Worldwide Sports News

November 12, 2025

Fantasy Basketball Week 4 Injury Report: Joel Embiid sidelined again; updates on LeBron James, Paul George

While the 2025-26 NBA season still isn't officially one month old, it may feel like it is from an injury standpoint. Some stars have yet to appear in a game, while others have spent multiple games on the sideline. In the case of Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, the team's measured approach to his return did not prevent another issue from popping up. Let's look at some injuries that will impact fantasy basketball for the remainder of Week 4 and the first few days of Week 5.

G Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks

Alexander-Walker, who stepped in for the injured Trae Young at point guard, has missed Atlanta's last two games with a back injury and is questionable for the team's November 12 game against Sacramento. Keaton Wallace (one percent rostered, Yahoo!) replaced him in the starting lineup, totaling 19 points, six rebounds, eight assists, one steal and five three-pointers in wins over the Lakers and Clippers.

However, Wallace played 12 fewer minutes against the Clippers than he did against the Lakers, with Jalen Johnson's return after a one-game absence and Vit Krejčí (two percent) going bonkers from beyond the arc impacting Keaton's playing time. Wallace isn't a must-stream player, even if Alexander-Walker cannot return on Wednesday.

G Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets

On November 7, the Nets announced that Thomas would be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks after suffering a strained left hamstring. That's the same hamstring he injured back in January and February, with the latter instance ending his 2024-25 campaign. With that in mind, the Nets will likely exercise caution in bringing Thomas back into the fold.

In the three games Brooklyn has played since, rookie Egor Dëmin (seven percent) has moved into the starting lineup, averaging 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 0.7 steals and 2.7 three-pointers in 25.3 minutes while shooting 48 percent from the field and 47.1 percent from three. According to Basketball Monster, Dëmin has been a top-150 player over the past week. That isn't "great" fantasy value, but with the Nets clearly rebuilding, this may entice some deep-league managers to roll the dice on the rookie guard.

Also, Drake Powell (less than one percent) has entered the rotation in Thomas's absence, averaging 23.7 minutes over the last three games. Dëmin would be the rookie to prioritize if you're mining the Nets roster for value, whether now or for the "silly season," but keep an eye on Powell, especially if the defensive ability results in solid steals numbers.

G Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls

Giddey sprained his right ankle during Chicago's November 8 loss to the Cavaliers, and he missed Monday's loss to the Spurs as a result. He's considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Pistons, and Giddey's availability impacts multiple players. Kevin Huerter (17 percent), who has been a top-75 player in nine-cat formats, moved into the starting lineup on Monday, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists, one block and four three-pointers in 33 minutes. Ayo Dosunmu (20 percent) played 33 minutes off the bench, accounting for 20 points, two rebounds, five assists, two steals, one block and three three-pointers.

However, Huerter and Dosunmu aren't the only Bulls guards who receive a boost to their fantasy value when Giddey (and Coby White) aren't available. Tre Jones (33 percent), who has filled in admirably for White, is close to a top-50 player in nine-cat formats. Even if Giddey can play on Wednesday, he's worth holding onto until White returns. As for Huerter and Dosunmu, they will both retain value in deeper leagues.

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G Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers

Garland injured his left big toe in Monday's overtime loss to the Heat, returning briefly during the third quarter but exiting for good shortly thereafter. This is the same toe he injured late last season, aggravating it in the first round of the playoffs and ultimately requiring surgery during the offseason. The good news is that Cleveland has cited "left toe injury management" as the reason for Garland's absence on Wednesday, when the Cavaliers face the Heat again. However, while he may be day-to-day, toe injuries can be tricky.

From a minutes standpoint, Sam Merrill (13 percent) and Jaylon Tyson (15 percent) were the biggest beneficiaries on Monday. Unfortunately, Tyson has entered the league's concussion protocol and will miss Wednesday's game at a minimum, leaving it to Merrill to pick up the slack. De'Andre Hunter (32 percent) isn't the best category-league option, but he's healthy and starting.

Also of note for Wednesday is that Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are out for rest reasons. Due to those absences, Lonzo Ball (nine percent), Dean Wade (one percent) and Craig Porter Jr. (less than one percent) can be thrown into the mix as potential streamers, but the former remains on a minutes restriction.

F/C Anthony Davis and C Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks

Davis (calf) and Lively (knee) have both been out for extended periods, with the former last playing on October 29 and the latter last doing so on October 26. Both players are considered questionable for Wednesday's game against the Suns. However, Davis has been listed as questionable ahead of the last few games, only to be ruled out. Daniel Gafford (17 percent) is the first player to consider, even though his minutes have been limited due to ankle injuries.

Superior options, especially for those desiring streamers who will play more minutes, have been Max Christie (15 percent) and Naji Marshall (12 percent). Both are providing solid value in eight- and nine-cat formats. Of the two, Christie may offer a slightly higher long-term upside, as he's replaced the struggling Klay Thompson in the starting lineup. His place within the rotation should be safe when Davis and Lively return, while Marshall's playing time may take a hit.

G/F Ausar Thompson, F Tobias Harris and C Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons

With Cade Cunningham listed as questionable due to a hip contusion, the Pistons could be without four key contributors for Wednesday's game against Chicago. Of the three listed here, however, Harris may be the furthest from a return. While making progress according to head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, he still does not have a timeline for returning from his sprained right ankle. Thompson (ankle) is out with a sprained ankle, while Stewart is doubtful with a sprained ankle.

Stewart's absence led to Ron Holland (five percent) and Javonte Green (one percent) starting the last two games, with the latter filling the void in Monday's win over the Wizards. The only way either will be worth the risk is if the Pistons are forced to play without Cunningham. Duncan Robinson (eight percent) is more of a specialist than someone who can provide value across multiple categories, while Daniss Jenkins (one percent) will be worth a look if Cunningham sits.

G Bradley Beal and F Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers

Leonard has missed the Clippers' last four games with a sprained ankle and will also not play on Wednesday against the Nuggets. As for Beal, a fracture in his hip will keep him out for the rest of the season. Kris Dunn (four percent) entered the starting lineup at the time of Leonard's injury, but he has only been a top-200 player over the past week.

With Beal out, John Collins (84 percent) started Monday's loss to the Hawks, and he struggled, shooting 3-of-11 from the field and finishing with nine points, seven rebounds, one steal, one block and one three-pointer in 31 minutes. With Collins rostered in most leagues and Dunn not doing enough on offense to merit being streamed, there really isn't anywhere to turn while Leonard sits and Beal is done for the year.

F LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

James (sciatica) may be getting closer to making his first appearance of the season. As of Tuesday, he was on track to practice with the Lakers' G League affiliate while the Lakers are on their current road trip. Wednesday's game against the Thunder is the first of three games they'll play during the rest of Week 4, and all are on the road.

LeBron won't be of any service to fantasy managers this week, but his absence has opened up additional minutes for Marcus Smart (11 percent) and Jake LaRavia (19 percent). The former has been the fifth starter, with the latter heading to the bench after Austin Reaves returned from a groin injury that sidelined him for three games. Smart and LaRavia are worth a look in deep leagues, at least until LeBron is available to play.

G Jordan Poole, New Orleans Pelicans

Poole was diagnosed with a strained left quad on November 7 and is due to be re-evaluated over the weekend, based on the 7-10 day timeline provided by the team. Jeremiah Fears (18 percent) had already replaced Poole in the starting lineup, and the rookie will be worth holding onto, especially for those who can compensate for the efficiency issues that can plague rookie guards.

Saddiq Bey (eight percent) and Jose Alvarado (two percent) have provided decent fantasy value recently, with the former starting for the still-injured Zion Williamson (hamstring). Based on the timeline provided after his injury, Zion should be re-evaluated soon. Is Bey worth a look in deep leagues? That depends on how desperate the fantasy manager may be for frontcourt production, especially with Bey not offering much in the way of defensive stats.

C Joel Embiid and F Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers

Having undergone a procedure on his left knee during the offseason, Embiid's minutes were being managed even before his most recent injury. Unfortunately, he's back on the sideline, but it's due to a sore right knee. However, no structural damage was found in the team's examinations of the knee, and Embiid will be considered day-to-day moving forward. Philadelphia only plays once more this week, which may limit Andre Drummond's (14 percent) streaming appeal in the eyes of some.

As for George, he'll be re-evaluated toward the end of the week as he attempts to return from offseason knee surgery. ESPN's Shams Charania reported late Tuesday that the doctors want George's left quad to get stronger before clearing him to play. Trendon Watford (15 percent) has been the most recent starter at power forward, providing 10th-round per-game value in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past week.

76ers' Paul George is in the final stage of his debut process and will be re-evaluated later this week. He is moving closer to a return, but doctors want additional strength of his left quadriceps to support the knee before clearance.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 12, 2025

G Jalen Green, Phoenix Suns

Green, who made his season debut on November 6 after suffering a strained right hamstring during the offseason, suffered another strain during the Suns' November 8 win over the Clippers. He will be re-evaluated in 4-6 weeks, so there's no guarantee that Green will be back in games before late December.

From the Suns: Guard Jalen Green has been diagnosed with a right hamstring strain. He will be re-evaluated in four-to-six weeks.
— Doug Haller (@DougHaller) November 11, 2025

Given the amount of time that Green missed due to the first injury, fantasy managers should have a clear understanding of who to target. Royce O'Neale (27 percent) returned to the starting lineup on Monday, playing 23 minutes in a blowout of the Pelicans. That game was also a showcase for Grayson Allen (41 percent), who dropped a career-high 42 points and hit a franchise-record 10 three-pointers. Both players are worth rostering while Green sits, with Allen likely being more valuable to fantasy managers once the Suns return to full strength.

G/F Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards

After missing the first four games due to offseason thumb surgery, Coulibaly played three full games before injuring his calf during a November 5 loss to the Celtics. Wednesday's game against the Rockets will be the fourth he has missed, and the third-year wing could be out even longer than that. Rookie Tre Johnson (nine percent) has moved into the starting lineup, but he hasn't been a top-200 player over the last week. Managers willing to add Johnson will have to bet on him being a factor later in the season, because the short-term value hasn't been there. That can also be said for Cam Whitmore (four percent), whose opportunities have been more consistent with Coulibaly unavailable.

November 12, 2025

Dodgers’ Tommy Edman to have ankle surgery, eyes spring training return

LAS VEGAS — Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Tommy Edman will have right ankle surgery, general manager Brandon Gomes told reporters at the Major League Baseball GM meetings.

Gomes said Edman could be ready for spring training.

Edman has been dealing with a bad ankle since midway through the 2024 season when he was with St. Louis. He continued to play, was traded to the Dodgers that July and wound up the NL Championship Series MVP.

He batted just .143 in this year’s seven-game World Series victory over Toronto, but Edman made several crucial defensive plays at second base and center field to help the Dodgers repeat as champions.

Edman signed a five-year, $74 million contract last offseason.

November 12, 2025

Milwaukee’s Pat Murphy and Cleveland’s Stephen Vogt win Manager of the Year for 2nd straight season

Pat Murphy grew up going to minor league games at MacArthur Stadium in Syracuse, New York. In those days, the local team tried to retrieve all the baseballs that went over the fence during batting practice, but Murphy would pocket a souvenir or two before he was run off.

Quite often chased away by Bobby Cox or a member of his staff.

That long-running connection came full circle when Murphy won the NL Manager of the Year award for the second straight season. The only other NL manager to take home the honor in consecutive years was Cox for Atlanta in 2004 and 2005.

Cleveland’s Stephen Vogt also was a repeat winner as AL Manager of the Year, receiving 17 of 30 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Toronto’s John Schneider got 10 first-place votes and finished second, followed by Seattle’s Dan Wilson. Voting was conducted before the postseason.

The previous AL manager to win in consecutive seasons was Tampa Bay’s Kevin Cash in 2020 and 2021.

“He’s well-deserving. Does a great job with his club,” Murphy said of Vogt. “He’s going to be a Hall of Fame manager, I really believe that.”

Murphy got 27 first-place votes. Cincinnati’s Terry Francona was second, followed by Philadelphia’s Rob Thomson.

The folksy Murphy, who turns 67 on Nov. 28, was coaching Arizona State University when he formally introduced himself to Cox in the early 2000s.

“I said, `I’ve always wanted to meet you,’ and he looked at me, and he goes, ‘So now you have,’” a chuckling Murphy said. “And it was dead silent. I’m like, I don’t know if this guy’s messing with me or what, but I interrupted something.”

Vogt led Cleveland to a second straight AL Central title in his second year in charge. The 41-year-old played in the big leagues for 10 years, then retired after the 2022 season. He had a one-year stint as Seattle’s bullpen coach and was hired by the Guardians in November 2023.

Cleveland trailed Detroit by 15 1/2 games in early July and by 11 games in early September before storming back to clinch the division title on the final day of the season. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the largest in-season comeback in Major League Baseball history.

The Guardians also became the fourth big league team to reach the playoffs despite having a losing streak of at least 10 games during the regular season, joining the 2017 Dodgers, 1982 Braves and 1951 New York Giants. Vogt’s club dropped 10 in a row from June 26 to July 6.

“The messaging was, we can’t control yesterday, and we can’t control tomorrow,” Vogt said. “We have to lean in on today. We have to win the game today and then we’ll worry about tomorrow tomorrow. I think that was really a mantra that we all kind of owned.”

Cleveland went on its big September run after closer Emmanuel Clase and starting pitcher Luis Ortiz were placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of an MLB investigation into sports betting.

Asked what he will remember when he looks back on this season, Vogt pointed to the resilience of the team.

“It’s one thing to make a comeback and play well down the stretch and fall short, but we were able to come back and win the division and get in the playoffs,” he said.

Murphy directed Milwaukee to a major league-best 97-65 record this year, setting a franchise record for wins. The Brewers were second in the NL Central in early July before overtaking the Chicago Cubs with a remarkable 29-4 stretch that included a 14-game win streak, another franchise record.

Milwaukee eliminated Chicago in a memorable Division Series before it was swept by the Dodgers in the NLCS. The five-game victory over the rival Cubs was the Brewers’ first postseason series win since sweeping Colorado in a 2018 NLDS.

“We had the right who,” Murphy said. “We had guys that are aware and hungry, and that makes the manager look good at the end of the day.”

Murphy was Milwaukee’s bench coach for eight seasons before he was promoted after Craig Counsell left for the Cubs in November 2023. The Brewers also won the NL Central in Murphy’s first season in charge, finishing with a 93-69 record.

Murphy had a long coaching career at the college level before serving as a special assistant with the San Diego Padres for the 2010 season. He went 42-54 as interim manager of the Padres in 2015.

November 12, 2025

Draymond Green questions Warriors' commitment to winning as a team

Tuesday night, Oklahoma City reminded Golden State how far it is from the top teams in the West, with the Thunder cruising to a 126-102 win. Golden State is now 6-6 on the season with a bottom-10 offense in the league despite having Stephen Curry on the roster, and it looks more like a play-in team than a threat.

After the game, Draymond Green questioned the Warriors' commitment to winning, in comments reported by Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area.

"Everybody was committed to winning, and doing that any way possible," Draymond Green told reporters at Paycom Center. "And right now, it doesn't feel that way ...

"You've got to fight your way out of it," Green said. "Anytime you're in a little rut in this league, it'll never be easy, never be pretty getting out of it. You've got to claw your way out. And right now, that's not the identity of this team."

Jimmy Butler backed up Green, to a point.

"I think he's partly correct," Butler said of Green's comments. "We've just got to get back to doing whatever it takes to win. Everybody is going to have to sacrifice something. I can't tell you what that sacrifice might be for every individual. It may be different for every individual every single night.

"But we're got to get back to winning is the main thing, the only thing. It's going to be up to the collective, as a group, to figure out what is needed to win."

Green would not discuss which players were not committed to sacrificing and winning for the team. This is a team where Jonathan Kuminga went through a rough restricted free agency and has been mentioned in trade rumors. Additionally, Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, and Moses Moody are all extension-eligible after this season and are playing for their next contract.

Golden State started this season winning four of five, and it looked like the "Butler Bump" that had this team 23-8 at the end of last regular season was real. However, the Warriors are 2-5 since then. With an older core of Stephen Curry, Butler and Green, this is a Warriors team better built for the postseason than the grind of the regular season — but the Warriors have to get to the playoffs before they can be a threat. Right now, that doesn't feel like a sure thing.

November 12, 2025

Panthers return to South Florida playing well, will begin extended stretch of home games this week

The Florida Panthers are finally back home.

Despite the NHL season being just over a month old, the Panthers have already endured road trips of four and five game lengths, one of which took the team to the opposite side of the country for a week.

After a forgettable first trip, and a regretful opening game of last week’s trip in California, the Panthers are showing some serious signs of positivity.

That 7-3 loss last Tuesday in Anaheim led to an intense team practice and video sessions the following day in Los Angeles, one that Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice described as something of a back-to-basics kind of exercise.

Florida’s three games since have been three of their better games of the season, and certainly some of the best they’ve played on the road so far.

Now the question will be whether they can carry that momentum into what will be an extended period of time spent almost exclusively in South Florida.

Starting Thursday, when the Panthers host the Washington Capitals at Amerant Bank Arena, Florida will play 12 games over a 24-day stretch.

Only one of those 12 games will be on the road.

It all starts with a five-game homestand that starts Thursday and ends over a week later, as the Cats will host the Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils and Edmonton Oilers.

Then, a quick trip up to Tennessee for a matchup with the Nashville Predators on Monday, Nov. 24.

After that it’ll be right back down to South Florida for a six-game homestand that spans 12 days, featuring games against the Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maples Leafs, Nashville, Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders.

So far this season, the Panthers have played only seven of their 16 games at home, holding a strong 5-1-1 mark in Sunrise.

If they can find a way to combine the recent momentum that was found on the road with their already formidable ability to win games at home, the next several weeks could be very prosperous for the Panthers.

Entering play Wednesday, Florida holds a very mediocre 8-7-1 record on the season. It’s good for a tie for sixth in the Atlantic Division with Toronto and a spot one point behind the Wild Card leading Flyers.

The good thing for the Panthers is that the standings are still extremely tightly packed, as only five points separate Florida from the top of the division, with games in hand on both the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators, who sit second and third in the Atlantic, respectively.

Bottom line, the Panthers have a wonderful opportunity in front of them to simultaneously continue riding the momentum of their trip, enjoy some time at home while working with more familiar routines and made up some ground in the standings at a time where it’s easiest to do so.

We’ll see if Florida can take advantage in the coming days and weeks.

Stay tuned.

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Photo caption: Nov 1, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers right wing Mackie Samoskevich (11) celebrates with goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) after winning a shootout against the Dallas Stars at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

November 12, 2025

Sabres Heading Into Brutal Stretch That Could Bury Their Playoff Hopes

Bowen Byram (left); Valeri Nichuskin (right) -- (Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Images)

The Buffalo Sabres currently sit in dead-last in the Eastern Conference with a 5-6-4 record. But the worst could be yet to come – and it may be coming this week.

For proof, just look at the Sabres’ schedule. When you do, you’ll see that, over the next six days, Buffalo has four games. And it isn’t as if any of them are against pushover teams.

Indeed, the Sabres start off this punishing stretch of schedule on the road – where three of their next four games will be played – with a showdown Wednesday against the Utah Mammoth. One night later, Buffalo travels to Denver to take on the dominant Colorado Avalanche. Then, on Saturday, the Sabres battle the Red Wings in Detroit. And finally, Buffalo squares off against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in Buffalo.

To be sure, the Sabres could come out of this four-game span with four losses. And before they know it, it’ll be the third week of November and Buffalo will be all but buried in the standings. And fat that point, it will be time for Sabres GM Kevyn Adams and the team to part ways.

Sabres Must Get Out Of Losing Spiral, Or Deal With The ConsequencesThe Sabres' losing streak is threatening their playoff hopes. Can Buffalo finally break the cycle before time runs out on their post-season dreams?

The Mammoth are one of the NHL’s up-and-coming teams. The Avalanche can beat any team in the league. The Wings are a pleasant surprise. And the Oilers will be continuing to prove they’ve got the ability to hang with any team. So there’s no question Buffalo really could come out of the next week with an 0-4-0 record. And that would be a calamity that should result in the resignation of Sabres GM Kevyn Adams and coach Lindy Ruff.

What can you say if the Sabres are essentially out of the playoffs by Christmas? You can’t say “Look at our long-term prospect!”. You can’t say “We’re going to be great four years down the line,’ “ You need results, and they need to be positive and lasting, and you need them right now. And if that sounds like a tall order, that’s because it is.

Sabres Entering Stretch That Could Spell End Of The Line For GM, CoachThe Sabres once again are in a difficult stretch. And if they can't win more consistently, the jobs of GM Kevyn Adams and coach Lindy Ruff are in serious jeopardy.

The Sabres’ start to the season went about as poorly as they may have hoped, and now, they’ve got a killer stretch to deal with. The way they respond could be the difference between them making and missing the playoffs.

November 12, 2025

The Hockey News Big Show: Will Injuries Hurt The Canucks Or Leafs The Most?

The Hockey News Big Show is here to discuss more big topics in the NHL and beyond.

Will Injuries Hurt The Canucks Or Leafs The Most? by The Big Show

Here’s what Drew Shore, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discussed:

01:05: Does the NHL have a Nikita Zadorov problem after Auston Matthews hit?

04:40: Whose injuries will impact the team more: the Toronto Maple or Vancouver Canucks?

07:30: What contributes to rookies staying in the NHL or going back to junior?

12:30: Is it more beneficial to remain with an NHL team without bouncing back and forth between leagues?

14:20: Who's more of a Stanley Cup contender: the New Jersey Devils or Anaheim Ducks?

19:30: How concerned should Team Canada be about Brayden Point's start?

22:15: What did Drew do when he got into a slump?

24:10: How much change do you think there will be from Team Canada's 4 Nations team and the Olympic team?

28:15: What would you like to see next year when NHL All-Star Weekend returns?

31:00: What was your favorite moment from the Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony?

33:15: Who gets traded first: Ryan O’Reilly or Nazem Kadri

36:00: Who will win the “hockey Cy Young,” a.k.a. the player with the most goals and fewest assists?

37:15: Who is on more of a hot seat: Craig Berube or Kris Knoblauch?

https://megaphone.link/ROUST2971439851

Watch the full episode on YouTube

Subscribe to The Hockey News Big Show on your preferred platform.

November 12, 2025

NHL Power Rankings: Avalanche Thrive As Leafs, Jackets And More Fall

This week on the NHL power rankings, we’re entering the unofficial playoff cutoff as American Thanksgiving approaches.

Historically, NHL teams that are well out of the playoff race at the end of November have a very minimal chance of making the playoffs, so if any team is looking to bank points before the races heat up again in March, now’s the time to do it. (Looking at you, Bruins).

But what a difference a week can make. The standings have been tight – 17 teams are within two points of each other! – and we’re starting to see some winning and losing streaks emerge. We thought the Bruins were done after losing six in a row, but they now have won seven in a row. The Mammoth looked like they were going to take a huge leap with six straight wins, only to lose five of their next six.

Injuries have been a big story this season, and it continues. Auston Matthews left last night after taking a hit from Nikita Zadorov, and Thatcher Demko didn’t finish the game against the Jets.Boone Jenner and Thomas Chabot also didn’t finish their games, and Frederik Andersen was pulled by a concussion spotter, though he’s not expected to miss any time at this moment. No doubt their absences can negatively affect their respective teams.

As for the NHL power rankings, the No. 1 team has started to pull away.

1. Colorado Avalanche (11-1-5, +25. PR: 1)

There’s little doubt the Avs are the best team in the league. They held the Ducks, who have the second-best offense, to just one goal in Tuesday’s big showdown, and they’re pulling ahead of the pack. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are early-season front-runners for the Hart and Norris, respectively.

2. Carolina Hurricanes (11-5-0, +14. PR: 4)

Three goalies? No problem. The Canes have been in this situation before, and it hasn’t really disrupted their rhythm at all this season. They’ve lost consecutive games just once this season.

3. Anaheim Ducks (11-4-1, +14. PR: 9)

The hype is totally real. Though they scored just one goal, they hung with the Avs for most of the game, and they might have the NHL’s most underrated elite goalie in Lukas Dostal. The Ducks are playing some freestyle offense under Joel Quenneville, which really suits them given the amount of scoring talent they have.

4. New Jersey Devils (11-4-1, +7. PR: 7)

All three of their games over the past week went into extra time, but they pulled off wins against the Habs and Pens, maintaining the advantage against two upstart East teams. Interesting development is the Devils rotating Jake Allen and Jacob Markstrom, one of the growing number of teams doing so.

5. Winnipeg Jets (10-6-0, +10. PR: 2)

The three-game losing streak was slightly concerning, but their offense picked up again, and Cole Perfetti will bolster their non-existent depth scoring. The lack of overtimes and loser points is hurting the Jets; they have three one-goal losses, all suffered in the third period. Had they at least forced extra time in those games, they would be tied for second in points in the standings.

6. Dallas Stars (10-4-3, -1. PR: 8)

It hasn’t been easy – the minus-1 goal differential is a little eyebrow-raising – but the Stars are 7-1-2 in their last 10 after a pretty slow start. The play of Miro Heiskanen this season, by the way, isn’t getting enough attention, and he has a chance to win his first Norris this season after being completely left off the ballot last season.

Who's Hot And Cold In The NHL: MacKinnon's On Fire, Marchessault SlumpsWho's hot – and who's not – in the NHL over the past week? An Avalanche superstar, the cornerstone of the Blackhawks and Red Wings goalies are among those on the list.

7. Los Angeles Kings (8-5-4, -2. PR: 15)

There was a little concern early in the season, but they’ve gone 7-2-2 since. The Kings had a comeback win against the Pens and continue to dominate the Habs, winning their ninth (!) straight against them since 2021.

8. Montreal Canadiens (10-4-2, +6. PR: 5)

I’m a little curious why the Habs have played Sam Montembeault four times in their last five games when a red-hot Jakub Dobes is an option. The Habs remain impressive, but two losses to conference opponents and then suffering their worst loss of the season Tuesday against the Kings bumps them down a few spots.

9. Pittsburgh Penguins (9-5-3, +9. PR: 13)

It’s Arturs Silovs’ show now with Tristan Jarry hurt, and there’s a lot of pressure to stay near the top of the standings. The Pens have lost six of their last nine but should have a good chance to sweep the Global Series against the Preds in Stockholm later this week. Cracks are showing, but the bottom has not fallen out yet.

10. Tampa Bay Lightning (8-5-2, +5. PR: 18)

I noted a couple weeks ago that we shouldn’t count out the Lightning because, well, it’s the Lightning. They’re now arguably the league’s hottest team and are 7-1-0 since their four-game losing streak, though injuries to Victor Hedman and Anthony Cirelli are slightly concerning. They’ve faced some tough opponents during that stretch with the only loss coming against the Avs, currently the best team in the league.

11. Vegas Golden Knights (7-4-4, +3. PR: 3)

It’s as if goaltending matters in this league. Clearly, the Knights either don’t feel confident with Akira Schmid in net or expect big things from Carl Lindbom down the road, otherwise they wouldn’t be rotating goalies like this. Their play in front of their goalies has been worrisome, too, and they’ve lost six of their last eight.

12. Utah Mammoth (9-7-0, +1. PR: 6)

I think fatigue is a factor here; the Mammoth have played eight of their last nine games on the road and lost five of their last six. What is more curious, however, is the lack of scoring on a team whose greatest strength is scoring. Clayton Keller has three points and Dylan Guenther has two goals in their last eight games.

13. Philadelphia Flyers (8-5-2, +4. PR: 14)

Is there a bigger dichotomy out there between how the Flyers are playing and the discourse surrounding Rick Tocchet? The Flyers are in playoff position, albeit tied with four other teams, but so far have exceeded expectations. This time last season, they already had a six-game losing streak.

14. Chicago Blackhawks (8-5-3, +12. PR: 22)

The Hawks had a tough start but since then have really lost one game where they probably should’ve won (Nov. 3 against the Kraken) and another that could’ve gone either way (Oct. 17 shootout against the Canucks). The standings are super tight, so do not be shocked if the Hawks make some big jumps over the next few weeks. They have the fourth-best goal differential in the league, which can be a better barometer of a team’s ability than its record.

Five NHL Favorites For Fewest Regular-Season PointsWhich NHL team will finish the regular season with the fewest points? Here are five favorites.

15. Detroit Red Wings (9-7-0, -5. PR: 10)

The Red Wings had a great start, but it’s starting to be undone with three straight losses and only two goals scored. Neither Cam Talbot nor John Gibson can win with that kind of goal support. Another long losing streak, and I swear we’re going back to doubting the Yzerplan again.

16. Boston Bruins (11-7-0, +3. PR: 25)

Ranked too low in the previous two weeks or just taking advantage of a soft part of their schedule? A little tough to say, but grinding out a 2-1 win against the Canes and then beating the Leafs in consecutive games – maybe this one’s not surprising – are definitely commendable feats. And they’re doing this with Morgan Geekie leading the team in goals.

17. Ottawa Senators (8-5-4, -2. PR: 28)

The Sens finally managed to win a game in regulation, and nearly half their games have gone to extra time. It’s hard to gauge a team when so many results have been decided by 3-on-3 and shootout gimmickry, but so far their depth has been very good.

18. San Jose Sharks (8-6-3, -2. PR: 30)

Ever since Ryan Warsofsky made that comment about trading his kid for a win, the Sharks have gone 8-3-1, so perhaps the apology wasn’t fully warranted. (Kidding). It’s worth noting for all the Macklin Celebrini highlights, the Sharks have held their opponents to just four goals in four games.

19. Washington Capitals (8-7-1, +7. PR: 16)

I think losing Pierre-Luc Dubois for most of the season is going to be a huge loss, and it highlights the Caps’ lack of depth at center. It’s a bad time, too, having lost six of their last eight.

20. Florida Panthers (8-7-1, -5. PR: 19)

It’s still not great, but it’s better. After losing four straight, the Panthers have alternated wins and losses. I think what’s most concerning, however, is that no one has really stepped up in Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk’s absence other than Brad Marchand.

21. Toronto Maple Leafs (8-8-1, -3. PR: 12)

Never mind the three-game losing streak, what might hurt most is losing Auston Matthews for an extended period of time. The Leafs have looked good at time this season, but nowhere near as good as they were last season or what people expected this season. Silver lining: Joseph Woll is returning soon.

22. Minnesota Wild (7-7-4, -8. PR: 23)

After a stretch of eight losses in nine games, the Wild have managed to get back on track, and getting better goaltending is no coincidence. They took advantage of the Preds, Flames, Isles and Canucks because some big tests against the Ducks, Knights, Canes and Jets loom in the coming weeks.

23. New York Islanders (8-6-2, even. PR: 26)

Big wins against the Rangers and Devils, so does that mean the Isles are the best team in the tri-state area? By the way, Ilya Sorokin’s line in October – 3-4-1, .877 SP, 3.40 GAA – versus his line in November – 2-0-1, .947 SP, 1.61 GAA. He’s back.

24. New York Rangers (8-7-2, -2. PR: 20)

No doubt having Vincent Trocheck helps a lot. After an embarrassing dearth of goals on home ice, the Rangers broke through in a big way against the Preds. I noted in previous weeks that the Rangers’ expected goals aren’t that poor, and the pucks should start going in soon. Even if you’re a pessimist, note the Rangers play at home only three times for the rest of the month.

25. Edmonton Oilers (7-6-4, -9. PR: 17)

What stuck out the most was an embarrassing 9-1 loss against the Avs. When Cale Makar scored from the same spot off the same play twice, it was a microcosm of the Oilers’ inability (stubbornness?) to adjust and change. You reap what you sow; the Oilers watched the same Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard we did and decided their best option was to run it back for a third time.

26. Columbus Blue Jackets (8-7-1, -1. PR: 11)

The Jackets at least ended their five-game road trip on a good note with a shootout win against the Kraken, allowing just one goal after allowing 17 in their previous four games. Consistency remains elusive, too, and they were just as streaky last season.

27. Seattle Kraken (7-4-5, -6. PR: 21)

The Kraken haven’t gone on any extended losing streaks like they did last season, which is positive, but they’ve also lost consecutive games four separate times already this season. They look a little more like the version that made the playoffs, but the story’s still the same – they can’t score.

28. Vancouver Canucks (8-9-1, -10. PR: 24)

Quinn Hughes looks like he might be playing hurt, and Thatcher Demko is definitely hurt. The Canucks are battling through injuries and managing to stay in games, but there continues to be an underlying current of frustration with the front office and management by the fan base. It’s not exactly toxic, but it’s not definitely helping, especially with what transpired last season.

Hall Of Fame D-Man Says Canucks' Quinn Hughes Is His Favorite To Watch, Paying Back ComplimentDuncan Keith has only been retired for three years, but the two-time Norris Trophy winner says so much has changed with the defense position: "Each generation does things that nobody has seen before."

29. St. Louis Blues (6-8-3, -18. PR: 27)

The Blues nearly blew a 3-0 lead against the Flames, and given the way their season has gone, it’s actually a minor miracle they’ve somehow managed to win six games already. It certainly helps that Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer are playing better.

30. Buffalo Sabres (5-6-4, -8. PR: 29)

Losing Rasmus Dahlin is a huge blow, and we’ll see what Bowen Byram and Owen Power are really made of in the coming weeks. They’ve lost six of their last seven, including four in overtime, and have not won in regulation in two weeks. The Sabres have a logjam in the crease, which makes the panic signing of Alexandar Georgiev all the funnier.

31. Nashville Predators (5-9-4, -18. PR: 31)

If there’s a team that has the bleakest outlook, it’s certainly the Preds. Ryan O’Reilly was unnecessarily harsh on himself – perhaps he was deflecting – but there is some underlying truth to what he was saying. For many of the Preds’ vets, their best seasons are well behind them. They’re saddled with big contracts that will be tough to move.

32. Calgary Flames (4-12-2, -20. PR: 32)

The Flames have lost three straight and scored just two goals, quickly overtaking the Rangers as the league’s most offensively inept team. With dates against Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard coming up, they have zero chance if they can’t score goals.

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November 12, 2025

Women’s 100m final moved up to LA28 opening day in Olympics rejig

Sha’Carri Richardson hails athletics ‘having its moment’
‘Innovative schedule also honours tradition,’ says Coe

The women’s 100m final will headline the first day of competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics as part of organisers’ plans to “open with a bang”.

The surprise decision, which will lead to all three rounds of the 100m taking place on the same day, was welcomed by the US sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson, who said it showed that “track and field is having its moment”.

November 12, 2025

Tottenham supporters’ trust blames ‘unaffordable’ tickets for poor atmosphere

Europa League prices last season praised as ‘sensible’
Trust asks Tottenham to make ticketing fair

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) has said “unaffordable” ticket prices are behind the declining atmosphere at the club’s stadium.

Spurs have won three of 20 home Premier League games in 2025 in their 62,850-seat ground. Although the venue came alive during last season’s successful Europa League campaign, the club’s return to the Champions League has resulted in crowds of 54,755 and 49,565 for home fixtures against Villarreal and Copenhagen.

November 12, 2025

Michael Ray Richardson, four-time All-Star banned from NBA for violating drug policy in the 1980s, dies

Michael Ray Richardson, a versatile guard who was banned from the NBA for violating its drug policy in the 1980s, died Tuesday. He was 70.

Richardson’s attorney and close friend, John Zelbst, confirmed his death to The Associated Press. Richardson, who had prostate cancer, died at his Lawton, Oklahoma, home, with his wife, Kimberly, present. News outlet Andscape first reported the death of Richardson, whose first name was alternately spelled Micheal over the years.

Richardson was a three-time All-Big Sky Conference player at Montana before being selected No. 4 in the 1978 NBA draft, two slots ahead of Larry Bird. He played for the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets. In eight years, he was a four-time All-Star who led the league in steals three times.

The NBA mourns the passing of four-time All-Star Michael Ray Richardson. Michael dedicated his post-NBA career to using his life story to teach life skills to young people. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/f3TnT80b81
— NBA (@NBA) November 11, 2025

He was banned in 1986 after violating the drug policy for cocaine use. He played in the Continental Basketball Association and then finished his career in Europe. He later won five championships as a coach in the Continental Basketball Association and NBL Canada.

“It was a life of redemption and winning,” Zelbst said. “Redemption and winning. It’s incredible.”

In 1979-80, Richardson averaged 15.3 points per game for the Knicks and led the league in assists (10.1 per game) and steals (3.2).

“He was just an incredible player, and no one had seen anybody like him at that time,” Zelbst said. “He was Magic (Johnson) before Magic.”

In 1984, he led the Nets to a stunning playoff upset of the defending champion Philadelphia 76ers and stars Moses Malone and Julius Erving.

In his best NBA season, 1984-85 with New Jersey, Richardson was named the NBA’s comeback player of the year after averaging 20.1 points and 8.2 assists and a league-best 3.0 steals per contest.

He played one more NBA season before his ban.

“He got kicked out of the league, got sober and never went back to it,” Zelbst said.

Richardson coached the Oklahoma/Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry to three championships - in the CBA in 2008 and 2009 and in the Premier Basketball League in 2010. He also led the London Lightning to two NBL Canada championships. He returned to Lawton and spent much of the time in his later years guiding young Black men in the area.

Zelbst, who owned the Cavalry and Lightning, said Richardson was one of the best people he knew.

“Anybody that ever met him would just be fascinated by him,” Zelbst said. “He was such a bright light and I’m going to dearly miss him. He turned out to be my best pal, and it’s just heartbreaking.”

November 12, 2025

NBA Revenue Projected to Hit $14.3B During 2025-26 Season

The NBA season is off to a hot start with close games and soaring viewership under its new media deal with Amazon, ESPN/ABC and NBC. The league’s accountants are also expecting a big year with gross projected revenue of $14.3 billion, up 12% from last season’s $12.75 billion, according to someone familiar with the forecast.

This tally includes league and team revenue outside of the money clubs make from non-NBA events, such as concerts, at arenas they operate or own. The figures were shared with league owners in September. The NBA declined to comment on the financial projections.

More from Sportico.com

The growth is fueled by the league’s new 11-year, $76 billion media deal, which bumps each team’s TV revenue from $103 million to $143 million this season. The payouts rise roughly 7% per year on average, putting each team on track for $281 million for the 2034-35 season, based on a 30-team league. Forty years ago, each NBA team received roughly $1.5 million from national TV.

The 30 NBA teams generated $12.25 billion, or $408 million per club, in revenue during the 2024-25 season, including non-NBA events and excluding certain money that stays at the league level for investment and operations. The revenues ranged from $833 million for the Golden State Warriors to $301 million for the Memphis Grizzlies. The tally is net of revenue-sharing that transferred roughly $400 million to low-revenue teams last year, funded by high-revenue teams and 50% of luxury tax proceeds.

By comparison, NFL teams made $22.2 billon, MLB clubs made $12.75 billion, NHL franchises made $7.7 billion and MLS sides made $2.2 billion.

Basketball-related income, which is used to set the salary cap, was $10.25 billion last season, dinged by a choppy local media environment and multiple small-market teams reaching the conference finals, which impacted postseason gate receipts. It meant that more than $480 million went back to teams from the escrow fund set to ensure a 51-49 revenue split between players and owners.

The average NBA franchise is worth $5.51 billion, per Sportico’s NBA team valuations. That figure is up 20% versus last year and 113% from 2022, when the average was $2.58 billion.

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November 12, 2025

Pros and Cons: Should the Yankees sign Alex Bregman?

The Yankees went into the 2025 season without an everyday third baseman.

Manager Aaron Boone started with Oswaldo Cabrera at the hot corner, but once he suffered a season-ending injury, he had to use youngster Oswald Peraza and even shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. from second to fill the spot.

Of course, it didn't work offensively or defensively, forcing GM Brian Cashman to finally address the position and trade for Ryan McMahon at the deadline.

Should the Yanks be content with McMahon starting at third base next year? It's an interesting quandary as there are many more pressing needs to address this offseason -- namely, the outfield -- but if an upgrade is available at third base, should Cashman take a look?

Alex Bregman, after a successful season with the Red Sox, is a free agent again and could be an intriguing option. Should the Yankees reach out to the All-Star?

Here are the pros and cons...

PROS

Bregman was a free agent last offseason and landed with the Red Sox after signing a three-year, $120 million deal, but opted out to test free agency again. Why would he do that? Well, Bregman was the Red Sox's MVP in 2025, at least for the first half of the season.

Bregman entered May batting .328 with seven home runs and was still hitting .299 by the end of the month. However, he suffered a quad injury that wiped out the third baseman's June and some of July.

Once Bregman returned, however, he picked up where he left off, finishing with a triple slash of .273/.360/.462 with an OPS of .822 to go along with 18 home runs and 62 RBI.

Bregman notched his third All-Star selection in 2025 and was the veteran presence a young Red Sox team needed. There are plenty of stories that showcased Bregman's leadership in the Boston locker room, and they needed it with the Rafael Devers drama -- something that started in spring training and seeped into the regular season.

Having Bregman there likely helped the Boston front office make the decision to trade their star slugger and it didn't deter the team. Bregman helped lead the Red Sox to the postseason and to a do-or-die Game 3 in the Wild Card series against the Yankees. That type of leadership wouldn't hurt in the Yankees locker room, especially for a young infield group.

In those three postseason games, Bregman was 3-for-10 with a double and two walks. His career postseason numbers are solid and he has the mental fortitude to not let the moment get too big for him.

And then there's the defense. While he may not be as good defensively as McMahon, he won a Gold Glove in 2024 and was in the 83rd percentile for outs above average (3) in MLB.

Compare Bregman's numbers to McMahon's. The left-handed bat slashed .214/.312/.381 with an OPS of .693 between the Rockies and Yankees in 2025 with 20 home runs, just two more longballs than Bregman in 40 more games. Simply put, Bregman's offense is an upgrade to McMahon's.

CONS

Bregman will enter his age-32 season next year, which, while not old, means his better years could be behind him. And they have McMahon (30) already under contract.

With age comes injury and we saw it in 2025. Bregman missed a good chunk of time and there's always risk for those soft tissue injuries as players get older. And while Bregman's offense hasn't really taken a step back, it's hard to deny he benefited from playing in Houston and Boston over the years. Those ballparks are great for right-handed hitters, which is the opposite at Yankee Stadium.

Although I believe Bregman is a hitter's hitter, and could change his approach to match his surroundings, it's hard to deny the numbers.

In 28 career games at Yankee Stadium, he's slashed .241/.336/.380 with an OPS of .716 and just four home runs. That includes going 7-for-20 (.438) in four games played in the Bronx in 2025.

And then you have to think about the contract. Bregman walked away from $40 million in 2026, so what will he look for this time around? The third baseman will look for, perhaps, his final big contract -- and the Yankees shouldn't dedicate that kind of money to a position that's technically already filled. They have to figure out their outfield, fill out their bullpen, and get reinforcements for the starting rotation before thinking about a third baseman.

VERDICT

The Yankees missed the boat when they didn't pursue Bregman more aggressively a year ago. Now that they have McMahon under contract through the 2027 season, adding the All-Star feels more like excess than filling a need.

Should Cashman reach out to see what can be done? Sure. But with payroll the way it is, and the holes still needing to be filled, adding Bregman doesn't feel necessary.

November 12, 2025

Griffins Begin Homestand Against Marlies, Returning NHL Star

The Grand Rapids Griffins open a two-game homestand on Wednesday and Friday, beginning with a highly anticipated matchup against the Toronto Marlies. Grand Rapids has been dominant to start the season, winning eight straight games before falling in a shootout against the Chicago Wolves. Now, they shift their focus to the Marlies, who will feature the return of Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll on an AHL conditioning stint.

Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) on XIT’S GAME DAY‼️ Wake up we got a game to play #GoGRG 📍 : Van Andel Arena ⏰ : 11 AM 💻 : AHLTV on FloHockey https://t.co/K1zdGDHoeZ 📻 : 96.1 The Game https://t.co/eP1wPsALbI

Woll’s return comes at a crucial time for the Maple Leafs, who have struggled defensively this season. Toronto has allowed 65 goals, tied with the Nashville Predators for the most in the NHL. The pressure has largely fallen on Anthony Stolarz, who has shouldered a heavy workload with Woll sidelined. Stolarz has started 12 of the Leafs’ 15 games, posting a 6-5-1 record with a 3.35 goals-against average and an .889 save percentage. Without Woll’s steady play, the Leafs’ goaltending tandem has lacked balance, making this rehab assignment a major storyline for both the NHL and AHL clubs.

Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) on XROOLLLL CALLLL @Acrisure | #GoGRG

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

Woll made his season debut last Saturday for the Marlies against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, stopping 21 of 24 shots in a 3-2 loss. He will get the start again on Wednesday as Toronto fans watch closely, hoping this appearance marks the final step before his NHL return.

The Griffins, meanwhile, continue to roll offensively with forward John Leonard as one of the hottest scorers in the league. With nine goals and three assists for 12 points in eight games, the 27-year-old is producing at a 1.50 points-per-game pace, the second-best average in the AHL. He has scored in six of his eight appearances and carries an active eight-game point streak that includes three multi-goal performances. Playmaker Amadeus Lombardi has also been a key contributor with assists in seven of Grand Rapids’ nine games, including an active five-game assist streak.

Hockeytown West Podcast (@HockeytownWpod) on XLooks like the Griffins might get to face goaltender Joseph Woll tomorrow for the annual school day game 👀 #GoGRG #LGRW

Grand Rapids will look to test Woll early and often, but they have goaltending concerns of their own. With both of their regular netminders injured in the last game, the Griffins will turn to ECHL call-ups Carter Gylander and newly signed Luke Pavicich to handle duties in goal.

Wednesday’s matchup promises high intensity and plenty of offense as the Griffins aim to make a statement against an NHL-caliber goaltender. Puck drop is set for 11 a.m. EST. Fans can listen live on WOOD 106.9 FM and 1300 AM or stream the action on AHLTV via FloHockey.

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November 12, 2025

Pros and Cons: Should the Mets sign Kyle Schwarber?

The designated hitter spot is one of the positions that the Mets have struggled to get consistent production out of since it became a full-time spot in the National League in 2022. Outside of the second half and playoff run from Jesse Winker in 2024, the Mets have not extracted enough value from having an additional hitter in the lineup.

This winter presents an option that could provide elite production at the DH spot in the second-best pure DH in the sport (behind Shohei Ohtani) -- free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber.

In 2025, Schwarber slashed .240/.365/.563 (.928 OPS), was second in baseball with 56 home runs, and led baseball in runs batted in with 132. He was named an MVP finalist along with Ohtani and Juan Soto.

Despite turning 33 years old before the 2026 season begins, Schwarber should still have a healthy market. Most projections indicate he could be looking at a four-year deal, potentially reaching five years, with an average annual value in the neighborhood of $30-32 million per season.

Here are the pros and cons of New York signing Schwarber…

PROS

Over the last four seasons, Schwarber has not hit fewer than 38 home runs and has exceeded 45 in three of those four. He is tied with Ohtani for second in baseball in home runs during that stretch with 187, trailing only Aaron Judge. Simply put, he is one of the most prolific power hitters in the sport.

As mentioned above, the Mets' primary designated hitters since 2022 have been names like Daniel Vogelbach, Darin Ruf, Winker, and Starling Marte. Schwarber would step right in and be a significant value add at the position.

If the Mets were to make a huge swing at Schwarber, it could allow president of baseball operations David Stearns to pursue his plan of improving the team’s defense. If that meant Pete Alonso departing as a free agent, the Mets would at least have the power that they’d be losing covered with Schwarber.

Beyond the baseline statistics, if you look under the hood, it might even be better.

Schwarber’s Baseball Savant page is mostly lit up red like Christmas lights. He was in the 98th percentile in average exit velocity, 99th percentile in barrel percentage, 100th percentile in hard hit rate, 98th percentile in bat speed, and 97th percentile in walk percentage. Pretty good.

Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; National League designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with his teammates after hitting in the swing off after the 2025 MLB All Star Game ended in a tie at Truist Park. / Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

CONS

The power numbers are gaudy, and the walks along with them help raise Schwarber’s floor.

I am personally not the biggest batting average proponent you will meet, but extremes in any category matter. The last two years, Schwarber has settled into hitting in the .240s, which would be perfectly fine in combination with his walk rate and power.

However, in 2022 and 2023, he hit .218 and .197, respectively, and he is a career .231 hitter. If the Mets are confident in the adjustments he has made over the last two years, that would work.

But if Schwarber is hitting near the Mendoza line and striking out at nearly a 30 percent clip while tied up to a long-term, big money contract, that won’t be received quite as well.

With Schwarber being essentially a position-less, full-time DH, it allows for zero flexibility to give Alonso or other players days as a DH unless you are sitting Schwarber.

Looking beyond 2026, is there a point in the next four to five years that Brandon Nimmo needs to be more of a DH? How about Soto? Ultimately, it would be a commitment that going forward, Schwarber is the DH and those two are in the corner outfield as they continue to age.

It is Stearns’ job to be pragmatic and operate in what he believes is in the best interest of the organization, but it would be naïve to think there is zero emotion attached to decisions that are made. Is he going to be willing to give a big contract to Schwarber that he could potentially just bring Alonso back for?

Jun 20, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) steals second under New York Mets infielder Jeff McNeil (1) in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images / © Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

VERDICT

Unlike with Munetaka Murakami, who can play a couple of positions, I think Schwarber only makes sense if the Mets do not re-sign Alonso.

If Alonso continues to seek the reported seven-year type of deal, then a pivot to Schwarber makes a lot more sense. If not Alonso or Schwarber, the Mets may struggle to land a proven slugger this offseason. That would make the lineup just feel light, even if there are other pivots.

One of the big things to consider is timing.

It is realistic to predict Alonso’s free agency to last beyond the new year or maybe even into February. Schwarber’s market is likely much more defined, and a decision by the Mets to pivot would likely have to be made in the next few weeks.

Much like I believe the Mets cannot exit this offseason without a frontline starter, I don’t believe they can come out of it without a thumper in the lineup.

If Alonso is going to hold out and be patient, the Mets may not be able to have the same patience that they did last winter. And wouldn’t it be a statement move to pull Schwarber away from the division rival Phillies?