Prop #1: Donovan Clingan to record a double-double
-135 at bet365
The Portland Trail Blazers are just barely clinging onto a play-in spot in the Western Conference, but Donovan Clingan is doing his best to bring his team to the promised land.
The sophomore center has logged 31 double-doubles this season — good for eighth-most in the NBA — and he enters Sunday with a double-double in each of his last six contests.
Clingan is averaging 15.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game this month, so I don’t see him slowing down in a big game vs. the Denver Nuggets.
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: BlazerVision, Altitude
Prop #2: Jayson Tatum Under 2.5 threes
+105 at bet365
Jayson Tatum returned to the Boston Celtics lineup earlier this month following a 10-month rehab from an Achilles tendon rupture.
Unsurprisingly, the C’s star has not looked quite like himself since getting back on the court. He's shooting just 29.4% from 3-point range, well under his career average of 36.9%. He’s also made Under 2.5 threes in three of his last four games.
The Minnesota Timberwolves rank sixth in the league in threes allowed per game (12.5), so the treys won’t come easily for Tatum.
The rookie is averaging just 7.3 boards per game, so the line being set at 10.5 is a bit ambitious. Raynaud has also logged Under 10.5 rebounds in four of his last five contests.
The Brooklyn Nets are averaging just 84.6 field goal attempts per game — the third-fewest in the NBA. There won’t be many rebounds available, and Raynaud will hit the Under for a third straight game.
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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a new six-year contract with opening day starter Cristopher Sánchez.
The deal announced Sunday for last season's NL Cy Young Award runner-up begins in 2027 and will run through 2032 with a club option for 2033.
Terms were not immediately available.
Sánchez had been pitching under a $22.5 million, four-year contract that was through 2028.
He went 13-5 with a 2.50 ERA in 32 starts last season and struck out a career-high 212 batters. He's 30-21 overall in four full big league seasons.
Originally signed by the Tampa Bay Rays as an amateur free agent in 2013, Sánchez was acquired in a trade by the Phillies on Nov. 20, 2019, for infielder Curtis Mead.
Mead played in just 41 games for the Chicago White Sox last season while Sánchez has blossomed into one of the best pitchers in baseball and helped key the Phillies' run to consecutive NL East titles in 2024 and 2025.
The Phillies want to keep their postseason run going — four straight appearances headed into 2026 — and have locked up all veteran members of their staff to long-term deals.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies runs during the 11th inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game four of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 09, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This current Phillies era of being October regulars began in 2022, when they got in as the final NL Wild Card and then went on a run to the World Series before falling to the Astros. In the three years since, they’ve made the postseason every time and won the NL East in the last two seasons. However, they haven’t been able to match that postseason run in the years since, having lost in the NLDS in both of the last two seasons.
This season, they’ll go in on the shortlist of NL favorites again, although questions still remain. Can this be the year they return to the Fall Classic and even win it, or will the season end in frustration again?
Philadelphia Phillies 2025 Record: 96-66 (1st in NL East) 2026 FanGraphs Projection: 87-75 (3rd in NL East, 2nd NL Wild Card)
On the offensive side of things, the Phillies will run out a fairly similar lineup to last year. There are some differences, and there could’ve been even more, but they ended up re-signing Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, meaning the core of what their lineup has been in recent years in still intact.
The biggest difference on that front is in right field. After a turbulent end to his Phillies’ career, Nick Castellanos was released by the team back before spring training got going. Earlier in the offseason, they signed former Rangers All-Star and 2023 World Series winner Adolis García, and he’ll likely handle most of the duties in right. Offensively, that change may be a bit of a wash, at least based on what he and Castellanos did last year. Defensively, though, it should be a big improvement. While he’s won a Gold Glove in right in the past, García doesn’t grade out as one of the best at that spot anymore, but Castellanos was one of the worst defensive right fielders around in recent years. It shouldn’t be hard to better that.
The main worry around their offense is just that everyone is a year older with another year of wear and tear on their bodies. Bryce Harper is still an excellent hitter, but not at the 170 wRC+ level that he was in his early years in Philly. Trea Turner is coming off the second best season of his career according to fWAR and there’s no guarantees that he can be good to that extent again. J.T. Realmuto still rates very good defensively, but was below average last year and is projected to be again this year. Odds are that not everyone will regress enough to make them miss the playoffs or anything, but if one or two do, they could fall behind in the NL East race.
The Phillies’ actual biggest loss of the offseason came in the rotation. Pitcher Ranger Suarez left in free agency, signing with the Red Sox. Even taking him out of it, the Phillies’ rotation was very good last year, but Suarez has consistently been a solid to very good pitcher since he became a full-time member of Philly’s rotation in 2022.
Some of their hopes in replace him land on prospect Andrew Painter. Since 2022, Painter has been pretty consistently rated in top 100 prospect lists, ranking has high as the top ten at points. The 2025 MiLB season was his first full one after missing most of 2023 and ‘24 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He didn’t post the best numbers in his 22 starts at Triple-A, but they’re hoping another year back from the surgery and his prospect pedigree will improve things. Even besides him, led by Cristopher Sánchez and the recently-extended Jesús Luzardo, the Phillies should have a strong rotation, which will also be bolstered by the return of Zack Wheeler, who missed time due to blood clots last year, at some point.
The bullpen will also be key for the Phillies this year. While several members of their 2025 bullpen put up good numbers, it was occasionally a turbulent year in that area for them. That led to them making a deal for Jhoan Duran at the trade deadline last year, and further adding to the mix by signing Brad Keller, on top of making a couple minor deals for backend guys. There’s certainly hope that the ‘pen will be a strength for them in ‘26.
The projections expect them to fall back to the pack in the division, but a lot of that is because they all seem to expect bounce back seasons from the Mets and especially the Braves. However, it wouldn’t remotely be a surprise to see the Phillies take the NL East again. For their sake though, they probably need another deep October run.
More Pinstripe Alley MLB team season previews can be found here.
MESA, AZ - MARCH 21: Lan-Hong Su #41 of the San Diego Padres pitches during the game between the San Diego Padres and the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on Saturday, March 21, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Aryanna Frank/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Ty France celebrated the news that he made the Opening Day roster for the San Diego Padres by getting the start at second base when the Padres took on the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Fields of Phoenix on Saturday. San Diego lost the contest 6-1, but France finished his outing with a 1-for-3 performance. Randy Vasquez started on the mound for the Padres and worked through the first three innings without allowing a run. Over the final 2.1 innings of his outing the Brewers scored four runs on five hits, three of which were home runs, en route to the win. Mason Miller also surrendered two runs, one of which was earned, on two hits over 2/3 of an inning. The lone run in the game for San Diego came on a solo home run by Francisco Acuna in the top of the ninth inning.
The Padres host the Arizona Diamondbacks at the Peoria Sports Complex on Sunday at 6:10 p.m.
Padres News:
Walker Buehler had the opportunity to sign with other teams on major league deals this offseason, but he chose to sign a minor league deal with the Padres and earn his way onto the team. He did just that with it being announced on Saturday that he made the Opening Day roster. Buehler is now one part of the rotation group that has the Friar Faithful concerned about the upcoming season.
The San Diego Padres prospects lost their Spring Breakout game to the Chicago Cubs prospects, 7-5, but the story of the game for the San Diego organization was catcher Ethan Salas. The No. 2 prospect for the Padres went 2-for-3 and that included a monster home run to right field.
CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Phillies opening day roster has come into focus, with little surprise.
President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski announced Sunday that rookies Justin Crawford and Andrew Painter had both made the club.
Crawford, 22, will start in center field when the Phillies open the season Thursday against the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park.
Painter, who will turn 23 on April 10, is slated to start the fifth game of the season March 31 against Washington.
Both Crawford and Painter were expected to make the club. They both firmed up their status with strong spring-training performances.
“They’ve had good camps, both of them,” Dombrowski said. “Crawford has done very well for himself. He’s played well in center field. He’s contributed from an offensive perspective. Again, he’ll hit ninth most of the time. You’ll have to suffer the ups and the downs, which happens with young guys, but we like him a lot. He’s meshed well. I think he brings a youthful enthusiasm, which is always great for a team, as does Painter. He can fly. He brings another dimension to our club with a legitimate base stealer. He’s earned his spot.
“Painter has also had a good camp. He just keeps building on what he has. His velocity has been good, very good actually, but more impressive has been his breaking stuff. We’re very happy with him. He’s earned it.”
Most of the roster intrigue coming into camp centered around the bullpen and the bench. There figured to be two openings in the bullpen. That grew to three when it was announced that Orion Kerkering would begin the season on the injured list as he continues to build arm strength after being slowed early in camp by a hamstring strain. Kerkering, who will pitch in a minor-league game Monday, could be ready to go in a couple of weeks. He will not be with the club for opening day.
Right-hander Zach Pop and lefties Kyle Backhus and Tim Mayza claimed the final three bullpen spots. Mayza came to camp on a minor-league deal. The veteran has recorded at least 50 appearances five times in his career, most of which was spent with Toronto. Pop was signed in the offseason as a free agent and the side-arming Backhus came over in a December trade with Arizona.
Reliever Zach McCambley, a Rule 5 pick, did not make the club. He will have a chance to return to the Miami Marlins.
Otto Kemp and Dylan Moore both won spots on the bench. The right-handed hitting Kemp could platoon in left field with Brandon Marsh. Edmundo Sosa remains the Phillies’ top player off the bench. He could platoon at second base with Bryson Stott.
Moore essentially gets the final spot on the bench because he can play all over the diamond. Outfielder Bryan De La Cruz, in camp on a minor-league deal, opened eyes, but the Phillies want him to play regularly and keep his bat sharp at Triple A.
Rafael Marchan will be the backup catcher for the second year in a row. He beat out Garrett Stubbs, who could end up with another big-league club in a trade or go back to Triple A as insurance. Stubbs’ situation could take several days to clear up.
If Stubbs does not remain in the organization, the Phillies’ catching depth will take a hit. Rene Pinto, who has 82 games of big-league experience, and Caleb Ricketts, who has not played above Double A, are next on the depth chart, Dombrowski said.
Ace pitcher Zack Wheeler will open on the injured list. He could be ready to go in a month. Wheeler will pitch in a minor-league game Monday. The Phillies’ Triple A pitching depth will include veteran Bryse Wilson, Jean Cabrera and Alan Rangel.
Barring something unforeseen, here is the 26-man roster the Phillies will file with Major League Baseball on Wednesday.
STARTING PITCHERS – Cristopher Sanchez (L), Aaron Nola, Jesus Luzardo (L), Taijuan Walker, Andrew Painter
BULLPEN – Jhoan Duran, Jose Alvarado (L), Brad Keller, Tanner Banks (L), Jonathan Bowlan, Kyle Backhus (L), Zach Pop, Tim Mayza (L)
KVITFJELL, Norway (AP) — Dominik Paris won his second race in two days Sunday as Italy went a perfect four-from-four at the World Cup finals.
A day after winning the downhill, Paris also was the fastest in the super-G, beating Austrians Vincent Kriechmayr by 0.07 and Raphael Haaser by 0.38 seconds.
“It's a surprise for me,” Paris said. “When I saw the green light at the finish line, I had to look twice because I couldn't believe it.”
Paris also won two World Cup races in one weekend in the Norwegian resort a year ago.
On the women’s side, Sofia Goggia and Laura Pirovano triumphed in the super-G and downhill races, respectively, and both secured the discipline title this weekend.
That, though, didn’t apply to Paris, as Swiss star Marco Odermatt had already been confirmed as the World Cup super-G and downhill champion a week ago, when he also locked up his fifth overall title.
Odermatt had a disappointing run in the last super-G of the season when he finished 1.97 seconds behind Paris in 19th, meaning he didn’t even score World Cup points.
“It’s always much cooler if you can collect another globe after a good performance, but today was my worst performance in many years,” he said.
Odermatt is the only skier with multiple super-G wins this season, and he singled out his triumph in Kitzbühel in January as his best one.
“It’s for me the biggest super-G we have on the World Cup tour, and to win there the second time now in a row was a really cool race for me, a lot of emotions,” said Odermatt, who added Olympic bronze a few weeks later.
The next men’s race at the finals is Tuesday’s giant slalom, where Odermatt can secure his fourth globe of the season. He leads the GS standings by 48 points over second-placed Lucas Pinheiro Braathen.
Troy Terry is enjoying the most productive season of his career, averaging a point per game for the first time in Year 1 under Joel Quenneville.
Riding shotgun with budding star Leo Carlsson, he's well-positioned to build on his strong totals against the Buffalo Sabres. Terry headlines my three NHL player props and NHL picks for Sunday, March 22.
Best NHL player prop bets today
Player
Ehlers Over 0.5 points
-140
Harley Over 1.5 blocked shots
-135
Terry Over 0.5 points
-135
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Our best NHL player props for Sunday, March 22
Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.
Prop #1: Nikolaj Ehlers Over 0.5 points
-140 at BET99
Nikolaj Ehlers is playing his best hockey since joining the Carolina Hurricanes. He has hit the scoresheet in 12 of his last 18 games, tallying 17 points along the way.
He’s in a good spot to continue producing against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who rank Bottom-6 in shots, expected goals, and goals allowed at 5-on-5 over their last 10 games.
They've also struggled to keep the puck out in back-to-backs this season. The Penguins have conceded an average of 3.40 goals over the last 10 second legs they have played.
Expect the red-hot Ehlers to take advantage.
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FDSN-South, SportsNet-Pittsburgh
Prop #2: Thomas Harley Over 1.5 blocked shots
-135 at BET99
Death, taxes, and Thomas Harley blocking shots against the Vegas Golden Knights. He's picked up at least two in six straight head-to-head meetings and 12 of the last 13.
There should be plenty of volume to step in front of again tonight. The Golden Knights sit 10th in total attempts this season and have scored once during their three-game losing streak.
They don’t have a lot of wiggle room in the playoff race and will be desperate to jumpstart the offense and distance themselves from the teams trying to hunt them down.
Look for Harley to be active in the defensive zone.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SCRIPPS, Victory+
Prop #3: Troy Terry Over 0.5 points
-135 at BET99
Troy Terry has averaged 2.59 points per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play while riding shotgun with No. 1 center Leo Carlsson. That is high-end first-line efficiency for the Anaheim Ducks.
Given as much, it should be no surprise Terry has points in eight of 11 home games in which he has skated with Carlsson.
The Buffalo Sabres are a good team, but they rank 22nd in expected goals against at 5-on-5 over their last 10. They also play a high-event brand of hockey and have conceded more than 30 shots on average spanning the past 10 road dates.
Terry and the Ducks’ offense should cause the Sabres problems.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MARCH 7: Marcelo Mayer #11 of the Boston Red Sox patrols the infield during a spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on March 7, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yesterday, manager Alex Cora announced that Marcelo Mayer would be the starting second baseman for the 2026 Red Sox. Thus concludes one of the sillier spring training storylines we’ve seen in a long time. There was never really any baseball reason to suggest that either Isiah Kiner-Falefa or Andruw Monasterio would make more sense for the big league team than Mayer, even considering Mayer’s struggles at the plate in his first taste of the majors last year. But Cora says he “wanted to push him.” (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)
As a domino move that corresponded with Mayer making the big league team, Krisitian Campbell was officially sent down to AAA. This isn’t surprising, though Cora did sound surprised by some of the things he saw from Campbell in Fort Myers. “The strikeouts were going up and the walks going down, and that’s not him. He’s a guy who controls the strike zone and doesn’t swing and miss. That didn’t happen during camp.” (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)
I’m all for making Marcelo earn his spot in theory. But the problem with putting that theory into practice is that no serious and intelligent front office would ever base any meaningful decisions on spring training performances, marked as they are by small sample sizes and variable competition. Case in point: Garrett Crochet had another rough start yesterday to close out a pretty rough spring overall. But no one seems concerned, nor should they. To quote Crochet: “Whatever.” (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
Willson Contreras’s spring didn’t go exactly to plan either, as he ended up on the bench for Venezuela’s run to the World Baseball Classic championship. But it doesn’t sound like he minds one bit: “I think it’s the best experience of my life. I played in the World Series in ‘16, and it was big, but playing in the WBC for your country, for 37 million people, means a lot more to me. And I enjoyed every single second, every single part of it. I soaked that in, and it was the best.” (Hayden Bird, Boston.com)
Someone who did have a good spring, even if it won’t result in making a big league team, is D’Angelo Ortiz. Little Papi got his first spring hit. “Hopefully he was watching,” he said of his legendary father. “If he wasn’t watching, we’ve got a problem.” (Ian Browne, MLB.com)
John Calipari, that clever ol’ dog. He just unleashed the oldest strategy in the book.
Calipari played possum his final few NCAA Tournament appearances at Kentucky. Jack Gohlke poked Cal with a stick, and there was no movement. Big Blue Nation took Calipari for roadkill, boxed him up and gladly shipped him off to Arkansas.
Calipari continued the act and rolled over the first few months into his first season at Arkansas. Kentucky fans must have thought they’d suckered Arkansas with a Trojan horse, while the Razorbacks lost six straight games in January 2025.
Stick a fork in him, eh? Calipari’s been cooked to a crisp, right?
Nope, just a veteran move. Never set the bar too high, too fast. Rein in expectations, then hit the gas.
Well, look at Calipari now. He's speeding into a second consecutive Sweet 16 with Arkansas, pedal to the metal, cruise set to 90 in the hammer lane.
Folks, this rascal rope-a-doped us! He’s still got a punch left in him yet.
How John Calipari doubled down at Arkansas
Calipari hasn’t changed all that much, either. When he crashed out at Kentucky, he encountered fair criticism he’d not leaned into the transfer portal enough, preferring instead to stick to an assembly line of A-list freshmen. Calipari’s one-and-done bonanza worked well for a while at Kentucky, but then old teams started winning in March, and Calipari’s ‘Cats took a beating from a 24-year-old sharpshooter who transferred to Oakland from Division II.
Surely, for Calipari to resurrect his career, he’d have to navigate away from his super frosh ways, yes?
“It's going to be hard for me to change,” Calipari said of how he builds his roster, two weeks before he left Kentucky for Arkansas.
Well, perhaps he won’t have to change.
Instead of entering the transfer sweepstakes, Calipari doubled down with more McDonald’s All-Americans. Combine Calipari’s recruiting chops with the Tyson chicken man’s checkbook, and Arkansas’ roster swiftly took on a shade of blue-chippers.
Never mind transfers, because Calipari hooked five-star teenagers Darius Acuff Jr. and Maleek Thomas.
Roll out the basketball, and wee! Look at them go.
Acuff went off for 36 points in a second-round win against High Point. Thomas added 19.
Who needs transfers, when you've got freshmen like these two?
Arkansas will go as far as Darius Acuff takes it
To be fair, Calipari did crack the door to some transfers. His lineup features a healthy mix of youngbloods and old bucks who’ve made a few laps around the schoolyard.
Make no mistake, though, this is Acuff’s team. It's the freshman’s show.
"We put it in his hands, and I trust him, and the team trusts him," Calipari said on TNT after the second-round win against an upset-minded High Point team.
This being the year of the freshman in college basketball, Duke's Cameron Boozer sucks up a lot of the spotlight, and still nobody’s outplaying Acuff. He’s surging up the NBA mock draft boards, too.
Acuff’s point totals in the past six games: 36. 24. 30. 24. 37. 28.
Mercy, he's good, and he needed to be against High Point, considering Arkansas' defense took a nap.
Kentucky fans must be having flashbacks. Acuff is just the type of talent Calipari used to bring to Lexington, Kentucky. More studs are on the way, too. Calipari’s latest signing class includes three five-star recruits. And, at Kentucky? Zero. As in, zero recruits, period.
Mark Pope is toiling away with pricey transfers, and while the second-year Kentucky coach tries to meet the unrelenting demands of college basketball's most rabid fan base, Calipari's got his swagger back at Arkansas, free of the pressures of the Kentucky job.
To be clear, ‘Cats fans were within their right to be miffed at Calipari in the last few years of his tenure. He wasn’t meeting the standard, particularly in March. But, Pope’s team has been no great shakes this season, either, and now Calipari is off the mat, looking rejuvenated with an SEC rival. If you had to pick either Arkansas or Kentucky to reach the Elite Eight, the team in red with the bucket-burying freshman sure seems like the smarter play.
Don’t confuse Arkansas or Calipari for an underdog’s story. High Point was Cinderella, not Arkansas. Underdogs don’t land players like Acuff. This roster didn’t come from the bargain rack. Arkansas is fully invested in the Calipari era, and the Razorbacks need to win another game or two for this to truly be a season worthy of adoration.
The way the Razorbacks are playing, fresh off an SEC tournament title, you sure wouldn’t want them located within your region.
Apparently, Calipari didn’t need to change his ways. He just needed a change of scenery and for one of his blue-chip freshmen to play in March Madness like Acuff did against High Point.
Meanwhile, that ol' possum Calipari has his bite back.
As Opening Day approaches the vibes are immaculate, if you will, for the local teams after the Mets and Yankees each gave their fans reason for optimism with spring trainings full of promise and good health.
As such, there is plenty of intrigue as each team’s season figures to be a referendum of sorts on near-opposite offseason approaches with Brian Cashman deciding to run it back with much the same Yankees’ team that lost to the Toronto Blue Jays last October while David Stearns overhauled a Mets’ roster that underachieved badly.
Meanwhile, it’s hard to ignore the dark cloud hanging over the sport, as a bitter labor war is expected after the season, one that may feel even more inevitable if the Los Angeles Dodgers’ high-spending ways -- $60 million a year for Kyle Tucker! -- result in a third straight World Series title.
With all of that in mind, here are my 10 bold predictions for the 2026 season, centering mostly around the Mets and Yankees.
Carlos Lagrange won the spring as a somewhat unknown pitching prospect who astonished the Yankees with his eye-popping velocity, his fastball reaching 103 mph. And while he was sent to the minors to open the season, there seems little doubt he’ll bring that high heat to the Bronx at some point in 2026.
Maybe it will be as a starter, but it would take multiple injuries in the rotation for that to happen. It seems more likely the Yankees eventually will groom the 22-year old right-hander for a bullpen role, even if it’s just for this season, as Lagrange could be a huge late-inning weapon down the stretch of a division race and into the post-season as well.
9. JUAN SOTO HITS 50 HRS, OUTDUELS SHOHEI OHTANI FOR NL MVP AWARD
Juan Soto talked openly with MLB.com this spring about how much he wants to win an MVP award, and to have any hope of dethroning Shohei Ohtani on that front, he’s going to need something beyond his typically outstanding offensive numbers.
Something like 50 or more home runs. Soto surely knows that and he’s capable of it, considering he’s only 27 and his power numbers are still ascending, as reflected by his totals of 35, 41, and 43 home runs over the past three seasons. It may require him to be a little more aggressive, perhaps not taking as many walks, and the Mets would be fine with that.
Ohtani, of course, could make it all moot if he returns to full-time pitching in a big-splash way, but it’s also asking a lot of him to hit and pitch over a full season at age 32.
Sep 19, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) follows through on a three run home run against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Citi Field. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images
8. PIRATES RIDE PAUL SKENES, KONNOR GRIFFIN TO WILD CARD BERTH
It’s kind of a trendy prediction, I know, but it would be fun to see it happen, as bad as the Pittsburgh Pirates have been for a decade. And it seems possible, considering they finally should have a capable offense to go with their strong starting pitching, led by NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes.
Toward that end they acquired veterans bats in Marcell Ozuna, Ryan O’Hearn, and Brandon Lowe, and even more significantly, in Konnor Griffin they have perhaps the top offensive prospect in the game, and another in Jhostynxon Garcia. As such, FanGraphs and other analytical models are projecting a massive improvement in runs scored, which, paired with their pitching, could give them a shot at the third wild card.
7. JOE RYAN WILL BE BEST AVAILABLE STARTER AT TRADE DEADLINE
It might not matter to the Yankees or Mets if their pitching stays healthy and lives up to expectations, but for any team looking for a starter at the trade deadline, Joe Ryan is likely to be the best available.
The Minnesota Twins should have traded the right-hander in the offseason, after essentially committing to a rebuild at last season’s trade deadline, and it would be a surprise if they’re anywhere near contention come July. At age 30 in June, Ryan has high-strikeout stuff that has many scouts believing he still hasn’t reached his full potential as a No. 2-type starter, and with another year of team control before free agency, he’ll draw plenty of interest.
6. NOLAN MCLEAN MEETS HYPE, METS’ ROTATION LEADS LEAGUE
I’m all-in on Nolan McLean living up to the hype. He wasn’t perfect in the WBC but neither was the moment too big for him, as he showed plenty of dominance in his two starts. So I think he’ll have an All-Star type season, and when you combine that with Freddy Peralta’s track record, the Mets should have a playoff-worthy 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation.
Even more significantly, in terms of the overall rotation, Kodai Senga had a strong spring, looking like the guy who had a 1.39 ERA before the hamstring injury last June that wrecked his season, while Clay Holmes wowed observers with his work at the WBC.
Questions hang over Sean Manaea about his low velocity this spring, but David Peterson figures to be at least solid again, Christian Scott and Jonah Tong offer promise if needed along the way, so this rotation should be the strength of the 2026 Mets, perhaps leading the NL in ERA.
5. TARIK SKUBAL, FRAMBER VALDEZ PITCH TIGERS TO WORLD SERIES
The Detroit Tigers made the go-for-it decision not to trade Tarik Skubal, knowing they’re likely to lose him to free agency after the 2026 season, and I think it could pay off in a big way. By signing Framber Valdez they now have a 1-2 punch capable of not only winning the AL Central but making a deep run in October.
So who knows, maybe Justin Verlander will get a storybook ending, returning to Detroit at age 43. The Tigers aren’t great offensively but they should get some impact from two top prospects, shortstop Kevin McGonigle and center fielder Max Clark, and if they win the relatively weak AL Central, the pitching could carry them in the postseason.
Oct 7, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a three-run home run in the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game three of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
4. AARON JUDGE HITS 50 AGAIN TO SET RECORD AND INCREASE SCRUTINY
Don’t let his failures at the World Baseball Classic overshadow what Aaron Judge did last season. It’s remarkable that he out-hit every other player in baseball by at least 20 batting average points, leading the majors at .331, and oh by the way hit 53 home runs as well. Even as he enters his age-34 season, Judge still seems to be getting better.
If he hits 50 or more home runs again, and I think he will, he’ll become the first player in major league history to do it as many as five times, and that likely would earn him a fourth AL MVP Award. Of course, that would also further the ever-increasing need for him to win a World Series title and cement his status with Yankee fans as being equal to the likes of Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, and Mantle.
Unfortunately for him…
3. YANKS LOSE TO JAYS IN OCTOBER. AGAIN.
Until proven otherwise, the Toronto Blue Jays have the formula to beat the Yankees, putting pressure on them last season with good contact hitting and aggressive baserunning that forced defensive mistakes and had them on their heels.
As such, I think the Jays will prevail in a tight AL East race and from there the various team records will determine the matchups. Maybe the Yankees will figure it out against the Jays. But if they couldn’t beat them last October with Judge hitting .600 in the ALDS, the odds are against them with essentially the same team back for 2026.
2. METS WIN NL EAST, LOSE TO DODGERS IN NLCS
Have to admit, I like what I saw in spring training from the Mets, and that’s always a risky basis for making predictions, but I’m picking the Mets over the Phillies in what should be a tight NL East race. It could develop into a spicy rivalry this season as well, with seemingly all of Philadelphia outraged by the Mets swooping in to land Bo Bichette when the former Blue Jay was on the verge of signing a long-term deal with the Phillies.
I think the Mets should be more consistent offensively, with proven clutch hitters Bichette and Jorge Polanco hitting behind Soto, than they’ve been in recent years. That and their potentially dominant pitching gives them the edge over Philly, at least for me, especially with Zack Wheeler coming back from thoracic outlet surgery. But beyond that, well, the Dodgers are the Dodgers, built to win in October with their power and pitching. And in the end, the bullpens could be the difference in a seven-game series, specifically closers Edwin Diaz and Devin Williams.
1. DODGERS WIN IT ALL AGAIN, ENSURING A FIGHT OVER SALARY CAP
It’s kind of nuts for the Dodgers to pay Tucker $60 million a year, but he does fit perfectly into their star-studded lineup and likely will play a pivotal role in helping them win another championship.
Last year, LA won a second straight title even without much of a bullpen, so signing Diaz away from the Mets figures to make the Dodgers even tougher to beat come October. As a result, I think they get their three-peat, beating the Tigers handily in the World Series and in the process further angering other owners in baseball, all but ensuring a lockout next winter and a bitter fight with the MLB Players Association over a salary cap.
"I'm incredibly honored and excited to be named the next head coach of the Providence Friars men's basketball program," Hodgson said in a news release from the school. "This is a program with a proud tradition, passionate fan base, and a city that truly embraces its team. We're going to build something that reflects that pride. We will be tough, disciplined, and relentless in our pursuit of excellence."
Hodgson guided the Bulls to a 15-3 American Conference record, winning both the regular season and conference tournament with 12 wins to end the season to qualify for the NCAA Tournament for the first time as a head coach.
"We are thrilled to have Bryan Hodgson join Providence College as the leader of our men's basketball program," Providence College President Fr. Kenneth Sicard, O.P., said. "Bryan brings a strong track record of leadership and a deep commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court. His dedication to integrity, hard work, and competitive excellence aligns closely with the values of Providence College. I am confident that the future is bright for Friar men's basketball, and I eagerly anticipate seeing the team reach new milestones under their new leader's guidance."
"We are very excited to welcome Bryan Hodgson and his family to Providence College," Providence College Athletics Director Steve Napolillo added. "Today we begin a new journey with Providence College men's basketball. It was my goal to find a head coach who would fit with our great athletic and academic institution. In addition, in this new revenue share/NIL landscape, I knew we needed a coach with the energy, passion and the skills to get us back to competing for championships and playing in the NCAA Tournament. Bryan has revived two Division 1 programs and it is our goal for him to bring new life into Friar men's basketball. He has 18 years of college basketball coaching experience, including five as an assistant coach at the University of Alabama. Over the last three years, Bryan has successfully used analytics, his recruiting skills and coaching to win 70 games. Bryan is a winner and we need a winning culture at Providence College. We are looking forward to the start of a new era in Friartown as we enter the 100th year of Providence College men's basketball."
Providence fired head coach Kim English on March 13 following a 15-18 record this season. English went 48-52 in three years with the program, never reaching the NCAA Tournament.
How old is Bryan Hodgson?
Hodgson was born on April 11, 1987, making him 38 years old during the 2025-26 college basketball season.
Bryan Hodgson coaching record
Here's a look at Hodgson's record as a head coach. He has never led a team to fewer than 20 wins in a season.
2023-24 (Arkansas State): 20-17, 11-7 Sun Belt
2024-25 (Arkansas State): 25-11, 13-5 Sun Belt
2025-26 (South Florida): 25-9, 15-3 American
Career: 70-37
Bryan Hodgson's coaching career
Here's a look at Hodgson's coaching career:
Head coach unless otherwise specified. Assistant role listed in parentheses
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 21: Ousmane Dieng #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 21, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks made up for their stinker in Utah, beating the Phoenix Suns 108-105, mainly due to a bunch of huge plays down the stretch. The Bucks moved the ball more and turned it over less than they did against the Jazz, resulting in a much more polished performance. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below.
Obviously, Ryan made the biggest shot of the night, but I thought this was one of his best all-around games of the year. Had significant usage with KPJ out, and made good decisions with the ball, creating for himself and others. Showed great ability to play with the drop-man in pick-and-roll, pulling up from three and the mid-range, whether it was off a snake or a straight pull-up. Made an impact defensively as well.
Made a massive three late, but was caught a tad too deep in the drop on a few occasions, allowing Oso Ighodaro too much space in the pocket to get that floater off.
I thought Kuz was solid in this one, especially in the first half. Not much impact outside of scoring, but he made all his two-point shots (along with some timely threes), which is a good sign for him.
Scored six of his eight points in the second quarter, but all came in a crucial stretch where the game could have gotten away from the Bucks. Also made an impact by rebounding and setting some of the grittiest screens I’ve seen from a dude his size.
Grade: C+
Ousmane Dieng
32 minutes, 11 points, 5/11 FG, 1/3 3P, -2
If you just looked at the box score, you might think Ous played just OK. No, he was really good. Dieng was given the primary assignment on Devin Booker, and held him to 4/17 shooting. Ous had him in hell, especially throughout the fourth quarter; his size seemed to bother Booker, and crucially, his foul discipline was excellent. Yes, it wasn’t Dieng’s night from a scoring standpoint, but his defence might have won them the game.
Sneakily, Doc rolled with Nance over Kuzma to close this one, and it paid off in a huge way. It was him who located Myles Turner in semi-transition as the Bucks had a numbers advantage with just over a minute to go; ran down the middle of the lane and, without any wasted motion, caught it knowing he’d be swarmed, hitting Turner in the corner.
Back to his elite rebounding ways, eight of Sims’ 11 boards were of the offensive variety. Guess how many O-boards the team had? eight! Also had some great passes and, per usual, was great switching onto their guards and containing.
Had some important buckets to start the fourth with Rollins resting, but still wasn’t great on the whole.
Grade: C-
Taurean Prince
21 minutes, 8 points, 3/8 FG, 2/6 3P, +6
Even ventured inside the three-point line for a dunk. Defence was solid.
Grade: C-
Gary Trent Jr.
23 minutes, 11 points, 4/10 FG, 3/6 3P, +13
Made two huge threes in the fourth—one self-created (which is rare for GT) and one out of an ATO. He’s been building lately.
Grade: B-
Doc Rivers
Thought Doc coached a solid game. Opting to use Ous on Booker was great thinking. He got the likes of AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr. shots out of ATOs when the team was desperately looking for a basket. Closing with Pete Nance for some extra size helped on defence down the stretch (along with his connective passing). Finally, I liked the strategy to blitz ball screens involving Suns rookie Khaman Maluach, who, at this stage in his career, needs a lot of work as a decision-maker on the short roll.
Grade: B+
DNP-CD : Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Cormac Ryan, Andre Jackson Jr.
Inactive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Porter Jr., Alex Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Gary Harris
Bonus Bucks Bits
Dieng on being given the assignment to guard Booker:
“I just love the challenge of guarding those players. Wasn’t my best night offensively, so just trying to make winning plays on the defensive end. He’s great at getting those fouls and getting to the free throw line, so just trying to show my hands, guarding him with my chest, and that’s it.”
Doc called this game “a team win,” highlighting how so many dudes contributed.
The Bucks had no turnovers in the entire second quarter.
The Suns had four fouls with 9:41 left in the fourth, which has to be some type of record.
Wisconsin Badgers legend Frank Kaminsky joined Lisa and Marques on the broadcast to reminisce on his college days, among other topics.
The game had nine lead changes.
Up Next
The West Coast trip rolls on tomorrow, when the Bucks face the LA Clippers. Catch the game at 9:30 p.m. CDT on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 21: Jeremy Swayman #1 of the Boston Bruins makes a blocker save on Alex DeBrincat #93 of the Detroit Red Wings late in the third period at Little Caesars Arena on March 21, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. Boston defeated Detroit 4-2. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
A three-goal third period and a monster performance from Jeremy Swayman powered the B’s to their most important win of the season (for now), as they beat the Red Wings 4-2 in Detroit.
When the B’s went down 2-1 just four minutes into the third via an Alex DeBrincat goal, you could be forgiven for thinking it wasn’t going to be their night.
However, Elias Lindholm tied the game just two minutes later, Nikita Zadorov scored three minutes after that, and a Marat Khusnutdinov empty-netter sealed the deal.
Sandwiched around those goals were 21 third period saves from Swayman, including a couple of the highlight reel variety.
David Pastrnak scored the other Bruins goal, a PPG early in the second period.
After a scoreless first period, Lucas Raymond got the Red Wings on the board with a power play goal. I’m not sure it’s possible for a guy to be more open than he was. 1-0 Red Wings.
Khusnutdinov added the empty netter at 18:08 of the third period, putting this one out of reach for Detroit.
Bruins win, 4-2.
Game notes
While scoring four goals certainly helps matters, Swayman was the reason the Bruins won this game. He was immense in the third period, making one, two, and even more highlight-reel stops in the final period alone.
I’m not sure you can find a better snapshot of the importance of good goaltending than in last night’s third period, as Swayman stood on his head and Gibson allowed that Zadorov goal. You can cut him a little slack by saying that he was screened by his own defenseman, but you need a save from your goalie on that shot.
Playing in his second straight game for the B’s, Lukas Reichel earned a penalty shot midway through the third period when he used his speed to draw a hook from Patrick Kane on a breakaway. The penalty shot attempt left a little to be desired, as he elected to try to beat Gibson with a shot from inside the hashmarks, but…good effort.
Mason Lohrei made a great play to keep the puck in the offensive zone immediately before Lindholm’s goal. He was credited with an assist on the play.
Speaking of the Lindholm goal, Morgan Geekie earned the primary assist on that goal, one of his three assists on the night.
Pastrnak’s PPG came via a comically earned 5-on-3 power play, as the Red Wings managed to take two minor penalties in a span of just eight seconds.
Along with the goal, Pastrnak earned an assist on the empty-netter, giving him 500 career assists.
The regulation win allowed the B’s to swap spots in the standings with Detroit, as the Bruins moved into the first wild card spot. They’re two points ahead of Detroit and tied in points with Montreal.
This was the Bruins’ first regulation win on the road since mid-January.
The Bruins will be off (game-wise, at least) Sunday and Monday before an Atlantic Division back-to-back: they’ll host Toronto on Tuesday before playing in Buffalo on Wednesday.
Rea threw 77 pitches (50 strikes) and generally looked like the solid pitcher he was for the Cubs most of last year. He’ll be in a long relief/spot starter role to begin the season and he seems to thrive in that role. The Cubs are lucky to have a guy like that.
The Cubs scored first, in the top of the first. With one out, Moisés Ballesteros doubled. Really, that guy is amazing. He might not look like the traditional ballplayer, but man, that guy can hit.
Miguel Amaya singled in Ballesteros. (Had hoped to have video of this, but it doesn’t appear to be available.) I think Amaya is primed to have a huge year, if he stays healthy.
Michael Conforto, who was told Saturday that he’s made the team, had two hits on the night. Personally, I’d rather see him start in right field in place of Seiya Suzuki than have Matt Shaw out there.
Jonathon Long, trying to make up for lost time this spring, also had two hits.
Collin Snider and Corbin Martin threw scoreless innings in relief. Minor leaguer Evan Taylor threw two scoreless frames. After all the regulars departed, some Cubs minor leaguers put three more on the board in the eighth. Cowles had another RBI in that inning, his third of the game.
The Cubs return to Sloan Park Sunday afternoon to take on the Brewers. Cade Horton will start for the Cubs and Chad Patrick will go for Milwaukee. Game time is 12:05 p.m. CT and this one’s being televised all over the place: Marquee Sports Network, Brewers TV and ESPN Unlimited. There’s also a radio broadcast on WSCR The Score.
JUPITER, FL - MARCH 06: Sean Manaea #59 of the New York Mets pitches during the game between the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on Friday, March 6, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Lawrence Brown/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Meet the Mets
The Mets have set their Opening Day rotation. We already knew that Freddy Peralta is slated to start on Opening Day, but he will be followed by David Peterson, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and Kodai Senga in that order.
Meanwhile, Sean Manaea, whose velocity has been down this spring, will be used in a piggyback role initially to start the season with the Mets expanding to a six-man rotation in mid-April if Manaea is pitching well. “I consider myself a starter,” Manaea said after manager Carlos Mendoza announced the decision on Saturday morning. “To not be that is frustrating. But at the end of the day, I’m just going to let my pitching do the work in whatever capacity that is, and go from there.”
Will Sammon of The Athletic contributed three thoughts about the decision to have Manaea in the bullpen to start the season.
Mike Tauchman, who left yesterday’s game with a knee injury, will get an MRI to determine the severity of the issue, which will influence the Mets’ decision regarding the final bench spot on the roster.
One positive that came from yesterday’s spring training games was a home run by the slumping Mark Vientos.
The Mets optioned catcher Hayden Senger to Triple-A Syracuse yesterday.
Around the National League East
Dylan Moore, who triggered his opt-out clause with the Phillies on March 19, has been signed to a major league deal by Philadelphia. He will be on their Opening Day roster.
The Braves released non-roster invitee Kyle Nelson, who was an unlikely candidate to make the Braves bullpen.
Battery Power made their final 2026 Braves Opening Day roster projection.
The Nationals released former Met Drew Smith, who they had signed to a minor league deal this winter.
Spencer Nusbaum did a deep dive into the metrics the Nationals are using to track how their pitchers are performing this spring, as well as all the data their hitters can now access.
Both Kyle Stowers and Esteury Ruiz are undergoing testing after leaving Friday night’s split squad games due to injuries.
Around Major League Baseball
Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com ranked the ten best pitching staffs in baseball and the Mets rounded out his list at number 10.
The Pirates reassigned top prospect Konnor Griffin to minor league camp yesterday.
“I understand that with Opening Day a few days away, I don’t want it to be a distraction,” Randy Arozarena said in a statement, via the Mariners. “Cal [Raleigh] and I have talked and I apologized for what I said after the game. Nothing in the WBC takes away from the fact that we are brothers and teammates. He’s family, and we are both focused on helping the Mariners win the World Series.”
Michael Conforto had made the Cubs’ Opening Day roster.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Brian Salvatore discussed the uncertainty surrounding Jorge Polanco at first base in Polanco’s season preview.
Linus Lawrence continued his Mets Madness Out of the Park Baseball tournament with the Round of 32.
This Date in Mets History
On this date in 1962, the Mets and Yankees faced off for the very first time.
Donovan Clingan
Jayson Tatum
Maxime Raynaud
Ehlers Over 0.5 points
