The Lakers have been extremely aggressive in free agency this offseason after superstar Luka Dončić relayed his desire for major roster improvements heading into the 2026-27 season.
But general manager Rob Pelinka quickly countered with multiple signings Wednesday headlined by Walker Kessler, who inked a four-year, $130 million deal with LA after the team acquired the center from the Utah Jazz in a trade.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has been busy reconstructing the roster this offseason. Getty Images
Are those moves enough to put the Lakers into contender status?
Many would argue Pelinka’s job is far from over this offseason, which is concerning given the Lakers’ limited cap space wouldn’t allow the team to make another free agent signing. The team could add a veteran player on a league minimum deal but not much more than that.
Now, the Lakers are being linked to free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga. The 23-year-old player spent the first four seasons of his career with the Golden State Warriors before Kuminga was traded to the Atlanta Hawks prior to the 2026 trade deadline.
The Lakers can create about $7 million in cap space if they waive and stretch Vando’s contract. That would give them the flexibility to make an offer for Jonathan Kuminga.
LAL already had legitimate interest in Kuminga earlier this year. If Rob can somehow pull this off, he’d be… pic.twitter.com/NZbse8Jigu
Jonathan Kuminga spent the first four seasons of his career with the Warriors. Now, there’s a chance he could join the Lakers. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Kuminga is coming off of a 2025-26 season in which he averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He shot 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. The Lakers were previously interested in Kuminga earlier this year, and signing the forward is still a possibility.
After multiple signings Wednesday, the Lakers no longer have the financial flexibility to sign Kuminga. But they could do so by waiving Jarred Vanderbilt. The team would need to free up another $7 million in cap space to orchestrate a potential deal, doing so by stretching Vanderbilt’s contract.
Vanderbilt has emerged as a liability on offense, and his injury history has left his Lakers future in doubt. Now, the Lakers have even more of a reason to part ways with the forward.
Signing Kuminga would perhaps complete the Lakers’ offseason, but it remains uncertain whether Pelinka can orchestrate such a deal.
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Given how things were trending this offseason, Jaylen Brown's time in Boston coming to an end is unsurprising. However, few, if any, expected the five-time All-Star to remain in the Atlantic Division. That's what has reportedly happened, with the Celtics sending Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George, two future first-round picks and two future second-round picks.
BLOCKBUSTER: The Boston Celtics have agreed to trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/xNcNlIV2mh
Despite Brown coming off the most productive individual season of his NBA career, the Celtics reportedly struggled to drum up interest on the trade market after their failed attempt to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Bucks. So, Brown heads to Philadelphia, with the Celtics receiving four future picks and George's cumbersome contract. Let's look at how this trade will affect fantasy basketball next season.
As noted above, the 2025-26 season was the best of Brown's career in terms of individual production. In 72 games, he either matched or set career highs in points (28.7), rebounds (6.9) and assists (5.1), while also tallying 1.0 steals and 2.0 three-pointers. Shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 79.5 percent from the foul line, Brown was a second-team All-NBA selection.
However, a big reason for his increased production was the absence of Jayson Tatum, who did not make his 2025-26 debut until March after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Add in the departures of Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford, and there was a greater need for Brown to take over offensively.
In Philadelphia, he'll take on the starting small forward role in a lineup that includes Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe. Brown's usage is likely to suffer, and the same may be true for Edgecombe, but the wild card is Embiid's availability.
With the 7-footer having appeared in 39 or fewer games in each of the last three seasons, fantasy managers have to assume that at least one extended absence is in the cards for the former league MVP. That's where players like Brown and Edgecombe may be able to compensate for any decrease in usage they may experience when the 76ers are whole.
Boston receives:
Paul George
Two future first-round picks
Two future second-round picks
George's two seasons in Philadelphia were marred by injuries, with the nine-time All-Star appearing in only 78 regular-season games. And his production was not on par with what many fantasy managers and basketball fans expected of him. In 37 games last season, George averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.7 three-pointers while shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 82.0 percent from the foul line.
Even with the draft picks received, this is a shocking trade by the Celtics, especially given George's recent injury history and the fact that he turned 36 in May (Brown turns 30 in October).
Wednesday's transaction puts more responsibility on Tatum, who played in 16 regular-season games and missed Game 7 of Boston's first-round series against Philadelphia due to a knee issue. If he goes into next season fully healthy, there may not be too much concern, but the Celtics are taking a major risk.
Derrick White, who has long been a reliable option in category leagues, should also see his fantasy value rise, provided he shoots the ball better than he did last season. Young wings Hugo González and Baylor Scheierman won't be players worth targeting in most drafts, but there may be times when they have added streaming value.
WEST SACRAMENTO –– During a break in the action Tuesday night, the Athletics tried some simple between-innings entertainment.
Their in-game stadium host grabbed an A’s fan for an interview that flashed on the scoreboard. At one point, the green-clad patron referred to young A’s third baseman Max Muncy — not to be confused with the Dodgers’ veteran third baseman of the exact same name — as being the “real Max Muncy” on the field during that night’s game.
The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani and his teammates have noticed immense fan support this week in California. Getty Images
The dig did not go unnoticed.
Immediately, a shower of boos came raining from an unmistakably pro-Dodgers crowd.
“Here,” manager Dave Roberts had quipped the night before, “I think we got market share [in the stands].”
Indeed, during this weeklong California road trip, the Dodgers have not often felt like the road team.
Waves of blue washed across Petco Park over the weekend, with Dodgers fans staging such an invasion of the Padres’ home park that even their intradivision rivals couldn’t help notice.
“It was like the most I’ve ever seen Dodger fans in our stadium –– 90% Dodgers fans,” Padres pitcher and San Diego native Joe Musgrove told the San Diego Union-Tribune, only somewhat exaggerating.
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During this three-game set in Sacramento, the crowd split has legitimately seemed that stark, with Dodger Nation turning the 12,000-seat minor league park temporarily serving as the A’s home venue into a scene best described as Dodger Stadium North.
“It’s kind of always like that for us,” Muncy — the Dodgers’ one — added with a smile.
Dodgers fans have had plenty to cheer about this week in San Diego and Sacramento. The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images
Muncy is not wrong. During their decade-long run of dominance, Dodgers fans have routinely traveled well to road cities across MLB. Road support has only been enhanced in recent years, with the addition of Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki taking the dynamic to a different level.
This year, the Dodgers are not only MLB’s distant leader in average home attendance (50,872 per game) but also are attracting the largest gates in road games as well (36,437, just edging the Cubs and Phillies).
“Ever since we got Sho and Yama and those guys, it’s been double, almost,” Muncy said. “It’s fun to go out there every night and know we are going to have support.”
Still, on this trip, the crowd takeovers have felt particularly pronounced.
Dodgers fans drowned out Padres fans last weekend at Petco Park. The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images
In San Diego, Dodgers fans drowned out chants of “Let Go Padres” every time the Petco Park scoreboard tried to prompt them. Here in Sacramento, where the Dodgers are playing for the first time in their history, both locally based and visiting fans have packed the ballpark — where they’ve been gleefully treated to another series win and stayed late Tuesday to serenade Roberts with postgame ovations after he collected his 1,000th career win.
“That’s the beauty of Dodger fans,” Muncy said. “They travel. They love us. They want to see us play.”
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JUNE 19: Michael McGreevy #36 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The St. Louis Cardinals will take another swing at the Atlanta Braves Wednesday night as Michael McGreevy will get the start for the good guys. The Braves will send Reynaldo López to the mound for a 6:15pm central time start at Truist Park. TV broadcast available through Cardinals.tv.
Jun 30, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) reacts after an RBI single against the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
As the offseason progresses, the Vegas Golden Knights continue to shed salary. In their most recent cap dump, they traded forward Keegan Kolesar to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a third-round pick in 2029 and a seventh-round pick in 2027.
Kolesar has played 439 regular season NHL games, all in a Golden Knights sweater. In those 439 games, he scored 44 goals and 76 assists. He was part of the Stanley Cup-winning team in 2023 and played a total of 77 postseason games with the Golden Knights.
Analysis
Kolesar is the definition of a grinder, and he can never be accused of taking a shift off. He’s fast, relentless on the forecheck, and doesn’t shy away from dropping the gloves when needed. The Golden Knights will miss Kolesar’s physicality. He’s one tough customer and led the team in hits in each of the last five seasons with 270, 237, 277, 279, and 246, respectively.
However, for all of his strengths, Kolesar makes $2.5 million for the next two seasons. This is a business, and no one understands that better than the Golden Knights. This team loves taking big swings, and even in a rising cap world, getting Kolesar’s cap hit off the books is no small victory.
Trade Grade: A
The Golden Knights are no strangers to salary cap dumps, and they’ve had varying degrees of success in the past when doing so. This time, they move out $2.5 million and gain draft capital in return. For years, the Golden Knights have been in win-now mode, and they’ve mortgaged their futures to remain that way. Shedding salary and getting two draft picks in return is a win in their books.
Kolesar’s energy and physicality will be missed. But the Golden Knights were paid handsomely to part with him, both in return assets and salary cap relief.
After LeBron James decided not to return to the Lakers for his unprecedented 24th NBA season, teams are clamoring to sign one of the greatest players of all-time, who apparently isn’t factoring money into his free-agency decision for the first time in his career.
The competition has gotten so intense that even the governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, weighed in by reposting a report about how the state has the US’s best quality of life and tagging James in it. The PGA Tour got in on the fun as well, posting a photoshopped image of James wearing a Tour-branded polo and cap. Several NFL teams also jokingly shot their shot at the James sweepstakes.
With the competition fierce and James’s decision approaching, let’s break down where the four-time champion and four-time MVP will most likely land. They’re ranked in descending order of likelihood.
Where LeBron James plays next season will be the talk of the NBA offseason. Getty Images
Golden State Warriors
Pros: James has said that if he could play alongside anyone in the NBA, it would be Steph Curry. They won a gold medal together at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. They met in four straight Finals from 2015-2018. They dominated the NBA over the last decade. How fun would it be if they teamed up in the twilight of their careers? It would be the greatest show in town, regardless of how deep they went in the playoffs. Not to mention, James is good friends with Draymond Green and has a lot of respect for Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
Cons: Next season, James will be 42, Curry will be 39 and Green will be 37. That’s geriatric in NBA terms. How could they compete against vastly younger and deeper teams such as the Spurs and Thunder? And if Anthony Davis is traded to the Warriors as part of the deal to acquire James, they’d just be adding another oft-injured player to a roster that’s already one injury away from disaster.
Comment: It would be pure cinema. It would be worth the risk. It’s where James would have the most fun.
From rivals to friends, James and Steph Curry would be enticing and must-see TV all next season. Getty Images
Cleveland Cavaliers
Pros: This would tie a bow on James’ illustrious career. It’s where he was drafted in 2003 as the prospect with the highest expectations in NBA history. It’s where he sprinted past those expectations. It’s where he completed the greatest comeback of all-time, helping the Cavaliers storm back from a 3-1 series deficit in the 2016 NBA Finals against the Warriors, winning the franchise’s first-ever championship.
When the Lakers played in Cleveland in January, James teared up during a video tribute. This franchise still means so much to him. He grew up just 40 miles from Cleveland in Akron, Ohio. He still refers to himself as “The kid from Akron.” The basketball case would be pretty compelling too, with him playing alongside Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
Cons: James wouldn’t want to be so far from his family. He has emphasized how hard it has been to miss so many of his children’s milestones throughout his career. He’s not going to move to the East Coast and be absent for all of his 11-year-old daughter’s volleyball games. Also, ever since James turned 40, his passion has become golf. Cleveland winters don’t exactly facilitate beautiful days spent on the green.
Comment: This would be the storybook ending for James. But it’s hard to imagine he’d pull the trigger on it.
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A return to his hometown would make for a storybook ending for James. Getty Images
Miami Heat
Pros: The Heat already acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo, and pairing him with James would be thrilling. James has strong ties to the Heat after carrying them to four straight Finals from 2011-2014, winning two championships. James has great relationships with Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra. It’s hard to imagine James going somewhere in which he has no history at this point, so the Heat could be a destination that makes sense.
Cons: When James returned to Miami in March, it was obvious he doesn’t have the same sentimentality for the franchise that he has for Cleveland. He didn’t get choked up. He didn’t wax poetic about his time in Miami. Also, it’s going to take a while for the Heat to figure things out and become contenders in the East. Considering James is fast-approaching retirement, time is a luxury he doesn’t have.
Comment: James and Antetokounmpo would be an exciting pairing, but I don’t think this is really on the table.
The most successful stop throughout his illustrious career, heading back to South beach would bring closure to James. Tribune News Service via Getty I
Minnesota Timberwolves
Pros: This would be a basketball dream fit for James. Imagine him playing alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels. That team would be so good. James loves Edwards, whom he mentored during the Olympic Games. The two of them would be riffing off of each other in the locker room and creating poetry on the hardwood.
Cons: It’s Minnesota. It’s freezing. It’s wet. That about sums it up.
Comment: There’s no way James is moving to Minnesota. It’s fun to imagine, but this is a nonstarter.
One of the best fits from a personnel standpoint, James joining Anthony Edwards in Minnesota would make them among the title favorites. NBAE via Getty Images
Denver Nuggets
Pros: If there’s one player James doesn’t hesitate to heap praise on besides Curry, it’s Nikola Jokic. After the Nuggets swept the Lakers out of the 2023 Western Conference Finals, James was in awe of Jokic, praising his basketball IQ and literally tipping his hat to him. On his “Mind the Game” podcast, James added that Jokic is the most “dominant, complete player” he has played against.
Cons: James has no history with the Nuggets. Narratives are important to him. Would he really join Jokic’s team in what would potentially be his final season? Nah.
Comment: It would be fun in theory, but it ain’t happening.
Arguably the two best offensive minds in the game on same team, James and Nikola Jokic would be thrilling every night. Denver Post via Getty Images
Honorable mention: San Antonio Spurs
Pros: If James were prioritizing winning his fifth championship above all else, he should go to San Antonio. Led by the 7-foot-4 phenom Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs skyrocketed past their expectations this season, reaching the NBA Finals. But they lacked something very important: Someone with championship experience who could lead them in crunch time. They had double-digit leads in each of their four losses before making last-second mistakes that had major repercussions. James would be the perfect antidote to those mental collapses. He’d be surrounded by young guns. But San Antonio just signed Tobias Harris to a two-year, $31 million deal, all but closing the door on that opportunity.
Cons: Before the Harris signing, this was fun to think about. The idea of a real-life passing of the torch from James to Wembanyama would’ve been fascinating to witness.
Comment: Oh, well. It was fun to think about for three seconds.
Aug 13, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) pitches during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
After a 13-14 June, it looks like the Royals main focus is now moving to 2027. But for today, we can still enjoy watching some baseball. Old friend Jose Cuas is back pitching for KC for the first time since 2023 and Randy Dobnak has arrived with him. Jac Caglianone will be back in right field after only hitting last night coming back from minor injury. The Royals beat Shane McClanahan in his last start and will try to beat the Tampa lefty again.
On Wednesday, the Winnipeg Jets will have a new backup goaltender next season after fan favourite Eric Comrie departed in free agency, signing a two-year contract worth $2.3 million with the San Jose Sharks.
Comrie played an important role for Winnipeg during the 2025-26 campaign, stepping into a much larger workload while star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck missed time.
The 30-year-old appeared in a career-high 25 games, posting a 12-11-1 record along with a 3.13 goals-against average and .890 save percentage.
A longtime member of the Jets organization across multiple stints, Comrie earned a reputation as a respected teammate and popular figure in the dressing room and among Winnipeg's fanbase.
His departure marks the end of another chapter with the franchise that originally selected him in the second round of the 2013 NHL Draft.
Comrie wasn't the only notable addition for San Jose on a busy day of roster building. The Sharks also acquired veteran defenseman Darnell Nurse from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for defensemen Shakir Mukhamadullin and Zack Sharp.
In free agency, San Jose further bolstered its lineup by signing defenseman Jacob Trouba to a four-year, $33 million contract and winger Mason Marchment to a five-year, $33.75 million deal.
With several significant additions, including Comrie, the Sharks have made it clear they intend to take a major step forward heading into the 2026-27 NHL season.
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Blue Jays third baseman Sean Keys (20) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta reacts during third inning MLB baseball action in Toronto on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
TORONTO — Freddy Peralta sizzled Wednesday, but only in the sense he was turned into Canadian bacon.
Of all the Mets’ disappointments this season, the alleged ace’s shortcomings might be the most perplexing. Peralta is in his career prime and physically hasn’t provided any hint of ailment.
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Five-inning Freddy cut his afternoon short by a frame on Canada Day, after burying his team early in a 9-3 loss to the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
The Mets (36-51) lost a fifth straight series and sank further into the abyss of a season that may rate as the biggest flop in franchise history. Peralta’s latest dud occurred just hours after team owner Steve Cohen told The Post’s Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman on “The Show” podcast that president of baseball operations David Stearns’ job is safe for the remainder of a five-year contract that runs through 2028.
Offensively, the Mets didn’t show life until the eighth, when Carson Benge delivered a two-run homer. Francisco Lindor hit a solo homer in the ninth. The Mets finished with five hits.
Over four innings, Peralta surrendered five earned runs on seven hits with four strikeouts and three walks as his ERA surged to 4.81. It was a third straight lackluster start and second outright clunker by Peralta.
“I don’t feel good,” Peralta said when asked about his emotional state. “I’m just going to try to come back and make adjustments.”
Blue Jays third baseman Sean Keys (20) rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run as Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta reacts during the third inning in Toronto on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP
Peralta answered in the affirmative when asked if this felt like the roughest stretch of his career.
“Every day I prepare to have success, but the game is crazy — that’s the only way I can describe it right now,” Peralta said. “The thing that makes me feel good is I prepare myself really well. I am not being lazy between starts.”
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Peralta indicated his problems aren’t mechanical.
“The pitches are really good — the shape and the velocity was really good, too,” he said. “Just move forward.”
All of this is occurring against the backdrop of the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Peralta, in his walk year, is among the team’s trade chips, but what is his value if he is deemed broken?
Peralta has been far short of the pitcher Stearns thought he was receiving when he dealt Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams to Milwaukee in January in a trade that brought the Mets another struggling pitcher in Tobias Myers (who in recent days was demoted to Triple-A Syracuse for the second time this season).
Blue Jays’ Daulton Varsho (5) congratulates teammate Myles Straw (3) after he hit a three-run home run during seventh inning in Toronto on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP
“We all want [Peralta] to go out there and dominate like we believe he can,” interim manager Andy Green said. “For us it’s just a matter of getting the fastball where he knows he wins. He’s been winning there for a long time in the big leagues. He knows how he’s good and why he’s good, and we all know it. So, it’s just about going out there and executing.”
Kazuma Okamoto’s RBI single in the first inning put Peralta in a 1-0 hole just three batters into the game. Nathan Lukes’ leadoff single and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s ensuing double placed Peralta in immediate trouble before Okamoto delivered. Peralta walked Alejandro Kirk later in the inning, but escaped without another run scoring.
But it turned ugly in the third. Okamoto walked to begin the inning and with one out Alejandro Kirk hit a line drive that deflected off Lindor’s glove for a single. Peralta retired Yohendrick Piñango for the second out, but Ernie Clement stroked an RBI double. Long Island native Sean Keys delivered the dagger: a three-run blast to left field for his first career homer.
Daulton Varsho’s RBI single against Cionel Pérez in the seventh widened the deficit. Myles Straw blasted a three-run homer in the inning that gave the Blue Jays a 9-0 lead.
The Mets’ next stop is Atlanta for four games beginning Friday. The Mets won two of three games against the NL East-leading Braves at Citi Field last month.
The Devils announced Wednesday that they have agreed to a five-year, $58.5 million extension with Nico Hischier.
The new contract will kick in for the 2027-28 season.
Hischier is entering the final year of a $7.5 million-per-year deal.
New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier gestures after overtime of an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators, April 12, 2026, in Newark, N.J. AP Photo/Adam Hunger
Hischier was selected first overall by New Jersey in the 2017 NHL Draft and made his Devils debut that October. He played in all 82 games last season and recorded 66 points with a team-leading 28 goals.
The forward became one of seven players in franchise history with five or more seasons tallying 60 points.
Hischier has 488 points in 609 games for New Jersey, sixth on the franchise’s all-time scoring list.
“Since the day he was drafted as the number one overall pick in 2017, Nico Hischier has represented the New Jersey Devils with class, commitment, and a dedication to the community,” owner David Blitzer said in a statement.
“When I took this job, I knew that Nico was one of the core pieces that I definitely wanted as part of our future,” general manager Sunny Mehta said. “The way he plays the game, his leadership, and selflessness are qualities we value for this team. We all look forward to him leading this franchise, on and off the ice, for years to come.”
New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (13) skates with the puck during the second period against the New York Islanders at the Prudential Center, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, in Newark, NJ. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
The extension comes after there were questions surrounding Hischier’s future in New Jersey following a disappointing 42-37-3 campaign last season. Shopping him could have brought back a haul for a Devils team that has underachieved in recent seasons.
Instead, Hischier comes back and will be under contract through the 2031-32 season, two seasons after Jack Hughes’ current deal expires.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that theyve signed Owen Sillinger to a one-year, two-way NHL/AHL contract for the 2026-27 season.
Don Waddell said via a press release, “Owen is a smart, dependable, two-way forward who brings a strong work ethic every day,” said Waddell. “We are pleased to bring him back and look forward to him continuing to provide valuable depth and experience to our organization.”
Sillinger has scored 50 goals and recorded 98 assists in 271 career AHL games. Last year he set career highs in goals, power play goals and shots.
One day, hopefully he and brother Cole get to play in an NHL game together.
Next Up For Columbus: Free Agency starts on July 1st. Will the CBJ be players?
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It’s been an ugly season for the San Diego Padres, but it turned into a nightmare during Wednesday’s series finale against the Chicago Cubs.
Walker Buehler, who was coming off of a five-inning performance of one-run baseball against a loaded Los Angeles Dodgers lineup, was torched. The right-hander gave up nine earned runs across four innings at Wrigley Field.
Buehler gave up seven hits and issued four walks in a performance that led to a 23–3 loss for the Padres. It marked the most runs given up by the franchise since 1977, tying the record.
Dansby Swanson hit three homeruns in the victory over the Padres. Tannen Maury/UPI/Shutterstock
Each Padres pitcher in Wednesday’s game gave up five or more runs during their time on the mound. Reliever Kyle Hart allowed five runs across two innings of work.
Manager Craig Stammen didn’t waste any more bullpen arms with 28-year-old rookie catcher Rodolfo Durán taking the mound for the final two innings of the game. Durán allowed eight more runs against the Cubs lineup.
Chicago hit eight homers against San Diego, including three from infielder Dansby Swanson. He also recorded eight RBIs. Even Dodgers castoff Michael Conforto hit two homers off the Padres Wednesday.
The Cubs outscored the Padres 35-12 in their three-game sweep of the Padres in what is surely one of the San Diego’s worst games in its history.
Walker Buehler had his worst start of the season Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs. AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
Though currently tied for second in the NL West with the San Francisco Giants, the Padres have emerged as one of the worst offensive teams in Major League Baseball this season. San Diego’s lineup is hitting at a .224 clip, ranking dead last in batting average.
What’s next for the Padres remains a mystery as president of baseball operations A.J. Preller is expected to make a move at the trade deadline next month.
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Jun 24, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Shane Drohan (55) throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Winners of 50 of their last 69 games against the Cincinnati Reds, the Milwaukee Brewers will look to keep on rolling on Wednesday night. The Crew has taken the first two games of this series and a win tonight would secure a series victory.
Just like the first game in this series, it’ll be a battle of left-handers on the mound. The Brewers will have Shane Drohan as their hurler, he’ll be making his seventh start of the season and sixth since being inserted into the rotation at the beginning of June.
Drohan pitched against the Reds his last time out, throwing 4.1 scoreless innings, scattering five hits. He was not very efficient, using 98 pitches to get through those 4.1 IP, but he kept the Reds off the board in what ultimately ended up as a 6-5 Brewers win. His ERA on the season dropped to 3.12.
The Reds will counter with Andrew Abbott and his 3.90 ERA on the season. The Brewers did not face Abbott during their series last week. Abbott last pitched against the Pirates on Friday and gave up three home runs in 5.1 IP.
The Brewers lineup will have some of the usual adjustments they make against left-handers. Gary Sanchez gets the start behind the plate and is batting seventh. That pushes William Contreras to the DH spot and Christian Yelich gets the night off. Yelich has been scuffling a bit at the plate lately and has struggled against lefties a bit more than usual.
Brice Turang, Jake Bauers, and Garrett Mitchell are the only left-handed hitters in the lineup for the Crew. Bauers is playing right field in place of Sal Frelick, who is coming off an incredible month of June. Cooper Pratt is also back in the lineup after getting a day and a half off to help him reset a little bit following some recent struggles. Joey Ortiz mans the hot corner.
The Reds will have their big boppers at the top of their lineup once again with Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart providing a 1-2 punch. Spencer Steer, Eugenio Suarez, and Robert Stephenson make up the meat of their order.
The Brewers will be celebrating America’s 250th anniversary tonight, since they won’t be playing at home on the 4th of July. We’ll see if the Brewers offense can provide some fireworks tonight against Abbott and the Reds pitching staff. First pitch is at 7:10 PM with ESPN having the TV broadcast.
The Vancouver Canucks are adding to their D-core, having signed towering defenceman Jamie Oleksiak to a two-year, $5M AAV contract.
A 6-foot-7 left-shot defenceman, Oleksiak has spent his 14-year NHL career with the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and most recently the Seattle Kraken. Throughout that span, he has played in 758 NHL games and scored 45 goals and 116 assists.
“Jamie is a big body who moves very well on the ice,” Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson said in a press release. “He’s a solid two-way defenceman who isn’t afraid to use his size and strength to his advantage, and we like his reach and athleticism. He competes very hard and has grown into a good leader in the dressing room. Adding him to the mix on the backend will help us in many positive ways.”
Drafted 14th-overall by the Stars in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Oleksiak initially played for Dallas from 2012-13 to 2017-18 but returned to the team from 2018-19 to 2020-21 after a two-season stint with the Penguins. He did not play in his first full 82-game season until 2023-24 as a member of the Kraken.
Apr 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak (24) looks to pass in the first period against the Utah Mammoth at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Oleksiak's best offensive numbers came from his time with the Kraken, as he registered a career-high in goals (9) and assists (16) in a single season with 75 games played in 2022-23.
Last season, Oleksiak put up five goals and 10 assists in 78 games while averaging 16:56 minutes played.
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Raphielle Johnson
