MLB playoff races: Top storylines as battle continues for AL East, AL Central crowns; Mets cling to final NL wild-card

The final weekend of regular-season baseball is here, and every team in the majors will conclude its marathon with a three-game series. We’ll have some enticing divisional matchups and some head-scratchers such as … Phillies-Twins? 

Here are the top storylines entering Friday in a chaotic finish for the 2025 MLB regular season:

[MLB playoffs 2025 tracker: Standings, schedule, clinch scenarios and more with 3 games to go]

The New York Mets are clinging to the final wild-card spot in the NL playoff race. They sweated out an 8-5 victory against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday and took two of three games at Wrigley Field to maintain their lead in the wild-card race over the Cincinnati Reds (one game) and Arizona Diamondbacks (two games). The Mets don’t own the tiebreakers against those teams, so yeah, the pressure is on for New York.

Up next: Three games in Miami against the Marlins. Despite the payroll disparity between the clubs — $69 million vs. $340 million — the season series is tied 5-5.

For the Mets, it’s sad that it has come down to this. But at least they still have a chance.

The stakes are high for New York and Toronto in the AL East race, as the team that comes out on top in this division will get a first-round bye, joining the Seattle Mariners. The runner-up will get a ticket to the wild-card round as host.

The clubs enter Friday tied, and the Jays have the tiebreaker. Each will have its regular-season finale at home, with the Yankees hosting the Baltimore Orioles and the Jays welcoming the Tampa Bay Rays.

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The Yankees went 6-4 against the Orioles this season, with New York taking three of four games in their last series. As for the Jays, they’re 3-7 against the Rays this season. Toronto split a four-game set with Tampa in their matchup earlier this month.

Go ahead and chuckle about a schedule that concludes the regular season with Mariners vs. Dodgers. What a natural rivalry, eh?

Anyhow, the Mariners have secured a first-round bye and the AL West title. They still have a shot, albeit a long one, at snatching the No. 1 seed from the Yankees and Blue Jays. Plus, Cal Raleigh wants to swing that trident around a couple more times in pursuit of the AL single-season home run record. So don’t expect the Mariners to coast here. 

As for the Dodgers, they’re locked into the No. 3 seed in the NL. However, could we see more work from Roki Sasaki out of the bullpen as a tune-up for the postseason? Will anyone in the Dodgers’ bullpen show a glimmer of improvement heading into October?

Three games over this final weekend of the 2025 MLB regular season will decide the American League Central division title. Neither team has clinched a playoff berth, but both teams could make their way into the postseason regardless of who wins the Central. 

Cleveland ends the season with a three-game series hosting the Texas Rangers, who have been eliminated from playoff contention but could play the role of spoiler. If the Guardians and Tigers remain neck-and-neck through the weekend, the most likely scenario is them facing off in the wild-card round. 

The Tigers have a bit of a tougher fight to close out the regular season, thanks to their recent free-fall that saw them drop eight straight. They visit Boston on Friday, taking on a Red Sox team also fighting for wild-card positioning. The Tigers swept the Red Sox in their lone series earlier this season. 

If these AL Central rivals end the season with the same record, the Guardians hold the tiebreaker after taking two of three games from them this week. No matter who wins the AL Central, both Cleveland and Detroit hold tiebreakers over the Houston Astros in the wild-card race. The Astros are currently one game behind the Guardians and Tigers heading into this final weekend.

Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees, 7:05 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 7:07 p.m. ET
Detroit Tigers vs. Boston Red Sox, 7:10 p.m. ET
Texas Rangers vs. Cleveland Guardians, 7:10 p.m. ET
New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins 7:10 p.m. ET
Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers 8:10 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Seattle Mariners, 9:40 p.m. ET

Scottie Pippen claims Steph Curry ‘wouldn’t be the same’ if he played in the ’90s

Scottie Pippen claims Steph Curry ‘wouldn’t be the same’ if he played in the ’90s originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Comparing different eras of NBA basketball is impossible, yet we do it anyway.

Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen was asked who would win between his 1995-96 Bulls team and the 2016-17 Warriors, and Pippen didn’t hold back his thoughts on Golden State star Steph Curry.

“It depends on the rules,” Pippen said in a recent interview with MARCA (h/t Golden State Warriors on SI.com). “If you play by today’s rules, it would be one thing. But with the rules of the ’90s, Curry wouldn’t be the same. If we played in his era, it would be like playing freely: no one holds you, no one stops you. I don’t know who would win.”

Pippen’s take on the subject could be personal. In the 2016-17 NBA season, the Golden State Warriors surpassed the 1995-96 Bulls for the best regular-season record in NBA history, achieving a 73-9 mark.

“We weren’t built to shoot 25-50 3-pointers per game,” Pippen continued. “They would probably win that way because they have two of the best shooters in Steph and Klay [Thompson]. But we played physical. We defended hard. We made teams score only 75-80 points. Today, that’s almost impossible.”

The game was much different in the 1990s compared to now, but the numbers still don’t lie. Curry averaged 25.3 points, 6.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds in 79 games in 2016-17. Michael Jordan averaged 30.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 82 games in 1995-96. Pippen’s numbers were never close to either Curry’s or Jordan’s.

Pippen claimed that his 1995-96 Bulls team is the greatest team of all time “on paper,” but thinks that the Warriors would win in a hypothetical matchup because of their shooting ability.

When comparing the two squads, the only argument Chicago has is that they have the ring to show for their regular-season efforts. Golden State lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games, giving Lebron James his third championship.

Fans will never know who would win between these two super teams, but the debate will continue for decades.

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Fantasy Basketball Centers 2025-26: Top 50 rankings, season outlooks, key stats

The 2025-26 NBA season is fast approaching, and what better time to break down RotoWorld’s positional rankings?

We started with guards in our first positional rankings article and pivoted to forwards. Now, it’s time to break down the top-50 big men.

In the realm of fantasy hoops, Nikola Jokic has reigned supreme as the top center and fantasy’s top player for the better part of the last five seasons. He’s been mostly untouchable thanks to his elite passing abilities and penchant for stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis. Third-year phenom Victor Wembanyama can get it done in a number of ways, but is he a legitimate threat to dethrone Joker as fantasy’s top center?

Here’s how we value the top 50 centers in fantasy basketball for the 2025-26 season, starting with Joker.

1. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, 2.0 three-pointers

There’s Nikola Jokic, and then there’s everyone else. Over the last five seasons, Joker has won three MVPs and arguably should have won five straight.

But we’re not here to talk about voter fatigue.

Jokic became just the third player – and first center – in NBA history to average a triple-double when he reached double figures in points, rebounds and assists during the 2024-25 campaign. Most impressively, he ranked top-5 in all three of those categories and, surprisingly, also in steals.

He became the first player in NBA history with a 30/20/20 game when he dropped 31/21/22 in an OT victory over the Suns on March 7, showcasing his monstrous upside to win fantasy managers their weeks on the back of just one game.

Simply put, Jokic is in a class of his own, and his gaudy numbers across multiple key categories keep him in the conversation as fantasy basketball’s top overall player.

2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 3.8 blocks, 3.1 three-pointers

Wemby is the only other center whose name can be whispered in the same breath as Joker’s. The extraterrestrial landed in 2023 with a resounding Rookie of the Year campaign, and he was even better in Year 2.

Wemby’s skillset is freakish, and his out-of-this-world contributions on the defensive end give him an elite boost in the realm of fantasy hoops. Injuries derailed a promising 2024-25 season, but availability is the only concern here.

He should be a 20/10/3 guy who averages close to five steals+blocks per contest, making him a guy who can challenge Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for fantasy’s top spot.

3. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.7 blocks, 2.0 three-pointers made

Towns’ production had seen a steady decline in consecutive seasons in Minnesota, but the move to New York revitalized his career and propelled him back into the top-10 in fantasy hoops.

A perennial first-rounder, KAT’s fantasy appeal waned before his trade to the Knicks, but his value is at an all-time high. New York gave him the starting center gig, and for much of the season, he led the Association in rebounds per game.

Towns found his groove as the 1b to Jalen Brunson’s 1a on offense while chipping in serviceable defensive numbers to go with an elite effort on the glass.

Mitchell Robinson’s availability could eat into Towns’ rebounding numbers marginally, but there’s no reason to think the latter will cause a major disruption to another top-10 campaign for the Big KAT.

4. Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.8 blocks, 0.3 three-pointers

Sengun is Jokic 3.0, or Domantas Sabonis 2.0, depending on how you look at it. He’s a gifted passing center, which is typically a cheat code in the realm of fantasy hoops.

The big man grabbed a career-high 10.3 rebounds per game, but he took a step back across most other statistical categories. Most notably, Sengun’s shooting percentages regressed, and he shot below 50% from the field and 70% from the charity stripe.

His defensive contributions don’t show up as gaudy numbers in the box score, and he’s not a gifted three-point shooter. Sengun is a traditional center who thrives in the paint, but he doesn’t boast elite FG% or blocks as some of his peers with a similar skillset do.

Fantasy managers drafting him will have to bank on improved efficiency and a significant step forward in assists if they hope for him to reach his ceiling.

5. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.6 blocks, 1.2 three-pointers

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year didn’t rack up blocks and steals at an elite clip like some of his contemporaries, but make no mistake about it, he is a lethal defender. Mobley finished 10th in blocks overall and 15th in steals among centers.

Mobley isn’t looked at as a premier passer in the same way that Jokic, Sengun and Sabonis are, but he’s quite an effective playmaker from his position.

He matched his career high in assists in 2024-25 while posting a new career best in the scoring department. His rebounds and defensive contributions were in line with previous seasons’ production, but he took a noticeable step forward as a shooter.

Mobley tripled his three-pointers from 0.4 to 1.2 without sacrificing efficiency. His FG% slipped to 55.7%, but it was a negligible change from the 58% he shot a season ago. Mobley also knocked down a career-best 72.5% of his shots from the charity stripe.

Strong production across the board, improved efficiency and the addition of a three-point shot propelled Mobley into the second round in 2024-25, and fantasy managers should expect the same in 2025-26.

6. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.4 blocks, 0.9 three-pointers

Sabonis led the Association in triple-doubles during the 2023-24 campaign before ceding that title to Jokic last season. In lieu of a second straight triple-double title, he picked up the rebounding title while corralling nearly 14 boards per game.

Sabonis is an otherworldly passer at his position, and he’s consistently among the league leaders in rebounds. A lack of strong defensive contributions in the box score and absence of an outside shot have kept him out of the top-3 conversation, and there’s no reason to expect a drastic change in any of those categories in 2025-26.

7. Myles Turner, Milwaukee Bucks

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 2.0 blocks, 2.2 three-pointers

Indiana’s longest-tenured player finally departed last offseason. After nearly a decade of trade rumors and speculation, Turner will suit up for another squad in 2025-26.

Brook Lopez went west when he signed with the Clippers, and Turner will fill in the vacant center position in Milwaukee. Bobby Portis is an excellent backup, but Turner should get the lion’s share of minutes at the position.

Milwaukee’s depth chart isn’t exactly deep at any position, so fantasy managers should expect plenty of playing time, plenty of touches and strong production. Turner isn’t an adept rebounder, but he’s a perfect BroLo replacement – a center who likes to block shots and step outside for a three-pointer. Another top-50 season is on the horizon.

8. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 2.2 blocks, 1.4 three-pointers

Holmgren, much like Turner above, had a pretty forgettable playoff run. Fortunately for fantasy managers, only regular season stats are counted.

After missing the entirety of what would have been his rookie season due to a broken foot, Holmgren roared back with 82 games in 2023-24. Following that fully-healthy campaign, he appeared in just 32 games in 2024-25 after fracturing his hip early in the season.

Holmgren’s 2024-25 numbers were comparable to those in 2023-24 despite playing two fewer minutes. His efficiency dipped slightly, but we’ll cut him a break, as he was playing at less than 100%. He finished just inside the fourth round in per-game fantasy value, but he has first-round upside. Fantasy managers can get Holmgren at a discount on draft day and should take advantage of the value.

9. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.7 blocks, 1.0 three-pointers

For the fifth straight season, Adebayo averaged these numbers or better: 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and 0.7 blocked shots. Consistency is key with the big man, and fantasy managers spending a mid-round selection on him will get a well-established floor. The emergence of Kel’El Ware in Miami’s double-big lineups didn’t hamper Adebayo’s production, and he should be in line for another productive season. Tyler Herro’s absence to start the season could mean more offensive looks for the big man, as he averaged 24.8 points across four games without Herro last season. The emergence of a three-point shot gives Bam’s fantasy skillset another dimension, though it did result in his first season shooting under 50% from the field.

10. Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

The force was truly strong with “Zubacca” in 2024-25 as the big man enjoyed the best statistical season of his career, posting career highs in points and rebounds and assists.

He finished 30th in per-game fantasy value and was ninth overall in total value thanks to his 80 games played.

Zubac tied for second-most 20-rebound games (5) and games with 20 points and 20 boards (4). LA’s center depth is a little better than it was a season ago thanks to the addition of Brook Lopez, but Lopez is a three-and-D center who won’t eat significantly into Zoob’s traditional role in the paint. He might not be a top-30 guy again, but he could push for top-50 numbers.

11. Nikola Vučević, Chicago Bulls

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.7 blocks, 1.8 three-pointers

Rumors of his demise are greatly exaggerated each and every season. This guy just won’t go away! Fantasy managers continue to balk at drafting him in the third through fifth rounds of fantasy drafts, as they wait for a dropoff that doesn’t seem to be coming anytime soon.

Vooch finished 47th in per-game and 12th in totals last season while appearing in 73 games. He’s been the model of consistency and durability throughout his career, and until Chicago finally moves him, there’s no reason to expect a sharp dropoff in production.

12. Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals, 2.4 blocks, 0.1 three-pointers

After a noticeable dip in points and boards from Year 1 to Year 2, Kessler came roaring back to life in Year 3 with career highs in both categories and his usual allotment of swats. The big man is dreadful at the free-throw line, but he offers a reliable floor thanks to his elite rebounding, FG% and blocks. He finished inside the top-50 in per-game production a season ago and should have similar output in 2025-26. The Jazz currently have veterans Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Love backing up Kessler, but it would be shocking if either player was on the roster by the end of the season.

13. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

Allen finished the 2024-25 campaign with a four-year low in points and five-year lows in rebounds and minutes. He swatted less than one shot per game for the first time in his career, though his FG% represents a new career best. Cleveland cut playing time for its starters across the board, choosing to share the love and trust the bench. The formula worked as the Cavs won 64 games and secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference. With Cleveland’s “anti-Thibodeau” rotation methodology and the continued ascension of Evan Mobley, don’t expect a big shift in numbers from Allen in 2025-26.

14. Kristaps Porziņģis, Atlanta Hawks

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.5 blocks, 2.5 three-pointers

As always, availability should be at the forefront of fantasy managers’ minds when considering Porzingis on draft day. The big man is consistently ranked in the top-30 in per-game fantasy value, and he’s got a monster ceiling to go off on any given night. The problem is his injury history and lack of games played throughout his career. KP could have some strong performances in Atlanta, but with a depth of talent in the frontcourt, the Hawks won’t rush him out on the court if he’s not at 100%. He’s a fine later-round fantasy selection with a ton of built-in risk.

15. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.2 three-pointers

In two seasons since winning the MVP in 2022-23, Embiid has appeared in just 58 games. He was limited to just 19 last season and looked far from healthy when on the court. The knee injury that hampered him surely contributed to his sharp decline in production, and it eventually required surgery. It’s unclear if he’ll be ready for opening night, and fantasy managers taking a shot on him can’t spend an early-round pick given the massive risk. When healthy, he’s got No. 1 overall upside, but he simply can’t be trusted right now given the health concerns.

16. Mark Williams, Phoenix Suns

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.2 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

Williams posted career highs in points, rebounds and assists last season while also knocking down a career-best 80.2% of his attempts from the charity stripe. Unfortunately, his 44 games played also represented a career high. Availability has been a glaring concern for Williams in his three years in the Association, as he’s appeared in just 106 of 246 total games. The big man was dealt to the Suns where he’ll presumably slot in as the team’s starting center. Rookie Khaman Maluach will be chomping at the bit behind him, and fantasy managers who take Williams would be wise to handcuff him with Maluach.

17. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 11.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

Duren’s Year 3 production dipped slightly from Year 2, but that was in large part due to the three fewer minutes per game he played. His per-36 numbers were similar, indicating no significant dropoff when on the court. Duren’s points and rebounds slipped, but he set career highs in assists, steals, blocked shots and FG% (69.2). Detroit, much like Cleveland, was generous with its minutes distribution, and that trend should continue in 2025-26. Don’t expect huge minutes from Duren, but he can still be taken confidently as a late-round center option with top-75 upside.

18. Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 6.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.6 blocks, 0.2 three-pointers

The lottery pick out of UConn made an immediate impact in his rookie campaign, filling in for Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams as needed and ending the season as Portland’s starting center. While his season-long numbers were solid, Clingan was even better as a starter. In 37 appearances with the first unit, the big man averaged 7.9 points, 10 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.1 blocked shots. His FG% isn’t elite, and his FT% is dreadful, but if you can stomach poor efficiency, you’ll get a 10/10 guy who can rack up defensive stats with the best of them.

19. Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks, 0.6 three-pointers

Okongwu posted the best numbers of his career, setting new career-best marks in points, rebounds, assists, steals and triples. His 27.5 minutes per game were the most of his career, though he only started 42 of 74 games in which he played. Production hasn’t been an issue for Okongwu throughout his career. Getting on the court has been a major impediment to his growth, as the talented big man has had to play behind Clint Capela and now faces the challenge of competing with Kristaps Porzingis and a surging Jalen Johnson. The talent and skillset are there for Okongwu to be a fantasy stud, but will he get the time he needs?

20. Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.2 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

Poeltl posted career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals and minutes (29.6) in 2024-25, and his tremendous season earned him a four-year, $104 million extension in July. Set to anchor Toronto’s frontcourt for the foreseeable future, expect the big man to approach 30 minutes and rack up plenty of counting stats. The Raptors’ center depth is bereft of big-time talent, setting Poeltl up nicely to push for another career year.

21. Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles Lakers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.0 block, 0.2 three-pointers

Ayton has been a slow and steady contributor since getting drafted first overall in 2018, but his production has never been elite. Last season saw him tie his career low in points and finish with the second-lowest rebound mark of his career. Don’t expect a bounce-back in the scoring department as he plays alongside LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. Ayton should see big minutes at center for a team that’s desperately needed a quality big man, so a 10/10 season with a block and efficient FG% seems like a reasonable projection.

22. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 12.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.4 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

At this point in his career, Gobert is an unremarkable, yet serviceable, fantasy option with a low ceiling. His 12 points per game represent a 10-year low, and his 10.9 boards and 1.4 blocks are his second-lowest marks in that span. Gobert’s floor is a 10/10 average with low turnovers, high FG% and a block per game, but he’s certainly not going to thrill fantasy managers with those numbers. He’s best viewed as a late-round center option with a steady floor and limited upside.

23. Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

Hartenstein enjoyed a strong finish to the 2023-24 campaign, making the most of his extended playing time and usage due to numerous frontcourt injuries in New York. He departed after the season and got paid by OKC, showing the team’s faith in the newly-acquired big man. Hartenstein made good on OKC’s pay day, averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, blocked shots and minutes. Hartenstein issued the first month of the season due to injury, but he hit the ground running, playing key minutes in the frontcourt while Chet Holmgren was sidelined. Hartenstein should continue to see solid minutes alongside Holmgren, but if Holmgren doesn’t miss over half the season, the former’s production could take a hit.

24. Alexandre Sarr, Washington Wizards

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.5 blocks, 1.6 three-pointers

Sarr was effective as a rookie, showcasing his offensive versatility and defensive prowess with strong production as a three-point shooter and shot-blocker. The big man logged 27.1 minutes per game as a rookie, but he should see north of 30 minutes per game in Year 2 with even less competition for touches and playing time. Washington’s roster is one of the youngest and expected to finish with one of the worst records in the Association. The team is fully committed to its young core, of which Sarr is the centerpiece. He’s an intriguing, late-round center option in fantasy basketball drafts.

25. Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.4 blocks, 0.1 three-pointers

Though Claxton logged 70 games last season, he played at less than 100% for much of the campaign as he battled a nagging back injury. He logged only 26.9 minutes, but court time wasn’t the main reason for his dip in production. Claxton’s per-36 numbers were lower than they were in each of the last two seasons, but there’s optimism for 2025-26. If Claxton can come into the season healthy and push for 28-30 minutes, he can be a mid-round center option with strong rebound and block numbers. He finished outside the top-120 last season, but he should be better moving forward, making him a value pick in fantasy drafts.

26. Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.6 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

27. Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.3 blocks, 0.3 three-pointers

28. Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.4 steals, 1.8 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

29. Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.3 three-pointers

30. Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.3 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

31. Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

32. Brook Lopez, LA Clippers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.9 blocks, 1.7 three-pointers

33. Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 9.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, 0.5 three-pointers

34. Kel’El Ware, Miami Heat

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.5 three-pointers

35. Isaiah Jackson, Indiana Pacers

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 7.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.6 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

36. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte Hornets

Position: C

2024-25 college stats (Creighton): 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals, 2.7 blocks, 0.6 three-pointers

37. Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans

Position: C

2024-25 college stats (Maryland): 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.2 three-pointers

38. Jay Huff, Indiana Pacers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 6.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.3 three-pointers

39. Khaman Maluach, Phoenix Suns

Position: C

2024-25 college stats (Duke): 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.2 steals, 1.3 blocks, 0.1 three-pointers

40. Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.4 steals, 1.2 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

41. Jonas Valančiūnas, Denver Nuggets

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.6 blocks, 0.1 three-pointers

42. Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 9.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.3 blocks, 1.1 three-pointers

43. Al Horford, Free Agent

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.9 three-pointers

44. Moussa Diabaté, Charlotte Hornets

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 5.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.6 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

45. Chris Boucher, Boston Celtics

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.4 three-pointers

46. Noah Clowney, Brooklyn Nets

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 9.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.9 three-pointers

47. Jusuf Nurkić, Utah Jazz

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 8.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.7 blocks, 0.6 three-pointers

48. Hansen Yang, Portland Trail Blazers

Position: C

2024-25 international stats (Qingdao, Chinese Basketball Association): 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 2.6 blocks, 0.4 three-pointers

49. Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 8.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

50. Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 5.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.7 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

Ramp to Camp: Predicting Celtics’ win total, and how 2025-26 season ends

Ramp to Camp: Predicting Celtics’ win total, and how 2025-26 season ends originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

It’s the end of the road for our Ramp to Camp series. So, it’s only fitting we try to predict how the 2025-26 season will end for the Boston Celtics. 

For the 20th and final installment of Ramp to Camp, we asked our panel to predict both the Celtics’ final win total for the upcoming campaign, and how exactly the season will end.

Maybe this writer is just drunk on Green Kool-Aid from being over at the Auerbach Center this week. Maybe we’re just feeling all the positive vibes as new owner Bill Chisholm ascends to the big chair. Or maybe we’re overreacting to watching Jayson Tatum saunter across the court at the Auerbach Center looking impossibly smooth despite still being in the early stages of his rehab from Achilles surgery. Or maybe we’ve just heard too many tales of just how energized Joe Mazzulla is to coach this new-look group.

We think this team is going to surprise people. We see a current over/under of 40.5 wins at sportsbooks and wonder if anyone told them that Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard are still on this roster. 

Sure, we acknowledge that there are voids to fill on this team. You don’t lose the likes of Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, AND Luke Kornet and not have a frontcourt to rebuild. We’ll relent that the margin for error is far slimmer, and even a minor injury could really complicate matters for the Celtics. 

But we also refuse to believe this team won’t be competitive on a night-to-night basis. We’re certain that the players on this roster are ready for bigger roles and more opportunity. We’re certain that the banners hanging above the parquet will be a constant reminder of what everyone is working to get back to. We’re certain Mazzulla will have the Celtics operate with a collective chip on their shoulder. 

We have the Celtics at 46-36 and fighting for a spot in the top half of the Eastern Conference playoff bracket. We suspect the Cavaliers, Knicks, Magic, and Pistons will finish ahead of Boston. But the Celtics will be in the mix with Atlanta and Milwaukee for a spot in that No. 4-No. 6 seed range.

What happens from there? We suspect it all depends on if and when Tatum is back on the court, how close he is to his old form, and if the Celtics elect to toss him into playoff basketball. But we’re calling it now: Boston wins a first-round series and heads into the summer of 2026 convinced that this team will be back in title contention for the 2026-27 campaign. 

Again, a lot has to go right. The Celtics really need some less-than-established big men to make some strides. But the Brown-White-Pritchard trio can hold the fort with help from Sam Hauser and some of the newcomers. Tatum’s return will ensure a brighter future regardless of how it all plays out. The absence of expectations will allow this team to play free, and there will be far more good nights than bad.

Let’s get the new season started.

Here are the predictions our panel made:

Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor

The Celtics go 43-39, extending their streak of non-losing seasons to 11 and barely avoiding the play-in tournament as the No. 6 seed in the East.

They match up with the No. 3 seed Magic in Round 1, and while Tatum is back in the lineup, he’s not quite up to full speed. Orlando exacts revenge for its 2025 first-round exit by dispatching the pesky Celtics in seven games.

The good news: There’s plenty of optimism heading into 2026-27, with Neemias Queta looking like a legitimate starting center and Payton Pritchard emerging as a go-to starting guard alongside Derrick White.

Michael Hurley, Web Producer

Final record: 46-36. Having a superstar player should be enough to be better than .500. Having a solid organization from the front office to the coaching staff should be worth something, too. I’d be shocked if they bottom out and end up in the lottery or something to that effect.

I think a ton of the roster will get tremendous opportunity to develop just by virtue of the minutes that are needed to be played, and I think if they end up avoiding the play-in tournament, they could beat a No. 3 seed in a first-round series.

That would be a pretty good season without their best player, even if doesn’t lead to them drafting in the top 10.

Sean McGuire, Web Producer

I’m projecting Boston finishes 48-34 on the season. They make the playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, upset the No. 3 seed Indiana Pacers in six games and then fall in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Too much green drink? Maybe. But I’d be more than content with it.

Josh Canu, Media Editor

Final record: 51-31. I am pretty optimistic with this team in terms of the regular season. I think the mix of experience, motivation, and the pace I expect them to play with will win them a lot of games.

Depth is still my biggest concern, but I think they have enough on most nights to be a top-four seed on the East without Tatum.

Kevin Miller, VP, Content

I’m predicting 45-37 and a second-round playoff exit, which sets the table for an aggressive offseason.

Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy

Final record: 44-38. The Celtics make the playoffs outright; no play-in tournament. They pick 17th in the NBA Draft, which is a little low for their liking, but isn’t a competitive season more exciting anyway?

Neemias Queta will move into a legit role, which will be a nice win for Brad Stevens as Queta enters the final year of an affordable contract.

Kayla Burton, Celtics Pregame Live host

I have the Celtics at 43-39 and finishing sixth in the East. They make the playoffs and lose in the first round to the Knicks in a rematch series. Jayson Tatum is back for that series and Neemias Queta becomes the team’s most improved player.

In Kansas City, Secretary Rollins Speaks on State of Farm Economy, Announces Suite of Actions to Support American Farmers

(Kansas City, MO, September 25, 2025) – Today, in Kansas City at the Agriculture Outlook Forum, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins spoke on the current state of the farm economy in the United States and addressed the ways President Trump is supporting American agriculture. U.S. farm production inputs are significantly more costly than four years ago, putting pressure on farmers’ bottom line.

Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has undergone successful surgery after suffering offseason ACL tear

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has reportedly suffered a torn right ACL, per multiple reports. Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko reports that VanVleet suffered the injury during a team minicamp in the Bahamas.

Per Iko, VanVleet underwent successful surgery on his ACL on Thursday. He will likely miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season.

VanVleet, a 31-year-old vet set to enter his 10th season in the league, averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists last season across 60 games. He led the Rockets in assists and steals per game, while lending a level of leadership in the locker room.

He was also elected as NBA Players Association president in July, and will serve a four-year term.

It’s a brutal blow for the Rockets, who lose their starting point guard before the season even starts. VanVleet signed a two-year, $50 million deal to stay with the team this offseason, and was set to be another veteran starter, alongside the recently acquired Kevin Durant, on a young Houston team.

With VanVleet out, Houston will likely need Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson — two young, up-and-coming stars — to step into the starting lineup, while elevating bench players like Aaron Holiday or Jabari Smith Jr. Per Sportrac’s Keith Smith, the Rockets don’t have enough cap room to sign a player at this point, but may be able to add a late-season piece in January.

MLB playoffs 2025 tracker: Dodgers win NL West, Guardians-Tigers tied atop AL Central — standings, schedule, clinch scenarios with 3 games to go

The MLB regular season is approaching the finish line, and the race to the postseason has given us a dramatic shakeup in the AL East and AL Central. Before diving into a breakdown of the playoff picture and what’s at stake, here’s a glance at what happened Wednesday:

Blue Jays: Tied with the Yankees atop the AL East; the winner will secure the No. 1 seed in the AL, while the loser will settle for the top wild card and the No. 4 seed. Toronto holds the tiebreaker.

Mariners: Won the AL West; in line to secure the No. 2 seed in the AL and a bye to the ALDS.

Yankees: Tied with the Blue Jays atop the AL East; the winner will secure the No. 1 seed in the AL, while the loser will settle for the top wild card and the No. 4 seed.

Brewers:Won the NL Central; in line to secure the NL’s No. 1 seed.

Phillies: Won the NL East; clinched at least the No. 2 seed and a bye to the NLDS.

Dodgers: Won the NL West; clinched the No. 3 seed.

Cubs: In line to secure the top wild card in the NL and the No. 4 seed.

Padres: In line to secure the second NL wild card and the No. 5 seed.

(Davis Long/Yahoo Sports)

Wild card: No. 6 Detroit Tigers vs. No. 3 Cleveland Guardians
ALDS: Wild-card winner vs. No. 2 Seattle Mariners

Wild card: No. 5 Boston Red Sox vs. No. 4 New York Yankees
ALDS: Wild-card winner vs. No. 1 Toronto Blue Jays

Wild card: No. 6 New York Mets vs. No. 3 L.A. Dodgers
NLDS: Wild-card winner vs. No. 2 Philadelphia Phillies

Wild card: No. 5 San Diego Padres vs. No. 4 Chicago Cubs
NLDS: Wild-card winner vs. No. 1 Milwaukee Brewers

The Red Sox’s magic number to clinch a playoff spot is down to one. The Mariners are one win away from securing a bye to the ALDS. The Brewers are one win away from securing the best record in baseball and the No. 1 seed in the NL.

In the NL, there is just one playoff spot left. The Mets currently hold the final wild-card spot by a half-game over the Reds and 1.5 games over the Diamondbacks.

In the AL, the Blue Jays, Yankees and Mariners have clinched postseason spots. Also in playoff position are the Guardians, Red Sox and Tigers. The Blue Jays (via tiebreaker over the Yankees) and Guardians (via tiebreaker over the Tigers) currently lead their divisions, with the Yankees, Red Sox and Tigers making up the wild-card field.

Which of these stars will lead his team to a World Series title this fall? (Davis Long/Yahoo Sports)

The Jays clinched a playoff berth Sunday with their victory over the Royals, making them the first AL team in the postseason. After two losses to the Red Sox, the Jays are tied with the Yankees atop the AL East, though Toronto holds the tiebreaker. Whichever team wins the division is in position to clinch the No. 1 seed and secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage through the championship series. The other will settle for the top wild card and the No. 4 seed.

Up next: The Jays conclude the regular season at home, with one more vs. the Red Sox and three vs. the Rays starting Friday.

The Mariners swept the Astros last weekend to put them in the driver’s seat for their first AL West title since 2001. They won the division with their victory over Colorado on Wednesday and are one win away from securing the No. 2 seed in the AL and a bye to the division series. Also, Cal Raleigh has hit 60 home runs.

Up next: The M’s end the regular season at home, starting with one more against the Rockies. Their final series is a three-game set against the Dodgers beginning Friday.

The Guardians stayed hot Tuesday and Wednesday, seizing the AL Central lead from the Tigers. Tuesday’s victory also clinched Cleveland the tiebreaker against Detroit. The Guardians have won 17 of their past 19 games and are on pace to complete MLB’s greatest comeback ever after trailing by 15.5 games in July. They are now three victories away from winning the AL Central.

Up next: One more game vs. the Tigers with massive division implications. Then Cleveland closes out the regular season with a three-game series vs. Texas at home.

They are tied with the Blue Jays in the AL East with four games remaining, and Toronto owns the tiebreaker. Whichever team wins the division is in position to clinch the No. 1 seed and secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage through the championship series. The other will settle for the top wild card and the No. 4 seed.

Up next: The Yanks finish the season at home. After one more against the Chicago White Sox, their regular season concludes with three games against the Orioles.

Amid the chaos around them, the Red Sox have been holding on to the second AL wild card and the No. 5 seed for most of the past two months. They’re currently in line to face the Yankees for three games in the Bronx to begin the playoffs.

Up next: The Sox play one more against Toronto to conclude a series that has shaken up the division. They finish the regular season by hosting the Tigers in a three-game series.

After dropping the opener against the Guardians on Tuesday, the Tigers suffered their eighth straight defeat Wednesday and surrendered their lead in the AL Central. This team once had a 15.5-game lead in the division. Now it’s gone. What’s worse, Cleveland holds the tiebreaker.

Up next: One more game in Cleveland, with hopes of avoiding a sweep. Then Detroit finishes the regular season at the Red Sox, who currently hold the second AL wild-card spot.

The Astros got swept by the Mariners last weekend to put the division title largely out of reach. They’re now fighting for the third wild card in the AL. Currently a half-game behind the Tigers and on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, Houston will be sweating it out over the final few days. Losing the first two games against the lowly Athletics certainly added to the stress. 

Up next: The ‘Stros finish the season on the road but against a team they should beat. They face the Angels for three games to conclude the regular season.

The Brewers are cruising to the No. 1 seed in the National League and the best record in baseball. With 96 wins and counting, they’ve already clinched the NL Central title. Their magic number for clinching baseball’s best record: one. Milwaukee is in prime position to have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. 

Up next: The Brewers have a day off Thursday. Then they host the Reds for three games to finish the regular season.

The Phillies have been one of the top teams in baseball all season, and they were the first to claim a division title, leaving the Mets in their wake as they won the NL East on Sept. 16. They secured at least the No. 2 seed in the National League and, with it, a bye to the division series.

Up next: The Phillies finish the regular season at home against teams with nothing to play for. They host the Marlins for one more Thursday, followed by three against the Twins this weekend.

The Dodgers won yet another NL West title with this week’s victories against the Diamondbacks. They will be the NL’s No. 3 seed and host a wild-card series.

Up next: The Dodgers finish the season on the road, with three games in Seattle this weekend.

The Cubs have already clinched their first postseason berth since 2020. Even though they have one of the top records in the sport, they’ll claim a wild card and finish behind the Brewers in the NL Central. The Cubs are in line to get the No. 4 seed and hosting duties in the wild-card round.

Up next: The Cubs finish the regular season at Wrigley field, first hosting the wild-card-contending Mets for one more and then hosting the already eliminated Cardinals for three games this weekend.

The Padres currently hold the NL’s second wild-card spot. They clinched their postseason spot on Monday. If the standings hold, San Diego will finish as the No. 5 seed and face the Cubs at Wrigley in the wild-card round.

Up next: The Padres have a day off Thursday and then finish the season at home with three games against the Diamondbacks, who are fighting for the last NL wild-card berth.

The Mets are nearing an egregious, late-season collapse, as they are just half a game up on the Reds and 1.5 ahead of the Diamondbacks for the NL’s final wild-card spot after losing 12 of their past 17 games. Cincinnati and Arizona hold the tiebreakers, so the Mets have to finish ahead in the standings to make the postseason.

Up next: The Mets finish the season on a road trip, facing the Cubs and Marlins. And the Marlins might put up a fight with a chance to finish over .500.

The Reds have won seven of their past 10 to capitalize on the Mets’ slide and challenge for the NL’s final wild-card bid. With a 4-2 record against the Mets this season, Cincinnati holds the tiebreaker. But both teams need to win to stay ahead of the Diamondbacks.  

Up next: The Reds finish their season on the road in Milwaukee. The Brewers might’ve clinched the NL’s best record by then and thus have nothing left to play for.

Lurking just behind the Mets and the Reds in the wild-card standings are the D-backs, who could seize the NL’s final playoff spot if the teams ahead of them falter. Arizona has won seven of its past 12 games to put itself in position to fight for a surprise postseason bid.

Up next: The D-backs close out the season with three games at San Diego.

No longer do teams play a Game 163 if they finish the season tied. Instead, tiebreakers are determined by head-to-head records first and, if needed, intradivision records second.

Here are the tiebreakers that could come into play:

  • The Blue Jays have clinched the tiebreaker against the Red Sox, Yankees and Tigers.

  • The Red Sox have clinched the tiebreaker against the Yankees.

  • The Tigers have clinched the tiebreaker against the Astros.

  • The Guardians have clinched the tiebreaker against the Astros and Tigers.

  • The Phillies have clinched the tiebreaker against the Dodgers.

  • The Brewers have clinched the tiebreaker against the Phillies.

  • The Reds have clinched the tiebreaker against the Mets.

  • The Diamondbacks and Mets split their season series, so whichever team finishes with a better intradivision record wins the tiebreaker. With three games to play, that edge goes to the D-backs.

Game 1: Tuesday, Sept. 30
Game 2: Wednesday, Oct. 1
Game 3: Thursday, Oct. 2*

ALDS

Game 1: Saturday, Oct. 4
Game 2: Sunday, Oct. 5
Game 3: Tuesday, Oct. 7
Game 4: Wednesday, Oct. 8*
Game 5: Friday, Oct. 10*

NLDS

Game 1: Saturday, Oct. 4
Game 2: Monday, Oct. 6
Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 8
Game 4: Thursday, Oct. 9*
Game 5: Saturday, Oct. 11*

ALCS

Game 1: Sunday, Oct 12
Game 2: Monday, Oct. 13
Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 15
Game 4: Thursday, Oct. 16
Game 5: Friday, Oct. 17*
Game 6: Sunday, Oct. 19*
Game 7: Monday, Oct. 20*

NLCS

Game 1: Monday, Oct 13
Game 2: Tuesday, Oct. 14
Game 3: Thursday, Oct. 16
Game 4: Friday, Oct. 17
Game 5: Saturday, Oct. 18*
Game 6: Monday, Oct. 20*
Game 7: Tuesday, Oct. 21*

Game 1: Friday, Oct. 24
Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 25
Game 3: Monday, Oct. 27
Game 4: Tuesday, Oct. 28
Game 5: Wednesday, Oct. 29*
Game 6: Friday, Oct. 31*
Game 7: Saturday, Nov. 1*

(*if necessary)

MLB offseason previews 2025: What’s next for the Rockies, White Sox, Braves, Rangers and other eliminated teams?

The baseball season is a marathon. Each major-league roster is in constant flux as teams deal with surges, slumps, injuries and disappointments throughout the 162-game campaign. When the dust settles, the front office in each city begins analyzing successes and failures and building plans to improve in the future. After all, every year, 29 of 30 teams fall short of the ultimate goal.

With that in mind,

Nick Kurtz opened the season as the organization’s top prospect and will likely finish as the AL Rookie of the Year and the centerpiece of the Athletics’ lineup. The slugger needed time to get acclimated, as he hit .208 with one homer in his initial 23 games. Then he became dominant in late May and stayed that way for the rest of the summer, which included one of the most memorable single-game performances in MLB history.

Kurtz wasn’t the only A’s rookie to make a major impact. After getting his feet wet last season, Jacob Wilson spent 2025 ranked among the sport’s batting average leaders, and he emerged as a lineup sparkplug who rarely strikes out and has a little more pop than some expected. His campaign was interrupted in late July by a fractured forearm, but by that point Wilson had already established his significant upside. Read more

There were nearly as many disappointments at the plate as there were on the mound. Adley Rutschman was the highest profile letdown. He was supposed to rebound from a poor second half in 2024 and return to being one of the best young catchers in baseball. Instead, Rutschman regressed further, a huge problem when factoring in that he usually hit second in the lineup. 

Ascending youngsters Jordan Westburg and Colton Cowser both missed a significant portion of the first half due to injuries, free-agent signee Tyler O’Neill was a massive bust, and Ryan Mountcastle’s contributions were virtually nonexistent. Former prospects such as Heston Kjerstad and Coby Mayo did not take the next step, and with that, a lineup that was supposed to be among the best in baseball was full of holes from top to bottom. Read more

Junior Caminero is at the outset of a memorable career. Just 22 years old, Camerino has already surpassed 40 homers and 100 RBI in his first full MLB campaign. For an organization known for developing pitchers, having a superstar hitter in the heart of the lineup for years to come will be incredibly valuable. The next challenge for Caminero will be to rank among baseball’s best batters without the benefit of George M. Steinbrenner Field, as he was much more effective at home than on the road in 2025.

Caminero wasn’t the only Rays hitter who had a strong season. Jonathan Aranda, Yandy Díaz and Brandon Lowe each made a significant impact. The success of Aranda was especially encouraging, considering he entered the season as a 26-year-old with 293 career at-bats who was running out of time to take the next step. Díaz used the power-inducing nature of his temporary home park to post a career-best homer total, while the oft-injured Lowe was selected for the All-Star Game and will finish with his most games played (149) since 2021. Read more

There was no shortage of disappointments for a team that ended a string of seven consecutive postseason appearances with a clunker. The Braves lost their first seven games of 2025 and never logged the necessary winning streak to bring them close to a winning record. Another rough stretch near the beginning of July sealed their fate as the most disappointing team in the National League. 

In two years, the Braves went from being the highest-scoring group in baseball to ranking below average in runs scored. And injuries were not a major problem for this group; instead, many players signed to long-term deals fell short of expectations for a second straight year. Michael Harris II picked things up in the second half but arrived at the All-Star break with the lowest OPS (.551) of any qualified player. Ozzie Albies has been on a downward trajectory since he produced 33 homers and 109 RBI in 2023. Austin Riley’s decline has been more gradual, but he spent significant time on the IL the past two seasons, and his performances when healthy have been solid rather than excellent. Read more

After having an average offense last year, the Royals were expected to take a step forward with their group of young hitters. Instead, they spent the entire season ranked among the lowest-scoring teams in baseball.

Bobby Witt Jr. continues to be one of the best all-around players in the sport. He fields the shortstop position extremely well and is always dangerous at the plate. That said, there is no hiding the fact that Witt took a major step backward offensively this year. He continued to run the bases aggressively, but his batting average and home run total paled in comparison to his 2024 production. Read more

The Rangers will likely finish the season with the lowest team ERA in MLB. Their rotation was as effective as any in the sport, and despite a lack of high-priced relievers, their bullpen was terrific as well.

Everyone expected Jacob deGrom to pitch well on a per-inning basis, but few would’ve predicted that he would make 30 starts. The 37-year-old no longer averages 99 mph on his fastball, and he won’t rank among the league’s strikeout leaders, but he continues to limit baserunners as well as anyone. And until he went on the IL in late August due to a rotator cuff strain, Nathan Eovaldi could make a case that he was even more valuable than deGrom. The 35-year-old was steady in recent seasons but enjoyed an outstanding 2025 that included a memorable streak of allowing one or fewer runs in 13 of 14 starts from April 25 to Aug. 5. Read more

The Giants ranked among the bottom half of baseball in run-scoring, largely due to a lack of impact players in the lineup. No one on the roster is on pace to hit 30 homers, drive in 90 runs, steal 15 bases or post an OPS above .800. Willy Adames might wind up leading the club in homers and RBI, but he got off to a slow start and by the end of the season will have contributed less than what was expected when he signed a $182 million contract last offseason.

Rafael Devers was supposed to become the team’s star when he was acquired in June, but he wasn’t much better than average. Patrick Bailey’s power stroke completely disappeared, and he struggled to keep his batting average above .200 all season. Finally, Tyler Fitzgerald couldn’t repeat the success of his breakout 2024 season, which led to multiple summer demotions to Triple-A. Not a single position player on this team exceeded expectations. Read more

The Cardinals’ rotation deserves credit for durability, but there was little good news beyond that. Not much was expected of Andre Pallante and Miles Mikolas, yet they struggled to meet even modest ambitions. Erick Fedde went from being a valued addition at last year’s trade deadline to being designated for assignment and shipped to the pitching-starved Braves in July. And Sonny Gray was respectable overall but faltered badly as the team went 8-16 in July and fell out of the postseason race.

The lineup plodded its way to a respectable season despite some serious holes. As good as Scott was defensively, he gave back all that value and more by being one of baseball’s worst hitters. His playing time was cut in August as his OPS continued to float around .600. Another young outfielder, Jordan Walker, was an even bigger disappointment. Once expected to be a lineup centerpiece, Walker struggled mightily at the dish for a second straight year. Thanks to poor plate control and a penchant for hitting grounders, Walker is no longer a lock to have a regular role next year. Read more