#boston_red_sox

Aroldis Chapman Demands Yankees Apology for Potential Trade, Manager Boone Disagrees Aroldis Chapman, the flame-throwing left-handed reliever for the Boston Red Sox, has reignited tensions with the New York Yankees by suggesting the team should issue an apology if they attempt to acquire him in a trade. The 38-year-old Cuban southpaw, who previously spent two stints with the Yankees, expressed his frustration during an interview with ESPN, stating that if the Yankees pursue him, someone from the organization should first apologize for past grievances. When asked if that person would be general manager Brian Cashman, Chapman confirmed, “Yes.” Chapman’s contentious relationship with the Yankees dates back to his second tenure with the team, which began in 2016 after he was traded from the Chicago Cubs. The Yankees signed him to a then-record $86 million, five-year contract following his World Series-winning performance with the Cubs. Over the next six seasons, Chapman became a key reliever for New York, appearing in 284 games and recording 133 saves. He earned All-Star honors in 2018, 2019, and 2021, but his time with the Yankees was marred by struggles. In 2022, Chapman’s season took a downturn. He missed time due to Achilles tendinitis and lost the closer role to Clay Holmes. Later, he was sidelined by an infection from a tattoo, finishing the season with a career-worst 4.46 ERA. The most contentious moment came when he was left off the playoff roster for missing a mandatory practice leading up to the 2022 ALDS. Chapman claimed he had been cleared to skip the workout and travel to Miami, but Yankees management accused him of insubordination. ESPN reported that Cashman and the front office were deeply critical of his absence, which left a lasting impact on their relationship.#boston_red_sox #new_york_yankees #aaron_boone #brian_cashman #arooldis_chapman

Red Sox's Aroldis Chapman Says Yankees GM Owes Him Apology Aroldis Chapman, the veteran reliever for the Boston Red Sox, has expressed his belief that New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman owes him an apology for the manner in which his tenure with the Yankees ended in 2022. The Cuban star, who is entering his 15th season in Major League Baseball, is now facing potential trade rumors as the Red Sox struggle to remain competitive in the American League East. With the team currently 13½ games behind the Tampa Bay Rays and 5½ games out of the third wild-card spot, Chapman’s future remains uncertain as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches. Chapman’s relationship with the Yankees has been marred by controversy since his departure from the team in 2022. After a season plagued by a 4.46 ERA, a left leg infection linked to a tattoo, and the loss of the closer role to Clay Holmes, Chapman was left off the playoff roster for missing a mandatory team practice at Yankee Stadium before the AL Division Series. While the pitcher claimed he had received permission to attend a personal event in Miami, Cashman accused him of insubordination, leading to a rift between the player and the organization. Chapman has since stated that he believes someone from the Yankees should have apologized for the situation, and when asked directly if Cashman was that person, he confirmed, “yes.” Despite the fallout, Chapman has remained a dominant force on the mound for the Red Sox this season. Through 87 games, the 38-year-old left-hander has posted a 1.00 ERA, struck out 111 batters in 81 innings, and converted all 13 of his save opportunities. His performance has been particularly impressive given the team’s overall struggles, as he has allowed just one run in 19⅔ innings.#boston_red_sox #new_york_yankees #american_league_east #arooldis_chapman #brian_cashman

Bryce Elder Posts Solid Performance in Braves' Victory Over Blue Jays Bryce Elder delivered a commendable outing for the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night, contributing to a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. The right-handed pitcher allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out six batters over 6 2/3 innings. His performance marked a positive turnaround from his struggles in the previous week, particularly during a loss to the Boston Red Sox. Elder entered the game with a reputation for inconsistency, but Tuesday’s start showcased his ability to stabilize his performance. The Braves built an early lead, but Elder faced challenges in the second inning when he surrendered a two-run home run that tied the game. Despite the setback, he regained composure, limiting the Blue Jays to just one additional run over the next four-plus innings. His efforts culminated in his fifth win of the season, further solidifying his role as a reliable starter for the Braves. Throughout his 13 starts this season, Elder has maintained a strong statistical profile, posting a 2.63 earned run average (ERA) and a 1.08 whip (walks plus hits per inning pitched). These numbers reflect his effectiveness in limiting opposing offenses while maintaining control of the game. The win against the Blue Jays not only boosted his personal stats but also provided the Braves with much-needed momentum as they navigate the competitive landscape of the American League East. The outing highlighted Elder’s resilience and adaptability, particularly after a subpar performance in Boston. While his 6 2/3 innings did not represent his best work of the season, it demonstrated his capacity to bounce back from setbacks.#atlanta_braves #boston_red_sox #toronto_blue_jays #bryce_elder #american_league_east

World Series champion John Smoltz warns baseball 'will suffer' if ABS system is applied to all pitches World Series champion John Smoltz, a Hall of Famer and eight-time All-Star, has expressed concerns about the future of Major League Baseball’s automated challenge system, known as the ABS system. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Smoltz, who played 21 seasons in the majors—including 20 with the Atlanta Braves—stated that while he supports the current two-challenge format, he fears the system could harm the game if expanded to all pitches. Smoltz, 59, praised the ABS system as a “big success” for MLB but emphasized his hope that it remains limited to the existing framework. “I like it. It has definitely changed the game and we’re going to have to have some kind of correct system. Meaning, I like it with two challenges only,” he said. He argued that the system’s current structure allows for strategic gameplay without overcomplicating the sport. “I’m begging and pleading that it never goes to a full-time system. Baseball will suffer and not be the same and it’ll be impossible to hit,” Smoltz added. The ABS system, which allows teams two challenges per game to verify whether a pitch was thrown outside the strike zone, has already altered how pitchers and hitters approach at-bats. Smoltz highlighted two key changes: a decline in swing rates and an increase in walk rates. According to Fangraphs, hitters swung at 47.5% of pitches last season but swung at 46.9% this season, while walk rates rose from 8.4% to 9.2%. Smoltz attributed these shifts to pitchers struggling to command the ball and hitters becoming more aware of pitch location. “The swing rate has gone down, the walk rates gone through the roof.#atlanta_braves #boston_red_sox #major_league_baseball #st_louis_cardinals #john_smoltz

Braves Struggle in Defeat to Red Sox, Highlighted by Critical Errors The Atlanta Braves suffered an 8-0 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night at Fenway Park, marking their second consecutive series defeat and raising concerns about their defensive execution. The game’s turning point came in the fourth inning when a critical error by first baseman Matt Olson allowed Boston to score six runs, overshadowing the performance of starting pitcher Bryce Elder, who endured his first rough start of the season. Manager Walt Weiss acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “The game got away from us in the fourth inning. We didn’t really take care of the ball.” The Braves will need to secure a win in Thursday’s series finale to avoid a rare two-series losing streak. Elder, who entered the game with a 2.50 ERA and 13 consecutive starts allowing three earned runs or fewer, faced challenges in the fourth inning. With runners on second and third and one out, Olson failed to field a sharp grounder hit by Marcelo Mayer, allowing Masataka Yoshida to attempt a risky steal. Olson’s error, combined with subsequent singles to three consecutive batters, led to Elder being replaced by Dylan Dodd. Dodd allowed two inherited runners to score on a single by Wilyer Abreu, exacerbating the Braves’ deficit. Despite the outing, Elder’s season ERA remains sixth in the National League, and Weiss expressed confidence in the pitcher, noting, “That’s the first really tough one he’s had in a really long time.” The game’s outcome was further influenced by a defensive play in the first inning, where left fielder Mauricio Dubón threw out Ceddanne Rafaela at the plate, preventing a potential run.#atlanta_braves #boston_red_sox #walt_weiss #fenway_park #matt_olson

Red Sox Struggle with Offense, Then Rally for Dominant Win The Boston Red Sox continue to grapple with their offensive struggles, as their last-place standing in the American League East looms large in their daily reality. Despite acknowledging the need for improvement, the team remains committed to pursuing upgrades through trades while also preparing for potential roster adjustments by the trade deadline. Red Sox CEO/president Sam Kennedy emphasized the urgency of turning their season around, stating that the team must start winning games to avoid a prolonged slump. The Sox’s offensive woes have been a persistent issue, prompting conversations with other teams about acquiring players who could bolster their lineup. However, Kennedy acknowledged the team’s dual approach, balancing the pursuit of offensive upgrades with the possibility of selling key assets if they fail to make a playoff push. “We’ve got to get going,” Kennedy said, highlighting the team’s realistic assessment of their current situation. This tension came to a head during a game against the Atlanta Braves, where the Red Sox delivered an unexpected offensive surge. After a scoreless first three innings, the Sox erupted for an 8-0 victory, fueled by a six-run rally in the fourth inning. The rally, which featured five singles, a walk, a sacrifice bunt, and two errors, marked the team’s most productive inning of the season. The crowd of 34,093 at Fenway Park celebrated the dramatic turnaround, which contrasted sharply with the team’s earlier struggles. Interim manager Chad Tracy praised the team’s ability to stack singles, a skill they had previously lacked. “Singles work when you stack them,” Tracy said, noting that the team had often failed to capitalize on multiple hits.#atlanta_braves #boston_red_sox #fenway_park #chad_tracy #sam_kennedy

Trevor Story Faces Possible Surgery for Sports Hernia, Red Sox Adjust Roster Shortstop Trevor Story, a 33-year-old Boston Red Sox player, is expected to join the injured list with a sports hernia, an injury that may require surgery. The issue, which initially appeared as groin tightness during spring training, has persisted through the season, leading to testing that confirmed the diagnosis. Story has met with Red Sox team doctors to evaluate the severity of the injury and whether surgery is necessary. He emphasized the need for careful consideration, stating, “We’re trying to get the best information, not make a rushed decision.” Story described the injury as spreading to different areas, including the hamstrings and abdomen, making it difficult to pinpoint. “It started as a groin and bounced to the hammy and the abdomen,” he said. “You feel it in all kinds of different places. And that’s the frustrating part, too.” The injury did not occur on a single play but developed after several hard days in spring training. He admitted to struggling with the issue for over a month, eventually deciding to seek further evaluation. Through 41 games this season, Story has struggled at the plate, batting .206 with a .547 OPS, three home runs, seven doubles, and a 32.4 percent strikeout rate—the highest of his career. Defensively, he has posted six errors, minus-1 Defensive Runs Saved, and minus-3 Outs Above Average. The Red Sox have recalled infielder Nick Sogard from Triple-A Worcester to replace him on the roster. Sogard, who has played 61 games for the team in the past two seasons, is hitting .269 with an .871 OPS at Worcester. Andruw Monasterio has started at shortstop for the Red Sox and is expected to share playing time with Sogard.#boston_red_sox #trevor_story #chad_tracy #nick_sogard #andruw_monasterio

Red Sox Need Key Trade to Turnaround 2026 Season The Boston Red Sox are facing a critical juncture in the 2026 season, with a 12-18 record and the firing of manager Alex Cora signaling a stark shift in their trajectory. Despite some apologists arguing that the team’s struggles are due to an early-season slump, Red Sox management has acknowledged deeper issues, prompting a search for solutions through roster adjustments. The decision to replace Cora with Triple-A manager Chad Tracy, who has prior relationships with young players like Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Ceddanne Rafaela, reflects an attempt to rebuild team chemistry and refine lineup strategies. However, the Red Sox’s offensive woes remain a central problem, with their lack of consistent hitting threatening to derail their season. The team’s current struggles are compounded by a lack of trade activity that could address their weaknesses. While players like Anthony and Mayer are considered vital to the team’s long-term future, they are unlikely to be traded at this stage. Instead, Jarren Duran has emerged as the most valuable trade asset. The 2024 All-Star Game Most Valuable Player, Duran led the American League with 48 doubles and 14 triples, posting a .285/.342/.492 slash line, 21 home runs, and 75 runs batted in. His 2025 season also showed promise, with 13 triples, 16 home runs, and 84 RBIs, alongside 24 stolen bases. Despite a slow start in 2026, his combination of speed and power makes him a prime candidate for a trade that could bring in a power-hitting complement to the lineup. The Red Sox’s offensive shortcomings are not new, but their offseason decisions have exacerbated the issue.#boston_red_sox #jarren_duran #alex_cora #chad_tracy #craig_breslow

Red Sox’ Offensive Blackout Reaches New Depths During Yankees Sweep The Boston Red Sox endured one of their most disheartening stretches in their storied rivalry with the New York Yankees, as their offensive struggles reached an unprecedented low during a three-game sweep in New York. The historic rivalry, which dates back to 1903—when Teddy Roosevelt was president—has seen countless battles over the decades, but the Red Sox’ performance this week marked a rare and alarming chapter. The team’s hitters managed just 13 hits in 92 at-bats against the Yankees, posting a .141 batting average, the worst mark in a three-or-more-game home series in the rivalry’s 123-year history. The offensive collapse left the Red Sox with just three runs across three games and only 20 baserunners, a stark contrast to the expectations of a team that entered the season with hopes of contending. The Red Sox’ struggles extend far beyond this week’s sweep. Entering the weekend, the team sat in last place in the American League East with a 9–16 record, just one game ahead of the Royals and Phillies for the dubious distinction of holding the worst record in baseball. Their offensive woes are the primary reason for their struggles, as the team ranks last in slugging percentage (.331) and is tied for last in home runs (14). They also trail in several key offensive metrics, including OPS (.636), wRC+ (78), batting average (.223), and runs scored (92). Pitching, while not a strength, has been slightly better, with a 4.37 ERA ranking 19th in the league, but the offense’s collective failure has been the most glaring issue. The Red Sox are the only team in Major League Baseball without a single player boasting an OPS above .800, a testament to their overall offensive ineptitude. The closest players are Wilyer Abreu (.#boston_red_sox #new_york_yankees #wilyer_abreu #willson_contreras #teddy_roosevelt

Milwaukee Brewers Head to Boston for Key Series Clash Against Red Sox The Milwaukee Brewers, riding a three-game winning streak to open the 2026 season and sitting at 7-2 overall, are set to face the Boston Red Sox in a pivotal series beginning April 6. The matchup marks a rematch of a contentious trade history between the two teams, as Milwaukee acquired pitchers Quinn Priester and Kyle Harrison, along with outfielders Shane Drohan and David Hamilton, in a 2024 deal. In exchange, Boston sent Yophery Rodriguez, two draft picks, a player to be named later (John Holobetz), Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, and Anthony Seigler. So far, the Brewers have thrived with Priester and Harrison contributing solidly, while the Red Sox have struggled to integrate Durbin and Monasterio into their lineup. The Red Sox, meanwhile, have stumbled to a 2-7 start through their first three series, losing two of three to the Cincinnati Reds, being swept by the Houston Astros, and falling two of three to the San Diego Padres in their most recent set. Their struggles have been compounded by injuries, with key players sidelined. For Milwaukee, Andrew Vaughn and Jackson Chourio are expected to miss significant time, with Vaughn out until mid-May and Chourio sidelined until late April. Additional setbacks include Sal Frelick, who exited Saturday’s doubleheader with left-side tightness, and Quinn Priester, who is recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome and aims for a May return. Craig Yoho could be ready in April but may start the season with Triple-A Nashville, while Rob Zastryzny’s rehab has hit a snag, pushing his return to an uncertain date. Outfielder Akil Baddoo is also out until midseason with a quad strain.#boston_red_sox #milwaukee_brewers #quinn_priester #kyle_harrison #shane_drohan

Brewers Set to Face Red Sox in Three-Game Series The Boston Red Sox, still reeling from a two-game sweep by the San Diego Padres to open their home season at Fenway Park, will face the Milwaukee Brewers in a three-game series. The Brewers, currently riding a strong wave of success, have won their first three series of the year and sit at 7-2 following an 8-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday. The Red Sox, meanwhile, have struggled through their first nine games, posting a 2-7 record and in need of a breakthrough to end their recent slump. Milwaukee’s offensive prowess has been a key factor in their strong start. The Brewers’ lineup, led by Gary Sanchez and Christian Yelich, showcased its firepower in Sunday’s game against the Royals. Sanchez, who has hit three home runs this season, launched a two-out, two-run shot in the first inning to give his team an early 3-0 lead. Yelich, a two-time All-Star, contributed with a pair of hits, including an RBI triple in the first frame. Manager Pat Murphy praised his team’s relentless approach, noting that the players understand that two outs in an inning mean they’ve already completed two-thirds of the game. The Brewers’ dominance continued as they outscored their opponents in each of their first seven games. Their 7-2 record places them among the league’s best teams, with a .700 winning percentage. However, they have yet to face a National League team, which could present a new challenge as they prepare for their upcoming series against the Red Sox. The pitching matchup for the series will be a critical factor. Milwaukee will start Brandon Woodruff, who has been dominant in his recent outings. Woodruff, returning from a two-year rehab stint after shoulder surgery, has allowed just two runs in his last five innings, striking out six batters.#boston_red_sox #milwaukee_brewers #pat_murphy #christian_yelich #gary_sanchez

2026 Red Sox preview: 4 questions facing Alex Cora's club The Boston Red Sox punched their ticket back to the postseason for the first time in four years last October. But manager Alex Cora couldn’t mask his disappointment after Boston’s impressive 2025 campaign came to an end after just three postseason games at Yankee Stadium. “Obviously, we should feel the way we feel right now — because we had bigger goals,” Cora said after Boston’s season-ending defeat in Game 3 of the Wild Card round. Optimism is abundant once again at Fenway Park this spring as the mounds of snow piled up around the city melt away. The 2026 Red Sox should take another step forward this summer, given both an elite starting rotation and a young core of talent — led by Roman Anthony — poised to take another step forward. Still, there are several hurdles that Cora’s club will need to clear if they want to build off of last season’s breakthrough effort. As the Red Sox get ready for their season opener on Thursday in Cincinnati, here are four questions facing the 2026 Red Sox: Will they score enough runs? After whiffing on free-agent targets like Pete Alonso and failing to retain Alex Bregman this winter, Craig Breslow and Boston’s top brass shifted their approach to rework an already solid roster. Boston bolstered its starting rotation behind the AL Cy Young runner-up Garrett Crochet — dealing for Sonny Gray and signing Ranger Suarez to a five-year, $130 million contract. If Bryan Bello — who has been dealing this spring — takes another step forward, Boston might roll out the deepest rotation in baseball. But will Boston’s bats do enough to capitalize on the team’s shift toward being a run-prevention juggernaut? Last season, the Red Sox did rank seventh in the majors in runs scored. But there were some flaws in Boston’s approach at the plate.#boston_red_sox #cincinnati #roman_anthony #wilyer_abreu #alex_cora

Opening Day 2026: Fan Questions Answered About the Red Sox Boston Red Sox right fielder Roman Anthony (19) led off at the top of the order against the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Boston Globe sports reporter Alex Speier hosted an Ask Me Anything session Thursday morning on Reddit focused on his coverage of the Red Sox and what to expect from the 2026 team. Speier is entering his 25th season covering the Red Sox, and has covered sports for the Globe since 2015. Below are some highlights from the AMA, which have been condensed and edited for clarity. Questions are in bold from Redditors who participated. Out of the new signings and promotions to the big-league roster, who do you think will have the biggest impact? What is your prediction for the team’s record this year? Speier highlighted Willson Contreras and Marcelo Mayer as the players with the most potential to impact the team’s performance this season. He noted that the 2025 struggles at first and second base were a major drag on the team’s results, and the reliability they can bring—Mayer defensively, Contreras in his all-around game—will be critical. Speier avoided making specific win predictions, emphasizing that the excitement of Opening Day lies in the uncertainty of the season ahead. Is Roman Anthony winning his first MVP this year, or does he have to wait until next year? Speier acknowledged the rapid rise in expectations for Anthony, calling it “mind-blowing” that a player with limited big-league experience is already generating MVP buzz. He praised the question’s humor but stressed that Anthony’s early-season performance is unlikely to sustain elite production.#boston_red_sox #roman_anthony #alex_speier #willson_contreras #marcelo_mayer

Red Sox vs. Reds Opening Day Matchup: A Clash of Past and Present The Boston Red Sox will open the 2026 MLB season with a matchup against the Cincinnati Reds, marking a significant moment for the team as they face a familiar figure from their history. Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona, now with the Reds, will be tasked with overcoming the challenges posed by the team’s new ace, Garrett Crochet. Crochet, who made his mark in his first season with Boston by posting an 18-5 record, a 2.59 ERA, and 255 strikeouts, is set to start his second consecutive Opening Day game for the Red Sox. The game, scheduled for Thursday, March 26, at Fenway Park, will feature a high-stakes showdown between Crochet and the Reds’ lineup, led by All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz. Crochet’s ability to dominate with his triple-digit fastball and devastating cutter will be tested against a Cincinnati team that has its own star power. The Red Sox’s lineup includes Roman Anthony, who emerged as a key player during the 2025 World Baseball Classic, and Trevor Story, Jarren Duren, and Willson Contreras, the latter of whom was acquired in a trade during the offseason. Francona, who ended Boston’s 86-year championship drought in 2004, brings a deep understanding of the Red Sox organization to his new role with the Reds. His challenge will be to adapt his strategies to counter Crochet’s dominance, a task that could shape the early dynamics of the game. The Reds’ lineup, bolstered by De La Cruz’s offensive prowess, presents a formidable test for the Red Sox’s young rotation. The game will be broadcast locally on NESN, with streaming options available through NESN 360 and Fubo. Fans can expect a competitive start as both teams aim to set the tone for their 2026 campaigns.#boston_red_sox #cincinnati_reds #garrett_crochet #terry_francona #elly_de_la_cruz

Red Sox-Reds Lineups, Preview and Notes for Opening Day The Boston Red Sox will open the 2026 season on the road against the Cincinnati Reds in a three-game series starting on Thursday. The matchup kicks off at 4:10 p.m. Eastern Time, with the game broadcast on NESN. The Red Sox will rely on ace left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet to start the season for the second consecutive year, while the Reds will turn to lefthander Andrew Abbott, a first-time All-Star in 2025, to take the mound. Crochet, who led the American League with 255 strikeouts in 2025 and finished second in Cy Young voting, struggled during spring training with a 7.36 ERA over four starts. Despite the rough start, the 28-year-old pitcher remains confident, citing his previous experience with a similar situation. “Last year, good spring, bad first start,” he said. “This year, bad spring. Nothing changes for me.” Crochet’s performance in 2025, including an 18-5 record and a 2.59 ERA, has positioned him as a key asset for the Red Sox, though he acknowledged the challenge of facing teams that may adjust their game plans based on his success. The Reds, led by manager Terry Francona, will face a different challenge as they attempt to rebuild their roster after a third-place finish in the division and an early exit in the playoffs. Francona, who previously managed the Red Sox to World Series titles in 2004 and 2007, emphasized a shift in mindset for the 2026 season. “I’ve told our players — it’s time,” Francona said. “Are we younger than some other teams? Yeah. That doesn’t mean we can’t go toe-to-toe.” The Reds’ lineup will include right-handed hitters to counter Crochet’s left-handed delivery, though speedster TJ Friedl is expected to lead off. For the Red Sox, the Opening Day lineup features a mix of veteran and young talent.#opening_day #boston_red_sox #cincinnati_reds #garrett_crochet #terry_francona

20 Must-Have Fantasy Baseball Draft Picks for 2026 - ESPN Value is a concept central to fantasy baseball, representing when a player’s potential exceeds the perception of others. It’s about identifying raw talent that others may overlook. While draft lists and average draft positions (ADP) are useful, the best managers form their own opinions. Here are 20 players I believe will be key assets in 2026, spanning various league formats, with a focus on ESPN’s standard points-based system. These selections include 13 American League and seven National League players, 12 hitters and eight pitchers. Roman Anthony, OF, Boston Red Sox Anthony’s game-winning home run in the World Baseball Classic semifinals highlighted his potential, but his regular-season performance was equally impressive. In 71 games between his June call-up and season-ending oblique injury, he ranked second in hard-hit rate (60.7%) and 12th in chase rate (19.3%) at age 21. His combination of power and contact skills makes him a top-tier prospect. Shane Baz, SP, Baltimore Orioles Baz’s 2025 season was hampered by the pitcher-unfriendly environment at George M. Steinbrenner Field, where he allowed MLB’s worst qualified home HR/FB rate (13.5%) and a BABIP 40 points higher than on the road. Moving to Camden Yards in Baltimore should benefit his performance, and his 40.5% whiff rate in spring starts suggests he’s ready to rebound. Michael Busch, 1B, Chicago Cubs Busch’s raw talent places him closer to Freddie Freeman and Matt Olson than Willson Contreras or Spencer Torkelson. Despite being overlooked in a deep first base pool, he finished 10th in Statcast’s Barrel rate (17.6%) and 11th in wOBA (.369) among all batting title-eligibles. His upside makes him a valuable asset in 2026.#chicago_cubs #boston_red_sox #new_york_yankees #baltimore_orioles #kansas_city_royals

LeBron James’ potential future NBA ownership venture falling apart LeBron James’ vision of becoming an NBA team owner has faced a significant setback as his partnership with Fenway Sports Group appears to be shifting away from expansion plans. The development emerged after reports indicated that Fenway Sports Group, which has collaborated with James since 2011, is no longer pursuing a new franchise in Las Vegas. According to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon and Mike Vorkunov, the group is expected to withdraw from expansion discussions, citing the high financial demands of the project. The proposed expansion fee for a new team in Las Vegas is estimated to be as high as $8 billion, a figure that has raised concerns about the feasibility of the venture. This development complicates James’ long-term goal of owning an NBA franchise, as the league continues to explore expansion opportunities. The Athletic highlighted that Fenway Sports Group was previously seen as James’ primary financial backer in his ambitions to enter team ownership, making the group’s withdrawal a major blow to his plans. James, who has a net worth of approximately $1.4 billion, has consistently expressed interest in owning an NBA team. However, the current situation underscores the challenges of securing the necessary investment and navigating the league’s expansion process. While James’ financial resources are substantial, the scale of the proposed franchise costs suggests he would need to partner with other investors to make the venture viable. Another critical factor in James’ potential ownership bid is his decision to retire. The 41-year-old star remains undecided about his future in the NBA, with the 2026-27 season still uncertain.#las_vegas #lebron_james #boston_red_sox #fenway_sports_group #liverpool_fc

LeBron James’ NBA Ownership Dreams Deterred as Partners Withdraw from Las Vegas Expansion Bid LeBron James’ long-standing aspiration to own an NBA team has faced a significant setback as his longtime business partner, Fenway Sports Group, has stepped back from pursuing an expansion bid in Las Vegas. The decision comes as the league prepares to take a major step toward adding teams in both Las Vegas and Seattle, casting doubt on James’ decade-long dream. Fenway Sports Group, which has been a key financial backer for James since 2011, has reportedly decided not to pursue the Las Vegas expansion opportunity. Sources close to the firm confirmed that the global sports investment group is no longer interested in acquiring an NBA franchise in the Sin City, citing the exorbitant costs associated with the expansion. The NBA is reportedly seeking expansion fees as high as $8 billion per team, a figure that has made the bid unfeasible for many potential investors. Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC, was widely expected to support James’ bid for team ownership. However, with the firm no longer pursuing the opportunity, a source close to James indicated that the likelihood of him securing a team has diminished. James, who remains a key player for the Los Angeles Lakers, is worth an estimated $1.4 billion, but his personal wealth alone is insufficient to cover the expansion fee. He would need to assemble a team of investors to make his bid viable. Despite his financial resources, James has faced challenges in securing the necessary backing. While he has relationships with wealthy business owners and conglomerates beyond Fenway Sports Group, current NBA rules restrict sovereign wealth funds from owning more than 20 percent of a team.#lebron_james #boston_red_sox #nba #fenway_sports_group #liverpool_fc

Red Sox Facing Early Concern With $130 Million Arm The Boston Red Sox signed Ranger Suárez to a five-year, $130 million contract this offseason, positioning him as a key contributor to the rotation alongside frontline starters Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray. However, just days before the 2026 MLB season begins, the team is already grappling with concerns about Suárez’s readiness. According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox have expressed worries about his buildup following a limited spring training workload. Suárez has only pitched 9.1 innings during spring sessions and the World Baseball Classic, raising questions about his preparedness for the regular season. Manager Alex Cora has indicated that Suárez will remain in the rotation but will likely be used sparingly in the early stages of the season. Suárez’s slow ramp-up is more significant than it might initially appear. While limiting a starter early in the season is not unheard of, the Red Sox’s approach here feels different. Suárez is not a depth arm or a backend reliever; he is a cornerstone of Boston’s rotation strategy. The team’s $130 million investment was based on expectations of durability and immediate impact. A delayed start could disrupt these plans. If Suárez is restricted to four or five innings in his first few starts, it could strain the bullpen, which has shown inconsistency in recent years. This would also force the Red Sox to rely more heavily on Crochet and Gray early in the season, increasing the risk of overuse for those pitchers. Additionally, Suárez’s playing style adds another layer of complexity. His success has historically depended on rhythm and efficiency rather than overpowering velocity. A lack of full stretch could narrow his margin for error, particularly against the deep American League teams.#boston_red_sox #ranger_suarez #alex_cora #garrett_crochet #sonny_gray

Ranger Suárez's Limited Role in Red Sox Rotation After Minimal WBC Work Boston Red Sox fans were surprised to learn that Brayan Bello had returned to Fort Myers for spring training on March 13, despite suiting up for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. Bello was expected to start either the DR’s semifinal game against the United States or the championship match if the team advanced. However, he opted to return to spring training early, citing concerns that he wasn’t receiving enough work with his WBC squad. This decision mirrors the situation with Ranger Suárez, who also faced similar challenges during his participation in the tournament. Suárez, representing Venezuela, made two starts in the WBC but was not fully prepared for the demands of the season. On March 17, the Red Sox announced that Suárez had not been adequately built up during the tournament, leading to a decision to limit his role in the 2026 season. The team plans to have him in the rotation from the start but with reduced workload, as noted by Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe. This approach aims to ensure Suárez is ready for the regular season without overexerting himself. The Red Sox’s rotation adjustments were further highlighted by Alex Cora’s decision to name Sonny Gray as the second-game starter for the season’s opening. Fans had anticipated Suárez to take the No. 2 spot due to his track record of consistency, but Gray, despite his age, was chosen to hold that position. This shift underscores the team’s focus on balancing experience and workload, particularly for Suárez, who has struggled to find his rhythm. Suárez’s spring training and WBC appearances have been marked by limited game action. Between his spring training outings and WBC appearances, he has only pitched 9.1 innings.#boston_red_sox #alex_cora #sonny_gray #brayan_bello #ranger_suarrez