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Six Golden State Warriors trade targets: Best moves for Golden State

The Golden State Warriors are moving in the right direction this offseason.

They swiftly addressed questions looming about the future of head coach Steve Kerr and whether he'd call it quits. Kerr re-signed with the Warriors on a multi-year deal that will keep him as the highest paid coach. That was step one. Check.

Step two was finding their place in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft on June 23-24. Golden State received the No. 11 pick. Check.

Their next order of business includes scouting talent for upcoming prospects, but also planning package deals as they look to remain active during the offseason, fielding trade offers from other teams.

Not expected to be included in those trade talks is their No. 11 pick, as the Warriors are eyeing a player that they can develop, but also is NBA-ready. However, if it's a veteran player who can help them win-now, then everything – meaning that pick – is on the table.

"I think we're in a different place now. Right, there's no question. And I've talked to Mike (Dunleavy, the Warriors GM), I mean, I don't know the draft, but he feels really strongly that we're going to get a good player. It could be a 19 year old, it could be someone older," Kerr told reporters.

That means to be competitive during trade talks, the Warriors will have to be aggressive in the players they go after, and offer packages that doesn't completely deplete their team. The Warriors could use a dominant two-way wing or an elite frontcourt player.

Here's a list of players the Warriors could look to add this offseason:

Golden State Warriors trade targets

These are a handful of trade targets that would make sense to push the Warriors back into postseason contention.

Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers

Pairing Kawhi Leonard with Stephen Curry would give the Warriors a defensive presence that is on the level of Draymond Green, while simultaneously providing them another scorer and go-to option in late-game situations to relieve pressure from Curry. With Leonard expecting $50 million, the wonder is whether the Warriors have the cache to make it happen. One player who made the case? Green on his podcast.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Golden State has held discussions with Milwaukee in attempts to acquire GiannisAntetokounmpo around the trade deadline during the regular season, but talks fizzled out. Antetokounmpo fits the timeline and positional needs for the Warriors: A two-way player and front court force on the inside. There hasn't been any reports of an official offer for the swap. In order to make the deal happen, it might take a haul including Jimmy Butler, Brandin Podziemski, the No. 11 overall pick, a 2028 first-round pick, a 2030 first-round pick and a 2032 first-round pick.

Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets

Aaron Gordon is reportedly made available in trade talks and is being shopped. Gordon and the Warriors haven't been linked by any reports. It's just a basketball fit that would benefit both parties. Gordon could give the Warriors, and Curry, a few more years of playoff contention and championship relevance.

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

The Warriors need an inside presence, especially if they don't bring back Kristaps Porzingis. Joel Embiid seems to be a name that people want to see in the Bay Area. Former NBA player Jeff Teague said on his podcast Club 520 that he believes Embiid would be effective for Curry.

"I think they might get Embiid," Teague said. "I can see them getting Embiid. ...This is just me thinking out loud. They're going to trade Draymond (Green) and someone else and go for Embiid. I think so. I'm thinking you gotta make a splash. You can't get Giannis, you can't get Kawhi. You gotta get somebody that's effective for Steph. The only most-available person is Embiid."

Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans

Trey Murphy fits the mold of what the Warriors are looking for in a two-way wing player. The bad news is that the Pelicans have been reluctant to deal him, according to NBC Sports Bay Area's Dalton Johnson. Murphy seems like he's considered an untouchable asset, but if the Warriors could convince the Pels to change their mind, that would be a great pickup.

Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets

Michael Porter Jr. should not be wasting talent in Brooklyn. He can contribute to a contending team. It's why the Warriors make sense. Golden State needs someone who adds versatility on the wing. Porter at 6-foot-10 can defend multiple positions, but he's known mostly for providing floor-spacing offensively and being able to knock down open shots. If the Warriors trade for Porter, they would add a more realistic scoring and shooting option on the wing.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Golden State Warriors trade targets during this offseason

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DitD & Open Post – 5/22/26: Keeping Keefe Edition

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Sheldon Keefe speaks after the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Prudential Center on February 25, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Here are your links for today:

Devils Links

“Keefe’s first two seasons as the Devils’ head coach were a disappointment, but retaining him for the 2026-27 season makes sense. Here’s why that’s the case.” [Devils on the Rush ($)]

“Mehta has stated he believes the Devils can compete right away. He’s not going to waste another season of this core on a coach he’s not sold on so he can ‘play it safe’ and have a little more rope in a job he just took. Mehta kept Keefe because he believes it is in the best interest of the team, and that’s a perfectly justifiable decision.” [Infernal Access]

“My gut instinct is to say that the Devils’ goaltending woes up until 2024-25 were simply by virtue of employing subpar goalies, but it is pretty undeniable that their goalies in the aggregate have performed worse with Rogalski as their coach.” [Devils’ Advocates]

As Simon Nemec rumors swirl:

“​​The PWHL, according to sources, has added another women’s hockey legend to their roster of staff hiring Meghan Duggan as a general manager for one of their remaining two vacancies. Duggan has spent the past five seasons working as the Director of Player Development for the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.” [The Hockey News]

Hockey Links

An impressive performance from the Habs in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final:

In the rest versus rust debate:

Vegas takes Game 1 of the Western Conference Final:

Mock draft season! A look ahead predicting all 63 picks of the first two rounds: [The Athletic ($)]

“Troy Terry will have surgery to repair chronic hip impingement and his status for the start of next season for the Anaheim Ducks is unknown.” [NHL.com]

Montreal Victoire are PWHL champs:

Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.

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Game 52 Preview: Tigers head to Baltimore for 3 vs Orioles this weekend

It is a tough time to be a Detroit Tigers fan after watching their beloved team get swept at home by the Cleveland Guardians this week in four games. The Motor City Kitties have now lost six straight, nine of the last 10, and 14 of the last 16 — that last stat is just one loss short of the worst stretch (2-15) the franchise experienced during the abysmal 2019 campaign from June 13 to July 13.

Perhaps the good news is that AJ Hinch’s squad hits the road this weekend to face a struggling Baltimore Orioles team that is coming off a series sweep at the Tampa Bay Rays and has just one victory in its last six tries. It is truly a veritable crap vs crap matchup on deck here; if the Tigers continue to flail, things are looking really rough as we approach the 1/3 season mark.

To open things up at Camden Yards, Detroit turns to right-hander Jack Flaherty, who has posted an 8.41 ERA and 5.57 FIP over his last five starts stretching across 20 1/3 innings. The bright spot is the fact that the 30-year-old gave his team six frames last time out — just the second time this season he reached that mark.

The last time Flaherty saw the O’s was in 2024 with the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Aug. 27, when he earned a quality start for his six-inning effort that saw him allow three runs on six hits (two home runs) and two walks with five strikeouts in a game that he got saddled with the loss.

Opposite him is fellow righty Chris Bassitt, who has had three strong outings so far, while the others were nothing to write home about. However, his last start was not one of those — the 37-year-old allowed four runs on six hits (one home run) and a walk with four strikeouts over five frames to earn a loss against the Washington Nationals.

Bassitt’s last appearance against Detroit came on July 19, 2024, with the Blue Jays in Toronto, in which he allowed five runs on six hits (two home runs) and a walk while striking out six over 6 2/3 innings to earn the loss.

Take a look at how the two match up on Friday night. Make note that this game will be broadcast on Apple TV.

Detroit Tigers (20-31) vs. Baltimore Orioles (21-29)

Time (ET): 7:15 p.m.
Place: Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
SB Nation Site:Camden Chat
Media: Apple TV, Tigers Radio Network

Game 52: RHP Jack Flaherty (0-5, 5.77 ERA) vs. RHP Chris Bassitt (3-3, 5.44 ERA)

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
Flaherty1043.223.314.132.25.030.2
Bassitt943.014.99.443.84.740.2

FLAHERTY

BASSITT

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Mets Daily Prospect Report, 5/22/26: Blowouts galore

Feb 12, 2025; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets first baseman Ryan Clifford (87) works during a Spring Training workout at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Triple-A: Syracuse Mets (26-21)

SYRACUSE 12, BUFFALO 8 (BOX)

Syracuse and Buffalo went back and forth in this one. They were tied after one, and Syracuse trailed 3-2 in the third, and 4-2 after five, before the Mets broke out in a big way. Singles by Jackson Cluff and Christian Arroyo tied the game after four, and a four run sixth — headlined by a Ryan Clifford bases clearing double — made it 9-4 Mets. Buffalo made it a game again with two runs in the top of the eighth, but a three run bottom of the frame for the Mets put the game away.

  • 3B Christian Arroyo: 1-4, 2 RBI, K
  • 1B Ryan Clifford: 1-4, 2 R, 2B, 3 RBI, BB, K
  • DH Eric Wagaman: 2-3, R, HR (2), RBI, 2 BB
  • LF Ji Hwan Bae: 2-5, R, 2 RBI
  • 2B Yonny Hernández: 2-5, R, K
  • CF Cristian Pache: 1-5, R, 2B, 2 RBI, K
  • C Ben Rortvedt: 1-4, 2 R, 2B, BB, K
  • SS Jackson Cluff: 1-1, 3 R, 3 BB
  • RF Matt Rudick: 1-3, R, RBI, SB (1)
  • RHP Xzavion Curry: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
  • RHP Danis Correa: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, W (1-0)
  • RHP Jonathan Pintaro: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
  • LHP Anderson Severino: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
  • RHP Dylan Ross: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
  • LHP Nate Lavender: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, S (1)

Double-A: Binghamton Rumble Ponies (15-27)

BINGHAMTON 9, RICHMOND 2 (BOX)

Blowout is the key word of the day in Mets minor league land, but this one was more of a blowout in theory than execution. Binghamton and Richmond held each other scoreless through the first five innings, with Binghamton finally breaking through in the sixth, plating two runs on an Eli Serrano double. Richmind would tie the game in the bottom of the eighth, sending the game into the ninth tied at two.

The top of the ninth was an outrageous inning, as Binghamton plated seven runs to turn this into a laugher. The scoring started with a misplay in center field that saw two runs come home, making it 4-2. Vincent Perozo was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to make it 5-2, and three walks with the bases loaded made it 8-2. A sac fly would put the exclamation point on a bizarre inning, and a Binghamton win.

  • SS Marco Vargas: 2-4, R, RBI, BB, K, SB (11)
  • 3B Jacob Reimer: 1-4, R, 2B, RBI, BB, 2 K
  • RF Eli Serrano III: 1-4, 2B, 3 RBI, K
  • LF Jose Ramos: 0-3, R, BB, 2 K, SB (4)
  • CF D’Andre Smith: 0-4, R, RBI, K
  • DH Nick Lorusso: 0-3, R, BB, K, SB (2)
  • 1B JT Schwartz: 0-3, R, BB
  • C Vincent Perozo: 0-3, R, RBI, 2 K
  • 2B Wyatt Young: 1-3, 2 R, RBI, BB
  • RHP R.J. Gordon: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
  • LHP Max Green: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 WP
  • LHP Felipe De La Cruz: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, H (1)
  • RHP Douglas Orellana: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP, BS (1), W (4-0)
  • RHP Brian Metoyer: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

High-A: Brooklyn Cyclones (11-31)

GAME ONE: HUDSON VALLEY 7, BROOKLYN 3 / 7 (BOX)

A three run first and a four run fourth made it a 7-0 deficit for the Cyclones, which they simply did not recover from. They scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth, and one in the fifth, but the game was over virtually before it started.

  • CF Yonatan Henriquez: 0-4, 3 K
  • RF John Bay: 1-3, R, 2B, 2 K
  • 1B Corey Collins: 0-2, RBI, 2 K
  • LF JT Benson: 0-3, RBI, K
  • C Daiverson Gutierrez: 1-3, R, HR (2), RBI, K
  • SS Colin Houck: 0-3, 3 K, E (6)
  • DH Trace Willhoite: 1-3, R, 2B, K
  • 3B Nick Roselli: 0-2, BB, 2 K
  • 2B Diego Mosquera: 1-2, BB, K
  • RHP Noah Hall: 5.0 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 3 BB, 0 K. 1 HBP, L (0-4)
  • RHP Bryce Jenkins: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

GAME TWO: HUDSON VALLEY 7, BROOKLYN 0 / 7 (BOX)

Game two somehow went worse than game one for Brooklyn. They gave up the same seven runs, though this time it was two in the first and five in the fifth, but they mustered just two hits and one walk. It was simply a bad day at the ballpark in a bad season for the Brooklyn Cyclones, who move to an 11-31 record after the double header sweep.

  • 2B Yonatan Henriquez: 1-3, 2 K, 2 E (1, 2)
  • SS Mitch Voit: 0-3
  • C Ronald Hernandez: 0-2, BB, K
  • CF John Bay: 1-3, SB (10)
  • DH Daiverson Gutierrez: 0-3
  • LF JT Benson: 0-2, K
  • 3B Colin Houck: 0-2, K
  • 1B Trace Willhoite: 0-2, K
  • RF Sam Biller: 0-2, 2 K
  • RHP Hoss Brewer: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, L (1-2)
  • RHP Cristofer Gomez: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
  • RHP Dakota Hawkins: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
  • RHP Ryan Dollar: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP
  • RHP Juan Arnaud: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
  • RHP Diego Mosquera: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Single-A: St. Lucie Mets (17-25)

PALM BEACH 18, ST. LUCIE 6 (BOX)

Well.

St. Lucie actually led in this game, 2-0 after one, by way of a pair of doubles by Randy Guzman and Yohairo Cuevas, and 3-2 after three, on a triple by Cuevas. It would fall apart from there.

An eight run fifth followed by a five run seventh saw Palm Beach turn this into a blowout. Palm Beach also added three in the ninth on poor Kevin Villavicencio, a position player.

  • SS Branny De Oleo: 1-5, 2 K, E (7)
  • LF-P Kevin Villavicencio: 0-4, 2 R, RBI, BB, SB (2)
  • RF Randy Guzman: 2-4, 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB, K
  • DH Yohairo Cuevas: 3-3, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, BB
  • LF AJ Salgado: 0-0
  • 1B Julio Zayas: 0-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
  • 3B Sam Robertson: 0-4, 3 K, E (6)
  • C Francisco Toledo: 0-4, 2 K
  • CF Simon Juan: 0-4, 3 K
  • 2B Jamari Baylor: 2-4, 2 R, 2B, HR (2), RBI
  • RHP Cam Tilly: 3.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 WP
  • RHP Joe Charles: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, E (1), L (0-1)
  • RHP Tyler McLoughlin: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
  • RHP Zack Mack: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
  • RHP Jorge De Leon: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 6 BB, 0 K
  • RHP Luis Alvarez: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
  • RHP Kevin Villavicencio: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP

Rookie: FCL Mets (5-8)

FCL NATIONALS 11, FCL METS 2 /7 (BOX)

  • RF Wyatt Vincent: 0-2, R, BB
  • DH Boston Baro: 2-3, K
  • SS Grae Kessinger: 0-2, K
  • 1B Josmir Reyes: 0-1, K, 2 E (1, 2)
  • C Yovanny Rodriguez: 0-3, 2 K
  • 2B Anthony Frobose: 0-3, 3 K
  • CF Bohan Adderley: 0-3, 2 K
  • LF Heriberto Rincon: 1-3, 2B, K
  • 3B Vladi Gomez: 1-1, R, 2B
  • 3B-SS Diover De Aza: 0-1
  • 1B-3B Yeider Mindiola: 1-2, K
  • RHP Roberto Pena: 1.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, L (0-1)
  • RHP Jose Lopez: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 1 WP
  • RHP Franyel Diaz: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 WP
  • RHP Adolfo Miranda: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

STAR OF THE NIGHT

Ryan Clifford

GOAT OF THE NIGHT

Joe Charles

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Phillies News: J.T. Realmuto, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino

Apr 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto (10) runs to first after hitting a single against the Chicago Cubs in the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Memorial Day weekend begins now. Or this evening, for most of us. Whenever it starts, have a good weekend.

Onto the links.

Phillies news

J.T. Realmuto is an iron man. But the Phillies might ask him to play a bit less this season.

Jay Jaffe of FanGraphs surveys the Phillies’ bounceback under Don Mattingly. ($)

A highly familiar trio— first names Ryan, Jimmy, and Shane— will be team captains for a 3 vs. 3 baseball event at the All-Star Game.

Chase Shugart talks to Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer about the people who helped him on his way to Philadelphia’s bullpen.

MLB news

ESPN provides their list of the top 50 prospects.

MLB.com’s Starting Pitcher Power Rankings ought to please the Phillies faithful.

Mason Miller is, somehow, becoming an even better pitcher.

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Bernie’s Dugout Open Thread: 5/22-5/28

Sep 10, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; General view of the helmet used by the Milwaukee Brewers before the start of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images | Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

Greetings, Brew Crew Ball community. The Brewers responded to a week filled with rivals with a 5-1 stretch, including a huge three-game sweep of the Cubs at Wrigley. They now sit in sole possession of first place for the first time since early April, and they’ve got another big week on deck with the Dodgers and Cardinals coming to town.

Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-baseball sports, the Brewers, you name it. As long as it’s appropriate and is allowed by our moderators, it’s fair game here.

You know the drill.

This is now an open thread:

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The St. Louis Cardinals have an emerging star in Jordan Walker

May 7, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) hits a double during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

On this day, 24 years ago, Jordan Walker was born. Happy Birthday! Young by baseball standards, it feels like we’ve been waiting on him FOREVER!

Authors Note: Some of you will fret about the VEB curse, rightfully so. I did a breakdown on Riley O’Brien the day before he blew a save in West Sacramento (the A’s). I also did one on Andre Pallante at the the start of his nosedive last year. But I did one earlier on Phil Maton and that worked out OK for him. So, I’m 1 for 3. With hope, Jordan won’t turn into a pumpkin when the clock strikes midnight. If it does, blame me. The slipper will fit.

By now we have bypassed the small sample size in many offensive statistics and should now be seeing numbers that are “stable”. The key one I’ve been waiting for? 200 PAs. We crossed that threshold earlier this week.

I’ll start by showing you two StatCast player overviews. On the top (or left, depending on your screen orientation), who else but the current version of Jordan Walker. Take a look at the second one. Notice the similarities? I could show you spray charts and they would look equally and remarkably similar. VEB bucks awarded if you ascertain which player season this describes. Paul Goldschmidt, circa 2022.

The first question everyone is asking is … is it real? Is it sustainable? Each day that passes the answer seems to be leaning harder and harder to the “yes” side. Even as the season has unfolded, we have seen improvements. Defensively, baserunning, contact hitting and power. What might this look like over a full season? Last year, we were surprised when he succeeded. This year, we look forward to his ABs.

If you accept Goldy 2022 as comp, he racked up 6.8 fWAR and that is with a somewhat harsh positional adjustment, no? Walker plays RF, where the position adjustment is less and from the Statcast sheet, it appears his defense is rated better. Jordan will likely pick up a few runs in baserunning as well. Hmmm…7 WAR maybe? Somewhere, someone is thinking I’ve had a little too much hopium today.

You all can read the HRs, the OPS, wRC+ and all that and realize that this season is very different. What I want to venture into more is what does this mean for the Cardinal line-up, the future and the rebuild. I’ll harken back to the Starz model I published this past winter here. “We need more stars!” was a common refrain on the boards. The earlier article attempted to define what “more stars” meant, and I coined the term “Starz” to reflect my data-drive definition didn’t always comport with everyone’s subjective definition of a star. Remember that a Starz player is defined as one in the top 20th percentile of WAR. Here is how it looked back then:

In 2025, the 5 Starz were Winn, Donovan, Contreras, Gray and Liberatore. Not enough, as we saw on the field and also as we see in the data. When people say the Cardinals need more “star” players, they are correct. They need around 4 more (ie. 9, not 5)…Breaking it down a bit, the 2025 Cardinals had 3 hitters finish in the top 20th percentile (none in the top 10th) and 2 pitchers finished in the top 20th (one in the top 10th). Teams with 4-5-6 good players regularly just miss the playoffs. And they did.

The new management team followed this up by trading away 3 of those Starz. Going backwards at first is a common sign of a rebuild, no matter how it is branded. But, wait!! Having traded away 2 of the 3 Starz position players, the Cardinals find themselves in the unexpected situation where they still have (currently) three Starz on the field (Walker, Herrera, Wetherholt) with two more just outside that threshold (Burleson, Winn). Even better, two of them (Walker, Wetherholt) are on track to exceed the high side of the 3.8 fWAR median that a competitive team’s Starz must achieve.

Indeed, all five players are in the top 100 fWAR accumulators in 2026. Jordan Walker’s 2.1 fWAR comes in at 9, behind such luminaries as Witt Jr, Judge, Alvarez, Rice, De La Cruz, Langliers, Judge, Olsen. He is rubbing elbows with the elite of the elite. Not exactly just eking into the top 20%.

Burleson and Winn were on the edge of this in 2025, so their presence is not unexpected. It was clear Herrera would be there if health allowed. We all hoped that Wetherholt was as advertised and would learn quickly. His start-up has not been shocking (but pleasantly refreshing). At the start, it was reasonable to think the Cardinals might have 3 or 4 positional Starz on their roster, depending on how fast JJW Wetherholt adapted. Different names than 2025, but in the same range. Not enough, resulting in an offense expected to struggle at times.

The one that stands out and changes this picture is Jordan Walker. If you take 4 Starz (Wetherholt, Burleson, Winn, Herrera) and you add in a top 10 WAR provider, that really changes the complexion of the group. In the way Cal Raleigh’s season last year changed Seattle, or how Shohei Ohtani changes the Dodgers. In the way Paul Goldschmidt affected that 2022 Cardinal team. That is what we appear to be looking at here.

So, what has changed? You can read a Ben Clemons analysis here. I won’t repeat that take, but I will add a couple of things that stick out to me. There are some odd juxtapositions, but I think they make sense in concert. Start with the walk rate. He has moved from a career BB% (before this year) of around 7.5% to over 10% in 2026. That is a good (and sustainable) sign. But his chase rate has also risen (oddly?). It sits at 36%, up from a career norm of 30.1%. That doesn’t sound good, does it? Two other things sway the outlook. His waste swing% is at a career low 7.7% (those nasty sliders!!) AND his chase contact% has skyrocketed from 30 to 36%. This tells me he is getting way better contact on chase pitches and he is doing way better at spitting on the waste pitches. His overall output tells us that he is making great contact, so I take the net of this to be he is getting great plate coverage. I don’t know exactly how Statcast interprets a “chase” pitch (outside the shadow, but not a waste), but a man his size might actually have a different definition of a “chase” pitch. Plus, I think it reasonable to expect as he gains more confidence and has more success, these chases will trend down.

If you move beyond that, you can see his SquareUpSwing%, BlastSwing% and IdealAttackAngle% are all at career highs.

Add this all together, and I get a picture of 1) a player who is seeing the ball and recognizing pitches much better and 2) being much more willing to cut loose and hit the ball, instead of feeling his way through an AB.

My favorite is purely anecdotal. Look how well is he using all fields. That is a hitter.

How does this impact the line-up as a whole? Well, at the outset of the season, Masyn Winn was the clean-up hitter. With no disrespect to Masyn (one of my favorite players), if he is your clean-up hitter, your line-up has a problem. Insert a productive Jordan Walker, and it improves 2 spots in the order. Clean-up and wherever lower in the order Masyn hits. It takes pressure off the guys in front of him, lessening the outcomes of guys trying to do too much with pitcher’s pitches. And let’s face it. A 1-4 of Wetherholt, Herrera, Burleson and Jordan is a tough row to hoe for a pitcher. It’s been a while since we’ve seen that in these parts. Oli likes to muse that if you put enough pressure on the pitcher, he will break.

To be complete about what has changed, I want to lightly touch on some more subtle things. Walker’s baserunning value is quite high and that becomes more material as he gets on base more. I think of that as a force multiplier. If Walker gets on, he becomes a force with his legs that OPS doesn’t reflect. Likewise, look at his fielding run value. Smack dab in the middle. Now that really isn’t anything to shout about, except when you consider two things. One, where he was at 2 years ago (worst) and two, how dependent this team is on defense. Again, a force multiplier. He adds with his bat, but then does NOT subtract with his defensive play, like before.

Earlier, I talked about a maybe a 6-7 WAR season (he is already at 2.1). That is Wins Above Replacement (as in zero fWAR). Walker isn’t replacing zero fWAR, his improvement is from a base last year of -1.2 fWAR. The improvement the team experiences is actually a fair bit larger, where a 7 WAR season would be an 8.2 WAR improvement. If I had told you at the beginning of the year that the Cardinals were going to add an 8.2 WAR player, you’d be wondering how many millions of dollars that would take.

Also in the near-term impact: In a time that now seems so long ago (this past off-season), Cardinals fans agonized about how this line-up was deficient against left-handed pitching and how there was an obvious need for some solid right-handed hitters to mash. In ways, the angst was overblown, as the 2025 Cardinal offense operated at a near-league average of 97 wRC+, tied for 15th in the MLB. Middle-ish, not awful. The eye-test was worse, as it could be infuriating how seemingly any journey level left-hander could dominate the line-up. As we looked at 2026, having traded away two RH hitters (Arenado and Contreras) many wondered (and worried) how bad it could get. As we look today, having only subtracted, we look up and see the Cardinal line-up has improved against LH pitching, a bit, instead of backsliding. The current line-up is running a dead average 100 wRC+, good enough for 13th in MLB. Turns out, that RH hitter was there all along, right under our noses. Another would come in handy, but platoon-split guy will do now, opening the field up to more (and cheaper) options. And that guy may be in the organization already, too.

How about the future? In the short-term, I think it reasonable that if they add one more hitter to this line-up, it will become a line-up that could be called “deep”. In my hopes, that is Lars Nootbaar upon returning from injury. Six or seven guys in the top 50th percentile is a productive line-up. One that will be less prone to outages like the 6 shutouts in 2 weeks we saw in 2025. Subjectively, I think of it in terms of the line-up becomes good enough where they can put Nootbaar in the 7 hole and his baseline performance plays really well there and if he emerges like the metrics suggest, so much the better. That is what having a productive Walker in the line-up does. This is the manifestation of “makes everyone around him better”.

In the longer-term future? This one is murky. It seems like Jordan Walker’s emergence shortens the acceptable timeline for a rebuild. Unlike JJ Wetherholt, who has 5 more years of control after this year, there is a shorter “use by” date at the end, because Walker has but 3 years of control left after 2026 and it wouldn’t seem wise to spend 1 or 2 more years fooling around with recasting the pipeline. If they can’t extend him, it would seem unlikely he will be here in 2029, so maybe a 2-year window is open after 2026. In ways, his emergence will push not only the offense, but the front office. I will imagine they view this as a good problem to have. The truckload of money it might take to solve might be in the Soto/Guerrero Jr range.

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Chicago Cubs history unpacked — May 22

Free of charge for the discerning reader.

Happy birthday to Jacob Turner*, and a mighty host of others.

Today in baseball history,1930 – In Philadelphia, the Yankees and the Athletics continue the home run barrage as the Yankees take both games of a second straight doubleheader, 10-1 and 20-13. Babe Ruth hits a pair of home runs in the opener, as does Ben Chapman and winning pitcher George Pipgras. The Yanks score nine runs in the first two innings of the second game, but the A’s come back to tie it at 12 apiece. The Yanks win the assault, 20 – 13, as Tony Lazzeri is 4 for 4, scores five runs, and knocks in four. Ruth hits another in the scond game, while Lou Gehrig powers three round trippers to drive in eight runs. On the A’s side, Jimmie Foxx has two homers to drive in six runs. For the afternoon, the teams combine to hit 14 round trippers, a then-record ten in the nitecap.

Also today in baseball history, in 1963 – At Yankee Stadium, New York blows a 7-0 lead and allows Kansas City to tie the game and send it into extra innings. Mickey Mantle, leading off the 11th, is fooled by Bill Fischer on a slow curve, then cannons a 2-2 pitch that almost clears the right field roof. “The hardest ball I ever hit,” Mantle later comments, a ball that, by some accounts, is still rising when it strikes a foot below the top. It is conservatively estimated by Dr. James McDonald, a physicist who studies long-ball trajectories, that the ball would have traveled 620 feet if it had not struck the façade. “That was the only homer I ever hit that the bat actually bent in my hands,”Mantle tells Dale Long, from whom he borrowed the bat.

Today in baseball history:

Cubs Birthdays:Jacob Turner, Bob Molinaro, Moe Thacker, El Tappe, Dick Ward, Carl Spongberg. Also notable: Bobby Cox HOF. Earl Averill HOF.

Today in history:

  • 1819 – The SS Savannah sets sail from Savanah Harbor in Georgia on an historic journey to become the 1st steam propelled vessel to cross the Atlantic.
  • 1849 – Abraham Lincoln receives a patent (only US President to do so) for a device to lift a boat over shoals and obstructions.
  • 1900 – American inventor Edwin S. Votey receives a patent for the pneumatic piano player.
  • 1906 – Wright Brothers are granted a patent for their “flying machine,” having applied for one 3 years earlier (patent no. 821,393).
  • 1915 – Lassen Peak erupts with a powerful force, only mountain other than Mount St. Helens, to erupt in the continental US during the 20th century.
  • 1959 – Benjamin O Davis Jr becomes 1st black major general in US Air Force.
  • 1977 – Final European scheduled run of the Orient Express (after 94 years).

*pictured.

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Orioles news: A season-defining homestand begins

Apr 30, 2026; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz (55) watches his team play against the Houston Astros in the seventh inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images | Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

Good morning, Camden Chatters.

Can you believe the Orioles’ 2026 season is not even two months old? It’s felt like two decades. The shoddy pitching, the atrocious defense, the unproductive offense, the overall uninspired play — we’ve seen so much bad baseball already. And we’re less than a third of the way through the season.

If you’re feeling like any hopes of a winning Orioles season are already dead and buried, I certainly don’t blame you. Even with so much of the schedule yet to be played, eight games under .500 feels like a massive hole to climb out of for an O’s team that hasn’t shown any ability to get on a hot streak. They need to dramatically improve at pretty much every aspect of baseball, and soon.

But for those who are holding out hope that the season can be salvaged, the Orioles’ best opportunity to do so begins tonight. The O’s will be playing at Camden Yards for the entire rest of May, kicking off a 10-game homestand, their longest of the season. Two of their three upcoming opponents, the Tigers and Blue Jays, are having lousy years themselves.

In fact, 17 of the Orioles’ next 23 games are in Baltimore, and 11 of them come against teams that currently have losing records. The O’s are entering one of the most favorable parts of their 2026 schedule, and they need to take full advantage.

These next 10 games could define the season. Nobody’s expecting the Orioles to get back to .500 by the end of this homestand, but if they can at least win more than they lose, they’ll keep themselves afloat and could possibly build some much-needed momentum. They’d still have a long way to go to be considered contenders, but we wouldn’t have to write off the 2026 season just yet.

But if the Orioles continue to play as they have all season, and end up with a losing record on this homestand to drop 10 games or more under .500, it may well be “stick a fork in ’em” time. To me that’s when ownership would need to seriously consider making a change in the front office, even if midseason GM firings aren’t especially common. It’s not clear whether that’s something that David Rubenstein and company are even considering at this point. But another two or three weeks of O’s failure, especially during a softer portion of the schedule, could force the issue.

It feels strange to say that the fate of the Orioles’ season hangs in the balance in May. That doesn’t make it less true, though. The O’s will be under a microscope for these next 10 days. And in a couple of weeks, we’ll either be feeling better about these guys, or this team could be on the verge of a major reckoning.

Links

The Orioles have surrendered the most runs in 2-out situations. An answer why isn’t clear. – The Baltimore Banner

It seems like Orioles management responds to every question about the team’s flaws with something like, “Yeah, weird, huh? We’re not sure why that’s happening.” That doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence that they’ve got a handle on the situation.

Would Orioles be better wih Henderson at 3rd, Holliday at short? | MAILBAG – BaltimoreBaseball.com

The phrase “rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic” comes to mind.

Not even ball to face could slow this O’s LHP prospect’s quick rise through system – MLB.com

Joseph Dzierwa has been one of the few bright spots in the O’s organization this season, so of course I’m expecting some terrible fate to befall him soon.

Orioles lose Handley on waiver claim – School of Roch

So long, Maverick. Your play on the field may have been unexceptional, but your awesome name will stick with me forever.

Orioles birthdays and history

Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! Four ex-Orioles were born on this day: infielder Rio Ruiz (32), left-hander John Bale (52), and righties Rick van den Hurk (41) and José Mesa (60).

On this date in 1974, the Orioles won a 12-inning, 1-0 walkoff over Cleveland in which O’s starting pitcher Ross Grimsley threw a 12-inning shutout. He was just the third pitcher in Orioles history to throw a shutout of 12 innings or more. The lefty scattered eight hits during his gem to outduel Cleveland starter Jim Perry, who threw only 10 shutout innings like a slacker. The O’s finally broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the 12th when Boog Powell led off with a double and scored on Paul Blair’s walkoff single.

Random Orioles game of the day

On May 22, 2015, the Orioles beat the Marlins in Miami, 8-5. Jimmy Paredes and Caleb Joseph each had three-hit games, and leadoff hitter Manny Machado drove in three runs, helping the Orioles overcome an early three-run deficit. Rookie Tyler Wilson, pitching in relief, earned his first major league win after starter Ubaldo Jimenez lasted just four innings. The outcome extended an eight-game losing streak for the Marlins, who had fired manager Mike Redmond earlier in the week.

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Open Thread: Road trippin’ to OKC with Spurs journalists

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 19: Head Coach Mitch Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs talks to the media on May 19, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 (Photos by Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

For me, writing can be a solitary thing. As I write this, it’s 10:03 p.m. Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals just ended. I am sitting on the couch.

This season, I have been fortunate to be credentialed, affording me an opportunity to not only attend the games in person, but to observe many longtime newspaper sportswriters, local TV journalists, and national periodical writers.

On Monday, I drove up to Oklahoma City for games 1 and 2. Eight hour drive and many hours hanging out at Paycom Center. I had some amazing conversations with Carolina Teague (Spurfect), Tom Petrini (Spurs on SI), Maxime Aubin (L’Equipe), and Matt Guzman (Spurs on SI). Over the course of the season, I have witnessed their press conference style and gleaned knowledge from their writing. They all hustle, writing into the wee hours of the night. Their work ethic inspires me. I slept very little in Oklahoma, to say the least.

Late night games lead to later night writing. Morning media availability, shoot arounds, practice, pre and postgame press conferences followed by yeat another high-adrenalin game. With the series set for games every forty-eight hours, there is little time to reset.

In addition to the local coverage for the Spurs, the Western Conference Finals has brought in national writers, many who I follow intently. I heard one writer from a national magazine state that he’sdwanted to see more Spurs games in person throughout the regular season, but spends most of the year traveling to multiple locations and can’t quite lock in on one team until the postseason.

This is my ninth year with Pounding the Rock. I have written more than 3,000 posts, and to be honest, I am still finding my voice. Sitting with these writers — in some cases for hours in a car, or talking through footage while rewatching Game 1, or over Chinese food while analyzing the Knicks game 1 comeback in real time — I heard in perspectives I hadn’t considered. I was privy to minds that are locked on basketball 24/7.

Personally, I am partial to Pounding The Rock. This is where I started my Spurs journey. And so, as the postseason intensifies, I am increasing my visibility and promotion of this site. If you don’t follow me on X.com (formerly Twitter) you can catch my pre and post game videos: https://x.com/JephDuarte

I also am now posting exclusive behind the scenes video content on Facebook and Instagram.

There is an abundance of Spurs info out there, but PoundingThe Rock.com is home, and has a great team of contributors. I appreciate all of you who read the Open Thread and encourage you to follow the other members of this crew.

Game 3 tips off tonight back home in the Frost Bank Center. I’ll be there to get updates on Mitch Johnson’s pregame press conference, player availability, shoot around, starting lineups, and to capture the vibes as the Western Conference Finals get a Fiesta makeover.

Go Spurs Go!

Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.

Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.

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Cooper Flagg gets All-Rookie First Team

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 29: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks speaks to the media during the 2026-26 Rookie of the Year Presentation on April 29, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Cooper Flagg’s season came to an end a month ago, but the Dallas Mavericks young star has had a positive offseason by way of Rookie of the Year honors. On Wednesday, he followed that up by being a unanimous selection to All-Rookie First Team.

A panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters from around the world all cast votes for the honor, and each and every one had Flagg on First Team. Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game across 70 games. His rookie numbers astoundingly resulted in him leading the Mavs in total points, rebounds, assists and steals, putting in him rarified air with only Michael Jordan as the only rookies to ever accomplish the feat of leading their team in those categories.

Flagg joins 11 other Maverick players who have earned either First Team or Second Team rookie honors. Familiar faces like Luka Doncic, Roy Tarpley, Sam Perkins, Jay Vincent and former head coach Jason Kidd all took First Team honors in the past, with others such as Dereck Lively, Josh Howard and Marquis Daniels taking Second Team honors.

Flagg also joins 12 other teenagers to garner the honor, and is second youngest (LeBron James) to ever do it  at 19 years and 112 days old at the time of the award. Flagg arguably outperformed high expectations coming into the league and is poised to be the focal point of the team for years to come. Masai Ujiri said as much in a press conference Wednesday morning, as the team continues to overhaul in advance of the draft in June. It is unknown what is yet to come, but we do know the Mavs will be conducting a search for a new head coach, drafting another young player to pair with Flagg, and possibly overturning their roster to meet Ujiri’s vision. One thing that is for sure, is that Dallas has their key piece to build around, in Cooper Flagg.

 I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.

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2026 NBA Draft scouting report: Amari Allen

Alabama forward Amari Allen (5) dunks against Michigan during the first half of NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 round at United Center in Chicago on Friday, March 27, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Alabama had one of the most NBA-centric offenses in college basketball, and it’s all thanks to Nate Oats and how he schemes up his players for success. One of the players that benefited from that is Amari Allen, who could be considered a Swiss army knife for what he brings on the floor, but doesn’t have one specific thing that he excels at.

At 6’8, Allen is a player who can defend multiple positions, but is best when he’s a help defender or as the low man. That’s a plus for Allen as NBA teams value those types of defensive instincts, and with his size, he can make a real difference in those areas (6.9 rebounds per game). On the other hand, he still has to work on his point of attack defense, as he got distracted at times when he was in those situations. He also had a hard time not fouling, which could be a big problem at the next level.

The one thing to love about Allen is his feel and IQ for the game, which can make up for some of the mistakes that he may make on defense.

On offense is where his IQ comes into play, and Oats put him in pick and roll positions where he was the roller, and he knew where to go with the ball. His passing was key for Alabama (3.1 assists per game), and he showed the ability to be a reliable short roller, while also making plays for others if there was a better option. His unselfishness is what sticks out, which is important in a league where ball movement reigns king.

As far as getting his own offense (11.4 points per game), Allen’s finishing might be at the top of the list of things that Allen does well. Oats wanted him to attack closeouts, and that’s what he did whenever he got the chance. When he had a straight line drive, it was almost guaranteed that Allen was going to finish. On the downside, he did have issues getting past bigger defenders, and there were times throughout the season where he got stuck and forced up bad misses. It’s obvious that when he gets pressured, it might end up being a bad shot or a turnover.

When it comes to his shot, Allen was a solid catch-and-shoot player, and he shot 34% from the 3-point line. He could definitely find more consistency in that area, and if he does, he can become a solid rotational player in the league. He wasn’t the type of player to seek out his own shot in college, which is also something that he may have to work on, but only if a team wants him to develop that part of his game.

If the Hawks are looking for another wing that is known for making the right play, Allen would be a good option for them. He’ll most likely be there when they pick at No. 23, but it will all depend on if he’s the best player on the board at that point.

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The Canadiens Took Carolina By Storm

After what seemed like a very long wait, the Eastern Conference Final finally got underway on Thursday night. After days of analysis, most pundits heavily favored the Carolina Hurricanes, who hadn’t lost a game in these playoffs yet, over the Montreal Canadiens, who had to fight tooth and nail to get out of the Atlantic Division in 14 games. Much had been said about the fact that Rod Brind’Amour’s men had 11 days of rest while Martin St-Louis had only just finished their series on Monday night, but it didn’t look like it once the puck dropped.

Frederik Anderson entered the game with a 1.12 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage after his team swept both the Ottawa Senators and the Philadelphia Flyers. The Danish goaltender had yet to allow more than two goals in a game since the start of the postseason, but that changed in a hurry.

Annakin Slayd Releases New Version Of Canadiens’ Anthem
3 Canadiens Who Are X-Factors For Eastern Conference Final
Canadiens: The Battle Could Be Won In Net

Welcome To The Third Round

While the Canadiens struggled out of the gate against the Buffalo Sabres, having to adapt to a much faster pace of play than what they had experienced in the first round against the Tampa Bay Lightning, it wasn’t the case this time around. Taking on Lindy Ruff’s men was the perfect preparation to take on the Canes, and even though Montreal surrendered the first goals after just 33 seconds of play, the Habs stormed right back into the game.

The Canadiens scored the fastest four playoff goals in franchise history in just over 10 minutes. More importantly, though, the first one came from Cole Caufield, at even strength, with assists from Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky, getting that top line off to a great start in that series. Montreal then got a pair of goals from depth scorer Phillip Danault and Alexandre Texier, before Ivan Demidov dazzled Andersen with some fancy stickhandling to make it 4-1.

At that stage, the Canes looked to be wondering what had happened, and it was quite simple: they had met their first opponent from the top five of the standings. The Habs play at a much faster pace than the Senators or the Flyers, and it showed. Carolina needed a period to adjust.

Shooting Range

The second frame was lopsided as the Hurricanes took 11 shots on Dobes while the Canadiens could only muster three, not that it’s all that surprising. Carolina likes to shoot often and pretty much from everywhere, while the Habs are very much a quality-over-quantity kind of side.

The only goal of the period came after a bad change by the Canadiens, which led to an odd-man rush that proved costly when Eric Robinson scored. It was bad timing for Caufield to hit the post at one end and for the Canes to regain possession as the Habs had already started changing.

Still, the Canadiens were lucky to go back to their dressing room with a two-goal lead as Dobes did spill a puck that just trickled out, just by the post.

Bouncing Right Back

Montreal didn’t wait until the next game to bounce back from that underwhelming period; they came out determined to seal the deal and played a very good, disciplined, and smart game in that final frame. 15 minutes into the third frame, they hadn’t even allowed a shot on goal, including on a penalty kill. Carolina only managed two shots in the last 20 minutes.

Not only did they defend well in that frame, but seven minutes in, Slafkovsky scored the Canadiens’ fifth goal of the game, which “sucked all the air out of the building,” as a wise man once said. The power forward got assists from both of his teammates on that one, but it was his superb individual effort that allowed him to score. He got through the Hurricanes’ defence like a hot knife through butter with an astute toe-drag and a picture-perfect shot to beat Andersen. That performance made you wonder whether it was the same Slafkovsky who played against Buffalo.

The big Slovak added an empty-netter, the final nail in the Hurricanes' coffin, as the Canadiens took Game 1 by a score of 6-2. By scoring five goals on Andersen in the first game, Montreal scored as many goals against him as both Ottawa and Philadelphia scored in their four-game series.

A successful first game for the Canadiens’ top line, who combined for eight points on the night, all at even-strength. The coach will no doubt have appreciated the fact that they were also able to successfully protect an early lead, even if it wasn’t a walk in the park, especially in the second frame, but Dobes was ready.

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After disastrous 50 games, Mets ponder road ahead: 'Play better now'

WASHINGTON — This very nothing New York Mets season has reached the 50-game mark with only the faintest chance of becoming something.

For now, that something is very ugly: The third team in major league history to miss the playoffs with a payroll north of $300 million – following in the footsteps of the 2023 and 2025 Mets.

At 22-28, this squad heads to Miami this weekend in a battle for last place in the National League East, though with 12 1/2 games and three teams separating them from the Atlanta Braves, it’s best not to even peek until a significant reversal of fortune has occurred.

Looking back is already painful enough.

“It’s all you can control: Playing better now,” Bo Bichette, their prized off-season acquisition, tells USA TODAY Sports. “You can’t control what’s already happened.”

What’s happened has been jarring: Devastating injuries mixed with heartwarming debuts. Underperforming superstars and soul-crushing blown leads. A sense of disbelief as division clubs like the Marlins and Washington Nationals – ranked 29th and 27th, respectively, in payroll – have outperformed their $357 million roster.

Behind the financial might of owner Steve Cohen and smarts of club president David Stearns, this was supposed to be a machine. Yet after an uneven winter’s worth of moves from Stearns, something resembling a worst-case scenario has emerged.

The Mets rank 29th in the majors in OPS, and while their pitching staff ranks fourth in strikeouts and 11th in ERA, a bullpen that until recently blew more saves than they nailed down made consistency elusive.

Is this season already a sunk cost? Probably, though 112 games are far too many to write off. The question is whether they can materially reverse all the factors that got them into this mess.

Get better

The Mets’ many health woes seem to sting even more given the grim cosmic timing of it all.

Such as All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor suffering a strained calf one day after $765 million slugger Juan Soto returned from a 15-game absence due to a right calf strain. Or the club seemingly righting itself by taking a series off the New York Yankees – only for Clay Holmes, arguably their best starting pitcher, suffering a fractured tibia May 15 that threatens to end his season.

And so this season has been truncated for so many: Lindor is likely out through mid-June and has played in just 24 of 50 games; Soto’s posted just 35 times in 50 games.

Yet some of the wounds are arguably self-inflicted.

Stearns signed Jorge Polanco, who turns 33 in July, to a two-year, $40 million contract to hold down part of first base; he has played in just 14 games due to left Achilles bursitis.

And Stearns traded for center fielder Luis Robert even as the former Chicago White Sox has played more than 110 games just once in his career. Robert has missed 24 games with a back injury and manager Carlos Mendoza said Thursday, May 21 that he’s not nearing baseball activities.

With all the injuries, the last thing the club needed was Bichette to struggle in his new environment.

Bo answers the bell

Bichette banged out 181 hits, posted an .840 OPS and capped his Toronto Blue Jays career by blasting a three-run homer off Shohei Ohtani in Game 7 of the World Series. The Blue Jays fell short and moved on, and Bichette accepted a $42 million annual salary – it’s his option to come back in 2027 and 2028 – with the Mets.

At 28, and the son of a big leaguer, you’d think Bichette would know enough about adjustments and new starts. Yet it’s almost impossible to feel out of sorts going through it the first time.

“It’s been a lot of things I don’t think I anticipated – getting used to a new locker room, staff, a new division,” says Bichette. “There’s a lot of things for sure you have to adjust to.”

His early production reflected that. Bichette needed 68 plate appearances to hit his first home run, and after an April in which he batted .230, added a 2-for-32 skid over nine games in May. He also moved to third base for the first time in his career and then shifted back to shortstop after Lindor got hurt.

He might be waking up: Bichette slammed three homers in three games against the Nationals this week and hit a go-ahead two-run single in the series finale that held up for a split-salvaging 2-1 victory.

“We know he’s one of the best hitters – he’s been that type of player. I think it’s just a matter of time,” says Mendoza. "You see a player that is confident, that is putting some A swings on pitches, that is pulling the ball and using the whole field.

“The guy we know. The type of hitter he is.”

Is he playing better because he’s more comfortable?

“I think playing better,” says Bichette, “brings more comfort.”

Fair enough. But can the Mets play better enough for it to matter?

Long past go time

It’s true: You’re never really out of it in this modern playoff format, with three wild cards and not much more than 80 wins required to earn an invitation.

Yet even by these lax standards, the Mets don’t match up to most modern success stories at the 50-game mark.

Bichette’s Blue Jays were just 25-25 in 2025, and in ninth place in the AL at that point. Seven games later, they topped .500 for good, won the AL East and were two outs from a championship.

The 2024 Tigers rode “pitching chaos” to rise up from waving a white flag at the trade deadline to the AL Division Series. Yet through 50 games they were in better shape than these Mets: 23-27, in 11th place in the AL.

After they fired Joe Girardi, the 2022 Phillies made a wild rise all the way to the World Series. They were 21-29 through 50, though they were in 10th place in the NL.

And no run was quite so improbable as the 2019 Nationals, who in a year with just two wild cards started 19-31, next-to-last in the NL, yet finished 74-38 and won the World Series.

These Mets? At 22-28, their record lines up with some of the recent great comebacks. They’ve won 12 of their last 19 games to crawl out of their darkest depths.

Yet the bigger issue is their record is 12th out of 15 NL teams. It is a good year for the senior circuit, with nine teams over .500, including the entire NL Central. Any miracle run will likely have to come from within.

A game like Thursday’s win over the Nationals will help. Closer Devin Williams survived a misplay by rookie center fielder A.J. Ewing to strand a leadoff double at second base in the ninth inning; Bichette’s two-run single held up thanks to a taut five-pitcher effort.

“We got a long road ahead of us,” says Williams, who saved his seventh game in eight opportunities. “We just gotta keep stacking good days.”

Put another way: The final two-thirds of this season has to be better than the first. Right?

“You just keep on going,” says Bichette. “Sometimes it takes longer to find your identity as a team, to find what you believe in.

“I think we’re on our way.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New York Mets ponder dismal start to 2026 season after 50 games

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Thayron Liranzo’s big day goes to waste in SeaWolves’ loss, Witherspoon struggles for Lakeland

Toledo Mud Hens 5, Indianapolis Indians 2 (box)

Patient at-bats from the Hens along with excellent work from the bullpen carried them to victory on Thursday.

Bryan Sammons started this game, but left after slipping and hitting the dirt while pitching to the first hitter. Matt Seelinger took over and cleaned up the inning.

In the bottom half, Max Clark singled with one out, and after Max Anderson struck out, Eduardo Valencia singled and Corey Julks walked to load the bases. Jace Jung reached on an error as two runs scored, and Tyler Gentry singled in Julks for a 3-0 lead. In the second, Ben Malgeri led off with a double, and deep fly balls from Clark and Anderson moved Malgeri around to score and make it 4-0.

Seelinger did a nice job blanking Indy through the third. Beau Brieske got the first two outs on the fourth but was lifted for Tanner Rainer after only two outs. Rainey handled the rest and then tossed a scoreless fifth inning.

Drew Sommers allowed a run in the sixth to make it a 4-1 Hens lead, but they answered back when Clark doubled in Max Burt in the bottom half to make it 5-1.

Ricky Vanasco allowed a run in the seventh, but Woo-Suk Go tossed a perfect eighth, and Yoniel Curet pitched around a pair of walks in the ninth to get the save.

Clark: 2-5, R, RBI, 2B, 2 K

Malgeri: 1-4, R, 2B, BB, 2 K

Seelinger (W, 2-1): 3.0 IP, 0 R, H, 2 BB, 4 K

Coming Up Next: The Hens lead the series 2-1 heading into a 7:05 p.m. ET start on Friday.

Altoona Curve 7, Erie SeaWolves 6 (F/10)(box)

The SeaWolves built an early lead and swung the bats well again, but they cost themselves with some sloppy defense, and then the bullpen blew this one in extra innings.

In the top of the second, Thayron Liranzo and Justice Bigbie reached on errors, as Altoona had their own defensive issues. Chris Meyers walked to load the bases, but they only scored one run on a ground out. Peyton Graham cracked a solo shot in the third inning, his third of the season, and it was 2-0.

Starter Max Alba allowed a run in the bottom of the third, but Bigbie launched a two-run shot with Liranzo aboard in the fourth to make it 4-1 SeaWolves. Alba gave up a solo shot in the bottom half, but Liranzo answered back with a solo shot in the fifth, his fourth in 18 games with the SeaWolves this year. So it was 5-2 when Alba wrapped up his outing in the bottom of the fifth.

Johan Simon handled the rest of the fifth and then the sixth inning. Moises Rodriguez tossed a 1-2-3 seventh, but in the eighth he hit the leadoff hitter. A lineout followed, but a ground ball was thrown away by Graham from shortstop, and a swinging bunt single loaded the bases. The next hitter bounced one back to Rodriguez and he fired to Liranzo to get the lead runner, but Liranzo’s throw to third trying to turn a double play went a little wild and a run scored. Luke Taggart took over on the mound and quickly gave up a two-run double that tied the game.

This eventually went to extras, and with John Peck on second base, Liranzo led off the inning with an RBI single. Unfortunately, that was all they’d get, and Trevin Michael quickly allowed the game tying run on a single in the bottom half. A catcher’s interference on Liranzo allowed the runner to reach, and Michael walked back-to-back hitters to blow it.

Liranzo: 3-4, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR, BB

Bigbie: 1-4, R, 2 RBI, HR, K

Graham: 1-5, R, RBI, HR, K

Alba: 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 K

Coming Up Next: Altoona leads the series 2-1 heading into a 6:00 p.m. ET start time on Friday.

The Tigers also signed a hard-throwing reliever, 29-year-old RHP Edwar Colina, to a minor league deal on Thursday. He seems bound for Erie or possibly Toledo.

South Bend Cubs 7, West Michigan Whitecaps 1 (box)

Lucas Elissalt was knocked around in this one, while the offense just couldn’t get much going on Thursday.

The Whitecaps got out to a decent start when Andrew Sojka led off the bottom of the first with a single, stole second, and took third on a throwing error on the play. A Garrett Pennington swinging bunt saw Sojka beat the throw home to make it 1-0.

That was all they’d get, and from there the Cubs did a great job grinding out at-bats and putting the ball in play against Elissalt, with good results. He allowed two in the third, one in the fourth, and two more in the fifth. Carlos Lequerica took over in the fifth and allowed two runs of his own, and it was 7-1.

The Whitecaps swung the bats decently but didn’t string anything together. Note Bryce Rainer’s more upright stance and higher setup as he lined this double today. Still some work ahead but it’s a pretty marked improvement already.

Sojka: 1-2, R, BB, SB

Rainer: 1-4, 2B

Ellisalt (L, 0-3): 4.0 IP, 5 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 6:35 p.m. ET start on Friday night.

Bradenton Marauders 8, Lakeland Flying Tigers 7 (box)

Malachi Witherspoon had a rough outing, but the Flying Tigers fought back to take control only for the bullpen to blow this one in the ninth.

Witherspoon was a little wild in the first inning, and that along with several seeing eye singles cost him two runs in the first. In the second, he still was struggling to locate and issues a pair of walks that turned into a three run inning. After a pair of good outings, this one was a minor step back, and we really need to see Witherspoon string together some more consistent outings to start advancing to match his advanced stuff.

Javier Osorio got the Flying Tigers on the board with a solo shot in the bottom of the second inning. In the fourth, Bradenton walked three hitters and the Flying Tigers stole three bases and still came up empty. Finally in the bottom of the fifth, Jude Warwick and Trei Cruz walked to start the inning, and Nick Dumesnil returned to the lineup with an RBI double to make it 5-2 Bradenton.

Again in the sixth the first two Flygers hitters reached and Carson Rucker singled in Anibal Salas to make it 5-3. Edian Espinal singled to load the bases, and Zach MacDonald walked to force in a run. A wild pitch tied the game, but the effectively wild Gavin Adams escaped any further damage with the game tied up.

Donye Evans allowed a run in the top of the seventh, but in the bottom half, Salas walked and stole second, and Hunter Dobbins mashed a two-run shot to take a 7-6 lead.

That’s where things stood when Jan Carabello took over for Lakeland in the top of the ninth hunting the save. Instead, he allowed a one-out walk, and Josh Tate blasted a two-run shot to take the lead. The Flying Tigers couldn’t answer back in the bottom half.

Warwick: 1-4, R, 2 BB, CS

MacDonald: 1-3, RBI, 2 BB, K, 2 SB

Dobbins: 2-5, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR, K

Osorio: 1-4, R, RBI, HR, BB

Witherspoon: 3.0 IP, 5 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K

Coming Up Next: The Flying Tigers have a 2-1 lead in the series heading into a 6:30 p.m. ET start on Friday.

FCL Tigers 13, FCL Yankees 5 (F/7)(box)

Angel De Los Santos: 3.5, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR, 2 K, SB

Cris Rodriguez: 2-5, R, 3 RBI, 2 2B, 2 K

Danandres Colon: 3-3, 4 R, 2B, 2 SB

Jack Bushell: 4.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, BB, 3 K