicks!

* Should be one more, but the stupid NBA Cup doesn’t count.


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Karl-Anthony Towns selected to 2026 All-Star Game

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 27: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts during the second half at Madison Square Garden against Sacramento Kings on January 27, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Karl-Anthony Towns is headed to L.A., folks.

No, he didn’t get traded. The Big Bodega has been named to his sixth All-Star team, as revealed by the NBA on NBC pregame show on Sunday night. He will join Jalen Brunson in the All-Star Game for the second consecutive season.

Towns is joined by Donovan Mitchell, Pascal Siakam, and Scottie Barnes, as well as first-timers Jalen Duren, Norman Powell, and Jalen Johnson, as the Eastern Conference’s reserves. There will be an additional one named in the near future due to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury, and potentially one more if the USA/World splits don’t yield enough players.

Anthony Edwards, Jamal Murray, Chet Holmgren, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Deni Avdija, and LeBron James were all named West reserves. Personally, I’m bewildered we didn’t see Kawhi Leonard make it, but that’s a story for another day. Good for Jamal Murray getting the recognition.

Towns is, by all measures, having his worst season in a while. The 30-year-old center is averaging 20.0 points (lowest since 2015-16), 11.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 45 games, shooting a career-low 46.1% from the field and just 36.1% from three. The only season that’s been comparable to this one, offensively, was his rookie season. He’s also leading the league in offensive fouls and has had games where he has absolutely no rhythm offensively.

Still, KAT leads the NBA in rebounding and has found other ways to impact the game. He remains a mediocre defender, but has improved in that aspect ever so slightly. He’s still capable of big games and has recently turned into an Andre Drummond-esque rebounder, grabbing 44 in just 64 combined minutes over the last two games.

Towns has been brought up in trade rumors amidst his increasing discomfort in Mike Brown’s system and the Knicks’ struggles in January, but barring an unforeseen demand by one Greek Freak, it seems he’ll be here for the stretch run.

Assuming that’s the case, this will be the third straight year the Knicks have two in the All-Star Game. While the ‘Bockers have had a pair of all-stars sporadically throughout their history, this is historic for them. It’s the first time since the early 1970s that the Knicks have had multiple all-stars in three consecutive seasons. Back then, there were only 18 teams and the likes of Clyde Frazier and Willis Reed were annual mainstays.

The all-star tandem will not play with each other, however. Despite having two all-stars for the third straight year, the Knicks haven’t had two teammates in the All-Star Game since 2013. Julius Randle was injured in 2024 and Adam Silver’s first attempt at experimenting came last year and separated Brunson and Towns.

The All-Star Game is two weeks from today, on February 15. We’ll see who Towns and Brunson team up with when the teams are formally set.

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LeBron James named NBA All-Star reserve to extend historic streak that once seemed in peril

LeBron James walking on the court, reaching out to high-five teammates.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with teammates after a play against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC.

LeBron James is keeping his All-Star streak alive. 

James was named to his 22nd consecutive NBA All-Star team Sunday when the league announced this year’s reserve players ahead of NBC’s “Sunday Night Basketball” matchup between the Lakers and Knicks.

There had been a question of whether James would be named to the All-Star team this year after he wasn’t named a starter. 

He was the last player revealed during the announcement on Sunday night. 

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with teammates after a play against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. Getty Images

James has appeared in 30 games for the Lakers this season, missing 14 games at the start of the year while dealing with sciatica.

He has averaged 21.9 points. 5.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game this season. 

The Lakers superstar has been named to three more All-Star teams than basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and he is just the second player to earn multiple All-Star nods after the age of 40 — with Abdul-Jabbar being the only other player to do it. 

James had his record of consecutive All-Star appearances disrupted at 20 last season when he was a late scratch from the NBA All-Star Game because of ankle and foot soreness. 

The Timberwolves Anthony Edwards, Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, Thunder’s Chet Holmgren, Rockets’ Kevin Durant, Suns’ Devin Booker and Trail Blazers’ Deni Avdija were also selected as reserves this year for the Western Conference. 

Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns was named a reserve player for the Eastern Conference, along with the Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell, the Hawks’ Jalen Johnson, the Pacers Pascal Siakam, the Heat’s Norman Powell, the Raptors’ Scottie Barnes and Pistons’ Jalen Duren. 

The NBA All-Star Game will be held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., which is the home of the Clippers. 

The All-Star Game is going through a format change, with the event now a U.S vs. The World format that includes breaking the players into three eight-man rosters. 

Two of the teams will feature just American players, and the third will be made up of international players.

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SoxFest Live Day 2 brings familiar themes, renewed energy

SoxFest Day 2 continued the good vibes. | South Side Sox

Day 2 of SoxFest Live felt very familiar, with many of the same key talking points put out by GM Chris Getz and manager Will Venable the night before. However, the atmosphere did seem a bit different. While Friday night set the tone for a more intimate gathering, Saturday’s sold-out crowd made it feel more like a celebration.

Friday evening was only for season ticket holders, while Saturday opened its doors to everyone, offering general admission and VIP options. GA ticket holders had access to the lower level, but the VIP experience added the upper level for exclusive player photo opportunities and meet-and-greets (ahem, Bo Jackson), along with a nightcap after-party that felt less like a formal event and more like a late-night hangout. White Sox staff, coaches, and players mingled with fans, music pumping, conversations flowing in the kind of setting where walls came down, and personalities came out.

Our own Crystal O’Keefe and her son Hayden opted for the VIP route, and it paid off. The up-close access made a real difference. “My son was able to collect more autographs and was especially excited to chat with Miguel Vargas,” O’Keefe says. Those types of moments, unhurried, unscripted, and personal, are what seemed to set this reimagined SoxFest apart.

O’Keefe also talked with pitcher Davis Martin, who shared how excited he is for the season. The event’s interactive setup let players and fans really connect. They weren’t just answering questions or taking photos; they were laughing, joking, and even dancing with the DJ.

The overall vibes of the weekend were positive, and the optimism was pretty evident. Many of the fans we spoke with were energized by the direction and momentum of Rebuild 2.0. One lifelong South Side fan, someone who’s been a fan of the team for more than 60 years, told us he’s officially bought back in, convinced by the new wave of young talent the Sox have acquired and developed. That kind of hope, from someone who’s seen it all, says a lot.

Young fans are also enjoying the connections they’re making with players they can relate to:

South Side Sox writer Hannah Filippo dove deeper into Friday night’s event in her assessment, taking a closer look at clubhouse culture and the organization’s emphasis on bringing in players with a specific makeup. Skepticism from fans about rebuilding and culture is understandable and earned, given recent history. But having seen firsthand what happens when a clubhouse lacks cohesion (talking to you, 2022), it’s hard not to at least acknowledge the importance of getting that part right.

For a lot of people, the 2005 championship team was special not just because of talent, but because of how close the players all seemed to be. That was evident at the 20th World Series reunion at the ballpark last summer. After interviewing six different players from the current team on Friday, it was obvious they really enjoy being together. Just looking through their social media posts, you can see many of them got together during the offseason. This young core likes to compete and push each other, while understanding that there’s a lot of work to do. They appear ready to put in the effort, and their skipper seems to have their attention, and, more importantly, their trust.

Will “vibes” or clubhouse culture really make that big of a difference? Probably not. But it certainly won’t hurt. And it’s hard to ignore how damaging the previous group’s toxic culture appeared to be in the long run.

Maybe this rebuild flames out, too. We know all too well that it’s a possibility. But for now, I’m willing to take the gamble. This group comes across as humble, likable and focused. That’s a foundation I find worth rooting for.

Even so, it’s totally fair for many Sox fans to be hesitant. No one should feel pressured to “enjoy the ride.” That’s what makes being a sports fan great — everyone gets to experience it their own way. At South Side Sox, we call out the team when it’s needed, and we’ll keep doing that. You can count on it. We’re fans first, always.

But it’s also fair to give credit where it’s due. The White Sox appear to be making a real effort to do things differently by hiring outside the organization, modernizing long-neglected infrastructure and reshaping SoxFest into an event that actually connects players and fans.

For one weekend at Ramova Theatre, at least, it felt like a step in the right direction.

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NBA All-Star team 2026: Meet full USA vs. The World rosters

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 10: Kevin Durant of United States (L) handles the ball during the Men's Gold Medal match between France and United States on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Team USA vs. the World is coming to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, and the rosters have been finalized after numerous injury replacements were named to the game. American-born players Karl-Anthony Towns and Norman Powell will play for the World Team because they compete for the Dominican Republic and Jamaica internationally. It should be a fun if confusing format with two American teams and one international team playing short games in a round-robin tournament.

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game has a new format of USA vs. The World, but the game will still be made up of 12 players each from the Eastern Conference and Western Conference. The full NBA All-Star rosters have now been released with the announcement of the All-Star reserves on Sunday evening.

We already knew that Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, and Jaylen Brown were voted as starters out of the East, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokić will start out of the West.

We now know the 14 players who will be All-Star reserves with seven from the East and seven from the West. Here’s the full conference breakdown for the All-Stars, followed by the USA vs. the World teams.

Team USA All-Star player pool

Team USA will be split into two teams of eight among the 16 players. Here’s the pool:

Jalen Brunson

Tyrese Maxey

Cade Cunningham

Jaylen Brown

Stephen Curry (out with injury)

Donovan Mitchell

Jalen Johnson

Scottie Barnes

Jalen Duren

Chet Holmgren

Kevin Durant

Devin Booker

LeBron James

Anthony Edwards

Kawhi Leonard (late addition by Adam Silver)

Brandon Ingram (injury replacement for Steph Curry)

De’Aaron Fox (injury replacement for Giannis)

World team roster

The World team will be one team of eight players. Here’s the roster:

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) (out with injury)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada) (out with injury)

Luka Dončić (Slovenia)

Victor Wembanyama (France)

Nikola Jokić (Serbia)

Pascal Siakam (Cameroon)

Deni Avdija (Israel)

Jamal Murray (Canada)

Karl-Anthony Towns (American-born but competes for Dominican Republic internationally)

Alperen Sengun (Turkey — Gilgeous-Alexander injury replacement)

Norman Powell (American-born but competes for Jamaica internationally)

NBA All-Star reserves in Eastern Conference

East starters: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, and Jaylen Brown

Donovan Mitchell, G, Cleveland Cavaliers: Mitchell was the biggest snub among the East starters. He’s averaging 29.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on 61.8 percent true shooting.

Jalen Johnson, F, Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks selected Johnson with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and now he’s a first-time All-Star. He’s averaging 23.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game on 59 percent true shooting.

Karl-Anthony Towns, C, New York Knicks: Towns has had a down season by his standards mostly because he’s not shooting as well from deep as he usually does. 20.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game on 59.4 percent true shooting.

Pascal Siakam, F, Indiana Pacers: The Pacers have been one of the very worst teams in the NBA all year, but Siakam has still has an outstanding season in Indiana’s “gap year” without Tyrese Haliburton. He’s averaging 23.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game on 56.4 percent true shooting.

Norman Powell, G, Miami Heat: Powell is a first-time All-Star at age-32 after just missing it last season with the Los Angeles Clippers. He’s averaging 23.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game on 61.2 percent true shooting after an offseason trade to the Miami Heat.

Scottie Barnes, F, Toronto Raptors: The Raptors have been reborn as an Eastern Conference contender this season, and Barnes’ bounce-back from a down year last season is a big reason why. He’s averaging 19.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game on 57.6 percent true shooting.

Jalen Duren, C, Detroit Pistons: Duren has morphed into an All-Star in his fourth season after being selected with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2022 draft. The 22-year-old is averaging 17.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game on 66.6 percent true shooting.

NBA All-Star starters in Western Conference

West starters: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokić

Anthony Edwards, G, Minnesota Timberwolves: Edwards was the biggest snub among the starters in the West. He’s averaging 29.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 62.2 percent true shooting.

Jamal Murray, G, Denver Nuggets: Murray was thought of as the best player in the NBA who had never been named an All-Star. Not anymore. The Canadian guard is averaging 25.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game on 62.3 percent true shooting.

Chet Holmgren, F, Oklahoma City Thunder: Holmgren is one of the best young bigs in the NBA after helping the Thunder win a championship last season. The 23-year-old is averaging 17.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on 66 percent true shooting.

Kevin Durant, F, Houston Rockets: KD is still one of the best scorers alive at age-37. He’s averaging 26.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game on 63 percent true shooting.

Devin Booker, G, Phoenix Suns: The Suns have been the biggest surprise of this season with Booker leading the way. He’s averaging 25.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game on 58 percent true shooting.

Deni Avdija, F, Portland Trail Blazers: Avdija has emerged as the Blazers’ best player as a jumbo ball handler who gets to the free throw line at will. He’s averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game on 61 percent true shooting.

LeBron James, F, Los Angeles Lakers: Yes, LeBron made it again despite only playing 30 games and posting his worst numbers since his rookie year. The 41-year-old is averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game on 58.8 percent true shooting.

Kawhi Leonard has been added by commissioner Adam Silver.

Alperen Sengun has been named an injury replacement for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Brandon Ingram has been named an injury replacement for Stephen Curry.

De’Aaron Fox has been named an injury replacement for Giannis.

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Fletcher Loyer scores 29 points and No. 12 Purdue ends a three-game skid with win over Maryland

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith gave No. 12 Purdue a commanding lead with an early 3-point barrage, and the Boilermakers snapped a three-game losing streak with a 93-63 victory over Maryland on Sunday.

Loyer scored 21 of his 29 points in the first half, when he Smith went a combined 9 of 12 from beyond the arc. The Boilermakers (18-4, 8-3) led 49-28 at halftime. Smith finished with 19 points. He needs one more to become the first player in Big Ten history to reach 1,000 career points and 500 assists in conference games.

Andre Mills scored 18 points for Maryland (8-13, 1-9), which continues to struggle under new coach Buzz Williams. This was the most lopsided defeat for the Terrapins in this arena, where they started playing in 2002.

Purdue was ranked No. 4 in the country before losing in succession to UCLA, Illinois and rival Indiana. But the schedule eased a bit with this game against Maryland and a matchup next weekend with an Oregon team that’s also near the bottom of the Big Ten.

Purdue raced out to a 10-2 lead against the Terps, with Loyer making two 3-pointers. Then Smith made a couple of 3s during an 11-0 spurt that made it 25-7.

NO. 8 IOWA STATE 95, KANSAS STATE 61

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Joshua Jefferson scored 19 points to lead five players in double figures as Iowa beat Kansas State.

The Cyclones (20-2, 7-2 Big 12 Conference) got 18 points from Milan Momcilovic, 16 from Tamin Lipsey, 13 from Killyan Toure and 11 from Nate Heise en route to their fourth consecutive win.

They handed the Wildcats (10-12, 1-8 Big 12) their worst loss under coach Jerome Tang, who was hired ahead of the 2023 season.

Iowa State used two big runs in the first half to build a 29-point lead at the break. The second was a suffocating 25-4 run that covered nearly five minutes.

The Cyclones held the Wildcats to a season-low 21 points in the first half. The Wildcats shot just 31% from the field and matched their largest halftime deficit of the season. It swelled to 39 points in the second half.

NO. 9 ILLINOIS 78, NO. 5 NEBRASKA 69

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Keaton Wagler scored 28 points and Illinois won its 11th straight game, beating Nebraska in the first matchup of top-10 teams the Cornhuskers have hosted.

The Fighting Illini (19-3, 10-1 Big Ten), who haven’t lost since falling 83-80 at home to Nebraska on Dec. 13, held the Huskers to four field goals in the first 13 minutes of the second half.

Nebraska (20-2, 9-2) lost its second straight after a 20-0 start. The Huskers were beaten on the road Tuesday by another top-10 opponent, No. 3 Michigan.

Jake Davis finished with 13 points for Illinois, Tomislav Ivisic scored 12 and David Mirkovic had 10.

NO. 19 FLORIDA 100, NO. 23 ALABAMA 77

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Alex Condon scored 25 points, Thomas Haugh added 22 and Florida handled Alabama and Charles Bediako.

Florida’s fifth consecutive victory in the series came a little more than a week after Gators coach Todd Golden said “we’re gonna beat ’em anyways” in response to a judge’s decision to allow Bediako to return to college.

This one was so one-sided that 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux, the world’s tallest teenager, played the final minute and scored Florida’s last basket.

Boogie Fland chipped in 15 points, eight assists and a career-high eight steals for the defending national champion Gators (16-6, 7-2 Southeastern Conference). Fland dominated his matchup against the league’s leading scorer, Labaron Philon. Fland’s eight steals matched the program record set by Clifford Lett in 1989.

Philon, who entered the game averaging 22 points, finished with 14. Aden Holloway led the Crimson Tide (14-7, 4-4) with 19 points.

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Utah Jazz get zero all-star bids as Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George miss the cut

Any hope that the Utah Jazz could get a player to Los Angeles for NBA All-star weekend now resides in the form of an injury replacement. And even then, it’s a long shot.

On Sunday, the NBA announced its Western Conference all-star rosters, and candidates Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen failed to make the list of the final seven reserves. Ahead of them were Chet Holmgren, Deni Avdija, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, Jamal Murray and LeBron James.

Markkanen is averaging a career-best 27.4 points per game this season — two more than his lone all-star campaign in 2023 — on 47.9/36.4/88.6 shooting splits. He’s also putting up 7.0 rebounds per game and is dishing out a career-high 2.2 assists per game.

But Markkanen has also only played 35 of the 13-seeded Jazz’s 49 games. That’s not gonna sit well with people who decide his all-star fate.

George is having a breakout year, and has inserted his name into most improved player competition, as well as made himself a real “guy” in the NBA.

This season, George is averaging 24.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 6.2 apg in 47 appearances. His shooting numbers have improved drastically from his sophomore season, going from 39.1% from the field to 45.9%, and 34.3% from deep to 37.7%.

But even if a player has to miss due to injury, snagging an injured reserve spot is just as hard a task for the Jazz duo. Take a look at some of the names that are in the running for the extra spot:

  • Julius Randle: 22.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 5.4 apg
  • Austin Reaves: 26.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 6.3 apg
  • Alpren Sengun: 21.0 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 6.4 apg
  • Kawhi Leonard: 27.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.5 apg
  • James Harden: 25.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 8.1 apg

George and Markkanen were always going to be on the outside looking in when it came to the 2026 all-star game. There’s simply too many good players on good Western teams for the NBA to justify giving a spot to a 15-win team.

Do you think that the coaches got the reserves right? Should the Jazz have gotten a player in?