The Buffalo Sabres deal with the St. Louis Blues, which reportedly would have brought defenseman Colton Parayko to Buffalo fell apart on Thursday. The two clubs agreed on a trade Wednesday that would have sent 2025 first-rounder Radim Mrtka and a future first rounder to the Blues, but the Stanley Cup winning blueliner declined to waive his no-trade clause.
The 32-year-old just returned from Italy after winning a silver medal as a member of Team Canada at the Winter Olympics, but is having a subpar season (1 goal, 13 assists) in 58 games with the struggling Blues. The deal may have been understandable from the Sabres perspective – adding a big veteran right-handed blueliner to a predominantly left-handed defensive corps, but would have represented a risk for new GM Jarmo Kekalainen, making his first move for the aging defenseman.
The optics of a player refusing to come to Buffalo, in spite of the Sabres having the best record in the NHL since early December, is another black eye to the franchise. The comments of former GM Kevyn Adams regarding no palm trees and high taxes has been hard to shake, but the success of the club over the last two months has done wonders to revitalize the pride in the organization.
The fault on this situation lies at the feet of Kekalainen, who over the last 48 hours has been connected to a pair of blockbuster acquisitions; Blues center Robert Thomas and Parayko. The Sabres GM should have been able with St. Louis’s permission to suss out whether Parayko was willing to come to Buffalo before the news got out that a deal in principle had been agreed upon. Like his previous stint in Columbus, the Sabres are on many player’s no-trade lists, so finding out their willingness to come to Buffalo or finding players that have no-trade protection should be something he is used to.
Buffalo now has less than 24 hours before the deadline to make another move, and based on his rumored trade targets this week, Kekalainen is looking to take a big swing.
The Mets lost to the Nationals, 7-4, on Thursday as their spring training slate continued.
Here are the takeaways...
- Brett Baty, who got the start in right field, smoked a two-run, opposite-field homer in the first inning off Nats starter Miles Mikolas.
- Bo Bichette continued to excel at the plate. He roped an RBI single to center field his first time up and slapped a single past the second baseman in his third at-bat.
- Jorge Polanco started at first base as he continued to get acclimated to his new position. His day in the field was smooth and relatively uneventful.
Polanco reached base twice, drawing a walk and stroking a single to right field.
- Mike Tauchman continued to impress at the plate as he fights for a spot on the roster. His three plate appearances resulted in a single, hit-by-pitch, and walk.
Tauchman is ostensibly in competition with not just Carson Benge for the right field job, but also with MJ Melendez, Tyrone Taylor, and Baty. However, it feels likely that the job will go to Benge, Tauchman, or perhaps Melendez.
Taylor is guaranteed a spot on the roster if healthy, and is a better fit in a reserve role. As far as Baty, he can get regular at-bats by alternating between designated hitter and first base.
- Justin Hagenman got the start and was solid, allowing two runs on three hits while walking none and striking out four in 3.0 innings. Hagenman is likely to begin the regular season with Triple-A Syracuse.
Highlights
Bo Bichette brings home Mike Tauchman with the opening run of the game!
The injury will knock Peña out of the WBC and land him on the 10-day injured list to begin the regular season. The Astros announced Peña will be reevaluated in two weeks; they open the season March 26 at home against the Los Angeles Angels.
Jeremy Peña stats
Though Peña's finger should heal in time for the vast majority of the regular season, it's nonetheless a tough break for a player coming off a career season in which he produced 5.6 WAR and career highs in batting average (.304), on-base percentage (.363) and slugging (.477, with an .840 OPS).
All that came across 125 games, keeping his homer total down to 17. Yet at 27, it's clear Peña is reaching the zenith of his potential. He was already an elite defender who deftly replaced Carlos Correa and clutched up in the 2022 postseason as the Astros won the World Series championship.
Who replaces Jeremy Peña with Astros, Dominican Republic?
Given the timing that's naturally a far more pressing concern for manager Albert Pujols' WBC squad. Fortunately, that team is just about as loaded as Team USA's star-studded team. Pujols can simply slide Geraldo Perdomo - a 7-win player who finished fourth in NL MVP voting last season - into the shortstop spot.
While it certainly thins the Dominicans' depth, they still have Junior Caminero, Manny Machado and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at the corner infield spots, with Perdomo and Ketel Marte up the middle and Amed Rosario available anywhere off the bench.
As for the Astros, Correa will slide back to his old position and, at least for now, the quandary of where Isaac Paredes will play has been solved. He'll man third base in Correa's stead, though the Astros will still have little room at the inn - or infield - once Peña returns.
Jeremy Peña contract
Peña is entering his fifth season and will make $9.475 million in his second year of arbitration eligibility. He can become a free agent after the 2027 season.
The Yankees fell to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday afternoon by a score of 15-0 in a rain-shortened game.
Here are the takeaways...
-- While Giancarlo Stanton played in the exhibition match against Panama earlier this week, he made his Grapefruit League debut on Thursday, serving as the DH and batting cleanup.
Stanton went 0-for-2 with a punchout.
-- No Aaron Judge in the lineup for the Yankees, as the captain is currently with Team USA. The Yankees shifted Cody Bellinger to right field, a luxury that they can also deploy during the regular season to give Judge a break, when needed.
Bellinger went 0-for-1 with a walk.
-- Paul Blackburn started on the mound, allowing a run in the second inning on a walk, single, and double. Blackburn did help his own cause by making a barehanded play to nab a runner trying to score from third in that inning. He allowed a solo shot to Luke Keaschall in the third, and was then pulled after a walk. Blackburn threw 56 pitches, allowing two earned runs on three hits with three strikeouts and two walks.
The Yankees are stretching Blackburn out to be a multi-inning reliever and a spot starter, and with news that Cam Schlittler is going to start the regular season on a pitch limit, having someone like Blackburn piggyback with him could certainly be on the table.
-- Aaron Boone had Ryan McMahonstarting at shortstop, something that the club has been tinkering with this spring. With Anthony Volpe set to miss the start of the season as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery, Jose Caballero will likely be the starter for New York, but the team has been taking a look at McMahon there as well.
The veteran had a moment to forget in the fourth. With runners on second and third and two away, McMahon made a nice stop deep in the hole, but his throw to first got away, allowing a pair of runs to score on the error. He did bounce back by lining a double into left-center later in the game.
-- The rain started to come down in the bottom of the sixth, and after a brief delay, the game was called. The Yankees allowed 15 runs on 16 hits, and had just two hits themselves.
What's next
The Yankees host the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night at 6:35 p.m., which Schlittler set to make his spring debut.
Spurs took the lead but Micky van de Ven was sent off conceding a penalty and Palace won easily from there, leaving the home side just a point off the relegation zone
Palace, meanwhile, will look to play off Strand Larsen, with Sarr and Guessand asked to run at defenders, width supplied by the excellent wing-back pairing off Munoz and Mitchell. I quite fancy those two to cause problems, especially if, behind them, Wharton and Kamada are at it with their passing.
So where is the game? I imagine Spurs are playing 4-3-3 – if they are – partly to get down the sides of Palace’s outside centre-backs and in behind their wing-backs. For what it’s worth, 4-4-2 is also a decent antidote to three at the back. Otherwise, they’ll want to serve Solanke cut-backs and low crosses to the front post, with Kolo Muani asked to clear space for him, by carrying the ball, bumping defenders out of the way or both.
DULUTH, Ga. (AP) — Hannah Hidalgo had 28 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals, Cassandre Prosper added 12 points and No. 5 seed Notre Dame beat 12th-seeded Miami 69-54 on Thursday in the second round of the ACC Tournament.
Notre Dame (21-9), which received 26 votes in the latest AP poll, moves on to play No. 4 seed NC State in the quarterfinals on Friday. The Fighting Irish have won six consecutive games and eight of the last nine, including downing then-No. 10 Louisville at home on Sunday.
Notre Dame led by 18 points entering the fourth quarter before Miami scored the opening 10 to get within 58-50. Gisela Sanchez made Notre Dame's first field goal of the fourth with 4:21 left for an 11-point lead and the Hurricanes missed their next four field goals.
Notre Dame's lead did not drop below 10 points over the final four minutes of the game.
Hidalgo, who was named ACC player of the year and ACC defensive player of the year on Tuesday, went 12 of 22 from the field to help Notre Dame shoot 46%. Iyana Moore added 11 points and Malaya Cowles grabbed 12 rebounds.
Gal Raviv scored 15 points and Ahnay Adams added 13 for Miami (17-14). Ra Shaya Kyle, averaging a team-high 16.8 points per game, had 11 points, 15 rebounds and nine turnovers.
Up next
Miami, which defeating 13th-seeded Stanford 83-76 in overtime on Wednesday to begin the tournament, hopes to receive a postseason invite.
Notre Dame looks for its second victory against NC State this season after a 79-67 contest on Feb. 15.
BROOKLYN, NY - FEBRUARY 24: Kyrie Irving #11 and Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on February 24, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks have been without Cooper Flagg for eight-straight games, making for some lousy viewing experiences of late. There is a good chance Flagg returns for tonight’s tip-off against the Orlando Magic, but that’s not the only reason you should be interested in seeing how this one plays out.
On Wednesday, we took a look at the remaining schedule and which games are of most interest the rest of the way, but the game against the Magic didn’t garner much attention. When viewed alongside another game on the NBA schedule, tonight’s outcome could mean much more to the Mavericks than meets the eye. The New Orleans Pelicans are set to face the Sacramento Kings, with the outcome of both games having meaningful impact on Draft positioning this offseason.
Dallas vs. Orlando
Dallas (21-40) currently sits in 12th place in the Western Conference. The Mavs are riding a four-game losing streak and have lost eight of their last ten games. Orlando (32-28) is the Eastern Conference 7th seed, in a veritable tie with the Miami Heat (33-29). Trending better than Dallas, the Magic have won six of ten and enter the night having won their last game.
The Mavericks are an abysmal 7-20 on the road so far this season and will be without a number of rotation players even if Flagg does return. Meanwhile, the Magic have every incentive to hit the gas and hold their ever so slight edge over the Heat who will play the Brooklyn Nets tonight for a likely win.
New Orleans vs. Sacramento
New Orleans (19-44) is currently the 13th seed in the West, right behind Dallas. They have been playing better of late, getting wins in six of their last ten games. The Kings (14-49) hold the dubious distinction of having the worst record in the league and like Dallas, have only won two of their last ten games.
The Pelicans are just slightly worse on the road than even Dallas, going 8-23 away from home to this point. Still, it seems they will have a hard time falling to the Kings who have fully embraced the tank and again, hold the league’s worst record.
Best case scenario
The best-case scenario is a matter of perspective. Assuming you see the value in Dallas picking up better draft positioning, a Mavericks loss and Pelicans win would draw them a bit closer to the sixth best place in the “Tank Standings.”
In a normal scenario, the loss column is what matters as teams jockey for better position and a higher seed. For Dallas, the inverse is true with the win column taking on added importance as they seek better draft positioning. If Dallas takes the L and New Orleans gets a W, the Mavs will only be separated by a single game from the Pelicans. I’m personally not one to outright root for the Mavericks to lose games, but with only 21 games remaining in a difficult season, tonight could play a huge part in how things shake out in the upcoming Draft Lottery.
Jordan Brodess will have his latest Draft Lottery watch to round out the week, so be sure to check that out with the latest updates after tonight’s games are in the books.
I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.
TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 05: Travis Bazzana #64 of Team Australia hits a solo home run in the seventh inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Chinese Taipei and Australia at Tokyo Dome on March 05, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Last night in the World Baseball Classic, Travis Bazzana gave Guardians’ fans a glimpse of what is possible for him as the team’s future second baseman.
You may be tempted to dismiss Bazzana’s 2-4 with a home run performance because it came against Chinese Taipei and not a major league team, but don’t be so quick to rain on parades. Consider the context: opening night of WBC play, Bazzana leading off for an underdog and playing in front of the biggest crowd of his career – 40K+ – in a stadium in which the vast majority of fans were cheering against Bazzana’s team.
In the first inning, Bazzana put up a four-pitch at-bat and got jammed on a curveball on the inside of the plate. In the third, Bazzana put up an EIGHT pitch at-bat and rapped a 102.8 mph single to right field. Bazzana got this first hit of Hsu Jo-Hsi, the best pitcher on the Chinese Taipei team who put up a 2.05 ERA in the Chinese Professional Baseball league last season and features a fastball that comes in 94-98 mph and a sharp slider.
Po-Yu Chen was the next victim for Bazzana, who has 500 or so innings of minor league experience and put up an FIP around 4.5 last season from Double-A to Triple-A. Those numbers aren’t great, but Chen got Bazzana in the fifth on a curveball that Bazzana swung over on the fourth pitch of the at-bat, grounding out. Second time Chen saw Bazzana, though, he threw a well-located (seemingly!) 94 mph fastball on the inside of the plate first pitch and Bazzana was ready for it:
BAZZANA BOMBS HAVE MADE IT TO THE WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC💥
The aftermath of this bash was a reminder of why Bazzana was such a special player to watch in college as he turned to his dugout flexing and yelling to fire them up. He is a tremendous competitor who isn’t afraid to wear his emotions on his sleeve. It was hard not to imagine him doing the same thing in Cleveland someday, after getting a look at a pitcher the first time, then dialing in for success in a second chance as is his pattern.
Bazzana also looked good defensively, including a sparkling play where he dove in the hole to stop a sharp grounder and got up to retire the runner.
I realize that we are probably going to get Gabriel Arias at short and Brayan Rocchio at second for a month or so, and then Rocchio will swap to short while Juan Brito gets a chance at second. But, if there was ever a time for the Guardians to explore buying out the arbitration years of a player who has yet to debut and trying to add a couple years of free agency on to it, I would say it is Travis Bazzana. Is he a “can’t miss” prospect? He would seem to have the solid floor of a decent defender who will get on base and slug a solid number of homers, but there are certainly still questions about his passivity at the plate and ability to get to his power, consistently. Because of that risk, it is a chance for the Guardians to offer Bazzana some security and gain themselves a chance at having the peak years of a potential all-star on a team friendly deal. If that deal could be reached, then Bazzana’s service time would no longer be a concern and the team could simply start him at second base to begin the season. I’d love for the Guardians to consider this option.
I realize some Guardians’ fans are feeling a certain way after seeing Nick Kurtz dominate in his rookie season last year and realizing that, in hindsight, every team in MLB would have drafted Konnor Griffin first if they could have a do-over. But, this mindset is sure to eliminate joy from your life, if indulged. Bazzana put up a 137 wRC+ last season, despite two oblique injuries. Bazzana is a great kid who is unfailingly fun to watch. His draft choice still has a good chance of being a ridiculously good one for the Guardians and their fans, regardless of what Kurtz, Griffin, JJ Wetherholt, Chase Burns and Charlie Condon do.
With that aside, I hope last night was a reminder to Guardians’ fans of another reason to look forward to the season ahead – if healthy, Travis Bazzana WILL debut on the Guardians this year and he is going to be must-watch TV. Get your Australian-themed banners, flags, cheers and merch ready, folks. It won’t be long until the Bazzmanian Devil is stalking pitchers in the big leagues.
With less than 24 hours until the NHL Trade Deadline, the Florida Panthers are getting an early start.
On Thursday, the team announced they had traded defenseman Jeff Petry to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a conditional seventh-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft.
That pick will become a 2026 fifth-round selection if Minnesota wins two rounds in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Petry plays 50% of the playoff games during those two rounds.
Per the Minnesota Wild's release about the trade, the 7th-round pick the #FlaPanthers acquired becomes a 5th-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft if Minnesota wins two playoff rounds and Petry plays in 50 percent or more of the Wild’s playoff games during those first two rounds.
Florida signed Petry, 38, to a one-yead deal worth $775,000 during the offseason.
He played 58 games with the Panthers, accumulating eight assists, 45 shots, 59 hits, 22 penalty minutes and a minus-10 on-ice rating.
Florida GM Bill Zito will continue to field offers as the Panthers are likely in sell-mode, sitting 10 points out of a playoff spot with just 21 games remaining.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has been a name that has come up in recent rumors, as has fellow pending unrestricted free agent A.J. Greer.
We'll see how things play out in the coming hours.
Photo caption: Jan 8, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Florida Panthers defenseman Jeff Petry (2) plays the puck against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)
The direction of the Vancouver Canucks is no longer subtle. They have officially traded defenceman Tyler Myers to the Dallas Stars, and with that move, the organization has made its priorities unmistakably clear. The future is all about accumulating assets and creating opportunity, specifically for players waiting down with the Abbotsford Canucks.
Moving Myers doesn’t just clear cap space, it removes 20-plus minutes of veteran presence from a blue line that is already stretched thin. Pair that with Victor Mancini’s recall on Tuesday and ongoing roster uncertainty, and suddenly Abbotsford becomes the new wave of talent. Three names particularly stand out as the most logical step towards that vacuum.
Arshdeep Bains
Arshdeep Bains remains the most straightforward call-up candidate up front. He has already shown he can handle NHL pace, and more importantly, he’s proven he can contribute without needing ideal deployment. His offensive consistency in Abbotsford continues to reinforce that he’s reliable, dedicated, and loyal. What strengthens his case now is context.
If Vancouver continues to listen on veteran forwards or simply shifts into evaluation mode, Bains becomes the cleanest insertion into the lineup. He can play effective bottom-six minutes, slide up in a pinch, and doesn’t require sheltered usage to survive. Beyond the eye test, Bain's production in Abbotsford continues to trend upward, and his ability to drive play at five-on-five makes him a dependable option. Coaches trust players who don't cheat the system, and Bains rarely does. In a season pivoting toward development, he represents low risk with legitimate upside.
Sawyer Mynio
On the back end, Sawyer Mynio presents an intriguing case of upside meeting opportunity. The young defenceman has steadily built confidence within the Abbotsford system, showing the kind of mobility and composure that NHL blue lines demand. Mynio’s game is built on strong reads and controlled puck movement rather than flash, but that style often translates well when players make the jump to the next level.
With Myers’ minutes now removed from the equation, the Canucks will need to explore internal options capable of handling increased responsibility. Giving Mynio an NHL look would provide valuable insight into whether his development trajectory can translate against top-level competition. For a team looking toward the future rather than the standings, that kind of evaluation carries real value.
Kirill Kudryavtsev
Then there’s Kirill Kudryavtsev, a name that immediately sparks conversation and interest. What makes him intriguing isn't just his steadiness, it's his projection. He reads the ice well, closes gaps intelligently, and plays a controlled game that often translates better at higher levels than more chaotic styles. In a developmental season, those are the types of players worth testing.
If Vancouver’s commitment to the rebuild signals anything, it’s that the Canucks are willing to live with youthful mistakes in exchange for long-term clarity. Kudryavtsev has quietly built a case in Abbotsford through steady two-way play and composure under pressure. He ins’t flashy, but he moves the puck efficiently and doesn’t force plays that aren’t there. That matters on a blue line suddenly lacking veteran presence. If the goal is to identify internal solutions rather than chase temporary fixes, Kudryavtsev is the perfect player to make his NHL audition before the season closes.
Beyond those three, Abbotsford continues to showcase several players quietly strengthening the organization’s depth chart. Forward Ty Mueller has brought energy and versatility to the lineup. Danila Klimovich, meanwhile, remains one of the more intriguing offensive projects in the system, possessing the kind of raw skill that could eventually translate into scoring depth if his development continues in the right direction. None of them may be immediate call-ups, but their progress reinforces the idea that Vancouver’s future pipeline extends well beyond a single wave of prospects.
Oct 28, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Kirill Kudryavtsev (59) shoots during warm up prior to a game against the New York Rangers at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
The Myers trade reinforces the organizational shift: Vancouver is no longer patching holes, it’s rebuilding structure. Bains provides immediate forward stability, Mynio represents emerging defensive potential and Kudryavtsev could be next if management truly commits to seeing what it has. These final weeks aren't about salvaging a record, they're about defining roles, determining who fits into October's lineup and who remains organizational depth.
With the trade deadline looming and management clearly prioritizing draft capital over short-term stability, this stretch is where internal evaluations matter more than ever. Vancouver isn't chasing a playoff spot anymore, it's chasing a base strong enough to build from. A foundation is only as good as its prospects, and its time for Vancouver to see what theirs are capable of.
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 26: Reed Sheppard #15 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket on Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter during the 2025-26 Emirates Cup at Chase Center on November 26, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors begin a three-game road trip Thursday night with a matchup against the Houston Rockets. The game is set for 4:30 PM PT in Houston and can be watched on Prime Video and NBC Sports Bay Area.
Golden State enters tonight’s matchup on a two-game losing streak following Monday’s 114-101 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Warriors started off strong, jumping out to a 31-19 lead in the first quarter and building a cushion that reached as many as 17 points. But the Clippers slowly worked their way back before taking full control after halftime, outscoring the Warriors 72-45 over the final two quarters.
Kawhi Leonard led all scorers with 23 points for Los Angeles. Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with 22 points, while two-way wing Nate Williams provided a surprising spark off the bench with 18 points on 5-of-8 shooting.
Kerr credited the second-half defense of the Clippers — who slowed the pace after a brisker first half — and highlighted the play of Nate Williams.
“It’s fun watching him. Young player. Live body. Can make a shot. … Nate is a very impressive player.”
One of the main storylines heading into Thursday’s matchup is the availability of Kristaps Porzingis. The Warriors’ newly acquired big man has appeared in just one game for Golden State while missing the past five with an illness. Porzingis has already been ruled out for tonight’s game, but he did travel with the team unlike the previous road trip, offering hope that he could return at some point during this stretch.
Kristaps Porzingis remains out for a sixth straight game tomorrow night in Houston. Did make the trip with the Warriors. Moses Moody is out with a right wrist sprain suffered last game. Will Richard still out with an ankle sprain.
Without Porzingis, Stephen Curry, and now Moses Moody — who is also out after injuring his shoulder against the Clippers — generating offense will be a challenge for Golden State. That task becomes even tougher considering their opponent is a Rockets team that ranks fifth in the NBA with a defensive rating of 111.7 and features athletic young wings like Amen Thompson.
That puts additional pressure on Podziemski to carry the scoring load. The third-year guard is averaging 12.4 points per game this season and is the only Warrior to appear in all 61 games. He has scored 16 points or more in four of the team’s last five games and will likely need another strong performance for the Warriors to have a chance in this one.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - JULY 22: Colorado Rockies 2025 first round draft pick, Ethan Holliday participates in his first work out at Salt River Field at Talking Stick on July 22, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kyle Cooper/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today the Rockies announced their 2026 Spring Breakout roster. Since it began in the 2024 season, Spring Breakout is meant to pit the top prospects, regardless of level, against those of another organization.
This year the Rockies top prospects will be facing off against those of the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, March 21st at 5:00 PM MST. The Rockies roster for the game will be:
The only players that made this years pre-season PuRP’s list that are not present on the roster are: RHP Jordy Vargas (no. 21 PuRP), LHP Michael Prosecky (no. 25 PuRP), and RHP Oscar Pujols (no. 30 PuRP).
Who are you most excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 16, 2025: Seaver King #7 of the Washington Nationals runs out a single during the seventh inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the New York Mets at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 16, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
On March 19th at 4:30 PM EST, the Nationals are playing in the Spring Breakout game against the Cardinals. The Spring Breakout game is a very cool concept the MLB introduced a few years ago where teams top prospects play against each other in a showcase event. It gives fans a chance to see prospects they would not otherwise be able to watch.
Most MLB fans do not go to many minor league games, but a lot go down for Spring Training. This event exposes a lot of more casual fans to these prospects. I think it is a great idea and teams have really bought into it. The Nats roster for this event is filled with their top prospects. Most of the Nats top 30 prospects that are not injured are on the roster. Here is a look at the roster.
Nationals' roster for their March 19 Spring Breakout prospect game vs. Cardinals pic.twitter.com/P1wrGu6rBq
There are a number of really interesting names that are all in different parts of their careers. Some of these guys are knocking on the door of the big leagues, while others are teenagers who just got drafted. That variety is part of what makes this event so exciting.
I wanted to highlight a few names I am eager to see. One of them is Luis Perales, who actually pitched today against the Mets in Spring Training. He was acquired for Jake Bennett this offseason in a rare prospect for prospect trade. Perales has absolutely electric stuff, but also has serious relief risk.
We saw the full package in his outing today. He averaged nearly 100 MPH on his fastball and showcased a pair of nasty breaking pitches. However, the command was erratic, especially with his fastball. He only walked one batter, but there were a lot of deep counts. The stuff was absolutely filthy and when he was executing, he was getting whiffs.
Luis Perales made his Nationals debut!
It's no surprise that Washington was interested in Perales from the Red Sox this winter. His fastball sat at 100 MPH with elite ride which pairs with a strong pair of cutters and sliders. There is some relief risk, but the stuff is nasty! pic.twitter.com/ljj3LlPia2
This year, the Nats are going to have to decide whether Perales is a starter or a reliever. He is likely to start the year in the AAA rotation. However, the bullpen is a strong fall back option. He is already on the 40 man roster, so the Nats will have to make a decision on him before too long. I am really excited to see Perales pitch though.
A position player I am excited to watch is Marconi German. There are a ton of middle infielders on this roster, so there is no guarantee he plays much in the game. However, I want to just see what he looks like out there. He has yet to make his stateside debut, but lit up the Dominican Summer League last year. I know his stats, but I feel like I do not know the player yet.
Getting to know the player beyond just the stats is a lot of what this Spring Breakout is all about. This is the first time fans are able to see a lot of these players. It can also be the first time these players ever play in their team’s uniform. 2025 draft picks like Coy James, Miguel Sime Jr., and Landon Harmon have yet to play a professional game. That means the Spring Breakout game is the first time any fans will see them.
The teams are also all in on this idea, which makes it really work. 91 of the top 100 prospects will be playing in the Spring Breakout game. The only ones that are not are injured players like Jarlin Susana or guys who are locks to make the team like Nolan McLean of the Mets.
91 Top 100 prospects 97 first-round picks 23 countries and territories represented
This participation is part of what makes the event so fun. Basically every relevant Nats prospect that is able to play is on the roster. This might be my favorite part of Spring Training and it is such a great idea from the MLB. Set your calendars for March 19th at 4:30.
The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that they have signed forward Garrett Wilson to a two-way contract for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
Wilson was also placed on waivers by the Flyers, as it is needed before his contract with the Metropolitan Division club is finalized.
Wilson is currently in his sixth season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and is serving as their captain. In 51 games with the AHL club so far this season, the 2009 fourth-round pick has recorded four goals, 12 assists, 16 points, and 99 penalty minutes.
Wilson's last NHL appearance was during the 2018-19 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Since then, he has exclusively played at the AHL level. He played one season with the Toronto Marlies before joining the Phantoms ahead of the 2020-21 season.
Overall, this is a nice gesture by the Flyers. Wilson has earned this NHL deal for all the time he has put in with the Phantoms.
In 84 career NHL games split between the Florida Panthers and Penguins, Wilson has recorded two goals, eight points, and 42 penalty minutes.
