Game Thread: Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 04: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates after hitting a three-point shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 04, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 108-105. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Game 55.

Hopefully win 33. Let’s go!

The San Antonio Spurs will be all over All-Star Weekend

After the San Antonio Spurs face off against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, they’ll dive headfirst into All-Star Weekend, where they will have their largest presence in years.

Victor Wembanyama was named an All-Star starter for the first time; Mitch Johnson will coach one of the U.S. teams in the All-Star Game; Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle will participate in the Rising Stars tournament; Carter Bryant is in the Dunk Contest; and Harper will join his family in the Shooting Stars challenge. San Antonio’s core is well-represented at All-Star Weekend, but some, including Johnson, have questioned whether they were still shortchanged. The Athletic’s Law Murray caught the Spurs head coach talking about some players he thought were snubbed from the big game.

Castle and De’Aaron Fox have been critical pieces for a Spurs squad that is second in the Western Conference and owns the third-best record in the NBA. While their counting stats may not be at the same level as other All-Stars, their contribution to winning certainly is.

Do you think Johnson had a point? Was Castle or Fox snubbed from the All-Star game? Which Spur do you think will perform the best over the weekend? Vote in the poll below, and we’ll cover the results after the All-Star game!

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Spurs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Rockets set to take on the Clips in Game 2 of a double-dip

Feb 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Clippers guard Cam Christie (12) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers

February 11, 2026

Location: Toyota Center – Houston, TX

TV: Space City Home Network,

Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790

Online: Rockets App, SCHN+

Time: 7:00pm CST

Probable Starting Lineups

Rockets: Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun

Clippers: Derek Jones Jr., Kawhi Leonard, Kris Dunn, John Collins, Brook Lopez

Candace Parker, Doc Rivers among 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame finalists

Candace Parker, Doc Rivers among 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame finalistsThe James Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is a step closer to adding to its esteemed roster of myriad basketball legends.

On Wednesday, three-time WNBA champion Candace Parker, Team USA’s 1996 women’s national team, Elena Delle Donne and Chamique Holdsclaw were among the premier names announced as finalists for the hoops hall, which will soon welcome many of the biggest names in the history of women’s basketball. Former NBA All-Stars Blake Griffin and Amar’e Stoudemire will also be finalists, with Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers also closer to the Hall.

Parker, a two-time WNBA MVP, will forever remain a pre-eminent part of influencing women’s hoops. In 2008, after an esteemed career at the University of Tennessee, she immediately broke through in the pros by becoming the first (and only) player in league history to win MVP and Rookie of the Year honors. Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain and Wes Unseld are the only NBA players to do so. Parker, whose 16-year career ended in 2023, is ranked 10th in WNBA history in total points, third in rebounds, 11th in assists, fifth in blocks and 18th in career steals. She was named WNBA Finals MVP in 2016 after leading the Los Angeles Sparks to their fourth title in team history. In 2021, she led her hometown Chicago Sky to the franchise’s only WNBA championship.

Nicknamed the Women’s Dream Team, the 1996 Team USA women’s national squad remains one of the most dominant in the game’s history. It was led by several prominent names who are already individually enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame: Dawn Staley, Lisa Leslie, Rebecca Lobo, Sheryl Swoopes, Teresa Edwards and Katrina McClain. The roster also included Jennifer Azzi, Ruthie Bolton, Venus Lacy, Nikki McCray, Carla McGhee and Katy Steding. Credited with aiding the launch of the WNBA, this team defeated opponents by an average of 28.6 points per game en route to gold medal honors.

Delle Donne, whose 10-year career ended in 2023, is the only player in WNBA history to win MVP honors with multiple franchises (2019 with the Washington Mystics, 2015 with the Chicago Sky). She steps closer to the hall thanks to her unique combination of shooting touch and basketball IQ, becoming the first player in WNBA history to join the prestigious 50-40-90 club (shooting at least 50 percent overall, 40 percent on 3-pointers and 90 percent on free throws for a full season). Her career scoring average of 19.5 points per game ranks fifth highest in WNBA history.

Holdsclaw won WNBA Rookie of the Year honors in 1999, averaging 16.9 points and 7.9 rebounds in her first season as a pro. She finished in the top 10 of MVP voting six times over her 11 WNBA seasons, during which she averaged 16.9 points and 7.6 rebounds. She peaked in 2003, averaging 20.5 points and 10.9 rebounds for the Washington Mystics. She finished her career with three All-WNBA selections and six All-Star nods and notched the 2002 league scoring title while leading the league in rebounds twice. Those accomplishments weren’t a surprise given her elite collegiate career at Tennessee, where she won Naismith Player of the Year honors twice (1998-99) and led the Lady Volunteers to three titles.

For the men’s side of this year’s finalist bracket, Rivers is one of seven coaches in NBA history to win Coach of the Year honors in their first season with a team, doing so with the Orlando Magic in 1999-00. His 1,183 regular-season wins rank sixth in NBA history. In 2008, he led the greatest single-season turnaround in NBA history when the Boston Celtics snapped a championship drought of over 20 years. In 2022, the NBA named Rivers as one of the 15 greatest coaches in league history.

Griffin, who retired after the 2022-23 season, spent years as one of the most talented and athletic players in the NBA. He averaged 21.4 points and 9.0 rebounds over 765 career games, including a special run as the face of Lob City during arguably the most successful era in the LA Clippers’ history. For the 2013-14 season, he finished third in MVP voting after averaging 24.3 points (second-highest scoring average of his career), 9.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists. His seven triple-doubles are tied for second most in Clippers history.

Like Griffin, Stoudemire’s athletic prowess and unmatched skill on offense were a unique mix in a special career. He was pivotal to the Phoenix Suns’ revival, led by two-time MVP Steve Nash and coach Mike D’Antoni, who joins Stoudemire as a finalist for the Hall. Stoudemire notched six All-Star selections and five All-NBA nods over his 14-year career in the NBA. At his peak, the 2002-03 Rookie of the Year averaged over 25 points per game and was one of the league’s most potent dunkers. He finished his career with averages of 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds in 846 career games.

D’Antoni’s 253 regular-season wins with Phoenix rank third in franchise history. His run as coach of the Seven Seconds or Less Suns included two runs to the Western Conference finals. During D’Antoni’s four full seasons as coach (2004-05 to 2007-08), Phoenix ranked third in the NBA in win percentage (.707) and total victories (232).

There are 21 total finalists this year. Others include Marques Johnson, Mark Few, Jerry Welsh, Dick Motta, Gary McKnight, Kelvin Sampson, Molly Bolin-Kazmer, Tal Brody, Joey Crawford and Kevin Johnson. The inductees will be announced in April. Enshrinement weekend is scheduled for later this year at Mohegan Sun Arena, beginning with a tip-off celebration and awards gala Aug. 14. The commencement ceremony will take place the next day at the Symphony Hall in Springfield, Mass.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Los Angeles Sparks, NBA, WNBA

2026 The Athletic Media Company

LIVE DISCUSSION: Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 PM ET

Feb 9, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore (88) dribbles up court during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Nets picked up a hard-fought 123–115 win over the Bulls on Monday, powered by career nights from Nic Claxton (28 points, 10 rebounds) and Nolan Traoré (13 points, 13 assists). Now they’re up against the 14-win Pacers in the final game before All-Star Weekend.

🏀 KEY INFO

WHO: Indiana Pacers (14-40) at Brooklyn Nets (15-37)

WHEN: 7:30 PM ET

WATCH: YES Network


NETS INJURY REPORT

  • Clowney — OUT
  • Porter Jr. — OUT (Right Knee Tendinitis)
  • Etienne — OUT (G League Two-Way)
  • Johnson — OUT (G League Two-Way)
  • Liddell — OUT (G League Two-Way)

Nic Claxton is questionable entering the game (right hip soreness).

💬 DISCUSSION

Share thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.

San Antonio Spurs release Jeremy Sochan: Why it happened

The San Antonio Spurs are waiving forward Jeremy Sochan, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Wednesday.

The two parties had reportedly been working towards finding a trade destination for the former lottery pick − Jared Weiss of The Athletic reported that the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns, among other teams, have all shown interest − but landed on a release instead after the deadline passed last week.

Now, the pending restricted free agent has been bought out and is free to choose his next destination.

The Spurs made the news official on social media with a graphic thanking Sochan, who they selected No. 9 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. Sochan had represented San Antonio in the 2023 and '24 Rising Stars games.

Since then, however, Sochan's usage has declined in San Antonio. He averaged just 12.8 minutes in 28 games this season after starting 23 times the prior season, and he found himself out of the rotation completely after the emergence of rookie wing Carter Bryant.

According to Charania, Sochan "is expected to decide among multiple interested teams."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Spurs release Jeremy Sochan: Why it happened, what we know

Yankees float encouraging Gerrit Cole possibility as team enters spring training in good health

Gerrit Cole pitching during spring training at Steinbrenner Field.
Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole #45, throwing on a back field as pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training today, at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida.

TAMPA — At a time when managers around Florida and Arizona are delivering bad news in the form of new injuries at the start of camp, no news was good news from Aaron Boone and the Yankees on Wednesday.

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As pitchers, catchers and World Baseball Classic participants reported to spring training and underwent physicals at George M. Steinbrenner Field, Boone indicated that they had a healthy bunch — aside from the four players who they already disclosed would begin the season on the injured list: Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt and Anthony Volpe.

There is still a long way to go before now and Opening Day, but the Yankees at least seem to be starting off on the right foot, which is not always the case.

“As far as I know, I think we’re in a good spot,” Boone said.

Cole and Rodón played catch side by side on a backfield Wednesday as both continue their respective rehabs from elbow surgery.

Rodón, who had a bone spur shaved down and loose bodies removed from his left elbow in October, is “probably not far behind from the start of the season,” Boone said, which would seem to keep a late April return in play.

Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole throwing on a back field as pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, on Feb. 11 Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Cole, meanwhile, threw “a number” of bullpen sessions back home before arriving at camp, about 11 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The former AL Cy Young winner is scheduled to begin facing hitters “in a couple weeks” and could even get into Grapefruit League games before camp ends, Boone said.

The Yankees will not rush Cole, but the possibility of pitching in exhibition games by the end of spring is a positive sign for Cole’s rehab as he tries to return by May or June.

As for Volpe, who underwent left shoulder surgery in October for a torn labrum, the shortstop is scheduled to begin his hitting progression within the next two weeks, which is the last step to begin ramping up.

“He is doing well,” Boone said. “Strength is all there in the weight room and stuff like that. He’s got all that back. That’s the thing that took a little while. His range of motion is tremendous.”

Arizona Diamondbacks 2026 Non-Roster Invitees, Part 4

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 03: New York Yankees pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga (43) delivers a pitch during a MLB game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees on April 3, 2024, at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ. (Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

This is the final batch of right-handed pitchers. I’d not be surprised if one or more of these ended up in our Opening Day bullpen, and there is a non-zero chance every one we talk about here, sees some MLB action over the course of the 2026 campaign…

Jonathan Loaisiga (43)

With eight years of major-league experience, and a 120 ERA+ across almost 250 innings of MLB work, Loaisiga is a very credible option for the Arizona ‘pen. All of that time came with the Yankees – he was their longest-tenured pitcher at the end of last season – peaking in a stellar 2023 campaign where has worth 3.3 bWAR, entirely in relief. Last year was a bit of a struggle, with a mediocre 4.25 ERA across 30 appearances in pinstripes, and an ugly 5.83 FIP. It’s possible he was still recovering from elbow surgery – an internal brace, rather than traditional Tommy John – which ended his 2024 season after just three games. He also had back and flexor problems, so staying healthy is going to be key.

Alfred Morillo (78)

Not to be confused with right-handed relief pitcher Juan Morillo, who is already on the 40-man roster, Morillo is also Dominican rather than Venezuelan. He has been part of the Arizona farm system for four years, splitting 2025 between Double-A and Triple-A. Morillo does need to get the walks down – 20 over just 29 innings for Reno, and control has been an issue through his minor-league career. But he only turned 24 in November, so time is on his side. In September, Preston called him “most likely a shuttle-riding mid-inning option, but there is a small chance of greater upside.”

Taylor Rashi (54)

It was a bit of a surprise when Rashi was non-tendered in November, especially considering he was pre-arbitration, so was still set to earn league minimum this season. After all, he had looked good in his MLB debut, striking out 22 batters over 16.1 innings to give him a 1.91 FIP, while notching a pair of saves (above). Across a bigger sample size with Reno (67.1 IP), he also had a 3.48 ERA – the best of any Aces pitcher with 30+ innings last year. But a couple of weeks later, he re-signed with the Diamondbacks, so no harm done. It did take him until almost the end of August to reach the majors last year, but if he can reproduce his 2025 form, he should see Phoenix considerably sooner.

Landon Sims (87)

Our first-round pick (#34 overall) in 2022, Sims spent all of last season in Double-A Amarillo, where his 3.63 ERA was very credible given the environment. Of particular note, he allowed only two home-runs to the 233 batters he faced. It has been a process for Sims, since Tommy John surgery a couple of months before the draft, meant his pro debut was delayed until mid-2023. The initial results were short of impressive, but they have improved as Landon’s strength has returned. However, Fangraphs were unimpressed, calling him “a relief-only prospect now, and a bit of a fringy one… it’s a low-ceiling, low-leverage profile.”

Spring Training open thread: February 11

Feb 10, 2026; North Port, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider (99) and teammates workout during spring training workouts. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Well, nobody went on the 60-Day IL today so I’d consider that a success! The night is still young so I’m definitely knocking on wood here but hopefully we’re past the bad injury luck for the time being. That clubhouse needs it and the fanbase needs it as well. Phew.

Anyways, here’s a random clip. The floor is now yours.

Game Thread: Knicks at 76ers, February 11, 2026

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 22: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks talks with his father and New York Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 22, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 104-101. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Knicks (34*-20) face the Philadelphia 76ers (30-23) tonight at Xfinity Mobile Arena. It’s New York’s final game on the schedule before the All-Star break. They arrive still stinging from last night’s overtime loss to Indiana, while Philly’s last game was a bust against Portland.

Game’s at 7:30 p.m. EST on MSG and ESPN. This is your game thread. This is Liberty Ballers. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Be good ambassadors of humanity. And go Knicks!

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

Why Jeremy Sochan is not the answer for the Suns frontcourt

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs defends Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz during the second quarter of the game at Frost Bank Center on December 27, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Antonio Spurs have released Jeremy Sochan. They are allowing him an opportunity to test the market and find a home. I am here to tell you that home shouldn’t be in Phoenix.

I get it. You like the energy. You like the hustle. You like the style. Above all else, you like the idea of the size. Even though he is 6’8”, he is not really a true power forward. He does not solve any of the issues that the Suns currently possess. Even though bringing him here on a veteran minimum contract could be appealing, it is not the right move for Phoenix.

There is no real value added with him coming in here. If this were a team that lacked hustle and energy, it would be different. You would plug him in and let him run wild. You would allow his energy and focus to influence those on the court. But the second unit does not need that. They have Jordan Goodwin and Ryan Dunn.

The second name is the most important in this whole equation. If you bring in Jeremy Sochan, you are giving up on Ryan Dunn, at least in the short term relative to his development. Ryan Dunn has had a rocky sophomore season, but we are starting to see signs of life. Things are starting to click on both ends of the floor. Over his last four games, he is 6-of-9 from beyond the arc.

I’d rather keep Ryan Dunn in the second unit. Honestly, I might even give him more minutes. Let him keep building confidence. Let him fortify his development. There is no reason to create a logjam in front of him right now.

That matters even more when you look at the numbers. This is a player who is a career 28.7% shooter from beyond the arc. He is not some massive upgrade over Dunn on the glass either. His career rebounding percentage sits at 12%. Dunn is at 11% across his two seasons. That gap is negligible. I’ll bank on upside and development, even if Dunn is technically older than Sochan. Dunn has at least shown an ability to make threes, even if it comes in waves.

And if the argument is that he should be in the starting lineup, I’m sorry, but no thank you. He has not started a game in San Antonio this season. Over the past two years, he slowly but surely played himself out of that role. Maybe a change of scenery helps. I still do not see him as a starting power forward. He is undersized, and I would much rather have the shooting of Royce O’Neale on the floor. Sochan shrinks the spacing. He might grab a few more rebounds, but he does not bring enough offensively to move anything in a meaningful way.

I keep coming back to what I said last week when I was putting together mock trades involving him. I understand why people like him. He is just not for me. At least not for this team, and not right now. There is no real value added here. The fit is duplicative, and it actively blocks the development of Ryan Dunn.

So, like Dillon Brook should do late in games, I’ll pass.

Pistons vs. Raptors Discussion: Game Time, TV, Odds, and More

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the net against Immanuel Quickley #5 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 4, 2025 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Let’s see what you can do, Tolu Smith. The Detroit Pistons will be relying on their two-way center to play plenty of minutes tonight against the Toronto Raptors as the Pistons will be playing their first game without Jalen Duren or Isaiah Stewart. Both were suspended for their actions during a brawl with the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night. The Pistons will also be missing Ron Holland, who is still out for personal reasons. This is Detroit’s last game before the All-Star break, and you’d like to see them end the unofficial first half on a high note. But not only are they playing short-handed, but they are also playing a dangerous Toronto Raptors team.

Toronto has won three of four games, granted that was against the Jazz, Bulls, and Pacers. But they always seem to be feisty against the Pistons. I want a nice, quiet game that can ease us into the break. Is that too much to ask?

Game Vitals

When: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons +1

Projected Lineups

Detroit Pistons: (39-13)

Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Paul Reed

Toronto Raptors (32-22)

Immanuel Quickley, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl

Kenny Atkinson provides update on when Evan Mobley could return for Cavs

Jan 26, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) looks up court in the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images

CLEVELAND — Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson has done a good job of integrating the new additions at the deadline into the rotation. James Harden has paired well with both Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen. And by the sounds of things, it won’t be long until we find out how the new core four looks together.

According to Atkinson, Mobley should be returning from his calf strain “right after the All-Star break.”

Mobley has missed the team’s last six games and is out for Wednesday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards. He injured his left calf in the team’s win over the Orlando Magic on Jan. 26. This was the same calf that he injured earlier on Dec. 12. That initial injury kept him out for two weeks.

If Mobley returns after the All-Star break in the team’s Feb. 19 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, it would be a three and a half week absence from the court. The timeline for the recent calf strain was one to three weeks.

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Fitting Mobley back into a lineup that looks vastly different could present some challenges.

“I’m not sure if James has ever played with two bigs,” Atkinson said. “It’s usually four shooters, one big, but I have no doubt he’ll figure that one out too.”

Atkinson is already planning for that eventuality.

“We’re trying to get ahead of it,” Atkinson said. “With the coaches, we’ve talked about it. I don’t want to overload James right now. … When Evan comes back, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. … We got to think about the spacing, isolation spacing, pick-and-roll spacing, what kind of sets are best when those two are together.”

The Cavs have bet on talent and overall basketball IQ winning out with the Harden trade. Through two games, it has worked out. We’ll see how that adjustment period goes when Mobley returns.

Bryce Eldridge to have outfield glove mailed to him

Sep 23, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants designated hitter Bryce Eldridge (78) takes the field before their game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

The buzz out of Spring Training camp today came from the news that Bryce Eldridge will get some work out in left field. The Giants’ San Francisco Chronicle beat writer Shayna Rubin has the full breadth of the story summed up in this social media post:

Well, that’s a sweet capper to the story and I hope there’s a follow-up question in a couple of days asking what treat or gift his mom packed along with the glove.

But the news is not a total shocker. Eldridge began his pro career getting some time in right field for the ACL Giants and San Jose Giants. He was also a pitcher. So, you know, he’s an athlete. And he’s just 21 years old. Trying him around the diamond — especially during Spring Training — just makes a lot of sense.

Rafael Devers ought to be slated as the starting first baseman specifically because he’s just 29 years old. Having lived through my twenties and now thirties, I have to say that people should wring as much physical activity out of their twenties as possible. I am of the belief that Devers’ 1,270 games at third base makes him a great candidate to play most of the time at first base, and while he wasn’t amazing last season in the brief sampling he had with the Giants, he looked physically capable over there. Penciling him in there for the bulk of the work makes all the sense in the world. Rafael Devers isn’t baseball young and not nearly as young Eldridge, but he’s still young, so use the youth!

The Devers situation makes the Giants’ decision to callup Bryce Eldridge at the end of 2025 all the more questionable. He was already struggling at first base in the minor leagues. The team didn’t put him in the outfield after 2023. On top of that, he didn’t need to be added to the 40-man roster until after the 2027 season. So now, the Giants find themselves with the unenviable task of having to develop a 21-year old position player.

Developing position players of any age has been tough for the franchise since their move to San Francisco and it’s not a scenario any reasonable person should expect to work out well, even if you are feeling generous towards the Giants. Most prospects don’t pan out. There are already whispers that Eldridge isn’t going to be close to the player the Giants had hoped for — unless you want to discount Eno Sarris entirely.

There was already a lot of hype for and pressure on Eldridge, but with the September callup it would appear the Giants have transferred that pressure from the player and onto themselves. Maybe almost entirely. The Giants are tying up a roster spot on a 21 year old DH/1B unless Tony Vitello college coaches him up to being a good enough defender to be flexible for left field, too. That doesn’t seem like a guarantee, not only because Vitello has a whole roster to worry about, but because he’s aware that Eldridge is still very much a prospect. In response to a question about him being on the Opening Day roster, Vitello said of Eldridge:

It’s amazing that he was able to accomplish what he did last year but for right now I think he’s just got to mature as a player. He’s incredibly mature as a kid. But repetitions and conversations and just maturing so that he’s a complete player I think is the key to him becoming the best version of himself. And if he becomes the best version of himself […] he’s around the Giants pretty danged often and maybe even Opening Day.

So, now the Giants have to find field time for him to keep him in the lineup to see if he’ll hit his way onto the Opening Day roster. If he does, then that means the Giants have a meaningful power threat in their lineup. They also set themselves up for an extra draft pick through the Prospect Promotion Incentive. If it doesn’t work out it might become a reflection on the player down the road (especially if Eno Sarris’s prediction proves correct), but let’s not forget that the Giants have rushed him along because he’s the one prospect in several years that the industry has mostly agreed is a good one and has the type of (theoretical) power the lineup has sorely lacked since the championship era.

The other part of this that I think is worth exploring is what happens if Eldridge does stick and proves capable in left field. What happens with the outfield then? Does Jung Hoo Lee get more time in center than Buster Posey envisioned when they signed Harrison Bader? Does Heliot Ramos DH a lot more? All of that would seem to fall in “good problem to have” territory, but I can’t imagine Eldridge’s defensive ceiling being enough to supplant any of the current options, even if the bat plays. But at the same time, an outfield of Eldridge, Lee, and Ramos sounds, uh, pretty good — if all three hit to their expectations. I would hope that the Giants are trying to see if there’s something to Eldridge in the outfield that can actually stick, because making a 6’7” left-handed power hitter some sort of utility player strikes me as something that would’ve been condemned by most of the fandom had it been the plan of the previous front office, and it doesn’t seem like making a prospect positionless puts a prospect in the best position to succeed.

Eldridge could wind up as a left-handed Aaron Judge, who didn’t become AARON JUDGE until his age-25 season. So, development isn’t linear and it usually takes a decent amount of time. I’m not sure where “finding extra playing time for a prospect who has been rushed through the minors” falls, exactly. Is it evidence of desperation and they’re just trying to find something that makes him fit on the roster or are they simply trying to give him as many reps against major league competition as possible to aid in his development?

Well, that’s why we true baseball sickos watch Spring Training: to find out.

Phillies tell Nick Castellanos not to report to spring training with trade or release looming

Nick Castellanos #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on September 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Nick Castellanos #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on September 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Nick Castellanos’ days in Philadelphia appear numbered. 

The veteran outfielder remains on the Phillies’ roster, “but there is no locker in the clubhouse for him,” per The Athletic’s Matt Gelb

The Phillies told the 33-year-old outfielder “not to report to the team’s complex this week,” Gelb added, as they look to get off his contract. 

Castellanos is expected to be traded or released “in the next two days.”

Nick Castellanos of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two-RBI double against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 6, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Getty Images

It’s been a long winter for Castellanos, who was reportedly on his way out of Philly in October shortly after the team was eliminated by the Dodgers in the National League Division Series. 

That was all but confirmed after the Phillies signed Adolis Garcia, leaving little room for a player like Castellanos on a roster full of other slow-footed sluggers like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. 

Last season, Castellanos, who turns 34 next month, posted full-season lows with a .250 average and an on-base percentage of .294.

The two-time All-Star also posted a career-worst negative-1.0 WAR.

He is due $20 million in 2026 in the fifth and final year of his $100 million pact with the Phillies. 

Castellanos also appeared to be butting heads with manager Rob Thomson during the season. 

Nick Castellanos of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on September 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images

After Castellano was pulled from a late August game for the slick-fielding Harrison Bader, he appeared to call out Thomson, saying there was “no conversation” about the move. 

In June, Castellanos was benched one game for an “inappropriate comment” to Thomson after getting taken out of a game against the Marlins. 

Castellanos has consistently ranked as one of the worst outfielders in baseball, sitting in a tie for last with Schwarber in terms of outs above average (minus-39) over the past five seasons.