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Bombshell report sheds light on Breslow's dysfunctional front office

Bombshell report sheds light on Breslow's dysfunctional front office originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Was the Boston Red Sox’ stunning Rafael Devers trade the result of dysfunction within Craig Breslow’s front office?

Breslow, Boston’s chief baseball officer since Oct. 2023, traded Devers to the San Francisco Giants amid a strained relationship with the veteran slugger. Devers called out Breslow after being asked to play first base earlier this season, when he had already reluctantly moved from third base to designated hitter.

Apparently, Devers wasn’t the only member of the organization miffed by Breslow’s approach to baseball operations. On Monday, a revealing Yahoo Sports report from Joon Lee detailed how the Red Sox front office has “lost cohesion” under Breslow’s leadership. One example cited in Lee’s report was Breslow’s firing of a longtime scouting supervisor for insulting him during a team Zoom meeting.

Read the excerpt from Lee’s piece below:

“Meanwhile, Breslow has grown increasingly insulated. Multiple sources within the organization describe a front office losing cohesion. Staffers who helped build four championship teams — veterans of the Theo Epstein, Ben Cherington, Dave Dombrowski and Bloom regimes — now feel shut out of the operation. The collaborative spirit that once defined Red Sox baseball operations has frayed.

“The discontent intensified in May 2024, when Breslow brought in sports consulting firm Sportsology to conduct an organizational audit. The stated purpose was to streamline baseball operations. In practice, it triggered a wave of firings and accelerated the marginalization of some of the longest-tenured voices in the building, “characterizing the cultural shift to align more with Wall Street efficiency.

“One of the clearest signals came during an internal team Zoom meeting earlier this season. Toward the end, Carl Moesche — the Red Sox’s scouting supervisor and a team employee since 2017 — thought the call had ended. It hadn’t. As the meeting wrapped, his voice cut through a quiet moment.

‘”Thanks, Bres, you f***ing stiff,’ Moesche said, according to two team sources.“

Lee’s report also states that Breslow and manager Alex Cora “have not seen eye-to-eye on the direction of the team.” The coaching staff has “grown frustrated with the state of player development, specifically how much emphasis is placed on swing mechanics and hitting data, often at the expense of fundamentals.”

You can read the full report here.

Breslow, a former MLB relief pitcher, played for the Red Sox in 2006 and 2012-15. He joined the Chicago Cubs front office in 2019 and was promoted to assistant general manager in 2020. After the 2023 season, he replaced Chaim Bloom as the Red Sox’ front-office leader.

So far, Breslow hasn’t done much to convince the Fenway Faithful that he’s an improvement over Bloom. The Red Sox stayed mediocre at 81-81 last season and are an uninspiring 37-36 this year. Now, like his predecessor, Breslow’s tenure will likely be remembered for trading a face of the franchise.

Without Devers, the Red Sox will begin a three-game series in Seattle on Monday night. They will start a three-game series in San Francisco against Devers and the Giants starting on Friday.

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Giancarlo Stanton set to make season debut for Yankees after missing first 70 games

NEW YORK — Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton was activated Monday and set to start against the Los Angeles Angels and bat fifth after missing New York’s first 70 games because of inflammation in the tendons of both elbows.

Stanton was 3 for 11 with 4 RBIs in three rehab games last week with Double-A Somerset, an assignment cut short by rainy weather.

Stanton has not played a full season since 2018, the first year after the Yankees acquired him from the Miami Marlins. Entering Monday, he had missed 364 of 940 games (39%) since the beginning of the 2019 season.

The 35-year-old appeared in 114 games last season, hitting .233 with 27 homers and 72 RBIs, then had seven homers in 14 postseason games and was voted the MVP of the AL Championship Series.

Given a then-record 13-year, $325 million contract by the Marlins, Stanton had 59 homers and 132 RBIs in 2017, winning the NL MVP award. He was traded to the Yankees and has 38 homers and 100 RBIs in his first season in the Bronx.

He missed time because of a strained right biceps and strained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee (2019), strained left hamstring (2020), strained left quadriceps (2021), right ankle inflammation and left Achilles tendinitis (2022) and strained left hamstring (2023 and 2024).

Stanton was activated from the 60-day injured list and infielder/outfielder Pablo Reyes was designated for assignment.

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Red Sox exec reveals Boston discussed Devers trade with other teams

Red Sox exec reveals Boston discussed Devers trade with other teams originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Giants got their guy in Rafael Devers with Sunday’s shocking blockbuster trade, but they weren’t the only ones interested in acquiring the three-time MLB All-Star.

In a press conference via Zoom on Monday, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow revealed what went into Boston’s decision to trade its prized slugger to San Francisco in return for pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison, as well as prospects James Tibbs III and Jose Bello — a return package that left many of the team’s fans fuming.

“There were a number of paths that we felt like we could explore in order to get a more kind of cohesive and more functional roster,” Breslow said. “This was one of them, and it was ultimately the path that we went down. Now, whether or not we negotiated with one team exclusively … I have seen some some commentary that we didn’t shop this deal, whatever that means. And I don’t know that it makes a ton of sense to get into the kind of mechanics or strategy, but I do believe we had a thorough process, and we had a good idea of what the market would or could look like, and this was a deal that we felt like made sense …

“I think we rightfully set a really high bar in order to execute a trade of of this magnitude. And we did have conversations with other clubs. We got a sense for the way that they might behave, whether it was today or a few weeks from now, and felt like this — it’s not that this was the best deal that we could get, because the best deal that we could get may not necessarily be good enough to trade a player like Raffy Devers, but when you consider all of the factors here, this is the one that made sense. This is the path that we went down, and so we ended up where we did.”

There was plenty that went into Boston’s decision to trade Devers after some early season drama over his role with the team, during which the 28-year-old was moved from third base to designated hitter before eventually refusing to play first following an injury to his Red Sox teammate Triston Casas.

But now Devers will try to help the Giants win in a new setting, and the Red Sox feel good about what they received in return. Breslow stated the trade helps Boston address some of its starting pitching and bullpen needs while giving the team assets to potentially utilize as the MLB trade deadline approaches.

Breslow expressed excitement in bringing on Hicks, who the team views as a late-inning reliever, and Harrison, who they envision as a front-of-the-rotation starter after he develops more in the minor leagues. He described Tibbs as a hitter who “makes great swing decisions” and Bello as “an exciting young arm.”

“I understand the reaction from fans, the criticism that we are taking, the surprise,” Breslow said. “I do understand all of that, and I also will stand here and say that we would not have made this trade if we didn’t think it was best for the organization and the vision and the beliefs and culture that we’re trying to create.

“We have a number of young players who are in the big leagues, and we’re really excited about them, and we’re very deliberate and intentional about the environment that we want to create.”

As Devers prepares to make his Giants debut against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday at Oracle Park, it won’t be immediately clear who won the trade. But it’s clear after assessing the market, the Red Sox believe they got the best deal available.

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2025 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: 76ers take Edgecombe, Grizzlies select Sorber after Bane trade

There is no offseason in the NBA. Before the Finals have even ended, we already have a blockbuster trade that sent Desmond Bane to Orlando in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks, and a pick swap. That deal also slightly altered mock drafts, with pick 16 heading to Memphis, giving the Grizzlies a first-round pick.

That doesn’t guarantee that they’ll hold that pick; they could certainly swing it to another team over the next nine days before the draft begins. Every rumor has indicated that this will be a busy offseason, so it isn’t surprising that it got started early.

The official draft withdrawal date has officially passed, and a few international prospects, such as Neoklis Avdalas, Ben Henshall, and Momo Faye, withdrew and will reportedly evaluate their options for next season to help improve their stock ahead of the 2026 draft. That leaves the depth of this draft even thinner.

Still, there is a ton of talent at the top, and this is how our team thinks the 2025 draft will go with a little over a week before it begins on June 25.

Round 1

1. Dallas Mavericks

Cooper Flagg, F, Duke

For all the talk about Flagg's high ceiling coming into this draft — MVP candidate, top-five player in the league for a stretch — what's more important is his high floor. That starts with the fact that Flagg is a high-motor, competitive defender whose rim-protecting skills have always been his strength. Flagg is likely a multi-time All-Star at worst. That's what makes his selection such a no-brainer. - Kurt Helin, NBC Sports

2. San Antonio Spurs

Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers

The obvious choice here for the Spurs is Harper, even if they have multiple talented guards on the roster. He’s just that good. It’ll be interesting to see how head coach Mitch Johnson utilizes Harper in the rotation with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, but Harper has too much upside as a prospect for San Antonio to pass on. He will form a dangerous duo with Victor Wembanyama that could last for at least a decade. - Noah Rubin, Rotoworld

3. Philadelphia 76ers

V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor

In the eyes of many, the draft begins with the 76ers at No. 3. While Philadelphia may move down in the draft, staying put could net the team an attractive piece for the future. Rutgers' Ace Bailey is a possibility, but so is the ultra-athletic Edgecombe, who would provide a dimension the current 76ers' perimeter rotation lacks. The 6-foot-5 guard does not need the ball in his hands to be impactful on offense, and defensively, he's a high-level competitor. Edgecombe does need to become a more efficient offensive player, but Philadelphia has the talent to compensate for that. - Raphielle Johnson, Rotoworld

4. Charlotte Hornets

Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers

The Hornets need more talent. A lot more talent. Bailey has the second-highest ceiling of any player in this draft with the build and look at times of a prototypical NBA wing. If he can be that guy and thrive in the spacing of the NBA game — and playing off LaMelo Ball — the Hornets may have a key piece of the future. - Helin

5. Utah Jazz

Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma

The Jazz have experimented with multiple point guards in recent years, and while Isaiah Collier had a strong rookie year, he wasn’t good enough for Utah to avoid drafting another lead ball handler. Fears’ efficiency was an issue during his lone season at Oklahoma, but he was productive in a high-usage role in a tough conference after enrolling a year early. The 18-year-old has the potential to solve the point guard problem for the Jazz. - Rubin

6. Washington Wizards

Khaman Maluach, C, Duke

While the Wizards did select Alexandre Sarr with the second overall pick in last year's draft, he's more of a modern big who likes to spend equal time on the perimeter and in the paint. Therefore, adding Maluach would not be an issue if he's still on the board. Just 18 years old, the 7-foot-2 center out of Duke is excellent in the paint on both ends of the floor. Maluach will need time to develop, which should not be an issue for a Wizards franchise that fully embraced a rebuild last season. - Johnson

7. New Orleans Pelicans

Kon Knueppel, G, Duke

Whatever the Pelicans roster looks like after Joe Dumars is done tinkering with it this summer, it will need more shooting and guard depth. Knueppel fills those roles. Shooting is his strength — he hit 40.6 percent of his three-pointers last season for the Blue Devils — and he can do some secondary shot creation, while also being a solid defender. He can step right in and give Willie Green some minutes. - Helin

8. Brooklyn Nets

Tre Johnson, G, Texas

This is just the start of a long rebuild for Brooklyn, and Johnson would be an excellent piece to add. He is one of the best shooters and scorers in the draft and will immediately provide the Nets with a potential franchise player. He’ll have a chance to develop other aspects of his game over the next few seasons, but the scoring should be there from day one. Though Flagg will be the heavy favorite, Johnson would be a dark horse candidate to win Rookie of the Year in a situation like Brooklyn. - Rubin

9. Toronto Raptors

Derik Queen, C, Maryland

Current starting center Jakob Poeltl has one guaranteed season remaining on his current contract, with a player option for 2026-27. While teams don't usually go for need in the draft, this is a spot where the Raptors can do so while also getting the best available player on the board. Queen is a versatile big who boasts a polished offensive skill set that still has ample room for growth. His perimeter shot improved late in his lone season at Maryland, and there's also the ability to facilitate for others. Queen does need to improve defensively, but having Poeltl will give the Raptors time to develop the rookie on that end of the floor. - Johnson

10. Houston Rockets (via PHX)

Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois

The Rockets are expected to extend Fred VanVleet this summer, but they need some point guard depth behind him and Jakucionis can be that guy. He's a strong floor general who understands how to run an offense, is a creative passer, and averaged 15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists a game last season. Ultimately, how good he is depends on his shooting and defense, but he's going to be in the NBA for a long time. - Helin

11. Portland Trail Blazers

Noa Essengue, F, Ratiopharm Ulm, France

Essengue is still playing for Ratiopharm Ulm right now, so he wasn’t able to attend the NBA Draft Combine. However, he had some measurements done recently that put him at 6-10 without shoes on, which is a bit taller than expected, along with nearly a 7-1 wingspan. He’s not a ball-dominant player, and he does a little bit of everything else, which will help him fit in right away with Portland’s young core. He will provide them with another formidable perimeter defender on the wing, and Scoot Henderson should be able to find him for some easy shots at the rim. If the Trail Blazers want to turn a corner this year, Essengue can contribute immediately, but he also won’t turn 19 years old until December. - Rubin

12. Chicago Bulls

Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina

With long-time starter Nikola Vucevic and backup Zach Collins both entering the final season of their respective contracts, there may be an added sense of urgency to add a young big to the fold. The Bulls can do that here by selecting Murray-Boyles, a versatile frontcourt player who can be used at power forward or center. The basketball IQ, tenacity and defensive ability help compensate for Murray-Boyles' lack of height, and the Bulls have the scorers (and in Vucevic, a floor-spacer) needed to cover for his limited perimeter shooting. - Johnson

13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC)

Danny Wolf, F, Michigan

Onyeka Okongwu is the starting center in Atlanta, and with Clint Capela almost certainly gone via free agency, the Hawks want some depth at the five. Wolf gives them that. He has a strong feel for the game with guard-like passing skills. He may not defend well enough (or be explosive enough as an athlete) to be a starting five, but he has an NBA role. - Helin

14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)

Carter Bryant, F, Arizona

Bryant has been a late riser in this class, and there is a decent chance he goes earlier than this when the draft rolls around next week. However, San Antonio would be thrilled if the board fell like this. Bryant didn’t play a large role at Arizona, but the upside here is tremendous, especially on defense. With Wembanyama healthy, the Spurs will be looking to return to the playoffs next season. Bryant has the ability to contribute early on defensively, with upside to turn into much, much more. - Rubin

15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA)

Egor Demin, G, BYU

Do the Thunder need another point guard? Probably not, especially with 2024 first-round pick Nikola Topic due to be available after sitting out this season with a torn ACL. However, Demin is the best available player on the board, and he has the size to play multiple positions. How successful he is at the NBA level will depend on his perimeter shot, which needs a lot of work. The good news here is that Oklahoma City has enough talent to remain patient in developing Demin. - Johnson

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via ORL)

Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown

Memphis has this pick as one of the stunning four first-round picks it got in the Desmond Bane trade. That trade also gave the Grizzlies good guard depth (with the additions of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony), so they may look for more help along the front line. Sorber is a bit undersized for an NBA center (6-9) but his 7-6 wingspan and strong NBA build will allow him to play inside, and he has a good feel for the game. - Helin

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)

Cedric Coward, G, Washington State

Coward only played six games last season before a torn labrum ended his year early. He committed to transfer to Duke next season, but his name rose up draft boards, and he opted to forego another year in college. Based on the number of other players that opted to return to school and enjoy NIL money while improving their draft stock, Coward wouldn’t have done that if he wasn’t going in the first round. He boasts a 7-2 wingspan, and he’s a knockdown shooter. He should immediately provide Minnesota with yet another two-way wing. - Rubin

18. Washington Wizards (via MEM)

Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State

Considered by some to be a lottery pick early in the pre-draft process, Richardson's measurements at the combine negatively impacted how he's viewed in some circles. While he does not possess the size most teams prefer off-ball scorers to have, the former Michigan State standout has the offensive skill set required of a combo guard. While the Wizards added Bub Carrington to the mix in last year's draft, the team is still in rebuilding mode. And if Richardson is available here, Washington would be hard-pressed to leave him on the board. - Johnson

19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL)

Liam McNeeley, G/F, Connecticut

The Nets head into the draft needing... everything. McNeeley thrived at Montverde Academy (on the same team as Flagg and Queen) but was pushed into a role as a primary shot creator for Dan Hurley and the Huskies, which was not a fit. The Nets are betting he can return to his high school form and be part of their wing rotation. - Helin

20. Miami Heat (via GSW)

Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State

Every year, it feels like there is a pick that is a match made in heaven for the Heat. It usually ends up being a tough, two-way player who can contribute immediately. Clifford feels like that guy this year. At 23 years old, he doesn’t have the same room for growth that some of the other players in this class do, but he should be at least a rotation piece from day one, with the upside to start as a rookie. Miami isn’t going to kickstart a rebuild this year, and adding Clifford will help them improve the roster. - Rubin

21. Utah Jazz (via MIN)

Maxime Raynaud, F/C, Stanford

The 7-1 Raynaud is one of the most skilled big men in this draft class. During his time at Stanford, the All-ACC center showed off the ability to score from all over the floor, and his rebounding improved as his career progressed. While the Jazz appear to have their center of the future in Walker Kessler, he's not the most skilled big man offensively. Adding Raynaud would give Utah a floor-spacer in the frontcourt, especially if they were to move John Collins via trade. - Johnson

22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL)

Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija, France

As noted above when I had them drafting Wolf out of Michigan, the Hawks need depth at the five. Beringer is more of a long-term bet. He showed potential as a shot-blocking, rim-running big in the Adriatic League last season, but he's a project. Atlanta is betting on its player development skills here. - Helin

23. Indiana Pacers

Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia

Once unanimously considered to be a lottery talent, the opinions on Newell have changed. He can still be a phenomenal player, but he may need the right situation for that to happen. Indiana feels like the perfect place for that. He’s not much of a shot creator, but the Pacers’ style of play will get him easy looks. He’s not a great defender, but he’ll have Myles Turner behind him to clean things up. Newell also fills some gaps for the Pacers as a backup center that can also spend time at power forward if they want him to. - Rubin

24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)

Nolan Traore, G, Saint-Quentin, France

Initially projected to be a lock for the draft lottery, Traore's limited perimeter shooting is an issue for some draftniks. However, he's a quick point guard who can be a high-level playmaker for others, provided he keeps the turnovers in check. Oklahoma City certainly doesn't need another point guard, but Traore on the board at this point could be too enticing to pass up. - Johnson

25. Orlando Magic (via DEN)

Will Riley, G/F, Illinois

While Orlando moved into a "win now" mode by trading for Bane, Riley is the best player on the board and a bet by the Magic on their player development and long-term success. The Magic believe in the Riley we saw score 22 points on 12 shots in a win against Xavier in the NCAA tournament (and ignore the times he faded into the background of games this season). - Helin

26. Brooklyn Nets (via NYK)

Drake Powell, G, UNC

The Nets have a ton of needs, but with Nic Claxton, Noah Clowney and Day’Ron Sharpe on the roster, they do have some centers with upside. That’s why it isn’t an issue for them to select wings with three of their four first-round picks, even if they opt to address different positions on draft night. Powell played a limited role at North Carolina after entering as a five-star freshman, but he boasts a 7-0 wingspan and a 43-inch vertical. He still has upside as a creator on offense, but it was his 37.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc and his defensive prowess that make him a strong selection for the Nets. - Rubin

27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU)

Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida

The Nets have embraced the rebuild, and point guard is a position of need, regardless of what happens with D'Angelo Russell in free agency. So, why not add a point guard who led his team to a national title and can make plays for himself and others? Despite being considered by some to be a bit small for an NBA point guard, Clayton would fit that mold. There's room for him to grow as a finisher, but adding a quality leader with a championship pedigree can work out well for a rebuilding franchise. - Johnson

28. Boston Celtics

Hugo Gonzalez, G/F, Real Madrid, Spain

The Celtics can afford to be patient (not like anyone they were going to draft here was going to come into this veteran team and make a big impact). Gonzalez has good size and feel for the game, and shows real promise as a defender, he has the kind of game that would fit well on the Celtics (or Pacers, or a lot of deep teams), but the question is his shot. He hit just 29 percent from deep last season. Don't be surprised if he spends another year in Spain working on that before coming over. - Helin

29: Phoenix Suns (via CLE)

Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s

This would be quite the steal for Phoenix. He didn’t create much in college, but the 6-9 forward has a 7-5 wingspan and shot 39 percent from deep. The Suns don’t have much of their own draft capital over the next five years, so even if they acquire picks in exchange for Kevin Durant, there is no incentive for them to rebuild. Fleming may not have All-Star upside, but he can be a star in his role for Phoenix, which would be an excellent pick for them at the end of the first round. - Rubin

30. Los Angeles Clippers (via OKC)

Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton

The Clippers are in a good spot regarding the starting center role, as Ivica Zubac is coming off the best season of his career. But there is a need for a backup, and Kalkbrenner can certainly offer value. Three-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, he made strides as a rebounder and defender during his time in college. Kalkbrenner will need to improve his strength and mobility, but there will be time for him to develop playing on a team that's already set at the center position. - Johnson

Round 2:

31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Noah Penda, F, Le Mans, France

32. Boston Celtics (via WAS): Kam Jones, G, Marquette

33. Charlotte Hornets: Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas

34. Charlotte Hornets (via NOR): Yanic Konan Niederhauser, C, Penn State

35. Philadelphia 76ers: Hansen Yang, C, Qingdao, China

36. Brooklyn Nets: Ben Saraf, G, Ratiopharm Ulm, Israel

37. Detroit Pistons (via TOR): Bogoljub Marković, F, KK Mega Basket, Serbia

38. San Antonio Spurs: Alex Toohey, F, Sydney Kings

39. Toronto Raptors (via POR): Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest

40. Washington Wizards (via PHX): Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke

41. Golden State Warriors (via MIA): Amari Williams, C, Kentucky

42. Sacramento Kings (via CHI): John Tonje, F, Wisconsin

43. Utah Jazz (via DAL): Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee

44. Oklahoma City Thunder (via ATL): Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane Bullets

45. Chicago Bulls (via SAC): Johni Broome, C, Auburn

46. Orlando Magic: Alijah Martin, G, Florida

47. Milwaukee Bucks (via DET): Ryan Nembhard, G, Gonzaga

48. Memphis Grizzlies (via GSW): Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan

49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL): Javon Small, G, West Virginia

50. New York Knicks (via MEM): Koby Brea, G/F, Kentucky

51. Los Angeles Clippers (via MIN): Sion James, G, Duke

52. Phoenix Suns (via DEN): Kobe Sanders, G/F, Nevada

53. Utah Jazz (via LAC): Dink Pate, F, Mexico City

54. Indiana Pacers: Micah Peavy, G/F, Georgetown

55. Los Angeles Lakers: Mark Sears, G, Alabama

56. Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU): RJ Luis, G/F, St. John’s

57. Orlando Magic (via BOS): Eric Dixon, F, Villanova

58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Lachlan Olbrich, F/C, Illawarra Hawks

59. Houston Rockets (via OKC): Viktor Lakhin, C, Clemson

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Shane Smith and Mike Vasil look like two Rule 5 hits for the rebuilding Chicago White Sox

CHICAGO — Shane Smith pitched a total of 10 1/3 innings during his college career at Wake Forest. He had a shoulder operation as a freshman, and his sophomore year was shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Then he had elbow surgery.

At that point, even Smith began to wonder if baseball was going to work out for him.

“My dream of playing professional baseball, to say it didn’t waver would probably be lying,” he said. “But I knew there was an avenue somehow.”

There sure was.

Smith has turned into a pleasant surprise for the last-place Chicago White Sox after he was selected by the team in the Rule 5 draft. The White Sox also have Mike Vasil, another 25-year-old Rule 5 right-hander who was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay in March.

The Rule 5 draft provides an opportunity for players left off big league team’s 40-man rosters after several minor league seasons. Teams pay $100,000 to select a player in the major league portion. The players must stay on the active 26-man major league roster all season or else clear waivers and be offered back to their original organization for $50,000.

Between 10 and 20 players are selected in the big league Rule 5 draft most seasons, but most don’t actually stick with their new clubs. Even fewer develop into All-Star-worthy contributors. Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente and two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana are two of the most famous Rule 5 success stories.

So far, it looks as if Smith and Vasil are going to stick with the rebuilding White Sox — quite an accomplishment for an organization from one Rule 5 draft. Smith has a 2.37 ERA in 68 1/3 innings over 13 starts, and Vasil has a 1.99 ERA in 45 1/3 innings over 20 appearances, all but two in relief.

“Obviously Mike and I are, I think, putting our best foot forward as of now,” Smith said. “The biggest thing we can do is just keep it going, keep doing the same stuff.”

Smith or Vasil very well could represent the last-place White Sox at the All-Star Game in Atlanta. Dan Uggla with the Florida Marlins in 2006 is the only player to be named an All-Star in the season after he was selected in the Rule 5 draft, according to Sportradar.

Being a Rule 5 player is a unique situation in that first year, but Vasil said he doesn’t think about it very often.

“I’ve spent my whole life trying to get here,” he said. “So I think it’s already hard enough, don’t put more pressure on yourself.”

The 6-foot-5 Vasil was selected by the New York Mets in the eighth round of the 2021 amateur draft out of the University of Virginia. He was picked by Philadelphia in the Rule 5 draft in December and then traded that same day to the Rays for cash.

The White Sox are Vasil’s fourth organization since the end of last season.

“It’s a lot,” he said. “But I think for me, at the same time, I guess you could say you feel wanted by a lot of different teams.”

Vasil began the season in Chicago’s bullpen, recording a 1.89 ERA in his first 18 appearances. He got his first career win when he pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings against Houston on May 4 and his first save when he got three outs at Cincinnati on May 14.

But Vasil’s six-pitch arsenal — highlighted by an effective sinker and sweeper — makes him a strong candidate for the rotation. He pitched four shutout innings in his second start at Texas.

“Not something that’s unfamiliar for me,” he said of starting. “I started all my minor league career, so in terms of routine I probably know this one a little bit better than my relief one right now.”

Smith went right into Chicago’s rotation during spring training — an unusual spot for a Rule 5 player. Since 2016, Luis Perdomo, Brad Keller and Mitch Spence are the only pitchers who made at least 20 starts in the majors in the season after they were selected in the big league phase of the Rule 5 draft.

Keller began the 2018 season in Kansas City’s bullpen before moving into the rotation in late May. He finished his rookie year with a 9-6 record and a 3.08 ERA in 20 starts and 21 relief appearances.

“I think you definitely pull for all the Rule 5 guys because I feel like, not to say this in a bad way, but Rule 5 guys kind of get a bad rap, right?” said Keller, a key reliever for the Chicago Cubs. “It’s like they’re like nobody’s got a chance. That’s not true. Some organizations are in different situations where they can’t protect guys that they want to.”

Smith had been in Milwaukee’s organization since he signed with the Brewers as an undrafted free agent in 2021, just weeks after he had Tommy John surgery. He had a 3.05 ERA in 32 appearances over two minor league stops last season, finishing the year with Triple-A Nashville.

Smith has a big four-seam fastball that gets into the high 90s, to go along with a good slider and curveball. But the biggest key to his success this year has been the development of a nasty changeup that really came together in the offseason after years of work.

Fortunate timing for Smith and the White Sox.

“For a guy that hasn’t really pitched above Double-A, he had some innings in Triple-A, but to come here and pitch the way that he does, it just speaks to his ability and his confidence and also speaks to the group of players and staff here to support him,” general manager Chris Getz said. “Shane is doing really well and we expect him to have a really productive, healthy season for us.”

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Mets reliever Brooks Raley set to begin rehab assignment

Mets left-handed relieverBrooks Raleyis about to take a huge step toward his return.

Raley, who underwent Tommy John surgery last May that also included an internal brace, is set to begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday for A-ball St. Lucie.

Given the length of Raley's absence and the need to get fully into game shape, his rehab assignment could last the full 30 days or close to it, president of baseball operations David Stearns said last week.

Once Raley returns, the Mets could be getting a key cog to help fill the lefty relief hole that was left by season-ending injuries to A.J. Minter and Danny Young.

New York has been relying heavily on Jose Castillo lately in that role.

Raley, 36, had a tremendous season for the Mets in 2023 after being acquired from the Rays.

In 54.2 innings over 66 appearances, he posted a 2.80 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 61 strikeouts.

He was off to a strong start in 2024, tossing 7.0 scoreless innings, before his season ended due to the Tommy John surgery.

Raley re-signed with the Mets this April on a one-year deal with a team option for 2026.

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3 Elder Skaters Blackhawks Must Consider This Off-Season

The Chicago Blackhawks are coming into 2025-26 with a lot of youth at the top of their roster. They will be very exciting to watch, but veteran leadership is needed on every NHL team. 

GM Kyle Davidson already has a few veterans on the team, such as Connor Murphy, Nick Foligno, Teuvo Teravainen, and Tyler Bertuzzi. However, he may look for one with other attributes, including more offense.

During this off-season, a handful of very good veterans who are considered NHL elders are going to be available. Players like this, despite their age, should be at the top of Chicago’s list of people to go after. 

Young teams need guys like this to help them take a step as an organization: 

1. Brad Marchand

Brad Marchand is 37 years old. You would not think that based on how he is playing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Florida Panthers. He has been their best player in the Stanley Cup Final and is on the verge of winning it for the second time in his career. 

Marchand was shockingly traded to a division rival by the Boston Bruins right at the buzzer of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. He was injured at the time of the trade but he made it back in time to impact the Panthers in a big way. 

It's not like the defending Stanley Cup champions needed any help, but they were smart enough to go add more anyway. Marchand's regular season ended with 23 goals and 28 assists for 51 points. Most of that was on a struggling Bruins team or following an injury with Florida. 

In the playoffs so far, Marchand has 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points. He is in the mix for the Conn Smythe Trophy at this point. 

A guy coming off a run like that would be great for the young Chicago Blackhawks. He has a lot more hockey left in the tank. His attitude, hard-working motor, and talent would be great to have around guys like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar. 

2. John Tavares

John Tavares doesn't have the playoff resume that Brad Marchand has, but he is one of the few players who hasn't been a complete disappointment for the Toronto Maple Leafs when the lights are brightest. If Toronto doesn't retain the hometown guy in free agency, the Blackhawks should be all over him. 

In the regular season, Tavares had 38 goals and 36 assists for 74 points in 75 games played. That is outstanding for a guy who will be 35 when the 2025-26 season begins. 

Tavares can still drive a line and score goals at a high rate. With some of the gifted playmakers on Chicago's roster, Tavares should be able to put up similar numbers. In a leadership role, Tavares could thrive as long as his offense doesn't drop off. 

3. Claude Giroux 

Claude Girouz is 37 and will turn 38 in January. He doesn't seem to have the same level of offense left in the tank as Marchand or Tavares, but he can still make plays on a good line. 

During the 2024-25 season, in a much more depth role, he scored 15 goals and had 35 assists for 50 points in 81 games played. He is a candidate to see a spark in production if he played more minutes, which he would get in Chicago. 

Giroux has been an elite offensive talent throughout his career, and he knows what it takes to be a superstar in the NHL. If he were placed on a line or power play with some of the youth that Chicago has, you may see remnants of the old Giroux. It is a move worth considering if you are Kyle Davidson, looking for a savvy veteran. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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Who did Red Sox get in Devers deal? Get to know all four players

Who did Red Sox get in Devers deal? Get to know all four players originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Red Sox made one of the most shocking moves in franchise history on Sunday, sending veteran slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in a blockbuster trade.

The deal has rightfully been criticized for its poor timing and lackluster return. Just hours after completing a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees, Boston traded Devers for right-hander Jordan Hicks, left-hander Kyle Harrison, minor-league outfielder James Tibbs III, and minor-league righty Jose Bello.

While the Red Sox dumped the $254 remaining on Devers’ contract, that’s still an underwhelming haul for one of the best hitters in baseball. These lopsided trades are becoming a trend in Boston as the infamous 2020 Mookie Betts deal remains fresh in fans’ minds.

Regardless, the Red Sox have four new players in the organization as a result of the move, and a couple of them boast undeniable upside. Here’s a breakdown of what each bring to the table:

Jordan Hicks, RHP

Hicks has been one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in baseball since entering the league with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018. The 28-year-old routinely threw his fastball in the 103-105 mph range early in his career, though he averages roughly 97 mph these days.

After spending his first seven MLB seasons as a reliever, Hicks joined the Giants’ starting rotation before the 2024 season. The experiment didn’t really work out, as Hicks compiled a 4.83 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 42 appearances (29 starts) over his one-and-a-half seasons in San Francisco.

This season has been Hicks’ worst yet. The Houston native has a 6.47 ERA and 1.54 WHIP over 13 outings (nine starts). The Giants moved him back into the bullpen in May.

Hicks is currently on the 15-day injured list with toe inflammation and is expected to return later this month.

Kyle Harrison, LHP

Harrison is the biggest piece of this deal for Boston. The 23-year-old southpaw has tremendous upside as he entered the 2024 season as the No. 1 left-handed pitching prospect in the sport.

So far in his big-league career, Harrison’s results have been mixed. He posted a 4.56 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 118 strikeouts and 42 walks in 24 starts last year, his first full season in the majors. In eight appearances (four starts) this season, Harrison has a 4.56 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 25 strikeouts and nine walks.

Harrison’s biggest improvement since last year has been his fastball velocity. He averaged 92.5 mph with batters hitting .249 against his fastball in 2024. This season, the pitch has averaged 95.1 mph with a BAA of .175.

The Red Sox optioned Harrison to Triple-A Worcester following the trade, but it shouldn’t be long before we see him take the mound for Boston.

James Tibbs III, OF

The Giants took Tibbs with the 13th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, one pick after the Red Sox selected fellow outfielder Braden Montgomery, whom they shipped to the Chicago White Sox in their offseason deal for left-hander Garrett Crochet.

Tibbs was the No. 3 ranked prospect in San Francisco’s organization, per Baseball America. MLB Pipeline ranks him sixth among Red Sox prospects — fourth if you don’t count big-leaguers Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer.

The 22-year-old hit .246 with 12 homers, 32 RBI, 42 walks and 45 strikeouts in 57 games for High-A Eugene this season. He hit 55 homers in three seasons at Florida State.

Tibbs will report to Double-A Portland.

Jose Bello, RHP

The Giants signed Bello as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2023. The 20-year-old righty recorded a 2.00 ERA across eight rookie-ball appearances (18 innings) this season, striking out 28 batters and walking three.

Those numbers are impressive, but with such a small sample size, it’s impossible to tell what kind of upside Bello brings to the organization.

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Mets at Braves: 5 things to watch and series predictions | June 17-19

Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Braves a three-game series in Atlanta starting on Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. on SNY.

5 things to watch

Can David Peterson and Clay Holmes stabilize the rotation?

Tylor Megill and Griffin Canning turned in their two worst starts of the season in back-to-back days as the Mets got swept at home by the Rays.

That those performances came on the heels of Kodai Senga's hamstring injury gave some people the ability to spew sky-is-falling fodder about the state of the Mets' rotation and how ominous things are. But the fact of the matter is that the Mets will be fine.

Sean Manaea is expected to be back in a few weeks (after two or three more rehab starts), and Senga's injury isn't serious (he's still throwing and could be back in less than a month).

And while Megill might not be long for the rotation once the Mets get healthy and Canning might wind up being simply a solid back end starter, it's fair to expect both of them to do much better their next time out.

Still, the Mets are in what should be a brief period of rotation uncertainty. And they need Peterson (starting on Tuesday) and Holmes (getting the ball on Thursday) to help stabilize things.

Pitching between Peterson and Holmes, in what could be another one-start cameo, is Paul Blackburn.

Mets' offense is facing a tall task

The Braves enter this series with a 31-39 record, mostly because their offense hasn't been what they expected it to be.

But Atlanta's run differential (+12) suggests they're much better than their record. And one of the main reasons why they're dangerous is their starting rotation.

The Mets will face Spencer Schwellenbach (3.11 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) on Tuesday.

They'll go up against Chris Sale (2.79 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 107 strikeouts) on Wednesday.

Bryce Elder gets the start in the series finale. And while he hasn't had the best season and was roughed up against the Rockies during his last start, he has the ability to dominate -- as evidenced by the eight innings of one-run ball he threw against the Giants on June 7.

New York's top relievers are rested and ready

Because of how poorly the Mets' series against the Rays went over the weekend, all of their top relievers are extra rested.

May 26, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) reacts after recording a strike out to end the top of the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
May 26, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) reacts after recording a strike out to end the top of the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Edwin Diazhasn't pitched since last Thursday.

Reed Garrett hasn't pitched since last Tuesday.

Huascar Brazoban hasn't pitched since last Thursday.

Jose Butto will have pitched just twice in the last 10 days when the Braves series begins.

So as the Mets navigate the aforementioned rotation uncertainty, they should be able to rely heavily on their top relievers.

How is Brett Baty doing?

Baty left Sunday's game early due to right groin tightness.

He isn't currently scheduled to undergo further testing, and more should be known about his availability before the game on Tuesday.

If Baty is unable to play, it could open the door for more playing time for Ronny Mauricio, who homered on Saturday and went 1-for-2 on Sunday after replacing Baty in the seventh inning.

Baty has been scuffling at the plate lately, but did smack a homer on Saturday.

Braves are in a perilous spot

Atlanta enters this series 13.0 games behind the Mets for first place in the NL East and 8.0 games behind the Padres for the third and final Wild Card spot in the NL.

With the trade deadline in roughly six weeks, the Braves probably have about a month or so to show they shouldn't be sellers.

They are oozing with talent up and down the roster, so it seems like just a matter of time before they start playing with more consistency.

The big question, though, is whether what the Braves do over the next chunk of games will be enough to propel them into the playoff race.

Predictions

Who will the MVP of the series be?

Juan Soto

Soto continued to see the ball really well while not having an eye-opening series against the Rays. He reached base five times in 16 plate appearances, and some of his outs (including a screaming line drive to the warning track in right field on Friday) were absolute bullets.

Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?

Clay Holmes

Holmes was pulled after just 5.0 innings on Friday due to feeling a bit fatigued following his prior start in Colorado. He should be back to full strength for this one.

Which Braves player will be a thorn in the Mets' side?

Matt Olson

Olson has been heating up, reaching base safely in 17 consecutive games.

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Mets top prospect Jett Williams named Eastern League Player of the Week

Jett Williams had a huge week for Double-A Binghamton, and the Mets’ top prospect has earned Eastern League Player of the Week honors for his hard work.

Williams, 21, slashed .385/.467/.962 with two home runs, three doubles, and two triples for the Rumble Ponies, raising his batting average from .282 to .296 in the process.

Williams, who came into the season ranked by Joe DeMayo as the Mets’ top position player prospect (No 2 overall, trailing only RHP Brandon Sproat), now has a .926 OPS overall in 55 games this season, blasting six home runs to go along with 24 RBI, 38 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases in 22 attempts.

Selected with the No. 14 overall selection in the 2022 MLB Draft, Williams has steadily risen through the Mets' system, with a promotion to Triple-A Syracuse likely at some point this season. And if he has another week like the one he just registered, that trip to Syracuse could be coming sooner rather than later.

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Oilers are on cusp of making the wrong kind of Stanley Cup Final history

Oilers are on cusp of making the wrong kind of Stanley Cup Final history originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Will the Edmonton Oilers finish as Stanley Cup runners-up again?

Edmonton was pushed to the brink of elimination in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final on Saturday, losing Game 5 at home by a score of 5-2 to the defending champion Florida Panthers. The series now shifts back to Florida for Game 6 on Tuesday, when the Panthers will have the chance to pull off a repeat championship.

The rare Cup Final rematch between Florida and Edmonton has played out much differently than last year, when the Oilers erased a 3-0 series deficit before dropping the decisive Game 7 on the road.

Panthers-Oilers Round 2 has been a back-and-forth battle with three overtime contests in five games. Edmonton took the series opener before Florida responded with two straight victories. The Oilers evened the series in Game 4, but the Panthers pulled back ahead in Game 5.

Now, Connor McDavid and Co. need to win two straight elimination to avoid becoming repeat Stanley Cup runners-up.

Has an NHL team ever lost back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals?

The Oilers wouldn’t be the first team to suffer Cup Final losses in consecutive seasons.

How many NHL teams have lost back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals?

Since the start of the expansion era in the 1967-68 season, there have been just two instances of the same team losing at least two Cup Finals in a row.

Who was the last NHL team to lose back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals?

And it’s been nearly 50 years since it last happened. The Boston Bruins lost the 1977 Cup Final to the Montreal Canadiens before suffering the same fate against Montreal in 1978. Boston’s consecutive Cup Final defeats were part of a four-peat for Montreal from 1976-79.

The only other team to record consecutive runner-up finishes is the St. Louis Blues, who were defeated in three straight Cup Finals. St. Louis lost to the Canadiens in 1968and 1969 before falling to the Bruins in 1970. The Blues wouldn’t make it back to the Cup Final until 2019, when they defeated the Bruins for the franchise’s first championship.

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Oilers are on cusp of making the wrong kind of Stanley Cup Final history

Oilers are on cusp of making the wrong kind of Stanley Cup Final history originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Will the Edmonton Oilers finish as Stanley Cup runners-up again?

Edmonton was pushed to the brink of elimination in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final on Saturday, losing Game 5 at home by a score of 5-2 to the defending champion Florida Panthers. The series now shifts back to Florida for Game 6 on Tuesday, when the Panthers will have the chance to pull off a repeat championship.

The rare Cup Final rematch between Florida and Edmonton has played out much differently than last year, when the Oilers erased a 3-0 series deficit before dropping the decisive Game 7 on the road.

Panthers-Oilers Round 2 has been a back-and-forth battle with three overtime contests in five games. Edmonton took the series opener before Florida responded with two straight victories. The Oilers evened the series in Game 4, but the Panthers pulled back ahead in Game 5.

Now, Connor McDavid and Co. need to win two straight elimination to avoid becoming repeat Stanley Cup runners-up.

Has an NHL team ever lost back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals?

The Oilers wouldn’t be the first team to suffer Cup Final losses in consecutive seasons.

How many NHL teams have lost back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals?

Since the start of the expansion era in the 1967-68 season, there have been just two instances of the same team losing at least two Cup Finals in a row.

Who was the last NHL team to lose back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals?

And it’s been nearly 50 years since it last happened. The Boston Bruins lost the 1977 Cup Final to the Montreal Canadiens before suffering the same fate against Montreal in 1978. Boston’s consecutive Cup Final defeats were part of a four-peat for Montreal from 1976-79.

The only other team to record consecutive runner-up finishes is the St. Louis Blues, who were defeated in three straight Cup Finals. St. Louis lost to the Canadiens in 1968and 1969 before falling to the Bruins in 1970. The Blues wouldn’t make it back to the Cup Final until 2019, when they defeated the Bruins for the franchise’s first championship.

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Devers Trade to Giants Shifts Power in NL West

When Buster Posey took over as president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants late last year, he promised to rely on his playing pedigree as a three-time World Series-winning catcher to make the Giants relevant again.

Sunday, Posey followed through on that promise. He obtained Rafael Devers in a mega-trade with the Boston Red Sox, giving the Giants a big left-handed power bat in the lineup for the first time since Barry Bonds finished his career with the team in 2007.

Devers, 28, has already hit 215 home runs in his nine-year career – at least 30 homers twice. The Giants haven’t had a 30-homer hitter in a single season since Bonds smacked 45 in 2004. Bonds is the all-time MLB leader with 762.

“We’re obviously excited about adding one of the best hitters in all of Major League Baseball to our lineup,” Posey told writers after Sunday night’s game in Los Angeles, where the Giants lost to the Dodgers, 5-4, at Dodger Stadium. “We’d been in conversations for a few weeks and felt there was some momentum.”

The Giants were tied last week with the Dodgers, if for only one day, before losing the final two games of the series. They are now two games out and the Dodgers have 14 pitchers on the injured list. Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is expected to return to the mound to start Monday’s game, a year and nine months after his second Tommy John surgery.

The Giants haven’t been this close to the lead since winning the 2021 NL West by one game over the Dodgers, who wound up defeating their rivals in a tough five-game NL Division Series. Afterwards, battered and beaten, Posey retired from the playing field and later became one of the club’s many minority partners, an equity position he still maintains.

For the Dodgers it was the only time since 2012 they failed to win the division title, and the Giants haven’t made the playoffs since.

The Red Sox, meanwhile, continue to purge high-priced home-grown talent: Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts and now Devers, who helped them win the 2018 World Series over the Dodgers. All three players now reside in the NL West, continuing a transfer of power and resources from the American League East.

Betts was traded to the Dodgers, Bogaerts signed with the Padres as a free agent, and Devers is now gone, traded for two Major League pitchers—Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks, and a pair of minor leaguers. Boston got virtually nothing in the 2020 Betts trade, with only catcher Connor Wong remaining on the big-league roster.

By not attempting to re-sign Betts, who has helped the Dodgers to a pair of World Series titles since the trade, they put all their money into Devers, signing him to a 10-year, $313.5 million contract.

The Giants inherit the final eight-plus years of that deal bringing their overall payroll to $210.3 million, 13th in MLB, but about half of the $405.4 million the league-leading Dodgers are spending.

They also inherit the situation that seemingly chased Devers out of Boston—his reluctance to change positions when needed this season. He was the regular Red Sox third baseman until they moved him to DH after signing Alex Bregman in the offseason. But when Tristan Casas injured his left knee and was lost for the season, Devers refused to move again to fill the gap at first base.

In San Francisco, incumbent third baseman Matt Chapman is out for at least a few weeks after jamming three fingers on his right hand sliding headfirst into a base. Thus, Devers can start there and DH, but the Giants have their biggest problem trying to fill a void at first base.

Posey said he’s not worried about what transpired with Devers in Boston, and the Giants, led by veteran manager Bob Melvin, will re-start that discussion.

“The reports I’ve gotten from other people across the industry is that Rafi’s a great teammate,” Posey said. “[He} loves to play the game, and we’re excited to have those conversations with him and figure out how he’s going to best fit into our lineup defensively and offensively.”

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A's rookie Clarke makes MLB history with another defensive gem

A's rookie Clarke makes MLB history with another defensive gem originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Denzel Clarke made remarkable MLB history on Monday.

The Athletics rookie center fielder earned his third consecutive Electric Play of the Week nod, becoming the first MLB player ever to take home the honor — which was started in 2019 — three times in a row. 

Here are all three show-stopping plays that Clarke made over the past three weeks.

“He continues to blow our mind,” Athletics pitcher Grant Holman said about Clark following their team’s June 9 game against the Los Angeles Angels. “He’s unbelievable out there, and it’s a really good feeling as a pitcher to know you’ve got a guy in centerfield who’s going to track everything down and even if you give up a homer, he’s going to bring it back.”

Selected No. 127 overall by the Athletics in the 2021 MLB Draft, Clarke has had quite the entertaining 21 games to start his big-league career. 

According to Statcast, he already is eighth in outs above average with eight, and according to FanGraphs, 22nd in defensive runs saved over 160-plus innings with seven. Oh, yeah, his sprint speed ranks in the 96th percentile.

It’s worth noting that Clarke is slashing .209/.232/.284 with 14 hits, three RBI and one home run thus far. While not the greatest start to a big-league career, Clark’s electric defensive capabilities have kept him in A’s manager Mark Kotsay’s lineup.

“That’s about as far over a fence as you can get without going over and making a play,” Kotsay told reporters about Clarke’s June 9 catch in Anaheim. “We talk a little bit about, you know, his range and the package is instinct; it’s reaction and it’s speed, and he’s got them all.“

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Oilers Must Trade For Eye-Opening Forward Right Now

EDMONTON – You’ve gotta make hay while the sun shines.

This farming adage could prove fruitful for a fortunate NHL team this offseason. The Edmonton Oilers would be wise to poke around an RFA who is reportedly not happy with their current team.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. 

The Buffalo Sabres’ 23-year-old JJ Peterka would be an incredible addition to the Oilers team. His nose for the net, goal-scoring ability, and rumored availability make him the ideal candidate to join the Copper and Blue.

Here’s why the Oilers should make a deal for the young, German forward.

JJ Peterka (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images)

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Peterka Has A Nose For The Net

NHLers and coaches alike will tell you that the key to scoring goals is simply going to the net. This is something that Peterka does on instinct.

According to his teammates, he has a nose for the net and goes hard every time he hits the ice. 

“Every time he has the puck, he’s going to make a play and then get to the net,” Peyton Krebs, a teammate of Peterka’s, told The Score. “A lot of guys hold back and take it easy sometimes, but not JJ.”

Peterka Is Coming Off A Career Year

Peterka is coming off the best year of his (very) young NHL career. With over 200 games played already, he has scored 28 and 27 goals in the last two years.

He recorded 68 points in 77 games for the Sabres this year. Peterka averaged 18:11 per game. He finished second on the team in scoring behind Tage Thompson, who collected 72 points.

Peterka was on the Sabres' top unit powerplay, averaging 2:55 with the man advantage per game.

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Sabres Are Taking Calls On Peterka

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Sabres have changed their tune on Peterka’s status with the club. On the latest 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman laid out the situation.

“I have said on this podcast and in my radio interviews several times,” Friedman began. “The Sabres have indicated that they do not want to trade JJ Peterka…their answer has changed.”

As for why the Sabres have had a change of heart, Friedman explained his understanding.

“I think it’s the reality of the situation,” Friedman revealed. “People know Peterka’s unhappy, and it’s believed he would like to go somewhere else.” 

“I just think that reality is sinking in a bit.”

Peterka is coming off a three-year Entry Level Contract (ELC). He is currently without a contract as an offer-sheet available RFA (Restricted Free Agent).

Making a deal with Peterka right now would be the prudent thing to do. For starters, the Sabres don’t have a lot of leverage in any negotiations. With the word of their player not happy with the organization out in the hockey community as common knowledge, it puts them into a bit of a pickle.

Using some draft capital and/or a player signed for multiple years as the foundation for a deal would make the most sense on the Oilers end of things. It would certainly make more sense than taking the offer sheet approach.

Peterka plays the right game and has the offensive skill to be an ideal candidate for the Oilers to target. It probably doesn’t hurt to have countryman Leon Draisaitl on the team either – the center he would most likely play with.

There is plenty of time for something to happen before this metaphorical sun goes down.

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