Latest blog entries about MLB
Craig, Patrick, and Jeffrey discuss the last three games of the World Series, managerial openings, and play a game. The post Five & Dive, Episode 592: And Then There’s Fraud appeared first on Baseball Prospectus .
The Milwaukee Brewers clinch the 2026 World Series in five games, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1. In a post‑game interview with Ken Rosenthal, Rays manager Kevin Cash praised his roster’s “incredible” seven‑month effort, congratulated Milwaukee and acknowledged the disappointment of falling short. Cash highlighted the team’s AL East title—their first since 2021—and the value of a Game 4 win that avoided a sweep. He also reflected on key decisions, such as starting Nick Martinez in Game 1, and the strong performances of Jacob Misiorowski for the Brewers. The loss marks the Rays’ second World Series defeat, prompting a look ahead to next season.
Left‑hander Tarik Skubal, a two‑time Cy Young winner who just helped the Dodgers after a trade from Detroit, enters free agency with a record $30 million arbitration award under his belt. At 29, he could command a multi‑year deal in the $35‑$43 million AAV range, similar to recent contracts for Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and Blake Snell. The article compares Skubal’s career stats (155 games, 2.92 ERA, 1,038 K, 24.8 fWAR) to peers like Jacob de Grom and Snell, and weighs his recent elbow surgery against his productivity. A five‑year, $180‑$190 million pact appears plausible, though lockout uncertainty and health concerns could affect the final figure.
Dodgers could target Reds superstar in blockbuster trade.
Boston Red Sox catcher Willson Contreras defends Team Venezuela’s homecoming tour despite political criticism, saying the celebration is for fans, not politicians. The victory tour is set for Nov. 20, 2026, in Caracas. He also praised his brother William, who captured the 2026 World Series MVP with a .381 average, four RBIs and a key RBI double in Milwaukee’s 4‑1 Game 5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Toronto Blue Jays have outrighted outfielder Rudy Martin Jr. to Triple‑A Buffalo after he cleared waivers, opening a spot on the 40‑man roster ahead of the Monday deadline. Martin, a 30‑year‑old veteran of 11 pro seasons with stints in the Royals, Nationals, independent ball and a brief Orioles stint, appeared in two MLB games for Toronto in September. In Triple‑A he posts a .246/.342/.406 line with 14 homers and 32 steals in 37 attempts. He can reject the assignment and become a free agent, making him a potential depth outfield option for teams this winter.
General manager John Lynch says 49ers tight end Mike Evans, who missed Week 7 with an Achilles injury, is working “tirelessly” to quiet the issue. Lynch compares Evans’ rehab to Christian McCaffrey’s bilateral ankle work last year and stresses that Evans must be fully healthy before returning, though a comeback could come as soon as next week. The 49ers face the Raiders and Vikings in Weeks 9‑10 before tougher matchups against the Vikings, Seahawks and Giants, making Evans’ timely return crucial for their playoff push.
Bluebird Banter breaks down the Toronto Blue Jays’ current 40‑man roster as of October 30, 2026, listing 21 pitchers, 3 catchers, 6 infielders, 8 outfielders and a DH. It notes eight players on the 60‑day IL who will soon be added, including Myles Straw, whose club option may be declined, and highlights decision points for players without options such as Jonatan Clase, Brendon Little, Jake Bloss, and Ernie Clement. The roster comprises 10 home‑grown players, 7 free agents, 18 acquired via trade, 2 waivers and 1 Rule 5 pick, with the majority hailing from the United States.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian joins LSU’s Lane Kiffin in criticizing the SEC’s new nine‑game conference slate, saying the extra matchup adds eight potential losses and heightens injury risk for Longhorns and other SEC teams. Sarkisian argues the playoff committee should weigh the tougher schedule when evaluating bids, noting the physical toll of an additional game. He highlights that Texas, after moving from the Big 12 to the SEC for financial gain, now faces a grueling stretch that could jeopardize its CFP aspirations.
The Milwaukee Brewers haven’t had much time for sleep since winning the World Series on Wednesday. They celebrated in the locker room in Tampa Bay after defeating the Rays before traveling back to Milwaukee and attending Thursday night’s Green Bay Packers game. On Friday, the team had its World Series parade in Milwaukee, and expected […] The post Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski admits he’s running on almost no sleep during World Series parade appeared first on ClutchPoints .
With the Raiders sliding from a 3‑0 start to a four‑game losing streak, trade talk intensifies around five-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline. Reported by Jason La Canfora, teams are reportedly willing to part with two future first‑round picks for the 29‑year‑old pass rusher. The most likely suitors include the Dallas Cowboys, still thin on sacks; the Jacksonville Jaguars, a 4‑2 dark‑horse with extra Day‑3 picks; the Detroit Lions, seeking to pair Crosby with Aidan Hutchinson; the New York Giants, who sit atop the NFC East with 21 sacks; and the Buffalo Bills, who need defensive help after a 5‑1 start. Each franchise weighs price versus need as Las Vegas decides whether to move its star edge‑rusher.
Monday night’s Week 7 NFL showdown between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles eclipsed Game 3 of the Brewers‑Rays World Series, drawing 18.8 million viewers versus the baseball game’s 8.33 million. The NFL‑football broadcast led by over 10 million more households, tying the Buccaneers‑Lions game as the most‑watched Monday Night Football of the ESPN era. Despite both teams entering 4‑8, the rivalry attracted one of the season’s highest audiences, while MLB saw a sharp decline from its opening games. The ratings gap underscores the NFL’s dominance in head‑to‑head TV battles.
The Red Sox begin trimming their roster ahead of free agency, trading utility outfielder Nate Eaton to the Oakland Athletics and infielder Tsung‑Che Cheng to the Detroit Tigers. Both moves satisfy a 40‑man roster rule requiring four cuts. Eaton, prized for speed and versatility, returns an 18‑year‑old Nicaraguan pitcher, Jareth Rayo, while Cheng, who made key defensive plays during Boston’s 15‑game win streak, brings cash back. The deals underscore Boston’s focus on shedding players with limited power and upside as they eye a 95‑win season.
Queens point guard Jordan Watford returns for a second year after helping the Royals clinch their first NCAA Tournament berth. Freshman stats of 11.8 points, 3.9 assists and a 59.8% field‑goal rate earned him high‑major attention, but a scouting controversy involving an Auburn assistant and a new NCAA rule barred coaches from non‑team games. Coach Grant Leonard’s candid mentorship convinced Watford to stay, promising tougher coaching and development. Entering the season as the ASUN preseason favorite and a likely Player of the Year, Watford aims to improve his shooting, defense and leadership as Queens targets another conference title.
Japanese right‑hander Kaima Taira will be posted by the Saitama Seibu Lions for MLB clubs this offseason, opening a 45‑day negotiation window. The New York Yankees have emerged as the leading suitor, attracted by his upper‑90s fastball, low release point and versatile pitch mix that could fit either the rotation or high‑leverage bullpen. The Dodgers, Red Sox and Padres also track him, while the Yankees are simultaneously eyeing slugger Teruaki Sato. With roster pressure mounting, especially on pitchers like Luis Garcia Jr., the Yankees are expected to intensify front‑office activity in the coming weeks.
The Dallas Cowboys aim to extend their recent win streak in Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals, who upset them 27‑17 last season. Key battles include RB Javonte Williams, fresh off a 155‑yard, one‑touchdown performance against the Eagles, versus a Cardinals run defense that ranks 23rd and allows 126.3 yards per game. The Cowboys' secondary will test All‑Pro TE Trey McBride, who logged 10 catches for 111 yards and a TD versus Denver, while rookie safety Caleb Downs may be tasked with coverage. Meanwhile, rumors link Cardinals OLB Josh Sweat to a possible trade, adding intrigue to his matchup with rookie RT Terence Steele.
The Battery Power piece recaps Chadwick Tromp’s 2026 season with the Atlanta Braves, highlighting his role as a depth catcher amid a spate of injuries. Acquired off waivers in 2021, Tromp shuffled between the majors and minors, serving mainly as a defensive option despite a career .200/.192/.240 line and a low 0.4 fWAR. Injuries to Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin thrust him into the lineup, where he logged 12 appearances and a notable walk‑off RBI single in the 11th inning against the Washington Nationals on May 22, generating a 0.46 WPA. The article details his defensive value (+3 catcher runs) versus offensive struggles, concluding his 2026 year was unremarkable aside from that dramatic win.
The Rangers’ prospects are battling through the Arizona Fall League as the Surprise Saguaros sit 12‑8, a half‑game behind the Peoria Javelinas. Top prospect Sebastian Walcott posts a .300/.362/.460 line with five doubles and nine steals in 56 PA, while fellow speedster Paxton Kling matches his stolen‑base total and slashes .326/.446/.413. Catcher Julian Brock shows a .212/.400/.273 line, and second‑baseman Casey Cook posts a .136/.457/.136 line with 11 walks. Pitching is tougher: Mason McConnaughey has 7 runs in 11.1 innings, Jacob Johnson 10 runs in nine innings, J’Briell Easley 6 runs in 5.2 innings, and Jesus Gamez 8 runs in 3.2 innings.
Former Rangers netminder Marty Biron tells the Rink Rap podcast that the New Jersey Devils’ acquisition of Vezina‑winner Connor Hellebuyck will reshape the Metropolitan Division more than the Rangers’ loss of Igor Shesterkin to a season‑ending knee injury. Biron argues the Rangers were already a fringe playoff team, while Hellebuyck upgrades a defensively solid Devils squad that struggled in net last year. He also notes rookie Dylan Garand and the Korpisalo tandem as potential stopgaps, and predicts the Rangers may seek a veteran goalie by December. The debate highlights how a single trade could outweigh even a star goalie’s absence in the 2026‑27 playoff race.
The Indianapolis Colts are weighing a trade of star running back Jonathan Taylor ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline, and the New York Giants are watching closely. After Tuesday’s fire‑sale moves that sent guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle and DT DeForest Buckner to San Francisco, insiders say the Colts may hold Taylor out of Week 8 against Jacksonville to avoid injury and preserve draft value. NBC’s Mike Florio notes that a healthy‑scratch would signal a deal is imminent. Taylor says he hasn’t requested a trade and remains focused on the Jaguars game, but the decision could reshape both teams’ futures.
By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter LSU guard Skyy Clark remains eligible to play in the Tigers’ regular season opener on Tuesday and onward after the Kentucky Court of Appeals denied the NCAA’s request [...] The post LSU Basketball: NCAA’s Emergency Stay Denied, Keeping Tigers’ Talented Guard Skyy Clark Eligible appeared first on TigerRag.com .
We found the gap. Please clap. The post Starting Pitcher Roundup ’26: DRA Darlings appeared first on Baseball Prospectus .
The New York Yankees are desperate for a World Series championship. They were once the class of baseball. New York doesn’t have more championships than any other team — 27 total — by accident. It wasn’t all that long ago that the Yankees were the heavy-spending team in MLB free agency, similar to how the […] The post The case for and against Yankees pursuing Tarik Skubal in MLB free agency appeared first on ClutchPoints .
Still offering zero apology, the SF Giants have announced their 2027 Pride Night. With literal fireworks. We're not kidding.
Will Wade, LSU basketball head coach, faces a cascade of controversies that could jeopardize the Tigers' SEC standing and land him in court. Former NBA star Rafer Alston accuses Wade of a "disgusting" recruitment deal involving his son Reese and an unauthorized Puma payment. Meanwhile, ex‑NBA player RJ Luis, secured by a temporary restraining order, threatens legal action if Wade doesn't actually play him, with penalties up to six months in jail. The SEC has warned LSU of possible expulsion, while Wade remains silent on Luis's eligibility. The saga raises questions about recruitment ethics and LSU’s future in the conference.