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The Mets biggest offensive hole remains in the outfield

The Mets have made it very clear that improving their outfield is important before we get into February and really begin to think about the 2026 campaign. They offered Kyle Tucker a monstrous four year, $220m deal before the lefty chose the back-to-back champion Dodgers offer of four years, $240m, showing how important they view an upgrade to the outfield.

The Mets pivoted from the rejection quickly, signing Bo Bichette to a three year, $126m deal (with two opt outs, really making it a one year pact, but I digress) the day after Tucker went to the West Coast. Signing Bichette shored up their other biggest need, a strong right handed hitter to balance out their lefty-heavy lineup, something the Mets coveted all winter. While Bichette, obviously, does not help fix their outfield woes, which is currently constructed as rookie Carson Benge, Tyrone Taylor, and Juan Soto, signing the infielder does make their pursuit of an outfielder more flexible than it was previously.

Bo Bichette is a very good hitter, as he comes into 2026 with a career slash line of .294/.337/.469 (124 wRC+), and that includes his injury plagued 2024 where he hit .225/.277/.322 (70 wRC+), which likely causes his career numbers to undersell his overall production. Slotting into third base, and somewhere between one through four in the everyday lineup, makes their pursuit of an outfielder much more interesting than it was previously.

The Mets chased Kyle Tucker because he killed two birds with one stone — filling in their need for an outfielder and an impact bat in one swoop, despite being left handed. They have also been linked to Cody Bellinger, who is riding a bounce back 2025 season in the Bronx into a very demanding contract ask, as he is currently spurning some very generous offers by the Yankees.

The Mets have been pretty consistently linked to Bellinger, with the caveat that the lefty would accept a similar contract to the one that Bichette signed; a short term contract with opt outs, one that gives the Mets the long-term payroll flexibility that President of Baseball Operations David Stearns covets. Bellinger, prior to the Bichette signing, felt like an awkward fit for the Mets, however. While a good player, he has not been an offensive superstar since his first three years in the league with the Dodgers. His last three years have been up and down offensively, literally, as he had a 135 wRC+ in 2023 with the Cubs, a 108 wRC+ in 2024, again with the Cubs, and a 124 wRC+ last season with the Yankees. The Mets, who moved on from Brandon Nimmo and Pete Alonso this winter, needed someone a little more stable offensively than modern-day Bellinger can provide.

Bichette’s signing, however, makes the sometimes inconsistent Bellinger a better fit for the Mets, in my view. He is a good defender, and is a flexible one, able to play all three outfield spots and also first base, which fits the roster’s needs like a glove. He will not be relied upon to be a foundational offensive player, and more of a complimentary one, which suits his strengths more in 2026.

If Bellinger and the Yankees want to continue their very expensive game of chicken, the Mets suddenly can go a myriad of ways to fix their outfield issue. Carson Benge, who is one of the very best prospects in the sport, will get every opportunity to be in the Mets everyday lineup come March 26th. With him likely locked into a spot, upgrading on Tyrone Taylor (70 wRC+, 0.8 fWAR) is the goal.

Similarly to how I feel about Bellinger, the Mets can chase more complimentary offensive outfielders than necessarily needing a middle of the order hitter. Will Sammon, in The Athletic, suggested something similar, naming guys such as Harrison Bader, Lars Nootbar, Jake Meyers, and Luis Robert Jr. Bader and Meyers are more defensive minded players who can pitch in offensively and play center field, kicking Benge to left. Nootbar and Robert are bounce back candidates that a team with a revamped Major League hitting apparatus can get more out of after they battled injury.

Those are just a few names from a very tight lipped organization, but it does show a peak into their thinking. The flexibility of a strong defensive center fielder that pushes Benge into left field and allows for the best possible outfield you can have, or a better hitting left fielder that allows Benge to be the center fielder himself, something prospect evaluators have little doubt he can handle, means that there is likely a few interesting tricks up the Mets sleeve during this offseason of immense change.

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Mariners News, 1/20/26: Jose A. Ferrer, Jorge Mateo, and Ryan Pressly

In Mariner news…

Around the league…

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Breaking away from Cody Bellinger

Another day, another series of tweets detailing how the Yankees are prepared to walk away from the negotiating table in the case of Cody Bellinger. The club seems to be standing on the five-year, $150-ish million offer they’ve had for the onetime MVP since the beginning of free agency, and Bellinger’s camp still appears confident they can get seven guaranteed years. By all accounts both the Blue Jays and Mets are also negotiating with Cody’s crew, and the Yankees are willing to let their division or crosstown rival have him if the price goes above the number they’re at.

The pivot being reported on is primarily one to the trade market, with the club very much interested in Brewers starter Freddy Peralta, even after bringing in Ryan Weathers last week (Austin Hays is another lesser outfield consideration). The truth is the Yankees need quite a bit of help by my estimation, especially as the Jays, Red Sox and even Orioles are on paper better than they were last year. New York has to count on a number of things falling into place — that Gerrit Cole can be effective in his age-35 season coming off Tommy John surgery, that Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s career year in 2025 was closer to his true baseline talent, that Austin Wells can be more like his 2024 self than last year’s version, that Aaron Judge can continue to have arguably the greatest peak by a right-handed hitter ever.

Adding Peralta, but perhaps especially Bellinger, helps to offset some of those possible pitfalls. The Yankee lineup without him begins to look pretty thin — certainly thinner than the rotation. You start to count on steps forward from Anthony Volpe and Jasson Domínguez, or Trent Grisham repeating himself, or Spencer Jones to actually become a representative MLB player, and all four of those possibilities seems equally as unlikely as the rest. While I don’t think Cody Bellinger is his MVP form anymore, I would reasonably expect him to be better than all four of those guys in 2026.

Here’s where things get tricky, though. Five years is probably the limit that I would also go with Belli, and would probably expect that fifth year to be fairly underwater. Six or seven years stretch that from one season where you’re writing off performance to an Aaron Hicks-esque hair pulling. However, all roster and personnel decisions the Yankees make should be seen through the lens of winning with Aaron Judge. We don’t know how much longer we’ll have a guy with a 200 wRC+ and 10-WAR production, a player who at present is the second-best hitter and seventh-most-valuable overall in the history of the game’s most storied franchise.

“The playoffs are a crapshoot” is passed around here like a cigarette, but the organization clearly believes in it. Build a team good enough that you get into the postseason, load up on relief pitching, and see what happens. In a watered down playoff system, in an American League that doesn’t look nearly as competitive as its Senior Circuit counterpart, the Yankees as currently constructed are probably a playoff team barring some kind of catastrophe. A playoff team with a pretty tough postseason rotation to face, at that.

But here’s the thing the org hasn’t really embraced in almost a decade of so-called “Baby Bombers” baseball — the playoffs involve a great deal of randomness, but you can hedge against it. The Dodgers were one good secondary lead away from losing the World Series — that’s randomness — but they have also taken great care and expense to always head into the playoffs with the best possible roster, and the last two years it’s worked well.

There are going to be things that are outside of your control, but there’s a great deal of things that you do control. The next two free agent classes are awful shallow, with the best names available seemingly being Nico Hoerner and Randy Arozarena in the 2027 class. There’s no “wait a year for xyz player” coming down the pipe, and with a looming potential labor crisis next year, that’s another potential lost year in the Aaron Judge era. He’s already arguably the greatest Yankee to not have a ring, and not bringing back Cody Bellinger or at least replacing him with a player likely to offer the same complimentary production makes that drought all the more likely.

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Elephant Rumblings: A’s Interested in Andujar Reunion?

Morning everyone and welcome to a brand new week!

Yesterday afternoon we got a morsel of news regarding our A’s. The club apparently hasn’t closed the door on adding another position player as the team was called one of six teams interested in left fielder/DH Miguel Andujar:

The former top prospect as you know spent the entire 2024 season and the first half of last year with the A’s. After spending years trying to get back to being a consistent hitter in the big leagues he finally showed some life in his bat during his time with the Athletics. Over 135 games played over two years Andujar hit a solid .290/.324/.302 with 10 home runs in about a full-season’s worth of at-bats. And then he was even better with the Reds after the mid-season trade to Cincy, slashing an incredible .359/.400/.544 with 4 long balls in just 34 games as they marched to the postseason. The Reds probably don’t get there without Andujar.

While he missed plenty of time with injuries (a recurring theme for him throughout his career), he was a quality right-handed bat that was superb against lefties and earned more playing time against right-handed pitching. He was predictably best against left-handers (.389 batting average in 2025), but he was still an above-average option against same-handed pitching, giving whatever team he goes to an option against either handed starters.

His defense in left field was also not as much of a handicap as once thought, and he even stepped in at the hot corner for a while when the A’s were desperate to get his bat in the lineup. In 32 games played there he held his own and didn’t commit an error while on the infield dirt. Not saying he would be the everyday option if he joined up again, but the team could definitely find at-bats for him there if neither Max Muncy, Darell Hernaiz or Brett Harris can lay claim. His most likely position would be as a bench bat/part-time left fielder but the A’s have two big bats in those spots in Tyler Soderstrom and Brent Rooker, so the fit isn’t perfect. But he’d likely be an upgrade over young outfielder Colby Thomas, who could always return to Triple-A for more seasoning.

There’s no indication the A’s are considered favorites by any measure, and he’d likely have a better shot at playoff contention if he signed with the Padres or Cubs. That said perhaps his time with the A’s was more impactful on him and he could always seek a return to an up-and-coming young A’s squad. And if he does return, then the A’s essentially got a pitching prospect in RHP Kenya Huggins (currently ranked the #22 prospect in the farm system) in exchange for two months of Andujar’s services. Win-win-win all around already.

We’ll see what happens with him, but the A’s may not be quite done retooling. Would you like Andujar back? And if we miss out on him, another right-handed bat like his? Comment below and discuss.

Have a great day A’s fans.

A’s Coverage:

MLB News and Interest:

Best of X:

Well worth the read about our star shortstop!

A final look at Seth Brown’s time with the A’s:

A’s have some serious international talent coming up through the farm right now:

Several A’s taking in some Kings action:

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Jets Fall To Blackhawks in Toews Return To Chicago

What was supposed to be a storybook night for Winnipeg Jets fans turned into a frustrating shutout loss, as the Chicago Blackhawks blanked the Jets 2–0 on Monday night.

The evening carried plenty of emotion with Jonathan Toews returning to Chicago, the city where he became a franchise icon and lifted three Stanley Cups. Toews took the opening faceoff with part of the United Center crowd quietly pulling for their former captain that now wears Jets colors, a moment that gave the 37-year-old veteran a visible boost.

Midway through the game, the Chicago faithful rose to their feet for a lengthy standing ovation, a fitting tribute to one of the greatest players in Blackhawks history.

Despite the sentimental backdrop, it was Chicago that controlled much of the night. Winnipeg struggled to find its rhythm early, taking nearly four minutes to register its first shot on goal as the Blackhawks applied immediate pressure. The Jets did get a golden opportunity when Vladislav Namestnikov found the puck on the side of the net with no goalie in sight, but a Blackhawks defenseman slid in to block the attempt at the last second.

Momentum briefly swung late in the first period when penalties to Nino Niederreiter (slashing) and Luke Schenn (holding) handed Chicago a rare two-man advantage. Winnipeg killed both penalties successfully and even earned a power play of its own, but couldn’t capitalize as Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight began to settle in and take over the game.

The Jets found more jump as the game wore on, particularly from the line of Toews, Cole Perfetti, and Gabe Vilardi. Early in the second, Perfetti was sprung in front by a crisp Toews feed, only to be denied by Knight. The trio generated extended offensive-zone time and another prime look when Toews slipped behind the defense for a backdoor chance, again turned aside by a sprawling Knight.

One of Winnipeg’s best moments came late in the second period when defenseman Dylan Samberg caught Chicago in the middle of a line change. Using his speed, Samberg sliced through the neutral zone, cut to the middle, and burst past the remaining defenders for a solo chance, but Knight came up with yet another highlight-reel save.

NHL GM Believes Winnipeg Jets Will Make The PlayoffsNHL GM Believes Winnipeg Jets Will Make The PlayoffsA respected NHL GM forecasts a dramatic turnaround, believing the Jets' recent surge and returning health signal a playoff bound finish.

That missed opportunity proved costly. Moments later, Chicago struck first as Jason Dickinson corralled a bouncing puck in the slot and snapped a quick shot over Connor Hellebuyck’s glove to make it 1–0.

Winnipeg pushed in the third, but Knight remained unbreakable. After a tripping penalty to Perfetti gave the Blackhawks another power play, Hellebuyck did his part to keep the Jets within striking distance, making a sensational diving save on a Connor Bedard one-timer from the low slot after a rebound kicked out from the high slot.

The Jets pulled Hellebuyck late, but Bedard sealed the game with an empty-net goal to cap a 2–0 Blackhawks win. Winnipeg finished with 32 shots, all turned aside by a sensational Knight performance.

Hellebuyck was strong at the other end as well, stopping 22 of 23 shots, but the Jets’ recently surging offense went cold. It was also a notable night for Jets defenseman Isaak Phillips, who made his Winnipeg debut against his former team.

Individually, Gabe Vilardi and Kyle Connor led the Jets with four shots apiece, while fourth-line forward Cole Koepke made the most of his limited 7:06 of ice time, recording two shots and a team-high six hits.

Winnipeg will look to quickly shake off the loss when they return home for the second half of their back-to-back, hosting the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night.

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Wild vs Canadiens Prediction, Picks & Same-Game Parlay for Tonight’s NHL Game

The Montreal Canadiens draw the Minnesota Wild in a favorable schedule spot with the two teams hitting the ice at the Bell Centre on Tuesday, January 20.

Minnesota is playing for the second consecutive night and third time in four days, so my Wild vs. Canadiens predictions and NHL picks call for Montreal capitalizing with center Oliver Kapanen continuing to pepper the net.

Wild vs Canadiens prediction

Wild vs Canadiens best bet: Oliver Kapanen Over 1.5 shots on goal (-130)

Montreal Canadiens center Oliver Kapanen has carved out a consistent top-six role and has recorded two or more shots in six of his past eight games for 19 total.

This should also prove to be a favorable matchup with the Minnesota Wild playing the second leg of a back-to-back road set and for the third time in three nights on the highway.

Minny also ranks 26th in Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5 while allowing the seventh-most shots per game (29.6).

Making matters worse for the Wild, go-to forwards Joel Eriksson Ek (lower body) and Matt Boldy (undisclosed) are both on injured reserve, and so is veteran blueliner Jonas Brodin (lower body).

Wild vs Canadiens same-game parlay

Montreal has a sizable rest advantage, having last played on Saturday, and Minnesota will likely turn to struggling backup Jesper Wallstedt in goal tonight.

Wallstedt has allowed three or more goals in six of his past seven starts, posting a .871 SV% and 3.97 GAA, with 4.07 goals saved below expected.

Noah Dobson has recorded two or more shots in eight of his past 12 games while logging a healthy 23:45 per night with 2:02 of power-play time.

Wild vs Canadiens SGP

  • Canadiens -1.5 puck line
  • Oliver Kapanen Over 1.5 shots on goal
  • Noah Dobson Over 1.5 shots on goal

Wild vs Canadiens odds

  • Moneyline: Wild +120 | Canadiens -140
  • Puck Line: Wild +1.5 (-200) | Canadiens -1.5 (+165)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-105) | Under 6.5 (-115)

Wild vs Canadiens trend

The Montreal Canadiens have covered the puck line in 16 of their last 20 games (+14.30 Units / 42% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Wild vs. Canadiens.

How to watch Wild vs Canadiens

LocationBell Centre, Montreal, QC
DateTuesday, January 20, 2026
Puck drop7:00 p.m. ET
TVFDSN, RDS

Wild vs Canadiens latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

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Report: Pirates still in pursuit of third baseman

The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a successful offseason. There’s not too many out there that wouldn’t grade their moves relatively highly. However, there’s more work still to be done, and the Bucs have a glaring need at third base, where the current depth chart lists Jared Triolo as the only one currently on the roster. A recent report, however, still has the Pirates in hot pursuit of one of the top third baseman still out there.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported on his podcast that the Bucs are still interested in Eugenio Suarez. He hit .228 last season with 49 homers and 118 RBIs while playing with the Seattle Mariners and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Rosenthal had this to say about Pittsburgh’s pursuit:

“I would certainly expect, and actually know that the Pirates are interested in Eugenio Suárez and the problem they’re going to face is the problem they’ve faced with other free agents as well… If Eugenio Suárez has chance to play for a more competitive team, in his opinion, he’s going to choose that team. If Eugenio Suárez can go to Boston, if he can return to one of his former teams, Seattle or Arizona, that might be his preference.”

So despite the Pirates’ interest, it sounds like an overpay might be in order to convince Suarez to come to the Steel City. The Bucs are definitely going to be improved this year, and Suarez could very well the bat that takes them from competitive to real players in the division, but other teams still have more attractive situations. In addition, the Bucs still need one or two more arms for their pitching staff as well as potentially another outfielder, so overpaying for Suarez just might not be in the cards.

Nonetheless, Rosenthal says the Bucs are legitimately interested, and as we head down the home stretch into Spring Training, they may have an outside shot at securing another big bat.

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Spurs vs Rockets Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

It’s a “Texas-sized” showdown when the San Antonio Spurs visit the Houston Rockets tonight.

As we know, everything is bigger in the Lone Star State, including San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama, who is a tower of power, especially on the boards. 

My Spurs vs. Rockets predictions expect the 7-foot-4 Frenchman to wipe the glass clean. Here are my best NBA picks for January 20.

Spurs vs Rockets prediction

Spurs vs Rockets best bet: Victor Wembanyama Over 8.5 Rebounds (-140)

The cleanly-shaven Victor Wembanyama is a stat sheet stuffer, especially now that he’s back in the swing of things after an injury-shortened December. 

Along with his offensive performances, Wemby has snatched rebounding efforts of nine, 10, and 10 during the San Antonio Spurs’ three-game winning streak. However, all three results stayed below his rebounding totals of 10.5 O/U.

Tonight’s matchup with the Houston Rockets sees that rebounding total dip to as low as 8.5 O/U against a Houston team that ranks among the top rebounding squads in the NBA. While the Rockets do a fine job cleaning the glass, this adjustment is much too large.

Wembanyama’s recent tallies come despite a decrease in rebounding chance (14.3 per game last three vs. 16.6 on the season), with San Antonio’s sharp shooting limiting his impact on the offensive glass. 

This will be the second of back-to-back games for the Spurs, taking those heavy legs on the road where their shooting success drops from 49% at home to 45.8% as a visitor. Houston presents plenty of pushback, sitting seventh in advanced defensive rating and checking opponents to 45.5% shooting at home (seventh lowest). 

In his only matchup with the Rockets this season, Wembanyama recorded eight boards on 14 rebounding chances. Houston had burly center Steven Adams in action for that meeting as well as forward Tari Eason (a combined 14.6 rebounds per game). Adams is out, and Eason is questionable tonight.

Player projections for this game list Wembanyama’s rebounding totals between nine and 12.2, with my number coming out to 10.2 rebounds. That should have the Over 8.5 rebounds priced around -180 instead of the -140 at bet365.

Spurs vs Rockets same-game parlay

Wembanyama has secured nine or more boards in three straight games, and his work on the glass is vital to stopping the Rockets.

Kevin Durant will benefit from plenty of kickouts, as the Houston runs into Wemby inside and hits KD for open looks.

The Spurs are playing the second of back-to-back games and don’t shoot well on the road. Meanwhile, the Rockets play at a plodding pace and feature a very stingy defense at home.

Spurs vs Rockets SGP

  • Victor Wembanyama Over 8.5 rebounds
  • Kevin Durant Over 2.5 threes
  • Under 220.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Texas Takedown

Houston is a step up for the Spurs, who have beaten up on some bad teams during this streak.

Spurs vs Rockets SGP

  • Rockets -3.5
  • Victor Wembanyama Over 8.5 rebounds
  • Kevin Durant Over 2.5 threes
  • Under 220.5

Spurs vs Rockets odds

  • Spread: Spurs +4 (-110) | Rockets -4 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Spurs +140 | Rockets -165
  • Over/Under: Over 219.5 (-110) | Under 219.5 (-110)

Spurs vs Rockets betting trend to know

San Antonio is 4-7 Over/Under as a road underdog this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Rockets.

How to watch Spurs vs Rockets

LocationToyota Center, Houston, TX
DateTuesday, January 20, 2026
Tip-off8:00 p.m. ET
TVNBC

Spurs vs Rockets latest injuries

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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

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Red Sox News & Links: Sox reportedly still trying to upgrade at catcher

Earlier this offseason, we were all a little surprised to hear that the Red Sox were rumored to be interested in catcher J.T. Realmuto. He’s since resigned with the Phillies, but the Sox are reportedly still interested in upgrading at catcher. While the catching position doesn’t feel like a priority given Carlos Narvaez’s successful rookie campaign, the team may simply see upgrading from Connor Wong as low-hanging fruit. Admittedly, though, there isn’t much catching talent out there right now. (Sean McAdam, MassLive)

But the catching spot should take a backseat to upgrading the infield. As of today, it looks like Marcelo Mayer is being penciled in at third. After yet another season-ending injury, Mayer recently provided an injury update: “I feel good. I’m pretty much doing full baseball activities like a normal ramp-up. I feel like I’m in a good spot.” (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)

And don’t forget: while nothing seems imminent, things can come together quickly. For example, the Ranger Suárez deal was apparently negotiated over the length of a single afternoon. (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)

Suárez is one of three big acquisitions the Sox have made so far. As for on of the others, Willson Contreras, get ready to enjoy a fiery ballplayer: “I play to win. I don’t play to mess around. I don’t play to make friends on other teams. That’s the way I play, and I’m going to keep showing my emotions.” (Ian Browne, MLB.com)

While it’s going to be hard to find a decent catcher or upgrade the infield, it’s not hard to sign international free agents. The international amateur signing period opened last week and the Sox have already signed 17 players, all of whom are expected to head to the player development academy in the Dominican Republic. It’s quite possible, if not probable, that none of these players will ever make it to the big leagues, but here’s a rundown of some of the top names, including two players who were ranked in the top-50 of international amateurs and one player out of Brazil, which is still emerging as a baseball hotbed, powered by Japanese immigration. (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)

And look: we’ve got new minor league coaches! Not the most exciting news in the world, but we just don’t have a lot going on right now, folks. Interestingly, several of them have a history with Driveline. (Christopher Smith, MassLive)

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Good Morning San Diego: Gavin Sheets could have bigger role in ‘26; Jackson Merrill should be commended for his commitment

Gavin Sheets was given the opportunity to make the San Diego Padres roster in Spring Training last season, and he took full advantage of it. He quickly become a fan favorite and chants of “Holy Sheets!” could be heard throughout Petco Park during his at-bats. Sheets even earned himself the nickname “Dairy Bonds” thanks some timely and powerful homeruns. Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune looks at what Sheets has done since becoming a member of the Padres and what he can do during the 2026 season to build on the success of last season.

Padres News:

  • Centerfielder Jackson Merrill signed a nine-year extension with the Padres early in the 2025 season. Some baseball pundits thought he sold himself short by excepting what was by all accounts a team-friendly contract, but Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball talks about how Merrill wants to be in San Diego, much like Mr. Padre.
  • Thomas Conroy of Gaslamp Ball covers detail about the oblique injury suffered by Sung-Mun Song and provides readers with an idea of what to expect regarding the recovery timeline, rehab process and possible setbacks.
  • AJ Cassavell of Padres.com provides his list of the best Padres players by number, which includes former Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy with No. 44. Joe Musgrove still has time to change that, but since he wears 44 because of Peavy it may not happen.
  • According to reports, the Padres are one of many teams interested in adding free agent infielder Miguel Andujar to their roster.

Baseball News:

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Midpoint Checkup: Wizards Are A Work In Progress

The first half of the 2025-26 season is history, and the Wizards season has at times inspired hope, frustration, and laughter. There have been puzzling moments (like Kyshawn George trying to force James Harden to go left — TWICE in the final minutes of a close game) and some exciting ones as well (like Alex Sarr emerging as one of the game’s better rim protectors).

At 10-32, the Wizards have the NBA’s third worst winning percentage (the New Orleans Pelicans and Indiana Pacers are percentage points ahead behind). They‘re 14th in the East, 8.5 games out of the play-in, and they have the league’s worst scoring differential adjusted for strength of schedule or not.

Washington big man Alex Sarr is having a breakout season for the Wizards.

As I’ve written previously, scoring margin is the best measure of relative team strength. Adjusted for opponent quality, the Wizards are -10.8 per game this season. That’s a whopping 2.6 points per game worse than the 29th ranked Sacramento Kings.

Barring a complete second half meltdown, the Wizards are out of “worst ever” historical status. Their adjusted scoring margin is 11th worst all-time, which is an improvement from last season when they were third worst. Ever. They remain on course for the worst two-year run — at least in terms of scoring margin — in NBA history.

The Measuring Stick

Here’s where the Wizards currently rank in the various key stats of team strength (where they ranked at the last update, which was Jan. 13, is in parentheses):

  • Offensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions): 28 (27)
  • Defensive rating (points scored per 100 possessions): 29 (29)

The departures of CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert have — at least temporarily — reduced Washington’s offensive efficiency. Kispert’s impact is less because he missed much of the season with injuries. Trading McCollum is more consequential because of his ability to create good shots and to make tough ones. Plus, his experience helped the team stay somewhat organized.

With McCollum gone, the young guys have to figure things out on their own, which at this point is probably a good thing for their long-term development. Call it a short-term quarter step back in hopes of taking a couple giant steps forward.

Offensive Four Factors

  • eFG%: 23 (21)
  • Offensive Rebounding Percentage: 19 (20)
  • Turnover Rate: 26 (26)
  • Free Throws Made/Field Goal Attempts: 27 (26)

Since the McCollum trade, the Wizards have shot worse and committed more turnovers. They’re also getting to the free throw line a bit less.

Defensive Four Factors

  • eFG%: 22 (23)
  • Defensive Rebounding Percentage: 30 (30)
  • Turnover Rate: 28 (28)
  • Free Throws Made/Field Goal Attempts: 21 (15)

They’re still last in defensive rebounding, but the actual percentage has gone up to 71.0% — it was 70.0% just a few games ago. They’re still almost two percentage points from 29th. As I wrote after a recent game, the defensive results aren’t good, but the coaching staff is implementing a good defensive scheme, and we’re seeing the predictable growing pains.

Player Production Average

Below is a table with updated results from the Player Production Average (PPA) metric so far this season. PPA is an overall rating metric I developed that credits players for things they do that help a team win (scoring, rebounding, play-making, defending) and debits them for things that hurt the cause (missed shots, turnovers, fouls, ineffective defense). PPA is similar to other linear weight rating metrics such as John Hollinger’s PER, David Berri’s Wins Produced, Kevin Pelton’s VORP, and the granddaddy of them all, Dave Heeren’s TENDEX.

PPA weighs a player’s performance per possession against that of his competitors season by season. While PPA falls into the category of a linear weight metric, the values for statistical categories float a bit season-to-season based on league performance.

PPA is pace neutral, accounts for defense, and includes a “degree of difficulty” factor based on the level of competition a player faces while on the floor. Beginning with the 2019-20 season, I added a position/role adjustment designed to reflect how roles and on-court positioning affect individual abilities to produce certain stats.

Inputs include:

  • on-court team defensive rating
  • points
  • rebounds (offensive and defensive weighed differently)
  • assists
  • steals
  • blocks
  • shot attempts
  • turnovers
  • personal fouls
  • starts
  • minutes

In the table below, I’ve included each player’s PPA last time, currently (through games played Jan. 19 — game 42), as well as games played and minutes per game. The Garbage Time Brigade has their own section.

In the table below, LAST = the player’s PPA when I last ran an update, which was through games played Jan. 7, 2026.

PLAYERGAMESMPGLASTPPA
Alex Sarr3327.8157145
Marvin Bagley III3619.3108104
Justin Champagnie4018.59996
Kyshawn George3331.28994
Bilal Coulibaly2526.68381
Tre Johnson3524.77980
Khris Middleton2924.38378
Malaki Branham249.64256
Bub Carrington4228.34751
Cam Whitmore2116.94949
Tristan Vukcevic3011.44346
Will Riley3413.84334
AJ Johnson237.1-7-13
DEPARTEDGAMESMPGPPAPPA
CJ McCollum3530.9121121
Corey Kispert1919.57878
GTBGAMESMPGPPAPPA
Anthony Gill193.85648
Jamir Watkins1713.43729
Sharife Cooper42.5-66-66

2026 All-Star Ballot

Below is a table showing my picks right now for this year’s All-Star game based on a mix of stats and watching too many games.

EASTWEST
Giannis AntetokounmpoShai Gilgeous-Alexander
Donovan MitchellNikola Jokic
Tyrese MaxeyKawhi Leonard
Jalen DurenStephen Curry
Jalen JohnsonLuka Doncic
Michael Porter Jr.Jamal Murray
Cade CunninghamAnthony Edwards
Jalen BrunsonVictor Wembanyama
Jaylen BrownChet Holmgren
Josh GiddeyLeBron James
Norman PowellKevin Durant
Scottie BarnesDeni Avdija
  • I paid no attention to position because apparently All-Star has now joined All-NBA as positionless.
  • I also paid no attention to the U.S. vs. International aspect of this year’s festivities. On a quick eyeballing of the lists, I see at least eight international players, which is the minimum required.
  • I’m not sure if Deni Avdija will actually make the team. He’s playing really well, and there are a lot of good vibes out there about him. In my view, he’s in an arguable group with maybe 6-10 other guys.
  • MVP is a two-man race, assuming Jokic can get to the stupid 65-game requirement. SGA’s PPA is 299 (the only player to crack 300 was Stephen Curry, who did it once). Jokic is at 288. Giannis is third at 257.
  • LeBron James isn’t on my list because of his status as the game’s elder statesman. His PPA is 182 this season, which is excellent. If I was to drop an old guy for someone playing a little better, it would be Kevin Durant.
  • I wanted very much to find a spot for Jimmy Butler, who’s having an excellent season, but I couldn’t see giving two spots to the Golden State Warriors.
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The Raptors risk wasting season with struggles against zone defences

The gravitational pull of the NBA’s play-in tournament is calling out to the Toronto Raptors. And it may be too late to escape its reach if the Raptors can’t salvage the four games that remain in their west coast road trip. 

The Raptors (25-19) are currently one game ahead of the seventh-seeded Orlando Magic and only hold a four-game advantage over the 11th-place Chicago Bulls. Toronto doesn’t have a great history of coming back from its trip out west with a winning record. It’s realistic for this team, especially as they continue to navigate through their injuries, to experience a downward spiral in the Eastern Conference by the end of their business trip. 

The challenges remain relentless, with the next hurdle in the gauntlet being the Golden State Warriors. 

Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. EST on Sportsnet for Canadian viewers. 

Here are three storylines to consider ahead of the contest. 

Three-point woes

The Raptors’ inability to knock down shots from beyond-the-arc is hurting them. While it’s always been a concern when trying to construct a roster around Scottie Barnes, the need for shooters has become especially important since the acquisition of Brandon Ingram. 

Golden State is averaging 16.2 three-pointers (1st) on 36.5 per cent efficiency (10th) this season. It’s important that Toronto breaks out of its shooting slump to help neutralize the home-run ball.

Teams have traditionally gone to zone against the Raptors over the last few years. But it’s shockingly embarrassing how often soft coverages have been deployed in the last month. Opponents don’t respect Toronto’s perimeter shooting and the stats support their reasoning. 

The Raptors rank last in the league in three-point efficiency at 33.6 per cent. Since Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic replaced Nick Nurse, the team has finished in the bottom percentile from the perimeter. They shot 34.8 per cent last season (23rd) and 34.7 per cent in 2023-24 (27th). 

After going 6-for-37 (16 per cent) against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 12, the Raptors are 28-for-93 (30.1 per cent) over the last three games. 

Expect the Warriors to go into zone anytime the Raptors’ offence looks like it’s gaining confidence. 

Warriors eager to come out and play

Since their dramatic 141-127 overtime loss to the Raptors on Dec. 28, the Warriors are 9-3. They have also won their last four games by an average of 19.5 points. 

Jimmy Butler’s season ended when he tore his ACL against the Miami Heat on Jan. 20. Stephen Curry continues to serve as the game-breaking engine of the Warriors’ offence, but Butler (alongside Draymond Green) has alternated with contributing memorable performances. In Butler’s absence, the team’s auxiliary pieces need to step up. Fortunately for Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, they’ve been an integral reason for their recent good fortunes.

Brandin Podziemski is averaging 16.6 points on a blistering 67.8 per cent shooting during the Golden State’s three-game win streak. He’s also contributing 5.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.0 steals in this stretch. Podziemski hasn’t scorched the net like this since mid-December, when he finished six straight contests with double-digit scoring. 

Moses Moody is also finally realizing the potential the Warriors saw when the organization drafted him with the 14th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. Moody is averaging 15.6 points per game over the last three contests. He’s having a career-season in points (10.6), three-point percentage (39.2 per cent), steals (0.9) and blocks (0.6). Moody’s production as a three-and-d type of wing has helped offset Buddy Hield’s inconsistency and the drama of Jonathan Kuminga. 

CMB down

While Jakob Poeltl (back) and RJ Barrett (ankle) are expected to miss the game, it’s Collin Murray-Boyles’ inclusion on the injury report that might be the most significant narrative thread. 

Murray-Boyles’ defensive prowess for a rookie is abnormal. On the surface, his six-foot-seven frame and non-elite athleticism don’t look threatening for someone moonlighting as a centre. But for a team without a true big man in its lineup, his intimidating presence and defensive genius are what have held this team together, particularly during the offence’s cold stretches. 

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NHL Insiders Link Red Wings To Former Patrick Kane Teammate Artemi Panarin

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The vibes are high for the Detroit Red Wings these days, as they're in as advantageous a position through the first 50 games of a season as they've been in nearly 15 years. 

For the first time since the 2011-12 campaign, the Red Wings have won 30 of their first 50 games and are currently in a first-place tie with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the top seed in the Atlantic Division. 

It also won’t be long before the NHL Trade Deadline (March 6) arrives, and if the Red Wings continue on their current trajectory, there’s a strong possibility they could be buyers.

While rumors have linked the Red Wings to Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson, a pair of NHL Insiders have instead speculated about a different player who could land in Detroit, one with a well-known prior connection to forward Patrick Kane.

Insiders Jeff Marek and Pierre McGuire discussed potential landing spots for New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin, who was informed last week by general manager Chris Drury that he will not be offered a new contract by the club. 

"When you look at the landscape for Artemi Panarin, what teams jump to mind for you, Pierre?" Marek asked. 

"I'm going to throw one at you - the Detroit Red Wings," McGuire said. "I think what they've done so far with this team and Todd McLellan there, I think they've amped it up. I look at that Moritz Seider/Simon Edvinsson tandem, that's a read-built defensive tandem for playoff hockey." 

"You look at the quick strike capability of a guy like Lucas Raymond, you look at Alex DeBrincat's goal against Ottawa in overtime, the way he shot the puck; you look at the speed and creativity of Larkin," he continued. "Patrick Kane seems like he's having fun again." 

McGuire then praised what he described as a plethora of talented young players in the Detroit system and suggested packaging some of them in a deal with the Rangers to acquire Panarin, whom he called a “perfect fit” for Detroit.

"Turn some of those young players into a guy like Panarin, I think that's the perfect fit," McGuire said. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.  

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One of the most talented players in the NHL, Panarin already has a prior connection with Kane, having played alongside him with the Chicago Blackhawks and later briefly with the Rangers in 2023.

Much like Kane’s connection with Alex DeBrincat, he developed instant chemistry with Panarin upon the latter’s arrival in the NHL in 2015. The duo routinely wowed fans in Chicago, becoming one of the league’s most dangerous offensive pairings and frequently combining for highlight-reel plays that resulted in goals.

The Red Wings currently have just over $13 million in available salary cap space, which would be more than enough to absorb Panarin's cap hit (a portion of which would likely be retained by the Rangers). 

However, a potential holdup in any pursuit of Panarin, who is a pending unrestricted free agent, is whether he would be willing to agree to a contract extension.

While Detroit previously showed interest in acquiring now–former Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently stated that the absence of an extension was the reason no deal ultimately materialized.

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OTM Open Thread 1/20: There is baseball somewhere

Good morning! Boston saw its first significant snow storm of 2026 yesterday, and it’s well below freezing today. In other words, it very much does not feel like baseball season here. But baseball is being played all around the world, including in the Dominican, where a spot in the LIDOM championship series was decided by a walkoff walk:

Game 1 of the championship series is on Wednesday and you can stream it on MLB.TV.

Talk about what you want, offer congratulations to the Toros del Este fans in your life, and be good to one another.

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Joel Embiid out, Paul George questionable for Sixers vs. Suns; Jalen Green to return for Phoenix

Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

UPDATE 1:15 p.m. ET: Injury reports are available!

For the Sixers, Joel Embiid has been ruled out for Monday hosting the Suns for right ankle injury management. As mentioned in the original post below, Embiid has not played a single game on zero days rest so far this season, so him missing tonight (after playing 33 minutes last night) isn’t a huge surprise. Paul George, who did not play last night, is listed as questionable for left knee injury management.

Seven-foot-one center Mark Williams is questionable for Phoenix due to right knee injury management. Williams has only played in two of a possible six zero-rest games for the Suns so far this season.

The big update from the Suns camp, however, is that it looks like Jalen Green will in fact make his return from injury for Phoenix against the Sixers. Green, a career 20-point scorer in four seasons with the Rockets, has been out since early November with a hamstring injury and has played only two games this season.

Another day, another Philadelphia 76ers game.

The Sixers are back in action on Tuesday evening to host the Phoenix Suns less than 24 hours after defeating the Indiana Pacers. This is the eighth of an NBA-high (tied with four other teams) 16 back-to-backs this season for the Sixers. So far this campaign, they are 5-2 in games on zero days rest. The Suns are also coming into Philly on the second leg of a back-to-back, having defeated the Brooklyn Nets in New York City last night.

You know what back-to-backs mean by now! No official injury reports until this afternoon.

Joel Embiid, after being listed as questionable throughout the day for left knee injury management and illness, ended up playing against the Pacers, putting up 30 points on 10-for-17 field goal shooting with nine rebounds in 33:18. Neither he nor Paul George have played a game on zero days rest so far this season, so one could guess that Embiid may not be available for Tuesday. PG, however, did not play on Monday night after being ruled out for left knee injury management. That leaves the door more open for him to be possibly available to take on the Suns.

For Phoenix, their only absence for their Monday contest was Jalen Green, out with a hamstring strain. Green was listed as questionable before that contest, however, which is notable as Green has been sidelined since early Nov. 2025 with a hamstring issue. He has played just two games this season for the Suns after being moved to Phoenix as part of the Kevin Durant trade, but is a career 20-point per game scorer in his previous four NBA seasons with the Houston Rockets. A return from Green could mean a big boost for the Suns’ offense. Phoenix coach Jordan Ott told reporters on Monday that Green being ruled out against the Nets was “just giving him the extra day” and that Green would make his return against the Sixers on Tuesday “if everything checks out.”

We will keep you posted on official availabilities when the teams’ injury reports are posted.

This is the Sixers’ first of two meetings with the Suns this season. Phoenix are led by franchise veteran Devin Booker, who is averaging 25.3 points, 6.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game in this his 11th NBA season. Dillon Brooks is right alongside Booker this year, averaging 20.9 points per contest and shooting 35.1 percent from three-point range on a 7.2 attempts per game clip. The Suns also have a decent supporting cast down the roster of players contributing well this season, including Grayson Allen, Collin Gillespie and 7-foot-1 Mark Williams. This squad, especially with the prospective addition of Green back in the mix, will be a formidable opponent for the Sixers.

The Suns come into Tuesday’s contest at 26-17, currently sitting in seventh in the Western Conference. They’ve won seven of their last ten games as they continue to battle for every inch of leverage in the conference, with just a game or less separating them from the three squads ahead of them, as of Tuesday morning.

This is game five of a six-game roadie for the Suns, and they’ll have some tired legs on top of that. The struggling Nets were able to keep things relatively close on Monday night against the Suns, so most of the Phoenix starters played a normal amount of minutes last night, ranging from 28 to 34.

The Sixers were in a similar boat against the Pacers in not pulling away until towards the very end of the contest, with the Philly starters logging anywhere from 24 minutes to 40 (Tyrese Maxey) on Monday. So, there may be some weariness on both sides tonight.

Maxey, by the way, had a stellar game last night to celebrate his first All-Star starter nod. He put up 29 points (14 in the fourth period to secure the win) on 12-for-24 field goal shooting with eight assists and a career-high eight steals. It was the perfect display of the guard not only continuing to develop offensively but also the massive leap his defense has taken this season.

The Sixers and Suns will tip off in South Philadelphia at 7 p.m. ET.

Game Details

When: Tuesday, January 20, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers