KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MARCH 30: Kansas City Royals players and Minnesota Twins players line up for the national anthem prior to the opening day game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on March 30, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Royals will begin the 2027 season earlier than they ever have before — provided there isn’t a work stoppage.
MLB revealed the 2027 schedules today, with the Royals opening at home on March 25 against the Minnesota Twins. This is the earliest in the calendar year the Royals have ever played a regular season game, with the 2026 season beginning on March 26. The Royals open the season with the Twins and White Sox coming to the K before going on the road to St. Louis to play the Cardinals, followed by a quick West Coast trip to play the Angels. The Royals open the season at home for the tenth time in 13 years, and it is the seventh time they have opened up against the Twins.
Among the National League teams that will visit Kansas City this year are the Pirates (April 9-11), Reds (May 3-5), Nationals (May 18-20), Braves (May 21-23), Mets (June 7-9), Cardinals (July 16-18), Rockies (August 3-5), and Dodgers (September 3-5). The All-Star Game will be held on July 13 at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Game times and promotions will be announced at a later date.
Looming over the schedule is the prospect of a work stoppage. The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires at the conclusion of the 2026 season, and owners and players have already had contentious negotiations. Owners are reportedly resolute on imposing a salary cap, a non-starter for the union.
Baseball continues to use its balanced schedule where each team plays every other team in baseball. The Royals will play:
52 games vs. American League Central teams (13 games across 4 series vs. all 4 opponents)
62 league games vs. American League East and West teams (6-7 games vs. each opponent)
48 Interleague games (6 games vs. St. Louis and 3 games vs. all other NL teams)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 10: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros celebrates with teammate Christian Walker #8 after hitting a solo home run against the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning at Globe Life Field on July 10, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Opening Day set for March 25 vs. rival Texas Rangers
The Houston Astros will open the 2027 regular season on Thursday, March 25 with an Opening Day matchup against their American League West and in-state rival Texas Rangers in the annual Silver Boot Series. The 2027 season will be the 66th for the Astros franchise, which played its first season in 1962 as the Colt .45s before changing the name to the Astros in 1965.
March 25 marks the earliest traditional Opening Day in Major League history, excluding special season-openers and international openers. Previously, the earliest traditional Opening Day for MLB had been earlier this season on March 26.
This will be the third time in franchise history that the Astros will open the season against the Rangers and the second time at home. The Astros are 2-0 against the Rangers on Opening Day, defeating their in-state rival 4-1 in Arlington in 2018 and 8-2 in Houston in 2013.
The opening homestand will be a six-game stand, featuring a three-game series vs. the Rangers (March 25-27) and a three-game series vs. the Boston Red Sox (March 29-31). The Astros first road trip of the season is a six-gamer, which will take the club to Atlanta (April 2-4) and Boston (April 5-7).
The 2027 season is the fifth year with the schedule format of playing every other Major League club in a single season. The Astros will host 22 different teams at Daikin Park in 2027, which includes eight National League clubs and all 14 other American League clubs.
VS. THE AMERICAN LEAGUE
As in recent years, once again, the Astros will play their AL West opponents (Angels, Athletics, Mariners, Rangers) 13 times in 2027. Additionally, they will once again play one home and one road series vs. all of the other AL clubs.
INTERLEAGUE PLAY
The Astros will host eight different NL clubs at Daikin Park in 2027. They are: Nationals, Cubs, Reds, Giants, Padres, Rockies, Mets, Phillies. On the flip side, next season’s schedule will feature visits to eight different NL cities: Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies, Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Astros 2027 home schedule features exciting weekend series against the Cleveland Guardians (April 9-11), New York Yankees (April 23-25), Washington Nationals (May 7-9), Chicago Cubs (May 14-16), Seattle Mariners (June 25-27), San Francisco Giants (July 9-11), San Diego Padres (July 30-Aug.1) and Philadelphia Phillies (Sept. 17 -19), among others.
The Astros will also host weekday games against the Boston Red Sox (April 29-31), Toronto Blue Jays (April 13-15), Tampa Bay Rays (May 17-19), Seattle Mariners (May 31-June 3), Chicago White Sox (June 14-16), Detroit Tigers (Sept. July 26-29), New York Mets (Aug. 17-19) and Texas Rangers (Aug. 31-Sept. 2), among others.
HOLIDAY GAMES
The Astros will host holiday matchups next season on Mother’s Day (May 9 vs. WSH), Father’s Day (June 20 vs. KC) and Memorial Day (May 31 vs. SEA). The team will play on the road on the Fourth of July (July 4 at NYY) and on Labor Day (Sept. 6 at STL).
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 5: Brad Keller #40 of the Philadelphia Phillies during a game against the Chicago White Sox at Citizens Bank Park on June 5, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 8-6. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When we didn’t see Brad Keller pitch in tight spots this past weekend, there were some questions raised. He had returned from the rehab assignment he was on, yet didn’t pitch at all. Why?
Now we know.
Phillies reliever Brad Keller has a torn UCL and is expected to miss the rest of the season. If he undergoes surgery on his right elbow, it would keep him out a significant portion, if not all, of 2027 as well. Keller signed a two-year, $22 million deal over the winter.
This is a tough blow for a Phillies team that already had a questionable bullpen as it stood. Losing Keller, even if he wasn’t the dominant force he was in 2025, is still significant as it shifts pitchers into roles they aren’t quite suited for.
It also makes the need to trade for multiple relievers, not just one, all that more magnified.
We’ll have more as this news continues to show its layers.
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 15: Robert Hassell III #57 of the Washington Nationals looks on during the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on September 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
So it turns out Robert Hassell III will not be staying in the Nationals organization after all. Earlier this month, Hassell was DFA’d, but he cleared waivers and remained in the Nats system. However, he got shipped off to the Pirates for either cash or a player to be named later this afternoon.
The Nationals have traded outfielder Robert Hassell III to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later.
— Nationals Communications (@NationalsComms) July 16, 2026
The truth of the matter is that there was not a ton of room for Hassell in the organization, even in AAA. He had been passed by the likes of Andrew Pinckney and Christian Franklin, not to mention the young outfielders in the big leagues. After showing signs of life last season, he came crashing down to earth in AAA this year, with an OPS below .600.
Hassell was famously part of the Juan Soto trade package, and was even seen as one of the highest floor pieces at the time. He was a top 10 pick in the 2020 draft, before raking in the lower minors with the Padres. However, he never really got going in the Nats system, struggling with injuries and inconsistencies. Honestly, the hit tool was not as good as advertised either.
The highly touted Hassell really struggled in 2023 and 2024, where he was working through lingering hamate issues. His hit tool which was seen as a massive strength became average, which was a huge blow to his profile. We walked through this more when we talked about Hassell after he got DFA’d.
The Nats DFA’d Robert Hassell. He has a lot of pedigree but it just never really happened for him in the Nats organization https://t.co/ZkVktAQsMo
He is an example of how risky prospects can be. Even the so-called safe prospects can really bottom out as we see here. Hopefully Hassell can reinvigorate his career in Pittsburgh though. He was a guy that Nats fans were really rooting for.
Around this time last year, it really felt like Hassell was starting to figure things out. He hit over .300 last year in AAA, and made his MLB debut in 2025. His results in MLB were mixed at best, but he did have some fun moments. Hassell had a monster game against the Mariners that made fans dream again.
— optimistic nats fan (@optimistic5518) May 29, 2025
However, it was just not meant to be for Hassell in the Nats organization. From day one, he just seemed to lose all the momentum he had when he was in the Padres system. There are a number of things you could attribute that to from injuries to shaky player development or a loss of confidence. At the end of the day, things just did not work out for him here.
When you are dealing with young players, you cannot hit on all of them. That Soto trade is a good example of the range of outcomes. While Hassell was a miss, James Wood and CJ Abrams became stars which makes up for it.
Overall, it is a shame that things did not work out for Hassell, but the writing has been on the wall for a little while now. Hopefully he can take advantage of his opportunity in Pittsburgh. Moving on was the best course of action for all parties here.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Aday Mara #15 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Sergio De Larrea of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on July 15, 2026 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks play on Thursday afternoon at 3pm on Amazon Prime against the Summer Oklahoma City Thunder. Honestly, I forgot about this game, regular work day and all for me, and I suspect most Mavs fans won’t be catching this one either. But in case you do, here’s a discussion board:
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder
WHAT: NBA Summer League, Game 4 for Dallas
WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
WHEN: 3:00 pm CST
HOW: Amazon Prime
I have no idea who isn’t playing. I hope Morez Johnson does but calf injuries are serious.
The Grizzlies game was fun. Here’s hoping this one is too. How’s that for a game preview. If any of the guys drafted in Dallas plays, then that’s a good thing. We want to see them play basketball.
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 8: Lebron James (6) of Team United States shakes hands with head coach Steve Kerr at the end of the Men's Basketball semifinal game between United States and Serbia at Bercy Arena during the Paris 2024 Olympics on August 8, 2024. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The LeBron James saga has dragged on for a few weeks now, and it’s not clear if it will end anytime soon. Depending on which reports you believe, the Golden State Warriors are either the favorites to land the 22-time All-Star and four-time MVP, or well on the outside looking in.
You might be stressed about it. But one person apparently isn’t: Steve Kerr.
In inimitable Kerr fashion, the Warriors head coach has taken a playful attitude with the swirling attention and uncertainty. On Wednesday, some fans uploaded a social media post interacting with Kerr while he was at a stoplight. With his window down, Kerr waived and smiled at the fans. A fan then comments that the Dubs need to get LeBron, to which Kerr smirks and responds, “Oh, we got him. Put that on Twitter.” The light then turns green and the Warriors’ coach drives away.
It’s worth noting, in this world of AI slop, that it’s a real video. According to The Athletic’s Nick Friedell and Devon Henderson, Warriors executives have confirmed that it’s a real video. It’s even more important to note, of course, that this is almost certainly just Kerr being the lighthearted, silly, don’t take things too seriously self. James has yet to reveal where he’ll play and, per numerous reports, has not informed any team executives of his line of thinking. Even if James has made a decision (and it’s not clear that he has), Kerr almost surely has not been informed of it … and if he had, he certainly wouldn’t be breaking the news to fans at a stoplight.
Still, if you’re grasping at straws looking for reasons to be optimistic about James partnering with Steph Curry and Draymond Green, well … these things are fun and exciting, even if ultimately probably meaningless.
Pitcher Chase Burns has agreed to a $105 million, seven-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds that covers 2027-33, two people familiar with the deal told the Associated Press on Thursday.
The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. Burns has a $785,000 salary while in the major leagues this year and $198,173 in the unlikely event he is sent to the minors.
Burns’ deal would run through the 2033 season and under the current labor contract covers three seasons of arbitration eligibility and the first two years after he would have been eligible for free agency. It does not include options or deferrals.
The 23-year old right-hander was selected to the All-Star Game this season for the first time, but did not participate after he tweaked his right groin during a July 8 game against Philadelphia when trying to field the throw home on a wild pitch during the second inning.
Burns is 11-1 in 18 starts this season, including 15 starts where he has allowed two runs or fewer. His wins are tied for second most in the majors and his 2.54 ERA is the sixth lowest. His 118 strikeouts are seventh in the National League.
His fastball has an average velocity of 97.8 mph along with an above-average slider, Burns is generating a 31.7% whiff rate on swings, seventh in the majors.
Burns is the third pitcher in club history with at least 11 wins and 118 strikeouts before the All-Star break, joining Edinson Volquez (2008) and Jim Maloney (1963).
The contract extension also continues the trend of teams signing their young stars early. The Reds’ longtime NL Central rival, the St. Louis Cardinals, signed rookie second baseman JJ Wetherholt to a $112.5 million, eight-year contract last week.
Burns was the second overall pick out of Wake Forest in the 2024 amateur draft. He went 7-3 with a 1.77 ERA in 13 starts in the Reds’ farm system before being called up to the majors last June. He was 0-3 with a 4.57 ERA in 13 games, including eight starts, in his rookie season.
It is the largest guaranteed contract in the majors given to a pitcher with less than four years of service time and exceeds the previous high by 40% for someone with one year or more.
Burns is also the first pitcher to sign a contract worth at least $100 million prior to at least five years of service time to exclude club options.
The deal ties Homer Bailey’s for the largest guarantee given to a Reds’ pitcher and the third largest for any player in franchise history, only eclipsed by Joey Votto and Ken Griffey Jr.
Burns’ first start after the All-Star break is scheduled for Tuesday at Seattle. After making the postseason last year, Cincinnati is in last place in the NL Central with a 43-52 mark and eight games out of a wild-card spot.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Tobi Lawal, Morez Johnson Jr. and Sergio De Larrea of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on July 15, 2026 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Mavs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Let us know, we’ll talk more about it this week or weekend.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers on March 25, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The world, and Northeast Ohio, in particular, is still waiting for LeBron James to decide which NBA team he wants to play for next season. Fans were hopeful that an announcement would come today during James’ live recording of his Mind the Game podcast.
But no such decision was made.
James almost immediately dispelled the idea that he’d be announcing the next chapter of his career. Telling Indiana Pacers’ star Tyrese Haliburton not to even ask.
Tyrese Haliburton attempted to ask LeBron James about his decision early on in the program and James did not bite, saying “didn’t we already talk about this in the back.” Haliburton acquiesced and said, “I’ll leave it alone.”
Mind the Game previously announced they would be holding a live recording during the Fanatics festival in New York City. Some fans assumed that would come with a live stream of the show. They were wrong, as the episode is only being taped in front of a live audience and will be released on YouTube later.
We were all pump-faked not once, but twice.
Cavs fans aren’t alone in their wait. Patience has been key as numerous teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, and even the Minnesota Timberwolves, cling to hope that the King will come to their city.
James is still talented enough to warrant this level of attention. He might be the oldest player in the league, but he was playing at an All-Star level last season and is more available than many of his younger peers. Teams naturally view James as someone who can put them over the top.
Still, we all wait for something concrete to be reported. We’ve followed his trips to various golf courses. We’ve listened to local bakers and hair salons. It’s all led nowhere. James is keeping the cards close to his chest — and we aren’t even entirely sure he has made a decision up to this point.
James is also scheduled for an appearance on CNBC later today. Rich Paul will be joining him. Perhaps we get our long-awaited decision during that broadcast? Only time will tell.
While Kerr’s comments clearly appeared to be made tongue-in-cheek, the three-word comment went viral on social media, with some fans taking these comments as proof that LeBron will be taking his talents to the San Francisco Bay Area to end his legendary NBA career.
Steve Kerr looks on during a Golden State Warriors game. San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
However, ESPN insider Brian Windhorst poured cold water on this belief during a Thursday appearance on “ESPN First Take”.
“I’m sure that’s the way the news is gonna come out, Steve Kerr at a stoplight,” Windhorst said sarcastically when asked about the coach’s comment.
Windhorst then added, “I do not expect LeBron to announce where he’s going today. I could be wrong… But I have a lot that I want to hear from LeBron today. And what I’m hoping is that I’ll be better able to answer this question, after he has this discussion.”
Brian Windhorst speaks during a segment at the 2026 NBA Draft. NBAE via Getty Images
Windhorst is referring to LeBron’s appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York City’s Javits Center on Thursday.
James and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton are sitting down for a live taping of the “Mind the Game” podcast on Thursday, and many believed LeBron would be announcing his free agency decision during the podcast.
However, LeBron made it clear early during the taping that he did not intend to announce his decision.
LeBron James looks on from the bench during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Best Image / BACKGRID
Windhorst then added that nobody, including the teams who are expected to be potential landing spots for James, know what his decision will be, nor when he’ll make it.
Regardless, LeBron isn’t going to let Steve Kerr steal his shine.
As the Mets start their second half of the season on Thursday night against the Philadelphia Phillies, they'll have veteran Marcus Semien back on the active roster.
The club announced that Semien has been activated off of the IL, with infielder Zack Short being designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
Semien was placed on the 10-day IL on June 25 with a right hip flexor, an injury he had been playing through before it became too much to endure. Semien committed a pair of errors in the Mets' loss to the Cubs on June 24, signaling that something wasn't right.
It's been a disappointing first season in Queens for the veteran, who is slashing just .214/.271/.341 with nine home runs and 29 RBI in 80 games. He's also committed six errors, which was more than he had in all of 2025 (two errors in 127 games).
Short, another veteran, appeared in just six games for the Mets, hitting .071 in 16 plate appearances.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 14: Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball during the game against the Sacramento Kings on July 14, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 14: Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball during the game against the Sacramento Kings on July 14, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Back in the win column. The Nets cruised to a 115-83 victory over the Kings on Monday afternoon in Las Vegas. It was a particularly good game for the starting lineup, all who scored in double digits on better than 52 percent shooting. The Nets looked like the better team on both ends of the ball and that’s a major nod to coach Dutch Gaitley.
Watch
Watch: YES Network, Gotham Sports, ESPNU.
Who: Nets vs. Rockets
When: Tip after 4:30 PM.
The Game
The Nets played some of their best ball all summer against the Kings on Tuesday, and that includes the California Classic. The ball was swinging around the perimeter, players were diving after loose balls, and they simply manhandled a clearly weaker Kings team. Summer League can only be taken so serious, but this was a huge step in the right direction for the BK guys. We’ll see if the main attractions suit up in this one.
Otherwise, Egor Dëmin is offering plenty of optimism. He had a decent rookie season before being shut down and is excelling in Summer League.
“It’s time I fill out an apology form on Egor Demin. Ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, I named Demin one of the most overrated prospects in the class, and gave the Nets a D for his selection at No. 8 overall in my instant grades. My main arguments against Demin were that I didn’t think he could score efficiently inside or outside the arc, and I didn’t think he had the frame to play through contact on either end. Well! Demin massively improved as a shooter as a rookie, going from 27 percent from three and 69 percent from the foul line in college to 38.5 percent from three and 83.1 percent on free throws as a rookie. A year in an NBA strength and conditioning program helped his body quite a bit too, and he continues to show the gains he’s made during summer league. Demin scored 20 or more points in all three of his summer league games this year on 61 percent true shooting. He looks improved attacking the basket off the bounce, and he’s showing he can hit the defensive glass, too. The Nets have done a really good job developing Demin’s frame, and it’s paying off on both ends. Demin deserves a lot of credit himself for putting in the work to improve his jumper. I’m happy to be wrong about this one because Demin is a cool player with a fun skill set who should be a nice piece in Brooklyn’s rebuild for a long time.“
As the Nets continue their rebuild, young players exceeding expectations will go a long way in helping them get back to where they want to be. As Demin continues to get stronger and gain professional experience, his game will continue to progress and reach higher heights.
Player to watch: Mikel Brown Jr
Assuming he plays…
It’s been a fun summer for the newest Net. Over his first two games, Mikel Brown Jr is averaging 18 points and four assists on .522/.455/1.000 shooting splits. In addition to those numbers, the kid has put forth plenty of exciting moments that have Nets fans excited for what’s to come
Mikel Brown Jr. picks Darius Acuff's pocket in transition, then crosses him over and hits the pull-up middy. pic.twitter.com/jSew2VIVfo
Brown Jr has been one of the more pleasant surprises coming out of Summer League and is a player that has drawn tons of praise across the basketball landscape this month. Another good outing will only add to his run and help build anticipation as we transition into the Fall.
From the Vault
I’m always down to watch some random Hakeem Olajuwon highlights
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 14: Luis Arraez #1 of the San Francisco Giants poses for a photo during the 2026 All-Star Red Carpet Show presented by Mastercard at Independence Mall on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Maybe the San Francisco Giants aren’t contenders this season, but according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, a few members of this year’s roster could end up on playoff teams after the trade deadline.
Luis Arraez, Robbie Ray, and Jung Hoo Lee were all listed as the “Best Match” for various MLB contenders and aspiring contenders, though none of them reached the vaunted level of “Dream Match.” Look, the 2026 Giants will take what that can get.
This is not trade scuttlebutt or a prediction, but an exercise in matching teams with something to play for this fall with teams who might or should be available. The most obvious player is Arraez, who is on a one-year, $12M contract and is hitting .330, second in baseball, with surprisingly good defense at second base.
Passan thinks he’s a fit for the Tampa Bay Rays, a not-infrequent trade partner of the Giants who have Richie Palacios (.237/.333/.338, 0.4 WAR) and an unimpressive group of options at second base.
[Arraez] rarely strikes out, right in line with the Rays’ MLB-best 18.9% K rate. He’s got a .327 batting average, second in baseball. He gets on 36% of the time, perfect to slot in atop the lineup and offer Díaz, Aranda and Caminero more RBI opportunities. Best of all, Arráez has gone from liability at second base to above average, capable of filling a true spot of need for the Rays.
Arraez may be one of the team’s most (few?) watchable players, but they’d be only trading 66 games of Arraez. If they want him back, he’s a free agent after the season. The Giants tend to panic in these situations and work out an extension, like the expensive six-year, $150M deal Matt Chapman signed near the end of the 2024 season. As usual, the Rays have a very good farm system to make a deal.
Passan believes that the Philadelphia Phillies need outfield help and endorses Lee to fill that need, though he repeatedly qualifies that Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins would be preferable.
Lee’s low-strikeout, high-average approach is perhaps the best Philadelphia can do so long as Buxton isn’t going anywhere.
The argument for Lee is that the Phillies’ struggling outfield, even with the resurgent Brandon Marsh, isn’t good enough, especially with Adolis Garcia out for the season. Lee may have three years and $63M left on his deal after this season, but there aren’t a lot of free agent outfielders providing alternative options. Is that also an argument for the Giants to hold onto Lee? Yes.
Passan’s final “Best Match” is Robbie Ray with the St. Louis Cardinals, who are 50-45 and one game back of the final wild-card spot in the National League. It’s far from a full-throated endorsement of a Ray deal for the Cards.
As good as Ray has been lately, the Cardinals might instead opt for a less costly option who can gobble innings and help save the pen.
That’s it. The only place Ray is even mentioned is in the context of how there’s probably better options for the Cardinals. The veteran lefty has been quite good since May, going 5-0 with a 1.84 ERA, but he’s making $25M this season, which might scare teams away. Though if they trade him at the deadline, the new team will owe him only around $8M as the pro-rated portion of his salary.
That’s the Giants approaching the deadline. No Dream Matches, but two tempting veterans on the last year of their contracts who could be Best Matches. Plus Jung Hoo Lee, who is not Byron Buxton.
The Winnipeg Jets released their full 2026-27 schedule on Thursday, giving fans their first look at a historic 84-game campaign, the longest regular season in NHL history.
From an opening night showdown to an outdoor spectacle and a pair of late-season clashes that could shape the playoff race, this year's slate has no shortage of highlights.
While every one of Winnipeg's 84 games will carry its own storylines, a handful of matchups stand out above the rest as the ones fans will want circled on the calendar well in advance. Here's a look at the five best matchups on the Jets' schedule this season.
Season Opener vs. Boston Bruins – Friday, October 2nd
The Jets kick off their season on home ice at Canada Life Centre against the Boston Bruins. Season openers always carry a bit of extra buzz, and this one is no different as Winnipeg looks to set the tone early in a historic 84-game campaign.
Just over two weeks into the season, the Jets get their first crack at the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes when they host them at Canada Life Centre. It marks the first of two meetings between the clubs in a three week span, giving Winnipeg an early measuring stick against the team that hoisted the Cup last spring.
2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic vs. Montreal Canadiens – Sunday, October 25th
Without question the marquee event of the season, the Jets will host the Montreal Canadiens at Princess Auto Stadium as part of the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic.
It will be Winnipeg's first all-Canadian matchup of the year, and the outdoor spectacle will be preceded by a 2026 Alumni Game between the two franchises' alumni squads on October 24th at Canada Life Centre.
The Jets' second game back from the Christmas break brings a personal storyline for one of their newest additions. Winnipeg heads to San Jose, where defenseman Mario Ferraro spent seven seasons with the Sharks, recording 114 points in 490 games. The matchup figures to be an emotional night for Ferraro as he skates back, this time wearing a Jets sweater.
Home-and-Home vs. Colorado Avalanche – Wednesday, March 25th and Friday, March 27th
Late season, the Jets and Avalanche square off twice in a span of three days, with Winnipeg hosting on March 25th before heading to Colorado on March 27th.
These two games, the 77th and 78th of the Jets' season, come at a critical point in the schedule and against a fierce divisional rival. With playoff positioning likely still being sorted out, both matchups could carry major weight in the final stretch and prove to be a pivotal turning point in Winnipeg's season.
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 14: Members of the American League team stand for the national anthem prior to the 96th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
MLB All-Star Weekend is a mess. You know it, and I know it. The only people who seem to be unaware are those employed by MLB itself. It’s a mish-mash of activities all happening at the same time, just so we can have nothing happening on Wednesday and almost nothing happening on Thursday. MLB clearly wants All-Star Week to be something of a showstopping event where we make everyone stop and appreciate this great sport simultaneously. But the way they’ve structured it makes it feel like a crowded convention hall where you inexplicably can’t do everything you want to, no matter how hard you try. That simply doesn’t have to be the case.
And I’m here to tell you how.
Get the draft out of here
The MLB Rule 4 Amateur Draft occurred over the weekend. This was happening at the same time as various regular-season games, some home run derby announcements, and The Futures Game. MLB has stated in the past that they want their amateur draft to have a similar weight to other professional North American sports such as the NFL, NBA, and NHL. But none of those leagues have their drafts during the regular season for a very good reason: it splits focus.
MLB has a problem, though: its draft is unlike the ones used by the NBA and NFL in that players who are drafted by MLB teams are not precluded from refusing to sign a deal and returning to college. This is not something that is controlled by MLB, but rather by the NCAA. And in this case, it increases the bargaining power of young baseball players, and so I am disinclined to see it change. Given that, MLB is best served by holding its draft as close to the end of the College baseball season as reasonable. College baseball ends with the College World Series in late June.
So, my proposal here is to give MLB teams the first Saturday after the College World Series the day off and hold the draft that day. You don’t have to have teams take the time off for the draft if you don’t want to. It’s so unappealing as a television prospect that NBC covered only the first ten picks and then moved to a celebrity golf tournament. MLB itself kicked out media members well before the draft was over, and you could hear them disassembling the set while the final rounds were still occurring. It’s obvious that the MLB draft is never going to have real mass appeal outside of the hardcore fans, but if you really want to try, a special day immediately following the hype of the College World Series and not interfering with the trade deadline is the way to do it.
If fitting the entire draft into one day seems unrealistic, then perhaps it could hold the first few rounds on Friday morning or Thursday night, while requiring all teams to play Thursday day games that day. The additional time in between draft periods would give people even more time to work themselves into a lather before seeing how the draft unfolds.
MLB used to have its draft around this time, but moved it later to try to strengthen the lineup of All-Star Week festivities. Weirdly, they didn’t make room for it – they just dropped it on things that were already happening. And it’s had the knock-on effect of making the trade deadline more difficult to navigate as teams focus all of their resources on evaluating the draft instead of potential trades. Moving it up a few weeks would give that period more room to breathe as well.
This, by the way, is the same logic that led to Thanksgiving being scheduled the way that it is. President Lincoln had declared it the last Thursday of the month, but Franklin Roosevelt moved it to the fourth Thursday of the month to increase the distance between Thanksgiving and Christmas so as to expand the shopping season. (There was some other political wrangling in there, which you can read here, but that’s the gist).
Give the Futures Game space to breathe
This year, the Futures Game was played on Sunday afternoon at the same time as regular-season MLB games and the second half of the Draft. While, for many, the draft is uninteresting because the players being selected are often years away from contributing to MLB rosters, the players who show up in the Futures Game are almost always far closer to being ready to join their big league clubs. Fans could be interested in it. I know I would be if it wasn’t happening at the same time as everything else. To that end, they have two options. Require all MLB games to be played on Sunday afternoon before the All-Star Break, followed by holding the Futures Game that night, or move the Futures Game to Wednesday evening – the only day during the entire summer without a single baseball event taking place.
I can see arguments for either of them, I think I’d lean more toward Wednesday. At least in the short term I think it would draw better ratings from the baseball lifers who always spend all day Wednesday complaining that there aren’t any games. Plus, you go from the hype of the current stars to the future ones. You could even have highly drafted prospects give interviews during the game to make fans who don’t pay attention to the draft more aware of them.
If it were me, I think I’d make it a free broadcast on MLB.TV and do profiles of players (even, or maybe especially, ones who didn’t quite make the cut of the game itself) instead of commercials between innings. MLB might be giving up some ad money that way, but they would be doing wonders for building fan sentiment. I think it would be more profitable in the long term.
Organize the Home Run Derby
I’m not going to use this space to criticize the Netflix broadcast, even though it had a lot to criticize. MLB doesn’t have full control over the broadcast. I don’t remember how bad it has been in previous years, but the announcements of participants leading up to the Derby itself were incredibly weird and disjointed. Junior Caminero was the only known participant for a week. There was no discernible rhyme or reason to either the order or the method of the announcements. Some guys literally just dropped the news on their personal Instagram stories.
That’s no way to build hype for an event! MLB needs to figure out its entire field, and they need to do it earlier. Then they need to work with the players on a strategy for announcing it. Which would ideally include a sizzle reel on MLB social media accounts in addition to whatever other outlets they or the players want to use. MLB should also ensure that each team’s next broadcast includes mention of the upcoming Derby and the announced participants so everyone can keep track, even if no one from their team is participating. You shouldn’t have to use social media to know who is going to participate.
The rules also need to stop shifting all the time. In a lot of ways, I really liked the format this year. Not having a timer allows viewers to better enjoy each home run (though it would help if the broadcast showed them all…). But whatever format they pick, they need to stick with it for more than a year or two at a time. You can’t build legacy, history, or hype when there’s no real way to compare events between years.
There are always complaints about guys getting snubbed and the derby itself taking too long, but I have a solution for both. Let’s have a qualifying round early in the afternoon. MLB can maybe have 10 guys trying to get into the actual derby, but only 6 make it through. Then the derby itself would only have to feature those 6, which would cut at least 30 minutes off the run time. I think the Qualifiers would give guys a chance to acclimate themselves to the event so perhaps we’d be able to go without the one or two absolute duds we seem to get every year.
They should also ensure that the team hosting the All-Star Game had at least one participant in the qualifiers because, honestly, the Phillies faithful having a rooting interest gave the event a bit more energy, and I’d like to see that continue. If MLB wanted to give that player a bye through the qualifiers, that would probably be OK. I think I’d be fine either way.
Finally, MLB should figure out how to incentivize the biggest stars to participate again. It’s kind of wild that we hold this event dedicated to the smashing of dingers, and most, if not all, of the best dinger smashers decide they’d rather not participate every year. It’s not the end of the world; it’s entirely possible we don’t get a cool story like Jordan Walker’s come-from-behind walk-off victory if Yordan Alvarez is participating, but it does seem like it would be in the best interest of the sport.
Anyway, I think if MLB made most or all of those changes, the All-Star Break would be vastly improved. I’d also probably go back to having a special All-Star Announcement show held when no games were being played, but it also wouldn’t be the end of the world if guys were just announced on their team broadcasts as long as we had a ticker running underneath with all the other selectees. Again, the key here is not forcing people to find out via social media.
Do you think these changes would enhance your experience? Would you make these, or would you do something different?
