Alexandre Texier may be the only member of the French national team to play in the NHL, but he’s not the only one who’s ever played there or for the Montreal Canadiens, for that matter. In Milano-Cortina, Cristobal Huet is France’s goaltending coach, but not so long ago, he was manning the net for the Habs.
Huet spent seven years in the NHL and played 272 games, posting a 129-90-32 record. He finished his career with a 2.46 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. He spent three seasons in Montreal, playing 117 games and posting a 58-39-13 record with a 2.53 GAA and a .920 SV%. He was traded out of town towards the end of the 2007-08 season when the organization felt it was time to give the reins to a very young Carey Price.
I’ve watched the Canadiens’ games remotely and through Tex, I thought back to my great years in Montreal, but I’m mostly just so happy for him. I told him to come into his own with the Canadiens. I feel he’ll get the opportunity to show how talented he is in the NHL. We spoke about how much pleasure one gets from playing in Montreal. The fans are generous, and there is such a rich hockey culture. When things are going well, Montreal is an extraordinary hockey town. Tex has wide eyes when he describes the Bell Centre. I think that’s so nice for him.
- Huet on Texier
The Frenchman has had a great start to his career in Montreal. In 38 games so far, he has picked up 18 points and has even found himself playing on the first line with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. His timing to join the Habs was perfect. With so many injuries plaguing the team and Juraj Slafkovsky developing interesting chemistry with Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov, there was an opening on the first line, and he grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
Granted, had the team been healthy, he likely wouldn’t have had the opportunity to step into that role, but he showed what he can do and was able to earn a two-year contract extension from the Canadiens. Kent Hughes signed him to a deal that will give him $5 million over the next two seasons, on top of the million he got for this year in Montreal. Of course, that’s not first-line winger money because in an ideal world, Texier wouldn’t be so high in the lineup, and he’s aware of that.
Texier bet on himself when he agreed to a contract termination with the St. Louis Blues, and he’s now reaping the benefits. He put his career back on the rails, and he now has the honour of representing his country at the Olympics. The consensus is that not much is expected from France in Milano, but Texier has the right attitude, saying he’ll give his all for the jersey he wears and that you never know what can happen in a 60-minute hockey game.
The French lost their first game of the Olympic tournament 4-0 against Switzerland, but they still put up a good fight. Texier spent 23 minutes on the ice, more than any other forward and second only to one defenseman, who got 23:45 of ice time. He took three shots and finished the game with a minus-1 rating.
They gave Czechia a bit of a scare in their second game, but they also lost it, 6-3. Texier was held off the score sheet, but he did spend 20:45 on the ice, more than any of his teammates. The forward took one shot on net and finished the game with a minus-two rating.
PORT CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA - MARCH 13, 2025: Trevor Harrison #21 of the Tampa Bay Rays throws a pitch during the third inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Boston Red Sox at Charlotte Sports Complex on March 13, 2025 in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Harrison entered the season as Baseball America’s top pitcher in the system thanks to a cleaned up delivery and high heat. He ran into some bumps in the road by running up his pitch count against batters, but he still made it over 100 innings in 22 starts. A power pitcher through and through, his hard slider flirts with cutter classification and could evolve into two distinct pitches down the road. It will be interesting to see how his change up plays as he’s challenged at higher levels, but for now he has premium stuff and the upside of a rotation anchor. (video)
Rank
Player
Position
Votes
Total
Percentage
Last Season
1
Carson Williams
SS
14
25
56%
1
2
Brody Hopkins
RHP
19
25
76%
8
3
Jacob Melton
OF
14
28
50%
NA
4
Theo Gillen
OF
14
26
54%
13
5
Ty Johnson
RHP
12
25
48%
15
6
Daniel Pierce
SS
13
23
57%
NA
7
Jadher Areinamo
INF
15
28
54%
NA
8
TJ Nichols
RHP
13
28
46%
NR
9
Michael Forret
RHP
8
33
24%
NA
10
Santiago Suarez
RHP
11
30
37%
16
11
Anderson Brito
RHP
7
28
25%
NA
12
Xavier Isaac
1B
9
28
32%
3
13
Caden Bodine
C
10
25
40%
NA
14
Brendan Summerhill
OF
11
27
41%
NA
15
Slater de Brun
OF
10
25
40%
NA
16
Nathan Flewelling
C
8
26
31%
NR
17
Trevor Harrison
RHP
9
26
35%
10
It’s possible we are all sleeping on Harrison by ranking him outside the top-10. If you had to take bets on the next Rays ace coming out of the system, I’d be more inclined to vote Harrison before Johnson, Nichols, or Suarez and yet there is a gulf between him and the other pitchers in the rankings. It’s an oversight, and one I contributed for by spending my votes stumping for Summerhill. Ah well. Adding Overn for the next candidate.
Candidates
Jackson Baumeister, RHP 23 | 6’4” | 224 AA | 4.62 ERA, 4.15 FIP (15 GS) 62.1 IP, 19.5% K, 9.6% BB AFL | 6 ER (1 HR), 9.0 IP (4 G, 3 GS), 10 K, 9 BB
A shoulder injury derailed what should have been Baumeister’s coming out party, as his previously plus breaking ball was expected to carve up Double-A. After a tough start to the year and two months on the sidelines, Baumeister returned in August and salvaged the season with a brilliant finish. The tough luck continued, however, in the Arizona Fall League, where a line drive struck him in the head, but he escaped without significant injury. Currently, Baumeister has taken on a fastball/slutter profile, with a slow curve in his back pocket, and has shown teachability and pitchability over the years. The former Seminole currently thrives on his frequently used major league fastball that may be better challenged by a promotion to Triple-A.
Homer Bush Jr. 24 | R/R | 6’3” | 215 AA | .301/.375/.360 (122 wRC+) 546 PA, 0 HR, 57 SB, 8.8% BB, 17.9% K
Acquired in the 2024 Jason Adam trade, the starting center fielder at Double-A passed the test of advanced pitching, but just barely. He lacks in-game power due to a lack of use of his lower half in his swing, and he whiffed more often than you can for long term success with a low-power approach. His calling cards are Rays-grade defense and plus-speed, having notably swiped 57 bags in back-to-back seasons.
Cooper Flemming, SS 19 | L/R | 6’3” | 190
One of the best high school bats in the 2025 draft, Flemming surprisingly fell into the Rays laps in the second round. He has a too-quiet swing that lacks the load necessary to hit for power, but he’s historically compensated for that with a high contact rate that would have rated him as first round material if his defense projected to stick. The Rays were able to convince him to forgo an education at Vanderbilt by going above slot ($2.3m, Comp-A money).
Brailer Guerrero, OF 20 | L/R | 6’1” | 215 A | 249.338/.399 (119 wRC+) 222 PA, 6 HR, 9 SB, 11.3% BB, 29.3% K AFL | 2 H, 0 HR, 2 SB, 3 BB, 16 K, 29 PA
Good news: the $3.7 million 2023 signee made the leap out of the complex league in his final teenage season. Bad News: He was injured yet again, with hamstring and knee injuries limiting him to 51 games for Charleston. The Rays tried to make up for lost time with an aggressive assignment to the AFL that resulted in only two hits in 29 plate appearances. He makes loud contact from a quick, quiet swing which he pre-loads by reaching back for even more power. He appears to make early decisions to swing, leading to a bit extra whiffs against anything off-speed, but that could easily clear up with some consistent playing time.
OF Victor Mesa Jr. 24 | L/L | 5’11” | 195 AAA (MIA) | .301/.368/.510 (136 wRC+) 171 PA, 7 HR, 4 SB, 9.9% BB, 16.4% K MLB (MIA) | 6 H (1 HR), 5 BB, 5 K (81 wRC+) 38 PA
This Cuban power bat already made his major league debut with Miami last year after bouncing back from a spring hamstring injury, and was dealt to the Rays in February. He profiles as a fourth outfielder but has an option remaining, so the organization may send him down for regular playing time and one last chance for something more in development. If not, he’s a center field capable on defense, which goes a long way for a platoon bat. In the running for the nicest guy in baseball.
Morgan continued to hit without power in 2025, a great discouragement for some evaluators, but his present 50-grade hit tool and feel for the zone allow a major league projection. He continued his improved, quieter two-strike approach in 2025 that built on his success retooling his swing in the AFL last year. The Rays gave Morgan 14 starts in Left Field last season, and Baseball America called the defense “playable,” but his value is tied to his plus-plus defense at First.
Acquired in the Shane Baz trade, Overn was once a top draft prospect after committing to baseball over football at USC, but surprisingly struggled as a draft-eligible sophomore. That didn’t stop Baltimore from taking him in the third round (97th overall) in 2024. Now a professional, Overn overhauled his swing in the first half of 2025, and earned an early promotion to Double-A for his efforts, where he didn’t look overmatched. His biggest threat is his speed, which raises his floor and gives him an easy projection to a major league bench thanks to plus defensive instincts (BA gave 70’s to his run and field tools). His offensive profile is buoyed by his ability to work the count, but evaluators would like to see him punish fastballs more often for him to be considered a regular.
Acquired in the Arozarena trade, Smith became the prince who was promised, a five tool athlete with a strong bat, good face, and a preternatural glove in center field. That promise unraveled a bit in 2025, with his strikeout rate rocketing nine percent and his power stroke faltering after facing harder velocities in High-A, causing both his hit and power grades to drop into the 40’s. It was a full transformation into a “center field” profile, but with his ceiling that’s not a compliment. He plays with a fire, but the dip in contact rate left some evaluators feeling burned.
Taylor entered 2025 as a top-100 prospect after demolishing High-A (154 wRC+), and left 2025 as an afterthought on prospect lists, although he was selected as an Arizona Fall League “Fall Star” in between, where he worked to keep his chase rate low and his hard hit rate high. The juice must have been worth the squeeze, as the Rays have elected to invite Taylor to major league Spring Training this year.
Jose Urbina, RHP 20 | 6’3” | 180 A | 2.05 ERA, 3.58 FIP, 92.1 IP (19 GS), 26.4% K, 8.2% BB A+ | 2 ER (2 HR), 4.0 IP (1 GS), 5 K, 0 BB
Good pitchers grow and adjust, and Urbina has done that consistently at an age young for his level. Physically he has grown in strength, sitting at 96 with the fastball after flashing high octane in 2024, and technically he has grown, refining his dialed up slider and his two-plane curveball into complementary pitches — which lack plus command but are thrown with feel. He shouldered a starter’s workload at 19, and was awarded one additional start at High-A, where he allowed two solo shots and struck out five. Overall, the age, body, and body of work have him on the trajectory of top prospect lists in the near future.
RENNES, France (AP) — Coachless Rennes stunned Ligue 1 leader Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 at home and snapped a five-game winless run on Friday.
The home side fired coach Habib Beye on Monday after its early season gains looked to be slipping away, and it was a firm underdog against PSG, which came to Brittany after winning all seven of its last league fixtures.
But Rennes hit the post early on and it got a reward for its confident start after 33 minutes. Jordanian midfielder Mousa Al-Tamari charged forward on the counterattack and found enough space between two defenders on the edge of the penalty area to curl in a superb opener.
PSG came into the game but was hesitant in front of goal and Esteban Lepaul doubled Rennes' lead midway through the second half. The prolific center forward rose highest to bullet a header past Matvey Safonov for his 11th goal of the season.
Former Rennes player Ousmane Dembélé pulled one back for PSG two minutes later but Breel Embolo restored Rennes' two-goal cushion in the 81st when he finished off another counterattack.
PSG remained atop the table but second-placed Lens can take over if it beats Paris FC on Saturday.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 12, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) reacts towards Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) after the Laker stake a double digit lead against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on February 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The NBA season is a marathon, and at some point during the race, exhaustion sets in long before the finish line is within reach. That’s where the Lakers find themselves 54 games into their season.
They’ve been dealing with injuries all year long, and Luka Dončić is currently out with a hamstring strain. Record-wise at 33-21, they still have work to do to be considered legit contenders, as they sit at the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference.
Add in long road trips, a recent back-to-back against the two best teams in the West, and a schedule that hasn’t allowed for rest or practice, and LA is as happy as a team can be for the All-Star break to finally be here.
“I think it’s well-timed for everybody in the league,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said before LA’s game against Dallas. “Everybody in this league is going through it in some way. Even the, even the top teams. Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander’s] out, Jalen [Williams]’s out again. Detroit’s got guys suspended…We’ve talked about it as a group.
“This is probably the hardest schedule that I’ve been a part of in 17 years in the league prior to All-Star break. It’s not that it gets any easier. Last time we practiced was December 27. We don’t have two days between games from that point until I think it’s late March, so it’s almost three-month stretch. We’ll be able to get some work done next week on Wednesday and Thursday and it’ll be good for everybody for the mental and physical reset.”
Sometimes rest is the best path towards success and locking in. A week away from the beautiful game during the NBA season is rare, and the Lakers need to take advantage.
Still, most Lakers will have more free time than usual, and considering all the injuries they’ve had, this is an opportunity to get as healthy as possible.
Once they do return from the All-Star break, it will be a mad dash to the end of the season, and there will be no time to take a breather until the summer.
Hopefully, the Lakers are just as aggressive with their relaxation as they are with their level of play, so they can come back rested, recharged and ready to go on a run.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 24: Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox looks on prior to the game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, August 24, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Urakami/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The last meaningful baseball game Roman Anthony played was back on September 2nd against Cleveland where he suffered a strained oblique that ended his season. The following week, ever untrusting of this ownership, we here at Over The Monster asked if Alex Bregman and Roman Anthony had already played their last game together. Well, today we got our answer to that question, and it’s a resounding no!
This is great news for Red Sox fans! Not just because it’s a chance to watch one of the team’s blossoming stars take the field on a national global stage, but also because it gives Anthony experience in this type of game. One of the sneaky worst things about the oblique injury ending his 2025 season early is that it didn’t just take him out of their postseason run run last fall – It also robbed him of some valuable postseason experience, which he could have used to take into future Octobers.
He even may have indirectly touched on this point when asked about potentially joining Team USA earlier this week:
“It would be a great opportunity and a great learning lesson for me, to go be around a bunch of the best players in the game.”
He’s probably talking more about just getting to see how the best in the game go about their business everyday, which is another valuable piece to all of this, but I’m also excited for him to get real at bats in a high leverage, urgent, and chaotic baseball environment. You simply can’t replicate that until you’ve stood in the box and experienced the mayhem.
Back in 2024 when Anthony was in Worcester, I asked him about postseason baseball and how much he pays attention to it. His answer was interesting:
“I always watch postseason baseball. Just watching the games, the atmosphere, the electricity of it. There’s nothing like it.
You can also learn a lot. Just turning on a game and watching a complete baseball game, there’s so many lessons. You can pick up a lot more than just going and watching highlights. Not enough people do it, and I try to do it as much as I can.”
Well, the WBC is not quite postseason baseball, but with the way it’s growing and the way the last one ended, I’d argue it’s the closest thing to it. Now, Roman Anthony is going to get firsthand experience in it, and with the way he operates like a sponge, that’s probably going to be a good thing for the Red Sox come October (if he can help carry them there).
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — After 21 seasons — which included 11 All-NBA nods, nine All-Defensive Teams and being a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary team — Chris Paul announced he is retiring from the NBA.
Paul started the season with the Clippers, but things did not go according to plan. He was traded to Toronto at the deadline, and with the Raptors releasing him on Friday, Paul confirmed he was retiring in an Instagram post.
"This is it! After over 21 years I'm stepping away from basketball...
"While this chapter of being an 'NBA player' is done, the game of basketball will forever be ingrained in the DNA of my life. I've been in the NBA for more than half of my life, spanning three decades. It's crazy even saying that! Playing basketball for a living has been an unbelievable blessing that also came with lots of responsibility. I embraced it all. The good and the bad."
Paul will go down as one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game and his next stop will be the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
"Chris is a legend, man," said his former teammate and current NBC broadcaster Austin Rivers. "I think people get so caught up in the little things with Chris – and I call them little because they are, they're not in any way even of value compared to what he's done in basketball...
"Chris has cemented his legacy so long ago, he's one of the greatest point guards to ever play. Some of the most meaningful years of my career were playing with Chris. I got to back up Chris. Chris taught me how to be a pro, taught me how to approach the game with such a seriousness. He's one of the most competitive people I've ever seen in my life.
"I'm really happy for him that he's able to be at peace with basketball. He should. He's a top-five point guard to ever touch the ball, and only four other guys can say that."
Paul was a legend for his ability to squeeze out every little advantage he could find. He was the master of two-for-ones at the end of quarters, or calling out opponents whose jerseys were not tucked in, or any other little edge he thought he could gain. While Paul's intensity wore on some teammates, it also made the teams he was on winners. CP3 talked about this in his retirement announcement.
"As a lifelong learner, leadership is hard and is not for the weak. Some will like you and many people won't. But the goal was always the goal, and my intentions were always sincere (Damn, I love competing!). It feels really good knowing that I played and treated this game with the utmost respect since the day my dad introduced me to it."
Paul retires averaging 16.8 points, 9.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds a game, while shooting 37% from 3-point range. He was a 12-time All-Star, a six-time league leader in steals, a five-time leader in assists, and the 2006 Rookie of the Year.
Paul is an unquestioned first-ballot Hall of Famer. That is the only thing left in his NBA career.
Chris Paul played for seven different teams in a 21-year period in the NBA [Getty Images]
NBA legend Chris Paul has announced his retirement after being released by the Toronto Raptors.
The 40-year-old, widely regarded as one of the sport's greatest point guards, was a 12-time NBA All-Star and 2006 Rookie of the Year.
One of only seven players to enjoy an NBA career spanning 21 seasons, Paul also helped the United States claim Olympic gold medals in Beijing in 2008 and then four years later in London.
"This is it! After 21 years I'm stepping away from basketball," he posted on Instagram.
"Mostly I'm filled with so much joy and gratitude! While this chapter of being an 'NBA player' is done, the game of basketball will forever be ingrained in the DNA of my life.
"I've been in the NBA for more than half of my life, spanning three decades. It's crazy even saying that."
Paul, who was nicknamed the 'Point of God', averaged 16.8 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds and two steals a game during a 1,370-game career that started at the New Orleans Hornets in 2005 and effectively ended after a second spell at the Los Angeles Clippers.
He also featured for the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors, but never played on an NBA championship-winning team.
He came closest to a gold ring in 2021, when Phoenix reached the NBA finals, only to lose to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Paul, who retires second in NBA history for both assists (12,552) and steals (2,728),
had not played since 1 December, with the Clippers trading him to Toronto earlier this month.
Feb 1, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (11) dunks in front of Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
The Spurs will have a third participant in the Rising Stars this Friday. Carter Bryant will replace injured Grizzlies’ forward Cedric Coward in the event, joining Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle.
Carter will be part of Team Vince, which Vince Carter coaches. Castle and Harper are both on Team Melo, which is coached by Carmelo Anthony, so Bryant could face his teammates if both teams win their semifinal games.
Carter’s addition brings the Spurs’ participants in the event back to three, since two-way player David Jones-Garcia was originally slated to represent the G League team before having to bow out due to injury.
Bryant was likely named to the team because he was already in Los Angeles to participate in the dunk contest, but the rookie has done a lot to bring positive attention to his play lately. His season averages are not particularly impressive, but in his last 10 games, he’s averaging 7.1 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc.
The Rising Stars game will take place on Friday, Feb. 13. The first semifinal will tip off at 8 p.m. CT and will be televised by Peacock.
Chris Paul, for years a star with the Clippers, announced his retirement after 21 years in the NBA on Friday after being waived by the Toronto Raptors. (Sue Ogrocki / Associated Press)
Chris Paul is stepping away from the NBA for good after more than two decades in the league.
The 12-time All Star who played a key role in the Clippers' "Lob City" era made the announcement Friday soon after being waived by the Toronto Raptors.
"This is it! After over 21 years I'm stepping away from basketball," Paul wrote in a lengthy statement posted to his Instagram account.
"As I write this, it's hard to really know what to feel, but for once — most people would be surprised — I don't have the answer lol! But, mostly I'm filled with so much joy and gratitude! While this chapter of being an 'NBA player' is done, the game of basketball will forever be engrained in the DNA of my life."
Paul was selected fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2005 draft and was named the NBA's rookie of the year the following season. Playing for the Clippers from 2011 to 2017, Paul and Blake Griffin led the team to six winning seasons, its first two Pacific Division titles and three playoff series victories.
He went on to play for the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs before signing a $3.6-million deal to return to the Clippers last summer for what was largely expected to be his final season.
The reunion did not work out so well. Paul was abruptly dismissed by the Clippers in early December, traded to the Raptors on Feb. 4 and then not required to report to his new team.
Paul ranks second in NBA history with 12,552 assists and 2,728 steals. He was the first player to notch at least 20,000 points and more than 10,000 assists.
While he didn't fully reveal what his "next chapter" will be, Paul indicated that it will involve spending more time with wife Jada, son Chris and daughter Camryn.
"Playing basketball for a living has been an unbelievable blessing that also came with lots of responsibility," Paul wrote. "I embraced it all. The good and the bad. As a lifelong learner, leadership is hard and is not for the weak. Some will like you and many people won't. But the goal was always the goal, and my intentions were always sincere (Damn, I love competing!!)"
He added as part of the lengthy note: "The game always gave me a reason to SHOW up!!! And the true leaders and fighters know that that right there — showing up — is half of the battle. So now with all the gratitude that I could possibly have... it's time for me to show up for others and in other ways. ... And I now know wholeheartedly the best teammate I can be is to Jada, Chris II and Cam!!"
The Yankees recently floated the possibility of Gerrit Cole appearing in Grapefruit League games before camp breaks, and he's at least taken the first necessary step toward achieving that goal.
The veteran ace, nearly a year removed from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for all of 2025, completed his first bullpen session of spring training down in Tampa on Friday.
Cole sported a new beard and debuted an over-the-head windup on the mound. With coaches and teammates observing nearby, his fastball velocity consistently sat in the mid-90s, reaching as high as 96 mph.
"It felt really good. It was a well-executed pen, overall," Cole said after his session. "[My arm] feels different than it's been in quite some time... I'm just doing exactly what I've been told. When I'm told to push, I push. When I'm told not to, I don't. I really haven't deviated, hardly at all, from my targets."
The Yankees' level of excitement with Cole's progress is warranted. He checked off every box in his lengthy rehab, logging a handful of offseason bullpen sessions in California without any hitches before arriving to camp in Florida.
What remains unclear, though, is Cole's return date. The Yankees are hoping to see the 35-year-old back in pinstripes by May or June, and when asked for an update on his recovery timeline, Cole said that he's on track with the data-backed target window of 14-18 months.
"We've had a lot of discussions between myself and the Yankees," Cole said. "It's always been, with a full Tommy John reconstruction surgery, the target is always between 14-18 months. That really hasn't changed."
As far off as May and June sound now for rejoining the rotation, Cole is still trending in the right direction. Earlier this week, manager Aaron Boone said that the former AL Cy Young winner could face hitters in a few weeks, and if all goes according to plan then, there's the option of game action.
The Yanks will obviously err on the side of caution with Cole, who has always been meticulous about his routine and upfront about his health. After all, the club can't afford to be reckless with a volatile pitching staff that's already banged up.
No matter when Cole makes his 2026 debut, it'll be a welcomed sight for the Yankees. He missed the first half of 2024 with elbow inflammation, finishing the year with a 3.41 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 17 starts (95.0 innings). He also produced a 0.71 ERA across two World Series games.
Cole said his long layoff from the game has "reaffirmed" some of his core values. And while his recovery process from Tommy John surgery has paled in comparison to past stints on the injured list, he's embraced a positive mindset.
"The work during this rehab process is different than what I typically would be doing when healthy. Yet, I've attacked the process the same way as I attack the regular work," Cole said. "That has produced good results, so it just gives me confidence that I go about my business the right way."
PHOENIX — Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia slowly walked over, took a deep breath Friday, wiped his eyes, and stared at his cell phone.
For the first time since he and his wife Kayla lost their newborn daughter, Sterling Sol, on Oct. 26, days after being born, he stood in front of a crowd of reporters and spoke for six minutes. He stopped and caught his breath several times, frequently touching his heart He didn’t take any questions, and instead asked for privacy as he and his wife continue to heal.
“The lessons we've learned from this is that life can change in an instant," Vesia said. “For us, 10 minutes is all it took. Sterling Sol was the most beautiful girl in the world. We got to hold her, change her diaper, read to her and love her. Our time together was far too short … I was not prepared to not bring my baby girl home, but we're carrying her with us every day.
“Kayla and I will keep those precious moments and memories to ourselves. I hope that anyone listening can empathize and respect our wishes for privacy as we continue to heal and as we navigate the ups and downs of a baseball season."
“We are beyond grateful to be a part of this organization and this family," Vesia said. “So many of you have stepped up and have been there for us in a big way over the past few months, and has meant the world to both Kayla and I."
He spoke about the healing process including the grief counseling he and his wife have begun six weeks ago, the strength and support the Dodgers organization has given them, the Toronto Blue Jays’ heartfelt gesture during the World Series, and the outpouring of love from all over the the world, including the Los Angeles Rams sending an autographed jersey to them that he plans to frame.
Vesia, who stayed with Kayla and left the team during the World Series, still watched every pitch of all seven games, and was overwhelmed with emotion by seeing that every pitcher in the Blue Jays’ bullpen was wearing his No. 57, his jersey number, on their caps in support.
“They are a first-class organization," Vesia said. “Kayla and I just want to say thank you to them. When Kayla and I were watching the World Series, we noticed that there was 51 on Louis Varland's hat. I immediately texted Gus Varland, his brother, and I asked him if I was seeing that correctly. He texted me back right away, and he said, 'the Varlands love you, dude, the whole Toronto bullpen has it too. It's bigger than baseball. We love y'all.'
“Kayla and I, we were very emotional. We were super overwhelmed ... the baseball community, the relationships that you make along the way, it showed that was much bigger than baseball. The outpouring of love and support Kayla I've had over the past few months, few months, has been unmatched.
“We're both grateful to not only Dodger nation, but the fans worldwide. My DMs are basically broken on Instagram from all the love and support that we've had, I've tried to read all the comments and everything because it's meant the world really."
While it was difficult for Vesia to leave the team, he knew that his wife and family needed him much more, and watching the World Series together began the healing process.
“For us, in so many ways, that was a light in our darkness,’’ said Vesia, who returned to his Arizona home after the World Series. “I immediately got back into the gym. I started my throwing program. Having something to look forward to has helped me. The gym has been my mental clarity.
“Being around the guys again, preparing for spring training, it's been really nice. I've gotten a lot of love so far in the clubhouse, being able to laugh and joke around. It's been really nice for me."
When Dodgers manager Dave Roberts saw Vesia on Thursday for the first time since the tragedy, he hugged him, and they talked for 30 minutes.
“There’s not a whole lot [to say],’’ Roberts said. “You’re just sort of there to help support. That’s something they’ve got to process themselves. … It’s one of those things you can’t even imagine. I can’t think of anything worse.
"But I do think that getting back to what he loves to do and play baseball, that’s something that’s therapeutic for him."
Therapy has also been a huge benefit, Vesia says, for him and his wife, strongly recommending counseling to anyone enduring tragedy.
“It hasn't been easy, but talking to someone, it has made a difference," Vesia said. “For those out there who've lost a child or are fighting through any struggle, if you can take anything from this, please seek help. Talk to somebody. It's definitely helped.
“Don't be afraid to speak up. Your mental health matters. I've learned that what happened, what has happened to us, has also happened to so many families. Realizing that has deepened our empathy and our gratitude for this community, the baseball community, is extremely strong. …
“It's been hard, but we're doing okay."
Vesia nodded, looked ahead and then slowly walked back to the Dodgers clubhouse, knowing that his baby girl will never be forgotten, praying and Kayla will one day find comfort and peace.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 15, 2025: Jakob Christian #26 of the San Francisco Giants bats during the third inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Texas Rangers at Scottsdale Stadium on March 15, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
It’s almost hard to believe, but we have a top 40 in the 2026 Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List. We only need four more ballots sent out and counted, and then we will have succeeded in once again ranking the top 44 prospects in the San Francisco Giants organization.
The last chapter of the CPL has brought us someone with a delightful display of power: it’s outfielder Jakob Christian, who has been voted as the No. 40 prospect in the system, falling 10 spots from his debut ranking at No. 30 last year.
Christian, who was the team’s fifth-round pick in 2024 out of the University of San Diego, was essentially in his debut season last year, after only getting into nine games after being drafted. The right-handed hitter, who turned 23 right as the season was ending, flashed some dynamism in his first full year, but countered it with some red flags as well.
Let’s start with the good stuff, though, because that’s what earned him a spot on our list. Christian spent the bulk of the year with Low-A San Jose, where his line was quite solid: he hit .272/.355/.460 with 10 home runs in 70 games, finishing with an .815 OPS and a 119 wRC+. That earned him a late-season promotion to High-A Eugene, which is where he really caught fire and put his skills on display. During his month in the Northwest League, the San Diego native slashed a blistering .304/.380/.570 with four home runs in 23 games, for a .950 OPS and a 155 wRC+.
Those are some green flags! A good average (.279 across the levels), a good walk rate (9.8%), good power (.205 ISO), while getting better late in the year is something to be excited about, and he also added 15 stolen bases while getting caught stealing just twice.
But there were some concerns under the hood. Namely, there were issues with his contact rates. In Low-A, Christian posted a 28.3% strikeout rate and a 17.7% swinging strike rate, very high rates for a large-school college bat who was nearly a year older than league average. While his overall stats improved greatly in High-A, it was despite the contact rates also moving in the wrong direction: he had a 34.8% strikeout rate and a 19.8% swinging strike rate. Across the two levels, Christian ranked 51st out of 58 Giants Minor Leaguers (minimum: 200 plate appearances) in strikeout rate, and dead last in swinging strike rate. That’s a notable hole that needs significant patching if he’s to have success at higher levels.
There’s also the matter of defense. It’s fairly telling that Christian, an outfielder, spent nearly as many games in 2025 at first base (40) as he did in the grass (51). Some of that was to make space in the outfield for San Jose’s higher-touted prospects, but some of it is also a reflection of his defensive value.
I’d assume, given the swing-and-miss issues, that Christian will return to Eugene to start the upcoming season. If he can maintain his offensive performance while patching some of the holes in his swing, he could quickly become a very good prospect.
Now let’s add to the list! As a reminder, voting takes place in the comment section, using the “rec” feature.
Note: Clicking on the above names will link to the CPL where they were voted onto the list.
No. 41 prospect nominees
SabinCeballos — 23.5-year old 3B — .670 OPS/102 wRC+ in AA (420 PA)
ReggieCrawford — 25.2-year old LHP — did not pitch in 2025; 1.04 ERA/4.07 FIP in AAA in 2024 (8.2 IP); 4.66 ERA/4.93 FIP in AA in 2024 (9.2 IP)
JuanSánchez — 25.2-year old LHP — did not pitch in 2025; 3.93 ERA/5.17 FIP in AAA in 2024 (34.1 IP)
CharlieSzykowny — 25.7-year old 3B/1B — .816 OPS/122 wRC+ in High-A (549 PA)
JancelVillarroel — 21.0-year old C — .699 OPS/91 wRC+ in High-A (61 PA); .746 OPS/123 wRC+ in Low-A (372 PA)
Note: Each player’s first name links to their Baseball-Reference page, and their last name links to their Fangraphs page.All stats are from the 2025 season.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 26: Nathaniel Lowe #37 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting a double during the second inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers on September 26, 2025 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If someone told you right now that over the first four full years of Sal Stewart’s career he would hit .274/.359/.432 and average 20 HR a season, would you take it?
You’d probably take it!
The first four years of Nathaniel Lowe’s career saw him do exactly that, as from 2021 through 2024 he was the regular 1B on a Texas Rangers club that excelled all the way to the 2023 World Series title. The 2025 season, however, was another story altogether, as he hit just .228/.307/.381 split between the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox as he struggled to mesh with his new clubs.
Apparently, his 2025 work soured opinion on him enough that he was willing to accept a minor league deal with an invite to spring training, and on Friday that’s precisely what the Cincinnati Reds provided. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Lowe will head to Goodyear and put in work in an attempt to make the Reds out of spring camp.
The Reds are bringing in Nathaniel Lowe on a non-roster deal, sources tell me and @m_sheldon.
Now 30, Lowe is exclusively a 1B/DH guy at this point of his career, though he did dabble in work at 3B earlier on. What he has going for him particularly, though, is that he’s a left-handed hitter who consistently has hit RHP with aplomb, even to the tune of .252/.333/.429 in his otherwise down 2025 season. Considering each of Sal Stewart, Spencer Steer, and Eugenio Suarez bat from the right side of the plate in the 1B/DH conversation, there’s some consideration that throwing Lowe into that mix would add some balance to the depth.
Obviously, it’s a low-cost depth signing that brings in a pretty proven quantity with zero risk if he’s completely lost it. But if he hits in camp the way he has in the past, it gives the Reds some serious decisions to make. For instance, each of JJ Bleday and Will Benson – both left-handed swingers – have minor league options remaining, and if Lowe is mashing (and if Steer looks comfy in LF), carrying Lowe as the lefty bench bat and 1B/DH rotational partner could a) make the most sense for the big league roster and b) maximize the depth on the farm, too.
The Reds previously sprang to sign former Colorado Rockies 1B Michael Toglia to a similar deal, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand is also presumably fighting for a big league roster spot at the same time. Lowe has a much, much more extensive track record than either of those guys, though, and I’d wager that he immediately jumps them in the hierarchy for spots on the Opening Day roster if he shows up in camp and performs the way he’s shown on the back of his baseball card.
The Detroit Pistons have raced out to a 40-13 record, so it is no surprise to see JB Bickerstaff at the top of NBA Coach of the Year odds boards. More NBA odds for COY show the Suns' Jordan Ott (+400) and the Celtics' Joe Mazzulla (+650) among the favorites.
NBA Coach of the Year odds
Here is a look at updated NBA Coach of the Year odds. JB Bickerstaff is the betting favorite to win the award at -140.
Most sportsbooks will display odds in the American format as listed above. We'll use 2022-23's Coach of the Year race as an example:
As the season progressed, with Mike Brown having been a huge favorite, his odds had a minus (-) sign ahead of the number:
Mike Brown -500
This means that a bettor needs to wager $500 to win $100. Other candidates with worse odds would have a plus (+) sign ahead of the number. Early in the season, before any clear favorite is established, betting options will be listed as such:
Nick Nurse +650
Here, a bettor stands to profit $650 for every $100 wagered.
If American odds aren't your thing, simply use our odds converter to switch the odds to decimal or fractional format. Most online sportsbooks also give you the option to change the odds format that you see.
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NBA Coach of the Year trends
Mike Brown's 2023 victory was the first time in 10 years (excluding COVID-altered schedules — 2019-20, 2020-21) that the Coach of the Year's team hadn't won 55+ games.
Four coaches (Mike Budenholzer, Gregg Popovich, Tom Thibodeau, Mike Brown) have won COY multiple times since 2009.
No rookie head coach has won Coach of the Year since Doc Rivers (2000).
Dating back to the award's inception in 1963, no coach has ever won COY in back-to-back seasons.
NBA Coach of the Year history
Year
NBA Coach of the Year Winner
Team
2024-25
Kenny Atkinson
Cleveland Cavaliers
2023-24
Mark Daigneault
Oklahoma City Thunder
2022-23
Mike Brown
Sacramento Kings
2021-22
Monty Williams
Phoenix Suns
2020-21
Tom Thibodeau
New York Knicks
2019-20
Nick Nurse
Toronto Raptors
2018-19
Mike Budenholzer
Milwaukee Bucks
2017-18
Dwane Casey
Toronto Raptors
2016-17
Mike D'Antoni
Houston Rockets
2015-16
Steve Kerr
Golden State Warriors
2014-15
Mike Budenholzer
Atlanta Hawks
2013-14
Gregg Popovich
San Antonio Spurs
2012-13
George Karl
Denver Nuggets
2011-12
Gregg Popovich
San Antonio Spurs
2010-11
Tom Thibodeau
Chicago Bulls
2009-10
Scott Brooks
Oklahoma City Thunder
2008-09
Mike Brown
Cleveland Cavaliers
2007-08
Byron Scott
New Orleans Hornets
2006-07
Sam Mitchell
Toronto Raptors
2005-06
Avery Johnson
Dallas Mavericks
2004-05
Mike D'Antoni
Phoenix Suns
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
