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Alex Bregman, Red Sox have not discussed contract extension: Report

Alex Bregman, Red Sox have not discussed contract extension: Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Alex Bregman has fit in well with the Boston Red Sox since signing in free agency, but will he even finish the 2025 campaign with the club?

Bregman’s three-year, $120 million contract includes opt-outs after the 2025 and 2026 seasons. With the MLB trade deadline looming, it’s fair to wonder whether Boston could trade the All-Star third baseman if the two sides can’t agree on an extension before July 31, rather than watch him leave for nothing in the offseason.

According to WEEI’s Rob Bradford, Bregman and the Red Sox have yet to discuss a potential contract extension:

During his Thursday appearance on WEEI’s Greg Hill Show, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow was asked to describe his extension talks with Bregman in one word.

“I think ‘ongoing’ is always a fair summary, given this is something on our mind and it’s something on Alex’s mind,” Breslow answered.

“I’ve been pretty outspoken about what he’s provided on the field and in the clubhouse. He’s a guy we would like to have here in a Red Sox uniform for a long time.”

Bregman was an early American League MVP candidate before suffering his quad injury in May. He slashed .299/.385/.553 with 11 homers and 35 RBI to earn his third career All-Star nod despite not playing since May 23. Since being placed on the injured list, Bregman’s veteran presence has been felt in the Red Sox dugout and clubhouse.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Bregman will likely return to the lineup before the All-Star break. The two-time World Series champion is expected to play in two of Boston’s three games against the Tampa Bay Rays from Friday to Sunday.

Bregman’s contract situation will be worth monitoring over the next three weeks. ESPN recently listed Bregman as one of MLB’s top trade candidates if he doesn’t sign an extension with Boston before the July 31 trade deadline.

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Thunder, Jalen Williams reportedly agree to rookie max extension

Fresh off of their first NBA title, the Oklahoma City Thunder have wasted no time this offseason solidifying the future of many of their key players.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Thursday afternoon that the team has agreed to a rookie max extension with forward Jalen Williams. The deal, which goes into effect starting with the 2026-27 season, could be worth up to $287 million over five years.

The 2024-25 season was the most productive of J-Dub's NBA career, as he earned his first All-Star Game appearance, third-team All-NBA and second-team All-Defensive team honors. Used at every position other than point guard at various stages, Williams averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.7 blocks and 1.8 three-pointers per game in 69 regular-season appearances.

Williams would record similar averages during Oklahoma City's march to the NBA title, and his 40-point effort in a Game 5 victory over the Indiana Pacers during the NBA Finals won't be forgotten anytime soon. It's worth noting that Williams did his damage during the latter stages of the season while playing through a right wrist injury that required surgery shortly after the NBA Finals.

With Thursday's news, the Thunder have secured the futures of Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren this offseason with extensions that could ultimately total $822 million.

Add in the new deals that Jaylin Williams and Ajay Mitchell agreed to, and lead executive Sam Presti and the franchise have not wasted any time securing the team's core for the foreseeable future.

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Sharks trade defenseman Henry Thrun to Maple Leafs for forward Ryan Reaves

Sharks trade defenseman Henry Thrun to Maple Leafs for forward Ryan Reaves originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

With a slew of NHL-caliber defensemen on the Sharks’ roster, Henry Thrun was the odd man out on Thursday.

San Jose traded Thrun to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Ryan Reaves, the team announced, acquiring a postseason-experienced player who is very familiar with the Sharks.

“We’re excited to welcome Ryan to the organization,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in a statement. “He will bring energy, personality, physical play and toughness to our group. He has been a part of many winning teams, and I witnessed firsthand the positive impact he can bring to a group when I was with the Rangers.”

Reaves was involved in one of the most personal feuds in NHL history with former Sharks wing Evander Kane during the former’s time with the Vegas Golden Knights — a rivalry that reached a boiling point with an epic on-ice fight during the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs.

But those days are in the past as Reaves joins San Jose in Thursday’s trade. Reaves, 38, has appeared in 912 NHL games with the St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild and Toronto. Reaves has posted 137 points (63 goals, 74 assists) and 1100 penalty minutes across that span, and also has made the playoffs in 14 of his last 15 seasons.

Last season with Toronto, Reaves appeared in 35 games, recording two assists and 28 penalty minutes. He also played in three AHL games with the Toronto Marlies and scored one goal.

Last week, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reported, citing sources, that it was expected at least one Sharks defenseman would be traded after San Jose signed Dmitry Orlov and John Klingberg in NHL free agency and claimed Nick Leddy off waivers. Pagnotta reported both Thrun and Timothy Liljegren would be available.

The Sharks acquired Thrun in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks on Feb. 28, 2023, and he appeared in 119 games with San Jose over three seasons (2023-2025), posting 25 points (five goals, 20 assists). He also appeared in 18 career games with the San Jose Barracuda, totaling six points (one goal, five assists).

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Jacob deGrom is vintage again, now an All-Star ace in Texas after several injury-filled seasons

This is finally the vintage Jacob deGrom pitching for the Texas Rangers, and not because the lanky right-hander recently turned 37 years old.

After several injury-filled seasons in a row, both before and since going to Texas in free agency, deGrom is again an All-Star ace.

“It’s a little bit of validation,” deGrom said. “Coming back from a major surgery, your second (Tommy John), there is some unknown. To be fortunate enough to be able to throw the ball pretty well, I’m just thankful to be able to be back out there on a major league mound.”

DeGrom (9-2, 2.29 ERA) this year has made 18 starts, twice as many as he had combined the past two seasons after joining the Rangers. It is already his most since 2019, when he won his second National League Cy Young Award in a row while pitching for the New York Mets.

His fifth All-Star nod is his first in the American League after being the only Texas player selected for the game next Tuesday night in Atlanta.

“I don’t want to take for granted how hard this game is because he’s making it look really easy,” said Chris Young, the Rangers’ president of baseball operations and a former big league pitcher. “It’s precious when you get to see greatness like that.”

A no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night ended deGrom’s franchise record of 14 consecutive starts going at least five innings without giving up more than two runs. That same span was the longest streak by any traditional starter (not including openers) in the modern era since 1900 of not allowing more than six hits and two runs in a game, according to STATS.

DeGrom came the closest he has to a no-hitter in his 236 career games on June 26 at Baltimore. He was perfect through six innings and the only hit was a leadoff single in the eighth.

“He’s an alien or something, I don’t know how he does what he does,” said Jack Leiter, the son of a big league pitcher and the 2021 No. 2 overall pick still a Rangers rookie this season.

“It doesn’t look like anything’s bothering him,” catcher Jonah Heim said. “It looks like he’s going out there free and easy and and trusting his stuff, and it’s pretty fun to watch.”

Second surgery

The Rangers won the first six games deGrom started in his debut for them by the end of April 2023 before he had Tommy John surgery for the second time — the first was in 2010 as a minor leaguer for the Mets. He wasn’t pitching when Texas won its only World Series title, then rehabbed most of last year before three short starts at the end of the season.

His 106 1/3 innings this year are one more than he pitched combined the past three seasons, his first two in Texas and his final one in New York.

“I think as much as anything with Jacob, he’s just so happy that he feels good,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. “The talent obviously is there. It’s a tough road. ... Now he’s back having fun playing the game.”

Bochy said the Rangers will continue to monitor deGrom’s workload. He had at least five days of rest between six of his seven starts while going 5-0 since the beginning of June. He is averaging 86 pitches a game, and his 103 on May 21 was the only time over 100.

“The thing about Jacob is it’s so effortless,” Bochy said. “Not a lot of stressful innings.”

All-Star appearances

The 2014 NL Rookie of the Year made his first All-Star Game in 2015, when Bochy was the NL manager and DeGrom needed only 10 pitches to strike out Stephen Vogt, Jason Kipnis and Jose Iglesias.

DeGrom also made three consecutive All-Star teams in 2018, 2019 and 2021 — there wasn’t one during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He allowed a solo homer to Mike Trout in the 2018 game, and pitched a perfect inning in 2019.

After his back-to-back Cy Young seasons, deGrom started 12 of the Mets’ 60 games in 2020. He had a 1.08 ERA over 92 innings through 15 starts in 2021, but didn’t pitch in the All-Star Game and missed the rest of the season with right forearm tightness and a sprained elbow. He was shut down during spring training in 2022 after a stress reaction in his right scapula, then was 5-4 with a 3.08 ERA in 11 starts the last two months of that season before becoming a free agent.

Injury extension

The $185 million, five-year contract deGrom signed with Texas included a conditional sixth-year club option for 2028 that has already been trigged because of the time he missed after Tommy John surgery.

That option is worth at least $20 million, but would be $30 million if he finishes among the top five in Cy Young voting or pitches at least 625 innings during the contract. It increases to $37 million if he finishes among the top five at least three times or pitches 725 innings.

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Canadiens: On Koivu’s Return To Montreal

Saku Koivu was never one to relish the spotlight; he wasn’t as a player, and even less now as the father of a hockey player. He came back to Montreal for the first time since 2019 thanks to his son Aatos’ presence at the Montreal Canadiens’ development camp, but he didn’t want to steal his thunder, so he didn’t even speak to the media.

Now that he’s back home in Turku, Finland, he gave an interview to the Journal de Montreal, and here’s what he had to say in a nutshell. He was discreet in Montreal, giving autographs and posing for selfies to those who asked as he walked by the Centre Bell, and it was emotional for the former Hab.

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His stay in Montreal the first time around, first as a player and then as a captain, saw him go through a lot, the early years of his career, his battle with cancer, and the birth of his kids, who were only four and three years old when he left for Anaheim. A victim of Bob Gainey’s cleanse in the run-up to the centennial, the longest-tenured Canadiens captain (tied with Jean Beliveau) was allowed to walk as a free agent in the Summer before the 2009-10 season.

Struck by a thunderous cancer in the prime of his career, Koivu won his battle against it in brilliant fashion, and his return to play was the occasion for the most heartfelt ovation given to an active player in modern times. Today, as he approaches 51 years old, his health is good, and cancer is a distant memory.

During his visit to Montreal for the development camp, he was allowed to go and see the family’s former house, and it’s easy to guess that nostalgia hit hard when he tells the interviewer that time goes by so fast.

His life is quite different nowadays; he sits on the Turku hockey team’s board, but that's not a full-time commitment. Instead, he has been involved in construction for the past 10 years, and he says he has learned a great deal in that field since then.

With Koivu’s son’s performance during the development camp, it is likely that the former Canadiens’ captain won’t wait another six years before visiting again. Aatos’ contract with TPS Turku will come to an end this upcoming season, and he will also be getting his diploma. There’s no set course of action beyond that, though. He could sign another contract with Turku or pursue a career in the AHL or American college system; time will tell. For now, he doesn’t have a contract with the Canadiens, but it will be interesting to see what the Canadiens decide to do as the end of his contract nears.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

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Mavericks star Cooper Flagg shows flashes in NBA Summer League debut

Mavericks star Cooper Flagg shows flashes in NBA Summer League debut originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Cooper Flagg made his professional debut Thursday night in the NBA Summer League and celebrated an 87-85 win over Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Flagg finished with 10 points on 5-for-21 shooting, including 0-for-5 from 3-point range. He also had six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Though Flagg struggled at times to find his rhythm, there were flashes as to why he was chosen No. 1 overall last month, doing plenty of little things that helped the Mavericks seal the win, including a key block near the end of the game.

Flagg swatted DJ Steward’s attempt with 1:10 left in the game, and Ryan Nembhard made a 3-pointer at the other end to give Dallas the 87-85 lead.

Flagg strolled into UNLV’s Thomas and Mack Center at 4:17 p.m. on Thursday, wearing Dallas Mavericks gear, bright white New Balance shoes, and an emotionless look on his face as he passed through security.

Roughly 45 minutes later, he wore the same stone-cold face as he came out for warmups shortly after 5 p.m.

His fans more than made up for it with plenty of energy, electrifying the jam-packed arena that cheered loudest when he was announced as a starter in his first Summer League game.

Flagg missed his first two attempts of the game, picked up his first foul just 46 seconds into the game, and gave the crowd what they’d been anticipating, going one-on-one with fellow fan favorite James.

James buried his first attempt over Flagg, and then hit a 3-pointer after the 6-foot-8 Duke product missed his second attempt to give the Lakers a 5-0 lead.

Flagg excited the crowd at the 4:30 mark of the first quarter, jamming home his first points.

Early in the second quarter, Flagg nearly sent every fan in the building into a frenzy when he made a spin move into the paint and attempted a one-handed slam dunk over 7-foot Christian Koloko. The ball caromed off the back of the rim and still drew plenty of oohs and ahhs.

Generally filled with Lakers fans when the team plays in the summer, the arena was full of emotion with a fair share of Mavericks fans in attendance to see the 2025 National college player of the year.

Like 15-year-old Baer Epple, 15, who was seated with his father Chad in the third row from the court, donning Dirk Nowitzki’s Mavericks jersey.

Epple said he’s been following Flagg since before his Duke days, beginning with his junior year at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Maine.

The 15-year-old who is in Las Vegas from Seattle for an AAU tournament said he’s been a Mavericks fan for roughly four years.

“Even more of a fan now that they got Cooper Flagg,” Epple said. “Hopefully he does good, that’d be pretty cool to see. I don’t want him to be like a bust or anything.”

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd told The Associated Press before the game he’s looking for nothing more than effort and grit in his team’s opening game, as he wants them all playing hard.

“This summer league is a little different when you have this type of turnout,” Kidd said. “But the guys have had a couple practices. There’s going to be some turnovers. I just want to see how they respond to a couple of mistakes being made, no one’s gonna play a perfect game and be unselfish.”

As for his prize draft pick: “We’re all excited,” Kidd said of Flagg. “Seen enough of him on tape, so now it’s good to see him on the floor.”

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Twins keep sore Byron Buxton out of starting lineup with bruised hand, but expect All-Star to be fine

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins held All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton out of the starting lineup on Thursday because of a bruised left hand that is not expected to affect his availability for long.

Manager Rocco Baldelli said before the game against the Chicago Cubs that Buxton could be available as a substitute — possibly as a pinch-hitter — depending on how the hand was feeling.

Buxton was hit by a pitch in the first inning on Wednesday and stayed in the game to run the bases but was removed before his next at-bat. The pitch hit at least part of the protective pad Buxton wears on his hand. X-rays showed no breaks.

“Nothing’s really gotten worse from yesterday, but he’s definitely sore and for the same reasons he came out of the game yesterday, he’s not going to be starting the game today,” Baldelli said. “I think he’s going to be fine and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s back out there soon.”

Buxton was selected for his second All-Star Game and also chosen as a first-time entrant in the Home Run Derby, but his participation in those events next week in his home state of Georgia did not appear to be in jeopardy.

“We’re just going to be seeing how he is today and tomorrow and see what he’s capable of,” Baldelli said. “The next couple of days will basically give us that answer.”

The 31-year-old Buxton has 20 home runs through 75 games this year, tied for sixth in the American League. He’s also third in the AL in runs and slugging percentage, sixth in OPS and seventh in stolen bases.

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Mets recall Luisangel Acuña from Triple-A before doubleheader against Orioles

BALTIMORE — The New York Mets recalled 23-year-old utility man Luisangel Acuña from Triple-A Syracuse before Thursday’s split doubleheader against Baltimore.

The brother of Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr., Luisangel Acuña went 13-for-45 (.286) for Syracuse after the Mets optioned him in late June.

Capable of playing second base, shortstop or the outfield, Acuña had batted .241 in 65 games before going to the minors.

“He was a big part of this team the first couple of months,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters of Acuña. “We got to a point where we felt like, ’Hey, let’s get him some everyday playing time. ‘And now it’s time for him to be back up here, continuing to help us win baseball games.”

In a corresponding move, the Mets designated outfielder Travis Jankowski for assignment.

Acuña was on the bench for New York’s first game of the doubleheader.

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'I'm Happy To See Some Results': A Relative Unknown, Penguins' Defensive Prospect Aims To Build On Breakout Season

Brampton Steelheads defenseman and alternate captain Finn Harding. (Credit: Luke Durda - OHL Images)

All things considered, the Pittsburgh Penguins have a pretty deep prospect pool on the blue line. 

And one defensive prospect - to many, relatively unknown - wants to continue building on the breakout season he had in 2024-25.

Defenseman Finn Harding climbed up Pittsburgh's prospect rankings in 2024-25 with an impressive campaign. Known for his shutdown ability at the time when he was selected in the seventh round (223rd overall) by the Penguins in 2024, Harding burst onto the map offensively in his third season with the Brampton Steelheads of the OHL, putting up seven goals and 57 points in 67 games and finishing eighth in OHL scoring among defensemen.

In addition, the 6-foot-2, 206-pound blueliner broke the Steelheads' single-season assists record for a defenseman with 50, and he finished seventh in the OHL among all skaters at a plus-46 - which was also the fourth-highest mark among defensemen. He was awarded for his stellar play with a three-year entry-level contract in March.

Harding knows he was branded as a defensive defenseman at the time of his draft selection, but he put a lot of work into his all-around game last summer, which clearly paid off.

"Definitely, my game is more defensive and transitional, and I like to be hard to play against," Harding said. "But, last summer, I really tried to work on my craft and add some tools to the box and tried to expand my game and become more two-way, and I was able to produce more and earn some good opportunities, which helped.

"I had great teammates as well to play with, which made it a little bit easier. But, I worked on that last summer, and I'm happy to see some results."

Penguins Sign Defensive Prospect To Entry-Level ContractPenguins Sign Defensive Prospect To Entry-Level ContractIt appears the Pittsburgh Penguins are rewarding one of their blossoming defensive prospects. 

Of course, Harding had some exceptional teammates to share the ice with - most notably, sixth overall pick Porter Martone, who registered 37 goals and 98 points in 57 games. But a lot of the credit for his uptick in production and the betterment of his two-way game goes to Harding himself, as he played in pretty much every situation for Brampton last season and logged heavy minutes.

And those things certainly didn't go unnoticed by the Penguins as an organization.

"He's an exceptional kid. Absorbs everything we've thrown at him," Penguins' director of player development Tom Kostopoulos said. "I think, throughout his season in Brampton, he was thrown into every different role. He was killing penalties, he was on the power play... there were times througout the Christmas stretch where - while the guys were at World Juniors - he was playing 30 minutes a night and just eating it up. So, a lot of growth in his gamH

Finn Harding at the Penguins' 2025 Prospect Development Camp. (Credit: Kelsey Surmacz - The Hockey News)

He added: "He's a willing learner. He's learning how to defend really hard consistently, move pucks, some offensive side to him this year in Brampton. So, exciting times for him."

Kostopoulos mentioned that an area of growth for Harding - as is the case with many young, developing players - is his footspeed and skating as a whole. Harding self-diagnosed that as well, acknowledging that being more mobile is something he's actively working on. 

"The game is so fast now, and everyone can skate," Harding said. "The best defensemen in the league are the ones who can skate the best and be able to keep up with these forwards, stop them in their tracks, and then turn it the other way."

With Breadth Of Positional Depth In The System, Penguins' Defensive Prospects Eager To Take Next StepsWith Breadth Of Positional Depth In The System, Penguins' Defensive Prospects Eager To Take Next StepsWhen Pittsburgh Penguins’ Prospect Development Camp began on Thursday, 48 players took the to the ice - some for the first time in black and gold, others returned to a familiar place.

Harding - who is eligible for the AHL this season at age 20 - gives a lot of credence to the Penguins' developmental staff, as well as the organization as a whole, in terms of the environment and its ability to get the most out of players. It is a transitional time for the Penguins as an organization, as they are actively shifting to the next generation of youth while still trying to maintain the winning culture that they've become so renowned for.

For Harding, he knows that he and everyone else - despite being in competition with one another, especially on the blue line, for precious few organizational roster spots - can learn a lot from those in the organization as well as each other as they navigate the process of development. 

At the end of the day, they all have the same end goal of helping the NHL club win hockey games. 

“It’s a great group here, and great staff, and they help us each and every day to be better and help develop as fast as we can,” Harding said. “But, obviously, it’s up to us to push the pace and come into the rink with a purpose and a plan every day and grow together, grow as fast as we can, and help this team out.”

Dubas May Have Sought Quantity In This Year's Draft. But That Doesn't Mean He Missed On Quality.Dubas May Have Sought Quantity In This Year's Draft. But That Doesn't Mean He Missed On Quality.In the aftermath of every NHL Draft, the analysis always comes due.

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Diamondbacks at Padres prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, trends, and stats for July 10

Its Thursday, July 10 and the Diamondbacks (46-47) are in San Diego to take on the Padres (49-43).

Eduardo Rodriguez is slated to take the mound for Arizona against Randy Vásquez for San Diego.

The Diamondbacks have taken two of three in the series following last night's 8-2 thumping of the Padres. Eugenio Suarez belted his 29th home run of the season in the fourth inning and Geraldo Perdomo smacked a grand slam in the fifth to pace the offense. Brandon Pfaadt allowed but two runs over eight innings to earn his ninth win of the season.

Lets dive into tonight's matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Diamondbacks at Padres

  • Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
  • Time: 9:40PM EST
  • Site: Petco Park
  • City: San Diego, CA
  • Network/Streaming: ARID, SDPA, MLBN

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Diamondbacks at the Padres

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: Diamondbacks (-124), Padres (+104)
  • Spread:  Diamondbacks -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Diamondbacks at Padres

  • Pitching matchup for July 10, 2025: Eduardo Rodriguez vs. Randy Vásquez
    • Diamondbacks: Eduardo Rodriguez (3-5, 5.78 ERA)
      Last outing: 7/4 vs. Kansas City - 4.1IP, 8ER, 12H, 0BB, 7Ks
    • Padres: Randy Vásquez (3-4, 3.79 ERA)
      Last outing: 7/4 vs. Texas - 6IP, 2ER, 3H, 3BB, 1K

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Diamondbacks at Padres

  • The Diamondbacks are 7-3 in their last 10 games on the road
  • The Over is 4-1 in the Diamondbacks' last 5 matchups against National League teams
  • The Diamondbacks have covered in 4 of their last 5 road games but they are profiting 2.06 units
  • Randy Vasquez has struck out more than 3 batters in a game 1 time in 18 starts this season
  • Eugenio Suarez is just 7-34 (.206) in July but 3 of the 7 hits are HRs

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Padres

Rotoworld Best Bet

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Thursday's game between the Diamondbacks and the Padres:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Arizona Diamondbacks on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the San Diego Padres at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

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Five Years Of Vancouver Canucks Free Agency Moves

With the 2025 Free Agency period now open, let’s take a look back at the Vancouver Canucks’ past five free agent classes. 

2020

The 2020 free agency period was one of massive shifts for the Canucks. Vancouver’s locker room lost key players in Jacob Markström, Chris Tanev, Troy Stecher, and trade deadline acquisition Tyler Toffoli. 

To fill the gap in goal, Vancouver signed former Washington Capital Braden Holtby to a two-year, $8.6M contract, though they bought the goaltender out less than a season after. In 21 games played with Vancouver, he posted a record of 7–11–3 and a .889 SV%. 

As well as signing Holtby, the Canucks also inked forward Jayce Hawryluk to a one-year, $800K contract. A former second-round pick by the Florida Panthers in the 2014 NHL Draft, Hawryluk played 30 games with Vancouver and scored two goals and three assists. 

Later on, in the 2021 pre-season, Vancouver signed defenceman Travis Hamonic to a one-year, $1.25M contract. Hamonic was the only player of these free-agent signings to remain with the Canucks past one season, staying with them until being dealt to the Ottawa Senators in 2022. Hamonic had six goals and 11 assists in all 62 games played with the Canucks. 

2021

Rather than splurge on a top-end forward or goaltender, the Canucks chose to increase their organizational depth in 2021. With Alex Edler heading off to the Los Angeles Kings, and Nate Schmidt dealt to the Winnipeg Jets, Vancouver needed to add some stronger pieces on defence to make up for the losses. 

The first defender that Vancouver signed was Tucker Poolman, who only ended up playing 43 games with the Canucks throughout two seasons. He signed a four-year, $2.5M AAV contract with the team, but never ended up playing in a full season with Vancouver due to injuries. 

Next on the list of defenceman signings was Brady Keeper, who signed a two-year deal worth $762K per year. He was joined by fellow defender Devante Stephens, who inked a one-year contract at $750K AAV. Both of these two depth defenders only ended up playing with the Abbotsford Canucks during their time with the organization. 

Fans were excited to see the return of a former fan favourite this off-season, as the Canucks signed Luke Schenn to a two-year deal at a team-friendly $850K per year. Schenn, who had previously spent 18 games with the Canucks in 2019, won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning before rejoining Vancouver. He scored eight goals and 30 assists in 121 games before Vancouver dealt him to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2023. 

Vancouver also improved their depth on defence by signing Brad Hunt (one-year, $800K) and Kyle Burroughs (two-years, $750K) to short-term deals. Both defenders played in at least 40 of Vancouver’s games during the 2021–22 season. Hunt scored three goals and 14 assists in 50 games, while Burroughs potted a goal and four assists in 42 games. 

As well as adding depth to their D-core, Vancouver signed a few forwards to short-term contracts. Nic Petan, Sheldon Dries, Sheldon Rempal, Phil Di Giuseppe, and Justin Dowling all received deals with an average annual value of $750K. Before the start of the season, Vancouver also signed Alex Chiasson to a one-year deal. 

Banking on Thatcher Demko as their starting goaltender, the Canucks signed Jaroslav Halák to a one-year, $1.5M deal to serve as Demko’s backup. He registered a record of 4–7–2 throughout the season as well as a 2.94 GAA and .903 SV%. 

2022

Whereas the 2021 free agency period was filled with adding defensive depth, 2022 was for adding to the team’s forward group. After reports that Vancouver was chasing after highly sought-out Russian free agent Andrei Kuzmenko, the team signed him to a one-year, $950K deal on the opening day of free agency. In his first season with the Canucks, he scored 39 goals and 35 assists in 81 games. 

Another addition to the team’s forward core was Curtis Lazar, who signed a three-year deal valued at $1M per year. He scored three goals and two assists in 45 games with the Canucks before being traded in the same season to the New Jersey Devils. 

To add some speed to their lineup, Vancouver signed Ilya Mikheyev to a four-year, $4.75M AAV deal. He spent two seasons with the team before being dealt in the 2024 off-season. In this time, he scored 24 goals and 35 assists in 124 games played. 

Dakota Joshua was the next forward that the Canucks signed, and the only one who still remains with the team of everyone on this list so far. He signed a two-year deal worth $825K per year and later extended his contract with the team in 2024. In his first season with the team, he scored 11 goals and 12 assists in 79 games. 

In terms of depth, Vancouver made two signings that added to their defence. Wyatt Kalynuk and Christian Wolanin each signed a one-year, $750K deal. Wolanin later returned to the team and won the Calder Cup with Abbotsford in 2025. To replace a departing Halák, the Canucks brought in goaltender Collin Delia on a one-year, $750K deal. 

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site: 

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2023

Vancouver continued their pursuit of a reconstructed D-core by adding two key defencemen after buying out Oliver Ekman-Larsson. As well, they added two centres following the Bo Horvat trade. By the start of the 2023–24 season, the Canucks looked like a completely different team compared to a few seasons ago. 

The Canucks brought in three defencemen in 2023, though none of them are still with the team. Carson Soucy signed a three-year deal worth $3.25M per year, spending 99 games with Vancouver and scoring five goals and 11 assists before being traded to the New York Rangers near the 2025 Trade Deadline. 

Vancouver also signed defenceman Ian Cole to a one-year contract that paid him $3M. A hard-nosed defenceman who excelled defensively for the Canucks, Cole moved on from Vancouver the next season, signing a new deal with the Utah Mammoth. 

The final defenceman the Canucks signed was Matt Irwin, who was brought in as a depth add and played one season with Abbotsford. His one-year, $775K contract ended in 2024, after he’d scored five goals and 11 assists for the AHL Canucks. 

Also added to the team’s roster was Teddy Blueger. The forward signed a one-year contract with Vancouver worth $1.9M and excelled as a third-line center, which ultimately led to him committing to the Canucks for another two years. He has put up 14 goals and 40 assists in his 150 games with Vancouver. 

Pius Suter was the Canucks’ second center signing in 2023, inking a two-year, $1.6M AAV contract. While he played well in his first season, he broke out offensively in his second year with Vancouver, scoring 25 goals and 21 assists in 81 games. He also proved that he can center a middle-six line when needed, as well as play on both special teams. Recently, Suter signed a two-year, $4.125M AAV deal with the St. Louis Blues in free agency. 

Finally, the Canucks brought in Zach Sawchenko on a one-year, $775K deal, during which he played in six games and posted a 2.12 GAA for Abbotsford. He played in six of Abbotsford’s playoff games and put up a .898 SV%. Currently, he plays for the Cleveland Monsters, which is the Columbus Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate. 

Five Years of Free Agent Frenzy: Recapping All The Moves The Canucks Have Made On Day 1 Of Free AgencyFive Years of Free Agent Frenzy: Recapping All The Moves The Canucks Have Made On Day 1 Of Free AgencyHow the first day of free agency has impacted the Vancouver Canucks from 2019 to 2024.

2024

After a second round Game 7 playoff exit, the Canucks said goodbye to soome fan favourites and hello to some new ones. They brought in five new forwards, two new defencemen, and two new goaltenders. 

Vancouver’s big free agency splash in the 2024 signing period was Jake DeBrusk, who they locked up to a seven-year, $5.5M AAV contract. He led the team in goals scored with 28 — a career-high for him — and finished fourth on the team in points with 48 in 82 games. 

Kiefer Sherwood quickly became a fan-favourite in Vancouver after displaying his physical presence. After signing a two-year, $1.5M per-year deal with the Canucks, he proceeded to shatter multiple hit records throughout his first season and set career-highs in goals (19), assists (21), and points (40). 

Vancouver brought in Danton Heinen to provide a consistent penalty-killing presence, though the forward was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in February as part of a deal to acquire Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor. In part of the first year of his two-year, $2.25M AAV contract, he scored six goals and 12 assists in 51 games with the Canucks. 

In 2024, the Canucks also brought in forwards Daniel Sprong and Nate Smith. Sprong, who signed a one-year contract valued at $975K, only played nine games with Vancouver before being traded to the Seattle Kraken. Smith, who was on a one-year, $775K deal in 2024–25, added nine goals and 17 assists to Abbotsford’s center depth.  

On defence, the Canucks also added Derek Forbort and Vincent Desharnais. Forbort signed a one-year deal worth $1.5M per year in 2024, and extended his contract by another year and $500K to his time in Vancouver in 2025. A prolific penalty killer and shot blocker, Forbort has played a big role with the Canucks and will continue to do so next season. 

Desharnais, who signed a two-year deal valued at $2M per year, spent 34 games with Vancouver before being traded to the Penguins alongside Heinen. In his time with the Canucks, he had three assists. 

The two goaltenders that the Canucks signed in 2024 were Jiří Patera and Kevin Lankinen. Patera inked a two-year, $775K deal and played in seven games for Abbotsford. Lankinen, on the other hand, signed a one-year contract worth $875K. After a string of excellent play that resulted in him claiming the role as starting goaltender, he signed a five-year, $4.5M AAV extension. 

Apr 5, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Dakota Joshua (81) celebrates scoring during the first period against the Anaheim Ducks at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

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Guardians at White Sox Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, stats for July 10

It's Thursday, July 10 and the Guardians (43-48) are in Chicago to take on the White Sox (31-62). Logan Allen is slated to take the mound for Cleveland against Jonathan Cannon for Chicago.

The White Sox and Guardians meet for a four-game series before the All-Star break. Cleveland is coming off a series sweep over Houston where the Guardians scored 21 runs to the Astros' 13.

That sweep broke up a season-long 10-game losing streak for Cleveland. Chicago beat Toronto yesterday, 2-1, to break up a three-game losing streak and avoid being swept.

Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Guardians at White Sox

  • Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
  • Time: 7:40PM EST
  • Site: Rate Field
  • City: Chicago, IL
  • Network/Streaming: CLEG, CHSN

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Guardians at the White Sox

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: Guardians (-136), White Sox (+115)
  • Spread:  Guardians -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Guardians at White Sox

  • Pitching matchup for July 10, 2025: Logan Allen vs. Jonathan Cannon
    • Guardians: Logan Allen, (5-7, 4.07 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.0 Innings Pitched, 1 Earned Runs Allowed, 2 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 5 Strikeouts
    • White Sox: Jonathan Cannon, (3-7, 4.50 ERA)
      Last outing: 5.1 Innings Pitched, 2 Earned Runs Allowed, 8 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 1 Strikeout

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Guardians and the White Sox

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Thursday’s game between the Guardians and the White Sox:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Chicago White Sox at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Guardians at White Sox

  • Cleveland has lost three straight with Allen pitching
  • Chicago has won two straight with Cannon pitching
  • The Guardians have lost 7 of their last 10 games
  • The Guardians' last 3 versus the White Sox have stayed under the Total
  • The Guardians have covered in 4 of their last 5 games for a profit of 1.60 units

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Braves at Athletics Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for July 10

It's Thursday, July 10 and the Braves (40-51) are in San Francisco to take on the Athletics (38-56). Spencer Strider is slated to take the mound for Atlanta against JP Sears for Oakland.

Atlanta snapped a five-game losing streak with a 9-2 victory over the Athletics thanks to a two-homer night from Ronald Acuna Jr., who came back from injury. The Braves are now 3-10 over the last 13 games whereas the Athletics are 6-7 in that span.

Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Braves at Athletics

  • Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
  • Time: 9:05PM EST
  • Site: Sutter Health Park
  • City: Sacramento, CA
  • Network/Streaming: FDSNSO, NBCSCA

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Braves at the Athletics

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: Braves (-158), Athletics (+132)
  • Spread:  Braves -1.5
  • Total: 10.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Braves at Athletics

  • Pitching matchup for July 10, 2025: Spencer Strider vs. JP Sears
    • Braves: Spencer Strider, (3-7, 3.93 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.0 Innings Pitched, 3 Earned Runs Allowed, 7 Hits Allowed, 1 Walk, and 6 Strikeouts
    • Athletics: JP Sears, (7-7, 4.76 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.0 Innings Pitched, 0 Earned Runs Allowed, 3 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 6 Strikeouts

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Braves and the Athletics

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Thursday’s game between the Braves and the Athletics:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Atlanta Braves on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Oakland Athletics at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 10.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Braves at Athletics

  • Atlanta is 3-7 in Strider's 10 starts this season
  • The Athletics are 9-9 in Sears' 18 starts this year
  • The Athletics have lost 33 of 55 games this season following a defeat
  • In his last 5 starts on the mound the Athletics pitcher JP Sears has an ERA of 6.72
  • The Athletics are up 1.33 units on the Run Line at Sutter Health Park in 2025 with JP Sears as the opener

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Mets at Orioles Game 2 Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, trends and stats for July 10

Its Thursday, July 10 and the Mets (53-40) take on the Orioles (41-50) Thursday evening in Game 2 of their doubleheader in Baltimore.

The series is now tied at one game apiece following Baltimore's late rally for a 3-1 win. Gunner Henderson came off the bench and stroked a two-run pinch hit home run in the bottom of the eighth to propel the O's to the win. David Peterson (7IP, 1ER) and Charlie Morton (6IP, 1ER) engaged in a pitchers' duel until Henderson's heroics.

New York has not yet announced their starter for Game 2 while Baltimore will send Tomoyuki Sugano to the bump.

Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Mets at Orioles

  • Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
  • Time: 5:05PM EST
  • Site: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
  • City: Baltimore, MD
  • Network/Streaming: SNY, MASN2

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Mets at the Orioles

The latest odds as of Thursday:

  • Moneyline: Mets (-116), Orioles (-104)
  • Spread:  Mets -1.5
  • Total: 10.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Mets at Orioles

  • Pitching matchup for July 10, 2025: TBA vs. Tomoyuki Sugano
    • Mets: TBA
    • Orioles: Tomoyuki Sugano, (6-5, 4.44 ERA)
      Last outing: 7/2 at Texas 4.2IP, 6ER, 10H, 1BB, 5Ks

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Mets at Orioles

  • The Mets are 4-2 in their last 6 games
  • 6 of the Mets' last 8 road games have gone over the Total
  • New York managed just 5 hits in Game 1 and Mark Vientos collected 2 of them
  • Baltimore totalled just 6 hits in Game 1 and the only extra base hit was Gunner Henderson's blast

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Orioles

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Thursday's game between the Mets and the Orioles:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the New York Mets on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Baltimore Orioles at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 10.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)