June 2025

There were 1,837 posts published in June 2025 (this is page 158 of 184).

Guardians pitcher Ben Lively has Tommy John surgery, expected to miss 12-18 months

May 12, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Ben Lively (39) delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

David Richard-Imagn Images

CLEVELAND — Guardians pitcher Ben Lively had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow Wednesday morning.

Dr. Keith Meister did a right elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction with a flexor tendon repair on the 33-year-old Lively in Dallas.

Lively will have a postoperative recheck Thursday before reporting to the Guardians’ spring training complex in Goodyear, Arizona, to begin his rehabilitation. He is expected to miss 12-18 months.

Lively exited the May 12 game against the Milwaukee Brewers due to a strained right flexor tendon after going three scoreless innings. He felt some discomfort after a start at Washington on May 6, but didn’t experience it again until he threw a couple of warm up pitches in the game against the Brewers.

Lively was 2-2 with a 3.22 ERA in nine starts this season. He allowed only one run in 14 innings in three May starts.

Adam Silver says 2026 All-Star Game will be USA vs. World format

This isn’t a surprise, but NBA Commissioner confirmed what had already been discussed: The 2026 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles will be a USA vs. World format.

This is a natural fit, given that the All-Star Game broadcast is moving to NBC and falls during the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics next February. While Silver was vague on details, this is expected to be a Ryder Cup-style format, featuring the USA vs. the World.

Will that get players to actually care about the All-Star Game rather than just go through the motions? Asked about it last All-Star weekend, the international players seemed more enthusiastic about the idea than the Americans.

“I would love that. Oh, I would love that,” the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo said. “I think that would be the most interesting and most exciting format. I would love that. For sure, I’d take pride in that. I always compete, but I think that will give me a little bit more extra juice to compete, like having Shai, Jokic, Luka, Wemby, Towns, Sengun. I know those players — obviously I’m missing some guys that I cannot think from the top of my head, going against the best U.S. players. I think it would be fun. I think that would be the best format.”

“I would love to. My opinion is that it’s more purposeful,” the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama said. “There’s more pride in it. More stakes.”

The top end of a hypothetical world roster would be stacked — the last seven MVP winners were international players. The world team would feature Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Antetokounmpo, Wembanyama and more. An American team likely would feature LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jalen Brunson, and its roster likely would be deeper than the World Team.

It’s going to be entertaining to watch when it rolls around next February.

MLB All-Star ballot: Will Juan Soto make it in deep NL field that includes Pete Crow-Armstrong, Corbin Carroll and James Wood?

We are only 41 days away from the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, which will take place on July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta. Voting officially opened Wednesday at noon ET. Here’s a preview of the ballot — the frontrunners, the contenders and the likeliest outcomes to start the Midsummer Classic.

Remember, the starters are determined by fan vote. This is indeed a popularity contest.

  • Statistical frontrunners: Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC), James Wood (WAS), Corbin Carroll (ARI)

  • Other contenders: Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL), Kyle Tucker (CHC), Teoscar Hernández (LAD), Andy Pages (LAD), Juan Soto (NYM), Oneil Cruz (PIT), Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD), Jackson Merrill (SD), Heliot Ramos (SFG), Jung Hoo Lee (SFG), Lars Nootbaar (STL)

  • Likely outcome: Crow-Armstrong, Carroll, Acuña

This group is significantly stronger, deeper and more interesting than what the American League has to offer. Crow-Armstrong and Carroll feel like locks, PCA because of how good the Cubs have played and Carroll because he’s been a staple for a few years now. Wood, in his first full season, certainly deserves that last spot behind his 16 homers, but he’s fighting an uphill battle.

Acuña missed the first seven weeks of the season, but has looked spectacular since returning. The Nats might have a better record than the Braves right now (by a half game), but Acuña’s name recognition, injury comeback storyline and the fact that the All-Star Game is in Atlanta might just push him past Wood.

As for Soto, the $765 million man, the tide is starting to turn. It was an ugly start by his supersonic standards, one that has Soto working from a statistical deficit in regards to an All-Star starting spot. And yet, with three homers in his past four games heading into Wednesday, the Mets outfielder seems to be rounding into form. A classic Soto heater would put him right back in the mix.

  • Statistical frontrunner: Shohei Ohtani (LAD)

  • Other contenders: Kyle Schwarber (PHI), Marcell Ozuna (ATL), Seiya Suzuki (CHC)

  • Likely outcome: Ohtani

The man who hit 54 bombs and swiped 59 bags last year hasn’t stolen a base since May 5. Thankfully, Ohtani, whose baserunning passiveness is probably related to his pitching comeback, is still cranking homers. Schwarber, Ozuna and Suzuki have all been outstanding and there’s a good shot they all make the team as reserves, but Ohtani’s numbers are just flat-out better. Oh, he’s also the most famous ballplayer on the planet who will once again dominate the fan vote.

  • Statistical frontrunner: Will Smith (LAD)

  • Other contenders: Carson Kelly (CHC), Drake Baldwin (ATL), Sean Murphy (ATL), Ivan Herrera (STL), Gabriel Moreno (ARI)

  • Likely outcome: Smith

Smith has elevated his offense this year, thanks to better health and more days off behind the dish. His numbers lap the rest of this group, but there’s a decent chance Smith decides to skip the festivities. The Dodgers finish the first half in San Francisco and start the second half in L.A., that’s a lot of travel for a player who needs every last bit of rest.

The rest of this group is really fun, with exciting youngsters (Baldwin and Herrera), an emerging star (Moreno), an encouraging bounce-back (Murphy) and an out-of-nowhere ascension (Kelly).

  • Statistical frontrunner: Freddie Freeman (LAD)

  • Other contenders: Pete Alonso (NYM), Bryce Harper (PHI), Michael Busch (CHC)

  • Likely outcome: Freeman

Last week, I asked Freeman if he was excited to head back to Atlanta, where he spent 12 seasons, for the All-Star Game. He told me that he hadn’t thought about it because he hadn’t been voted in yet. I thought that was hilariously humble, considering how incredible the Dodger first baseman has been this year. Alonso has cooled off slightly after a stellar April, but should be in Atlanta as a reserve.

  • Statistical frontrunner: Brendan Donovan (STL)

  • Other contenders: Ketel Marte (ARI), Brice Turang (MIL), Nico Hoerner (CHC)

  • Likely outcome: Donovan

Numbers-wise, it’s not particularly close. Donovan laps all other NL second baseman (except Marte who missed a lot of time with injury) in most offensive categories. He’s been a massive part of St. Louis’ surprising first half. Marte is healthy now and could catch up to Donovan by the end of June. Turang and Hoerner are both amazing defenders with baserunning prowess, bat-to-ball mastery and paltry power numbers.

  • Statistical frontrunner: Francisco Lindor (NYM)

  • Other contenders: Geraldo Perdomo (ARI), CJ Abrams (WAS), Trea Turner (PHI),

  • Likely outcome: Lindor

Somehow, Lindor has never appeared in an All-Star Game as a New York Met. Last season, his snub almost caused a rebellion in Queens. Rest easy, Mets fans, Lindor will run away with the starting spot this go-round. For a while, Perdomo’s stats were comparable to Lindor’s, but Arizona’s gregarious shortstop has cooled off somewhat over the past month.

  • Statistical frontrunners: Manny Machado (SD), Matt Chapman (SF)

  • Other contenders: Austin Riley (ATL), Max Muncy (LAD), Eugenio Suárez (ARI)

  • Likely outcome: Machado

This comes down to a matter of personal preference: offense or defense. Machado’s bat has kept San Diego right up there with the mighty Dodgers, while Chapman’s glove has kept San Francisco within striking distance. There’s no bad choice here, but Machado feels like the favorite considering voters dig the long ball.

  • Statistical frontrunner: Aaron Judge (NYY)

  • Other contenders: George Springer (TOR), Steven Kwan (CLE), Riley Greene (DET), Kerry Carpenter (DET), Byron Buxton (MIN), Lawrence Butler (ATH), Trent Grisham (NYY), Julio Rodríguez (SEA)

  • Likely outcome: Judge, Kwan, Grisham

Let’s not waste time praising Judge, the best hitter on Earth.

Behind him, it’s a bit of a hodgepodge. Springer is having a fantastic bounce-back offensive campaign, but is such a blah defender now that he’s DH’ed almost as much as he’s been in the grass. Carpenter and Greene have helped propel Detroit to baseball’s best record. The über-talented Buxton has stayed healthy. Butler is an Atlanta native with a .976 OPS over the past month. Julio is still searching for an offensive explosion, but the floor remains high.

But Kwan and Grisham should have the edge. Kwan led off last year’s All-Star Game and has been just as good this year. Grisham has sustained his shocking breakout and looks poised to ride the Yankee voting wave to a starting spot.

  • Statistical frontrunners: Rafael Devers (BOS), Ryan O’Hearn (BAL)

  • Other contenders: Ben Rice (NYY), Brent Rooker (ATH)

  • Likely outcome: Devers

The decision to make Devers a full-time DH has caused drama in Boston, but the man himself is thriving. With 12 homers and a .918 OPS, Devers is enjoying a career year. Chucking his glove into the dumpster has done wonders for the big-swinging, chaw-chomping slugger. He’ll cruise to a fan vote victory, but don’t overlook O’Hearn, who currently has the superior statline. The impending free agent has been one of the few bright spots on the catastrophically disappointing Orioles. Only five hitters have a higher OPS: Aaron Judge, Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, Cal Raleigh and Kyle Schwarber. He might be Baltimore’s lone All-Star.

  • Statistical frontrunners: Cal Raleigh (SEA)

  • Other contenders: Carlos Narváez (BOS), Dillon Dingler (DET), Austin Wells (NYY)

  • Likely outcome: Raleigh

Raleigh is putting together one of the greatest offensive seasons we’ve ever seen from a backstop and is a near lock to start his first All-Star Game. As of Wednesday, his 23 homers were tied with Shohei Ohtani for the MLB lead. In a world without Aaron Judge, he’d be the runaway AL MVP favorite.

With All-Star stalwarts Adley Rutschman and Salvador Perez stuck in the muck, don’t be shocked if an under-the-radar name like Narváez or Dingler sneaks onto the roster.

  • Statistical frontrunner: Jonathan Aranda (TB)

  • Other contenders: Spencer Torkelson (DET), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR), Paul Goldschmidt (NYY)

  • Likely outcome: Guerrero

Aranda currently leads AL first basemen in OPS (.916) and OPS+ (162), a sentence no one expected to write this year. But he’s (1) not a big name (2) plays for the Rays (3) isn’t that far ahead of these other guys statistically. The narrative juice isn’t there for him to win the fan vote.

Torkelson, a former No. 1 overall draft pick, was tracking like a bust for a long while. He’s been the best hitter on the team with the best record. At 37 years old, Goldschmidt appeared to be entering the decline phase of a legendary career. Instead, he’s turned back the clock to hit .327 for a Yankee team that tops the AL in most offensive categories.

Still, Guerrero’s fame — and that $500 million extension — will likely win out. Even if his season has been excellent rather than transcendent, the name carries weight and he’s only a few hot weeks away from reasserting himself as the AL’s best first baseman.

  • Statistical frontrunner: Gleyber Torres (DET)

  • Other contenders: Brandon Lowe (TB), Jackson Holliday (BAL)

  • Likely outcome: Torres

Torres was an All-Star in 2018 and 2019, but spent his final five years in The Bronx failing to recapture that form. This season, his first outside New York, the now-bearded infielder is having an offensive renaissance. Gleyber’s glove is gold in a different way (it looks really heavy when he plays because, boy, he’s a rough defender), but the bat has been so good that it won’t matter. It’s been a nice sophomore year from the 21-year-old Holliday, who could leap into the starting conversation with a strong June.

  • Statistical frontrunners: Jeremy Peña (HOU), Jacob Wilson (ATH)

  • Other contenders: Bobby Witt Jr. (KC), Gunnar Henderson (BAL), Zach Neto (LAA)

  • Likely outcome: Witt

Right now, Peña vs. Wilson is a statistical toss-up. Peña looks like the dynamic force he teased during the 2022 postseason, while Wilson is a ball-in-play machine and the AL Rookie of the Year frontrunner. Neto, if not for an injury that kept him sidelined until April 18, would be right there.

But Witt’s stardom should win the day. After a runner-up MVP finish in 2024, Witt has taken a modest step back, and yet, still has a line that most players would kill for (.287/.346/.494 with 20 steals and elite defense). He’s a household name and should be the starter in Atlanta unless he forgets how to play baseball between now and then.

  • Statistical frontrunner: José Ramírez (CLE)

  • Other contenders: Maikel Garcia (KC), Isaac Paredes (HOU), Junior Caminero (TB), Zack McKinstry (DET), Alex Bregman (BOS)

  • Likely outcome: Ramírez

Had Bregman not gotten injured, he might have challenged Ramírez for this spot. Instead, it will be the Guardians’ talisman starting the All-Star Game at the hot corner for the fourth time. Ramírez currently has the highest OPS+ of his career, which is outrageous considering he’ll have a plaque in Cooperstown some day.

Among the other contenders, Caminero is the most intriguing name. The 21-year-old already has 14 long balls and would be an exhilarating presence in the Home Run Derby.

MLB All-Star ballot: Will Juan Soto make it in deep NL field that includes Pete Crow-Armstrong, Corbin Carroll and James Wood?

We are only 41 days away from the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, which will take place on July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta. Voting officially opened Wednesday at noon ET. Here’s a preview of the ballot — the frontrunners, the contenders and the likeliest outcomes to start the Midsummer Classic.

Remember, the starters are determined by fan vote. This is indeed a popularity contest.

  • Statistical frontrunners: Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC), James Wood (WAS), Corbin Carroll (ARI)

  • Other contenders: Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL), Kyle Tucker (CHC), Teoscar Hernández (LAD), Andy Pages (LAD), Juan Soto (NYM), Oneil Cruz (PIT), Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD), Jackson Merrill (SD), Heliot Ramos (SFG), Jung Hoo Lee (SFG), Lars Nootbaar (STL)

  • Likely outcome: Crow-Armstrong, Carroll, Acuña

This group is significantly stronger, deeper and more interesting than what the American League has to offer. Crow-Armstrong and Carroll feel like locks, PCA because of how good the Cubs have played and Carroll because he’s been a staple for a few years now. Wood, in his first full season, certainly deserves that last spot behind his 16 homers, but he’s fighting an uphill battle.

Acuña missed the first seven weeks of the season, but has looked spectacular since returning. The Nats might have a better record than the Braves right now (by a half game), but Acuña’s name recognition, injury comeback storyline and the fact that the All-Star Game is in Atlanta might just push him past Wood.

As for Soto, the $765 million man, the tide is starting to turn. It was an ugly start by his supersonic standards, one that has Soto working from a statistical deficit in regards to an All-Star starting spot. And yet, with three homers in his past four games heading into Wednesday, the Mets outfielder seems to be rounding into form. A classic Soto heater would put him right back in the mix.

  • Statistical frontrunner: Shohei Ohtani (LAD)

  • Other contenders: Kyle Schwarber (PHI), Marcell Ozuna (ATL), Seiya Suzuki (CHC)

  • Likely outcome: Ohtani

The man who hit 54 bombs and swiped 59 bags last year hasn’t stolen a base since May 5. Thankfully, Ohtani, whose baserunning passiveness is probably related to his pitching comeback, is still cranking homers. Schwarber, Ozuna and Suzuki have all been outstanding and there’s a good shot they all make the team as reserves, but Ohtani’s numbers are just flat-out better. Oh, he’s also the most famous ballplayer on the planet who will once again dominate the fan vote.

  • Statistical frontrunner: Will Smith (LAD)

  • Other contenders: Carson Kelly (CHC), Drake Baldwin (ATL), Sean Murphy (ATL), Ivan Herrera (STL), Gabriel Moreno (ARI)

  • Likely outcome: Smith

Smith has elevated his offense this year, thanks to better health and more days off behind the dish. His numbers lap the rest of this group, but there’s a decent chance Smith decides to skip the festivities. The Dodgers finish the first half in San Francisco and start the second half in L.A., that’s a lot of travel for a player who needs every last bit of rest.

The rest of this group is really fun, with exciting youngsters (Baldwin and Herrera), an emerging star (Moreno), an encouraging bounce-back (Murphy) and an out-of-nowhere ascension (Kelly).

  • Statistical frontrunner: Freddie Freeman (LAD)

  • Other contenders: Pete Alonso (NYM), Bryce Harper (PHI), Michael Busch (CHC)

  • Likely outcome: Freeman

Last week, I asked Freeman if he was excited to head back to Atlanta, where he spent 12 seasons, for the All-Star Game. He told me that he hadn’t thought about it because he hadn’t been voted in yet. I thought that was hilariously humble, considering how incredible the Dodger first baseman has been this year. Alonso has cooled off slightly after a stellar April, but should be in Atlanta as a reserve.

  • Statistical frontrunner: Brendan Donovan (STL)

  • Other contenders: Ketel Marte (ARI), Brice Turang (MIL), Nico Hoerner (CHC)

  • Likely outcome: Donovan

Numbers-wise, it’s not particularly close. Donovan laps all other NL second baseman (except Marte who missed a lot of time with injury) in most offensive categories. He’s been a massive part of St. Louis’ surprising first half. Marte is healthy now and could catch up to Donovan by the end of June. Turang and Hoerner are both amazing defenders with baserunning prowess, bat-to-ball mastery and paltry power numbers.

  • Statistical frontrunner: Francisco Lindor (NYM)

  • Other contenders: Geraldo Perdomo (ARI), CJ Abrams (WAS), Trea Turner (PHI),

  • Likely outcome: Lindor

Somehow, Lindor has never appeared in an All-Star Game as a New York Met. Last season, his snub almost caused a rebellion in Queens. Rest easy, Mets fans, Lindor will run away with the starting spot this go-round. For a while, Perdomo’s stats were comparable to Lindor’s, but Arizona’s gregarious shortstop has cooled off somewhat over the past month.

  • Statistical frontrunners: Manny Machado (SD), Matt Chapman (SF)

  • Other contenders: Austin Riley (ATL), Max Muncy (LAD), Eugenio Suárez (ARI)

  • Likely outcome: Machado

This comes down to a matter of personal preference: offense or defense. Machado’s bat has kept San Diego right up there with the mighty Dodgers, while Chapman’s glove has kept San Francisco within striking distance. There’s no bad choice here, but Machado feels like the favorite considering voters dig the long ball.

  • Statistical frontrunner: Aaron Judge (NYY)

  • Other contenders: George Springer (TOR), Steven Kwan (CLE), Riley Greene (DET), Kerry Carpenter (DET), Byron Buxton (MIN), Lawrence Butler (ATH), Trent Grisham (NYY), Julio Rodríguez (SEA)

  • Likely outcome: Judge, Kwan, Grisham

Let’s not waste time praising Judge, the best hitter on Earth.

Behind him, it’s a bit of a hodgepodge. Springer is having a fantastic bounce-back offensive campaign, but is such a blah defender now that he’s DH’ed almost as much as he’s been in the grass. Carpenter and Greene have helped propel Detroit to baseball’s best record. The über-talented Buxton has stayed healthy. Butler is an Atlanta native with a .976 OPS over the past month. Julio is still searching for an offensive explosion, but the floor remains high.

But Kwan and Grisham should have the edge. Kwan led off last year’s All-Star Game and has been just as good this year. Grisham has sustained his shocking breakout and looks poised to ride the Yankee voting wave to a starting spot.

  • Statistical frontrunners: Rafael Devers (BOS), Ryan O’Hearn (BAL)

  • Other contenders: Ben Rice (NYY), Brent Rooker (ATH)

  • Likely outcome: Devers

The decision to make Devers a full-time DH has caused drama in Boston, but the man himself is thriving. With 12 homers and a .918 OPS, Devers is enjoying a career year. Chucking his glove into the dumpster has done wonders for the big-swinging, chaw-chomping slugger. He’ll cruise to a fan vote victory, but don’t overlook O’Hearn, who currently has the superior statline. The impending free agent has been one of the few bright spots on the catastrophically disappointing Orioles. Only five hitters have a higher OPS: Aaron Judge, Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, Cal Raleigh and Kyle Schwarber. He might be Baltimore’s lone All-Star.

  • Statistical frontrunners: Cal Raleigh (SEA)

  • Other contenders: Carlos Narváez (BOS), Dillon Dingler (DET), Austin Wells (NYY)

  • Likely outcome: Raleigh

Raleigh is putting together one of the greatest offensive seasons we’ve ever seen from a backstop and is a near lock to start his first All-Star Game. As of Wednesday, his 23 homers were tied with Shohei Ohtani for the MLB lead. In a world without Aaron Judge, he’d be the runaway AL MVP favorite.

With All-Star stalwarts Adley Rutschman and Salvador Perez stuck in the muck, don’t be shocked if an under-the-radar name like Narváez or Dingler sneaks onto the roster.

  • Statistical frontrunner: Jonathan Aranda (TB)

  • Other contenders: Spencer Torkelson (DET), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR), Paul Goldschmidt (NYY)

  • Likely outcome: Guerrero

Aranda currently leads AL first basemen in OPS (.916) and OPS+ (162), a sentence no one expected to write this year. But he’s (1) not a big name (2) plays for the Rays (3) isn’t that far ahead of these other guys statistically. The narrative juice isn’t there for him to win the fan vote.

Torkelson, a former No. 1 overall draft pick, was tracking like a bust for a long while. He’s been the best hitter on the team with the best record. At 37 years old, Goldschmidt appeared to be entering the decline phase of a legendary career. Instead, he’s turned back the clock to hit .327 for a Yankee team that tops the AL in most offensive categories.

Still, Guerrero’s fame — and that $500 million extension — will likely win out. Even if his season has been excellent rather than transcendent, the name carries weight and he’s only a few hot weeks away from reasserting himself as the AL’s best first baseman.

  • Statistical frontrunner: Gleyber Torres (DET)

  • Other contenders: Brandon Lowe (TB), Jackson Holliday (BAL)

  • Likely outcome: Torres

Torres was an All-Star in 2018 and 2019, but spent his final five years in The Bronx failing to recapture that form. This season, his first outside New York, the now-bearded infielder is having an offensive renaissance. Gleyber’s glove is gold in a different way (it looks really heavy when he plays because, boy, he’s a rough defender), but the bat has been so good that it won’t matter. It’s been a nice sophomore year from the 21-year-old Holliday, who could leap into the starting conversation with a strong June.

  • Statistical frontrunners: Jeremy Peña (HOU), Jacob Wilson (ATH)

  • Other contenders: Bobby Witt Jr. (KC), Gunnar Henderson (BAL), Zach Neto (LAA)

  • Likely outcome: Witt

Right now, Peña vs. Wilson is a statistical toss-up. Peña looks like the dynamic force he teased during the 2022 postseason, while Wilson is a ball-in-play machine and the AL Rookie of the Year frontrunner. Neto, if not for an injury that kept him sidelined until April 18, would be right there.

But Witt’s stardom should win the day. After a runner-up MVP finish in 2024, Witt has taken a modest step back, and yet, still has a line that most players would kill for (.287/.346/.494 with 20 steals and elite defense). He’s a household name and should be the starter in Atlanta unless he forgets how to play baseball between now and then.

  • Statistical frontrunner: José Ramírez (CLE)

  • Other contenders: Maikel Garcia (KC), Isaac Paredes (HOU), Junior Caminero (TB), Zack McKinstry (DET), Alex Bregman (BOS)

  • Likely outcome: Ramírez

Had Bregman not gotten injured, he might have challenged Ramírez for this spot. Instead, it will be the Guardians’ talisman starting the All-Star Game at the hot corner for the fourth time. Ramírez currently has the highest OPS+ of his career, which is outrageous considering he’ll have a plaque in Cooperstown some day.

Among the other contenders, Caminero is the most intriguing name. The 21-year-old already has 14 long balls and would be an exhilarating presence in the Home Run Derby.

How Old Is Too Old When Buying an Apple Watch?

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In 2023, I decided to update my Apple Watch after consistently failing to wear my Series 4 for a number of years. I sold that one on Poshmark and began looking at newer models to find one with enough features to convince me to actually wear it. I opted to get a Series 8, although the Series 9 had just been released, as I was buying two: one for my mom and one for myself. As it turns out, that was a great decision.

If you’re searching for a new wearable or considering upgrading yours, you might also be wondering which of the older Apple Watch models is still useful today. My Series 8 is holding up beautifully three years after it was introduced, so I’m a big proponent of using older devices as long as possible. But not all Apple Watches will work as well as the Series 8 does in 2025.

Don’t buy a watch Apple doesn’t support anymore

We have to draw the line somewhere: Seven of Apple’s watches are no longer supported, meaning they won’t receive any software or security updates anymore. In addition, you run the risk that the watch will no longer be compatible with your iPhone or certain apps. In short, you shouldn’t buy a watch that Apple doesn’t support. That includes the following:

  • Apple Watch Series 0

  • Apple Watch Series 1

  • Apple Watch Series 2

  • Apple Watch Series 3

  • Apple Watch Series 4

  • Apple Watch Series 5

  • Apple Watch SE (first-gen)

While the company does currently support the Series 6, it is next in line to join this list. It’s not clear when that will happen, but you can be sure it will. We’ll see next week—when Apple reveals watchOS 26—whether the watch will be supported another year. If not, it’ll be stuck on watchOS 11 for good.

Performance and other generational Watch improvements

There are considerations for older Apple Watch models that extend beyond their ability to simply run the latest operating system. With each generation, improvements are made in some form or another. For instance, the Series 4 introduced the ECG sensor, while the Series 6 introduced the blood oxygen sensor (though Apple had to disable the feature for the Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the U.S. due to a lawsuit). The Series 7 charges faster than its predecessors, and Apple has included fast charging on most watch models since (sorry, Apple Watch SE users).

In general, each Apple Watch is faster than the last. Apple tends to put its newest S-Chip—the Apple Watch’s processor—in its latest watch series. Simply put, a newer S-chip gives you a faster, more productive product. The Series 6 has an S6 chip, Series 7 has S7, and so on until you hit the Ultras. (The first-generation Ultra has an S8 chip like the Series 8, while the Ultra 2 has an S9 chip like the Series 9.)

While there are some core features all currently supported watches share—like workout and swim tracking, sleep tracking, Apple Pay, ECG scanning, and the ability to read and respond to messages—newer models also each have some of their own special advancements and upgrades. Here’s a brief list:

  • The Series 7 introduced faster charging, a larger display, and more durable screen.

  • The Series 8 brought temperature sensing, crash detection, and a low-power mode for conserving battery (as did the second-gen Apple Watch SE).

  • The Series 9 debuted new gesture controls, on-device Siri access, more precise location tracking in Find My, and a display with double the brightness of the Series 8.

  • The first-gen Apple Watch Ultra introduced a more durable titanium casing, custom shortcuts to apps and modes via the Action button, a depth gauge and water temperature sensor, more accurate GPS, a 36-hour battery life, and an emergency siren.

  • The Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduced a display with a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits and on-device media playback.

  • The Series 10 introduced the largest display available on a standard Apple Watch and faster charging.

If you see a feature you absolutely need in a particular watch model, you’ll have to spring for it. But if you just want something for core Apple Watch tasks, you can start to consider older options. Apple’s watch comparison site can be a helpful tool for identifying different features among models.

Battery degradation

All tech degrades to some extent and the Apple Watch is no different—particularly when it comes to the battery. While there are ways to mitigate the problem, over time, the lithium-ion battery powering your wrist computer won’t last as long as it used to. That might be a bigger issue than your watch’s ability to download and support a new operating system. Apple’s warranty doesn’t cover batteries that wear down from normal use, and charges $99 for the repair, which you could instead put towards the purchase of a new watch. There is one exception: Battery service is free if you have AppleCare+ and your watch’s battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity. You need to take your watch in to an Apple Store or service provider to have it tested.

My watch was pre-owned, and while I have no way of knowing if it has its original battery, my battery life has not declined substantially in the two years I’ve been using it daily. I primarily use mine to track my workouts, vitals, and sleep, which means it’s always running. I charge it while I’m in the shower and occasionally for a few minutes before bed, and that’s about it. On an average day of constant notifications, mine lasts me a bit longer than the advertised 18-hour mark. Because I have little interest in the small improvements offered by the Series 9 and Series 10—like extra brightness, larger screen size, performance bumps, and advanced cycle tracking—the battery life is what would (or will) compel me to upgrade in the future, but for now, I have not noticed any problems. I asked my mom if she’s noticed any battery degradation on hers, since I bought it at the same time and place as mine, and she said no. She uses hers to track walking workouts, talk on the phone, and monitor her sleep and vitals, too.

Stick with the Series 7 or newer

Thoroughly consider which of the features on newer models are actually important to you before making any buying decision and, if you can, stay above a Series 7. The Series 6 is still functional, but, again, it’s a matter of time until the company stops acknowledging that one completely.

For now, I have been pleasantly surprised by how well my Series 8 has held up for two years. Its touchscreen has never faltered, the external buttons function perfectly, it syncs to all of my apps and devices with no problem, and it does exactly what I need it to do—which is to tell me how many steps I’m taking and how hard I’m exerting myself at the gym. If you’re in the market for a smart watch, I see no reason that an older version shouldn’t be considered, as long as it still runs the latest operating system. You can save a chunk of change by sourcing an older model from the resale or refurbished markets and put that money away for when Apple drops something super revolutionary in the wearable space.

Apple doesn’t sell anything below a Series 10 or SE directly anymore, so if you want a 6, 7, 8, or 9, you’ll have to check the resale and refurbished markets. You’ll definitely save some money that way (a new Series 10 starts at $399, though it can be found on sale, and the refurbished Series 8 I got is selling right now for $219).

Apple Watch Series 8 (Renewed)


$209.00
at Amazon

$220.00
Save $11.00

Angels, Red Sox get into heated confrontation before Boston’s walk-off win at Fenway Park

Things got heated at Fenway Park before the game even got started on Wednesday.

The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels got into a bit of a shouting match on the field before the finale of their three-game series. While things eventually settled down without much of an issue and the game started normally, Angels pitcher Tyler Anderson was walked away by a coach.

The incident, according to WEEI’s Rob Bradford, started on Monday night when Anderson thought the Red Sox were stealing signs during that contest. Anderson was seen shouting at Red Sox first base coach Jose Flores, which is what possibly led to Wednesday’s confrontation. Anderson gave up five runs and seven hits in Monday’s 7-6 win.

Regardless of the specifics, it was the Red Sox who came out on top in the end — thanks to what was the shortest walk-off home run anywhere in the Statcast era, which started in 2015. Ceddanne Rafaela hit a two-run shot in the bottom of the ninth inning that just barely snuck around the foul pole in right field. The ball went just 308 feet, but it was enough to lift Boston to the 11-9 win.

Fenway Park is the only stadium where the home run would have counted. It’s also the second-shortest home run by any player in the Statcast era.

The hit was Rafaela’s first of the game in five at-bats. It also marked his third home run in as many days, which doubled his total for the season. The Red Sox, having won just three times in their last 11 games, now sit at 30-34 on the season. 

The Angels, now 28-33, will head back to Southern California to begin a series with the Seattle Mariners later this week. Though they didn’t pull off the series sweep, their final game at Fenway Park this season was certainly an interesting one. Whether this carries over when the Red Sox make the trek to Anaheim later this month remains to be seen.

Angels, Red Sox get into heated confrontation before Boston’s walk-off win at Fenway Park

Things got heated at Fenway Park before the game even got started on Wednesday.

The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels got into a bit of a shouting match on the field before the finale of their three-game series. While things eventually settled down without much of an issue and the game started normally, Angels pitcher Tyler Anderson was walked away by a coach.

The incident, according to WEEI’s Rob Bradford, started on Monday night when Anderson thought the Red Sox were stealing signs during that contest. Anderson was seen shouting at Red Sox first base coach Jose Flores, which is what possibly led to Wednesday’s confrontation. Anderson gave up five runs and seven hits in Monday’s 7-6 win.

Regardless of the specifics, it was the Red Sox who came out on top in the end — thanks to what was the shortest walk-off home run anywhere in the Statcast era, which started in 2015. Ceddanne Rafaela hit a two-run shot in the bottom of the ninth inning that just barely snuck around the foul pole in right field. The ball went just 308 feet, but it was enough to lift Boston to the 11-9 win.

Fenway Park is the only stadium where the home run would have counted. It’s also the second-shortest home run by any player in the Statcast era.

The hit was Rafaela’s first of the game in five at-bats. It also marked his third home run in as many days, which doubled his total for the season. The Red Sox, having won just three times in their last 11 games, now sit at 30-34 on the season. 

The Angels, now 28-33, will head back to Southern California to begin a series with the Seattle Mariners later this week. Though they didn’t pull off the series sweep, their final game at Fenway Park this season was certainly an interesting one. Whether this carries over when the Red Sox make the trek to Anaheim later this month remains to be seen.