Hall of Famer on Phillies Andrew Painter: ‘This guy’s gonna be Gerrit Cole’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Phillies haven’t opened the 2025 season just yet, but one Hall of Famer believes their pitching will guide them deep into October.

Hall of Fame baseball writer Jayson Stark was a guest on 97.5 The Fanatic’s “The Best Show Ever,” and he was very bullish on the Phils, particularly the starting pitching, a group that features a pair of additions at the back end to an already strong top four: hard-throwing Jesus Luzardo, added via trade from Miami, and top prospect Andrew Painter, who expects to arrive sometime around the middle of the season.

“I think the upside is best rotation in baseball,” Stark said. “We’re assuming the big guns stay healthy. [Zack] Wheeler, [Aaron] Nola, they’re all about taking the ball. Let’s assume they do. Then you have Cristopher Sanchez. So much buzz about that guy all spring, and with reason. He finished the spring with a 29% strikeout rate. Now you have this ‘swing and miss’ version of Sanchez that we’ve never seen. It could be spectacular if this is what he is.”

“Jesus Luzardo is a swing and miss machine. It feels to me like he is highly motivated by a chance to pitch for a team that’s actually good! When you think about all the retreads that they ran through the number 5 starter hole last year, and now you compare that group to Jesus Luzardo, what a difference! It’s incredible to think about what a difference that make.”

Some lofty expectations indeed for Luzardo, who while exceedingly talented, has yet to truly arrive in the major leagues. But Stark saved some superlatives for a man who has yet to throw a single major league pitch.

“Ricky, this guy’s gonna be [Yankees ace] Gerrit Cole, honestly. I just wonder about how patient the Phillies can be about getting him to the big leagues if they have any injuries early in the rotation.”

Whoa.

Painter hasn’t pitched a single inning above AA-ball, and Stark compares him favorably with a 6-time All-Star, Cy Young winner and future Hall of Famer. Heady stuff. I’ll take it.

Coming off Tommy John surgery and rehab, Painter (who turns 22 next month) is on an innings restriction of about 100 innings for 2025. The front office would prefer that those innings are pitched down the stretch, or, if the situation calls for it, in the postseason. But we shall see.

“I know they feel like they’ve got the best rotation in the big leagues… I’m not sure they’re wrong, and a lot of it is about those two guys who were not there at any point last year.”

When the one more thing to celebrate as they open their World Series title defense.

“It feels like they created space out of nothing, which they kind of did,” Muncy said. “Everything just feels a whole lot bigger. It’s kind of amazing.”

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

It’s time for the Sweet 16, which makes this a perfect time to release my first mock draft for the 2025 NBA Draft.

Below is the first round for my mock. You can find this mock, plus a full second round and scouting reports for every single prospect in the

2. Utah Jazz:

The Raptors need a point guard of the future, but not a true throwback who dominates touches. They need someone who can be the primary creator, but also play without the ball. That’s why Fears makes total sense. The Oklahoma freshman is a dynamic guard with a twitchy attacking style and a knack for coming through as a clutch shooter. He was one of college basketball’s youngest freshmen, and it showed with his shaky decision-making as a shooter and passer. But he has a feel for shot creation and a handle that lets him get anywhere on the floor, so he may only need time to emerge as a star.

8. Miami Heat:

The Nikola Vučević and Zach Collins era has to end soon when their contracts are off the books in 2026, right? A center is a need. Maluach is a towering rim protector with switchable mobility, erasing shots at the rim and shadowing quick guards on the perimeter. But beyond dunking lobs, he’s a work in progress on offense with a lack of seasoning as a screener, shooter and creator. Such a raw skill set should come as no surprise since the South Sudan native didn’t start playing basketball until he was 13. So taking Maluach would make a lot of sense for the Bulls since he can learn as a rookie before getting heavier minutes moving forward.

12. Dallas Mavericks:

The Magic rank 25th in 3-point attempts and 30th in 3-point percentage. This pick needs to be used on a shooter who can handle a little bit, which makes Richardson an ideal fit. The Michigan State freshman is a skilled combo guard with a lethal midrange game and a poised pick-and-roll feel, looking like he downloaded the experience of his NBA veteran father, Jason Richardson. Jase didn’t inherit his father’s height or dunk contest athleticism though, so his smaller stature could cap his upside. But what the Magic need is shooting next to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and their own blossoming talents perfectly complement Richardson.

16. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta): Noa Essengue, F, Ratiopharm Ulm

Another French guy in San Antonio. And why not? Essengue is a toolsy forward with a fluid handle, dynamic finishing package, and highly versatile defense. But his long-term upside hinges on the jumper clicking. The Spurs are developing a strong track record of helping shooters. And if it doesn’t, his finishing and versatile defense are enough to make him a great French fit next to Wemby.

17. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota): Carter Bryant, F, Arizona

Bryant is a rangy, athletic forward who projects as a highly versatile defender. He’s raw on offense though, as shown by his up-and-down performances with Arizona going to the Sweet 16. Beyond his cutting, he needs to improve as a shooter to earn minutes in high-leverage games.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit): Liam McNeeley, F, Connecticut

McNeeley didn’t close the season the way he would’ve wanted to, making only 14 of his final 49 shots, which included a loss to Creighton in the Big East tournament semifinal and a loss to Florida in the second round of the NCAA tournament. But despite his poor shooting percentages, scouts still believe in his upside as a sharpshooting wing with superb instincts moving with the ball, and the touch to splash from deep ranges. Though he doesn’t project as a primary shot creator, his feel as a connective passer gives him exactly the type of skill set to fit next to a star like Anthony Edwards.

19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee): Danny Wolf, Big, Michigan

Wolf is a 7-footer who has helped lead Michigan to the Sweet 16 by playing a slick style with risky passes and step-back jumpers that made him a highlight factory. But he’s also a turnover machine and his shooting numbers are shaky, making him more of a raw bet who needs time to prove he can match his flash with substance. At the least, pairing him with Jakučionis in Brooklyn would make for a lot of fun games in the years to come.

20. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers): Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija

Beringer would be a classic Sam Presti pick. Beringer began playing basketball only three years ago, which makes him a raw project, but also makes his natural talents all the more impressive playing this season for Cedevita in France and the EuroCup. The Thunder don’t really need him to contribute today considering how deep the roster is. But he’s a massive, long-term swing as a center with the quickness of a guard, giving him immense defensive versatility to build on for years to come.

21. Miami Heat (via Golden State): Will Riley, F, Illinois

Riley has dynamic driving ability and playmaking instincts that scream upside as a jumbo-sized, shot-creating wing. Selecting him would follow the same philosophy that the Heat took with Kel’el Ware, betting that their culture and developmental success could maximize Riley’s talents. But his jumper is streaky, and his defense is unreliable since he is so lean physically and lacks fundamentals.

22. Indiana Pacers: Asa Newell, F, Georgia

The Pacers have been one of the league’s best teams for a few months now, posting the seventh-best net rating ever since the NBA Cup. But looking ahead, Myles Turner will be a free agent this summer, which means finding another big man could be a priority. Newell has springs in his legs, regularly slamming lobs and swatting shots. Tyrese Haliburton would find him more than anyone ever has. Even though his discipline reflects his youth, his energetic style suggests he’ll someday become a highly versatile defender that could help fortify this Pacers defense.

23. Atlanta Hawks (via Lakers): Thomas Sorber, F/C, Georgetown

Clint Capela is an upcoming free agent, so even though Onyeka Okongwu is a quality center the Hawks will need to find another one. Sorber has a brick-house frame and the throwback skill set to match with strong screens, soft-touch finishes and gritty drop-coverage instincts. Trae Young could make his life easier than it has ever been, just like Trae does for all his bigs. But to be more than a role player, Sorber needs to tap into the flashes he shows as a shooter while also improving his perimeter defense.

24. Washington Wizards (via Memphis): Rasheer Fleming, F, St. Joseph’s

No matter where the Wizards actually end up on lottery night, their late first-round pick should be used to find a player that can help bring more positive, winning qualities to the organization. Fleming is a hustler who drains spot-up jumpers and brings energy on defense, swatting shots and snagging boards. But he has some real warts as a ball-handler with a lack of experience against high-level competition, so teams will have to feel real confident his role player skill set will translate. The Wizards can afford to take that risk, especially after taking Flagg with their lottery pick.

25. Orlando Magic (via Denver): Isaiah Evans, G/F, Duke

After selecting Richardson earlier in the first round, here’s another shooter for the Magic. Evans is a sharpshooting wing with movement versatility and a microwave scoring ability. Though his lean frame keeps him out of the paint, that matters far less for Orlando’s roster given its stars already live in the paint and just need more space to operate.

26. Brooklyn Nets (via New York): Hugo Gonzalez, Wing, Real Madrid

Gonzalez is a high-motor wing with great defensive tools and a slashing style on offense. If his jumper and handle develop, he could be a versatile two-way starter. The Nets can afford to be patient with a player who barely even played off the bench overseas, instead valuing the upside he showed playing for his youth teams.

27. Brooklyn Nets (via Houston): Ben Saraf, G, Ratiopharm Ulm

Another overseas pick here for the Nets. Saraf is a crafty lefty playmaker who relies on guile, footwork and body control. Limited shooting and athleticism could cap his upside, but his positional size and skill could be hard to pass up.

28. Boston Celtics: Maxime Raynaud, F, Stanford

Following the sale of the franchise, outgoing Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck has been open about how second-apron penalties, not rising luxury tax penalties, are what will force the team to make some changes. Even without them though, the Celtics need to sure up the frontcourt. Al Horford is old. Kristaps Porzingis is injury prone. Fortunately there are a ton of options in the late first round that fit the bill, including Raynaud, who has leveled up every year at Stanford, turning into a player who pops 3s, slashes to the rim with a smooth handle, and makes eye-popping passes. As a talented passer who also offers solid defense, there’s little reason to think the Frenchman won’t carve out an NBA role.

29. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland): Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton

The Suns still need more bigs after making multiple changes at the trade deadline. Kalkbrenner is a throwback 7-footer who owns the paint, swatting shots with his giant wingspan and dunking everything in sight. As a super senior, he’s mature enough to plug into Phoenix’s rotation right away and earn minutes. With his years in college, he’s also developed some sneaky passing and shooting skills that hint at higher upside. At the least, he can help facilitate as a big in the Suns’ offense.

30. LA Clippers (via Oklahoma City): Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn

James Harden has turned back the clock in Los Angeles. But that doesn’t mean the Clippers shouldn’t be thinking about an heir apparent for The Beard. Pettiford comes off the bench for Auburn and has helped lead the team to the Sweet 16, showing his skill as a combo guard with a sniper’s touch. Pettiford rains 3s and lethal floaters while flashing playmaking savvy and a bulldog mentality on both ends. But his smaller size means he’ll need to clean up his shot selection and decision-making to max out his game at the next level. Playing next to Harden could help him in that journey, just like Harden was a part of the development of Tyrese Maxey during his days in Philadelphia.

It’s time for the Sweet 16, which makes this a perfect time to release my first mock draft for the 2025 NBA Draft.

Below is the first round for my mock. You can find this mock, plus a full second round and scouting reports for every single prospect in the

2. Utah Jazz:

The Raptors need a point guard of the future, but not a true throwback who dominates touches. They need someone who can be the primary creator, but also play without the ball. That’s why Fears makes total sense. The Oklahoma freshman is a dynamic guard with a twitchy attacking style and a knack for coming through as a clutch shooter. He was one of college basketball’s youngest freshmen, and it showed with his shaky decision-making as a shooter and passer. But he has a feel for shot creation and a handle that lets him get anywhere on the floor, so he may only need time to emerge as a star.

8. Miami Heat:

The Nikola Vučević and Zach Collins era has to end soon when their contracts are off the books in 2026, right? A center is a need. Maluach is a towering rim protector with switchable mobility, erasing shots at the rim and shadowing quick guards on the perimeter. But beyond dunking lobs, he’s a work in progress on offense with a lack of seasoning as a screener, shooter and creator. Such a raw skill set should come as no surprise since the South Sudan native didn’t start playing basketball until he was 13. So taking Maluach would make a lot of sense for the Bulls since he can learn as a rookie before getting heavier minutes moving forward.

12. Dallas Mavericks:

The Magic rank 25th in 3-point attempts and 30th in 3-point percentage. This pick needs to be used on a shooter who can handle a little bit, which makes Richardson an ideal fit. The Michigan State freshman is a skilled combo guard with a lethal midrange game and a poised pick-and-roll feel, looking like he downloaded the experience of his NBA veteran father, Jason Richardson. Jase didn’t inherit his father’s height or dunk contest athleticism though, so his smaller stature could cap his upside. But what the Magic need is shooting next to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and their own blossoming talents perfectly complement Richardson.

16. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta): Noa Essengue, F, Ratiopharm Ulm

Another French guy in San Antonio. And why not? Essengue is a toolsy forward with a fluid handle, dynamic finishing package, and highly versatile defense. But his long-term upside hinges on the jumper clicking. The Spurs are developing a strong track record of helping shooters. And if it doesn’t, his finishing and versatile defense are enough to make him a great French fit next to Wemby.

17. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota): Carter Bryant, F, Arizona

Bryant is a rangy, athletic forward who projects as a highly versatile defender. He’s raw on offense though, as shown by his up-and-down performances with Arizona going to the Sweet 16. Beyond his cutting, he needs to improve as a shooter to earn minutes in high-leverage games.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit): Liam McNeeley, F, Connecticut

McNeeley didn’t close the season the way he would’ve wanted to, making only 14 of his final 49 shots, which included a loss to Creighton in the Big East tournament semifinal and a loss to Florida in the second round of the NCAA tournament. But despite his poor shooting percentages, scouts still believe in his upside as a sharpshooting wing with superb instincts moving with the ball, and the touch to splash from deep ranges. Though he doesn’t project as a primary shot creator, his feel as a connective passer gives him exactly the type of skill set to fit next to a star like Anthony Edwards.

19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee): Danny Wolf, Big, Michigan

Wolf is a 7-footer who has helped lead Michigan to the Sweet 16 by playing a slick style with risky passes and step-back jumpers that made him a highlight factory. But he’s also a turnover machine and his shooting numbers are shaky, making him more of a raw bet who needs time to prove he can match his flash with substance. At the least, pairing him with Jakučionis in Brooklyn would make for a lot of fun games in the years to come.

20. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers): Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija

Beringer would be a classic Sam Presti pick. Beringer began playing basketball only three years ago, which makes him a raw project, but also makes his natural talents all the more impressive playing this season for Cedevita in France and the EuroCup. The Thunder don’t really need him to contribute today considering how deep the roster is. But he’s a massive, long-term swing as a center with the quickness of a guard, giving him immense defensive versatility to build on for years to come.

21. Miami Heat (via Golden State): Will Riley, F, Illinois

Riley has dynamic driving ability and playmaking instincts that scream upside as a jumbo-sized, shot-creating wing. Selecting him would follow the same philosophy that the Heat took with Kel’el Ware, betting that their culture and developmental success could maximize Riley’s talents. But his jumper is streaky, and his defense is unreliable since he is so lean physically and lacks fundamentals.

22. Indiana Pacers: Asa Newell, F, Georgia

The Pacers have been one of the league’s best teams for a few months now, posting the seventh-best net rating ever since the NBA Cup. But looking ahead, Myles Turner will be a free agent this summer, which means finding another big man could be a priority. Newell has springs in his legs, regularly slamming lobs and swatting shots. Tyrese Haliburton would find him more than anyone ever has. Even though his discipline reflects his youth, his energetic style suggests he’ll someday become a highly versatile defender that could help fortify this Pacers defense.

23. Atlanta Hawks (via Lakers): Thomas Sorber, F/C, Georgetown

Clint Capela is an upcoming free agent, so even though Onyeka Okongwu is a quality center the Hawks will need to find another one. Sorber has a brick-house frame and the throwback skill set to match with strong screens, soft-touch finishes and gritty drop-coverage instincts. Trae Young could make his life easier than it has ever been, just like Trae does for all his bigs. But to be more than a role player, Sorber needs to tap into the flashes he shows as a shooter while also improving his perimeter defense.

24. Washington Wizards (via Memphis): Rasheer Fleming, F, St. Joseph’s

No matter where the Wizards actually end up on lottery night, their late first-round pick should be used to find a player that can help bring more positive, winning qualities to the organization. Fleming is a hustler who drains spot-up jumpers and brings energy on defense, swatting shots and snagging boards. But he has some real warts as a ball-handler with a lack of experience against high-level competition, so teams will have to feel real confident his role player skill set will translate. The Wizards can afford to take that risk, especially after taking Flagg with their lottery pick.

25. Orlando Magic (via Denver): Isaiah Evans, G/F, Duke

After selecting Richardson earlier in the first round, here’s another shooter for the Magic. Evans is a sharpshooting wing with movement versatility and a microwave scoring ability. Though his lean frame keeps him out of the paint, that matters far less for Orlando’s roster given its stars already live in the paint and just need more space to operate.

26. Brooklyn Nets (via New York): Hugo Gonzalez, Wing, Real Madrid

Gonzalez is a high-motor wing with great defensive tools and a slashing style on offense. If his jumper and handle develop, he could be a versatile two-way starter. The Nets can afford to be patient with a player who barely even played off the bench overseas, instead valuing the upside he showed playing for his youth teams.

27. Brooklyn Nets (via Houston): Ben Saraf, G, Ratiopharm Ulm

Another overseas pick here for the Nets. Saraf is a crafty lefty playmaker who relies on guile, footwork and body control. Limited shooting and athleticism could cap his upside, but his positional size and skill could be hard to pass up.

28. Boston Celtics: Maxime Raynaud, F, Stanford

Following the sale of the franchise, outgoing Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck has been open about how second-apron penalties, not rising luxury tax penalties, are what will force the team to make some changes. Even without them though, the Celtics need to sure up the frontcourt. Al Horford is old. Kristaps Porzingis is injury prone. Fortunately there are a ton of options in the late first round that fit the bill, including Raynaud, who has leveled up every year at Stanford, turning into a player who pops 3s, slashes to the rim with a smooth handle, and makes eye-popping passes. As a talented passer who also offers solid defense, there’s little reason to think the Frenchman won’t carve out an NBA role.

29. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland): Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton

The Suns still need more bigs after making multiple changes at the trade deadline. Kalkbrenner is a throwback 7-footer who owns the paint, swatting shots with his giant wingspan and dunking everything in sight. As a super senior, he’s mature enough to plug into Phoenix’s rotation right away and earn minutes. With his years in college, he’s also developed some sneaky passing and shooting skills that hint at higher upside. At the least, he can help facilitate as a big in the Suns’ offense.

30. LA Clippers (via Oklahoma City): Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn

James Harden has turned back the clock in Los Angeles. But that doesn’t mean the Clippers shouldn’t be thinking about an heir apparent for The Beard. Pettiford comes off the bench for Auburn and has helped lead the team to the Sweet 16, showing his skill as a combo guard with a sniper’s touch. Pettiford rains 3s and lethal floaters while flashing playmaking savvy and a bulldog mentality on both ends. But his smaller size means he’ll need to clean up his shot selection and decision-making to max out his game at the next level. Playing next to Harden could help him in that journey, just like Harden was a part of the development of Tyrese Maxey during his days in Philadelphia.

Doc Rivers is one of the winningest coaches in NBA history.

The Milwaukee Bucks coach has 1,154 regular-season wins and can tie former Lakers and Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson for seventh on the all-time list with a victory Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets.

Rivers led the Boston Celtics to an NBA title in 2008 and back to the Finals in 2010 during a 26-year coaching career that also includes seven seasons with the Clippers and stints with the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers.

But Rivers might forever be known as the coach who has trouble holding 3-1 series leads in the playoffs.

Rivers blew such advantages three times — with the Magic in 2003 (to the Detroit Pistons in the first round) and with the Clippers twice in the conference semifinals, in 2015 (to the Houston Rockets) and 2020 (to the Nuggets).

Read more:Straight Outta L.A.: Ice Cube’s new BIG3 team is the Riot and ‘here to shake things up’

Rivers thinks the criticism he receives for those collapses is “unfair in some ways.”

“I don’t get enough credit for getting the three wins,” Rivers recently told Andscape. “I get credit for losing. I always say, ‘What if we had lost to Houston in six?’ No one cares. One of the things that I’m proud of is we’ve never been swept. All the coaches have been swept in the playoffs. My teams achieve. A lot of them overachieve and I’m very proud of that.”

The 2002-03 Magic team was an eighth seed that pushed the top-seeded Pistons to the brink of elimination. The 2014-15 Clippers finished the regular season at 56-26 and earned the third seed in the West. After defeating the defending champion San Antonio Spurs in the first round, the Clippers went on to face the second-seeded Rockets, who also finished the season at 56-26.

Rivers calls that postseason series “the only one that got away.”

“But people don’t realize that Chris Paul was running on one leg and we were also the underdog in that series,” Rivers said. “When you think about it, Houston had home court, not us.”

Read more:Lakers’ JJ Redick says he and Doc Rivers have no bad feelings for one another

The 2019-20 season was shortened because of the COVID-19 pandemic and finished in an isolated Orlando “bubble” during the late summer and early fall. The Clippers ended the season at 49-23 and earned the No. 2 seed in the West. Rivers said that playoff letdown doesn’t bother him because he knows the players’ hearts weren’t in it.

“In the bubble, I had a group of guys that didn’t want to be there,” Rivers said, referring to comments made by former Clipper Lou Williams about the players’ mindset. “I felt that. I knew that.”

Rivers added: “What bugs me about the bubble is I couldn’t get them to understand that we had a chance to win [a title]. That’s what bugs me. They wanted to go home more than they wanted to win. And I still don’t understand that. I’m too competitive. And I really thought that team had enough.”

Rivers acknowledged that all those playoff disappointments are “part of my legacy.”

“There’s nothing I can do about it,” he said.

Read more:Clippers’ five-game winning streak ends in loss to NBA-leading Thunder

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Expectations are again very, very low for the Chicago White Sox ahead of the 2025 season.

The White Sox enter Opening Day with a win total of 54.5 at BetMGM. Per Sports Odds History, that’s the lowest preseason over/under for a team in the last 35 years. And that number is even up where it opened at 49.

The White Sox were historically bad in 2024. Chicago finished 41-121 and ended up with the most losses in MLB history. On the bright side, the White Sox had more losses than the 1962 New York Mets but ended up with a better winning percentage. The Mets finished that season at 40-120 and had held the record for the most losses in a modern MLB season until the White Sox passed them. Chicago finished with a .253 win percentage to the Mets’ .250. At least the 1962 Mets can say they were in their first year of existence.

The White Sox are in the midst of a serious rebuild and didn’t add to the roster in an attempt to be competitive in 2025. They also traded away pitcher Garrett Crochet to the Boston Red Sox for prospects. However, bettors think the White Sox will be marginally better this season. Nearly 75% of bets and 85% of money on their win total is on the over.

Chicago is the favorite to have the worst record in baseball this season and it’s not even close. The White Sox are -200 to have the fewest wins in the regular season (the Rockies are the No. 2 favorite at +200) and are the favorites to have the longest regular-season losing streak at +375. 

Oh, and they’re incredibly big long shots in what could be an extremely competitive AL Central. The Twins are the favorites at +210 to win the division ahead of the Tigers at +250 and the Guardians and Royals at +300 each. Chicago is at +25000.

It’s probably going to be another really long season on the South Side. 

Over the course of a 162-game season plus October, fans become very familiar with the players who appear most frequently for their favorite teams, whether that’s on the mound or in the batter’s box. Regardless of whether these players are star performers or unproductive placeholders and whether the team is good or bad, the players become the main characters of the season at hand. Then the offseason shakes up all 30 major-league rosters like a snow globe, landing players on different teams in different roles and creating new characters for each fan base to get to know.

With this in mind, it’s a worthwhile exercise to explore which teams enter 2025 with the same cast of characters that their fans have known and loved for quite some time and which teams are rolling out a higher percentage of new names. Another offseason of free-agent signings and trades has notably altered the landscape of the league, so with Opening Day nearly here, it’s time to review the winter that was and preview the season through a very straightforward lens: Which rosters have changed the most since last season?

I conducted this exercise ]

New York Yankees

It’s remarkable that a team coming off a World Series appearance is replacing four position players who started in the postseason (Juan Soto, Gleyber Torres, Alex Verdugo and Anthony Rizzo), plus the starting pitcher with the second-most innings pitched (Nestor Cortes Jr.) and the reliever with the most appearances (Clay Holmes). Add the barrage of injuries to returning players — Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, Giancarlo Stanton, DJ LeMahieu and Clarke Schmidt — and the Yankees’ low place in the continuity rankings doesn’t fully capture the degree to which New York will be relying on new faces in 2025.

This puts a ton of pressure on offseason additions such as Max Fried, Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt and Devin Williams to step up and enhances the spotlight on the homegrown pieces slated to assume larger roles, such as Will Warren, Jasson Dominguez and Ben Rice. It’s simply a ton of turnover for a pennant winner and will be an intriguing subplot for the league’s most scrutinized ballclub.

Miami Marlins & Chicago White Sox

Chicago is coming off one of the worst seasons in baseball history, and Miami has traded away an astonishing number of veteran players over the past 18 months. With relatively new leadership in both franchises’ baseball operations departments — and brand-new managers in Will Venable and Clayton McCullough — it’s no secret that these clubs are prioritizing the development of their young players over winning games.

That means trading away veterans for young talent and/or moving on from players the previous regime was granting substantial playing time, in turn redirecting opportunities to newly acquired major leaguers or prospects ready for their first taste of the big leagues. The Marlins return just two of their top six hitters by plate appearances last season (Jesus Sanchez and Otto Lopez), while the White Sox bring back one of their top five pitchers by innings (Jonathan Cannon). These rebuilds are going to be an arduous, multiyear process, but hopefully the 2025 season will introduce some promising talent worth building around for both clubs.