Buster Posey and Jon Lester headline Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2027 candidates

Buster Posey and Jon Lester headline Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2027 candidates originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Jeff Kent, Andruw Jones and Carlos Beltrán got their call to Cooperstown, but who will be joining them next year?

The three players were enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday as part of the Class of 2026. Now, baseball fans can start looking ahead to the 2027 ballot.

Next year’s ballot does not have nearly as much star power as the 2026 class. Still, a handful of players could be on their way to Cooperstown next summer.

Here’s a look at the top names to watch in the 2027 Baseball Hall of Fame voting process.

First-ballot potential

  • Buster Posey
  • Jon Lester

Only a pair of players have even a remote chance at becoming first-ballot Hall of Famers next summer.

Buster Posey, now the president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants, became a franchise legend behind the plate from 2009 to 2021. The star catcher earned three World Series titles, seven All-Star selections, 2012 NL MVP honors, 2010 NL Rookie of the Year honors, five Silver Slugger awards and a Gold Glove.

Jon Lester is another three-time World Series winner atop the 2027 Hall of Fame ballot. The southpaw won 200 regular season games and posted a 3.66 career ERA during his 16-year career, which he primarily spent with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs. He won a pair of championships in Boston and helped the Cubs end a 108-year World Series drought in 2016.

Returning candidates

  • Chase Utley
  • Andy Pettitte
  • Félix Hernández

Chase Utley is the only returning player who received at least 50% of the vote from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in 2026. The former Philadelphia Phillies shortstop jumped up nearly 20% from his second year of eligibility in 2025 (39.8%) to his third in 2026 (59.1%). A similar jump would get him past the required 75% to get into the Hall of Fame.

Andy Pettitte, a five-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees, received 48.5% of the vote in 2026 and only has two more years of eligibility remaining.

Félix Hernández is another notable name to watch following a major second-year leap. The Seattle Mariners legend went from 20.6% of the vote on his first ballot in 2025 to 46.1% of the vote in 2026.

Returning longshots

  • Alex Rodriguez
  • Bobby Abreu
  • Jimmy Rollins
  • Cole Hamels
  • Dustin Pedroia
  • Mark Buehrle
  • Omar Vizquel
  • David Wright
  • Francisco Rodríguez
  • Torii Hunter

Alex Rodriguez, who was prominently linked to MLB’s steroid era, is entering his sixth year of eligibility after landing 40.0% of the vote in 2026.

Bobby Abreu (30.8%) is the only other returning player to receive more than 30% of the BBWAA vote in 2026. All other players listed above exceeded the 5% minimum vote in 2026 to stay on the ballot for 2027.

First-year longshots

  • Brett Gardner
  • Ryan Zimmerman
  • Kyle Seager
  • Ervin Santana
  • Asdrúbal Cabrera
  • Todd Frazier
  • Josh Reddick
  • Jake Arrieta
  • Scott Kazmir
  • Jordan Zimmermann

Brett Gardner, Ryan Zimmerman and Jake Arrieta are among the World Series winners who will make their first appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot next year.

Buster Posey and Jon Lester headline Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2027 candidates

Buster Posey and Jon Lester headline Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2027 candidates originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Jeff Kent, Andruw Jones and Carlos Beltrán got their call to Cooperstown, but who will be joining them next year?

The three players were enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday as part of the Class of 2026. Now, baseball fans can start looking ahead to the 2027 ballot.

Next year’s ballot does not have nearly as much star power as the 2026 class. Still, a handful of players could be on their way to Cooperstown next summer.

Here’s a look at the top names to watch in the 2027 Baseball Hall of Fame voting process.

First-ballot potential

  • Buster Posey
  • Jon Lester

Only a pair of players have even a remote chance at becoming first-ballot Hall of Famers next summer.

Buster Posey, now the president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants, became a franchise legend behind the plate from 2009 to 2021. The star catcher earned three World Series titles, seven All-Star selections, 2012 NL MVP honors, 2010 NL Rookie of the Year honors, five Silver Slugger awards and a Gold Glove.

Jon Lester is another three-time World Series winner atop the 2027 Hall of Fame ballot. The southpaw won 200 regular season games and posted a 3.66 career ERA during his 16-year career, which he primarily spent with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs. He won a pair of championships in Boston and helped the Cubs end a 108-year World Series drought in 2016.

Returning candidates

  • Chase Utley
  • Andy Pettitte
  • Félix Hernández

Chase Utley is the only returning player who received at least 50% of the vote from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in 2026. The former Philadelphia Phillies shortstop jumped up nearly 20% from his second year of eligibility in 2025 (39.8%) to his third in 2026 (59.1%). A similar jump would get him past the required 75% to get into the Hall of Fame.

Andy Pettitte, a five-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees, received 48.5% of the vote in 2026 and only has two more years of eligibility remaining.

Félix Hernández is another notable name to watch following a major second-year leap. The Seattle Mariners legend went from 20.6% of the vote on his first ballot in 2025 to 46.1% of the vote in 2026.

Returning longshots

  • Alex Rodriguez
  • Bobby Abreu
  • Jimmy Rollins
  • Cole Hamels
  • Dustin Pedroia
  • Mark Buehrle
  • Omar Vizquel
  • David Wright
  • Francisco Rodríguez
  • Torii Hunter

Alex Rodriguez, who was prominently linked to MLB’s steroid era, is entering his sixth year of eligibility after landing 40.0% of the vote in 2026.

Bobby Abreu (30.8%) is the only other returning player to receive more than 30% of the BBWAA vote in 2026. All other players listed above exceeded the 5% minimum vote in 2026 to stay on the ballot for 2027.

First-year longshots

  • Brett Gardner
  • Ryan Zimmerman
  • Kyle Seager
  • Ervin Santana
  • Asdrúbal Cabrera
  • Todd Frazier
  • Josh Reddick
  • Jake Arrieta
  • Scott Kazmir
  • Jordan Zimmermann

Brett Gardner, Ryan Zimmerman and Jake Arrieta are among the World Series winners who will make their first appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot next year.

Tadej Pogacar’s ability to win unopposed stands champion out among Tour legends | William Fotheringham

Slovene is youngest of riders to win five Tours de France and few would bet against him claiming sixth victory next year

The 2026 Tour de France served up an epic battle that lasted for day after day between two protagonists of the highest calibre with different skillsets, a tale of epic breakaways, intriguing team tactics and reversals of fortune, building to a spectacular climax on the race’s toughest stage. The contest for the green jersey of points winner between Mads Pedersen and Jasper Philipsen was a classic.

Those hoping for something similar in the race for the yellow jersey of overall winner were disappointed, and rapidly. Any suspense was eliminated with 42km of stage six remaining, high above the ski village of La Mongie, when Tadej Pogacar dislodged Jonas Vingegaard and the other putative race favourites on the Col du Tourmalet. It was a familiar stinging attack, and a familiar outcome, with the Slovene opening a lead that looked insurmountable, as indeed it was.

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Nuggets to match two-year offer sheet to Spencer Jones, Denver now above second apron

The Denver Nuggets made the right basketball decision, but now they face a steep tax bill and second-apron questions.

Denver has decided to match Oklahoma City's two-year, $11.8 million offer sheet to Spencer Jones, keeping him in a Nuggets uniform for next season, a story broken by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

From a basketball perspective, Denver made the no-brainer move, especially for a team with questions about depth. Jones is a 6'7" wing who is a strong on-ball defender, shot 39.6% from 3-point range, and started 37 games for Denver a season ago. Plus, he dropped 20 points on the Timberwolves in Game 5 of their playoff series, basically winning the Nuggets the game.

However, this was not a simple decision financially — just matching Jones' offer jumped the Nuggets' luxury tax bill from $36 million to $68 million, reports Bobby Marks of ESPN. That tax bill is going to climb to at least $112 million, and that's if Peyton Watson chooses to play for the $6.5 million qualifying offer. If he and the Nuggets agree to a new deal, the tax numbers only skyrocket from there.

Denver is now eight million above the second apron, according to Marks, and again that is without a new deal for Watson. Nuggets ownership and management have some tough calls to make about this roster and the tax.

Former Arizona wing Dalen Terry waived by 76ers

arizona-wildcats-mens-basketball-nba-dalen-terry-philadelphia-76ers-waived-caleb-love-lebron-james-2026-2027
Mar 23, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dalen Terry (14) dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Turns out only one ex-Wildcat will get to be part of LeBron James’ latest NBA chapter.

Former Arizona wing Dalen Terry was waived by the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, two days after news broke the Sixers were signing James to a 2-year, $8 million contract.

The 24-year-old Terry appeared in 21 games for Philadelphia, technically his third team during the 2025-26 season after being traded from the Chicago Bulls to New Orleans in February and then waived by the Pelicans the next day. Philly signed Terry to a 2-way deal on Feb. 10, converting it standard deal on April 10 right before the regular season ended.

Terry averaged 4.1 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 11.7 minutes during 14 regular season games with the Sixers, then in the NBA Playoffs had 13 points in 39 minutes over seven games.

Had Philly held onto him Terry would have been one of two ex-UA players on the Sixers in 2026-27, as they signed Caleb Love to a 2-way deal in early July.

Originally drafted by the Bulls with the 18th overall pick in 2022, Terry played 3-plus seasons in Chicago and started seven games. He spent two years at the UA, starting 14 games as a freshman in Sean Miller’s final season and then all 37 games on Tommy Lloyd’s first Wildcat squad.

Buster Posey and Jon Lester headline Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2027 candidates

Buster Posey and Jon Lester headline Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2027 candidates originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Jeff Kent, Andruw Jones and Carlos Beltrán got their call to Cooperstown, but who will be joining them next year?

The three players were enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday as part of the Class of 2026. Now, baseball fans can start looking ahead to the 2027 ballot.

Next year’s ballot does not have nearly as much star power as the 2026 class. Still, a handful of players could be on their way to Cooperstown next summer.

Here’s a look at the top names to watch in the 2027 Baseball Hall of Fame voting process.

First-ballot potential

  • Buster Posey
  • Jon Lester

Only a pair of players have even a remote chance at becoming first-ballot Hall of Famers next summer.

Buster Posey, now the president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants, became a franchise legend behind the plate from 2009 to 2021. The star catcher earned three World Series titles, seven All-Star selections, 2012 NL MVP honors, 2010 NL Rookie of the Year honors, five Silver Slugger awards and a Gold Glove.

Jon Lester is another three-time World Series winner atop the 2027 Hall of Fame ballot. The southpaw won 200 regular season games and posted a 3.66 career ERA during his 16-year career, which he primarily spent with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs. He won a pair of championships in Boston and helped the Cubs end a 108-year World Series drought in 2016.

Returning candidates

  • Chase Utley
  • Andy Pettitte
  • Félix Hernández

Chase Utley is the only returning player who received at least 50% of the vote from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in 2026. The former Philadelphia Phillies shortstop jumped up nearly 20% from his second year of eligibility in 2025 (39.8%) to his third in 2026 (59.1%). A similar jump would get him past the required 75% to get into the Hall of Fame.

Andy Pettitte, a five-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees, received 48.5% of the vote in 2026 and only has two more years of eligibility remaining.

Félix Hernández is another notable name to watch following a major second-year leap. The Seattle Mariners legend went from 20.6% of the vote on his first ballot in 2025 to 46.1% of the vote in 2026.

Returning longshots

  • Alex Rodriguez
  • Bobby Abreu
  • Jimmy Rollins
  • Cole Hamels
  • Dustin Pedroia
  • Mark Buehrle
  • Omar Vizquel
  • David Wright
  • Francisco Rodríguez
  • Torii Hunter

Alex Rodriguez, who was prominently linked to MLB’s steroid era, is entering his sixth year of eligibility after landing 40.0% of the vote in 2026.

Bobby Abreu (30.8%) is the only other returning player to receive more than 30% of the BBWAA vote in 2026. All other players listed above exceeded the 5% minimum vote in 2026 to stay on the ballot for 2027.

First-year longshots

  • Brett Gardner
  • Ryan Zimmerman
  • Kyle Seager
  • Ervin Santana
  • Asdrúbal Cabrera
  • Todd Frazier
  • Josh Reddick
  • Jake Arrieta
  • Scott Kazmir
  • Jordan Zimmermann

Brett Gardner, Ryan Zimmerman and Jake Arrieta are among the World Series winners who will make their first appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot next year.

Karl-Anthony Towns contract situation still looms over Knicks’ offseason

Karl-Anthony Towns holds up the Larry O'Brien, NBA Championship Trophy during the Knicks' Ticker Tape Parade on June 18. 2026 in New York City.
Karl-Anthony Towns holds up the Larry O'Brien, NBA Championship Trophy during the Knicks' Ticker Tape Parade on June 18. 2026 in New York City.

The business side threatens to interrupt all the good vibes around the Knicks.

They are able to almost fully run back their championship squad next year, with the only significant loss being Mitchell Robinson going to the Celtics.

But there are certainly questions about the future that will hover over the present.

The modern NBA, with its current CBA, pushes for league parity, making it difficult for champions to keep their cores intact for prolonged periods.

The Knicks have one more year before that might become their reality, but pivotal decisions for their future are already staring them in the face.

Karl-Anthony Towns holds up the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy during the Knicks’ Ticker Tape Parade on June 18. 2026 in New York City. Bloomberg via Getty Images

Karl-Anthony Towns’ contract situation is the key question this offseason and will likely remain so all year.

He is set to make around $57 million next year.

Then, for the 2027-28 season, he has a $61 million player option.

Towns is already eligible for an extension, with the max deal the Knicks can offer him being four years for $272 million — a staggering average annual value of $68 million.

If they do not reach a deal and Towns decides to decline his player option and test the open market in 2027, the standard veteran max would be a little less, at $266.6 million over four years.

If he plays on that player option, though, and hits free agency in ’28, that number would be higher.

Towns’ value should be well recognized after he helped the Knicks reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years in Year 1, then helped them win their first championship in 53 years in Year 2.

The past two seasons have helped him shed some of his lingering reputation that dogged him for much of his career, instead turning into widespread praise and proven-wrong apologies from fans and media.

The Knicks transformed their offense in the postseason via a system that was heavily reliant on Towns and his playmaking ability.

He proved that he could unlock another level defensively, too.

His status as an elite big was cemented.

Karl-Anthony Towns holds up the NBA Championship Trophy at Fanatics Fest 2026 at the Jacob Javits Center on July 18, 2026 in New York City. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Fan

But that’s the type of salary that usually goes to a team’s best player, not the second best (or at times, maybe even third best).

Towns is currently the highest-paid Knick, but that is because of Jalen Brunson’s well-documented financial sacrifice of leaving roughly $113 million on the table.

Karl-Anthony Towns was instrumental in the Knicks’ 2026 Championship run. Jason Szenes for The New York Post

Towns will turn 31 next season, meaning any extension would carry him into his mid-30s — at a position that usually sees players age less gracefully than smaller players.

Brunson will be extension eligible in the ’28 offseason and has already hinted at his contract desires, telling Vanity Fair that “obviously we’d love for [the Knicks] to do right by me. I think anyone would. I feel like I sacrificed.”

President Leon Rose and his front office have been clever at manipulating the cap and making things work, but it does not seem feasible — with OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges already locked into long-term contracts — to have both Brunson and Towns on such massive deals.

Josh Hart’s future is also up in the air — he is due to make just under $21 million next year, then has a roughly $22 million team option for the 2027-28 season.

The Knicks were already pinching pennies to stay under the second apron this offseason — there is no way all five starters can be brought back on new, much more expensive contracts.

Unless Towns believes it’s his turn to sacrifice, as Brunson did, he and the Knicks could reach an agreement on an extension below the max amount. But he might also view this championship as validation of the type of player — and most importantly, winner — he spent his whole career trying to prove he is.

Until there is clarity, it will be the new elephant in the room. 

Isaiah Rider arrested for third time in less than a year over court order

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Isaiah Rider #34 of the Minnesota Timberwolves attempts a dunk during the 1995 Slam Dunk Contest on February 11, 1995 at the America West Arena, Image 2 shows Isaiah Rider attends the boxing match between Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia at T-Mobile Arena on April 22, 2023

Former NBA veteran and Slam Dunk Contest champion Isaiah Rider is back behind bars. 

Rider was taken into custody by authorities in Arizona after he failed to comply with a court order, TMZ reported on Sunday night. 

He was taken into custody Thursday night and booked into jail the next morning, according to the report. 

Isaiah Rider attends the boxing match between Gervonta Davis and Ryan
Garcia at T-Mobile Arena on April 22, 2023. Getty Images

He will remain in custody until Tuesday over the misdemeanor that ended in a guilty finding.

Rider’s legal trouble is just the latest in a running list of issues he’s had to contend with since December. 

The ex-NBA player was jailed twice that month related to a protective order his estranged wife Vanessa had filed against him back in July. 

It’s unclear if the latest arrest is also related to the protective order. 

Rider had been arrested back on Dec. 4 in Gilbert, Ariz., for violating a court order and was charged with a count of interfering with judicial proceedings. 

He was arrested again Dec. 15 after he failed to show up for a court date that was set to determine whether a judge would extend Vanessa’s protective order against him. 

Isaiah Rider Timberwolves attempts a dunk during the 1995
Slam Dunk Contest. NBAE via Getty Images

When Vanessa filed for the order of protection last summer, she alleged that Rider had been hostile toward her several times and had allegedly said, “You’re gonna get your ass slapped” to her and the couple’s 15-year-old son. 

“Shut the f–k up before I kick this door down and whoop you,” she also alleged he said at the time. 

The former basketball star denied the allegations and claimed that they were made due to their contentious divorce after he filed in November 2024. 

Rider spent nine seasons playing in the NBA from 1993 to 2002, logging time with the Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Hawks, Lakers and Nuggets.

He won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2001, despite not being on the playoff roster that year, and the Slam Dunk Contest in 1994. 

Why The Mammoth Bet On A Rising Defenseman Ready To Make His NHL Return

After years of fighting for a consistent NHL opportunity, Zac Jones finally delivered the type of season that made teams take notice — and earned himself a fresh chance with the Utah Mammoth.

The 25-year-old defenseman turned the 2025-26 season into a statement year, emerging as one of the most productive blue-liners in the American Hockey League and proving that his offensive upside was still very much intact. That performance ultimately led to Utah signing Jones to a two-year, two-way contract worth $875,000 annually at the NHL level.

Jones’ breakout campaign came with the Rochester Americans, where he became a driving force from the back end. In 60 games, he recorded 10 goals and 52 assists for 62 points, earning First Team AHL All-Star honors and representing the North Division at his first AHL All-Star Classic.

What stood out most was Jones’ ability to create offense. He led all AHL players in assists while also pacing the league in power-play assists with 36 and power-play points with 38. Among defensemen, he finished first in scoring and led all blueliners with 168 shots on goal, showcasing his willingness to attack and generate opportunities.

The season represented a major step forward for Jones, who had previously never reached those offensive heights at any level. His 10 goals were the most of his junior, collegiate, or professional career, while his 52 assists more than doubled his previous AHL single-season best of 26, set during the 2021-22 season.

Utah is also adding a player with valuable NHL experience. Jones spent parts of five seasons with the New York Rangers, appearing in 115 games and collecting four goals and 24 assists. He reached a career-high 46 NHL games in 2024-25, finishing seventh among Rangers defensemen in scoring with 11 points.

Before turning pro, Jones built a strong résumé at both the collegiate and international levels. He helped the University of Massachusetts win its first national championship in 2020-21, earning Second Team All-American honors while also being named to the Hockey East and NCAA All-Tournament Teams. He was also recognized as the USHL Rookie of the Year in 2018-19 after leading all league defensemen with 45 assists.

For the Mammoth, the signing represents a low-risk opportunity to add a skilled puck-moving defenseman who has already shown he can dominate at the AHL level. The next challenge for Jones will be turning that success into a permanent NHL role — something he has been chasing since the Rangers selected him 68th overall in 2019.

Image

Utah Jazz sign former UNC small forward

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 10: Harrison Ingram #55 of the San Antonio Spurs goes through drills before the start of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center on April 10, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Utah Jazz announced they signed former UNC small forward, Harrison Ingram.

According to the Jazz, terms of the deal were not disclosed. From Utah Jazz PR:

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed forward Harrison Ingram. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In their release, the Jazz note that Ingram is 6’5” and played two seasons for the “spent the past two seasons (2024-26) with the San Antonio Spurs, appearing in 12 NBA games while also appearing in 88 contests with the Austin Spurs, San Antonio’s G League affiliate.”

Ingram was also a decorated collegiate player with Stanford and UNC. As I mentioned, the terms of this deal were not disclosed, so that means my favorite thing happens … assssummmmptiionnnns.

My guess is this is some sort of contract for training camp and preseason. Just like NFL teams, sometimes you need players to play on your “practice squad.”

But maybe it’s something more? Could this be a reaction to Summer League, and is Ingram a player who might be an upgrade to someone like Cody Williams? Maybe. It was not the most inspiring Las Vegas Summer League for the Jazz, and maybe this is to give someone a look that they like. Either way, it’s good to see the Jazz active. Having won the lottery and drafted a potential superstar in Darryn Peterson, who will join a solid core foundation, means the Jazz should be as active as possible trying to find depth pieces for the future. Perhaps Ingram is one of those.

Andy Green lauds new Hall of Famer Carlos Beltran’s investment in ‘next generation of Mets’

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Carlos Beltrán speaking at the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Image 2 shows New York Mets interim manager Andy Green walks back to the dugout
Carlos Beltrán investing in the next generation of Mets players has impressed Andy Green.

Carlos Beltrán is excelling in his post-playing career, too.

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Asked Sunday about the Hall of Famer’s impact on the organization in his role as a special assistant, interim manager Andy Green pointed to Beltrán’s willingness to take on the least glamorous of assignments.

Beltrán was inducted into Cooperstown on Sunday, displaying a Mets cap on his plaque.

“I think the things you have to appreciate about elite performers are the things they do when the spotlight is not on them,” Green said before the Mets beat the Dodgers 8-3 at Citi Field. “It’s when he shows up in Daytona with our A-ball team and shares wisdom with our young hitters.”

Carlos Beltrán is pictured during his Hall of Fame induction ceremony July 26. Charles Wenzelberg

The former outfielder began as a Mets special assistant in 2023 — his return to the game after he stepped aside as the team’s manager (after only 77 days at the helm without managing a game) in the fallout over the Astros’ illegal sign-stealing scheme.

Beltrán is sometimes with the major league team as a sounding board for players, but hasn’t shied away from an equally important part of his job, according to Green.

Andy Green is pictured during the Mets’ July 10 game against the Red Sox. Charles Wenzelberg

“It’s because he wants to invest in the next generation of Mets,” Green said. “It’s one thing when you show up in the big league clubhouse and live the big league life. It’s another when you are willing to go down and talk to our minor league players and invest in them. That is where the respect really grows.”


Green indicated a next step hasn’t been decided upon for Clay Holmes, who threw a side session before the game.

Holmes pitched 2 ¹/₃ innings for Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday in his first minor league rehab start following a fractured right fibula.


Francisco Lindor delivered an RBI single in the first inning.

Over his past 10 games, Lindor owns a .282/.364/.513 slash line with two homers and seven RBIs.


The Mets snapped a six-game losing streak against the Dodgers that dated to June 5 of last year.

Amed Rosario suddenly struggling against lefties at worst possible time for Yankees

Amed Rosario of the New York Yankees grounds out to third base.
Amed Rosario, pictured during a Yankees game July 17, has struggled against left-handed pitching recently.

PHILADELPHIA — The Yankees brought Amed Rosario back to be a lefty killer, and through the first two months of the season, he was.

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In the past two months, though, it’s the lefties that have done the killing against the Yankees utility player.

Still — in part because the Yankees are beat up and are now without three of their better hitters against lefties in Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton — Rosario hit third again Sunday night against Phillies southpaw Cristopher Sánchez in an 11-4 loss in the series finale at Citizens Bank Park.

“If you watch the at-bats, especially against lefties, I know the numbers haven’t been there, but he’s having the right at-bats, he’s just going through it a little bit,” manager Aaron Boone said.

Amed Rosario, pictured during a Yankees game July 17, has struggled against left-handed pitching recently. Getty Images

In 50 plate appearances against lefties through May 26, Rosario was hitting .273 with an .888 OPS.

But in 56 plate appearances against lefties since then, entering Sunday, he was batting just .135 with a .408 OPS.

That included being in a 1-for-17 slump entering Sunday’s game.

Rosario was 1-for-4 in the loss with a pair of strikeouts before being lifted for pinch hitter Ryan McMahon in the ninth.

Rosario has continued to be a staple in the top third of Yankees lineups against most lefties despite the lack of results, though they are not overflowing with options to replace him.

The 30-year-old did still have an average exit velocity of 90.3 mph and an 11.1 percent barrel rate, both of which ranked in the top half of the league and gave the Yankees some hope that he was capable of getting back on track.



“He’s on stuff and is presenting like a guy that’s going to impact against lefties,” Boone said. “He’s just, on a smaller level, hasn’t gotten results. But doesn’t change my confidence that he will moving forward.”


Judge and Stanton are expected to travel to Chicago with the Yankees this week for their series against the White Sox and Cubs.

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“We’ll have some of our trainer guys that go on the road, we’ll be able to do that,” Boone said.


Cross Shea Langeliers off the list of potential catchers the Yankees could acquire at the trade deadline.

The Athletics placed the backstop on the injured list Sunday with a torn meniscus, which could cost him the rest of the season.

Langeliers, under contract through 2028, was going to be tough to land, but now his injury has essentially ruled out any trade involving him.


Clarke Schmidt (Tommy John surgery) faced hitters for the second time Sunday at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, continuing his ramp-up toward a rehab assignment. … Max Fried will start Monday’s series opener against the White Sox, giving Gerrit Cole an extra day of rest before starting Tuesday after both had thrown in Wednesday’s doubleheader.

Scott Laughton Kings 2025-26 Season Review

Scott Laughton did not start the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Kings; rather, he was with the Toronto Maple Leafs and played the majority of his games there last season. Then, on March 6th, on trade deadline day, the Kings traded for Laughton in exchange for a conditional third-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft. Before being traded to the Kings, Laughton had registered 8 goals, 4 assists for 12 points in 43 games. 

Scott Laughton's Kings Season 

After the trade deadline, Scott Laughton, in the regular season, would play in 21 games for the Kings, registering 5 goals and 3 assists for 8 points. While the biggest move for the Kings was getting Panarin, Scott Laughton improved the Kings' depth and penalty kill. The Kings organization highly valued Laughton, and one of their primary goals was to ensure he could stay in Los Angeles. Laughton would sign a 3-year, $3.5 million AAV contract with the Kings. 

So while the Kings were able to keep a player they valued, it also helped their center depth, which is one of the weakest points on their entire roster, especially after the retirement of Anze Kopitar. Scott Laughton's defensive ability helps the Kings both at even strength and on the penalty kill, as they trust that he can be a strong defender against some of the best offensive players in the NHL. 

Overall, the Laughton trade was a positive for the Kings, as they did not have to give up much to acquire him, but his extension with Los Angeles allows them to continue focusing on adding more centermen to the roster. While Laughton is likely not going to play top-line minutes, he still shows his leadership and strong play with depth, and if the Kings can add more to the center depth, Laughton's value could get even higher for the Kings if he continues to play his strong game. 

Aaron Judge ‘looking forward’ to seeing how Yankees’ trade deadline unfolds as offense hits low point

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Aaron Judge in the dugout at the end of the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Image 2 shows Ben Rice of the New York Yankees reacts after lining out, Image 3 shows New York Yankees' Anthony Volpe reacts after striking out to end the top of the seventh inning
The Yankees' offense struggled again during their loss to the Phillies.

PHILADELPHIA — Aaron Judge was back in the visiting dugout at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday night and had a front-row seat to an 11-4 loss to the Phillies.

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If the Yankees end up getting Judge back and make a run in the postseason, Sunday night’s lineup might be amusing to some.

If they don’t, it could be looked at as a low point for a team that sure seems in need of some reinforcements before the Aug. 3 trade deadline, which is a week from Monday.

By then, we’ll have a better idea of what the Yankees will look like down the stretch, but until Judge and — maybe — Giancarlo Stanton get back from the IL, it’s hard to expect anything from this lineup.

That’s even more true now that Cody Bellinger has joined Judge and Stanton on the IL with left hamstring tightness.

Aaron Judge is pictured during the Yankees’ July 22 game. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

“That’s above my pay grade,” Judge said when asked what he thought of where the team’s needs were as the deadline approaches. “We’ve got a good team where we’re at. That’s our job as players, to give the front office the ability to get the final pieces. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.”

At this point, though, the current version of the Yankees can be a tough watch.

Look at the middle of Sunday night’s depleted lineup:

Amed Rosario, a key part of the Yankees’ strong second half last season, entered Sunday in a 1-for-18 rut with 11 strikeouts in that span.

And yet, he was forced to hit third against Philadelphia lefty Cristopher Sánchez.

Then there was Jasson Domínguez, now further entrenched as the regular right fielder with both Judge and Bellinger sidelined.

Domínguez hit cleanup and was followed by Anthony Volpe.



Volpe delivered a pair of doubles, but they were his first extra-base hits in a month and he made an ugly throwing error to open the bottom of the sixth that set up Philadelphia’s five-run inning that iced the game.

George Lombard Jr. seems closer to the majors every day.

Anthony Volpe reacts after striking out during the Yankees’ July 26 loss. AP Photo

He’s 12-for-26 with four extra-base hits in eight games at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre since returning from an IL stint due to sprained fingers, although he made a throwing error Sunday.

And Max Schuemann, out of place in left field, dove for a ball far out of his reach on Alec Bohm’s three-run double in the third.

Ben Rice reacts after lining out during the Yankees’ July 26 loss. Getty Images

José Caballero went hitless again in the ugly loss.

Asked before the game if he believed the Yankees needed another bat by the deadline, Aaron Boone said, “We’ll see. I know we want to try to improve our club. I know the front office is grinding away at that. I know we’re gonna try … You never know what’s gonna be out there.”

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As The Post has reported, they are in the market for a righty-hitting outfielder and catcher, as well as help in the bullpen.

Despite their issues, the Yankees head to Chicago to play the White Sox for four games and then the Cubs for three, firmly in postseason contention.

But it won’t be easy without Judge and Co.

“Keep moving forward,’’ Judge said of the team’s mentality. “We’ve got a lot of depth with guys in the minor leagues that are ready to go.”

He also noted, “There’s no replacing Bellinger.”

Or Judge, as the Yankees continue to be reminded.

Andruw Jones served as the Curaçao inspiration he knew he could be on path to Hall of Fame

Andruw Jones speaking during the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
7/26/26 – Andruw Jones, speaking during the 2026 Baseball Hall Of Fame induction ceremony, where along with Carlos Beltrán and Jeff Kent, they were inducted into of the 2026 National...

COOPERSTOWN — Maybe the Yankees, who still can tell you what he did in Game 1 of the 1996 World Series, and the Mets can blame one of their own for Andruw Jones.

One of the first names Jones mentioned during his Hall of Fame induction was Hensley “Bam Bam” Meulens, a Yankees utility player from 1989-93 and assistant hitting coach in 2022, plus a Mets bench coach in 2020.

Jones, the first Hall of Famer from Curaçao, wanted to thank Meulens, who was the first native of Curaçao to play in Major League Baseball.

Andruw Jones speaks during his Hall of Fame induction ceremony July 26. Charles Wenzelberg

“ ‘Bam Bam’ opened the door for many others to chase their dream of being a professional,” Jones said during a speech finally given after nine years on the ballot. “When I made it in Atlanta, I knew I could inspire a lot of people from Curaçao to reach the major leagues.”

He has watched the likes of Ozzie Albies, Jurickson Profar, Jonathan Schoop, Andrelton Simmons, Kenley Jansen and plenty more reach MLB from a Dutch Caribbean island more than 2,000 miles away from here, where Jones put the finishing touches on a 17-year career Sunday.

The longtime Braves star center fielder was introduced by John Smoltz and spoke while Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Chipper Jones sat behind him, fixtures on Braves teams that owned the NL East and lost to the Yankees in the 1996 and 1999 World Series.

Jones thanked “Larry Wayne” Jones, his “brother from another mother,” for pushing for his induction.

“The Jones boys are in Cooperstown now,” Andruw Jones said.

Hanging over Jones’ moment was that his longtime manager was not present.

Bobby Cox, himself a Hall of Famer, died in May at 84.

“Nobody in the Braves organization had a bigger impact on me than manager Bobby Cox,” said Jones, who homered in his first two World Series at-bats (against Andy Pettitte and Brian Boehringer), becoming the youngest to ever homer in the Fall Classic. “He put a 19-year-old in the World Series in the lineup and believed in me.

Andruw Jones, pictured second from the left, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 26. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

“Bobby had confidence in me and helped me become the best player I could be. He commanded respect, created a winning culture. You play hard. You play to win, and you always give an honest effort. Simple rules to play the game.”

Jones, one of the greatest center fielders ever and a powerful bat, played with Atlanta from 1996-2007 and then bounced around.

In his speech, he thanked both Joe Torre (who managed him with the Dodgers) and Joe Girardi (his manager with the Yankees in 2011-12).