Jul 24, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) waits for a pitching change in the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The MLB 2026 trade deadline of Monday, August 3 at 4:00 p.m. MDT is fast approaching.
Rumors suggest that in addition to trading Seth Halvorsen to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Colorado Rockies plan to be very active this year. Here’s what Bob Nightengale wrote yesterday:
The Colorado Rockies will be popular at the trade deadline. They are letting teams know that pitchers Antonio Senzatela, Kyle Freeland, Michael Lorenzen and Tomoyuki Sugano are available, as well as position players Mickey Moniak, Jake McCarthy and Willi Castro.
Historically, we’ve limited trade-deadline discussion threads to just prior to the deadline, but this is a new front office that appears to be in the mood to deal, so we thought we’d try a daily thread this year in the week leading up to the deadline.
As the day progresses, we’ll keep this tracker updated with the most pertinent rumors and the biggest deals that come to fruition. We’ll also post a new thread daily through Monday.
The Colorado Rockies have an off-day, but there will (hopefully!) be plenty of action off the field.
Robbie Ray pitches against the Angels on Saturday | | Getty Images
As many of you know, my dad lives in San Francisco and I visit him often.
Thus I was in San Francisco this past weekend while the Cubs were in Pittsburgh, and I took the opportunity to go to the Giants/Angels game Saturday at Oracle Park. Mainly just because I love baseball — and I must love it a lot to go see two of the worst teams in baseball play — but also to check out Robbie Ray, who started for the Giants on Saturday and who is almost certainly on the trade market.
Ray is 34 and has had an up-and-down career. He threw pretty well for the Diamondbacks for a number of years, then was traded to the Blue Jays during the pandemic season in 2020. Staying in Toronto in 2021, he had a breakout season and won the AL Cy Young Award.
That got him a multi-year deal with the Mariners, where he had one decent year and then got hurt. He had Tommy John surgery and made only one start in 2023, then was traded to the Giants where he made just seven starts in 2024.
Returned to health, Ray had a good year in 2025 and is doing that again this year. And he’s been really good over his last six starts: 1.06 ERA, 1.177 WHIP, only one home run in 43.1 innings.
Ray threw six shutout innings against the Angels Saturday and it looked effortless. Okay, so Angels, they’re not very good. Mike Trout was the only Angel who did anything much against Ray, two singles and a walk.
Ray’s ERA away from Oracle Park is 4.35, which is a bit scary until you notice that it’s skewed by one really bad start at Chase Field (nine earned runs in 4.1 innings). In his nine other road starts he has a 3.07 ERA, so I think he’d be just fine pitching for the Cubs.
Ray is a pending free agent who is making $25 million this year. That would leave somewhere around $8 million or so remaining on his deal. The Cubs can afford to take that on, and if they did they’d likely not have to send much of a prospect to the Giants in return.
I asked Josh to help me out here because I have no idea what the Giants would ask for, or could get, for two months of Robbie Ray. He suggested Will Sanders and Angel Cepeda, and sure, I’d do that.
Should the Detroit Tigers decide to keep Tarik Skubal through the August 3 trade deadline without signing him to a contract extension, they will still face one of the most complicated roster decisions of the Scott Harris era. As discussed previously, should Skubal decline a qualifying offer and sign elsewhere this winter, the Tigers would receive very different compensation depending upon one critical factor: whether they finish the 2026 season above or below the first Competitive Balance Tax threshold.
For a revenue-sharing recipient like Detroit, remaining below the threshold means receiving a supplemental first-round draft pick. Finishing above it drops that compensation all the way to a pick after the fourth round. That makes every dollar matter.
Based on the best publicly available payroll tracking, the Tigers currently project to finish the season with a Competitive Balance Tax payroll between approximately $245.6 million and $246 million. That puts them roughly $2 million above the $244 million threshold. This is according to Cot’s contracts, and MLBR’s payroll tracker. (Note: Roster Resource and Spotrac do not exactly track each roster move during the season).
The luxury tax itself is almost insignificant. The Tigers would owe only about $300,000.
The real penalty is losing one of the most valuable draft picks available under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.
With only 58 days remaining in the regular season, Detroit doesn’t need to eliminate $2 million in annual salary. It needs to remove approximately $6.3 million in annual salary from its books for the remainder of the season to net the prorated salary of $2 million. Any salary acquired before the deadline increases that number.
That’s where the problem begins.
Only eight players besides Skubal earn enough this season to accomplish the task by themselves:
Javier Baez
Gleyber Torres
Framber Valdez
Jack Flaherty
Kenley Jansen
Kyle Finnegan
Justin Verlander
Drew Anderson
Even trading Casey Mize would fall just short, despite his $6.15 million salary, because they’d only be clearing his salary over the final 54 days of the season. Trading Anderson who receives $7 million for the season, would clear enough salary, as long as they don’t add any salary back for the rest of the season. As erratic as he’s been, the Tigers do not have any notable relief options in Toledo other than possibly Beau Brieske if he can get it going.
Unfortunately for Scott Harris, identifying contracts isn’t the difficult part.
Finding one he can move without damaging the team and taking them completely out of the wild card and divisional hunts is the problem.
No one is trading for Justin Verlander and he’s currently still injured. Javier Baez is not worth his contract much less any surplus value. Jack Flaherty is really the ideal candidate for a move like this and trading him could both clear enough payroll and return a decent prospect as well. Unfortunately, he too is currently on the injured list. Kenley Jansen and Kyle Finnegan have both experienced uneven stretches this season, but the Tigers also need reliable late-inning relief if they hope to make a deep October run.
That leaves Gleyber Torres.
From a payroll standpoint, Torres is the cleanest solution. His $6.8 million salary would move Detroit comfortably below the CBT threshold, assuming little salary comes back in return. As an impending free agent, he also represents one of the club’s few veterans with meaningful trade value.
The baseball decision is much more difficult.
Torres has been one of Detroit’s best hitters this season, posting a 128 wRC+, one of only four Tigers above league average offensively. The Tigers could replace him internally with a combination of Javier Baez, Colt Keith and Zack McKinstry, but the numbers suggest that would be a downgrade in the lineup during a pennant race.
That’s the Catch-22.
If the Tigers keep Tarik Skubal, they are signaling that 2026 is about winning a championship, not maximizing long-term assets. Yet preserving the supplemental first-round compensation pick for a potential Skubal departure may require subtracting from the very roster they believe can win that championship.
The irony is that Scott Harris may have to act as both buyer and seller.
The ideal trade wouldn’t simply reduce payroll. It would reduce payroll while returning a player capable of helping Detroit win now. Every dollar of salary taken back, however, chips away at the payroll savings, making the balancing act even more difficult.
A supplemental first-round draft pick is hardly insignificant. Kevin McGonigle and Nick Castellanos both entered the organization through compensation selections. If both Skubal and Casey Mize ultimately declined qualifying offers and signed contracts exceeding $50 million elsewhere, Detroit could receive two supplemental first-round picks—but only if it finishes below the CBT threshold.
Payroll calculations themselves remain an inexact science. Cot’s Contracts attempts to track individual player obligations throughout the season and currently places Detroit around $246 million. MLB Trade Rumors maintains a tracker that estimates approximately $245.6 million. Major League Baseball’s official CBT accounting won’t be finalized until after the season and includes estimates for player benefits, bonuses, and other adjustments that aren’t publicly available. That uncertainty alone gives Detroit every reason to create a cushion rather than trying to finish a few thousand dollars below the line.
Payroll for CBT purposes differs from current MLB payroll in three main respects:
CBT payroll uses average annual value of multi year contracts, as well as all the salaries of players on the 40 man roster and those who were on the roster but have since been removed, and the calculation includes an estimated $18 million for the club’s share of player benefits plus their $1.6 million share of the pre arbitration bonus pool.
In case you’re wondering about the impact of the pending lockout of the players as MLB owners or sue a salary cap, don’t expect any changes to this year’s free agent class in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Even the proposals that both sides have made thus far would leave the current system in place for this winter.
For that reason, don’t be surprised if the Tigers make a move that seems puzzling at first glance. A trade motivated in part by payroll management may not bring back a headline prospect or even equal on-field value. The goal may simply be to thread the needle: stay below the Competitive Balance Tax threshold, preserve a supplemental first-round draft pick, and still field the strongest possible team for what they hope will be a long October. Or, they could make the obvious move and trade Tarik Skubal for pitching help, opening enough payroll space in order to make a trade to fill other needs and try to sneak into the playoffs anyway without their ace.
The Atlanta Braves' grip on the National League East loosened as they weathered the absence of Ronald Acuña Jr. Now, the former NL MVP is back, just as they started to flourish without him.
The Braves activated Acuña from the injured list ahead of their Monday, July 27 game at the New York Mets, ending his 38-game absence from the lineup while he recovered from a left hamstring strain.
Acuña was hurt June 9, and the Braves held a nine-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the East. The Braves dropped 12 of their first 16 games without their leadoff hitter, and the Phillies cut the lead down to two games on multiple occasions.
But Atlanta has won 13 of its past 22 and steadily built its East margin back up to 5 1/2 games. The club is expected to pursue pitching upgrades and perhaps explore shortstop options as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches.
Acuña, 28, is batting .251 with seven homers and a .793 OPS in 53 games. The club can juggle personnel in several manners with Acuña's return, running Mike Yastrzemski, Eli White, Mauricio Dubón and Dominic Smith through left field, shortstop and DH duties. Acuña also figures to get at-bats at DH as he ramps back up.
Sep 4, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Colby Rasmus (28) is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after he hit the game winning solo home run during the tenth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Twelve years ago today:
The Blue Jays acquired Colby Rasmus in a multi-player deal.
The transaction unfolded in two distinct acts.
Act One:
Toronto sent veteran reliever Jason Frasor and prospect Zach Stewart to the White Sox in exchange for pitcher Edwin Jackson and Mark Teahen—who was nearly Canadian, given his father’s Ontario roots and his stint with Team Canada in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
Teahen finished the season with the Blue Jays, posting a .190/.261/.286 line over 27 games, which marked the end of his MLB career.
Frasor returned to Toronto for the 2012 season, then played for the Rangers, Royals, and Braves before retiring after 2015. He still holds the franchise record for most games pitched, with 505 appearances—a mark unlikely to be challenged soon (Yimi Garcia is our active leader at 185 game).
Stewart struggled in the majors, pitching 103 innings with a 6.82 ERA.
Act Two:
A few hours later, Jackson, Octavio Dotel, Corey Patterson, and Marc Rzepczynski were traded to St. Louis in exchange for Colby Rasmus, Trever Miller,Brian Tallet, and P.J. Walters.
The Cardinals wanted to strengthen their bullpen, and manager Tony La Russa had grown weary of Rasmus. Colby was, for lack of a better word, unique. His personality couldn’t have been more different from La Russa’s. La Russa was outspoken about Colby, and Colby wasn’t one to ignore criticism.
For GM Alex Anthopoulos, the trade was an opportunity to buy low on a talented player.
Jackson went 5-2 with a 3.58 ERA in 12 starts for the Cardinals post-trade. In the playoffs, he started four games, posting a 1-1 record and a 5.60 ERA over 17.2 innings. After the season, Edwin signed with the Nationals as a free agent and went on to pitch for numerous teams—including the Cubs, Braves, Marlins, Padres, Orioles, Nationals (again), Blue Jays (briefly), and Tigers—before concluding his 17-year MLB career.
Dotel posted a 3.28 ERA in 29 games with the Cardinals. He signed with the Tigers for 2012, had a strong season, but was out of baseball after struggling early in 2013.
Rzepczynski—or ‘Scrabble’—had a 3.97 ERA in 28 appearances for the Cardinals in 2011. He stayed with them through 2012 but was traded to Cleveland after a rocky start in 2013. Marc later pitched for the Padres, A’s, Nationals, Mariners, and returned to Cleveland, last appearing in the majors in 2018.
Patterson wasn’t among my favourite Blue Jays. He struggled offensively (.287 OBP at the time), had questionable defense in left field, and wasn’t a strong base runner (13 steals, caught 8 times). He often swung at pitches over his head—occasionally connecting—but, surprisingly, many preferred him to Edwin Encarnacion at the time. After the trade, Corey hit .157/.189/.235 in 44 games for the Cardinals, marking the end of his MLB career.
As for Colby, he never became a star, but he was a solid contributor. Over four seasons, he played 408 games for Toronto, hitting .234/.295/.433 with 66 home runs. His best year came in 2013, when he hit .276/.338/.501 with 22 homers.
I was a fan, perhaps because I appreciate players who don’t quite fit the mold. I’ll always have a soft spot for him. He sometimes struggled with the pressures and relentless criticism of MLB life, but he was a good person.
Your COLBY RASMUS comes equipped with HOME RUN ACTION, INTERMITTENTLY IMPRESSIVE DEFENSE ACTION, and DEBATABLY USEFUL SPEED ACTION. Please do not expose your COLBY RASMUS to direct sunlight, fans of MAKING THINGS HAPPEN on offense or TONY LA RUSSA.
Over time, we got small glimpses into his personality, which I found entertaining. His changing hairstyles, however, I enjoyed less.
After leaving Toronto following the 2014 season, Colby spent two years with the Astros, started 2017 with the Rays but left mid-season, then began 2018 with the Orioles before retiring in July. This retirement appears final, and I hope he’s happy now.
He finished his career with a .241/.310/.436 slash line, 166 home runs, and a 20.2 bWAR across 1,092 games.
It is also Max Scherzer’s 42 birthday.
And he’s also starting tonight. Generally I say, if you are a gambler, bet on the team with a pitcher having a birthday. But, Scherzer has had a rough time of it, and he’s just back from the IL. Add in that he’s 42, and I don’t think he’d be a great bet.
He is also Shea Hillenbrand’s birthday. He’s 51.
He’s mostly famous for writing ‘sinking ship’ on the clubhouse chalk board and getting in a fight with John Gibbons. As a Jay he hit .294/.342/.460 with 30 home runs in 233 games. Not bad, not good enough for the headache he was for each organization that he played for.
Career he played in 943 games, hit .284/.321/.440 with 108 home runs across six teams.
Two years ago:
The Jays traded Nate Pearson to the Cubs for Josh Rivera and Yohendrick Piñango. Piñango, you know about. Rivera is playing in Buffalo this year, hitting .216/.289/.385 as an utility infielder.
Pearson has bounced from team to team, Cubs, Royals, Astros and back to the Royals now. He’s basically the pitcher we traded, throws hard, but walks too many.
And we traded Danny Jansen to the Red Sox for Gilberto Batista, Cutter Coffey and Eddinson Paulino
Batista is a pitcher who is having a rough time in Vancouver (8.22 ERA). Coffey is an infielder who is hitting .223/.307/.335 for the Fisher Cats. Paulino is in the Mets organization now, playing in the low minors.
Jansen? He’s gone from the Red Sox to the Rays, to the Brewers and now he’s with the Rangers. He’s hitting .171/.277/.309 in 41 games for Texas.
What kind of competition will James and the Sixers have in the East? Below is a summer rundown on the 10 teams that made the playoffs or play-in tournament last season. And an honorable mention should go to the Indiana Pacers, who may very well improve dramatically from last year’s 19-win season with Tyrese Haliburton back on the floor.
Pistons
Detroit racked up 60 wins in the 2025-26 season, four more than the No. 2 seed Celtics. They fell to the Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs.
It’s tough to properly assess the Pistons until the Duren saga ends. They’ll hope the net result of their moves is an upgraded supporting cast around Cade Cunningham and deeper playoff progress.
It wouldn’t be shocking at all if the Celtics stayed near the top of the East standings, but we imagine they’ll need good health for Jayson Tatum and the 36-year-old George. Boston would also benefit plenty from continued growth by young players like Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez.
The team’s thorough dominance of the East playoffs last year should not be overlooked.
After falling behind 2-1 in Round 1 against the Hawks, the Knicks won their next 13 games. They polished off a second-round sweep of the Sixers with a 30-point victory in Philadelphia. The East Finals concluded with the Knicks’ 37-point demolition of the Cavs in Cleveland.
At least for the time being, the Knicks have a leg up on the Sixers in terms of knowing the exact recipe for playoff success with their current roster. They may be more reliant on one star, but Jalen Brunson is fresh off a Finals MVP performance and the Knicks certainly don’t lack talent around him with players like OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges.
As has been the case the past few years, it would be great for the Cavs if Evan Mobley took a step or two forward offensively. Mobley’s three-point percentage dipped to 29.7 last season. The Cavs again appear likely to lean heavily on the Donovan Mitchell-James Harden backcourt.
In the event the deal goes through, Leonard is the kind of player who would considerably raise Toronto’s ceiling when healthy. The Raptors were excellent on defense last year, finishing fifth in the league in defensive rating. Toronto drafted forward Allen Graves with the 19th overall pick and signed Kyle Anderson in free agency.
Hawks
Atlanta’s had an intriguing offseason after returning to the playoffs last year. The Hawks might wind up ahead of some teams with flashier names in the standings.
Their moves include drafting Kingston Flemings (No. 8) and Zuby Ejiofor (No. 23) and acquiring Luguentz Dort,Aaron Wiggins and Devin Carter. Can Jalen Johnson keep improving following his first All-Star nod?
Sixers
No other team in the East matches the Sixers’ pure star power. Between James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers have an absurd 36 All-Star selections (James is responsible for 22 of them, but the other three are all multi-time All-Stars).
The Sixers aren’t flawless. The sheer volume of offensive talent doesn’t guarantee everything will flow smoothly from the jump. Embiid’s health is still highly important and he’s struggled to avoid injuries for a sustained stretch since his 2022-23 MVP season.
However, it’s quite realistic for the Sixers to aspire to win the East. They’ll plan to start by earning home-court advantage for the first time in Nick Nurse’s tenure as head coach and giving themselves an easier path in the playoffs. The Knicks were unquestionably the superior team, but fatigue was a factor for the Sixers in last postseason’s second round after their Round 1 battle with Boston.
Magic
The Magic blew a 3-1 lead in their first-round series against Detroit and then replaced head coach Jamahl Mosley with Sean Sweeney.
Again, it’s very valid to wonder whether Orlando can be an adequate three-point shooting team. The Magic made 34.3 percent of their three-point attempts in the regular season (27th in the NBA) and 32.8 percent in the playoffs.
Hornets
After starting 11-23 last season, the Hornets went 33-15. They had the NBA’s best offensive rating and fourth-best defensive rating over that period.
Charlotte has made major roster changes this summer, shipping out LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. Naz Reid, Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and rookies Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson are among the new Hornets.
Heat
Before all the Sixers’ action, the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade was the talk of the NBA offseason. Bobby Portis and Tim Hardaway Jr. are also on board in Miami.
The Sixers and several other East squads seem to be more well-rounded than the Heat, but Antetokounmpo is a bona fide superstar, Bam Adebayo is a three-time All-Star with six All-Defensive Team selections, and Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra habitually extracts the most he possibly can from his team.
The Cincinnati Reds head into tonight's series opener against the Cleveland Guardians as a deserving -150 moneyline favorite behind their ace, Chase Burns.
With Slade Cecconi in poor form, my Guardians vs Reds predictions are eyeing Cincy to grab a victory here.
Who will win Guardians vs Reds today: Reds moneyline (-155)
Slade Cecconi is struggling lately for the Cleveland Guardians. The righty owns a 5.48 xERA across his last four appearances, allowing 1.40 HR/9 and an alarming 47.8% hard-hit rate.
As for Chase Burns, he continues to shove. The Cincinnati Reds stud has a 3.66 FIP over the last month, limiting opponents to a 37.7% hard-hit rate.
Also, more than half of Cleveland's lineuphas a run value of one or fewer against the four-seam fastball, which Burns throws over 57% of the time.
I'll play this pick up to -160.
COVERS INTEL: The Guardians have produced just a 28.7% hard-hit rate over their last seven games, well below their 34.4% season average. That gives Burns a strong path to control contact with his four-seamer-heavy approach.
Guardians vs Reds Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-112)
The Under is the better angle here. While Cecconi is vulnerable, Cincinnati’s offense has not shown enough recent form to suggest they'll explode offensively. The Reds have posted a 59 wRC+ and .131 ISO over the last week.
Cleveland has been better but still not elite, carrying a 96 wRC+ and .169 ISO over its last seven games. Burns also has a strong matchup against a Guardians lineup that has not made much loud contact lately.
The bullpens support a lower-scoring script, too. Cincinnati’s relief corps owns a 3.65 xERA over the last week, while Cleveland’s bullpen has posted a 3.16 FIP during that span.
I'll play this pick up to -130.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 36-46, -14.34 units
Over/Under bets: 45-35, +3.63 units
Guardians vs Reds weather
Conditions should be warm and humid in Cincinnati tonight, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures falling from 89°F at first pitch into the low 80s later in the game. Winds look light around 5–7 mph, and rain chances stay low. Weather should have minimal impact on scoring or ball carry.
Guardians vs Reds odds
Moneyline: Guardians +144 | Reds -150
Run line: Guardians +1.5 (-144) | Reds -1.5 (+133)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-100) | Under 8.5 (-108)
Guardians vs Reds trend
The Under is 7-0 in the last seven meetings in Cincinnati. Find more MLB betting trends for Guardians vs. Reds.
How to watch Guardians vs Reds and game info
Location
Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH
Date
Monday, July 27, 2026
First pitch
7:10 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Guardians starting pitcher
Slade Cecconi (4-7, 4.60 ERA)
Reds starting pitcher
Chase Burns (12-1, 2.42 ERA)
Guardians vs Reds latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
It's a fairly full MLB slate this Monday, July 27, featuring some of the best teams in baseball.
Before you dig in and make your predictions, be sure to consult our MLB expert picks, featuring the New York Yankees moneyline vs. the Chicago White Sox.
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Jon Metler's expert pick: Yankees moneyline (-138)
Price: 58¢ (-138) at Polymarket
Noah Schultz may be a towering 6-foot-10 left-handed starter for the Chicago White Sox who throws from an uncomfortable three-quarter arm slot, but I think his size and delivery could actually work against him on Monday.
The New York Yankees will likely stack the lineup with right-handed bats like Jose Caballero, Anthony Volpe, and Jasson Dominguez, all of whom can create problems on the basepaths. They're also far from the only speed threats in the lineup, as Jazz Chisholm Jr. has already swiped 27 bases this season.
Pitchers who stand 6-foot-10 don't always get the ball to home plate quickly, and I think this version of the Yankees' offense is built to take advantage. If New York can get runners on base early, it has the speed to pressure Schultz, force mistakes, and ignite the running game.
The Yankees are trading as a 58-cent favorite on Polymarket, but I make them closer to a 63-cent favorite in this matchup.
Time: 7:40 p.m. ET
How to watch: YES, CHSN
Joe Osborne's expert pick: Diamondbacks moneyline (+101)
Price: 49.8¢ (+101) at Polymarket
The Arizona Diamondbacks are in a great spot to open the week with a win as a small underdog in Pittsburgh.
Merrill Kelly has looked like a top-line starter in July, allowing two earned runs or fewer in each of his four starts this month. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Pirates' offense has gone ice-cold, ranking 29th in OPS over the past week.
Arizona's bats are trending in the opposite direction, sitting second in OPS in that same span, and they should capitalize on Mitch Keller, who owns a bloated 5.68 ERA at home.
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
How to watch: DBacks.TV, SNP
Jason Wilson's expert pick: Cubs vs Cardinals Over 9.5 (-103)
Price: 50.7¢ (-103) at Polymarket
Despite the St. Louis Cardinals' recent team-wide slump, Chicago Cubs left-hander David Peterson and his 5.97 ERA (5.23 xERA) is the perfect cure for what ails them.
Jordan Walker and Ivan Herrera have both excelled against left-handed pitching all season, and outfielder Nelson Velazquez has shown off his power stroke with four longballs off southpaws in 59 plate appearances.
The Cardinals haven't announced an official starter, but it's Matthew Liberatore's turn in the rotation, and that could go poorly. The lefty has had a disappointing 2026, ranking in the 12th percentile in expected ERA and in the 24th or lower in barrel rate and hard-hit rate. He doesn't miss a lot of bats and is getting walloped when opposing hitters make contact.
The Cubs boast the second-best team wRC+ against lefties (119) this season, with Seiya Suzuki (.321/.416/.571, six home runs) leading the charge, and Pete Crow-Armstrong bucking traditional lefty-lefty splits by hitting .285 with five homers of his own in these matchups.
Double-digit scoring is on tap at Busch Stadium tonight.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Montreal Canadiens fans may be getting somewhat fed up with kicking off the season against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but there’s one thing that never gets old: the rivalry between the two sides. Whether one team is struggling or not, both outfits always know how to raise their game to give fans memorable games filled with animosity.
One of the duels between the two sides was particularly memorable last season, the one that took place on November 22 and ended in a 5-2 Canadiens’ win. It certainly felt like Montreal inflicted some payback on Toronto after losing their first duel of the season 5-2 in Toronto, but it was also Florian Xhekaj’s very first NHL game.
Before the puck dropped, Xhekaj was joined by his brother Arber to pose for a picture as it was also the brothers’ first regular-season game as members of the Montreal Canadiens. They became the 14th set of brothers to line up together in a game for the Habs and the first pair since Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn back in the 2007-08 season. The Habs' number 63 lined up with Jake Evans and Josh Anderson. Throughout the game, cameras kept an eye on the brothers’ mother, Simona Xhekaj, to catch her reaction to every bit of the action.
While the younger Xhekaj behaved himself for most of the game, even registering the first point of his career with an assist on a second-period Anderson goal, he did end up dropping the mitts late in the third frame after picking up a slashing penalty and having to fight Toronto defenseman Dakota Mermis. It was a fast and furious affair which didn’t prompt the same reaction from every member of the family. While Xhekaj’s big brother was beaming with pride on the bench, Mama Xhejaj had a worried look on her face, and the brothers’ sister gave Florian a standing ovation.
The older Xhekaj, no doubt feeling a bit left out of the action, also got a misconduct at the final whistle as tempers brewed over at the final buzzer. Still, the Canadiens went away with a 5-2 win largely due to a great performance by Jakub Dobes, who stopped 24 of the 26 shots he faced. It wasn’t the kind of game coaches like, however, since both teams committed 17 giveaways and failed to play a sound, responsible defensive game.
It was the first of five games the younger Xhekaj ended up playing last season, and he’ll no doubt be hoping to see more action this season. While he can handle himself on the ice, his skating isn’t exactly great and at times, it makes NHL action look a bit too fast for him. In the AHL, he played 64 games, putting up 29 points, including 17 goals, which is by no means a bad output, but he did have 24 goals the year before. He also added two points in five playoff games and 34 penalty minutes.
With both Joe Veleno and Brendan Gallagher not returning, it will be interesting to see if Xhekaj manages to grab a spot in the Canadiens’ lineup. It would be surprising if he did manage to do it out of camp, but it wouldn’t be shocking if he were called up in case of injuries, especially for matchups that promise to be physical.
Duels with the Florida Panthers could be particularly rough this season now that the Cats have added Brady Tkachuk to their lineup. The former Ottawa Senators captain has 31 points in 33 games against the Habs while recording 51 penalty minutes. Tkachuk and the Panthers will visit the Bell Center for a 1:00 PM game on Saturday, December 5; expect that game to be an eventful one.
As for the Leafs, they’ll be hoping to get back in the playoff picture this season after failing to make the Spring dance last year. The new regime in place has made many changes, bringing in some experienced players, including former Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky in net and acquiring Darren Raddysh in a sign-and-trade deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Montreal and Toronto will face each other four times this season, including in the season opener on September 29.
Oct 11, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) looks for a teammate to pass to during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Last week we ran a poll asking a kind of complicated question that had two possible answers: which big Dallas Mavericks trade did you think was better? The big, eventual multi-team trade for Santi Aldama and the rights to Tarik Biberovic or the Mavericks trading for former Atlanta Hawk and number one overall pick Zaccharie Risacher?
Fans ended up in a somewhat divided place, with 62% of fans voting for Aldama and the rights to Biberovic and the other 38% siding with the Risacher deal. First, it should be noted that both of these trades on their own are excellent business for the Mavericks. On the Aldama deal, they get a good look at a player that’s improved every season as well as the rights for a top-tier European shooter (who they then signed to an amazing deal). With Risacher, they traded a former UDFA for the former number one overall pick.
I also asked this question because at the time, I was considering it as well. After a few days and reading the comments to the poll, I’ve settled on the Aldama trade. The deciding factor for me ended up being the team option in next year’s deal for Aldama. He’s a player about to enter his athletic prime, so being able to have him in house for up to two seasons to consider what’s next is a big deal. This is a very underrated player.
Risacher’s challenge lies with where he was drafted above all else. If he were the 17th pick this STILL would be good business due to what Dallas sent out, but they also have to decide on his player option for the 2027-28 season very soon and that’s annoying given that he won’t have played in a Dallas uniform yet. But he’s not yet shown anything in the NBA, so perhaps Dallas opts in a gives him a two-season look while having him as a potentially large expiring contract NEXT season. And hey, he’s sitting at +10000 over at FanDuel for Most Improved Player next year, so that’s something to look forward to if you’re the very hopeful type.
Three times over the past 25 years, the New York Yankees have spun a trade for one of the best young hitters on the planet, made available by his former team in order to dump his salary, despite the fact that their team captain played the same position. Most recently, it was Juan Soto, acquired for one magical season from the San Diego Padres prior to the 2024 season. Before that, it was Giancarlo Stanton, brought in to give the Yankees arguably the two best power hitters in the game in 2018. But the original version of this story took place 22 years ago this past February, when the Bronx Bombers — in desperate need of a third baseman after the incumbent, Aaron Boone, was injured playing basketball in the offseason — reeled in arguably the best player in the game of baseball, Alex Rodriguez.
Now nearly a decade since he last stepped in the batter’s box at Yankee Stadium, the legacy of A-Rod continues to spark debate, as fans question whether the otherworldly performance in his prime was worth the controversy of his decline.
Alexander Emmanuel Rodriguez Born: July 27, 1975 (New York, NY) Yankees Tenure: 2004-16
Born in Washington Heights and raised in the Dominican Republic and Miami, Rodriguez put himself on the map at Christopher Columbus High School (freshman year) and Westminster Christian School (sophomore, junior, and senior years), playing shortstop for the baseball team and both wide receiver and quarterback for the football team. While it was his prowess on the diamond that would earn him international acclaim and numerous accolades — he played for Team USA in the 1992 World Junior Championship — his performance on the gridiron was so impressive that, when the University of Miami offered A-Rod a baseball scholarship, the football team stepped in with the goal of turning him into a two-sport athlete.
Unfortunately for Miami, however, the Seattle Mariners had other ideas, selecting A-Rod as the first overall pick of the 1993 MLB Draft. That would prove to be the right decision, as just thirteen months later, Rodriguez made his Major League debut against the Boston Red Sox — the first player to debut at the age of 18 in fifteen years. While he was unspectacular in his first cup of coffee that year, or in his limited time on the roster during the strike-shortened 1995 season, he had done just enough to be penciled in as the starting shortstop to start the 1996 season. And that year, he began to craft the legend of A-Rod. In a lineup that featured future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez, the 20-year-old Rodriguez was arguably the best player on the team, posting an absurd .358/.414/.631 slash line to become the third youngest player to win the batting title in AL history (and on top of that, he hit 36 home runs, too!).
Rodriguez spent the next four seasons on the Mariners, over which span he posted a .304/.372/.560 slash line, hit 148 home runs, won three silver sluggers, went to three Midsummer Classics, and joined the 40/40 club. Despite his performance, and despite having a stacked lineup, Seattle failed to even reach .500 in two of those seasons, and would lose to the Yankees in the 2000 ALCS.
During the 2000-2001 offseason, everyone assumed that Rodriguez would return to New York and sign with his childhood team, the Mets. But a host of demands from agent Scott Boras spooked Mets general manager Steve Phillips, who feared that Rodriguez’s presence would turn the club into a 24-player team, that also had A-Rod. And so, instead, the superstar shortstop inked a record-breaking, 10-year, $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers, a deal that doubled the previous record for the largest contract in American sports, Kevin Garnett’s $126 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
To this day the contract ranks 19th in Major League history according to Baseball-Reference (and that’s without adjusting for inflation!).
For his part, Rodriguez certainly held up his end of the bargain for Texas. From 2001 to 2003, he slashed .305/.396/.615, hit 156 home runs, went to three All-Star Games, received two Gold Gloves and three Silver Sluggers, and won the 2003 AL MVP despite playing on a last-place team. Even so, the Rangers struggled to put a team around him, and after three seasons, decided that investing a full quarter of the payroll in one player wasn’t good roster-building. Immediately after the 2003 World Series, they put him on the trade block, spinning a deal with the Red Sox that the MLBPA ultimately vetoed because it would set the precedent that players could return guaranteed money. Once that deal fell through, the Yankees — suddenly in need of a third baseman, and upon learning that A-Rod was willing to switch positions — swooped in and acquired him, sending a package headlined by Alfonso Soriano the other way.
The baseball world, to say the least, was shocked.
Despite a 2004 postseason that we will ignore in all aspects, Rodriguez proved immediately why the Yankees made the right decision trading for him. Over his first four seasons in the Bronx, he posted a .303/.403/.573 slash line, blasted 173 home runs, went to four All-Star games, won two AL MVPs, and accrued an absurd 30.9 rWAR. He piled on highlight after highlight, hitting three homers and driving in ten runs in one night, recording his 2000th career hit and 500th career homer (becoming the youngest player to do the latter), and walking it off twice early in 2007. Nonetheless, cracks began to appear in the foundation, as the player whose contract was so famous that Night at the Museum would make a joke about it, earned himself a reputation as a postseason choker, as he had just seven hits in 54 plate appearances across 13 postseason games after 2004.
All of that would pale, however, in comparison to the two major controversies about to hit A-Rod, both of his own creation. On October 28, 2007, during Game 4 of the World Series, Boras announced that Rodriguez had opted out of his deal and would become a free agent. The announcement angered literally everyone, from the league that felt A-Rod was trying to upstage the World Series, to the Yankees who felt betrayed after Rodriguez had spent the year telling them he intended not to opt out, to (allegedly) A-Rod himself, who to this day blames Boras for acting contrary to his wishes (for what it’s worth, the Rodriguez/Boras relationship fell apart after this — perhaps some evidence that he’s telling the truth). At the end of the day, though, Mariano Rivera patched things up between Rodriguez and the Yankees, helping bring the two sides together on a new 10-year, $275 million deal that would keep him in pinstripes for the rest of his career.
Had that been the end of the controversy, we would look back at it as just a weird quirk in a career full of them. In February 2009, however, Sports Illustrated released a report identifying A-Rod as one of the 104 players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003, news that shook the baseball world and, indeed, even the nation — recently-elected President Obama even commented on it! For his part, Rodriguez owned up to the mistake, acknowledging that, although it was a different era, he was “stupid” and “naïve.” Perhaps, again, if this was the end of the controversy, he could have rehabilitated his reputation, gotten his number retired by the Yankees, and ended up in Cooperstown — especially since the 2009 season saw Rodriguez finally shake the “postseason choker” reputation, as he went 19-for-52 with six home runs and 12 walks, including a massive two-run homer in Game 3 of the World Series and a game-winning double in Game 4.
Things began to crumble around Rodriguez following the 2009 season, even as he passed the 600-homer threshold. While he was still a good hitter, injuries began to sap his power at the plate and his range at the hot corner, and limited him to just 137 games in 2010, 99 in 2011, and 122 in 2012. Joe Girardi famously benched him in favor of Raúl Ibáñez and Eric Chavez at critical moments in the intense ALDS matchup with the Baltimore Orioles. Then, as the Yankees were swept by the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS, he was spotted flirting with fans during the game.
Somehow, it got even worse. That December, it was revealed that Rodriguez needed hip surgery that would sideline him for the first half of the 2013 season — prompting the Yankees to acquire former Red Sox first baseman/third baseman Kevin Youkilis, which to this day feels like a crime against The Rivalry. Days afterwards, the Biogenesis scandal broke, and Rodriguez began to pick fights with literally everybody, including the players’ union and the Yankees organization.
Despite the threat of legal action against his own ballclub, though, and appealing a 211-game suspension, A-Rod returned to the Yankees lineup on August 5, 2013, giving a sluggish Yankees lineup a jolt and crafting some memorable moments — such as the time Girardi melted down at the umpire for refusing to eject Ryan Dempster, only to see Rodriguez get his vengeance later in the game.
Following the 2013 season, Rodriguez went off onto his year-long sabbatical, during which time Rodriguez went and enrolled in classes at Miami, and for most of us, that was that. I mean, how often does a 39-year-old infielder with a bad hip return to the Majors after missing an entire season? The answer, as it turns out, is exactly once. Rodriguez turned back the clock a little bit in 2015, blasting 33 homers, joining the 3,000 Hit Club, and putting together his best season since 2009 as the Yankees’ full-time designated hitter.
Unfortunately, Father Time came for Rodriguez the following season. The team worked with the struggling 41-year-old on as soft a midseason departure as one could’ve likely hoped given the circumstances. They announced his forthcoming departure a week in advance, honored him in a pregame ceremony before his final game on August 12th, and he got a double against the Rays for his final career hit. He played third base in the ninth one last time, and walked off the field to a very nice hand. The Yankees then designated him for assignment and promoted one of their prospects, outfielder Aaron Judge. Good move.
Since his retirement, Rodriguez has stayed in the game of baseball, most often serving as an analyst for ESPN and Fox — mixing in the occasional nugget with some bizarresoundbites. While his No. 13 remains in circulation, and he has yet to receive even a plaque in Monument Park, A-Rod’s apology tour has arguably been his greatest achievement: in fact, I know multiple Red Sox fans who have told me that they hate how much they enjoy A-Rod these days. And that is, itself, a pretty cool legacy.
See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: John Tonje #8 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on July 13, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Former Wisconsin Badgers star John Tonje has had an eventful start to his NBA career through just one season.
Selected with the No. 53 pick by the Utah Jazz in the 2025 NBA Draft, Tonje was sent to Utah’s G-League team, where he played alongside fellow former Badgers Max Klesmit and Steven Crowl. The guard earned a big role from the jump as a starter, playing in 31.3 minutes per game for the Salt Lake City Stars.
In that action, Tonje averaged 18.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, while shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from deep. However, his stint in Utah was short-lived as he was dealt at the trade deadline to the Boston Celtics in a deal that sent veteran forward Chris Boucher and a second-round pick back to the Jazz.
Tonje then saw his first NBA action, being converted from a two-way contract to an NBA contract, and he played in six games for the Celtics over the rest of the regular season. In 7.0 minutes of action per game, Tonje averaged 2.5 points and 1.0 rebounds, while shooting 28.6 percent from the field and 30 percent from three.
The wing moved back and forth between the NBA team and Boston’s G-League team, the Maine Celtics. In 11 games with Maine, Tonje averaged 18.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across 31.5 minutes per contest, shooting 44.1 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from three.
This offseason, Tonje got the chance to play for Boston’s summer league team and turned out a strong performance there. In five games, he averaged 14.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.0 assists. That got him his next NBA opportunity: a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, which ESPN reported over the weekend.
The deal is a two-year contract, according to HoopsHype, and fills the last two-way slot for the Trail Blazers on their roster, joining Chris Youngblood and forward Jayson Kent.
David Peterson's results have improved with the Chicago Cubs, but his underlying numbers remain poor.
I don't think the Chicago Cubs deserve to be -120 favorites with Peterson on the mound, and my Cubs vs. Cardinals predictions and MLB picks on Monday, July 27, reflect that.
Who will win Cubs vs Cardinals today: St. Louis Cardinals (+100)
The St. Louis Cardinals have not hit lefties consistently of late, but I’m not sure it matters. They faced Peterson twice recently and combined for 16 runs while knocking him out before completing four innings on both occasions.
Matthew Liberatore has started pitching a little better, conceding three runs or fewer in three of his past four starts — including against the Chicago Cubs.
Peterson is having a miserable time striking batters out, and the Cardinals excel in avoiding punchouts, making a perfect storm for plenty of good contact.
Liberatore’s 30.2% line-drive rate the past 30 days is alarmingly bad, and doesn’t bode well for his chances of slowing down a Cubs offense sitting in the Top 10 vs. lefties during that stretch.
Bet the Over to -120.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 63-55, -4.15 units
Over/Under bets: 64-49-5, +6.79 units
Cubs vs Cardinals weather
Temperatures are expected to approach 100 with slight winds blowing out.
Cubs vs Cardinals odds
Moneyline: Cubs -120 | Cardinals +100
Run line: Cubs -1.5 (+130) | Cardinals +1.5 (-150)
Over/Under: Over 9.5 (-110) | Under 9.5 (-110)
Cubs vs Cardinals trend
Chicago has hit the Game Total Over in 18 of the last 30 games (+4.85 units, 15% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Cardinals.
How to watch Cubs vs Cardinals and game info
Location
Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
Date
Monday, July 27, 2026
First pitch
7:35 p.m. ET
TV
Marquee Sports Network, Cardinals.TV
Cubs starting pitcher
David Peterson (5-7, 5.97 ERA)
Cardinals starting pitcher
Matthew Liberatore (5-7, 5.18 ERA)
Cubs vs Cardinals latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 26: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals waits to bat in the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park on July 26, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The plan entering the season may have been to trade CJ Abrams at this deadline. However, I just don’t think that is a move you can do at this point. Abrams has become too important for this ballclub to ship off. The Nats need to keep Abrams, at least through this season and make a major push towards an extension.
Abrams has been a nice player over the last three seasons prior to this year. He has taken things to another level in 2026. With the help of the Nats new hitting coaches, Abrams has become the best offensive shortstop in all of baseball. He is on pace for 42 home runs, 127 RBI and 26 steals. That is historic production from the shortstop position.
This is not something you can trade unless you get a package that rivals the Soto haul. Unless I see a Kade Anderson, Ryan Sloan or Seth Hernandez type of arm headlining a package, I am honestly not that interested. Sure, Abrams is getting closer to free agency, but the Nats are also getting closer to winning.
When the Nats traded Juan Soto with 2.5 years of control, it was clear that this team was years away from relevancy. Right now, the Nats are on the cusp of being a relevant force in the National League. Heck, they have a chance to make the playoffs this year, being a game out of the third Wild Card spot. An Abrams trade would just kill all of the momentum from this season.
Right now, I am seeing Anthony Volpe and George Lombard Jr. packages. I am sorry, that just does not get the job done for me. Despite all the hate he gets, I actually think there is a decent player in there with Volpe. He seems like a prime change of scenery candidate. Lombard is a very good prospect, who should be a quality starting shortstop for a long time. However, neither of those guys have the superstar upside Toboni should be looking for.
There's a pathway for the Yankees to acquire CJ Abrams with the following package , per @JimBowdenGM
If the Nats don’t get a package headlined by a top 10 prospect in baseball, it is not worth considering. I know the Yankees are interested, but Abrams has played his way out of their price range in my opinion. He is already a 4 win player with a wRC+ over 150. That is rarified air, and the type of player you need to build around.
An extension for Abrams will not be easy, but it is not impossible either. Without the Scott Boras factor, the window is open. It will take a lot of money, and I doubt ownership will be comfortable with it. However, at a certain point, ownership needs to get out of their comfort zone and prove their commitment. Nats fans need to see one of their star players actually stick around in DC for the long haul.
Right now, the Nats have a great thing going. Abrams and Wood are probably the best duo in all of baseball at the moment. They have grown up together and now they are just hitting their stride. Breaking up this duo right as they enter their prime will take an insane offer.
Given Abrams’ proximity to free agency and the Nats pitching woes, he should not be truly untouchable. However, the bar should be at a place where most teams simply won’t go. If a team does meet the bar, you can trade him, but it has to be for a godfather offer.
Getting “fair value” for Abrams is not good enough for Nats fans. We have to be getting 125 cents on the dollar here. Nats fans are getting tired of rebuilding. Making another move for 3 to 5 years from now would be a tough pill to swallow. It feels like the window is finally starting to open up.
That window should include CJ Abrams. Whether it is the deadline or the offseason, the Nats need to be aggressive in the pitching market, both in trades and free agency. Picking up Connelly Early is a good start, but the Nats still need a couple more starters and a rebuilt bullpen heading into 2027.
The Nats have a truly special offense that can carry this team for years to come. Wood and Abrams are the pillars of the attack, and they need to stick together. The Nationals finally have an identity after years in the wilderness. Paul Toboni would have a lot of explaining to do if he broke up that identity after just a few months.
Unless someone truly overpays you like the Padres did for Soto, Abrams needs to stay. If the Nats were 15 games under .500 or if Abrams was just having a good year, things would be different. However, the window is opening for the Nationals and CJ Abrams is too dang good to trade.
If you wonder what that is going to look like on the court, join the club. What we do know is that he will wear No. 23 and what his uniform will look like.
“There is no doubt LeBron is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball and there are no words to measure the impact he’ll have on this organization,” 76ers President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey said in a statement. “I have had the pleasure of knowing LeBron since high school and have seen the high-level impact he’s produced at every stop of his basketball journey. He is a consummate professional, the ultimate competitor, and a tireless worker. But he is also an incredible person with natural leadership traits, a family man, and someone who possesses unwavering commitment to community and those around him."
LeBron to Philadelphia was a plot twist few saw coming, but Tyrese Maxey — who shares an agent with LeBron — "was among a small group of people who got some inkling late Thursday night that James would ultimately choose the Sixers," reports Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. Maxey, as well as Jaylen Brown and especially Joel Embiid, recruited LeBron James hard.
Another key factor in LeBron's decision was the idea he could live at least part time in New York City and commute to Philly for games and New Jersey for practice (the 76ers practice facility is in Camden, New Jersey). LeBron's agent, Rich Paul, said on his podcast, "If the Knicks hadn't won, there would be no board. He'd be going to the Knicks." But the Knicks did win the title and spent the offseason trying to keep the band together, not add LeBron.
However, as Marc Stein put it in his newsletter: "Proximity to New York City indeed emerged as a significant bonus lure" to get LeBron to Philly.
All that matters now is that LeBron is officially a 76er. It should be added that LeBron's contract has a 15% trade kicker if he gets moved, but that is far less likely than him signing with the 76ers in the first place.
COVERS INTEL: The Guardians have produced just a 
