The Brooklyn Nets have 52 jersey numbers worn by over 600 different players over the course of their history since the franchise was founded in 1967 as a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA), when the team was known as the “New Jersey Americans”.
Since then, that league has been absorbed by the NBA with the team that would later become the New York Nets and New Jersey Nets before settling on the name by which they are known today, bringing their rich player and jersey history with them to the league of today.
To commemorate the players who played for the Nets over the decades wearing those 52 different jersey numbers, Nets Wire is covering the entire history of the franchise’s jersey numbers and the players who sported them since the founding of the team.
And for today’s article, we will continue with the seventh of 10 people to wear the No. 35 jersey, big man alum Jason Collins. After ending his college career at Stanford, Collins was picked up with the 18th overall selection of the 2001 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.
The Northridge, California native played parts of the first seven seasons of his pro career with the (then) New Jersey (now, Brooklyn) Nets after a draft night deal, coming to an end when he was dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008.
During his time suiting up for the Nets, Collins wore only jersey No. 35 and put up 4.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
On Saturday, the Tar Heels picked up two key additions out of the transfer portal, landing an offensive lineman and a kicker. First, it was offensive lineman Rowan Byrne who committed to the program after spending last season with the Clemson Tigers. He has three years of eligibility left after committing to Clemson as a three-star recruit.
A few hours later, the Tar Heels landed a commitment from kicker Aeron Burrell. The former LSU kicker appeared in all 25 games for the Tigers in the past two seasons but was used as a kickoff specialist.
For the Tar Heels, it was a disappointing first year for Bill Belichick in Chapel Hill. And with them losing some key players to the portal, it’s important they can replenish the roster and the transfer portal is key.
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For the past 15 years in the NFL, one of the mainstays of late-game drama has been quarterback Matthew Stafford leading game-winning drives.
On Saturday in Charlotte, Stafford delivered yet another career-defining performance, shaking off three quarters of inconsistency to guide the Rams down the field in the final minute against a fierce Panthers defense. His cold-blooded, five-yard pass to tight end Colby Parkinson gave the Rams the lead with only 38 seconds left, which was enough to beat Carolina 34-31 and move onto the Divisional Round.
Stafford and the Los Angeles offense started off fast, scoring 14 points in the first 16 minutes with two Puka Nacua touchdowns. But, after that, the Panthers made it a game. Bryce Young and Carolina performed valiantly, taking the lead multiple times in the fourth quarter; second-year receiver Jalen Coker had a career game, with nine receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown that nearly proved to be the dagger.
But, Stafford, the ultimate fourth-quarter assassin, led the Rams on a seven-play, 71-yard drive in the final minutes, taking the lead one final time with the Parkinson score. He finished the day completing 24-of-42 passes for 304 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception as Los Angeles avenged its loss to Carolina earlier in the season. The MVP favorite continued to climb up the all-time leaderboards, as the three touchdowns pushed his career total to 423, solidifying his spot as the NFL’s all-time 9th-leading passer in touchdowns and moving him further up the list of all-time passing yards leaders.
With the win, Los Angeles moves on to the final eight in the NFL playoffs. Though the opponent is yet to be determined, the Rams will be on the road regardless; the 49ers-Eagles game on Sunday will decide whether Sean McVay’s squad takes a short trip up north to face the Seattle Seahawks or comes back out east to play the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Sporting News followed all the action as Los Angeles and Carolina went back-and-forth in a Wild Card thriller. Check out all the action below.
Rams vs. Panthers live updates, highlights from 2026 NFL wild-card playoff game
Final: Rams 34, Panthers 31
7:48 p.m.: Matthew Stafford comes on to kneel and the Los Angeles Rams have moved on.
The MVP favorite threw three touchdowns on the day, including in the final minute. It’s enough for a thriller to open up Super Wild Card Weekend.
On the other side, Young and the Panthers performed valiantly, but it was not enough.
7:47 p.m.: The Los Angeles Rams survive.
Young hit Jimmy Horn Jr. on fourth down, but the rookie drops it as he tries to run with it.
With it, the Rams will kneel out and win in Carolina.
7:46 p.m.: Young throws three incompletions, setting up a 4th & 10 with the game on the line.
Los Angeles takes a timeout with 12 seconds remaining.
7:44 p.m.: With 32 seconds left, here come Bryce Young and the Panthers offense.
Young leads the league in game-winning drives (12) since he entered the NFL.
Rams 34, Panthers 31
7:41 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: The Los Angeles Rams have taken the lead in the final minute at Bank of America Stadium.
Right after the first down, Stafford throws one up to Parkinson, who holds onto the ball by the right sideline and gets into the end zone. It’s Stafford’s third touchdown of the game.
With 38 seconds remaining, the Rams lead 34-31.
7:40 p.m.: Los Angeles has another first down. This time, it’s rookie Konata Mumpfield for his first catch of the game.
7:39 p.m.: The Rams are at the 50 after a six-yard Adams reception.
The next play, Los Angeles has a chunk play, and it’s the other star Nacua. He catches an in-route for 18 yards down to the Carolina 30.
7:36 p.m.: At the two-minute warning, the Rams are up to their 46. Two completions to Nacua and Adams, respectively, has gotten Los Angeles closer.
With two minutes left, do we have another Stafford game-winning drive? Or will the Panthers pull off the upset?
Panthers 31, Rams 27
7:32 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: Jalen Coker is having the best game of his career, and he just gave the Panthers the lead with 2:39 remaining.
On 3rd & 3, Young lobs one up to the receiver in the back-left of the end zone and he holds on. It’s Young’s first passing touchdown of the game.
Coker has nine receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown on the day. Now, it’s time to see what Matthew Stafford and the Rams have in store.
7:30 p.m.: Right away, Young hits McMillan on a slant, and No. 4 takes it 16 yards for a first down.
The game has flipped just like that and the Panthers are in the red zone.
7:28 p.m.: A holding penalty made it a 1st & 20 for Los Angeles, who picks up only three yards in two plays. On 3rd & 17, Stafford has to take Corum on the checkdown but it’s way short.
Los Angeles punts, and it gets worse for the Rams. The punt is blocked by Isaiah Simmons, the former No. 8 pick in the NFL Draft. It sets up Carolina in great territory, with a 1st & 10 coming at the Los Angeles 30.
7:25 p.m.: Nacua has been quiet in the second half, but he comes up big here for a first down.
Stafford throws a dart over the middle of the field for a 16-yard completion, moving the Rams up to their 39 as the clock ticks below 6:30 remaining.
7:21 p.m.: Young goes to Coker on the first two plays of the drive, but the receiver loses two yards on second down.
Now, on 3rd & 13, he tries to find Coker again deep, but Durant is right there. It’s an incomplete pass.
The Panthers go three-and-out immediately after the Rams score, and Los Angeles can inch closer to the Divisional Round with a long drive and score.
Rams 27, Panthers 24
7:16 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: Los Angeles takes the lead right back.
An 11-play, 67-yard drive ends with Stafford hitting Williams on a Texas route, and the running back gets in for Stafford’s second passing touchdown of the game.
With 8:47 left in Carolina, the Panthers offense will get the ball back.
7:14 p.m.: The Rams have another first down after a Stafford quarterback sneak. The Rams are down to the Carolina 17, looking to take the lead again.
7:12 p.m.: On 3rd & 1, Stafford throws deep to Nacua, and it should have ben intercepted but Nacua forced an incompletion. It sets up a 4th & 1 for Los Angeles.
No. 30 rumbles forward and lunges into the end zone, and the Carolina Panthers have the lead for the first time today.
End of the third quarter: Rams 20, Panthers 17
7:00 p.m.: Just like that, the Panthers are in the red zone. On second down, Young finds Coker in stride, who glides all the way to the Los Angeles 9 on a 52-yard completion. Coker now has 122 receiving yards on the day.
The Panthers have a 1st & goal going into the final frame.
6:58 p.m.: The Rams offense still isn’t clicking, and now, it’s a turnover.
After getting sacked on second down third down, Stafford is pressured and throws one to Adams on third down. But, it is underthrown and Jackson is there to grab the interception. It’s Stafford’s third interception against Carolina this season.
Young and the Panthers offense has the ball back right below their 40.
6:54 p.m.: A personal foul on the kickoff gives the Panthers great starting position, with the ball being moved all the way up to the 46.
Though, Carolina can’t do much. On 3rd & 4, Young tried fitting a pass into Legette, but Roger McCreary is there to force the incompletion.
It gets even worse, as Dave Canales opts to go for it again on fourth down right ahead of midfield. Young is immediately pressured by the Rams, and though he creates time there’s nobody downfield.
Los Angeles gets a huge stop and takes back over.
Rams 20, Panthers 17
6:46 p.m. FIELD GOAL: Inside the 30, the Panthers once again get the Rams to third down. Though, this time, Stafford’s pass to Nacua in the end zone is incomplete with Mike Jackson in coverage.
It brings out Mevis for a 42-yard field goal, and he hits his second of the game right down the middle.
The Rams have the lead back, but Carolina gets a stop.
6:43 p.m.: On a 3rd & 5, Stafford looks deep to Adams, but the receiver gets absolutely rocked by a Carolina defender.
Though, it’s a personal foul penalty, which moves the ball 15 yards for the Rams and gives them a new set of downs.
Davante Adams bit his tongue during that hit on the last play
6:41 p.m.: Things are not clicking for Los Angeles, with Stafford once again missing Nacua on second down. He threw it just over the receiver’s head.
But, on third down, the Rams get a much needed first down. Stafford connects with Adams over the middle of the field, going for 19 yards to the Carolina 48.
Rams 17, Panthers 17
6:32 p.m. FIELD GOAL: On 3rd & 7, Young connects with Trimble a few yards short of the marker.
But, Carolina ties the game, with Ryan Fitzgerald nailing a 46-yarder.
Fitzgerald’s kick is GOOD and we have ourselves a tied game 🔥
6:30 p.m.: It’s another first down for the Panthers.
Young throws out right to Hubbard, who follows his blockers before being brought down right at the marker. It’s enough for a new series as Carolina moves inside the Los Angeles 40.
6:28 p.m.: On 3rd & 5, Young is able to draw Los Angeles offsides and it moves the chains again.
The Panthers are right near midfield.
6:26 p.m.: Now the Panthers face a 3rd & 10, but unlike Los Angeles they complete it.
It’s McMillan, who has a 16-yard completion up to the Carolina 44. The rookie has four receptions for 65 yards on the day.
6:24 p.m.: Young gains nine yards with his legs on first down, and a Hubbard carry gets a first down. It’s only Hubbard’s fourth carry, with Young having 20 pass attempts already.
6:21 p.m.: Stafford targeted Adams deep on the first two plays of the drive, but both came up incomplete.
On 3rd & 10, he goes for Adams way short of the first down marker, but it does not matter as No. 17 can’t hold on.
The Rams go three-and-out to start the second half, and the Panthers have a chance to tie or take the lead. They will start at the 11.
6:19 p.m.: The second half is underway in Charlotte. We have 30 minutes to decide who moves on to the Divisional Round.
The Rams have the ball first with a 17-14 lead. With Carolina swinging momentum at the end of the first half, a score here would be big for Los Angeles to take some wind out of the Panthers’ sails.
Halftime: Rams 17, Panthers 14
6:05 p.m.: At halftime, we have a three-point game in Carolina.
The Rams came out of the gates blazing, scoring the first 14 points of the game. Though, Young and the Panthers have stormed back, with two rushing touchdowns cutting into the deficit. The Mevis field goal serves as the difference.
Los Angeles will get the ball to start the second half.
6:04 p.m.: On third down, Stafford has Nacua open on the right sideline, but it goes off the receiver’s helmet and he can’t hold on. It forces a punt for Los Angeles, ending a promising drive.
Carolina makes it 17-14 with 37 seconds left in the first half.
5:57 p.m.: Right after the pass interference, Young finds Coker on a wheel route, and No. 18 catches it in stride. He takes it for 37 yards all the way to the Los Angeles 16.
With the Rams getting the ball to start the second half, a touchdown would go a long way for Carolina.
5:56 p.m.: On the first play, Young launches deep to Coker, and while it comes up incomplete it’s a pass interference on Lake, his second of the game.
This one moves the ball all the way up to the Carolina 47.
5:53 p.m.: Now facing a 3rd & 12, Stafford finds Higbee but it’s short of a first down. It sets up a 4th & 3, and the Rams go for it.
Stafford rolls out right and tries to fit in a pass to a small window, but it’s batted down by D.J. Wonnum.
Carolina takes back over with 1:30 remaining in the first half.
5:47 p.m.: Second-year back Blake Corum has burst onto the scene as a reliable piece for the Rams, and he takes two carries here. The second one goes for eight yards down to the Carolina 26.
5:43 p.m.: The Rams picked up four yards, and now facing a 3rd & 6 Stafford had Adams down the sideline for a big gain. But, he just overthrows No. 17 and it goes out of bounds.
The Rams go three-and-out for the first time, forcing an Ethan Evans punt. But, a turnover!
5:29 p.m.: Adams has his first catch of the game on Stafford’s seventh completion, but an offsides penalty on the offense draws it back.
Los Angeles has two straight penalties to set up a 2nd & 15.
Rams 14, Panthers 7
5:22 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: The Panthers get on the board.
A seven-play, 65-yard drive ends with a Hubbard one-yard score. The running back has a team-high six touches on the day as the Panthers make it 14-7 on his fifth touchdown of the season.
Los Angeles’ offense is up next with 8:32 remaining in the second.
5:21 p.m.: Young tries hitting Legette in the back of the end zone on third down, and while it comes up incomplete there’s a pass interference penalty on Durant.
It gives the Panthers a fresh set of downs and a chance to cut the lead in half.
5:20 p.m.: Young and Carolina’s receivers have been on point besides the interception, and now, they’re in the red zone for the first time.
Young once again hits McMillan on an in-breaking post, and it’s a 22-yard completion on his third reception of the game.
5:18 p.m.: Carolina is across midfield fast, with Young rolling out left and finding Coker for a 15-yard gain.
The next play, Young drops back in a clean pocket and finds McMillan on a comeback route. This one goes for 14 yards down to the Rams 33.
Rams 14, Panthers 0
5:13 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: Nacua has his second touchdown of the game.
The Rams finish off a seven-play, 48-yard drive with a screen pass to No. 12, who gets into the end zone before being brought down. It counts as a rushing touchdown with the pass going backwards.
Los Angeles is not messing around. And Nacua joins an exclusive club of Rams players.
That last TD is being credited as a run, making Puka Nacua the 2nd Rams player ever with a TD catch and TD run in same playoff game. Marshall Faulk did it in 1999 divisional round vs Vikings
The Panthers had zero turnovers the first time these two teams played.
5:04 p.m.: Right after the first down, the Panthers are in Rams territory. Young quickly hits McMillan, who takes it 13 yards for another first down.
5:03 p.m.: Carolina continues to move the chains. This time, it comes on a 3rd & 6, with Young staying in the pocket but finding Tremble on a curl route.
4:58 p.m.: On 1st & 10, Young gets sacked for nine yards, putting Carolina near the end zone.
Though, after an 11-yard completion to Tommy Tremble, Young connects with Jalen Coker ahead of the sticks to move the chains.
4:53 p.m.: The Rams face their first third down of the game, and it’s a Stafford handoff to Kyren Williams. But, the back gets absolutely stuffed at the line.
Now, the teams have exchanged punts, and Carolina has it back for their third possession of the game.
4:51 p.m.: The Rams pick up right where they left off, with Nacua getting the first target of the second drive and going 12 yards for a first down.
4:49 p.m.: On 3rd & 9, Young tries to find McMillan down the left sideline but overthrows him. It forces the first punt of the game.
Los Angeles has the ball back, starting inside the 10-yard line.
4:44 p.m.: Carolina has their first first down of the day, with Chuba Hubbard taking a carry five yards to the Carolina 32.
The next play, Hubbard takes a reception close to the marker, setting up a 2nd & short.
Rams 7, Panthers 0
4:39 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: The Rams strike fast and take the early lead in Carolina.
Stafford drops back and finds Nacua up the seam, who is open for a 14-yard score. It was his third catch of the drive and 11th touchdown of the season.
Los Angeles capitalizes on the short field and strikes first.
4:38 p.m.: The Rams’ first play is a first down, and it’s Stafford’s favorite target Nacua. It goes for 16 yards and the Rams are down to the Carolina 29.
4:37 p.m.: On the first set of downs, Carolina gets nine yards on three plays and comes up short of the first down marker. They decide to go for it on fourth down in their own territory, and Young’s pass falls incomplete.
The Rams take over and start the drive in Panthers territory.
4:34 p.m.: We are underway in Carolina.
Bryce Young and the home team Panthers have the ball first.
4:30 p.m.: There’s no better way to welcome playoff football back to Carolina than having Cam Newton back at Bank of America Stadium.
4:14 p.m.: When these teams played last time, Bryce Young threw three touchdowns and Matthew Stafford threw two interceptions as the Panthers upset the Rams.
3:57 p.m.: Matthew Stafford, at 37 years old, delivered the most prolific and efficient season of his career, putting him in contention to win his first ever MVP.
He finished the year as the NFL’s leader in both passing yards (4,707) and passing touchdowns (46), shattering the franchise’s record and guiding the Rams to an 12-5 playoff season.
3:41 p.m.: Some Rams fans have made the trip all the way east for Los Angeles’ opening playoff game.
A trip to San Francisco, the site of Super Bowl LX, is a much easier trip.
3:33 p.m.: Here’s what Joe Davis and Greg Olsen, the two in the broadcast booth, had to say about today’s matchup.
“No team in the NFL converted on more 4th down tries than the Carolina Panthers”@gregolsen88 and Joe Davis talk from the booth ahead of today’s Rams/Panthers Wild Card Game on FOX pic.twitter.com/xPPUTvoX8x
Adams missed the final three games of the regular season with a hamstring injury.
2:07 p.m.: The heavily-favored Los Angeles Rams enter the playoffs with the league’s top scoring offense, and a huge reason behind that is receiver Puka Nacua.
Young finished his third regular season with 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
2:02 p.m.: We are only a few hours away from kickoff of the first of six wild card games. Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina is ready to host its first playoff game in over a decade.
The Rams and Panthers game will be broadcast nationally on Fox. Play-by-play commentator Joe Davis is joined by Panthers legend Greg Olsen, who is the color analyst, in the booth, with Pam Oliver on the sidelines.
Those looking to stream the game can do so on Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
The Green Bay Packers were the team everybody thought would win the Super Bowl to begin the season after a couple of games with Micah Parsons. That feels like an eternity ago.
The Packers have since lost Parsons. They even lost their quarterback, Jordan Love, in their last game against the Chicago Bears. Love lost his last two starts of the season, but won the previous four. In the first matchup against the Bears, Love averaged over 9 yards per attempt and had three touchdowns. But he also threw an interception.
Caleb Williams threw for 186 yards and had an interception the first time against Green Bay, but upped that number to 250 in the rematch and two touchdowns the second time around. The Bears also had success on the ground under Ben Johnson’s scheme both times.
What will we see this time around? Probably more offense. There were 652 and 784 yards combined in each of the first two games. I think it’s a Jordan Love game, and Caleb Williams is late to the party, unfortunately for Bears’ fans, a little too late.
Freddie Freeman will not suit up for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Robert Gauthier via Getty Images
Team Canada will enter the 2026 World Baseball Classic without its biggest bat.
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman has withdrawn from the Canadian roster due to personal reasons, according to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi. Los Angeles Angels reliever Jordan Romano has also reportedly pulled out, while Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon has joined the roster.
Freeman, a California native whose parents are Canadian, has played for Canada in the past two World Baseball Classics in 2017 and 2023. On the MLB side, the nine-time All-Star has been one of the most consistent hitters in baseball and is coming off two straight World Series titles with the Dodgers, the second at the expense of Canada’s Toronto Blue Jays.
Among the other notable MLB players projected for Canada’s lineup are Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Tyler O’Neill, Athletics outfielder Denzel Clarke and Miami Marlins prospect Owen Caissie.
The 2026 WBC is scheduled to begin March 5. At BetMGM, Canada has the seventh-best odds in the field to take the title at +4000, while Team USA is the favorite at +110. Defending champion Japan (+350) and 2013 champ Dominican Republic (+350) are the field’s other heavy hitters.
Freddie Freeman will not suit up for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Robert Gauthier via Getty Images
Team Canada will enter the 2026 World Baseball Classic without its biggest bat.
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman has withdrawn from the Canadian roster due to personal reasons, according to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi. Los Angeles Angels reliever Jordan Romano has also reportedly pulled out, while Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon has joined the roster.
Freeman, a California native whose parents are Canadian, has played for Canada in the past two World Baseball Classics in 2017 and 2023. On the MLB side, the nine-time All-Star has been one of the most consistent hitters in baseball and is coming off two straight World Series titles with the Dodgers, the second at the expense of Canada’s Toronto Blue Jays.
Among the other notable MLB players projected for Canada’s lineup are Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Tyler O’Neill, Athletics outfielder Denzel Clarke and Miami Marlins prospect Owen Caissie.
The 2026 WBC is scheduled to begin March 5. At BetMGM, Canada has the seventh-best odds in the field to take the title at +4000, while Team USA is the favorite at +110. Defending champion Japan (+350) and 2013 champ Dominican Republic (+350) are the field’s other heavy hitters.
Here is the latest news and buzz surrounding free agent outfielder/first basemanCody Bellinger and his chances of returning to New York with the Yankees or Mets…
Jan. 10, 6:33 p.m.
Contract negotiations between the Yankees and Bellinger are currently described as at an impasse and New York is reportedly now operating under the assumption that the outfielder is going to sign somewhere else, reports ESPN’s Buster Olney.
The Yanks’ latest offer to Bellinger of a five-year deal for at least $30 million per year remains far off from what Bellinger and his camp, including his agent Scott Boras, are looking for which is reportedly a seven-year contract with an AAV of more than $30 million.
With both sides unable to reach an agreement, Olney reports that New York is now seeking additions elsewhere and barring a shift in the negotiations, Bellinger’s tenure with the Yankees is likely over.
New York can shift their focus to other possible targets such as Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette, both of whom have been on the Yankees’ radar this offseason and who have remained in conversations with the organization during the Bellinger negotiations.
The Yankees also continue to engage other teams in trade possibilities.
Jan. 8, 9:02 p.m.
Although there’s a gap between Bellinger and the Yankees, the latest report shines a light on how far New York is willing to go with the outfielder.
According to The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty, the Yankees’ latest multi-year deal had an average annual value of more than $30 million a year. However, the report states Bellingers’ camp continues to push for a seven-year contract.
If Bellinger accepted the $30 million-plus AAV deal, it would have him as the fifth-highest-paid outfielder in baseball. Juan Soto ($51 million), Aaron Judge ($40 million), Mike Trout ($35.5 million) and Mookie Betts ($30.4 million) are the others.
The 30-year-old outfielder/first baseman had a great season in his first year in The Bronx, and the Yankees have made re-signing Bellinger a priority this offseason.
Other teams linked to Bellinger this offseason include the Cubs, Dodgers and Mets.
Jan. 6, 1:13 p.m.
There is “clearly a gap” between Bellinger and the Yankees, Jack Curry of YES reported on Monday during an appearance on Yankees Hot Stove.
According to multiple reports, Bellinger has been seeking a six- or seven-year contract.
In addition to the Yankees, the Mets have been heavily linked to Bellinger.
Bellinger’s ability to play all three outfield spots and first base is appealing, and sets him apart from fellow free agent Kyle Tucker.
However, Bellinger’s career OPS+ of 120 is dwarfed by Tucker’s career OPS+ of 140.
When it comes to the last three seasons, Tucker has an .892 OPS (150 OPS+), while Bellinger’s is .815 (125 OPS+).
Jan. 4, 7:09 p.m.
After making a formal offer to the outfielder earlier this week, the Yankees have reportedly made a second offer to the 30-year-old, per NY Post’s Joel Sherman.
The offer comes on the heels of the news that New York is eying starting pitcher Edward Cabrera in a possible trade with the Miami Marlins, which connects to the Yankees’ offer to Bellinger because if he were to stay in New York he would likely play left field, alongside Aaron Judge in right and Trent Grisham in center.
With that outfield configuration, the Yanks could afford trading away a player like OF Jasson Dominguez to a team, like the Marlins, for a different area of need such as starting pitching, although Sherman writes that that is merely speculation.
However, it does help that both teams have been trade partners in the past which shows a willingness on both sides to get a potential deal done.
Jan. 2, 5:22 p.m.
As the offseason continues, it seems the Yankees have formally made an offer to Bellinger earlier this week, per the NY Post’s Jon Heyman.
It’s no surprise the Yankees did so, as Bellinger is the team’s No. 1 target this offseason, but Heyman added that with both sides in a weekslong standoff, the Mets can’t be ruled out.
Other teams linked to Bellinger are the Dodgers, where the outfielder started his career, and the Giants. Heyman also adds the Blue Jays as a potential landing spot if Toronto does not land Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette.
Dec. 26, 9:50 a.m.
While the holiday season has lowered the hot stove temperature, it appears the Yankees’ hopes of re-signing Cody Bellinger remain high enough.
A reunion with the star outfielder is still a priority in the Bronx, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, and the club feels “pretty confident” he won’t move boroughs for a deal over in Queens.
The pursuit of Bellinger is also endorsed by the Yankees’ captain. Heyman reports Aaron Judge is “a big advocate” for a long-term commitment with the former MVP, who hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI as a one-year rental in pinstripes last season.
It’s unclear when Bellinger will take himself off the free-agent market, but with high demand from championship contenders, some projections have him earning around $30 million annually on a six-year contract. The Yankees may have to sweeten the pot in order to convince him to stay.
Dec. 14, 7:35 p.m.
While reports indicated that the San Francisco Giants “do not anticipate making the nine-figure investment” required to sign free agents this offseason, they aren’t checked out of the marketplace altogether.
The San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser reported recently that the Giants “have checked in on” Cody Bellinger, the Yankees’ No. 1 target.
Bellinger proved to be a big part of the Yanks’ last season, contributing well on both sides of the ball with 29 home runs, 98 RBI, and a .272/.334/.480 slash line for an .813 OPS (125 OPS+ and wRC+) while ranking in the 93rd percentile in outs above average (seven) and with 12 defensive runs saved.
Dec. 4, 11:42 a.m.
While other suitors are certainly in the mix, Cody Bellinger remains the Yankees’ No. 1 target, and the club is making a “big effort” to bring him back, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Heyman lists the Mets, Phillies, Angels, and Dodgers as other possibilities.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan has previously reported that signing Bellinger would be a “multipart move” for the Yankees, as the club would almost certainly need to move one of their other outfield pieces –potentially Jasson Dominguez or up-and-coming prospect Spencer Jones.
With Trent Grisham accepting the qualifying offer, the Yanks would have a surplus of outfielders if Bellinger was to re-sign.
DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies have acquired outfielder Jake McCarthy from the Arizona Diamondbacks for minor league pitcher Josh Grosz, the teams announced Saturday.
McCarthy, 28, played five seasons with the Diamondbacks and finished fourth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2022 after hitting .283 with eight homers, 43 RBIs and 23 stolen bases.
McCarthy slumped to .204 with four homers and 20 RBIs last season. He was a first-round draft pick out of Virginia in 2018.
The 23-year-old Grosz was acquired by the Rockies last summer in the deal that sent third baseman Ryan McMahon to the New York Yankees. Grosz went 5-14 with a 4.67 ERA in High-A ball with Hudson Valley and Spokane.
Grosz was drafted in the 11th round out of East Carolina in 2023.
Bill Kennedy won’t be officiating any NBA games for a while.
The veteran referee has been sidelined indefinitely after suffering a hamstring strain in Friday’s game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic, according to Prime Video’s Chris Haynes. There is reportedly hope Kennedy can return before the end of the regular season.
Kennedy sustained the non-contact injury while running down the court with the Sixers in transition, pulling up lame and grabbing his right leg. He was eventually taken off the court in a wheelchair, in clear distress.
The NBA later announced Kennedy had sustained a right leg injury, but didn’t reveal any more information. James Williams and Michael Smith continued to officiate the game, which the Sixers won 103-91.
Bill Kennedy won’t be officiating any NBA games for a while.
The veteran referee has been sidelined indefinitely after suffering a hamstring strain in Friday’s game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic, according to Prime Video’s Chris Haynes. There is reportedly hope Kennedy can return before the end of the regular season.
Kennedy sustained the non-contact injury while running down the court with the Sixers in transition, pulling up lame and grabbing his right leg. He was eventually taken off the court in a wheelchair, in clear distress.
The NBA later announced Kennedy had sustained a right leg injury, but didn’t reveal any more information. James Williams and Michael Smith continued to officiate the game, which the Sixers won 103-91.
