ST. PETERSBURG, FL - AUGUST 15: Tyler O'Neill #9 of the Baltimore Orioles strikes out against the Tampa Bay Rays during a game at Tropicana Field on August 15, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Through two seasons with the Orioles, Tyler O’Neill has played in just 139 total games, hit 19 home runs, and made five trips to the IL. While the 2026 campaign was a slight improvement from his debut season in Baltimore, the Canadian outfielder was once again a gigantic disappointment.
The Orioles attempted to handle O’Neill more gently this time around. He was limited to just 54 games in 2025, and the hope was that they could avoid a similar fate in 2026. Of the 85 games in which he appeared in this year, only 61 of them were starts, and he played defense in just 67 of them. It was not a massive workload, particularly for someone being paid $16.5 million per year. But that didn’t stop the injuries from coming anyway.
O’Neill suffered a concussion early in the season when an illness led to dehydration, which resulted in him fainting and hitting his head. That left him sidelined from April 9 through April 23. He returned to the lineup in late April, and would remain an outfield option for much of the year until late August, when he suffered a rotator cuff strain. There was some hope at the time that O’Neill could rehab the injury quickly and return before the end of the season. But it didn’t work out that way. O’Neill received PRP injections in September, and his season was over.
There really weren’t any positives to speak of for O’Neill through the end of June. To that point he owned a .182/.282/.270 batting line with two home runs, six doubles, 17 walks, and 43 strikeouts. You could squint and see some potential for positive regression in things like hard hit rate and lower than expected BABIP, but it was grasping for straws.
July is where O’Neill finally became a spark for the lineup. From July 1 through August 17, O’Neill hit .289/.359/.602 with eight home runs, two doubles, nine walks, and 26 strikeouts across 30 games. His season totals jumped up to a respectable (if still underwhelming) .223/.310/.395 thanks to that seven-week stretch.
That would be the peak of O’Neill’s campaign. He finished his season by going 0-for-11 over his final four games, and then hit the IL with the shoulder injury that shelved him. His last game of season came on August 22.
There is an argument to be made that O’Neill had finally figured something out in July. It’s possible that the early-season concussion lingered and, paired with a less consistent role in the everyday lineup, it was difficult for him to get into an offensive groove. Then, as soon as things were clicking, the injury bug bit him again. Just bad luck.
But it’s pretty much impossible to actually make that argument for O’Neill given his history. The guy gets hurt a lot. The most games he has ever played in a single MLB season was 138, which came way back in 2021 with the Cardinals. He played 113 games for the Red Sox in ‘24, his platform year before inking the three-year contract with the Orioles prior to 2025. So, even when he is productive, he is good for at least one lengthy IL stint per season. In order to be of value, he needs to play really well in those games he can actually suit up for. As an Oriole, that is yet to happen with any sort of consistency.
As the Orioles plan for 2027, the reality that O’Neill is probably going to miss time has to be factored into roster planning. It cannot be assumed that he will hold down an outfield corner for 140 games next summer. That’s not something he has ever done, and it’s unlikely he starts now. The fact that he ended the season on the IL with a rotator cuff injury for which he received PRP injections already sounds dicey, though reports indicate that he should be ready for spring training.
O’Neill will be entering the final season of his contract in 2027. That gives the Orioles more flexibility with him if he struggles, if the team falls out of contention, or if he is consumed by injuries again. The team has already paid out a majority of his salary, and the chance for him to “turn things around” will dwindle by the day. Should the team need a 26-man roster spot sometime midsummer while O’Neill toils, cutting him will be on the table.
But in all likelihood, that is a consideration for sometime during the regular season. At the moment, the Orioles outfield, outside of Colton Cowser’s glove, is one big question mark. O’Neill, despite his flaws, may be closer to a productive and known commodity at the plate than any other outfielder on the Orioles 40-man roster. And it’s not as if the team is going to be able to save any money by cutting or trading him now anyway. So the incentive for doing so before other plans are in place is basically zero.
The outfield should be a top priority for the Orioles this offseason, whenever it is that they can actually make moves. It’s a shallow free agent class, and many of the top options (Randy Arozarena, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki) are already older than O’Neill is now, so it doesn’t feel like a market where the Orioles are going to seriously compete. Perhaps the trade market is more open. Or, and this could be the best path, the Orioles explore converting some of their infielders into corner outfielders. Coby Mayo and Blaze Alexander feel like the two most prominent candidates should their peers on the roster come into the spring healthy.
The O’Neill experiment has been a failure through two years. Given the uncertainty on both the roster and in baseball broadly, he’s unlikely to be going anywhere this offseason. At this point, he can be a very expensive insurance policy if the Orioles fail to solve their outfield issues this offseason. Hopefully the organization holds a similar view, because going into 2027 with the plan being for O’Neill to be an everyday option in one of the corner spots is a recipe for yet another underperformance.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Connor Brown #16 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates after a goal during the second period against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on December 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
The Matchup: New Jersey Devils (8-5-0) @ Vegas Golden Knights (9-4-1)
Note the unusual start time. Today is Nevada Day, and the Golden Knights are celebrating with a weekday afternoon game. It’s odd, but it certainly beats the usual 10pm start time for games in Vegas.
Last Devils Game
On Wednesday, the Devils traveled to Colorado and lost to the Avalanche, 5-2. Connor Brown scored both goals, his first markers of the season. Jake Allen got the start and made 40 saves on 45 shots.
Last Golden Knights Game
Vegas’s last game was on Tuesday, when they defeated the Ottawa Senators, 4-1. The win snapped the Golden Knights’ three-game losing streak, with Adin Hill getting the win while making 25 saves on 26 shots.
The First Dud In A While
The 5-2 final score from Wednesday’s contest was, plain and simple, a very poor game by the Devils. Yes, the score was tied 1-1 after two periods, but through 40 minutes, the Avalanche were handily controlling play. The floodgates finally burst open in the third, with Colorado scoring four times in a row and coasting from there.
The Avalanche outshot the Devils 45-22. According to Natural Stat Trick, New Jersey posted a ghastly Expected Goals% of just under 30%. There were moments here and there that New Jersey could be proud of, but overall, this really was the first dud in a while after a prolonged stretch of good hockey. Only Jake Allen and Connor Brown had unambiguously good games. Yes, Allen’s save percentage doesn’t look great, but he was the only reason this game wasn’t 10-1 after two periods. Allen had himself a very strong night, regardless of what the numbers say.
But in the end, I get it. Think about all the factors going against the Devils on Wednesday:
Second half of a back-to-back
Travel required
Playing a well-rested team
That well-rested team just so happening to be an elite group in the Colorado Avalanche
In the thin air of Colorado
Going through Kurt’s game recap from Wednesday and the comments on that post, I saw the phrase “schedule loss” thrown around a lot. I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. Wednesday was a night where New Jersey was set up to fail, and while it’s certainly possible to win or at least come away with a loser point under those circumstances, I can’t be too hard on the Devils for how poor they looked. Every team has off-nights, and considering how much was working against them, Wednesday’s loss is one I’m content to write off as a schedule loss and move on from.
…so long as the Devils bounce back strong.
That’s the one thing that worries me, that the loss to the Avalanche kick starts a string of bad games. Tonight is going to be a very tough contest as well, going up against a strong Vegas team. I would not be surprised if New Jersey lost again, but at the very least, I expect a much better outing than on Wednesday. If the Devils lose a hard-fought, back-and-forth, 3-2 or 4-3 game or something, I won’t be happy but I can accept that. But if they lose again while looking like they did against the Avalanche, that will be disappointing and a bit of a concern.
Finishing The Trip Strong
All that being said, if the Devils can find a way to win this game, and maybe even get back to their dominant puck possession selves in the process, that would be a great sign. This was always going to be a brutal road trip. Not only is it a western swing, but it just so happens to be against three of the very best teams in the NHL. You could argue that Dallas, Colorado, and Vegas are the top three squads in the west. Throw in a back-to-back, and I don’t think anyone’s expectations were particularly high coming into the trip.
But the Devils not only won their opening contest of the road trip, they looked great while doing so. I’m of the opinion that New Jersey was a little leakier defensively than most people think, as while they gave up very few shots, the individual quality of those shots were quite high. Still, they outshot the Stars by a million and won 5-1, so it’s hard to complain too much. They laid an understandable egg against Colorado, and now they have a chance to go home with a winning road trip.
Vegas is a great team, but they are not unbeatable, as their recent three-game skid indicates. The Devils can absolutely steal a win from the Knights this evening. As mentioned, I won’t be too broken up if they lose. But I think the vibes would be through the roof if New Jersey collects four out of six points on this trip. All of us would have signed for that before this three-game journey began.
Power Outage
Colorado game aside, the Devils have been a play-driving machine over the first month of the season at 5-on-5. But for all their territorial dominance at even strength, the power play remains a big concern.
New Jersey went 0-for-3 against Colorado on Wednesday, including failing to score on roughly half a minute of 5-on-3 time at the end of the second period. I’m not sure if that game turns out to be any different if they convert, but I have to believe the Devils’ chances of squeezing at least a point out of that game would’ve gone up dramatically. Remember, the game was still knotted at 1-1 when the Devils went on the power play, and then got that 5-on-3. The second penalty carried over into the third period, so imagine if New Jersey could play with a lead in the final 20 minutes. Again, it’s very possible they still would have lost, but the power play failures are what truly sealed their fate.
Entering play today, the Devils are rocking a power play conversion rate of 17.5%. That’s good for 22nd in the league, which is not truly awful, but it’s certainly not good either. For a team as talented as New Jersey, that figure is unacceptable.
Now, brace yourselves. I’m about to give you some stats that I think a lot of you will be shocked by. I know I was.
And it’s not just NST either. According to Hockey Stats, the Devils have an xG/60 rate of 8.6 on the power play, tied for seventh-best in the league with both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks. Post Hockey is lower on the Devils, tabbing them at an xG/60 rate of 7.61, down at 13th in the league. The important thing to note about Post Hockey’s numbers is that, if I’m reading the stats correctly, they adjust for shooting talent. So it makes sense that their model would have New Jersey much lower than Natural Stat Trick and moderately lower than Hockey Stats. Still, 13th-best seems higher than I would have expected.
I’m sorry, but as much of a believer as I am in analytics, I cannot endorse these numbers. There is no way the Devils’ process is the 4th-best in the league. Heck, 8th is way too high for me as well, and 13th is better but still a tad rich. From what I’ve watched of the power play this year, there is a serious problem with the process. PP1 consists mainly of The Hughes brothers and Jesper Bratt playing catch on the perimeter, with Jack and Luke occasionally taking medium-danger shots that mostly get blocked or go wide. On the rare occasions those three include Nico Hischier and Luke Evangelista on the inside of the formation, it’s either broken up quickly or fumbled away. There’s not nearly enough movement, not nearly enough decisiveness, and not nearly enough shooting threats to actually make this power play run.
PP2, on the other hand, has much less talent but provides way better process. Players like Timo Meier and Arseny Gritsyuk operate with confidence and decisiveness, providing the shooting threats the man advantage needs. Dougie Hamilton quarterbacking the unit works, and players like Evan Rodrigues and Anthony Mantha complement the unit as well. There’s an intentionality on PP2 that is missing on PP1, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the vast majority of New Jersey’s glowing process numbers come from the second unit.
In any case, the top power play unit is pretty busted at the moment, and it’s on the coaching staff to figure it out. There is way too much talent here for this unit to be as bad as it is.
Round Two For Hellebuyck?
The Devils did not practice yesterday, so we didn’t get any indication on who would start in net this evening. We’ll have to wait for morning skate today to get that answer. But I’m going to assume it will be the newest Devil, Connor Hellebuyck. The future Hall of Famer was strong in his debut with the club on Tuesday, stopping 17 of 18 shots in the victory.
What impressed and surprised me the most was just how Hellebuyck always seemed to be one step ahead of the play. The Stars didn’t get that many looks at the net on Tuesday, but as I mentioned earlier, when they did get their looks there was a healthy amount of danger sprinkled in. Maybe I’ve just gotten so used to watching the likes of Vitek Vanecek and Mackenzie Blackwood and Akira Schmid and Jacob Markstrom and even Jake Allen over the past few years. But something that really struck me when watching Hellebuyck was how often he made me go “…Oh…that was it?”. When the Stars would fire a prime chance at Hellebuyck, instead of flailing around to get into position at the last minute like all the other Devil goalies, Hellebuyck seemed to already be waiting for the shot. He read each play so well, he managed his positioning so well, and he controlled his rebounds so well that even the premium shots looked relatively nonthreatening. One moment I’m clenching up at a one-timer from the inner slot, and the next moment I’m watching the shot harmlessly settle into Hellebuyck’s chest for a stoppage, as if it was always destined to be that way.
And I would go “…Oh…that was it?”.
Obviously I’ve watched Hellbuyck over the years, but I haven’t taken the time to really study him. It’s only one game, but after watching him play for the Devils for the first time, and taking into account every stat and scouting report I could get my hands on about why Hellebuyck is so great, I can certainly understand it. His hockey IQ is stellar. It’s the equivalent of someone like Luke Evangelista, who might not skate fast (below 50th percentile in all skating speed metrics per NHL Edge), but who plays fast thanks to how smart he is and how quickly he processes. But unlike Evangelista, Hellebuyck is also gifted physically with monstrous size. When a goalie is borderline telepathic like Hellebuyck, AND they have a massive frame, it is very, very difficult to get pucks behind him.
All of that to say, even though it’s only one game, it was a terrific one. And I am thrilled Hellebuyck is a Devil. Assuming his second outing with the club really does come tonight, I expect another strong outing from New Jersey’s franchise netminder.
The Golden Triangle
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the Vegas Golden Knights are, once again, one of the best teams in the league. And it also shouldn’t surprise anyone to see who is leading the charge. Vegas is getting contributions up and down the lineup, but Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Mitch Marner are the spearheads of a potent Golden Knights attack.
Eichel leads the way with seven goals and 20 points in 14 games. Next is Stone, with eight goals (leading the team) and 16 points in 14 games. Marner is in third with two goals and 13 points in 12 games. The only other Knight in double figures in points is Ivan Barbashev, with an odd 1-9-10 statline. But considering Barbashev is logging 16:17 of ice time per game while the big three are up in the 18-20 minute range, Barbashev definitely falls under the “support” camp rather than the core.
On the backend, Vegas’ defense corps has been a bit disappointing from a point production standpoint. Their usual number one, Shea Theodore, has only registered a pair of goals and five points through 14 contests. Vegas’ second in command, Noah Hanifin, has that same exact statline as well. If the defensemen pick their game up, Vegas’ Golden Triangle could turn into a Golden Pentagram Pentagon. And if that happens, then the Pacific Division and the rest of the league will really be in trouble.
Under The Hood
Aside from the traditional production, Vegas’ underlying metrics are in good-not-great territory through the first month of play:
Category
Rate
League Rank
CF%
52.34%
10/32
SCF%
51.75%
13/32
HDCF%
53.33
11/32
xG%
53.78
11/32
Unlike last year when Vegas had superb advanced metrics but didn’t have the results to show for it (in the regular season at least), Vegas has been outkicking their coverage a little bit, rocking the sixth-best points percentage in the league entering play today.
Taking a look at some of the individual line combinations over at Moneypuck, many of Vegas’ forward combinations look quite good from a process standpoint. But a secret weapon of sorts appears to be the Tomas Hertl-Trevor Connelly combination. Hertl and Connelly are both a part of the top two lines on the Golden Knights according to Moneypuck’s 5-on-5 xG% numbers. In about 24 minutes with Braeden Bowman, the trio is posting a pretty silly 91.7% xG mark. In just over 29 minutes with Victor Olofsson, they’re rocking an xG% of 71.4%. Those are tiny sample sizes, but at this early stage, a pattern is emerging.
Connelly and Hertl have each played 14 games so far. Connelly has four goals and nine points, while Hertl has five goals and eight points. Decent point production, but certainly not elite. However, the Devils need to hope that their results don’t catch up with their process until after New Jersey leaves town. Eichel, Stone, and Marner need to be page one of the gameplan tonight. But Hertl and Connelly have earned the right to appear on page two.
A Tale Of Two Special Teams Units
Another interesting battle tonight might be the special teams battle. We’ve already went over New Jersey’s power play struggles, but they might get a chance to right the ship against Vegas this evening. The Knights come in with a penalty kill success rate of 67.6%, all the way down at 26th in the league. If ever there was a time to snap out of it, tonight might be the Devils’ opportunity.
On the other side, New Jersey better be careful not to take too many penalties. For as bad as the Golden Knights’ PK has been, their PP is making up a lot of the slack. Vegas enters with a power play conversion rate of 25.6%, good for eighth-best in the NHL. Against New Jersey’s 24th-ranked PK (72.4%), Vegas could wreak havoc.
One of the keys to this game for New Jersey absolutely has to be staying disciplined. Two points could be decided over it.
Projected Lineup
Here’s how the Golden Knights lined up in their most recent game:
What are you anticipating out of tonight’s game? Do you think the Devils will bounce back after their dud in Colorado? Who on the team do you think will have a big game? Who on the Golden Knights will you be keeping an eye on the most? As always, thanks for reading!
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 14: Kasparas Jakucionis #25 of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Chicago Bulls during the preseason NBA game at Fiserv Forum on October 14, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to the inaugural Fawning or Warning?, a new fortnightly feature where I muse on all things Milwaukee Bucks, however explicitly or tangentially related, and determine if they’re worth fawning over or if they’re a warning sign of something going awry.
KPJ, roster building
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 05: Head coach Taylor Jenkins of the Milwaukee Bucks talks with Kevin Porter Jr. #7 in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a preseason NBA game at Fiserv Forum on October 05, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
My initial reaction to Kevin Porter Jr.’s axing was a combination of surprise and frustration. In fact, I had pencilled in Jon Horst as the inaugural Winners & Sinners sinner, penning the following before deciding against it:
Jon Horst. Yes, the Bucks were in a (self-imposed) difficult roster crunch prior to the season. And, yes, Kevin Porter Jr. opting in to his contract earlier in the offseason might not have been part of their plans. But to let a guy who was arguably the best player on the team last year, who has immense talent—perhaps the most on the team, and who Bucks fans still saw as the seventh-most-important player on the team go for nothing stings. To do that when there were much more logical options—ones fans wanted—makes it all the worse. Kyle Kuzma, Caris LeVert, and their expiring contracts sure better bring something meaningful back at the trade deadline.
Since then, thanks in no small part to all of your commentary, I’ve come to rationalise the move—and now actually support it. For one, as a one-year, $5.4m deal, Porter’s contract was a relatively easy one to cut. From an ownership perspective, this is an easier pill to swallow than, say, LeVert’s $14.8m deal. From a GM perspective, despite Porter certainly being the better talent and more productive player at this stage in their respective careers, it also makes sense. Porter clearly wasn’t a desired commodity league-wide, otherwise he would’ve been traded (he also probably wouldn’t have exercised his player option in the offseason). Moreover, LeVert’s larger salary is the better trade chip, either paired with other assets—players or picks—in matching for a desirable player who could help the Bucks now, or in taking on a “bad” contract to bring in assets.
The on-court ramifications are also favourable. Because of his talent, retaining Porter would’ve all but demanded playing him and that wouldundoubtedly come at the expense of younger players who are more likely part of Milwaukee’s future core, namely Brayden Burries and Kasparas Jakučionis. So, cutting him has afforded them meaningful developmental minutes. Moreover, it’s spared Taylor Jenkins from the difficult decision to play Burries and Jakučionis over Porter (or vice versa) altogether, instead enabling him to focus on cultivating the sort of relationships that are essential for a young team trying to instill a “Compete. Together. Get better” mantra. Of course, LeVert’s role in this part is also pivotal. As someone on the downside of his career, he can more easily be given—and accept—a back seat as an end-of-the-bench veteran to help guide these players. Kudos to him for that.
Bigger picture, does cutting Porter signal a philosophical shift within the franchise? Faults of yesteryear—heck, even (or especially) this year—aside, cutting Porter might suggest a renewed roster-building focus, one that prioritises internal growth and development from the ground up. For as talented as he is, it’s hard for someone like Porter to unlearn his ways (think ball-dominance, shot selection). At the same time, might it also signpost a return to the high-character ethos that was so prominent under Mike Budenholzer? After all, Jenkins was an assistant under Bud with the Atlanta Hawks for six years.
To be clear, this is by no means an attack on Porter, who by all accounts conducted himself admirably while with the Bucks—and who I “fell for” enough to write not one but two screenplays about. But stains linger for a reason, and with the Bucks beginning a new era without an obvious drawcard—and Porter already a divisive figure among fans—ownership and management have to seriously consider their brand and fan perception of it. Inherent within these considerations is who represents them and who they promote. At the least, this is something to monitor moving forward.
Verdict: Fawning.
Not all rebounders are created equal
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OCTOBER 7: Kel'el Ware #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks grabs the rebound during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during a 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 7, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
We’ve heard about it all offseason—how Taylor Jenkins will have these Bucks attacking the glass in an attempt to win the possession game. In the preseason, things looked pretty good, especially on the offensive glass (just check the notes). So far, this has translated in the regular season too. After five games, the Bucks rank third in rebounds per game (49.8) and 10th in rebounding percentage (51.7%). They also rank sixth in defensive rebounding percentage (72.6%). These are all great signs of a philosophical buy-in.
But the overall numbers obscure a truth: for all their intentions, the Bucks still sit a mediocre 16th in offensive rebounding percentage (31.1%). Milwaukee’s problem? A lack of “go-get-it!” rebounders—you know, the sort of rebounders who go after it, grabbing boards outside their area. Who make opponents feel them and wear them down doing so. Think Moussa Diabaté. Tristan Thompson. Reggie Evans. Upon acquiring him in the Giannis trade, I envisioned Kel’el Ware as one of these players, but early signs are inconclusive, suggesting he more so collects rebounds as a by-product of his size and placement near the rim. Jericho Sims offers more in the “go-get-it!” regard, particularly on the offensive glass, but he’s not seeing action. Kyle Kuzma is seeing action—and full credit to him for getting his hands dirty—and Brayden Burries seems to have a nose for the ball off iron too. But they don’t fit the bill either, not really, especially for a team that starts Myles Turner and his career-worst 9.2% rebounding percentage (seventh best on the team) at centre. Horst, that leaves two options: target the “go-getters” or… Is Mike Dunleavy Jr. still calling?
Verdict: Warning (precautionary).
Must-have maestro
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 26: Kasparas Jakučionis #25 of the Milwaukee Bucks passes the ball past Kelly Oubre Jr. #10 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on October 26, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
By all accounts, Kasparas Jakučionis was a must-have in the Giannis trade. But for all the hype, Jakučionis was satisfactory at best in Summer League play and preseason did nothing to up expectations heading into the regular season. In fact, after playing only three games and struggling to find nylon—37% overall shooting, 23% from three—it seemed Jakučionis would be an end-of-rotation player at best, a nice option to have but nothing to scare opponents. Turns out, this Kas ain’t so friendly.
Now, Jakučionis has emerged as the Bucks’ sixth man. And while his stats through five contests aren’t anything exceptional—9.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.2 APG—he’s shooting it better overall (50%), even if the long-range shot still hasn’t come around (23%), and mostly limiting turnovers (2.0 TOV). More importantly, he’s closing games. In the process, Jakučionis has been such a joy to watch. The highlight passing stands out, but dig deeper and you’ll notice the little things: how he’s in a perpetual state of motion (on and off ball), how he attacks the glass and then hustles back on D, how he gives the ball up early, knowing that he’ll get it back. How he uses his body and arms to draw fouls. How he knows when to take one to halt an opponent attack too. And, perhaps more than anything, how the game just looks so much smoother when he’s out there.
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 25: Devin Booker meets with Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 13th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the First Round of the 2015 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 25, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Happy Birthday, Devin Booker! Friday marks his 30th trip around the Sun. For most of the last 12 years, the Suns have been rotating around him. Fans have shared the rise, endured frustrating times together, enjoyed unbelievable moments, and lived an NBA Finals run. That run was SO close, up 2 games to nil for a title.
Phoenicians have enjoyed him as a pillar in the community and a true face of the franchise. Nearly every true Suns fan at some point has closed their eyes and pictured him hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy with purple and orange confetti falling from the rafters. We want this for him. For us.
In recent years, frustration murmurs have grown louder, with playoff losses and stretches where his level of play disappoints. I’m unashamedly a superfan, wearing his shoes and other name-branded sportswear. Yet I found myself coming down hard in my game recap after the most recent game. Our relationship with sports stars, much like family or friends, can get complicated. In this article, I’ll focus mostly on what he’s accomplished in those 30 years, with a peek into his role now and in the years to come.
Devin Armani Booker was born October 30, 1996. With DNA and motivation from his dad, a former All-Big 8 player, he quickly ascended as a youth player. At 15, he attended (and got quite a bit of attention) at LeBron James’ youth camp.
From there, he became a freshman 6th man on a 38-1 University of Kentucky team that included nine future NBA players headlined by Karl Anthony Towns. Then Suns GM Ryan McDonough selected him 13th in the 2015 NBA draft. It didn’t take long for him to make a name in the NBA, scoring 13.8 points per game as an 18-year-old rookie. The roster was thin during those first few seasons, but kept developing and improving. As a 20-year-old, he dropped 70 on the Celtics.
Those first four seasons all included 58 or more losses. Devin infused hope with his scoring (by then up to over 26 points a night) and basketball skills. With the arrival of a veteran point guard (Rickey Rubio) and a motivational coach (Monty Williams), and several promising young players, the COVID season represented a turning of the tide with a run in “the bubble” epitomized by this iconic shot by Booker.
Booker was becoming a true star. With Chris Paul’s arrival, his game and the team’s took that leap. In 2020-21, he led a playoff run that included four 40-point games and a trip to the NBA Finals. The next year, Book averaged 27/5/5, and the team went 64-18! That may have been the high point on his stock. He was voted first-team All-NBA and finished fourth in the MVP voting. After an opening-round playoff series win, Phoenix was ousted via a blowout 123-90 by the Dallas Mavericks. While that loss was a team effort, Devin shot 3-14 and got his first significant round of criticism.
He continued to contribute strong play at 27.8 points per game in 2022-23. In February of that season, Mat Ishbia took ownership of the team and immediately made the blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant. From KD’s layup line injury in his first game until the end of that era, the vision was never fully realized, but there were moments. In a full season together, Booker put up a career-high 9.2 win shares in spite of missing 14 games. The two stars teamed up and played key roles on the 2024 USA Basketball Gold Medal team, with Booker famously offering the “I’ll do it” quote in reference to doing all the little things on that team.
In February of 2025, he became the Suns’ all-time leading scorer. The team unraveled under Mike Budenholzer in 2024-25 to finish 10 games under .500, leading to a massive trade that sent KD packing and brought us to much of the current roster construct, including starters Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and youth in Khaman Maluach/Rasheer Fleming. That core plus several excellent additions flourished early last season under new head coach Jordan Ott, and Booker continued his high-scoring ways at 26.1 points per game, drawing a career-high 8.1 free throws per game as well.
In spite of a drop in three-point percentage these past two years, Book has always been a high-level scorer. He’s also been an excellent playmaker, soon to rank third in Suns history in assists behind two legendary pure point guards (Steve Nash, Kevin Johnson). What a career for someone who is 30! Devin, you’ve been a source of great pride, avoiding off-court embarrassments, saying the right things, giving countless special moments, connecting with fans, and initiating his Starting Five Foundation in 2019 as a significant way to give back to the community.
Thus, the ghost of “Booker Past” shines a far brighter picture than what Scrooge saw in the Christmas classic. What about “Booker Present”? The current roster is searching for its mojo. We’re only 3 games in, but there were troubling signs in the preseason. John Voita wrote about how the roster around Devin is not currently ideal:
Problems are magnified with two starting-level centers out with injury. Three games are indeed not a significant sample. There are troubling signs. Booker has played under 8 coaches and with well over 100 teammates — some good, some definitely not. Through all of that, he has consistently put up high-scoring seasons and good passing statistics. I believe that will continue in the balance of the 2026-27 season. He seems to play his best when the team has what is called, in technical jargon, “good vibes”.
Between teammates working on their weaknesses, adapting, and Coach Ott showing his abilities as a fixer and motivator, those good vibes are still attainable in the next 79 games. What we want to see (and we don’t see it all behind the scenes) is Devin asserting himself as a star and franchise icon to lead a change in those “vibes”.
Finally, what about “Future Booker”? The team awarded all of the accomplishments above with a contract that runs through this year plus three more (~$264 million in that span). The money is a certainty. It’s extremely unlikely the Suns will move him.
DARKO is a model proven to be the most accurate single metric of player value per a HoopsHype GM survey. It also projects remaining longevity of a career and compares the trend for the 10 most similar players. Booker’s DARKO?
It suggests the break-even on longevity is 8 more seasons. In terms of value, Booker peaked through 2024 at roughly a +4 rating, is currently at a +2, and projects a +1 by the end of that contract. That means he’d still contribute 1 point per 100 possessions better than an average NBA player.
This aging progression has exceptions: Steve Nash actually improved in DARKO while 32-34 years old! If the trend holds for Devin, Phoenix has a limited window to capitalize on his star abilities. That means making this current roster work, or trying one more big move.
Either way, let’s celebrate Devin for all that he’s done and get the good mojo going for more magic in his thirties.
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 11: Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks during a preseason game on October 11, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Here’s some good news for Duke and Charlotte Hornets fans: Kon Knueppel, who has been out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury, is almost back.
The Hornets announced Thursday that they were going to send him down to their G League for a practice, which means he’s basically tuning up before returning to the Hornets.
He had a sensational rookie season, nearly stealing the Rookie of the Year award from his former Duke roommate Cooper Flagg, averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. He also utterly smashed the previous rookie three-point record of 206, set by Keegan Murray, hitting 273.
Thanks partly to Knueppel, the Hornets had a surprisingly good season last year, but made major changes nonetheless. LaMelo Ball is now a Minnesota Timberwolf. Former Blue Devil Grayson Allen is now a Hornet, as are Naz Reid, Royce O’Neale, Dennis Schröder, and rookies Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson (at some point this season, we really hope the Charlotte announcers can say “Hannes to Christian Anderson for a fairy-tale play!”)
No doubt the Hornets are eager to get Knueppel back so they can sort out their rotation and see where things stand, and it won’t be long now.
The Atlanta Braves announced Thursday that they have exercised options for both Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies. Acuña Jr. is set to earn $17M next season, and Albies will earn $7M. Of course, both of these figures do not account for the impending lockout.
The #Braves today exercised options for OF Ronald Acuña Jr. and INF Ozzie Albies for the 2027 season. Atlanta also reinstated RHPs Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider and Hurston Waldrep, as well as LHP Joey Wentz, from the 60-day injured list.
The Braves also made a couple of roster moves Thursday, reinstating Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, Hurston Waldrep, and Joey Wentz from the 60-day injured list.
While none of these moves come as a surprise, they mark another step in the Braves’ offseason preparations ahead of the looming labor dispute.
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 20: LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks on October 20, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Philadelphia 76ers are 4-1, coming off a solid win against the shorthanded Indiana Pacers. They’ll kick off a back-to-back against two strong teams in the deep Eastern Conference, hosting the New York Knicks before traveling to Charlotte for the second half of their back-to-back.
This will be the second time in the young regular season that they face off against the Knicks, the team that swept them in the NBA playoffs. The Sixers won the season-opening matchup against the reigning champs, 106-100. Since their last matchup, the Knicks have had a semi-turbulent start to the season. They started the year 0-3, with several subplots worth monitoring. Extension talks have stalled with two of their key players, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns, resulting in the Knicks “tabling” extension talks via a PR statement. Mikal Bridges has also struggled mightily, averaging 5.0 points per game on 27% shooting on the year. Their star, Jalen Brunson, has begun finding his groove, but he’s had to carry a heavy load amid their struggles and the off-the-court noise.
The Sixers, on the other hand, have mostly been good. Their only loss came against the Detroit Pistons, who, albeit shorthanded, are a capable team with a legit star. Much like the Indiana game, the subplot to watch with the Sixers has been their offense. It’s come and gone in spurts. The Sixers have had decent success in the half court, but they’ll need to lean on their defense yet again to generate some easy transition baskets.
Despite the flashes, the Sixers’ offense is best labeled as a work in progress. LeBron James has yet to really light it up in the scoring category. Their stars are still figuring out when to be aggressive and when to defer, but there have been glimpses of hope. Jaylen Brown is averaging 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists on good efficiency. He, in particular, is important in this Knicks matchup, as they have no shortage of wings to throw at him and James.
This matchup will also be another iteration of Towns vs. Embiid, the latter of whom is coming off two strong showings that saw him record a double-double and a triple-double. Heading into this game, Brown is listed as questionable with knee soreness. Jabari Walker, Tacko Fall and Dominick Barlow remain out.
Despite it not being November, this game does have some extra juice behind it, and no, I’m not talking about the Cup tournament with the ugly court. If the Sixers were to win this game, they’d guarantee no worse than a season-series tie against their division rivals, which means any potential tiebreaker could come down to division standing at the end of the year. We’re months away from hawk-watching the standings and playoff seeding, but this matchup could prove important when we get to that point.
And for those who don’t mind the highlighter courts and/or the NBA Cup, there is that, although the Sixers’ group for the NBA Cup is best described as a gauntlet: New York, Cleveland, Indiana and Miami. Miami’s struggles aside, that’s a tough group to go up against regardless of the raised stakes.
There’s very little margin for error with the NBA Cup, so we’ll soon know whether the Sixers are serious about it or if we experience more of the same from prior years: fizzling out. Let’s see what happens in what’s slated to be an intriguing late-October matchup.
Game Details
When: Friday, October 30, 7:30 pm ET Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA Watch: Prime Video Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic Follow:@LibertyBallers
Sep 30, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) talks with reporters during media day at Spurs Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
On Wednesday, the San Antonio Spurs played the Utah Jazz in Salt lake City. While walking into the arena, Victor Wembanyama was seen donning a Tim Duncan t-shirt.
It was all over social media, but during Spurs Live on DAZN (the network has included the Spurs pregame show to their streaming) Sean Elliott made his obligatory teasing comment of the GOAT power forward stating he thought the shirt was Lord of the Rings until he saw Duncan’s number.
The t-shirt homage was not the only Duncan sighting this week.
The two-time league MVP does not typically attend games in the same way fellow big man David Robinson does and is rarely seen in public. But the five-time NBA champion was spotted with his partner Vanessa Macias waiting in line to participate in early voting early in Northside Independent School District.
“Tim Duncan showin up to vote?! Just casual San Antonio things,” stated Ashly Shinde, the fan who posted the photo on Threads.
Early voting wraps up tomorrow with election day set for November 3rd.
No word on which Spurs legend’s t-shirt Wemby will wear next.
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.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 28: William Contreras #24 of the Milwaukee Brewers poses with the Willie Mays World Series Most Valuable Player award after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field on October 28, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the Brewers’ first World Series title now in the rearview, it’s time to enter the baseball hibernation months. Here are some of the key dates to remember as the offseason begins. Remember, this will be one of the weirder offseasons we’ve seen in some time, with a lockout expected to begin in December.
Free Agency & Options
Free agency officially began on Thursday for any players with six or more years of MLB service time who are not under contract for 2027. Negotiations begin immediately, but players cannot sign with a new team until Monday, November 2 at 4 p.m. CT (five days after the conclusion of the World Series).
Likewise, contract options are exercised (or not) within five days of the end of the World Series.
For the Brewers, impending free agents and options include:
1B Jake Bauers (free agent; top qualifying offer candidate)
C William Contreras ($15.5 million club option, but also arbitration-eligible for 2027 even if option isn’t exercised)
RHP Dustin May (already declined $20 million mutual option; $500,000 buyout)
LHP JoJo Romero (free agent)
C Gary Sánchez ($1.75 million mutual option with $250,000 buyout)
RHP Antonio Senzatela ($14 million club option, no buyout)
RHP Brandon Woodruff (free agent)
60-Day Injured List Activations
As it stands now, the Brewers’ 40-man roster sits at 39 players, with three on the 60-day injured list — Brian Fitzpatrick, Quinn Priester, and Angel Zerpa. With at least three free agents departing in May, Romero, and Woodruff, the Crew will have no problem activating those three. Senzatela and Sánchez may not have their options picked up, meaning they would join that free agency group, and if Bauers is offered and declines a QO, he would also be a free agent. If the Brewers opt to make some more space on their roster, non-tender candidates may include Grant Anderson, Jared Koenig, Bryse Wilson, Akil Baddoo, and Tyler Black.
Minor League Free Agency
This is the point where the Brewers could add any players eligible for minor league free agency to the 40-man roster and/or to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft. This year’s Rule 5 protection deadline is Tuesday, November 17. Players who have been released from their original pro contracts or with six full years of minor league service can opt for free agency if they aren’t on the 40-man roster. They can also opt to sign a new minor league deal to remain in the organization.
It should be noted that the Rule 5 Draft, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 9, during the Winter Meetings, won’t take place if there is a lockout.
Last season, the Brewers opted to protect right-handed pitcher Coleman Crow, who had a cup of coffee in the majors in 2026, appearing in five games (18 2/3 innings).
As a reminder, to prevent players from becoming eligible for the Rule 5 Draft, organizations must add players who signed at age 18 or younger to their club’s 40-man roster within five seasons and players who signed at age 19 or older to their club’s 40-man roster within four seasons.
Qualifying Offers
After Brandon Woodruff was offered and accepted a qualifying offer last season, the only real candidate for Milwaukee this year is first baseman Jake Bauers. While he made just $2.7 million in 2026, Bauers became a key player for the Crew in 2026, putting up 3.7 fWAR as he hit .266/.389/.484 with 26 homers over 144 games, earning NLCS MVP honors and helping the Brewers win it all.
This year’s top candidates for qualifying offers ($23.15 million for 2027) include Bauers, Randy Arozarena, Brandon Lowe, Seiya Suzuki, Trevor Rogers, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Adrian Morejon, Ian Happ, Ryan Jeffers, David Bednar, and Matthew Boyd.
If a team gives a qualifying offer to a player who then signs elsewhere, the club that lost the player is eligible for Draft pick compensation the following year. A team’s highest first-round pick is exempt from forfeiture.
Last season, 13 players received qualifying offers ($22.025 million) and four accepted (Woodruff, Trent Grisham of the Yankees, Shota Imanaga of the Cubs, and Gleyber Torres of the Tigers). Bo Bichette, Dylan Cease, Edwin Díaz, Ranger Suárez, Kyle Tucker, Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, Michael King, and Kyle Schwarber all declined their offers, though each of the last three re-signed with their original team.
Award Dates
November 1: Gold Glove Awards (8 p.m. CT on ESPN)
November 2: National Baseball Hall of Fame announces its eight-person Contemporary Baseball Era Players ballot
November 2: BBWAA award finalists (5 p.m. CT on MLB Network)
November 5: Silver Slugger finalists (10 a.m. CT)
November 6: MLBPA Heart & Hustle Award (MLB Network)
November 6: Rawlings Gold Glove dinner and announcement of Platinum Glove winners
November 9: Rookie of the Year Award (6 p.m. CT on MLB Network)
November 10: Manager of the Year Award (6 p.m. CT on MLB Network)
November 11: Cy Young Award (6 p.m. CT on MLB Network)
November 11: Hank Aaron Award, Comeback Players of the Year, Relievers of the Year, Outstanding Designated Hitter of the Year, MLB Executive of the Year, and selections for All-MLB First and Second Teams (8 p.m. CT on MLB Network)
November 12: MVP Awards (6 p.m. CT on MLB Network)
November 16: BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot released, with voting taking place through December 31
November 17: Silver Slugger Awards
December 6: Contemporary Baseball Era Committee of the Hall of Fame will meet and announce results (7 p.m. CT on MLB Network)
December 9: Winner of Hall of Fame’s Frick Award (for broadcasters)
January 19: Hall of Fame announces 2027 class (5 p.m. CT on MLB Network)
Other Key Offseason Dates
November 9-12: General managers meetings (Las Vegas, Nevada)
November 17-19: Owners meetings (New York)
November 17: Qualifying offer deadline (3 p.m. CT)
November 17: Rule 5 protection deadline (5 p.m. CT; see more details above).
November 20: Last day for teams to offer 2027 contracts to arbitration-eligible unsigned players on their 40-man rosters. More commonly known as the “non-tender deadline.” Last year, the Brewers tendered contracts to all arbitration-eligible players.
December 1: Likely lockout; some of the events listed below might not happen or be rescheduled.
December 7-9: Winter meetings (San Diego, California)
December 8: MLB Draft lottery, determining the first 18 picks of the 2027 draft. As World Series winners, the Brewers hold the No. 30 pick in 2027.
December 9: Rule 5 Draft (1 p.m. CT)
December 15: 2026 international signing period closes (4 p.m. CT)
January 8: Salary arbitration exchanges take place between players and teams
January 15: 2026 international signing period opens (8 a.m. CT)
Late January/early February TBA: Salary arbitration hearings
2027 Season Dates
February 10: Pitchers and catchers report to spring training
February 14: Remainder of players report to spring training
February 19: Spring Training schedule begins
March 25: The Brewers begin the defense of their title with a series against the Los Angeles Angels at American Family Field
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 13: Philadelphia Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs (21) slides into 2nd base during the MLB game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves on September 13, 2026 at TRUIST Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
One day to Halloween. An unknown, but certainly much greater, number of days until baseball returns.
Happy birthday to Roe Skidmore, and a mighty host of others.
Today in baseball history, in 2016 – The Cubs remain alive in the World Series with a 3-2 win over Cleveland in Game 5. The Indians score first, on a solo homer by Jose Ramirez off Jon Lester in the second but Chicago scores three against Trevor Bauer in the fourth. Aroldis Chapman* gets the final eight outs to record the save, and other stories as well.
2019 – The Nationals win their first-ever World Series, defeating the Astros, 6-2, in Game 7. Zack Greinke is masterful for Houston, facing only one batter over the minimum through the first six innings, while Max Scherzer has to work hard to limit the Astros to two runs in his five innings, as he strands a boatful of baserunners. Things turn around in the seventh when Anthony Rendon hits a solo homer off Greinke, and Howie Kendrick hits a two-run shot off the right foul pole against Will Harris to give Washington the lead they will never relinquish. In an unprecedented development, the visiting team wins all seven games of the series. Stephen Strasburg is honored with the Willie Mays Award as the Series’ MVP after winning both of his starts, in Games 2 and 6.
2021 – The Braves take a three-games-to-one lead in the World Series by winning Game 4 at home, 3-2, over Houston. The Astros take an early 2-0 lead, scoring a run against unlikely openerDylan Lee in the 1st and another on a solo homer by Jose Altuve in the fourth, but they also strand ten baserunners through the first six innings. The Braves score once in the sixth before leaving the bases loaded, and then strike with back-to-back homers by Dansby Swanson and pinch-hitter Jorge Soler to take the lead in the seventh.
2023 – The Rangers win Game 3 of the World Series by scoring all three of their runs in the third inning against Brandon Pfaadt, on a single by Marcus Semien and a two-run homer by Corey Seager. After having a runner thrown out at home in the second, the Diamondbacks can only reply with a single run in the eighth. Rangers starter Max Scherzer has to leave the game after three innings with back tightness, but Jon Gray steps in ably to earn the victory.
1866 – Jesse James‘ gang robs bank in Lexington, Missouri ($2000).
1873 – P. T. Barnum‘s circus, “Greatest Show on Earth,” debuts in New York City.
1938 – A radio broadcast of H. G. Wells‘ “The War of the Worlds,” narrated by Orson Welles, allegedly causes mass panic.
1960 – Michael Woodruff performs the first successful kidney transplant at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary in the United Kingdom.
1970 – English metal band Black Sabbath make US concert debut at Glassboro State College in Glassboro, New Jersey; show interrupted twice when they blow out the power.
1973 – The Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, is completed, connecting the continents of Europe and Asia over the Bosphorus for the first time.
1974 – Muhammad Ali KOs George Foreman in the eighth round in “The Rumble in the Jungle” in Kinshasa, Zaire, regaining the world heavyweight boxing title using the famous “rope-a-dope” tactic.
1987 – “Faith,” the debut album by George Michael, is released.
1988 – Brazilian McLaren driver Ayrton Senna wins the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, his record 8th Grand Prix win of the season, and clinches his first Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship.
1990 – Britain and France complete the “Chunnel” under the English Channel.
1990 – George Michael releases his single “Freedom 90” with a music video starring supermodels Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz, Christy Turlington, and Cindy Crawford.
1997 – Argentine soccer star Diego Maradona announces his retirement from football on his 37th birthday.
2022 – Dutch Red Bull driver Max Verstappen wins the Mexican F1 Grand Prix in Mexico City for his record-breaking 14th GP win of the season, surpassing Michael Schumacher and fellow German Sebastian Vettel
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 28: Trevor Megill #29, Christian Yelich #22, and Abner Uribe #45 of the Milwaukee Brewers embrace after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field on October 28, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Happy Friday, everyone! Well, the World Series title has been decided, and the Milwaukee Brewers are the new MLB champions. The team won their first-ever World Series (though, to be fair, no matter which team won they would have been first-time winners, which was pretty cool). It was an incredible series, with some amazing performances, some of which we’ll get into in the links below. William Contreras could probably teach an offseason seminar in ABS challenges, because he was unreal.
Now that the World Series is over, contract opt-outs are picking up, free agency is going to start heating up, and the looming MLB lockout might be the biggest topic of conversation. So let’s just jump right into it.
Detroit Tigers News
In case you’re keeping track:
Tigers free agents the day after the World Series ends:
Jack Flaherty Tyler Kinley Burch Smith Gleyber Torres Justin Verlander Jacob Waguespack
That would move the 40 man to 35.
60-Day guys get activated and options get adjudicated five days after the World Series ends.
The Tigers mourn the passing of Pio DiSalvo and share our condolences with his family and loved ones.
DiSalvo was the Tigers head athletic trainer for 15 seasons, including the World Series Championship in 1984 and American League East Championship in 1987. pic.twitter.com/N3W696uDeV
If you ever wanted to be lectured about recycling by a giant tiger, today is a good day for you.
Celebrating World Sustainability Day!
We’re proud to partner with @WasteManagement as they provide recycling infrastructure and education to empower Detroiters to Recycle Right® through greater access and tangible action. pic.twitter.com/e51f4WvSwX
Brewers manager Pat Murphy to Jake Bauers after the World Series:
“You’re gonna be a rich fucker. Just remember when you’re on that horse shit Yankee team and you’re all playing for yourselves… just remember this is way we used to do it.” pic.twitter.com/zPt5AzV3kH
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani prepares to bat during Game 1 of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 3. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
This year, the Dodgers watched the World Series from home, with the Milwaukee Brewers’ World Series victory over the Tampa Bay Rays officially ushering in a fresh slate for the Dodgers to plan their 2027 championship pursuit.
“When you take the experience and the talent of our core guys, and you look at what is coming [up through the farm system], that is what gives us a high degree of confidence about being able to sustain this,” said Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, in his end-of-season news conference, “not just in 2027, but as we look out.”
As the Dodgers attempt to strengthen their roster to climb back to the top, however, they’ll have to navigate a disjointed winter transaction window.
MLB owners are expected to impose a lockout when the collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1. If that happens, the offseason will grind to a halt, suspended indefinitely until the two sides sign a new agreement.
Will that expected shutdown spur early action in free agency?
Will the threat of a salary cap freeze the player market?
It’s unclear, but teams are readying themselves to jump into action whenever the market does move.
“There’ve been a number of things that we’ve done over the last couple of years that, in October, early-November planning we didn’t think was likely or that possible,” Friedman said. “An opportunity popped up, and we were at least prepared enough to act in the time to get something done — there’ve been trades, there’s been free-agent signings.
“So for us, it’s just about our internal meetings, getting as prepared as we can be. Because things are going to play out in ways and timing and things that we can’t anticipate, so be as prepared as we can be.”
Amid those unique circumstances, here’s a guide to the Dodgers’ offseason:
Which Dodgers are entering free agency?
Reliever Alex Vesia is among the Dodgers players who are free agents. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Nine Dodgers became free agents at the conclusion of the postseason — although veteran infielder Miguel Rojas announced his intention to retire.
The other eight are utility player Kiké Hernández, and pitchers Tarik Skubal, Eric Lauer, Kris Bubic, Brusdar Graterol, Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia. So, bullpen help and all-around pitching depth have become areas of need.
“Obviously we’ve got some key free agents,” Friedman said. “That being said, if we started the season tomorrow, we feel really good about the roster and team that we have. But that’s never our mindset to say, ‘OK, we’re good enough.’ We’re going to work hard to try to figure out where we can improve, and in different areas.”
Could the Dodgers make a trade?
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers' president of baseball operations, speaks to reporters before Game 1 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers on Oct. 11. (Patrick McDermott / Getty Images)
For the last two years, the Dodgers have had a hot offensive first half (115 WRC+) before a second-half dip (109 in 2025, 105 in 2026). Friedman said the team would work to diagnose the problems that plagued the Dodgers in July and August — and reemerged in the postseason.
“A lot of the rules are designed for the run-prevention side to have a real advantage,” Friedman said. “So much of our focus has been, how do we try to combat that on the run-creation side. And I think there are ways that we can get better. And even if we were coming off a consistent great year, our minds would be, how do we get better? But we’ll definitely spend a lot of time trying to wrap our arms around it and figuring out what is actionable and what things we can improve going forward.”
Friedman pushed back on the notion that age was to blame, saying that explanation was painting with too broad of a stroke.
If the solution involves personnel changes, however, a trade might be necessary to shake up the Dodgers’ veteran position-player group. Whether the Dodgers would want to part with one of their clubhouse leaders, and whether another team would be interested in taking on (or the Dodgers would pay down) any of those contracts, remains to be seen.
The Dodgers have pointed to their farm system, ranked No. 1 by MLB Pipeline as of mid-August, as a reason for optimism. But their position-player prospects, including three outfielders at the top of the list, are blocked by veterans already on the Dodgers’ roster.
“Things work themselves out,” Friedman said. “There are times where you wake up one day and you’re too left-handed. You start to address it, wake up another day and say, “Wow, we’re too right-handed now. Things happen.
“Like right now, we have a really talented group of outfielders coming through our minor-league system. There have been times where we haven’t. We also have a lot of really talented infielders coming as well. But for us, it’s just about having as many talented players as we can.”
What are the recovery timelines for injured Dodgers?
Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani delivers against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on July 3. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Shohei Ohtani is expected to return to two-way duties next season and be ready in time for spring training, according to Friedman. Though Ohtani battled lingering left knee and recurring right biceps injuries through much of the season, surgery is “not on the table.”
Backup catcher Dalton Rushing underwent elbow surgery last week. His nine-month estimated recovery would have him back to catching around late July and hitting before then.
Right-handed reliever Will Klein underwent a procedure to remove bone chips from his right elbow last week, and the Dodgers said he was expected to be ready in time for spring training.
What are key early-offseason dates?
Nov. 2: The first five days after the conclusion of the World Series are a “quiet period,” when teams have exclusive rights to negotiate with their free agents, before free agency opens in earnest. By the Monday deadline, teams must also decide whether to extend one-year qualifying offers to eligible players (Graterol, Hernández, Phillips, Treinen, Vesia), and it’s the deadline for contract option decisions.
Nov. 10-12: General managers meetings in Las Vegas. With the winter meetings in December expected to be canceled because of a lockout, GM meetings likely will be the one time for baseball operations leaders to all gather under the same roof this offseason.
Nov. 17: Players must accept or decline qualifying offers by the 1 p.m. PDT deadline.
Nov. 20: By the deadline, teams must tender contracts to 40-man roster players under team control who have not yet signed deals for the upcoming season. Non-tendered players become free agents.
The Montreal Canadiens had a chance to complete a perfect road trip with a win over the Dallas Stars in the Lone Star State on Thursday night, and they didn’t disappoint their fans. Mike Matheson missed the game with a lower-body injury the Habs said was new, so Arber Xhekaj returned to the lineup. In net, Jakub Dobes finally returned between the posts after Jacob Fowler pitched three near-perfect games.
The Stars were no easy prey, despite dealing with injuries to Matt Duchene, Esa Lindell, and Oskar Back. Glen Gulutzan’s men started the game in third place in the Central Division with 15 points in 12 games and one of the league’s best goaltenders in Jake Oettinger.
After playing a key role for the Canadiens in the last playoffs and scoring both Game 7 game-winning goals, Alex Newhook fully deserved a look on the first line. In fact, if the Habs hadn't been showcasing Oliver Kapanen after Nick Suzuki’s injury, he might have gotten it earlier. That didn’t matter to him, though; he kept his head down, went to work, and answered the call when it came.
He scored a brace, and both lamplighters were impressive in their own way. Newhook has incredible speed, but when he turns on the jets to enter the zone on the power play, and the blueline is crowded, the play often dies. However, when he gets a pass at full speed and catches a defenseman flat-footed, he can easily outrun them and cut to the net, as he did to score the Habs’ second goal of the game. As for his second goal, it was a fantastic display of hand-eye coordination: he backhanded the puck in mid-air while heading to the back of the net. Right in front of a helpless Lian, Bichsel tried to kick the puck clear after losing his stick.
The Canadiens led by three in the second frame, and unsurprisingly, the Stars started to push back. These are the moments Martin St-Louis talks about when he says his players have to play a mature game and know the situation. Still, Juraj Slafkovsky once again made one of his all-too-frequent no-look backhand passes near the offensive blueline, and the hosts picked it up.
When you’re protecting a lead, you can still attack, but you need to keep defense in mind. On the offensive side of the puck, you need to evaluate the odds of your play succeeding and what failure could mean. If you make that kind of play on the power play when you can see four defenders in a box shape in front of you, it's one thing; doing it at even strength, when you don’t know where the opposing players are, is quite another.
Slafkovsky doesn’t lack defensive instincts; his forecheck proves it. He played a big role in Caufield’s second goal through his forecheck, but he needs to do the same in other situations. It took him time to understand why St-Louis wanted him to bring speed and movement on the forecheck, but he gets it now. Hopefully the same occurs with this issue. If and when the team is healthy, and the coach has more options, he could suffer the consequences of repeating the same mistake.
Dobes Bounced Back
Dobes didn’t hide it; he spoke with his mental coach this week, and it certainly showed. While he wasn’t peppered with shots, the Stars only got 19 shots on net, and he made some big saves. The Czech netminder isn't Fowler; he never will be, and that’s perfectly fine. Two goaltenders can have different styles and perform well.
Fowler is calm, collected and always well positioned. Dobes is more aggressive and loves to challenge shooters. Fowler, who’s three inches shorter and smaller in his net, has had to be technically sound; he couldn’t get away with Dobes's brand of aggressive goaltending. Those extra three inches matter when he gets in the shooter's face to cut their angle; he’s big, and it limits their options. However, that only works when he’s fully confident; if he’s tentative, it becomes risky. On Thursday night, he was in the right mindset, and it showed. It took time, but he finally got his second win of the season.
Ultimately, the Canadiens won 5-2, with Cole Caufield scoring a brace as well and Phillip Danault getting his first of the season in an empty net thanks to Jake Evans. The Habs notched their fourth consecutive road win, a feat that has only happened five times in 30 years. The team heads back to Montreal on Friday morning and will then prepare to host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Halloween night at the Bell Centre.
