MLB Top-10 Relief Pitchers Right Now for 2026 New Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz has been ranked as the third-best relief pitcher for the 2026 season by MLB Network’s The Shredder. This marks his first appearance on the list since 2024, when he placed sixth. The Shredder’s rankings include Díaz alongside other top relievers, with Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman ranked first. Other notable names include San Diego Padres’ Mason Miller in second, Cleveland Guardians’ Cade Smith in fourth, and Seattle Mariners’ Andrés Muñoz in fifth. The Dodgers’ Díaz is set to become the team’s first dedicated closer since Kenley Jansen in 2021. Díaz’s inclusion on the list follows a dominant 2025 season with the New York Mets, where he recorded 28 saves, a 1.63 ERA, and 98 strikeouts in 66.1 innings. His performance earned him a third All-Star Game selection and a second Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year award. The Dodgers signed Díaz to a three-year, $69 million contract, which includes a $9 million signing bonus and more than $13 million in deferrals. His average annual value of $23 million is the highest ever for a relief pitcher in MLB history. The Shredder’s rankings for 2026 are based on a combination of past performance, advanced statistics, traditional metrics, and analysis from the MLB Network research team. The rankings also reflect personal evaluations from analysts like Brian Kenny and Mike Petriello. Kenny placed Díaz fifth, while Petriello ranked him fourth. The Dodgers last had a reliever in The Shredder’s top-10 in 2024, when Evan Phillips placed fourth. Former Dodgers relievers like Tanner Scott (No. 7) and Kirby Yates (No. 8) were included in 2023’s rankings before joining the team.#los_angeles_dodgers #new_york_mets #mlb_network #the_shredder #aroldis_chapman
A's vs. Blue Jays Opening Day Odds, Picks, and Predictions The Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays kick off their 2026 MLB regular season on Friday at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario. The game is set for a 7:07 p.m. ET start, with the first pitch televised on MLB Network. Analysts are breaking down the matchup, odds, and potential outcomes for the opening contest. In the 2025 season series, the Blue Jays dominated the A’s, securing a 5-2 record. The A’s finished with a 76-86 overall record, placing fourth in the AL West. They struggled on the road, posting a 40-41 mark, and had a negative run differential of -84. Their performance against the AL East was 14-17. SS Jacob Wilson emerged as a key player for Oakland, batting .311 with 13 home runs, 63 RBIs, and a .800 OPS, ranking him among the league’s top performers. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, finished 94-68, claiming the AL East title and reaching the World Series for the first time in 32 years. They fell to the Dodgers in a seven-game series but showcased a strong home performance with a 54-27 record. Their overall run differential of +77 highlighted their offensive prowess, and they dominated the AL West with a 19-12 record. RF George Springer led the charge with a .309 average, 32 home runs, 84 RBIs, and a .959 OPS. Projected starters for Friday’s game include RHP Luis Severino for the A’s and RHP Kevin Gausman for the Blue Jays. Severino, with a 4.54 ERA in 2025, has a career record of 6-4 against the Blue Jays, though his most recent start against them ended in a loss. Gausman, who posted a 3.59 ERA in 2025, has a 2-4 record against the A’s, with a higher ERA in those matchups. Both pitchers have faced each other in 2025, with Gausman holding a 5.59 ERA in two starts against Oakland.#toronto_blue_jays #mlb_network #oakland_athletics #rogers_centre #jacob_wilson
Pittsburgh Pirates 2026 Viewing Guide: TV, Streaming, and Radio Options Following the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 162-game season in 2026 requires a flexible approach to viewing, as the team’s broadcast schedule spans regional, national, and streaming platforms. Fans without cable or those seeking out-of-market access must navigate multiple services to ensure they don’t miss any games. The Pirates’ regional network, SportsNet Pittsburgh (SNP), will air the majority of their games, but national broadcasts and exclusive streaming deals will also play a role in the schedule. For local viewers, SportsNet Pittsburgh remains the primary channel for Pirates games, broadcasting matches across Western Pennsylvania, parts of Ohio, and West Virginia. These broadcasts include pregame and postgame coverage, enhancing the fan experience. However, some games will be televised nationally on networks like ESPN, FOX, FS1, MLB Network, or TBS, depending on exclusivity agreements. These national broadcasts may not be available on SNP, so checking the weekly schedule is essential to avoid missing key matchups. Streaming options for cord-cutters include SNP 360, a subscription service that provides live access to SportsNet Pittsburgh’s regional games. Priced at $21.99 monthly or $99.99 for six months, the service also includes coverage of Penguins games. The SNP 360 app is available on multiple devices, including mobile, desktop, Apple TV, and Fire TV. For a broader selection of national broadcasts, platforms like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream offer cable-like bundles without long-term contracts. These services often include MLB Network and regional sports networks, making them ideal for fans who want a centralized streaming solution. Out-of-market viewers can access all games through MLB.TV, which costs $29.#pittsburgh_pirates #mlb_network #sportsnet_pittsburgh #mlb_tv #snp_360
Ex-Giants Fan Favorite Wilmer Flores Joins Toros De Tijuana in Mexican League Wilmer Flores, a beloved figure for San Francisco Giants fans, has secured a new opportunity in his baseball career after his contract with the Giants was not renewed this offseason. The 34-year-old infielder is set to join the Toros De Tijuana of the Mexican Baseball League, as confirmed by the team’s announcement on social media. The move marks a new chapter for Flores, who has spent the majority of his MLB career with the Giants and has also played for the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Toros De Tijuana released a statement welcoming Flores, highlighting his Major League experience, consistent batting performance, and defensive skills. The message, translated from Spanish, read: “With a solid track record in the major leagues, a timely bat and defensive reliability, Wilmer Flores arrives at Toros de Tijuana. Welcome Wilmer, see you soon at Toros Mobil Park!” The team’s social media post included a celebratory emoji and hashtags, emphasizing the significance of Flores’ return to Mexico. Over six seasons with the Giants, Flores established himself as a reliable offensive contributor, posting a .249 batting average with a .321 on-base percentage and .426 slugging percentage across 667 games. His career totals include 92 home runs and 313 RBIs. The Venezuela native was particularly valuable as a pinch hitter in high-pressure situations, a role that showcased his ability to deliver in critical moments. Despite the end of his Giants tenure, Flores expressed his determination to continue playing at the highest level. During an interview on MLB Network’s “Hot Stove” show earlier this offseason, he stated, “My hope is to keep playing.#san_francisco_giants #wilmer_flores #toros_de_tijuana #mexican_baseball_league #mlb_network
