So, what do we know about this photo? The Cubs are playing the Giants. Again, as in the last photo, it has to be between 1978 and 1981, because the Chicago Sting soccer clock is below the board. (The Sting played at Wrigley from 1978-84, but after 1981 Tribune Co. put a message board beneath the scoreboard.)
No. 34 is the starting pitcher for the Cubs. Ray Burris wore that number in 1978 and 1979 and Randy Martz had it in 1980 and 1981. The No. 35 relief pitcher is no help, as the Cubs had pitchers with that number in 1978 (Woodie Fryman) and 1979-81 (Doug Capilla).
So I methodically looked at Burris’ and Martz’ game logs for the years in question. Burris wasn’t a match.
Martz was, and therein lies a tale. This game was played Thursday, June 11, 1981. That’s a significant date, because the 1981 players’ strike began the next day.
The Cubs had been an absolutely terrible team to begin 1981. They started 1-13, then were 4-19, 5-26 and 10-36 before winning five of their last six before the strike. Just getting hot, right?
The Cubs scored four in the first inning of this game, with RBI hits from Steve Dillard, Mike Lum and Ken Reitz (read those names and you’ll understand why the Cubs were so bad that year). Later, Jody Davis and Hector Cruz homered. Martz allowed five hits and one run in seven innings and the Cubs won the game 6-1.
Specifically, what we are seeing here: There are two out in the top of the eighth and No. 31 is batting for the Giants. That’s Enos Cabell, who was in his only year with the Giants after several good seasons in Baltimore and Houston. He’s down 0-1 in the count and eventually grounded to short.
Here is the full photo:
The third-base umpire visible is Steve Fields and off in the distance, the Cubs center fielder is Jerry Morales. And as you can see, there wasn’t much of a crowd — just 5,017 paid to see that game.
In this episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast, Jacob Milham and Jeremy “Hokius” Greco take a comprehensive look at the Kansas City Royals’ infield and prospect pipeline as the offseason unfolds. The hosts break down infield rankings, examine what a “down year” really means for Bobby Witt Jr., and discuss why players like Maikel Garcia, Jonathan India, and Michael Massey have pivotal seasons ahead—especially as lineup depth and health come into sharper focus.
The conversation expands into a deep dive on the Royals’ prospect rankings, evaluating names like Peyton Wilson, Warren Calcagno, and Daniel Vazquez, while also placing Kansas City’s strategy in context with major MLB moves such as the Dodgers’ acquisition of Kyle Tucker and the Mets landing Bo Bichette. From player development and injury timelines to trade speculation and roster-building philosophy, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at where the Royals stand—and where they still need to go to compete.
The official dropped the puck, and Glass snapped it back to his teammate and New Jersey Devils defenseman, Simon Nemec. The 21-year-old’s shot was blocked by Marcus Pettersson.
The puck took a bounce off the boards behind Vancouver Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen, and Devils rookie Lenni Hämeenaho pounced.
Only 1:41 into the game, New Jersey held a 1-0 lead at Rogers Arena. Glass was the first of Hämeenaho’s teammates to celebrate the winger’s first career NHL goal.
“It was a great feeling," Hämeenaho told NJD.TV of scoring, "Something you kind of don’t know before it happens, so it was great, a great feeling.”
It was a backhand shot that beat Lankinen, who was born a little over six hours south of Hämeenaho’s hometown of Kajaani, Finland.
It took seven periods of play at the NHL level for Hämeenaho to score. A player who historically has taken time to get comfortable in new situations, whether it was the rookie tournament or the start of the season in the American Hockey League (AHL), has adjusted quickly to the NHL, never looking out of place.
"We have been kind of building towards this," head coach Sheldon Keefe told NJD.TV. "Obviously, Lenni’s development in Utica in particular is something that we have been monitoring and waiting and feeling like we would get a look like this when he was ready for it.
“As I spoke about this morning, Glass’s progression, his game in the last month or six weeks, he has been hot in scoring, but his overall game has been very, very solid,” Keefe continued. “Because of that, I think he is now able to help carry a line, and Gritsyuk has helped. Now you get Lenni involved, and you can move (Brown) around, and you can get more from your group that way. That is kind of what we have been waiting for. But Lenni’s development and the patience that we have shown to allow him to find his game and to come up when he is ready has really served us well in the early going.”
His offensive contributions continued in the second period as he picked up his first NHL assist on Glass’ 12th goal of the season at 3:14, giving the Devils a 3-0 lead.
The middle frame was a back-and-forth period with Nico Hischier and Connor Brown additionally scoring. Unfortunately, the Devils surrendered three goals to Canucks’ Linus Karlsson, Teddy Blueger, and Zeev Buium.
Entering the third period, the Devils held a 4-3 advantage over the Canucks. It was Glass, Hämeenaho’s linemate, that extended New Jersey’s lead to 5-3, securing the team’s third consecutive victory.
“There was a lot of chaos in the game, some that we created ourselves, particularly at the end of the game, but it is a lot better to learn inside the chaos after a win, there is no doubt about that,” Keefe said.
On Saturday night, in his third NHL game, Hämeenaho celebrated the first multi-point game of his career. By comparison, it took him 14 games with the Utica Comets (AHL) for him to have a two-point game.
The Devils will conclude their roadtrip on Sunday afternoon with one final stop at Climate Pledge Arena to face the Seattle Kraken.
"It’s been a really good road trip for us,” Keefe said. “I think as much as you don’t love some of the things that happened today, giving the game back a little bit in that second period, giving them life and hope at the end of the game, some of that can serve as a nice little jolt on this road trip to keep us focused and keep us improving along the way.”
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It’s a relatively busy evening across the National Hockey League, with nine games on the schedule. My NHL player props will include Ryan O’Reilly, Ivan Demidov, and Nikita Kucherov.
Ryan O’Reilly is having a nice campaign for the Nashville Predators, scoring 18 goals and assisting 32. He’s been on fire as of late, cashing the Over in helpers in six consecutive appearances. During that span, the veteran has registered eight assists.
In a victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday evening, O’Reilly had three assists. On Tuesday, he also had a pair of goals and a helper. The Preds welcome the Utah Mammoth to town this afternoon, and O’Reilly has compiled 17 assists in 27 games in Nashville.
Also, he’s tallied a pair of helpers in two meetings with Utah in 2025-26. O’Reilly will stay hot.
Ivan Demidov has already notched 32 assists for the Montreal Canadiens this season, serving as one of their top playmakers. He’s a dangerous weapon offensively. The Russian has cashed the Over in helpers in two of his last three outings, compiling three assists during that span.
While Demidov didn’t get in on the action on Thursday evening against the Buffalo Sabres, he did set up a pair of goals on Tuesday in a victory against the Minnesota Wild. The Habs hit the road tonight for a classic matchup with the Boston Bruins, and Demidov has played well away from the Bell Centre.
On the road, the 20-year-old has 15 assists in 25 games. He’s also tallied an assist in two meetings with the Bruins this season.
Nikita Kucherov is an absolute beast, sitting top-15 in the league in goals with 25 to his name. The veteran has scored 12 across his last 15 appearances, and he’s found the back of the net in four of his previous seven games.
Kucherov just scored on Friday evening against the Chicago Blackhawks, and he’s bagged 16 of his goals on the road. The Tampa Bay Lightning happen to be in Columbus this evening to face the Blue Jackets.
He scored once in three meetings with the Blue Jackets last season, and Kucherov is clearly thriving as a goal scorer when he’s away from Benchmark International Arena. He’ll produce the goods.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Cleveland Guardians are finalizing a seven-year, $175 million contract extension that will assure perennial All-Star third baseman José Ramirez remains with the organization through the duration of his career.
Ramirez, 33, the seven-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner, and the Guardians are restructuring his contract that add four years and $106 million to his existing deal, paying him through the age of 40, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.
The person, confirming Hector Gomez’s report early Saturday morning, spoke to USA TODAY Sports on on the condition of anonymity because the deal is not yet complete.
Ramirez, who’s on track for the Hall of Fame by finishing in the top six in MVP voting in seven of the last nine years, sacrificed a massive payday in free agency before the 2022 season when he signed a seven-year, $141 million contract extension. Yet, despite the criticism of signing such a team-friendly contract, he continues to profess his love for Cleveland.
“I really have a special place [in my heart] for Cleveland,’’ Ramirez told the Abriendo Sports podcast this winter. “They gave me the opportunity to play at just 16 years old and, even now, despite taking a pay cut, I'm comfortable in this city."
Ramirez, one of the greatest players in franchise history, certainly has been the gift that keeps on giving for Cleveland. He has a 51 WAR since 2017, ranked third-highest in baseball behind only Aaron Judge and Francisco Lindor, and is paid at a massive discount rate. His new restructured contract will pay him an average of $25 million a season compared to Judge’s $40 million AAV in his nine-year, $360 million deal with the Yankees.
NEW YORK (AP) — Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker has been arrested after police say he presented a firearm for inspection without proper credentials at LaGuardia Airport.
Port Authority police said Walker was arrested Friday morning after they responded to a request for a firearms check at LaGuardia’s Terminal C. Police said the 25-year-old had checked in at Delta and had presented a firearm for inspection without proper credentials.
Arthur Aidala, the lawyer representing Walker, said his client voluntarily disclosed an unloaded, secured firearm upon his arrival at the airport. Aidala said Walker was arrested because his license wasn’t valid in New York.
“We are confident the matter will eventually be dismissed,” Aidala said via email.
The Packers’ season ended Jan. 10 with a 31-27 loss to the Chicago Bears in the wild-card round of the NFC playoffs.
Walker has been Green Bay’s first-team left tackle for the last three seasons and has started 48 games since the Packers selected him out of Penn State in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. Walker just completed the final year of his contract and is set to become a free agent in the offseason. He has started each of Green Bay’s four playoff games over the last three seasons.
Connor McDavid’s shot rates on home soil are nothing short of spectacular. They’ve been especially high since Zach Hyman returned to the lineup, and my Capitals vs. Oilers predictions are banking on that remaining the case. Let’s dive into my NHL picks for Saturday, January 24.
Capitals vs Oilers prediction
Capitals vs Oilers best bet:Connor McDavid Over 3.5 shots (+105)
Connor McDavid has generated a whopping 4.7 shots on 7.1 attempts per game in Edmonton. Those outputs have predictably led to a ton of Overs, with McDavid clearing this line in 18 of 24 home dates — a 75% clip.
His numbers have reached even greater heights with Hyman by his side. McDavid has averaged 5.2 shots on 7.3 attempts when Hyman rides shotgun, and recorded 4+ shots in 13 of his last 14 at home.
The Edmonton Oilers tend to go as their captain goes. Well, McDavid’s goals have dried up over the past handful of games, and they’ve dropped four of six as a result.
McDavid will want to snap this scoring funk sooner rather than later to help get his team back on track. The good news is he has a great matchup to help him take matters into his own hands.
The Washington Capitals rank 26th in shot suppression and 8th in pace over their past 10 games. They’re giving up a ton of volume and playing a high-paced brand of hockey that should suit McDavid perfectly.
Washington has also allowed the 2nd-most shots to centers during this stretch.
This is a fantastic matchup across the board. One I expect the league’s best player to take advantage of.
Capitals vs Oilers same-game parlay
McDavid and Hyman both rank in the Top 5 in goals over the past two months. They are scoring machines, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins skates with them at 5-on-5 and on the power play, making him a prime candidate to pick up a helper.
The Oilers have averaged 3.9 goals over their past 10 against Bottom-10 shot suppression teams.
The Capitals fit that criteria and are expected to start backup Charlie Lindgren after giving Logan Thompson the nod on Friday night. Edmonton’s offense should lead them to two points here.
Connor McDavid has averaged 5.5 shots on goal over his last 14 home games. Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Oilers.
How to watch Capitals vs Oilers
Location
Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB
Date
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Puck drop
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Monumental SN, Sportsnet
Capitals vs Oilers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
We’ll see Collins in left field the majority of the time, while Thomas will move among all three spots. The Royals touted Collins’ ability to play second base when they acquired him, giving them flexibility, so it’ll be interesting to see whether he gets reps there this spring.
How the Royals split time in center field between Isbel and Thomas remains to be seen, but Isbel is the best defender to have out there. The Royals have given Caglianone a path to earn the everyday spot in right field with his performance. Although he’s also committed to playing for Team Italy this spring, he should get plenty of reps to show off his offseason work and improvement.
Blanco, Misner, Rave and Waters are competing for an Opening Day roster spot. They’ve all played center field, but the Royals acquired Misner from the Rays back in November as center field depth.
Witt said the Royals hitters welcomed the change. And catcher Salvador Perez had a question. “Yeah, a lot of the hitters are very happy, and the team’s pitchers aren’t,” Witt said. “But they’re gonna do well, no matter what. But yeah, the hitters are great.
Salvy was just like, ‘What took it so long?’ But yeah, everyone is fired up. And so it’s gonna be fun.”
“There is no doubt my best years in baseball are with two teams — the Kansas City Royals and the New York Mets,” Beltrán said this week, per CBS Sports. “That’s a decision that I would love to sit down with my family, with (my wife) Jessica, with my kids and make a decision on that. I did really enjoy my time in New York. Now I work as an advisor for the Mets, so there’s a lot of weight in the New York cap.”
After the departures of Edwin Díaz, Ryne Stanek, Tyler Rogers, and Gregory Soto and injuries to Reed Garrett and Dedniel Núñez, the Mets needed to do some work to rebuild their bullpen this offseason.
And work has been done. The Mets have added four pieces from outside the organization who will likely fill important roles in the bullpen, as well as signed many arms to minor league deals, hoping to catch lightning in a bottle or help someone find their spark again.
The definite locks for the bullpen start with Devin Williams (1.5 fWAR in 2025, career 8.9 fWAR) and Luke Weaver (0.5 fWAR in 2025, career 8.2 fWAR), both of whom most recently pitched across town for the Yankees, and both of whom will likely get a large chunk of the Mets’ high-leverage innings. It seems presumed that Williams will be the traditional closer, despite losing that job for the Yankees at one point last season when, coincidentally, Weaver took over for him.
The Mets retained a pair of southpaws over the offseason, with A.J. Minter not exercising his opt-out after an injury ravaged 2025 and the Mets executing Brooks Raley’s $4.75 million club option. Raley (0.8 fWAR in 2025, career 3.1 fWAR) was healthy for the second half of last season after recovering from Tommy John Surgery, but Minter 0.3 fWAR in 2025, career 7.4 fWAR) missed all but 13 games for the Mets in 2025.
On Wednesday night, the Mets brought in Tobias Myers (0.4 fWAR in 2025, career 2.5 fWAR) from the Brewers, and Myers slots in to be a guy who can give you multiple innings out of the bullpen, a role the Mets haven’t really seen success in since José Buttó‘s 2024 campaign. As a long man who has success as a starter as well, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Myers as a swing man at some point as well, taking some starts down the stretch.
Huascar Brazobán (0.4 fWAR in 2025, career 1.5 fWAR) is likely the closest thing to a lock after those five. Brazobán is entering his fifth big league season at the age of 36, and has been a perfectly cromulent middle reliever for those years. He got off to a great start in 2015 before having a bit of a rocky month that jumped his ERA two full runs.
If the season started today, the two players most likely to take a role in the bullpen would be recently-signed veteran Luis García (0.7 fWAR in 2025, career 4.5 fWAR) and Joey Gerber (0.0 fWAR in 2025, career 0,0 fWAR), who the Mets got in a trade from the Rays earlier this offseason. However, if either of those folks were traded, cut, or designated for assignment during spring training, it would not be shocking.
From there, there are still more options. Last year’s mid-season signing Richard Lovelady (-0.3 fWAR in 2025, career 0.0 fWAR), who the Mets signed to a major league deal in October, was DFA’d on Thursday to make room for Vidal Bruján. He’s been DFA’d more than a few times in his Mets’ tenure, and so it seems possible that he’ll clear waivers. Joe Jacques (-0.1 fWAR in 2025, career 0.0 fWAR), Carl Edwards Jr (0.0 fWAR in 2025, career 3.1 fWAR), Brandon Waddell (-0.1 fWAR in 2025, career -0.3 fWAR), Nick Burdi (0.1 fWAR in 2025, career 0.3 fWAR), and Robert Stock (-0.1 fWAR in 2025, career 0.3 fWAR) are all players the Mets acquired since the end of the season, and there are a number of players in the upper minors who may slot into a relief role.
You can never really have enough relief pitching, but the Mets are already at a roster crunch, and so it looks like any other players that may be brought in would either be on minor league deals or would have to bump players from the 40-Man Roster.
Hello friends! Happy Saturday to you all. While I understand the weather is calm in Seattle this weekend, I hope my fellow east coasters (and those in the south and midwest) stay safe from the storm.
Here’s what’s going on in baseball as we get the weekend underway.
In Mariners news…
Jordan Shusterman at Yahoo! Sports tackled the five biggest questions facing the Mariners with less than a month remaining in the offseason.
Max Scherzer is still hoping to land with a team for 2026, but he is willing to sign after Opening Day if that’s what it takes to get into a situation he likes.
Cristian Romero’s flying header earned Spurs a point, Antoine Semenyo scored again for City and Bayern Munich were stunned by Augsburg
Kevin and Alex Iwobi come into the Fulham XI. Brighton bring in Olivier Boscagli, Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari. It’s not clear who will start at right-back for them, possibly Pascal Gross.
He’s averaging 1.6 shots on goal per game in 2025-26, and while that number sits at just 1.5 at home, there’s reason to believe he’ll be busy tonight.
The 28-year-old has hit the Over in shots on net in five straight appearances at the Canadian Tire Centre.
In his last game at home a week ago against the Montreal Canadiens, Chabot had two SOG. A few days before that? Another three shots on target against the Vancouver Canucks.
He’ll put another two pucks on net, at the very least, tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Hurricanes vs Senators same-game parlay
We’ll stick with Dylan Cozens for both legs of my SGP. The former first-round pick has tallied assists in back-to-back games, and he’s registered four helpers across his last five appearances.
In Cozens’s last game at home, he set up a goal against the Habs. He’s compiled nine helpers on home ice this season as well.
Cozens is averaging 2.34 SOG per contest, and he’s comfortably cashed the Over in six consecutive outings. Also, he had two shots on target at home against Montreal last Saturday.
At the Canadian Tire Centre, the 24-year-old is averaging 1.95 SOG per contest.
The Ottawa Senators have hit the 1P game total Over in 13 of their last 15 games (+11.45 Units / 55% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Hurricanes vs. Senators.
How to watch Hurricanes vs Senators
Location
Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, ON
Date
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN South, Sportsnet One
Hurricanes vs Senators latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
This round was so close, we had to conduct an internal staff poll to break the tie so we could proceed in hopes of getting a few more Votes in. It came down to two players taking big leaps on the ballot, Gage Ziehl and Alexander Albertus. It was Ziehl who prevailed, with 11 of 58 (19%) votes:
The fight for the top meant that Landon Hodge’s win just last round was displaced as the smallest share yet, as Ziehl’s 18.97% outdid Hodge’s 19.35%.
Ziehl was acquired for Austin Slater last July, thus this is the first Prospect Vote for the Yankees product.
Past No. 31s in the SSS Top Prospect Vote 2025 Eric Adler (21%) 2024 Calvin Harris (20%) 2023 Voting lasted only 24 rounds 2022 Voting lasted only 17 rounds 2021 Bennett Sousa (30%) 2020 Bennett Sousa (27%) 2019 Amado Nuñez (31%) 2018 Tyler Johnson (34%)
Newcomer Ryan Galanie had a nice run on his first ballot, earning seven votes and tying for third place. This time around, reliever Zach Franklin joins the mix.
South Side Sox Top-Voted White Sox Prospects for 2026
Alexander Albertus Third Baseman Age 21 2025 high level Arizona Complex League (Rookie) Age relative to high level +0.4 years Overall 2025 stats 8 games ▪️ 0 HR ▪️ 2 RBI ▪️ .333/.520/.444 ▪️ 3-of-3 (100.0%) SB ▪️ 6 BB ▪️ 3 K ▪️ 1.000 FLD%▪️ 0.3 WAR
What can you say further about Albertus? He seems to have great tools but an uncanny ability to stay off of the field (just eight games in a season-plus in the White Sox system). In 2025, he was assigned to Kannapolis but was … wait for it … injured. He lasted just eight games of ACL rehab before hitting the IL-60 again.
Marcelo Alcala Center Fielder Age 20 2025 high level ACL (Rookie) Age relative to high level -0.6 years Overall 2025 stats 42 games ▪️ 7 HR ▪️ 19 RBI ▪️ .233/.325/.479 ▪️ 14-of-15 (93.3%) SB ▪️ 14 BB ▪️ 63 K ▪️ .935 FLD%▪️ 1.2 WAR
Alcala is a talent to dream on. Though still raw, he flashed power that we simply do not see in the White Sox system, especially when combined with the raw speed that can swipe bases at a 90%+ rate. Defense and bat discipline are issues to be sure, but imagine what additional outfield reps, AZ batting cage time, and even some training on the bases could do.
Aldrin Batista Right-Handed Starting Pitcher Age 22 2025 SSS Prospect Poll ranking 6 2025 high level Winston-Salem (High-A) Age relative to high level -1.2 years Overall 2025 stats 2-0 ▪️ 7 games (2 starts) ▪️ 14 IP ▪️ 5.79 ERA ▪️ 17 K ▪️ 7 BB ▪️ 1.429 WHIP ▪️-1.2 WAR
Batista was our No. 6-voted player in last year’s poll and top righthander — and then disaster struck, as he started the third Dash game of the season on April 6 and then was out more than four months with a stress fracture in his right (pitching) elbow. His return in late August was iffy, with three poor relief appearances of five. But he ended the season with a scoreless (two-inning) “opener” start, which hopefully reverses the curse for 2026.
Reudis Diaz Right-handed relief pitcher Age 20 2025 high level ACL (Rookie) Age relative to high level -2.1 years Overall 2025 stats 1-1 ▪️ 1 SV▪️ 21 games (4 finishes) ▪️ 27 2/3 IP ▪️ 2.28.ERA ▪️ 18 K ▪️ 8 BB ▪️ 1.084 WHIP ▪️1.2 WAR
Who? You’re forgiven for being unfamiliar with an extremely young arm who hasn’t yet gotten out of rookie ball, but our No. 77 prospect a year ago (then a starter, repeating the DSL and killing it) made a successful adjustment Stateside. He’ll return to starting in 2026, likely getting his feet wet in Arizona and getting a promotion to Low-A in the second half of the season.
Zach Franklin Right-Handed Relief Pitcher Age 27 2025 high level Charlotte (AAA) Age relative to high level -1.3 years Overall 2025 stats (AA/AAA) 4-1▪️ 11 SV ▪️ 48 games (31 finishes) ▪️ 56 1/3 IP ▪️ 2.40 ERA ▪️ 79 K ▪️ 25 BB ▪️ 1.065 WHIP ▪️ 2.0 WAR
The clear closer of the future in the system, Franklin put up a pretty extraordinary 2.0 WAR in just 56 innings in 2025. He labored mostly in Birmingham, but is a cinch to start in Charlotte in 2026 — if not impressing enough in Cactus League play to break north with the White Sox outright.
Ryan Galanie First Baseman Age 25 2025 high level Birmingham (AA) Age relative to high level +1.3 years Overall 2025 stats (High-A/AA) 119 games ▪️ 11 HR ▪️ 94 RBI ▪️ .276/.327/.422 ▪️ 14-of-17 (82.4%) SB ▪️ 35 BB ▪️ 79 K ▪️ .995 FLD%▪️ 1.1 WAR
It’s been a slow but steady climb for this 13th-rounder in 2023. The good news here is, with the caveat that Galanie has always competed older than his level, Galanie has found some footing. While his power/slugging numbers are merely OK, he drove in 94 runs in 2025. He disappeared a bit in the playoffs for Birmingham (just four hits in six games, with five walks as well) but started every game in the march to a second consecutive Southern League title for the Barons.
Jairo Iriarte Right-Handed Relief Pitcher Age 24 2025 SSS Top Prospect Vote Ranking 19 2025 high level Charlotte (AAA) Age relative to high level -4.3 years Overall 2025 stats (Rookie/AAA) 3-3▪️ 1 SV ▪️ 37 games (5 starts, 9 finishes) ▪️ 48 IP ▪️ 7.13 ERA ▪️ 50 K ▪️ 37 BB ▪️ 1.917 WHIP ▪️ -0.8 WAR
The 2025 season was an utter disaster for Iriarte, who went from prospective South Side rotation member to lost in space. The righty, who made his brief debut in the majors in 2024, both lost the plate and misplaced his strikeout power. The Brian Bannister Pitching Lab has its work cut out here, for sure.
Javier Mogollón Shortstop Age 20 2025 high level Kannapolis (Low-A) Age relative to high level -1.4 years Overall 2025 stats 51 games ▪️ 5 HR ▪️ 19 RBI ▪️ .220/.347/.387 ▪️ 15-of-21 (71.4%) SB ▪️ 30 BB ▪️ 56 K ▪️ .971 FLD%▪️ 1.0 WAR
An ascending star just one year ago, we have to tap the breaks a bit on Mogollón after a lackluster first full season of minors ball. While still young for his level and managing to keep his head above water in a new league every season of his career, Mogollón’s undeniable hitting in Rookie ball fell off significantly with the Cannon Ballers. However, how much of that was due to battling injury is undetermined, as Mogollón was shelved for what turned out to be the season on July 2.
Yobal Rodriguez Right-Handed Starting Pitcher Age18 2025 high levelDSL White Sox (Rookie) Age relative to high level -1.5 years Overall 2025 stats0-3 ▪️ 13 games (10 starts) ▪️ 30 1/3 IP ▪️2.97 ERA ▪️ 33 K ▪️ 13 BB ▪️ 1.022 WHIP ▪️ 1.2 WAR
Rodriguez is a rare DSL pitcher, not for his relatively light innings load, but as a primary starter — and at just 17 years old (Yobal turns 18 on February 9). Inasmuch as it’s tough to project anyone out of the DSL, especially pitchers, you could hardly have hoped for more from him in his pro debut.
Tyler Schweitzer Left-Handed Starting Pitcher Age25 2025 high levelCharlotte (AAA) Age relative to high level -3.3 years Overall 2025 stats (AA/AAA) 8-2 ▪️ 27 games (10 starts) ▪️ 99 2/3 IP ▪️4.61 ERA ▪️ 81 K ▪️ 41 BB ▪️ 1.344 WHIP ▪️ 0.8 WAR
Schweitzer relieved in most of his games in 2025, but he remains a starter in our eyes given he was consistently paired with Tanner McDougal in Birmingham Barons starts. And in Birmingham, Schweitzer was divine: 1.27 ERA that included a long scoreless streak leading to a Charlotte promotion, 0.946 WHIP. However, everything the southpaw did as a Baron, he undid as a Knight (7.92 ERA, 1.740 ERA). While other gilded arms (Drew Thorpe, Grant Taylor) get to skip Charlotte entirely, Schweitzer was not so lucky. And that luck could prevent him from ever seeing the majors.
Round 24 of voting was the last of 2023 (we did not do an actual wrap for the voting, but Jordan Sprinkle ended up being our final pick), and the full archive.
