Los Angeles Kings left winger Andrei Kuzmenko has been out of the lineup for some time now. The last time he made an appearance for the Kings was on Feb. 25 against the Vegas Golden Knights in a 6-4 loss, recording two assists.
However, just a few days later, he underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus and is out for the rest of the season. With that, the Russian is a pending UFA and requires a new contract for next season.
Barring an incredibly deep run in the post-season, is it possible that Kuzmenko has played his final game as a King?
His absence has been a huge loss offensively for the Kings. Kuzmenko had 13 goals and 25 points in 52 appearances, and is tied for the second-most power-play points on the team with 13.
The recovery timeline for repairing a torn meniscus is at least three months, and can be as long as six months, according to My Health Alberta. So even if the Kings made an unlikely run in the playoffs, stretching their season into late May, there's no guarantee that Kuzmenko could be back by then.
Andrei Kuzmenko (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images)
In fact, there's certainly no promise that Los Angeles can get into the post-season at all this year.
At any rate, it doesn't seem likely that the Kings will see Kuzmenko again this season. With that, the 30-year-old is unsigned for next year and needs a new contract if the team wants to see him next year.
Last year, Kuzmenko was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers at the trade deadline. It was the second time he was traded that season, and the third team he represented.
He went on to play 22 regular-season games for the Kings in 2024-25, scoring 17 points. He then made his first career Stanley Cup playoff appearance and recorded a point per game - six points in six games.
With no signs of discussion over a new deal, it's possible that Kuzmenko pulled a Kings jersey over his head for the last time of his NHL career.
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Photo by Cooper Neill/MLB Photos via Getty Images | MLB Photos via Getty Images
AL West: Mariners (17 votes)
Crowd: Mariners (95.6%)
Zach: Knock it off. Get serious.
Isabelle: This is weird, it makes me nervous, but it doesn’t mean it’s wrong…
Eric: Such confidence in a Mariners roster is a very unfamiliar feeling, but the rest of the AL West just doesn’t scare me at all.
John: MARITIME LAW IS IN EFFECT!
Ryan: goms
AL Central: Tigers (9)
Royals (6), Guardians (2) Crowd: Tigers (71.2%)
Kate: I picked the Royals for everything last year and then they were terrible, but this year will be different, I swear. Did you watch the Wittz Carlton digital short? They are powered by friendship!
Eric: I picked the Royals because other smart people picked them.
Ryan: The Royals brought in their fences so much that even Jonathan India can hit a home run there now.
John: The Royals are plucky (see the Wild Card section) and Maikel Garcia is a monster. But the Tigers got better at multiple spots this winter, much as I’d like Framber to be laughable. It’s theirs to lose.
Max: I hate this division. (Royals)
Nick T: Someone has to win this accursed division. (Tigers)
AL East: Blue Jays (9)
Red Sox (4), Yankees (4) Crowd: Blue Jays (50.8%)
Isabelle: Evidently a hot-ish take, but I am afraid of the Red Sox and I think they’re going to be very good.
Nicky V: People are sleeping on the Red Sox. They’ll finish one game behind the Jays.
Eric: This is my reverse jinx on the Jays.
Ryan: I love the Sox rotation
Ezra: I’m a little surprised people are so low on the Yankees. The Red Sox will be a factor, but I think it’s far from a sure thing that they’re going to step over them into the playoffs. Especially considering the Yankees beat em 2 outta 3 in the wildcard last year.
Nick T: I’m emotionally hedging on the Blue Jays. I want so badly to be wrong. Toronto’s pitching is certainly a reason to assume there will be some regression but it still feels like their division to lose.
Zach: Get you a man who believes in you the way Kate believes in the 2020s Rangers.
Kate: It is important to have a brand.
Eric: Any person who believes in the Texas Rangers is not someone Kate will want to spend time with, I would wager.
Ryan: The Rays are sneaky good. If I were braver, I’d pick them in the East.
John: The Rays are too sneaky and will get trampled for at least one more year. I cannot take seriously their pitching staff, perhaps to my peril. Kansas City, meanwhile, will feast upon much of the Central and be pesky against the coasts.
Ezra: Whoever picked the A’s let me know. I want some of whatever you’re smoking.
Nick T: I’ve said I’ll stop believing in the Astros when they miss the playoffs. Well, as it happens I’m not built like that. Might need some professional help process these fears. For now I’m dumping them in WC3, and dumping my trauma here.
AL #1 Seed: Mariners (12)
Red Sox (2), Blue Jays (1), Royals (1), Yankees (1) Crowd: Mariners (61%)
Ryan: Smitty Werbenjägermanjensen
Nick T: Mariners have the highest odds in the American League to make the playoffs (80.4%) and win the World Series (8.9%). I am extremely susceptible to propaganda.
Guardians (4), Rays (3), White Sox (3) Crowd: A’s (55.5%)
Isabelle: On a fundamental level, I think the A’s and Rays should not be allowed to count as sleeper teams, given that at this point in their franchise histories they’re more sleeper team than “serious” team. But also there’s so much parity in the AL there really aren’t any other good options. What, like we’re going to pick the Angels?
Zach: I do not understand what John, Ryan, and Connor see here. The White Sox have just five players who FG projects for at least 2 WAR, and the best of those five clocks in at 2.5. Not so much of a sleeper team as a coma-ridden one.
Kate: I think the White Sox are a sexy sleeper pick because they’re showing some forms of life with young intriguing players after being so historically awful, but also, no. The A’s are the best team out of this group and it’s not close, even if all their games will be won 15-13, but I do love entertaining the potential of a Ben Williamson-led Rays team making things hard on the AL East.
Ryan: I am intrigued by the White Sox catching duo, Colson Montgomery, Munetaka Murakami, Miguel Vargas, and even the left-for-dead Andrew Benintendi. The pitching is going to be a disaster, but Shane Smith is a bright spot. To be clear, this is a sleeper, “they might win 75 games and make for an annoying road trip in May.” But I think they’re trending up.
John: Sacramento’s lack of selection is a sign of respect to the second-best team in the AL West. The ChiSox are indeed not a high-level club by projection, but they are mostly made up of young players who’ve been blocked elsewhere or only gotten a first or sparing taste of big league play.
Ezra: Dread it, run from it, the Guardians arrive (in the playoffs) all the same.
Nick T: Fangraphs is projecting the Guardians for 76 wins? Now I’m not gambling man, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know an easy over when I see one.
NL West: Dodgers (17)
Crowd: Dodgers (95.1%)
Zach: The Dodgers have assembled a very good baseball team.
Eric: Huge, if true.
Ryan: This will be closer than people think? Their pitching could be a disaster with all of their bandaged starters. Their lineup is aging quickly, too. I expect something closer to last year’s win total.
John: I agree with Ryan. L.A. has also made no secret that they attempt to manage their rotation to be healthy for the playoffs – a near-disaster last year as they were forced into the best-of-three Wild Card round. Yes, they won and exposed Milwaukee and upset the Phillies to take another title, but this is not fait accompli.
Max: I hope you are right, but I unfortunately think you are wrong. The NL West has little to no pitching outside of the Dodgers staff, regardless of how poorly they seem to be able to manage injury. Logan Webb is great, but Nick Pivetta is the second best starting pitcher in this division that’s not based out of LA, and that is Not Great for the chances of anyone dethroning the reigning champs.
Nick T: Two things can be true. The Dodgers ARE aging, but they also did more to improve this offseason than the rest of the division. Adding Kyle Tucker will kinda do that by default. Is the unanimous vote potentially disrespectful to other teams in this division? Not really. If you want to compete with the Dodgers, you have to spend like the Dodgers. Until then, I’ll write their name atop this division in Sharpie for the foreseeable future.
NL Central: TIE – Brewers (8), Cubs (8)
Pirates (1) Crowd: Cubs (58.8%)
Kate: I picked the Cubs but I see how this one is close. I think the Cubs are further along with the on-field product but I think the Brewers are the better organization, if that makes sense?
Ryan: 100% agree with Kate’s assessment but lean towards org quality, assuming they know something about their guys the projections don’t see.
Max: The Brewers are always built to win in the regular season. Tons of quality depth and elite organizational know-how. I thought they had a weird offseason, but they kind of seem inevitable in a relatively weak division.
Nick T: I doubted the Brewers last year. Have I been wrong before? No, it’s literally never happened. It’s going to take a while to recover from this.
NL East: Mets (9)
Phillies (8) Crowd: Mets, 47.5%
Isabelle: I’ve been Phillies-pilled since Brad Hand joined their bullpen, but I think some combination of the clubhouse culture and general refusal to make substantial off-season upgrades is going to make it a rough season for the defending division champs.
Ryan: Sometimes I forget just how good the Phillies pitching is when healthy, and I refuse to pick the Mets.
Ezra: ITS ALL ABOUT THE METS BABY, LOVE THE METS, LETS GO METS.
Zach: On the one hand, the Mets have a dynamite roster. On the other hand, they are the New York Mets.
John: I am astonished nobody picked Atlanta. But I am not about to be part of the solution.
Isabelle: The NL Central is so boring. Sorry. Get outta October and let the coastal elites play. (That last part is a joke, please don’t yell at me or tell my sister’s boyfriend who is an ardent Cardinals fan.) (Braves, Phillies, Brewers)
Eric: I’m here for the Pirates to somehow make a run before they lose Paul Skenes.
NL #1 Seed: Dodgers (15)
Brewers (1), Phillies (1) Crowd: Dodgers (86.8%)
Nicky V: Whatever. You guys want us to write something for this?
Isabelle: Call me WBC-brained, but the Marlins are intriguing… I wouldn’t say they have the sauce yet, but they sure are getting that mise en place ready.
Eric: I love the Marlins because they’ve because it feels like they’ve been almost good for like 12 years now.
Kate: I am sorry, I am saying Calle No-cho to the Marlins. You are being taken in by the electric sex of Miami and their sweet, sweet uniforms. The Padres having to be a sleeper team feels undignified, but them’s the breaks of playing in a division with the Dodgers. Poor Jackson Merrill deserves better.
Nick T: I’m going to invoke health as a reason why I think the Reds are going to be good. Don’t look at Hunter Greene! Stop that! The core lineup is the healthiest it’s been in three years, and Elly De La Cruz looked straight-up superhuman this spring.
AL Champions: Mariners (14)
Yankees (2), Blue Jays (1) Crowd: Mariners (84.2%)
Kate: I picked the Yankees because I predicted a Yankees-Dodgers World Series because I famously hate whimsy in any form.
Nick T: Better to have loved and lost…
Eric: 84% picking the Mariners to win their first pennant ever, hell yeah. It’s called manifesting, sweetie.
Isabelle: At this point, I don’t even know if I fully believe anyone can unseat the Dodgers, but I’m just so catastrophically bored by them that I’m manifesting something new.
Ryan: Thwarting a three-peat will be ever so sweet
World Series Champions: TIE – Mariners (8), Dodgers (8)
Brewers (1) Crowd: Mariners (61.3%)
Connor: Marinerz r00l
Isabelle: What are predictions if not wishcasting?
Nicky V: If not wishcasting, they’re an opportunity to mitigate: If the Mariners lose, at least I can say I was right.
Eric: This is honestly one of the first times ever that one could pick the Mariners as a legit WS contender and not be accused of being a complete homer, an idiot, or both.
Ryan: goms
WS MVP: Shohei (5)
Julio (3), Muñoz (2), J. Chourio, E. Díaz, M. Garver, J. Naylor, C. Raleigh, W. Smith, Y. Yamamoto Crowd: Julio (21.9%)
Isabelle: Listen, if the Seattle Mariners are going to win the World Series some weird shit is going to need to happen. (Garver)
Nick T: rhythmically banging my fists on my extremely flimsy desk WEIRD SHIT WEIRD SHIT WEIRD SHIT (Naylor)
Max: Can’t wait to see Shohei and Co. duke it out with Mitch Garver’s team of destiny (Julio)
Awards
AL MVP: Julio (7)
Witt (4), R. Anthony, J. Caminero, A. Judge, N. Kurtz Crowd: Julio (38.6%)
Anders: This one feels pretty wide open. I like Nick Kurtz as a dark horse. After what he did in just 117 games last year (38 bombs, 4.6 fWAR), it’s not hard to imagine another step forward yielding a peak Vlad Jr. kind of season, especially in that tiny ballpark.
Zach: Wow, strong disagree, Ders! I think this is quite clearly Judge’s to lose. (Nevertheless, I picked Witt.)
Isabelle: Julioooo to the moooon
Nicky V: I hate to say it, but damn, Witt Jr. is so good.
Kate: Witt Jr. is annoyingly good and I have the Royals making the playoffs led by an incandescent BWJ (and his BFF Vinnie Pasquantino) so I think he has a chance to unseat Judge.
Eric: Judge will never win MVP again, bad karma forever for winning it over a once-in-a-generation season by a catcher. This is why he didn’t do shit in the WBC. (Julio)
Ryan: I might have chosen Witt, but then I was asked to predict Julio’s season.
Zach: I’ve picked Gilbert every year, and I’ll keep doing it until I’m right because eventually I will be.
Isabelle: ^I believe! Even if it does then make it particularly challenging to sign him to an extension at the All-Star break.
Kate: It me, Cole Ragans believer. Do not speak to me of his ERA.
Eric: I was not a Woo believer last year and I looked silly because of it, so now I am a Woo guy.
Ryan: Did you know Tarik Skubal went to Seattle U?
AL Rookie of the Year: McGonigle (8)
Tolle (4), Early (2), DeLauter, Valera, Yesavage Crowd: Colt Emerson (24.3%)
Zach: Love to see the homerism from the crowd. I suppose it’s true that most outlets rank him higher than everyone here but McGonigle (and the injured Yesavage). But he looked overmatched during Spring Training, so while I like what he’ll do in his career, I don’t think he’s a burst-onto-the-scene-as-an-All-Star-at-20-years-old guy. (Tolle)
Connor: I failed to update my Yesavage prediction in time after he hit the IL with a shoulder impingement, but I am famously terrible at the ROY predictions (Francisco Mejía and Curtis Mead,,, hello) so I’m sticking with it.
Eric: More like Ye-Not-Gonna-Be-Savage in 2026. (McGonigle)
Nicky V: I’m going all in on Konnor Griffin – he’s the real deal and is going to be the MVP and the ROTY.
John: At some point in his career, Juan Soto will stop being the “who’s the best player you saw who never won a MVP” and I think this is the ideal season.
NL Cy Young: Skenes (8)
Sánchez (3), Yamamoto (2), J. Luzardo, E. Pérez, Webb Crowd: Skenes (65.2%)
Kate: I picked Yamamoto just because it’s so boring to pick Skenes over and over again, and it fits my narrative of the Dodgers winning the World Series.
Ryan: I hope it’s anyone else, but I do not dare guess.
John: #ForeverGiantWebb
NL Rookie of the Year: Griffin (8)
McLean (5), Stewart (2), Painter, Wetherholt Crowd: Griffin (24.0%)
Isabelle: The Mc’s have ROY locked on both sides. Especially for the Mets to fulfill my predictions, they’re going to need a deGrom 2.0 type of experience from McLean.
Nicky V: Seriously, have you ever seen the guy? Griffin is an absolute freak.
Ryan: I’m reluctant to say anything nice about the Mets, but I will say th-
John: Sue me, I like a Phillies pitcher, it’s actually a thing they’ve been good at lately.
Max: Sal Stewart in Cincinnati’s baby park is going to hit one billion home runs
Nick T: I’m putting my money where my mouth is. I drafted JJ Wetherholt in all of my fantasy leagues this year. He’s on the Cardinals Opening Day roster and while games played hasn’t exactly been a prerequisite for recent seasons, a steady-eddy infielder feels like a safe pick.
Miscellaneous
Mariners Wins: Median – 93
High – 98 (Ryan), Low – 88 (Gotty) Crowd: Median – 93
Zach: I think the Mariners are better than 90 wins on paper. I just also think the Mariners have only very rarely been both lucky and good in the same year. I still have them as AL Champs, but I don’t think we’ll get a wire-to-wire magic carpet ride.
Nicky V: At 91, I am on the same page as Zach. We’ll get unlucky for sure.
Ryan: goms
John: PECOTA has them at 93-94. Just for our level-setting.
Julio fWAR: Median – 6.9
High – 10.3 (Ryan), Low – 5.5 (Matthew Roberson) Crowd: Median – 7.0
Ryan: This is it. This is the year. This is the one you will never, ever forget.
Isabelle: It doesn’t need to be his career year, but if the Mariners are winning (or even just going!) to the World Series, you bet your butt Julio is going to be on fire.
Eric: Nice.
M’s Pitching fWAR Leader: Woo (8)
Kirby (5), Gilbert (3) Crowd: Woo (48.0%)
Zach: I really think Woo has maxed out, quality-wise. And even in the healthiest season of his career, last year, he still missed time. I voted Gilbert, who’s only ever hit the IL once
Nicky V: Naur. Woo has more in the tank, he can continue to improve the breaking stuff or his change-up to unlock that last level. And, he will stay healthy! I swear!!
Kate: As the resident Old, I would like to retroactively and honorarily pick Luis Castillo. I don’t actually think he will be the fWAR leader, but I don’t think we ever appreciated Castillo enough last year for literally being the Rock of the rotation, consistently making his starts while everyone else went through whatever they were going through. We love a millennial hustle-coded work ethic.
Eric: Big Woo guy, always have been.
Ryan: Please one of these guys take the step finally I don’t care who, but I think it’ll be Gilbert.
Highest WPA among Bazardo, Brash, Ferrer, Speier: TIE – Brash (7), Ferrer (7)
Speier (2), Bazardo Crowd: Brash (54.7%)
Zach: If I’m known for anything, it’s being the preeminent Gabe Guy, a personal brand I take enormous pride in. But for this question, I went with Brash, for two reasons. First, if anything happens to Muñoz, then Brash will get the save opportunities and the chance to eat up the WPA—Muñoz isn’t an option here not because he’s better, but because as the closer, he’s structurally more likely to accrue WPA. Second, with Speier and Ferrer both being lefties, they’re tracking to split the high-leverage opportunities where Brash is the obvious choice for a righty pocket. Bazardo has a sneaky opportunity to take this category though because he’s a heavy favorite to pitch a lot of 10th innings.
Isabelle: Relievers kill me. But I’m into Ferrer, if for nothing else than he represented a final end to the HF discourse.
Nicky V: I see Ferrer as the most consistent of these options moving forward, with Gabe right behind him. Plus, he’s likely to pitch a lot of 8th innings.
Eric: There’s one guy I trust when the game is on the line or there’s a huge rush at Waffle House and that guy is Gabe Speier.
More MLB PAs, Emerson or Young: Young (16)
Emerson (1) (Eric) Crowd: Young (86.7%)
Kate: Easy pickings when you see how Young has turned it on later this spring. Yadda yadda spring doesn’t matter but the improvements Young made over the off-season absolutely do. His defense is much better and he’s been hitting the tar out of the baseball consistently. My enemies-to-lover-of-Cole-Young arc surprises even me but I’d make some bold predictions about him if anything about Cole Young could possibly engender anything “bold.”
Ryan: I think Young is the next Big Deal.
Cal Raleigh HR: Median – 45
High – 56 (Evan), Low – 37 (Matthew) Crowd: Median – 45
Isabelle: He’ll have a 2021 Salvy-style year that will still be exceptionally good for a catcher, it will just pale in comparison to last year’s insanity. (41)
Nicky V: I said 43, but in hindsight I might go more like 38-40. There’s a reason only seven catchers have ever done 40. Cal will consistently go for 35-45 in the next few years, but thinking we’ll see over that regularly is unlikely given the demands of the position.
Ryan: I think he’s going to draw a lot of walks this year and still be very good. (38)
Josh Naylor SB: Median – 20
High – 40 (Eric), Low – 9 (Jake) Crowd: Median – 23
Isabelle: Powered by Dad Strength and the security of a long-term contract, Naylz is bagging 20+ easy (20)
Zach: See now you’ve got me rooting against him just because of my hatred for Dad Strength as a cultural concept. (22)
Eric: Dad Strength is a myth perpetuated by Big Baby to further scam you into having kids. I’m in the worst shape of my life. Naylor, however, is going to have a generational season for a first baseman in 2026.
Ryan: The word is out. (12)
Ezra: Josh Naylor 20-20 season? Book it.
Julio HR-SB: Median – 38-38
High – 50-50 (Ryan), Low – 29-34 (Matthew) Crowd: Median – 38-33
Zach: For years, I’ve been picking 44-44, for his jersey number. But this year, I’m ready to let Julio just be who he is without expecting another gear. This time five years ago, I was hoping for A-Rod, but it’s hard to be disappointed when what I got was Jose Ramírez.
Ryan: This might seem bold, but after Opening Day he’ll be on pace for 324 of each, so really this is kind of disappointing.
Emerson Hancock Games Started: Median – 10
High – 24 (Ryan), Low – 4 (Nick Tucker) Crowd: Median – 9
Isabelle: Part of my reasoning for being low-ish on Hancock starting games this year is that I think there will be other arms to potentially spell inevitable injury stints (“Hey boo,” she coos in Dane Dunning’s general direction) (7)
Eric: I forgot about Dane Dunning! (10)
Ryan: I’m encouraged by the tick up in velocity we saw at the end of last season and the impressive whiff totals this Spring. Yeah we’ve seen it before in flashes, but also yeah we’ve seen it before in flashes. That’s not to say I think Hancock will eclipse even 1.5 WAR or anything, but I think he’ll prove serviceable during a regrettably long Miller absence. (12)
M’s #1 Prospect at the end of the season: Sloan (15)
Anderson, Montes Crowd: Sloan (44.0%)
Zach: I’m on this hype train with zero brakes. I think when the season ends, Sloan will not just be the Mariners’ #1 prospect, but the consensus best pitching prospect in baseball. That fastball is bananas and it’s not even his best pitch.
Nicky V: Sloan will be a top-10 prospect in baseball this time next year.
Kate: If you haven’t yet, go watch the Spring Breakout game and watch Sloan’s performance. He absolutely stifled the best farm system in baseball.
John: I don’t disagree with any of this, I just also think Sloan logistically is the likeliest to remain prospect-eligible compared to Emerson, Arroyo, and even Anderson and Montes.
Anders: Fascinated by the #1 crowd answer not even appearing on the staff board. Perhaps we as a staff went too “deep cut” here. I think Arroyo is going to pop off this year. (Dickerson)
Isabelle: ^re Arroyo, I think at this point it’s hard for staff, who have been exposed for many years now to John Trupin’s unrelenting Arroyo Hype Train, to envision Arroyo ascending much beyond the heights he’s already soared to. I saw Stevenson by happy accident in a college game in North Carolina last year and loved everything about the way he played, and he’s only gotten better since the draft. (Stevenson)
Nicky V: I think defining the biggest riser is kind of difficult. Is someone who goes from 30th to 15th a bigger riser than someone who goes from 10th to 3rd? Obviously not, right? Regardless, my lone vote for Juan Rijo is based on the Mariners’ keen eye for talent in the international market and a highly-projectable profile. Get him stateside, and I think we see him up in the upper echelon, maybe top 8 or so.
Kate: I agree, Isabelle, I think John has been Arroyo-pilling us for so long that we as a staff don’t even register him as a riser, rather just as someone finally getting his due regard. I’m surprised by only three votes for Sloan but I guess three to one doesn’t seem like a big jump, like Nicky V pointed out. I think it’s a significant difference, though; being #1 in the Mariners system to being the best pitching prospect in baseball is a pretty steep rise, and I think that’s where he will end up. (Dickerson)
John: I have successfully propaganda’d Arroyo and I am resting on my laurels. I’m regretting not pushing Farmelo here, but feel good with Stevenson.
M’s Biggest Prospect Faller: Montes (7)
Celesten (6), Anderson (2), Farmelo, Sloan Crowd: Montes (33.1%)
Isabelle: I’m so sorry but I do not believe in Celesten at this stage in his development. I have no compelling reasons or evidence and, in all likelihood may be wrong, but that’s my feel.
Nicky V: Everyone who says Montes is dead to me. LEAVE HIM ALONE
Kate: I am baffled by the hit Laz’s prospect stock took over the off-season when he was literally not playing baseball. I will say I don’t think he had a good spring because he’s focused on trying to prove he’s a well-rounded ballplayer and trying to cut down the strikeouts, so I’m hoping he gets back to his game soon. Also, who picked Sloan? See me in my office. (Celesten)
Zach: My main opinion about all three of the M’s Prospect categories is that John should not be allowed to make picks in categories in which he has a hand in the outcome. Someone get the Commissioner on the phone! (Montes)
John: What’re you gonna do, ZAM, sue me? (Montes)
Number of Mariners All-Stars: Median – 5
High – 6 (Ryan), Low – 3 (Eric and Kate) Crowd: Median – 4
Eric: Cal should skip the derby, Naylor wins ASG MVP, and Woo pitches a clean inning.
Ryan: Julio, Cal, Canzone, Young, Gilbert and Muñoz? I hope that’s consistent with my other picks.
Bold Predictions
Some Mariners Bold Predictions From the LL Staff:
Michael Arroyo, starting RF by June 1 – Ders Michael Arroyo has more PAs than Emerson, and is more productive – Nick V Dom Canzone gets MVP votes – Ryan Cooper Criswell accrues more WAR than any other reliever – Kate
Nicky V: I’m happy to have this tied to Ders’ prediction, though I think it’s more likely that RF ends up as a Refsnyder and Arroyo platoon until Arroyo really takes over in August/September. I think Arroyo pops off and earns himself a neat 1.5-2 WAR, while I think Emerson gets played slower than folks might expect. Early cup of coffee and then called up back in September or so.
Ryan: I buy the massive leap in ability at the plate, I’m not as low on his defense as many, and they vote for like 20 guys each year.
I cheated because I think Criswell will earn all that in bulk with spot starts. If I was really being bold I’d say Yosver Zulueta is the first arm from Tacoma brought up.
Some Mariners Bold Predictions From the Crowd:
Dominic Canzone leads the team in home runs Luke Raley bounces back with >4 fWAR season Ryan Bliss starting 2B in the playoffs Randy Arozarena is traded at the deadline Underperformance, Jerry fired at end of season Naylor and Julio hit for the cycle in the same month Julio goes 40-40, wins MVP, underperforms in World Series, sucks
Nicky V: Ya’ll are smoking something good. Or bad, depending on the prediction. But ya’ll smoking.
Kate: I wasn’t aware “bold predictions” were supposed to leave you bleeding from the eyeballs but okay. I like the Luke Raley one and support it.
Ryan: If I didn’t think Cole Young were going to run away with the forever job, I’d be in on the Bliss pick. Canzone I could see as well.
Ezra: I want my fellow Blissciples to know I see you, and I stand with you.
Nick T: Luke Raley with a 4 fWAR season lines up surprisingly well with my own prediction. That’s soon-to-be ALCS MVP Luke Raley to you, dear reader.
Some MLB Bold Predictions From the LL Staff:
A’s finish second in AL West – Max Tarik Skubal is traded at the deadline – Kate White Sox finish over .500 – Connor Twins lose 100+; Rockies win 70+ – Isabelle A reporter finds indisputable evidence that MLB games are rigged due to the influence of legal online gambling, Manfred resigns in disgrace – Eric Rangers lose 110 games, deGrom retires midseason, Seager traded to Pirates – Ryan
Connor: I certainly don’t expect the White Sox to seriously contend, but it’s not hard to look at their shrewd offseason and intriguing young position player core headlined by Colson Montgomery – who bashed 21 homers in just 284 plate appearances in his debut season last year – and visualize a scrappy, 75-80 win team that can easily steal a series from a better team if their opponent isn’t careful. Add in a bit of outperforming their run differential, and things could be looking sunny on the South Side.
Isabelle: I think we are wildly underrating how bad the Minnesota Twins are going to be. I am also cautiously, lightly optimistic about the Rockies crawling out from the Cave of Total Catastrophe – especially if they can get a full season out of Ezequiel Tovar, who didn’t get the WBC MVP votes but was a major catalyst in Team Venezuela’s victory.
Kate: This wasn’t my prediction, but I had an opportunity to hang out with the awesome Sam Bradfield from Purple Row at Spring Training and she is very enthused about the new Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer. The bar is subterranean in Colorado but I do think things will start to change there for the better.
Ryan: A man can dream.
Some MLB Bold Predictions From the Crowd:
Rays win 90 games and miss the playoffs A’s make the playoffs Astros finish last in the AL West Naylor and Caballero tie for most stolen bases Trout is Top 10 in MVP voting Every division has exactly one wild card team
Kate: Who put in the Astros one? I admire your bravery for voicing a thing I’m scared to say aloud lest I be struck down for hubris by the baseball gods and I would like to buy you a taco.
John: The A’s elbowing the 90-win Rays out of the playoffs would make me cackle. And also rhyme with 2001. Oh boy.
BRADENTON, FL - MARCH 21: Paul Skenes (30) of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on in the dugout before a spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 21, 2026 at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It is not surprising that they have the Los Angeles Dodgers as the best team to start the season but where they have the Pittsburgh Pirates might disappoint some fans.
ESPN has ranked the Pirates at 22 to start the season. Pittsburgh is projected to go 81-81 on the season. They are giving a 32% chance to make the playoffs but only have 1.0% to make it to the World series.
It’s not too surprising that the Bucs are just 22nd because of how weak the offense was last year, but I think additions like Marcell Ozuna, Brandon Lowe, and Ryan O’Hearn should seriously improve the bats.
Another question mark to this team is how the pitchers outside of Paul Skenes are going to do. Skenes is favored to win his second straight NL CY Young award, but he is going to need help this year. If the former Cy young winner is the only pitcher throwing at a high level, then it will be a long season for the Pirates.
The Buccos are going to need Bubba Chandler and Mitch Keller to pitch really well this season so the pressure isn’t solely on Skenes.
The Cincinnati Reds are ranked at 18, but only projected to win 78 games this season. The Reds last year finished third in the National Central and snuck into the playoffs. That could be the same path Pittsburgh goes down for this season, winning around 82 games and sneaking into the playoffs which would snap their playoff drought.
I think where the Pirates are ranked is fair because they still have a lot to prove this season. This is still a young baseball team, but a team that can turn some heads this season, especially if the offense can help out the pitching.
This
was in early March, when it was already kick-started by the Blues’
coaching staff that it appeared that the right-handed D-man was ready
to absorb more of a workload and more responsibilities.
On
Tuesday in a 3-0 win against the Washington Capitals, it marked 12
straight games in which Mailloux logged 20 or more minutes, picking
up 20:51 of ice time.
Remember
early in the season when the first-round pick (No. 31) in the 2021
NHL Draft was either a healthy scratch, averaging 12-13 minutes a
game, including three games in which he didn’t even play 10 minutes
or when he was assigned to Springfield of the American Hockey League
to find his game and gain some confidence? Seems like ages ago when
Montreal Canadiens fans were throwing victory parades in anointing
Habs general manager Kent Hughes as GM of the year for fleecing
fellow Blues GM Doug Armstrong into giving away Zack Bolduc in the
July 1, 2025 trade between the two clubs.
It’s
no coincidence that Mailloux, after a goal and an assist in his first
44
games and a minus-22
has gone to two goals and five assists his past 11 games and a
plus-5. He’s playing alongside Philip Broberg in the top four and
thriving not only in 5-on-5, but he’s also gaining regular minutes
quarterbacking the power play along with being a regular on the
penalty kill, which has killed 33 of 38 since the Olympic break, good
for an 86.8 percent clip, which ranks third in the NHL.
The
Blues are first in goals allowed since Feb. 26 (21) and goals per
game (1.62), and yes, goaltending has been a huge strength, but
Mailloux is part of the young core that’s thriving with more
responsibility and the more he thrives, the more coach Jim Montgomery
gives.
“He
has shown no signs of tiredness, he has shown no signs of mental
fatigue, which has been really impressive with all that ice time and
how much we’ve been
traveling,” Montgomery said.
“This has been the hardest travel schedule we’ve had all year and
it’s the more consistent, competitive levels we’ve seen from our
group over a month long span.
“(The)
guy doesn’t think. It’s just
make
plays; he’s direct, he’s decisive and you see how fast he plays
now, and that’s because there’s no more thinking going on; he’s
just being a hockey player. And that’s why you’re seeing his true
talents come out.”
This
is what Blues and Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Pronger said back in
October when Blues fans were up in arms as to why Mailloux didn’t
come into the Blues organization and start flying around as the
second coming of Bobby Orr. It takes patience, and truthfully, coming
together this quickly has some in the great north thinking maybe the
Canadiens should have been more patient themselves.
“He’s
slowly but surely earned it, but also with some of the moves at the
deadline has just propelled him into more ice time opportunities to
see what he has and he’s flourished,” Montgomery
said of Mailloux.
The
Belle River, Ontario native surely felt the weight of the world on
his shoulders having been traded for a popular first-round pick in
2021 in Bolduc, who Blues fans adored.
And
quite contrary to what some felt, the Blues didn’t trade Bolduc
because things didn’t work out in St. Louis, they traded him for a
necessity they felt they could mold into what he’s currently
becoming.
“I
feel like confidence has been a big thing for me lately,” Mailloux
said. “I feel like I’ve
definitely been given a good chance and a good opportunity around
here and I’ve been playing with some pretty good players. They
definitely help out.
“I’m
trying to do well. It’s a different league, but I’m used to ...
most of my career I’ve been playing these kinds of minutes.
Obviously it took an adjustment in this league, but I think I’m
getting a lot of help from D-partners, coaches, stuff like that. It’s
been alright.”
That
current D-partner is Philip Broberg, who has also been thrust into
the limelight by the Blues with top-pair minutes and an opportunity
to grow with another young guy that’s earning his stripes.
“He’s
been great,” Mailloux said.
“He’s a helluva player, helluva skater. He’s fun to play with.
He gets us out of trouble in our own end sometimes pretty often,
skated the puck out. He’s such a good defender as well. I feel like
we do a good job kind of reading off each other.”
Mailloux
has been so focused on being responsible defensively, that people
forget that his offensive skills is what made him the blue chip
prospect, but then he makes the zip pass to Jimmy Snuggerud for a
one-timer against the Capitals to remind everyone that his offense is
his bread-and-butter.
“Unbelievable,”
Snuggerud said.
“The position that he’s been put in and the opportunity he’s
been given, he’s striking to the top of it all he can do. He’s
playing high minutes, he’s
making plays, he’s doing the best he possibly can and it’s
showing. We’re winning games and I think that’s something you
have to learn as a young guy is what to do in those situations, and
I’m going through the same things and it’s been great to see that
for him.”
Mailloux,
whose season-high and career-high 26:56 came March 18 in a 2-1
shootout loss to the Calgary Flames, knows and understands he’s
barely scratching the surface, that there’s still so much more
untapped potential. But the ground roots have been firmly placed, and
he’s just taking things as they come.
“I’m
kind of trying to take it a day at a time still,” he said. “I
think just looking forward to improving and keep getting better and
moving in the right direction.
“Obviously
it’s my first full season in the NHL. There’s going to be some
growing pains and stuff, but I feel like I’m going to try and do my
best to keep trending in the right direction all year. Just come in
day by day and try to get a little better. The guys around here have
been great for that.”
For the umpteenth time: give it time in each scenario. Each player is developing in his own time, on his own merit. Mailloux struggled early and seems to have found his way to better ground. Bolduc started like a firecracker but has fizzled out as the season has gone along. The ups and downs of a young player are common. No telling what the Canadiens' patience will be with Bolduc. The Blues knew exactly what to do with Mailloux, and that was to be patient, and it seems to be paying off.
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England opener Ben Duckett has made the decision to withdraw from this year’s Indian Premier League, while he has also shed light on his infamous Noosa incident during the summer’s disastrous Ashes tour.
Oklahoma City Thunder (56-15) at Boston Celtics (47-24) Wednesday, March 25, 2026 7:30 PM ET Game #72, Home Game #36 TV: NBCSB, FDSN,, NBA-LP Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, WWLS/WKY, Sirius XM
The Celtics continue their 3 game home stand as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder in what may be a Finals preview. This is the second, and final, regular season game between these two teams. The Celtics lost 104-102 in Oklahoma City on March 12. They lost the series 0-2 last season, with each team winning at home. The Celtics are 79-69 overall all time against the Thunder and they are 40-29 in games played in Boston.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 5 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are percentage points ahead of 3rd place New York, 3 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 7 games ahead of 5th place Toronto, 7.5 games ahead of 6th place Atlanta, and 8.5 games ahead of 7th place Philadelphia. The Celtics are 18-10 against Western Conference opponents. They are 24-11 at home and 6-4 in their last 10 games. They are coming off a loss in their last game.
The Thunder are 1st in the West, 3 games ahead of 2nd place San Antonio, 11 games ahead of the 3rd place Lakers, 13 games ahead of 4th place Denver and 5th place Minnesota, 13.5 games ahead of 6th place Houston and 17 games ahead of 7th place Phoenix. They are 20-6 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 28-8 on the road and 10-0 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 12 games.
After this game at home against Oklahoma City, the Celtics will host Atlanta to complete a 3 game home stand. Then it’s back on the road for a 4 game trip through Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami and Milwaukee. They will then play two games at home against Toronto and Charlotte before one game on the road at New York. They will finish the season with 2 games at home against New Orleans and Orlando.
The Thunder are playing in the final game of a 6 game road trip. They will return home for a 5 game home stand hosting Chicagok New York, Detroit, Los Angeles Lakers, and Utah. Then it’s on the road for a 3 game road trip to play the Lakers and Clippers in Los Angeles and finish the trip in Denver. They will finish the season with a game at home against Phoenix.
Both teams are relatively healthy. Nikola Vucevic remains out for the Celtics after surgery to stabilize a fracture in his right ring finger. John Tonje is out on G-League assignment. Amare Williams and Max Shulga are questionable due to G-League assignment. For the Thunder, Thomas Sorber (knee) and Nikola Topic (G-League) are both out. In the first matchup, the Celtics were without both White and Tatum while the Thunder were without Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Derrick White | NBAE via Getty ImagesShai Gilgeous-Alexander | NBAE via Getty Images
SG: Jaylen Brown vs Luguentz Dort
Jaylen Brown | NBAE via Getty ImagesLuguentz Dort | NBAE via Getty Images
SF: Sam Hauser vs Jalen Williams
Sam Hauser | NBAE via Getty ImagesJalen Williams | NBAE via Getty Images
PF: Jayson Tatum vs Chet Holmgren
Jayson Tatum | Boston Globe via Getty ImagesChet Holmgren | Getty Images
C: Neemias Queta vs Isaiah Hartenstein
Neemias Queta | Boston Globe via Getty ImagesIsaiah Hartenstein | NBAE via Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Jordan Walsh Baylor Scheierman Max Shulga Charles Bassey (10-Day) 2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr Injuries/Out Nikola Vucevic (finger) out John Tonje (G-League) out Amare Williams (G-League) questionable Max Shulga (G-League) questionable Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Thunder Reserves Alex Caruso Ajay Mitchell Isaiah Joe Jared McCain Aaron Wiggins Cason Wallace Jaylin Williams Kenrich Williams
Injuries/Out Thomas Sorber (knee) out Nikola Topic (G-League) out
Head Coach Mark Daigneault
Key Matchups Derrick White vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He is shooting 55.5% from the field and 38.8% from beyond the arc. In the first game against the Celtics, SGA finished with 35 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals while shooting 72.2% from the field and 43.8% from beyond the arc. Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning MVP and is one of the leaders to win it once again this season. He is the key to the Thunder’s winning ways. In order to slow the Thunder, the Celtics must slow down SGA.
Jayson Tatum vs Chet Holmgren Holmgren is averaging 17.2 points, 9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.9 blocks per game. He is shooting 55.4% from the field and 35.2% from beyond the arc. In the first game against the Celtics, he finished with 14 points and 9 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. The Celtics must stay with him on defense whether he is in the paint or on the perimeter. Jayson Tatum has been struggling somewhat in recent games and hopefully he will be able to play well in this game. Honorable Mention Sam Hauser vs Jalen Williams Williams is averaging 17.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, , 5.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He is shooting 48.3% from the field and 31.3% from beyond the arc. He missed the first game against the Celtics and this is just his 3rd game back from injury. He has played in just 27 games this season.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is always the biggest key to winning. This is going to be a tough matchup for the Celtics as the Thunder are first in the league with a defensive rating of 106.0 while the Celtics are 4th with a defensive rating of 111.5. The Celtics need to tighten up their defense and make playing defense a priority especially against this Thunder team that plays lock down defense.
Rebound – Rebounding is also a key to winning. The Celtics need to rebound on the defensive end to keep the Thunder from getting second chance points and they need to rebound on the offensive end to give themselves extra possessions. The Thunder are 13th with 44.1 rebounds per game while the Celtics are 4th with 46.5 rebounds per game. Much of rebounding is desire and effort and the Celtics as a team have to put in the extra effort to grab rebounds.
Take Care of the Ball – The Celtics need to keep their focus and not turn the ball over. The Thunder are 1st in the league with 22.3 points off turnovers per game. They are also 4th with 9.7 steals per game. The Celtics have to move the ball because they are a much better team when they move the ball and don’t over dribble. But they must focus and make careful passes and not get sloppy. They also have to be aware when dribbling the ball so as not to allow the Thunder to get steals. The Thunder will make them pay if they get sloppy and turn the ball over.
Be Focused and Ready for a Tough Game – The Thunder are a very good team and they play exceptional defense. They are also a very physical team. The Celtics have to be ready to go to the basket if they struggle from three. They also have to be ready to shoot from midrange if both the paint and the perimeter are defended tightly. The Celtics must stay focused on playing hard for 48 minutes and on playing tough defense and on matching the Thunder’s physicality. They can’t afford to let the Thunder play harder than them.
X-Factors At Home vs Road Fatigue – The Celtics are at home and they should get motivation from playing in front of their fans. The Celtics at home for their 2nd straight game and should be refreshed being at home. The Thunder are on the road with distractions of travel, staying in hotels and playing in front of a hostile crowd. They are playing in the final game of a 5 game road trip and so fatigue may be a factor for them down the stretch.
Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor. How the refs call the game has a big influence on how the teams play. Will they let them play or call every little bit of contact? Will they call it evenly or will they favor one team or the other. It all effects the outcome of the game and the Celtics need to play the right way and not allow the officiating to take them out of their game. They can’t let bad calls and no calls take away their focus.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 1: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees takes the field at Oracle Park on June 1, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a long winter, the snow has at last thawed. Spring is here, and more importantly, so is baseball. Tonight, the Yankees and the Giants will kick off the 2026 regular season with an opening night prime-time matchup at Oracle Park in San Francisco.
Leading off is center fielder Trent Grisham, the Yankees entrusting last year’s breakout slugger with the job of setting the table for Aaron Judge, in his typical number-two slot. Cody Bellinger hits third and plays left, a spot he’ll be expected to hold down on most nights for the foreseeable future.
Ben Rice, who rakes, bats cleanup and starts at first, the 27-year-old one of the most exciting hitters in the lineup to watch this year as the Yankees hope he can fully break out after a couple seasons in which his batted-ball data outpaced his actual results. Giancarlo Stanton bats fifth, looking to pick up where left off in his sensational, abbreviated 2025 campaign. The lineup’s depth becomes apparent here, as Jazz Chisholm Jr., he who posted a 126 wRC+ last year and has 42 homers and 49 steals in just 176 games a Yankee, plays second and bats sixth.
That’s about as good a top-six as you’ll find in baseball, and though the bottom of third of this order drops off, the weaker bats towards the end are all accompanied by superlative gloves. José Caballero bats seventh and starts at short, Ryan McMahon slots in eighth at third base, and Austin Wells bats ninth and plays catcher. He’ll be behind the plate for Max Fried, who went 19-5 with a 2.86 ERA in a stellar debut season with New York.
I don’t know about you, but that looks like a strong lineup to me, one that should give Logan Webb and the Giants everything they can handle. First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 pm EST on Netflix. We’ll see you then.
Igor Shesterkin is no longer the young kid he once was when he joined the New York Rangers’ organization all of those years ago.
At 31 years old and a little bit over a year after signing an eight-year, $92 million contract extension to remain in New York, Shesterkin finds himself in a peculiar situation.
On Jan. 16, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury issued a letter to fans outlining the team's plan to retool the roster, with their sights set on the future as opposed to the immediate present.
This sort of news certainly impacts Shesterkin, who is in the midst of his prime and now is forced to sit through a “retool” that does not have an exact timeline of how long it could last.
However, as one of the pillars of the franchise, Shesterkin knows he’ll have to step up and help guide the team over the course of this turbulent time.
“Yeah I think so,” Shesterkin said about whether he feels more responsibility to step up as a leader. “I need to show my best every day. I need to be better every day, and I need to be my best version if I want to be successful.”
What exactly is Shesterkin’s leadership approach?
“I don’t like to talk too much. I just try to show my game and try to help my teammates and help my teammates win,” Shesterkin said.
Shesterkin’s impressive play was a critical reason the Rangers were able to go 6-1-2 coming out of the Olympic break.
He’s elevated his game to the point where he’s able to keep the Rangers’ in games where they are getting heavily outshot, specifically in their 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild on Mar. 14 when he made 46 saves despite the Blueshirts being outshot 48-18.
The superstar goaltender has taken notice regarding the emergence of the team’s younger players, specifically when it comes to Gabe Perreault and Noah Laba.
“They have showed pretty good hockey right now,” Shesterkin said of the Rangers’ younger players. “We're so happy to have them and we hope they will develop well and they will play way better every game.”
He may be a man of few words, but Shesterkin has shown a level of buy-in to being a part of the Rangers future, and a commitment to helping the team navigate through this retool.
Opening Day in the Majors brings a marquee matchup in San Francisco, but this one sets up as a difficult spot for the Giants against a pitcher they struggled to handle all last season.
With Max Fried on the mound and San Francisco’s well-documented issues against left-handed pitching, my Yankees vs. Giants predictions and MLB picks expect New York to create separation, making the runline a strong play for Wednesday, March 25.
Yankees vs Giants predictions
Yankees vs Giants best bet: Yankees -1.5 (+136)
The 2026 MLB season begins with two aces toeing the rubber, with Max Fried facing off against Logan Webb.
Fried is coming off a year where he owned a 3.38 xERA while the Giants had the third-worst wRC+ and were dead last in OPS against lefties, and didn’t do much to address that in the offseason.
I love backing slight road favorites on the runline at plus money, and the Yanks have plenty of value on Opening Day.
COVERS INTEL: Logan Webb was hit hard and often last season, ranking below the 39th percentile in both expected batting average and average exit velocity.
Yankees vs Giants same-game parlay (SGP)
Aaron Judge is coming off his third MVP season in the last four years, where he led the majors in batting average, slugging, and OPS while swatting 53 dingers and 114 RBIs.
Simply put, he’s one of the greatest hitters of all time and has a solid track record against Giants’ starter Logan Webb (more on that later).
Another guy with good numbers against Webb is third baseman Ryan McMahon from his time with the Colorado Rockies. McMahon has a career .310 expected batting average in 46 career plate appearances vs. Webb.
Yankees vs Giants SGP
Yankees -1.5
Aaron Judge Over 2.5 H/R/R
Ryan McMahon Over 1.5 H/R/R
Yankees vs Giants home run pick: Aaron Judge (+250)
All rise!
There’s no other place we should start the season with our home run bets than with the greatest home run hitter of this generation.
Judge has whacked 210 dingers over the last four seasons, including 53 last season.
So, of course, the three-time MVP has great numbers vs. Webb. He’s 3-for-7 with two homers in his career vs. Webb, who has been prone to giving up hard contact.
It would be cool to see Judge plunk one in McCovey Cove on Opening Day.
Yankees vs Giants odds
Moneyline: New York -124 | San Francisco +106
Run line: New York -1.5 (-136) | San Francisco +1.5 (-176)
Over/Under: Over 7.0 | Under 7.0
Yankees vs Giants trend
The Yankees hit the Team Total Over in 18 of their last 23 away games last season for +12.40 Units and a 46% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Yankees vs. Giants.
How to watch Yankees vs Giants and game info
Location
Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Date
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
First pitch
8:05 p.m. ET
TV
Netflix
Yankees starting pitcher
Max Fried (19-5, 2.86 ERA) *2025
Giants starting pitcher
Logan Webb (15-11, 3.22 ERA) *2025
Yankees vs Giants latest injuries
Yankees vs Giants weather
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.
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 22: Ryan Dunn #0 and Rasheer Fleming #20 of the Phoenix Suns high five during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 22, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With recent injuries, Jordan Ott has had to dig deep into his rotation and find guys to step up in big moments. We have seen this transpire, with young wings in Ryan Dunn and Rasheer Fleming showing bright flashes of their game. Not only that, but veteran wings that have been late-season additions have also risen to the occasion. Players like Amir Coffey and Haywood Highsmith have made winning plays on both ends and filled holes this team lacked in the first half of the year.
Yet even though all this positive stuff has been said about this dynamic wing room, there are plenty of people who will say that it is too crowded. To those people, I have this to use against them; that is a ridiculous thing to say.
In this league, the wing position is the most coveted, and the Suns have the perfect blend in their rotation. This is a good problem for the team, and one they should not squander. When you look at each of them, too, it makes sense why this is not an issue.
First, let’s look at Dillon Brooks, who was a key piece for this team and came at the right moment. When this team needed an identity and culture shift, he was the perfect person to bring in to help build that structure. He does everything he can on the court to fire himself and his teammates up to make sure they are always ready for war. Some of these antics can cause him some unnecessary trouble with the referees, but his teammates always have his back.
"We're a unit. We're all connected."
Dillon Brooks after Suns win over Warriors.
On Collin Gillespie return: "Just a little bruise, put some ice on it. He'll be alright. He's a tough kid."
On Oso Ighodaro 13-rebound, 5-steal effort: "If I've got to pick on him and yell at him… pic.twitter.com/woS9wkRiIW
Brooks has consistently been a leader for this team and arguably their second-best player. We have noticed it especially with him being out with the broken hand, missing his impact on both ends of the court. Brooks, though, is not the only one who brings this fire to the team.
The young wing duo is now flourishing, and due to those injuries, has seen increased developmental minutes together. Both Ryan Dunn and Rasheer Fleming have made those eye-popping plays, whether it’s a crazy dunk or a block you could not imagine, they are taking the Valley by storm. Not to mention the great shooting that Fleming has displayed in this short stint in March, it really convinces fans to buy into the direction the Suns are heading.
Rasheer Fleming has some freakishly long arms and it's sick to watch him protect the rim as a 6'9 rookie…
Even with Dunn getting some DNP’s over a stretch, it did not faze him as he came back and has gotten better with each performance. To see the sophomore not get frustrated and use that as motivation to make sure he sticks in the lineup should only fuel the fire of the other wings who want playing time too.
Up to +15.7 on the season for the Dunn/Fleming pairing. Their drawbacks are obvious but they shoot just well *enough* to not cripple the halfcourt offense while bringing a serious energy that no other pair of wings can match.
Guys like Haywood Highsmith and Amir Coffey, two wings who came in the middle of the season, were acquired: Coffey from the Milwaukee Bucks and Highsmith from the buyout market. Both saw limited or no playing time due to injury, but have now integrated themselves as guys who have earned Ott’s trust.
Coffey was in and out of Doc Rivers’ rotation, but when he came to Phoenix, he seemed to fit like a glove. His ability to be a solid three-point shooter and a guy who hunted offensive rebounds was a perfect match for Ott’s playing style. His hustle has earned him a lot more credit than the box score shows every night, allowing him to get minutes when he’s healthy.
Highsmith was signed and brought in after being injured all season, but he seems not to skip a beat. His best game was just recently, when he went off for 16 points and 4 three-pointers in Boston. His ability to be a viable offensive option when the Suns were struggling from three was necessary to keep them afloat in the game. His defense is also fantastic with his 6’11” wingspan at 6’5”, allowing him to be disruptive on the ball and force plenty of turnovers, something the Suns love to create into their own opportunities.
"I feel like I took a good step. Saw the ball go through the hoop a little bit. Moving well. Getting the confidence every game."
Haywood Highsmith after season-high 16 points (4-of-5 from 3) in Suns 120-112 loss to Celtics.
Last but not least is Royce O’Neale, the three-point sniper. Even though he can be very hit-or-miss this year, he has been very good, shooting 40% from beyond the arc. This ability to be such a valuable shooter in an offense that runs heavily through the three-ball is key. In the game the other week against the Bucks, he was huge, making six threes in the third quarter alone to help the Suns secure the victory. His peskiness on defense also allows him to force plenty of turnovers that aid the team.
When all this is added together, it is clear they have the depth to step in and fill gaps when the Suns are in dire need of it, as they have recently. Compare this to last year, when the Suns were begging for Cody Martin to play so they could have some help on defense, praying that Oso Ighodaro and Ryan Dunn would see the light and be released from the bench. Those are the painful days we all dread remembering, even if it was just a year ago. So why ruin all the fun and rush out of this, especially in a season when expectations were so low?
You continue to invest in the youth, as they are the future, yes, but you do not just cast others away because of bad performances or because someone is better than them in a short stint. Depending on how the remaining 10 games and, hopefully, the playoffs go, we will all have a better understanding. One thing is for sure, though: the Suns fans should be happy they have this “too many wings” issue, instead of trying to force a hypothetical trade for no reason.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will raise their 2025 World Series championship banner Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock and then welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks to Dodger Stadium for an 8:30 p.m. matchup.
Zac Gallen will take the mound for the Diamondbacks, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be starting for the Dodgers.
Los Angeles, which starts the season with two home series, held a 7-6 edge over Arizona in their 13 meetings last season.
See below for additional information on how to watch the Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers and a breakdown of the game. Also check out the schedule for the MLB on NBC and Peacock. There will be 27 prime-time MLB games featured across NBC, Peacock and NBCSN in 2026. NBC Sports will also stream one out-of-market game each day of the 2026 MLB season nationally on Peacock.
Who are the announcers for Diamondbacks-Dodgers Opening Day?
Jason Benetti will provide play-by-play alongside analysts Luis Gonzalez and Orel Hershiser. The pregame show will be hosted by Bob Costas with analyst and three-time Dodgers’ NL Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers preview:
The Diamondbacks finished fourth in the NL West and missed the playoffs last year with an 80-82 record (losing their final five games). Since losing the 2023 World Series to the Texas Rangers in five games, Arizona has failed to return to the postseason and has the fifth-longest active division title drought (behind San Diego, Colorado, Miami and Pittsburgh).
Arionz enters its 10th season under manager Torey Lovullo (the third-longest tenured in Major League Baseball behind Tampa bay's Kevin Cash (12th season) and the Dodgers' Dave Roberts (11th season).
The Diamondbacks beefed up their starting lineup experience with third baseman Nolan Arenado (34, years old, in his 14th year) and first baseman/DH Carlos Santana (17th year at 39), who will play for his eighth team since 2022.
Arizona also will return its star trio of outfielder Corbin Carroll (the 2023 NL rookie of the year is coming off surgery for a broken bone in his right hand after a team-record 17 triples in 2025), second baseman/DH Ketel Marte (the 2024 NLCS MVP who is the dean of the Diamondbacks in his 10th seasno) and shortstop/third baseman Geraldo Perdomo (who set career highs with 20 homers, 100 RBI and 27 steals last year).
Feb 22, 2026; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Arizona Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
After back-to-back World Series championships, the Dodgers might have their best team yet. Los Angeles is (of course) led by four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani (who is three short of tying Barry Bonds' record) and has won 12 of the past 14 NL West titles (a run interrupted by the Giants in 2021).
The team's estimated $543.7 million payroll again leads the league (and nearly triples the Diamondbacks' $190.1M), and the budget has grown with the addition of closer Edwin Diaz, who comes from the New York Mets after signing a three-year, $69 million deal. Right fielder Kyle Tucker was added from the Cubs on a four-year, $240M contract, which ranks second behind only Ohtani ($70M) for highest-average salary.
Diaz comes off an All-Star season with the third-best ERA (1.63) among relievers. Tucker has been an All-Star for four consecutive seasons and had 22 homers, 73 RBI and 25 steals in his only season with the Cubs.
Ohtani, who has more than 50 homers in each of the past two seasons, is expected to return as a starting pitcher this year for the first time in three years. He was back on the mound last June after undergoing elbow surgery in 2023 and had a 3.35 ERA last season (including the playoffs).
“On paper, it could be (the best team)," manager Dave Roberts said. " Looking at the guys in their prime, the experience, the talent, the starters, the pen, the depth of the young players … probably the best team we’ve had on paper.”
Sunday Night Baseball will make its debut March 29 with a matchup between two 2025 first-place teams, as the Mariners play host to the Guardians. The 18-game MLB Sunday Leadoff schedule will begin May 3, with the defending AL champion Toronto Blue Jays visiting the Twins in Minnesota. On Sunday, July 5, all 15 MLB games will be presented nationally across Peacock and NBC as part of a special all-day “Star-Spangled Sunday” showcase.
NBC Sports will also stream one out-of-market game each day of the 2026 MLB season nationally on Peacock. Telemundo Deportes will present all NBCUniversal-produced MLB games in Spanish, with Universo televising all games broadcast on NBC.
From an MLB Opening Day doubleheader on March 26 to the Wild Card round of the playoffs, NBC Sports’ 2026 schedule delivers wall-to-wall coverage.
D.J. Short
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The Sweet 16 is almost here – who’s still alive? We’re reviewing the week that was in the first week of the NCAA tournament and turning our focus to remaining teams. How bad (or good!) is your bracket? Join us in the SB Nation March Madness Feed and let’s talk about who’s most likely to make a run to glory.
If there’s been one certainty in Major League Baseball over the past decade, it’s the Dodgers winning the NL West.
They’ve been dominant, winning the division title in 12 of the past 13 seasons. Even though the Giants broke through in 2021, Los Angeles still won 106 games that year.
The scary part is that 2026 is shaping up to be the Dodgers’ most talented team on paper over the past decade, which leaves the rest of the NL West looking up and chasing them.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani smiles before being taken out of the game during the fifth inning of a preseason baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP
The Padres and Giants both made fundamental changes by bringing in new managers: Craig Stammen for the Padres, Tony Vitello for the Giants. The Diamondbacks are three years removed from playing in the World Series. And the Rockies, well, they’re still the Rockies.
The California Post’s Jack Harris previews the National League West
1 – Los Angeles Dodgers
O/U wins: 102.5
Key player: Shohei Ohtani. The four-time MVP is entering perhaps his most highly anticipated season yet, returning to full-time two-way duties in pursuit of a third-consecutive World Series championship. Never before has Ohtani had to shoulder such a big load, on a team with such big expectations. But if he can handle the rigors of both hitting and pitching, it could super-charge the potential of their already loaded roster.
Player who’ll need to step up: The Dodgers signed Edwin Díaz to shore up their one big weakness from last year, hoping to avoid the late-game bullpen problems that plagued them for much of the 2025 season. Díaz was the best closer on the free-agent market, and gives the Dodgers their best closing option since the departure of Kenley Jansen. Now, he needs to live up to the billing, and maintain his All-Star form in L.A.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Edwin Díaz throws during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP
Name you’ll get to know: River Ryan. Technically, he already debuted in 2024, but now he’s returning from Tommy John surgery having gained 30 pounds and improved his six-pitch mix. He might not start the season in the majors, but the Dodgers always have pitching injuries during the course of the year. And when they do, there will be a lane for the right-hander to show off his post-rehab improvements, trying to become the next young pitcher to emerge from their farm system.
Biggest question mark: Will the pressure of a three-peat bid have any effect? The Dodgers have repeatedly downplayed that narrative this spring. Manager Dave Roberts went as far as saying the pressure on the team was more noticeable last year. Still, historic expectations can’t be completely blocked out, nor can the complaints about the Dodgers’ dominance and spending. Even for a veteran and battle-tested team, it could be an underrated challenge.
How it’ll go down: With 100-plus wins in the regular season, an extended postseason run … but, not another championship. The Dodgers might make winning look easy. But they’ve struggled for extended stretches each of the last two years and faced several elimination games en route to their back-to-back World Series. Eventually, the randomness of baseball catches up. There’s a reason three-peats are so rare.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a double during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
2 – San Diego Padres
O/U: 83.5
Key player: Fernando Tatis Jr. He is coming off his best season since returning from his PED suspension. He had an excellent showing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. And now, the Padres have to hope he elevates his game back to MVP-caliber levels. After all, San Diego was financially hamstrung this winter amid ownership uncertainty. They weren’t able to make many impact additions to the roster. But getting Tatis back to league-leading form would qualify as as big of an upgrade as anything.
Player who’ll need to step up: Michael King. The Padres’ pitching staff is rife with questions. And while Nick Pivetta was a nice story last year, it is King (fresh off his new $75 million, opt-out-rich contract) who will need to pitch like the team’s ace. The centerpiece of the Juan Soto trade, King flashed that form in his first season with the Padres (13-9, 2.95 ERA in 2024), before missing time last year with a shoulder injury. If he can get back to that, it would give the team a needed bedrock to build its rotation around.
San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Name you’ll get to know: Let’s cheat a little, and go with a name you’ll get to know all over again. San Diego native and fan favorite pitcher Joe Musgrove should be back at some point from a Tommy John surgery that sidelined him all of last year, and will be tasked with providing a boost in both production and morale. Unfortunately for him, he’s already slated to start the season on the IL. But if the Padres prove to be a contender this year, it’s likely he’ll be part of the mix.
Biggest question mark: Is their window still open? This may be more of an existential query, but it’s one the Padres will have to answer as this year goes on. Though they’ve been to the playoffs four out of the last six years, they’ve advanced to the NLCS just once. They still have big names on the roster, but haven’t put enough pieces together to make a serious title push. If they think a World Series is still possible, it could push them toward the kind of aggressive trade deadline that could help them more seriously chase one. If not, maybe this is the year they begin to reset.
How it’ll go down: If their superstars play up to expectations, and their pitching staff doesn’t completely unravel, the Padres should sneak into the playoffs again. But none of those are guarantees, and even if they do happen, any legitimate World Series aspirations are likely beyond their grasp.
Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres celebrates with Fernando Tatis Jr. after hitting a two-run home run that scored the pair during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers. Getty Images
3 – San Francisco Giants
O/U: 80.5
Key player: Rafael Devers. The Giants took a mighty gamble by trading for Devers and his monstrous contract last year. Now, they need him to be the impact player they thought they were getting. If Devers can return to the All-Star form he had with the Red Sox, it could make him the missing piece in an otherwise underwhelming Giants lineup. If not, concerns that his acquisition was a bust will continue to build.
Player who’ll need to step up: Willy Adames. The shortstop didn’t have a bad debut season with the Giants last year, hitting 30 home runs and driving in 87. But, he batted just .225, graded out below-average on defense, and didn’t exactly play up to the level of his $182 million contract. That’ll need to change this year. Because, like Devers, the Giants offense can ill-afford to have such a high-earner play like anything short of a star.
San Francisco Giants’ Rafael Devers strikes out against the Cincinnati Reds during the third inning of a spring training baseball game, Friday, March 13, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. AP
Name you’ll get to know: Bryce Eldridge. The left-handed-hitting slugger has been knocking on the door of the big leagues for a while, making his debut in a 10-game cameo last year. Now, he is finally expected to break through more permanently at some point this year. Whatever pop he provides, the Giants will happily take.
Biggest question mark: Will the Tony Vitello experiment work? The Giants made waves by hiring Vitello from the University of Tennessee this offseason. He made history by being the first MLB manager to come directly from the college ranks. It’s a mighty gamble on the part of president of baseball operations Buster Posey. And if it doesn’t work, it risks wasting all the money the Giants have spent to bolster their roster.
How it’ll go down: The Giants could be a sneaky dark horse. There’s a world where Devers, Adames and Matt Chapman all shine. Where Logan Webb is a Cy Young candidate. Where role players like Luis Arraez, Harrison Bader and Jung Hoo Lee infuse excitement and production. Their bullpen is a big question, and their rotation depth is dicey. But a playoff appearance is far from impossible.
San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello against the Chicago White Sox during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
4 – Arizona Diamondbacks
O/U: 79.5
Key player: Ketel Marte. The longtime face of the franchise is back despite an offseason full of trade rumors, trying to put the clubhouse drama he was mired in last season behind him. It was only two years ago, after all, Marte was an MVP finalist in Arizona. And though he wasn’t quite as dynamic last year (especially given the amount of time he missed), he was still an All-Star and Silver Slugger. If the Dbacks are going to be a surprise contender this year, it will have to start with him.
Player who’ll need to step up: Zac Gallen. The right-hander’s first foray into free agency was a disappointment, having to settle for a one-year, $16.2 million re-signing in Arizona after a career-worst 4.83 ERA in 2025. Now, he is trying to rebuild his market, and anchor a Dbacks rotation that also returns Merrill Kelly. Pitching is the team’s biggest weakness, but a resurgent Gallen could help.
Name you’ll get to know: Jordan Lawlar. A former sixth overall draft pick who played sparingly in the majors the last few years, Lawlar is now shifting to the outfield, where the Dbacks hope the 23-year-old will find a more permanent home –– and more consistent at-bats. After an offseason of much turnover for the club, his performance will have big implications for the future.
Biggest question mark: Is the World Series magic still there? It’s easy to forget now, but the Dbacks were the last team to beat the Dodgers in a playoff series, upsetting them in the 2023 NLDS en route to their surprise World Series appearance. Three years later, the club has many of the same core stars, but hasn’t made a return trip to the playoffs. Time will tell if they conjure such an unexpected run again.
How it’ll go down: The lineup looks weaker than last year, with Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor replaced by Nolan Arenado and Carlos Santana. The pitching remains a question, especially after Gallen and Kelly. And despite having three players who could legitimately vie for an MVP (Marte, Corbin Carroll and Geraldo Perdomo), the Dbacks depth seems weak. In a perfect world, they have the pieces to be a potential playoff contender. More likely, they finish somewhere around 80 wins.
Ketel Marte makes a late throw on an infield single hit by Kansas City Royals’ Carter Jensen during the second inning of a spring training baseball game Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. AP
5 – Colorado Rockies
O/U: 54.5
Key player: Paul DePodesta. No, he’s not a player. But given the woeful recent state of the Rockies, their front office leader is more important than anyone on the current roster. Back in baseball after 10 years with in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, DePodesta is taking on the toughest current job in the majors as Colorado’s president of baseball operations. It will not be a quick turnaround.
Player who’ll need to step up: Um … anybody? The Rockies are not worried about competing right now, instead evaluating their organization for pieces to build around in the future. Maybe that’ll be former first-round picks like Jordan Beck (an outfielder) or Chase Dollander (a pitcher). Or maybe third-year catcher Hunter Goodman will take another step toward star status. For now, any surprises will do, and plenty of young names should get opportunities.
Colorado Rockies’ Ezequiel Tovar works out during spring training baseball Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) AP
Name you’ll get to know: Ezequiel Tovar. If there’s one bona fide impact big-leaguer in Colorado, this is it. At 24-years-old, he already has a Gold Glove award and a 45-double, 25-homer season. In this spring’s World Baseball Classic, he was a breakout star with champions Team Venezuela. If anyone pops from the Rockies this year, it’s likely to be him.
Biggest question mark: Can the Rockies figure out a way to improve their pitching? This is a question as old as the 33-year-old franchise itself, thanks to the extreme challenges of playing at mile-high altitude. Without better pitching, consistent winning seasons are likely to remain elusive. Any signs of progress would qualify as a success this year.
How it’ll go down: Likely with another 100-loss season, but maybe with some future pieces beginning to emerge, as well. The Rockies remain years away from anything close to contention. But if they can identify a couple building blocks, that’ll at least be a step in the right direction.
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SEATTLE, WA - MARCH 27: A general view of T-Mobile Park is seen during the game between the Athletics and the Seattle Mariners on Thursday, March 27, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rod Mar/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Seattle Mariners have announced their 2026 Opening Day roster, with a few surprises compared to the spring’s outset. The M’s have been fairly fortunate with their health through Spring Training, but will see expected starting SS J.P. Crawford and starting RHP Bryce Miller on the injured list to open the year. Both players are expected back early in April, but their absence has created openings for a few depth pieces. Additionally, UTIL Miles Mastrobuoni is out injured to start the year.
Catchers
Cal Raleigh, Mitch Garver
This cat has been liberated from bag-hood for a few days now, with Garver beating out Andrew Knizner and Jhonny Pareda for the backstop role. Designating Knizner for assignment would clear the space for Garver in a straight swap, allowing the M’s to run back their expected alignment with Pareda the next man up in Tacoma.
Infielders
INF Ryan Bliss, 1B Josh Naylor, INF Leo Rivas, INF Cole Young
A month and change ago, and likely more, the role for Ryan Bliss on this club seemed narrow as a needle’s eye. Either Arachne blessed him or Athena misplaced her vengeance on Mastrobuoni and Crawford, but a healthy spring allowed Bliss to outlast top prospect Colt Emerson and the rest of the M’s infield depth. Emerson’s omission was foretold in his optioning a few days ago, but a decent spring didn’t do enough to force Seattle’s hand. He’ll return to Triple-A Tacoma to add to pick up on the week of games he received there at the end of 2025. Young and Rivas will both receive time at shortstop until Crawford returns.
Utility Players
UTIL Brendan Donovan, OF/1B Luke Raley, UTIL(?) Rob Refsnyder
The M’s starting third baseman has the versatility to cover every spot on the diamond (shortstop being a stretch), and Donovan gets inclusion in this category accordingly. Raley’s return to health looks like a major boon for the M’s and he can handle every outfield spot acceptably, hopefully allowing more DH days for Arozarena alongside Refsnyder. The question mark adjacent Refsnyder’s name is that defensively, he’s a tricky fit on this roster. He’s played every infield spot save shortstop, but none since 2020 (and nowhere but first base since 2017). Corner outfield is where the 35 year old to be (on Opening Day itself!) fits best, but clearly the club sees him at least spelling Naylor occasionally. Instincts over years of threadbare M’s clubs have made this an anxiety point, but the truth is the M’s bench is quite potent – Refsnyder mostly just is here to hit and that’s acceptable due to the versatility of so many of his teammates!
Outfielders
OF Randy Arozarena, cOF Dominic Canzone, OF Victor Robles, OF Julio Rodríguez
No surprises here. This group is the best set of outfielders in Seattle since Ichiro and Mike Cameron roamed the grass.
Starting Pitchers
RHP Logan Gilbert, RHP George Kirby, RHP Bryan Woo, RHP Luis Castillo, RHP Emerson Hancock
Again, chalk. The pitchers are listed here in order of their starts, with Seattle hoping Miller’s return can come measured in weeks and not disrupt his buildup too dramatically.
Bullpen
RHP Eduard Bazardo, RHP Matt Brash, RHP Cooper Criswell, LHP José A. Ferrer, RHP Casey Legumina, RHP Andrés Muñoz, LHP Gabe Speier, RHP Carlos Vargas
Once more, as expected. Seattle has opted in favor of just two new faces to start the year in the pen, with Ferrer a foregone conclusion as the newest high-leverage arm. His acquisition in exchange for a package led by C Harry Ford placed the ground-baller in the back end of the pen this winter. Criswell is the other newcomer, bringing a starting and bullpen background to a long relief role for the M’s. While Vargas and Legumina didn’t shine consistently a season ago, both players lack minor league options, and would have required potentially permanent jettisoning. Given the lack of standout popups from this spring, possibly excepting optionable RHP Cole Wilcox, this group is likely to see stability in the Bazardo-Brash-Ferrer-Speier-Muñoz group and turnover elsewhere, at least until health has its say.
What The Los Angeles Kings Will Regret Most If They Miss The PlayoffsIt's been a relatively disappointing season so far for the Los Angeles Kings. But if they don't make the playoffs this year, here is what the organization might regret the most when they look back on the season.
COVERS INTEL: Logan Webb was hit hard and often last season, ranking below the 39th percentile in both expected batting average and average exit velocity.
D.J. Short
