The Buffalo Sabres snapped their 15-year postseason drought, winning the Atlantic Division and advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but after an offseason that saw Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch being dealt, the task of repeating as division champion or finishing in the top three of the Atlantic could be significantly more difficult.
This week we will finish up looking at the seven other teams in the Atlantic to see where they stand in comparison to where they were at the end of last season and see where they potentially stack up as competition with the Sabres.
The Tampa Bay Lightning who have been a consistent high-level regular season performer, but have had issues in the playoffs. After winning consecutive Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021, and reaching the Cup Final for the third year in a row in 2022, the Lightning have lost in the first round of the playoffs for four straight seasons.
Last season, under Jack Adams winning head coach Jon Cooper, Tampa Bay encountered a slew of injuries to key players, including defenseman Victor Hedman and center Brayden Point, but still managed to piece together a lineup that finished only three points behind the Sabres for top spot in the Atlantic, but in the first round they could not play at the same level against the Montreal Canadiens, who surprisingly eliminated them in seven games.
Will the Sabres add some scoring punch before training camp?
Additions
Ilya Mikheyev - signed a four-year, $15.4 million deal as a free agent
Jeffrey Viel - signed a five-year, $12.5 million deal as a free agent
Dennis Hildeby - acquired in a trade with Toronto
John Carlson - signed a two-year, $17 million deal as a free agent
Subtractions
Darren Raddysh - traded to Toronto in a sign-and-trade deal
Oliver Bjorkstrand - signed by NY Rangers as a free agent
Nick Paul - traded to Toronto for a third-and-fourth round pick and Hildeby
Corey Perry - signed by Los Angeles as a free agent
Outlook
GM Julien Brisebois has had to jump through hoops over recent seasons to create or manipulate the salary cap, but has also had the advantage of being in a no-tax state and in a destination where players want to play. The main issue with the Lightning is that the core pieces of the club that won the Cup earlier this decade are in the latter half of their prime.
Both Andrei Vasilevskiy and Nikita Kucherov were phenomenal, winning the Vezina and Hart Trophies respectively, but performed well under expectations in the postseason. Victor Hedman played only 33 games and missed the playoffs, calling into question how much longer does the future Hall-of-Famer have, but the Lightning got productive seasons out of Jake Guentzel (88 points), Brandon Hagel (36 goals), and Raddysh (70 points) taking over the PP quarterback role.
The loss of Raddysh should be diminished by the addition of Carlson, who likely will take over as the QB of the Lightning power-play unit if Hedman cannot, but most of their additions and subtractions were cosmetic. Mikheyev is an excellent penalty killer and speedy winger, Viel will provide a level of toughness needed in the Atlantic, and Hildeby should be an upgrade on backup Jonas Johansson, but the fortunes of Tampa Bay will rest on if Hedman can still be effective, and if veterans like Point, Ryan McDonagh, Erik Cernak and Anthony Cirelli can stay healthy.
With the loss of Alex Tuch and the Sabres current state at forward, the Lightning would appear to have more firepower and less question marks than the Sabres up front. Defensively, the departure of Bowen Byram and replacing him with Louis Crevier and Olen Zellweger has Buffalo’s defense taking a step back, but age and durability questions with Tampa’s blueline gives Buffalo a slight advantage. Vasilevskiy is in the top five of NHL goalies, while the trio of Buffalo netminders performed above expectations and there is a question whether they can do it again. The Lightning should be a top three club in the Atlantic, but health will be the biggest factor.
2021 US Open champion out with stress fracture in leg
Raducanu also missed Wimbledon through injury
Emma Raducanu will miss the US Open because of the stress fracture in her right leg that she sustained during the grass-court season and forced her to pull out of Wimbledon.
It is understood that following consultation with her medical team, Raducanu has concluded she will be unable to play in New York this month.
“I almost dropped dead pretty much and came back to life. I’m not joking,” Bosh, 42, said.
Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh and his wife, Adrienne, attend an NCAA college basketball game between Miami and Georgia Tech on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, in Coral Gables, Fla. (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) AP
The former Heat star mentioned that he passed out in his bathroom after feeling a numbing sensation shoot down his leg. Upon waking up, he was in a pool of his own blood. His wife had called 911 and Bosh was hospitalized for a week to recover.
Bosh battled blood clots during his 13-year career, which ultimately forced him to officially retire in 2019. He won two NBA championships alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami.
“After coming back from the darkness, there was no euphoric clarity. No life montage flashing before my eyes. No voice in my ear telling me it’ll be ok and what to do next,” Bosh said. “Just the gratitude for still being alive, and a newfound, sobering awareness of how everything actually is. What did change was an immediate outlook on life that was simpler and more honest.”
Bosh said the scare was a tough reminder of the need to take his medicine and care for his body, despite not having any symptoms before the incident.
Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh reacts to a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. AP
Bosh previously discussed the scare in February.
“It was crazy. It was fast. It was instant. There was no warning,” he said in a video posted to his social media. “I was getting ready to go on a date with my wife and the next thing you know I was on the ground.”
The incident changed Bosh’s view on life.
“No matter what it is, make sure you don’t wait. That’s the thing that I get from this. Don’t wait to take action because it could come fast,” Bosh said. “And now I’m thinking about how I live my day-to-day life. That’s really it. But don’t wait.”
The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have signed defenseman Maksymilian Szuber to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2026-27 season.
Szuber was acquired by the Canadiens earlier this off-season from the Utah Mammoth in exchange for forward Joshua Roy. Now, with this new deal, Szuber is officially ready to get his tenure with the Canadiens organization started.
Szuber spent this past season in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners. In 65 games with the AHL club in 2025-26, he posted 11 goals, 16 assists, and 27 points. This was after the 6-foot-3 blueliner recorded seven goals, 25 assists, and 32 points in 65 games for Tucson during the 2024-25 season.
Szuber also has one game of NHL experience, which he played during the 2023-24 season with the Arizona Coyotes. Now, the 23-year-old defenseman will be hoping to get into more NHL action after landing his new one-year deal with the Canadiens. However, he is more likely to be a key part of the Laval Rocket's blueline in 2026-27.
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 01: Brenton Doyle #9 of the Colorado Rockies looks on prior to the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Saturday, August 1, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Early reporting this morning from Francys Romero indicated that the Colorado Rockies were in discussions with multiple teams, including the Chicago White Sox, about a trade involving Brenton Doyle.
Doyle originally started a rehab assignment for this left oblique injury in late June but that was shut down before he was activated due to a groin injury.
Over the course of two separate rehab appearances with the Triple-A Isotopes, Doyle played in 11 games and slashed .395/.447/.651. Before being placed on the IL in May, Doyle had struggled at the plate in 43 games and slashed .207/.279/.270.
On Friday, he returned to the Rockies lineup and has been solid offensively since rejoining the team. In seven plate appearances, he has two hits, including a double and an RBI.
The move begins to make space in a crowded Rockies outfield but Doyle may not be the last Rockies outfielder to be on the move today.
Adams is a 26-year-old right-handed pitcher in Triple-A for the White Sox and was drafted in the 13th round of the 2022 draft and ranked as the White Sox’s No. 8 prospect per MLB Pipeline due to his good command and ability to spin the ball.
He has performed relatively well in 49 innings in the minors this year with a 3.86 ERA and a 4.05 xFIP between Triple-A and High-A, where he began the season after finishing his rehab from Tommy John surgery.
Vielma, the other player coming over from the White Sox, is a 16-year-old shortstop currently playing in the Dominican Summer League. He was signed in January for $400,000. Vielma has made consistent contact in his first taste of the DSL, batting .337/.507/.474 through 34 games, making him an intriguing lottery ticket despite being unranked by MLB Pipeline.
UPDATE: 12:16 pm
The Rockies have annouced their trade with the White Sox.
The Rockies announced today that they have acquired RHP Mason Adams and INF Carlos Vielma via trade with the Chicago White Sox in exchange for OF Brenton Doyle. pic.twitter.com/h7FHknQyt4
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) August 3, 2026
This is a developing story and Purple Row will provide more information as it becomes available.
Serena returned to action at Wimbledon before injury
US Open begins 31 August in New York
Serena Williams and Venus Williams are set to make their Cincinnati Open doubles debut this month after being awarded a wild card on Monday, marking their return to doubles action for the first time since 2022.
The Williams sisters have won 14 major doubles titles, including six at Wimbledon, plus three Olympic gold medals.
Oct 8, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Boston Celtics guard Hugo Gonzalez (28), forward Baylor Scheierman (55) and center Luka Garza (52) react during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
For this installment of the Staff Roundtable, I asked the crew “Who makes the biggest developmental leap next season?” Below are the answers:
Ian Inangelo
I feel like Hugo Gonzalez will make the biggest developmental leap going into next season. After a rookie year where he was able to show a lot of potential more specifically on the defense end, I feel like we will see more from him on the offensive side of the ball. Boston really believes him and he showed some real offensive flashes when he played for Spain in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. If he can become a consistent average three point shooter from the corners on top of his already great defense and hustle, he will get a lot of playing time and continue to develop into a star in his role for Boston.
Trevor Hass
I think Ron Harper Jr. has a chance to emerge as a very solid backup point guard. The genes are there, and watching his brother emerge as a star has surely added more fuel to the fire. He’s explosive, makes sound decisions and can really shoot it. Give him the rock and see what happens.
Jake Issenberg
The battle for minutes among the development pieces on the Celtics roster will be a bloodbath. Hugo Gonzalez, Ron Harper Jr, Jordan, Walsh, and Baylor Scheierman all have a claim to more playing time after impressing in their minutes last season. For that reason I am choosing Neemias Queta. Despite finishing fourth in the Most Improved player race I expect Queta to continue to make significant strides in his second season in a featured role. We can start with eliminating the head scratching fouls he picked up in the first round of the playoffs. What we saw from Queta in Game 7 against the 76ers is what I want to see every night.
Nate Moskowitz
I think it’s hard to go wrong answering this question. Hugo feels like a clear option, especially with some of the on-ball reps we saw from him in summer league. If the minutes are there, Harper Jr. taking the biggest leap could definitely be on the table in terms of the limited sample we’ve seen of him in comparison to the type of player I think he can become. My darkhorse pick might actually be Chris Cenac Jr. though. His flashes are very encouraging, and the Celtics are extremely intentional about how they use and develop bigs. I can picture him making major strides throughout the year if he can find his way onto the floor as a rookie like Hugo did.
Grant Burfeind
I know Hugo is going to be the popular answer, but give me Baylor Scheierman.
Last year was really his first season getting consistent NBA minutes, and I think having a full offseason knowing exactly what’s expected of him could make a big difference. I’d love to see him play with a little more freedom and confidence to do Baylor things instead of playing not to make a mistake. Hugo probably has the higher long-term ceiling, but if we’re talking about this season, I think Baylor has a better chance to surprise people.
Robby Fletcher
Hugo Gonzalez has been under the spotlight this offseason after his name was attached to speculation regarding the Giannis trade. It’s gotten the causal fan worked up over what makes Hugo so special to not be a blockbuster throw-in.
Those fans will learn this year why Gonzalez wasn’t someone the Celtics have been so willing to move. Hugo showed impactful defensive instincts and game-shifting hustle in his rookie season, quickly establishing himself as a player that needed to see the floor before we even finished with the preseason. More opportunities await Hugo, who will look to show improved shooting/driving confidence in a more consistent bench role.
And to think he’s only 20 years old.
Jeff Clark
Ok, hear me out. How about Jordan Walsh? He’s already one of the best defenders on the team. He came into the league at age 19 and is entering his 4th season. The Celtics believed in his progress enough to give him an extension. He shot 38.4% from 3 last year. He only played 17.8 minutes a game last year and he’ll be fighting for minutes with a lot of wings again. But what if he just adds the ability to attack the paint off a close out? What if he starts setting monster screens and cuts backdoor and finishes with more comfort around the rim? What if the game just slows down a little bit more for him this year? He’s going to out-hustle anyone he faces up with on a night to night basis. All he needs is a little more offensive comfort level and he could be the leap guy.
Mike Dynon
Hugo Gonzalez and Baylor Scheierman seem like the most ready guys, and Ron Harper Jr. was impressive when called upon. But if we could put a twist into the question, Sam Hauser and Derrick White need to develop their shots back to what we know they can be. Sam was below 40% on threes for the first time in his career, and Derrick was below 40% for field goal shooting overall, by far his worst season. Celtics can’t afford that again.
Rich Jensen
I’m a sophomore leap guy, so I’m going with Hugo Gonzalez. I think there’s a ‘there’ there with Hugo that might catch a lot of people off guard next season. He’s fearless and dedicated to the game. That’s a potent combination.
Ryan Paice
I’d bet on Baylor Scheierman taking the biggest leap, even over Hugo. I think Baylor’s ability to improvise and make plays for himself and others is going to be crucial for the C’s in lieu of Jaylen Brown. As I’ve said before about Boston’s lack of a strong tertiary playmaker, I think there are going to be several possessions where our first options get shut down and our role players will be asked to finish them. Outside of the Celtics’ top four players (Tatum, White, Pritchard, George), I don’t know if I trust anyone more than Baylor to answer that call. And I think we’ll see him blossom into a starting caliber player because of that. He’s shown a lot of flashes on the court, but he’s yet to eclipse 20 minutes per game, so his opportunities to shine have been limited. Give Baylor 25+ per game and I think we’ll see some magic.
Irish golfer one of four wildcard picks for Europe
Rookies Ramirez, Nadaud and Rhodes also selected
Leona Maguire has retained her place in Europe’s Solheim Cup team despite a disappointing 2026, with the Irish golfer one of four wildcard picks named on Monday by Anna Nordqvist.
Maguire joins three rookies – Julia López Ramirez, Nastasia Nadaud and Mimi Rhodes – in completing the Europe side who will attempt to reclaim the trophy in the Netherlands next month.
The deal comes less than 12 hours before the 6 p.m. ET deadline.
Jays GM Ross Atkins has been quite busy the last few days, sending ace Kevin Gausman to the Chicago Cubs for a pair of prospects, while also acquiring veteran starter Jameson Taillon from the Cubs in a separate deal.
In his fourth MLB season, Soriano, 27, has posted a record of 9-6 with a 3.29 ERA in 123 innings for the Angels.
In return, the Angels pick up a trio of minor leaguers, headlined by shortstop Arjun Nimmala, who rates as the game's No. 43 overall prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.
Jose Soriano trade details
Blue Jays receive: RHP Jose Soriano
Angels receive: SS Arjun Nimmala, OF Eddie Micheletti, RHP Angel Rivero
Blue Jays trade grade: B
Unlike Kevin Gausman (whom they traded to the Cubs), Soriano, 27, doesn't become a free agent until after the 2028 season. That gives the Jays a bit more runway to build their future rotation. He's a hard-thrower whose fastball is averaging 96.8 mph this season, resulting in a career-high strikeout rate (9.3 K/9). If Gausman was going to leave anyway after the season, the Jays have found a capable replacement − one who's going into his second season of arbitration.
But Soriano isn't without his flaws.
He has battled control issues throughout his three previous MLB seasons, issuing roughly four walks per nine innings. That's resulted in a fairly high 1.30 WHIP over the course of his career.
An incredible beginning to the 2026 season likely boosted Soriano's value on the trade market. In his first six starts (the last of which was at Toronto), he allowed just one run over 37 2/3 innings (0.24 ERA). But since then, he's reverted to his previous form with a 4.64 ERA and 1.44 WHIP.
However, moving from a last-place team to one that has playoff experience and is focused on being a perennial playoff contender should sharpen his focus.
The Jays were able to include Nimmala in the package because they still have 19-year-old shortstop JoJo Parker as their shortstop of the future.
Angels trade grade: A-
The Angels may be on the verge of a complete (and much-needed) rebuild. And Soriano could become expensive by the time they're ready to compete for a playoff spot.
This may not be the last of their moves as the deadline draws closer.
Nimmala, 20, was a first-round pick by Toronto (20th overall) in the 2023 draft. The Jays' No. 2 prospect is the key piece to this deal as the Angels look to bolster what's been a very weak farm system for quite some time. Nimmala has missed some time this season with injuries, but he's moved up three levels already and is currently hitting .279/.355/.451 in 33 games at Class AA New Hampshire.
Although he's progressed quickly, Nimmala seems at least a year away from a call to the majors. However, he could potentially be viewed as a replacement for the Angels' current shortstop Zach Neto, who's been the subject of several trade rumors.
Micheletti, 24, is a corner outfielder and first baseman who's also at Double-A New Hampshire. He's slashing .251/.347/.454 with 14 home runs in 402 plate appearances for the Fisher Cats. He was an eighth-round pick by the Jays in 2024 out of Virginia Tech.
Rivero, 19, was signed out of Venezuela in 2024. The right-hander is currently pitching in the Florida Complex League and has a 2.36 ERA in 42 innings.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: Clay Holmes #35 of the New York Mets pitches during the game against the New York Yankees at Citi Field on May 15, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As the Trade Deadline approaches, Joel Sherman and Mark Feinsand are reporting that interest in Clay Holmes remains high. The Milwaukee Brewers are among those with the most interest in Holmes, and the Mets are expected to make a deal for him by the 6 PM ET deadline today.
Holmes had a strong start to the season, among the best in the Mets’ rotation, with an ERA of 2.39 and WHIP of 1.10 through nine starts, but his season was abruptly interrupted by a comebacker that fractured his fibula Spencer Jones during his start against the Yankees. He has been on the 6o-day IL, and instead of making his scheduled major-league start on Sunday, made another rehab start in Brooklyn.
Holmes has a player option for next year that he is expected to decline, though he has expressed interest in an extension in New York. Despite that, no meaningful extension talks have materialized, and he has been floated as a trade candidate for weeks. The Brewers need starting pitching as Brandon Woodruff and Quinn Priester are both out for the season.
While most of you are focused on today’s MLB Trade Deadline, which comes up at 5 p.m. CT, I thought I’d take time to update you on some good — and not-so-good — Cubs performances over the past week.
Here’s who’s been hot and not for the Cubs over their seven games against the Cardinals and Yankees.
Three up
Nico Hoerner is on a hot streak
The Cubs second baseman batted .423/.444/.654 (11-for-26) over the seven games. He had a four-hit game in St. Louis and hit two home runs, his first since April. One of those homers was a key part of the win against the Yankees Saturday — it tied the game in the seventh inning.
Since the All-Star break, Hoerner is batting .400/.409/.523 (26-for-65) with nine runs scored and 13 RBI in 16 games.
Alex Bregman is also heating up
Bregman’s bat began getting stronger just before the All-Star break and over the seven games against the Cardinals and Yankees he had three multi-hit games and overall batted .429/.484/.750 (12-for-28) with six doubles, a home run, three walks and eight runs scored.
Overall in 17 games since July 11: .304/.385/.580 (21-for-69) with seven doubles, four home runs, eight walks, 12 RBI and 16 runs scored.
Keep that up and he’ll be near his career norms by the end of the year.
David Peterson put together two outstanding starts
In his two starts against the Cardinals and Yankees, Peterson allowed three earned runs in 12 innings and struck out 11. The Cubs won both those games. Since Peterson’s awful start at Wrigley July 3 against St. Louis, he has posted a 1.52 ERA and 0.887 WHIP and has returned to being the ground-ball pitcher the Cubs thought they were getting — in those four starts, 35 ground-ball outs of 71 total outs recorded.
This was a very good trade by Jed Hoyer.
A hat tip to Pedro Ramirez, who started five of the seven games and batted .333/.474/.400 (5-for-15). That OBP is an eye-opener — Ramirez walked four times over the week and has a .370 OBP in 109 PA this season. Looks like a keeper to me.
Three down
Ian Happ remains ice cold
Despite a two-hit game in St. Louis, Happ batted just .148/.233/.259 (4-for-27) over the seven games. He did have three doubles and walked three times, but had eight strikeouts.
Craig Counsell has been giving his infielders rest from time to time. I think Happ could use a day off, too.
Dansby Swanson’s bat is also chilly
Swanson did get a day off during the week, but it didn’t seem to help, as he batted .048/.091/.048 (1-for-21) in the six games he did play, with eight strikeouts.
Swanson has become a real streaky hitter, much as Happ is. It would be nice for them both to go on hot streaks starting … right now.
Michael Busch is also not hitting
Busch had a rough week, batting just .161/.188/.161 (5-for-31).
He could probably also use a day off. The thing is, the Cubs don’t really have a backup first baseman — Carson Kelly played first for an inning Sunday after Counsell sent Justin Dean in to run for Busch. But I don’t think Counsell really wants Kelly to start at first base — he’s done that just once this year, April 13 vs. the Phillies.
If that happens, I doubt it would happen during the Dodgers series, anyway.
The trade deadline has arrived. The final dots and crosses must made made to all the letters and all the agreements must be in to the Commissioner’s Office by 3:00 p.m. MST. As is often the case, there is an expectation that there will still be some contracts with wet ink at the time. However, as long as the paperwork is completed on time, smudged ink will not hold things up.
Saturday night saw the big deal happen that everyone had been fully expecting since last November. Finally, the Tigers admitted they were not going to be able to retain Tarik Skubal and that they were furthermore not contenders in 2026. As such, the Dodgers mad a move late on Saturday to acquire him. In exchange for two months plus the playoffs of one of the best pitchers in the game, Detroit receives right-hander River Ryan, outfielder Zyhir Hope, and righty Brady Smith. A fuller accounting of the move can be found over at MLB Trade Rumors.
Freddy Peralta The Diamondbacks were one of many teams linked to the New York Mets’ struggling rental right-hander, Freddy Peralta. However, the Tamps Bay Rays struck first (and likely much harder than Arizona could). Freddy Peralta was shipped off to Tampa during the rain-lengthened affair between the Snakes and the Indians yesterday. If Arizona is going to find themselves a rental starter, it will have to be somebody else. (Frankly, this author is actually glad about that. Freddy Peralta had too many red flags similar to ones already residing on the Arizona roster in one form or another.)
Luis Garcia Jr. While there was not much buzz linking the Diamondbacks with a move to acquire Washington’s Luis Garcia Jr, the slugging first baseman was very much the sort of help Arizona is in the market for. The Yankees have acquired first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. from the Nationals. Washington will receive four players in return, with right-hander Yovanny Cruz headlining a package that also includes right-handers Jack Cebert, Ben Grable, and Jake Bird. (Link to article at MLBTR) Even slow trade deadlines still have flurries of minor activity. This projects to be a rather slow deadline. It also seems quite likely that Arizona will indeed make at least one of those various minor moves. Stay tuned to the Pit to see what happens and feel free to discuss today’s deadline moves below.
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 30: Nolan McLean #26 of the New York Mets pitches during the game between the Miami Marlins and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Thursday, July 30, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Phebe Grosser/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Welcome back to Monday Stat Party, a weekly series showcasing some of the most curious and nostalgia-inducing statistical developments from the past week of Mets baseball. What unites each entry is the sense of intrigue which they aim to spark, and the unbridled love of the game’s anomalies from which they arise. Without further ado, let the stat party begin.
MONDAY
The Mets beat the Braves 14-3 after having lost to them 14-3 on July 4 in Atlanta. It’s the first time an MLB team has won 14-3 and lost 14-3 to the same opponent in the same season since 1996, when the Yankees lost to the Angels 14-3 on August 29 and beat them 14-3 on August 31. Prior to this season, the Mets had only played six games with a 14-3 final in franchise history, with three wins and three losses.
A.J. Ewing, Francisco Lindor, Bo Bichette, Tyrone Taylor, and Marcus Semien each recorded three hits, marking the first time five Mets recorded three or more hits in a game since August 22, 2025, when five Mets (including Lindor and Taylor) did it in Atlanta. The Mets have accomplished the feat on eight different occasions in their history, and four of those eight have come against the Braves.
Lindor, Semien, and Francisco Alvarez each reached base four times, marking just the third time three Mets reached base four or more times in a game at Citi Field. The previous two came on July 1, 2013, against the Diamondbacks (Eric Young Jr., David Wright, Josh Satin, Omar Quintanilla) and March 29, 2018, against the Cardinals on Opening Day (Brandon Nimmo, Adrián González, Kevin Plawecki).
Zac Thornton posted a 2.43 ERA over his first five career outings, ranking seventh-best among Mets pitchers with a minimum of five innings per outing, behind: Nolan McLean (1.42), Steven Matz (1.80), Mike Bruhert (1.82), Tom Seaver (1.91), Dillon Gee (2.18), and Jason Jacome (2.38).
Thornton also became one of eight Mets pitchers with four or more quality starts among their first five career outings, joining Ron Darling (5), Jacome (5), Gee (5), Seaver (4), Gary Gentry (4), Alay Soler (4), and Jacob deGrom (4).
Luis Robert Jr. has played in just 35 games this season, but he is tied for second on the Mets with six batted balls of 110 mph or higher, including Monday’s fifth-inning single off Martín Pérez which registered at 111.7 mph. Only Juan Soto (7) has more such batted balls for the Mets this year.
Lindor recorded three extra-base hits in a game for the 10th time in his career, and for the third time as a Met (after having done so on July 6, 2023, in Arizona, and September 12, 2021, in his three-homer game against the Yankees).
The Mets notched 19 hits in a game for the second time this season. They are one of only five teams with multiple 19-hit games this year, along with the Giants (3), Braves (2), Royals (2), and Pirates (2). Monday also marked the fifth time the Mets had 19 hits in a game at Citi Field, and the first since July 14, 2017, in a 14-2 win over the Rockies.
The Mets recorded nine hits with an exit velocity of 100 mph or higher, marking their most such hits in a game this season.
WEDNESDAY (GAME ONE)
A.J. Ewing stole two bases, marking the second time he’s done that in his short big league career. He’s the fourth Met with two multi-stolen-base performances in his first 68 career games, along with Bud Harrelson, Mookie Wilson, and and Darryl Strawberry.
WEDNESDAY (GAME TWO)
Christian Scott completed six innings for the first time this season. Prior to Wednesday, he had gone 14 consecutive starts without completing six innings to begin the season, currently tied with the Athletics’ Jacob Lopez (who has an active streak of 14) for the most in the Majors this year. The Nats’ duo of Jake Irvin (12) and PJ Poulin (11) also have active streaks close behind.
THURSDAY
With a first-inning strikeout of Heriberto Hernández, Nolan McLean recorded his 200th career strikeout in his 30th career game, making him the fifth-fastest Met to reach that total behind Dwight Gooden (25 games), Matt Harvey (27 games), Noah Syndergaard (28 games), and Kodai Senga (29 games). Jacob Misiorowski and Paul Skenes are the only other starters since Senga to debut and reach 200 strikeouts in 30 or fewer games.
McLean posted his sixth consecutive quality start, the most by a Met since Kodai Senga (8) from August 7-September 20, 2023. It was also McLean’s eighth consecutive start in which he completed six innings, the most by a Met since Sean Manaea (8) from August 16-September 21, 2024.
McLean had seven total chances in the field (three putouts, three assists, and one error), marking the most in a game by a Mets pitcher since Armando Reynoso’s seven on August 15, 1998, in Arizona. (source: SNY broadcast)
Kyle Stowers’ 112.8-mph home run was the hardest-hit homer the Mets have allowed since Shohei Ohtani’s 114.0-mph shot off Max Kranick on June 2, 2025 at Dodger Stadium.
FRIDAY
Francisco Lindor’s seventh-inning solo shot was his 150th home run as a Met, passing Carlos Beltrán for seventh on the franchise’s all-time leaderboard behind Pete Alonso (264), Darryl Strawberry (252), David Wright (242), Mike Piazza (220), Howard Johnson (192), and Dave Kingman (154).
With his fifth-inning single, Lindor extended his hitting streak against the Marlins to 21 games, setting a record for the longest hitting streak by any player against the Marlins. Tom Pagnozzi (1993-1996) and Quilvio Veras (1997-2000) were previously tied for the record at 20 games. Lindor got hits on Saturday and Sunday to make it a 23-game hitting streak against the Marlins. He’ll have the chance to extend it to 26 games later this season when the Mets play in Miami on September 7-9.
Kodai Senga completed four innings on just 33 pitches. That’s the fewest pitches a Mets starting pitcher has thrown to make it through the first four innings of a game since Bartolo Colon completed four innings on 32 pitches on September 23, 2015 against the Braves at Citi Field. (credit: PIX broadcast)
Senga took the loss on Friday night, giving him an 0-8 record on the season. He’s the fifth Met to begin a season with at least eight consecutive losing decisions, after Bob Miller (0-12 in 1962), Anthony Young (0-13 in 1993), John Franco (0-8 in 1998), and Shaun Marcum (0-9 in 2013).
SATURDAY
After Saturday, Tyrone Taylor had hit seven home runs over his past 19 games. Prior to this season, his previous career-high in homers during a 19-game span was five.
The Mets issued multiple walks for the 100th game this season, second-most of any team in MLB behind the Reds (101).
SUNDAY
Making his first Major League appearance in over a year, Robert Stock shattered his career high by racking up 12 whiffs, including at least three on three different types of fastballs (cutter, four-seamer, and sinker). His previous career high had been nine.
Stock has made 58 career appearances, and in only three of those has he completed at least four innings. All three have come at Citi Field, and in all three he has been pinned with the loss. The first was on June 16, 2021, when he started for the Cubs against the Mets. The second was on June 7, 2021, when he started for the Mets in the second game of a doubleheader against the Brewers. The third was Sunday, when he tossed five innings for the first time in his career while allowing just one earned run. (credit: SNY broadcast)
Luke Weaver recorded his 37th appearance with at least one inning pitched and no earned runs allowed this season, tied for fifth-most in MLB. Only Louis Varland (42), Tyler Rogers (41), Mason Miller (40), and Taylor Clarke (38) have more such appearances.
Sandy Alcantara made his 19th career start against the Mets, tying Tom Koehler and Dontrelle Willis for the second-most by a Marlin behind Ricky Nolasco (23).
The Mets suffered their eleventh shutout loss of the season, tied with the Pirates for the most in MLB.
The Mets scored two runs or fewer through nine innings for the 47th time this season. Only the Angels (48) have more such games in MLB.
Miscellaneous Mets stat of the week:
The last two Mets pitchers to record triples were Steven Matz and Dillon Gee, and both triples were hit against former Mets left-handers. Matz’s came on June 7, 2016, against Jon Niese in Pittsburgh, while Gee’s came on August 14, 2013, against Chris Capuano at Dodger Stadium.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 31: Philadelphia Phillies managing partner and CEO John Middleton looks on prior to the game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on August 31, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves defeated the Phillies 3-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There are probably going to be a bunch of deals made today, so let’s concentrate all of the chatter about them here in this thread.
We can talk about rumors, react to what has already gone down around the league, whatever you want.
TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 25: Manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman of the New York Yankees talk during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 25, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We’ve at last arrived at the MLB Trade Deadline. Once the clock strikes 6 p.m. EST this evening, teams will no longer be able to trade to reshape their rosters; what you have is what you’ve got the rest of the way. It’s the last chance for clubs around the league, and for Brian Cashman and the Yankees, to load up for a playoff push.
Though this deadline season took a while to heat up, we at last saw some marquee names exchanged this weekend. Yesterday, Freddy Peralta went to the Rays, Kevin Gausman went to the Cubs, and the Yankees made a major move with the acquisition of slugger Luis García Jr. Of course, the biggest news was the Dodgers’ addition of Tarik Skubal late Saturday night, a move that was expected by many but is still earth-shaking in its impact on the pennant race.
The Yankees laid in wait for some time leading up to the deadline, but after dealing Camilo Doval to the Pirates for prospects and then shipping out prospects for García, they’re out of the shadows and moving actively. Will they stay active on deadline day? Follow along with us as we keep you updated with every move and rumor from across the league all day.
Rumors of the Day (August 3)
3:45 PM EST: The Cubs made another addition to their pitching staff, picking up right-handed reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from the Angels. Zeferjahn has an interesting fastball/sweeper combo and has posted a 3.66 ERA on the year. We’ll see if that’ll do it from the Angels, who have moved Zeferjahn, Jose Soriano, Brent Suter, and Jo Adell, but still have some other big trade chips left (see: Zack Neto and Reid Detmers).
3:15 PM EST: A pair of starting pitching moves: Dustin May goes to the Brewers, and the Cubs grab Braxton Garrett. May had been lined up to start for the Cardinals against the Yankees this week. Instead, he’ll try to bolster Milwaukee’s rotation, while Garrett, who’s mostly spent the season in Triple-A, will augment a shaky Cubs staff.
3:05 PM EST: Cross another relief arm off the list: Luke Weaver is reportedly headed to the Pirates. There never seemed to be too much traction on a deal between crosstown rivals, but a reunion with Weaver and the Yankees would’ve made some sense. Instead, the Pirates pick up an arm as they try to make a playoff push, and the Mets continue to strip themselves for parts.
2:45 PM EST: The deed is done. The Orioles have traded Rutschman to the Red Sox, per Jeff Passan (old friend Carlos Narváez is apparently involved in this, as is pitching prospect Anthony Eyanson). On the bright (?) side, the Yankees officially optioned Max Schuemann to make room for Luis García Jr., and they revealed that he will be wearing No. 26, the first Yankee since DJ LeMahieu! And Kervin Castro is back in the Yankees’ bullpen!!! This is all great. It’s great. It’s even.
2:15 PM EST: The Dodgers aren’t done adding pitching, and they’ve gone with an old standby: the injury-ridded option. Kris Bubic is coming over from the Royals for righty Carlos Duran, per Mark Feinsand. The 2018 first-round pick broke out with an All-Star 2025 but is just never healthy. Even that year, he made just 20 starts. He has 213 total innings to his name since the end of 2022. Bubic is even on the IL right now with shoulder issues! But sure, the Dodgers can throw him in their shed of possible arms.
2:10 PM EST: This is almost already old rumor news at this point, but the Yankees’ discussions with the Orioles about Rutschman evidently included Elmer Rodríguez per Joel Sherman. There’s no word either way but hopefully the issue was on the Orioles’ end and not the Yankees prospect-clutching Elmer. My guess is probably not, but still. Anyway, the catching pivot may now just be the Reds’ Tyler Stephenson. Exciting, huh?
2:00 PM EST: It’s a double-batch of trades reported at the same time at two o’clock. Figures. More relevant of the two: the Rays are getting a big boost behind the plate while the Yankees still don’t have an answer beyond Austin Wells. Jeff Passan says that they’ve arranged an all-Florida swap with the Marlins for Liam Hicks, who has broken out with 2.5 rWAR and a 124 OPS+ in 101 games. He’s 27 but is under team control through 2030. Ack. 2023 first-round pick Brayden Taylor is among the three players going to Miami per Will Salmon Sammon. Ack. The other trade of the moment has the Giants sending Robbie Ray to the Padres, to which we say… “alrighty then.” You do you, Preller.
1:50 PM EST: Perhaps take it with a grain of salt, but Bob Nightengale reports that the expectation is that Tigers starter Casey Mize will be moved before the deadline, and that the Diamondbacks are among the teams interested. Whether the Tigers would go into full sell mode after dealing Tarik Skubal has been a major topic of conversation in the last two days, and so far, they’ve yet to trade off anyone other than their ace.
1:40 PM EST: Another interesting trade, with the Rangers sending infielder Josh Smith to the Blue Jays. You may remember Smith as a former Yankee farmhand that was traded to Texas as part of the Joey Gallo move (alongside fellow infielder Ezequiel Duran). Smith has struggled in 2026 but the move is still intriguing from Toronto’s perspective; Smith has two more years of arbitration remaining, as it appears the Blue Jays are actively moving now to try and add for the 2027 season and beyond.
1:00 PM EST:Buster Olney is reporting that the Red Sox and Orioles have a deal in place for Adley Rutschman but that nothing has been agreed to. In Olney’s words, the Red Sox “just need to say yay or nay”.
12:50 PM EST: A minor trade to note, with the Rockies trading center fielder Brenton Doyle to the White Sox. Once one of the best defensive outfielders in the game, the 28-year-old has struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness the last two seasons. Still, it’s notable to see the White Sox, enjoying a surprisingly strong year, continue to add at the deadline.
12:20 PM EST: And another possible Yankees target goes, as Jeff Passan reports that Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward is headed to Seattle. This one stings a bit, as Ward has a well above average bat and would have fit snugly in the Yankee lineup both as a holdover until Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge (hopefully) return, and as a quality right-handed option even after the Yankees get healthier.
12:15 PM EST: It looks like we’ve got a former potential Yankees target that’s gone off the board, as Jon Heyman is reporting that Jo Adell has been traded to the Guardians. The Yankees were never that seriously linked to Adell, but he made some sense as a right-handed bat who could start in a corner.
12:00 PM EST: There’s a lot of smoke surrounding Adley Rutschman right now, and not in a way that Yankees fans are going to like to hear. Multiple reports have surfaced linking the Red Sox to the Orioles catcher, with Joel Sherman saying that the Red Sox are “working hard” to acquire Rutschman.
11:25 AM EST: Everything must go for the Mets, and they’re getting bites on pitcher Clay Holmes, with reports indicating the Brewers are in the market for Holmes’ services. Holmes has been very effective as a starter when healthy for the Mets but has had issues staying on the field, recently making a rehab start in his recovery from a leg fracture suffered pitching against the Yankees.
11:10 AM EST: The Yankees did not offer Will Warren for Padres reliever Adrian Morejon, at least according to Mark Feinsand. This has been a subject of some debate in the rumor-sphere, with some reporting that the Yankees offered the starter Warren for Morejon. Just based on how Brian Cashman and the Yankees typically value players, color me very surprised if they actually offered Warren as the main piece in a deal in which a rental reliever was the primary player coming back. Still, Heyman posits that Warren-for-Morejon was at least discussed.
11:00 AM EST: The Rangers are open for business. Jon Heyman reports that teams have been discussing pitchers Nathan Eovaldi, Mackenzie Gore, and Jacob Latz. Texas looked like they would be adding at the deadline when they traded for Chase Silseth and Logan O’Hoppe last week, but a recent downturn has left them below .500 and contemplating selling.
11:00 AM EST: Joel Sherman reports that the Padres are looking to add a starting pitcher today, and that Robbie Ray of the Giants is a possibility. After days of rumors surrounding players like Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon, it looks like San Diego may actually go in the other direction and buy at the deadline.
10:45 AM EST: The catching position is obviously one of interest for the Yankees, but it’s unclear what the catching market looks like, even at this late stage. Jon Heyman notes that the Mets don’t intend to move right-handed catcher Luis Torrens, a former baby bomber. Joel Sherman adds that Adley Rutschman is a player “of great interest” to the Yankees, and surely other teams.
9:50 AM EST: It’s an active morning for Dave Dombrowski, as the Phillies follow up their acquisition of Luis Arraez with the addition of reliever Brooks Raley from the Mets. The 38-year-old lefty has been stellar in New York this year, running a 1.96 ERA in 41.1 innings. In a matter of minutes, the Phillies have added a quality bat and two relief arms.
9:45 AM EST: Another significant trade has hit the wire, the Giants agreeing to send second baseman Luis Arraez to the Phillies. Philadelphia has limited prospect capital to spend, but it was always going to be tough for Dave Dombrowski to completely sit this one out. The Phillies now have a big upgrade for their infield, the impending free agent Arraez hitting .324 in a resurgent season, while the also-ran Giants continue to sell off pieces. Also headed to Philly in the deal is reliever Caleb Kilian, who could improve a shaky Phillies bullpen. The Phillies no. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline Ramon Marquez goes to San Francisco, along with righty Marty Gair.
9:30 AM EST: We have a major trade! The Blue Jays have acquired Angels starter Jose Soriano reports Jeff Passan. No one expected the reigning AL champs to buy, not with Toronto mired in the middle of a miserable season, but Soriano makes more sense for a team that’s likely aiming for a rebound next year; the 27-year-old right-hander has two seasons of arbitration remaining. Minor leaguers Eddie Mitcheletti and Angel Rivero are part of the return for the Angels, but the main piece is 20-year-old shortstop Arjun Nimmala, likely the best prospect Toronto had to offer.
9:00 AM EST: The Yankees and Padres were mixed up in rumors regarding reliever Adrian Morejon last night, but it appears that San Diego is leaning towards keeping their top arms, including Morejon and Mason Miller. Never say never when it comes to the Padres and AJ Preller, but if anything, it seems like San Diego will be more likely to buy than sell.
9:00 AM EST: After dealing Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize would seem to be the next domino to fall in Detroit, though it’s unclear whether the Tigers are going to go full fire sale, still just 2.5 games out of a playoff spot in a middling American League. The former top overall pick Mize will be a free agent after this season and has a 2.70 ERA on the year, making him an enviable potential rental for many teams, but the Tigers may end up holding if they want to try and make a late playoff push.
9:00 AM EST: The Mets continued their sell-off early this morning, sending reliever Huascar Brazobán over to the White Sox in exchange for minor league pitchers Gabe Davis and Zach Franklin. The Yankees’ crosstown rivals have been active sellers this deadline, and we can expect even more moves out of Queens today as the Mets trudge through another lost season.
