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2026 postseason archive, not a photograph of an announced position change. Sep 30, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. (26) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Second base is an option again for Luis Garcia Jr., but the Yankees would be making a defensive bet, not simply finding a spot for 30 home runs. A return is worth exploring before buying another infielder. His bat shouldn’t win him the job by itself.

Aaron Boone acknowledged that possibility during Wednesday’s season-ending news conference, according to SNY’s Phillip Martinez. He also made clear that winter acquisitions could change the thinking. The Yankees haven’t announced a position change or settled their 2027 infield.

2026 postseason archive, not a photograph of an announced position change. Oct 7, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. (26) singles during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in game three of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe Yankees wouldn’t be teaching him a new position

Garcia played 508 games at second, including 480 starts, from 2020 through 2025. He spent 2026 at first base and designated hitter. His 37 starts at first for New York don’t erase that earlier experience, although a full season away makes the defensive evaluation important.

The offensive appeal is easy to see. Across Washington and New York, he hit .277/.309/.521 with 30 home runs in 543 plate appearances. His Yankees portion was less explosive: .264/.302/.434 with seven homers in 169 plate appearances.

Both lines belong in the discussion. New York would be moving a productive hitter, not guaranteeing that the most exciting stretch of his season follows him to another position.

I’d want the club to evaluate his lateral movement, double-play work and throwing from second before organizing the rest of the winter around this idea. Familiarity with the position helps. It doesn’t answer how well he can play it now.

0What do you think?Post a comment.A position switch moves the next decision, too

Garcia at second would create more room at first, rather than eliminate the need to decide who plays there. The Yankees would have to compare the whole infield they could assemble, including the defensive cost of the move, against keeping him at first and acquiring a second baseman.

That alternative may win. A dependable defender at second could be worth paying for if Garcia’s work there isn’t convincing. Conversely, a successful return would give the front office more freedom to improve another position without sacrificing his offense.

Boone’s opening is useful because it gives the Yankees something concrete to investigate. I would make the glove earn the move before letting the savings determine the answer.

Related Headlines

• A playoff surge shouldn’t set the Yankees’ next bullpen price
• Dax Kilby’s power surge calls for patience from the Yankees
• Yankees agree to keep Brian Cashman, with details still pending

Read more at Empire Sports Media

The MLB playoffs have given us some of the game’s greatest moments. One big home run can flip an entire series, and one great pitching performance can win a title. Some players step up every single October, while others become legends off just one magical playoff run.

Deciding who is truly the best playoff performer takes more than just counting rings and home runs. You have to look at career numbers, batting averages, pitching stats and how well players handled the pressure. A few current players are even working their way onto the list.

MORE: Franchise royalty: Tampa Bay Rays all-time postseason lineup

With the 2026 World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers starting Friday, Oct. 23, postseason baseball is front and center once again.

Here are 10 of the best playoff careers in baseball history.

10. Bernie WilliamsFormer New York Yankees outfielder Bernie Williams at Old Timer’s Day at Yankee Stadium. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Bernie Williams was the steady heartbeat of the New York Yankees’ playoff runs. He hit 22 home runs and drove in 80 runs in October, which are both Yankee records. In 121 games, he racked up 128 hits and 83 runs. He ranks first in baseball history for career playoff RBIs and won four World Series rings. He was also the 1996 ALCS MVP and is one of only four players to hit two walk-off home runs in the playoffs. While his .275 playoff batting average isn’t mind-blowing, he is relevant because he showed up and produced year after year.

9. Freddie FreemanLos Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) strikes out during the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game four of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Freddie Freeman always seems to come through when the game is on the line. He has hit 18 playoff home runs, and almost all of them came in massive spots. In fact, 13 of his homers either tied the game or gave his team the lead. He is the only player to hit two walk-off home runs in the World Series, including a walk-off grand slam in 2024. That same year, he won World Series MVP after hitting a homer in each of the first four games. With three championship rings, he has earned a spot as one of the game’s best clutch hitters.

8. Kyle SchwarberPhiladelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) watches game play after hitting a single against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning in Game 3 of the wild-card round for the 2026 playoffs at Truist Field. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Kyle Schwarber brings pure, raw power to October. He has crushed 24 playoff home runs in only 309 plate appearances, which works out to roughly one homer every 13 trips to the plate. That is the best home run pace you will find. He holds the record for the most playoff homers by a left-handed hitter and has hit five leadoff home runs, which is another record. He does strike out a lot and has played in fewer games than other guys on this list, but when he connects, he changes games instantly.

7. Madison Bumgarner

In 2014, Madison Bumgardner had the greatest World Series performance in MLB history. Game 1: 7 IP, 1 ER, Giants win 7-1 Game 5: Complete Game Shutout, Giants win 5-0 Game 7: Came in relief with 3-2 lead, 5 scoreless innings to finish it, Giants win 3-2 https://t.co/emgoAHUIiO

— Will Maddux (@MLBMetrics) January 29, 2022

Madison Bumgarner is here because of the single greatest playoff run a pitcher has ever had. In 2014, he threw over 52 innings for the Giants and gave up almost nothing, finishing with a 1.03 ERA and four total postseason wins. In that World Series alone, he won two games, got a save and allowed just one run in 21 innings. His crowning moment came in Game 7, when he came out of the bullpen on short rest and threw five shutout innings to win the title. Across his entire career in the World Series, he threw 36 innings and allowed only one earned run. He didn’t pitch as many total career playoff innings as some others, but nobody has ever peaked higher.

MORE: Franchise royalty: Milwaukee Brewers all‑time postseason lineup

6. Babe RuthFormer player Babe Ruth reaches home plate after hitting a home run for the Boston Braves | Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images

Babe Ruth was a World Series monster both at the plate and on the pitcher’s mound, collecting seven rings during his legendary career. When he hit, he crushed the ball, slugging .744 and hitting 15 World Series homers, including two different games where he hit three home runs. When he pitched, he gave up almost nothing, putting up a 0.87 ERA in 31 innings. He played back when the World Series was the only playoff round, so his total games are lower, but he dominated every time he played for a title.

5. Manny RamirezBoston’s Manny Ramirez prepares to hit during MLB’s Home Run Derby X at Principal Park on Aug. 30, 2025, in Des Moines. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Manny Ramirez sits at the very top with 29 career playoff home runs. In 111 games, he hit .285, drove in 78 runs, and drew 72 walks. He was a force in October, winning the 2004 World Series MVP and helping Boston break its famous 86-year title curse. He also had an incredible run with the Dodgers in 2008. Two drug suspensions late in his career hurt his reputation, but as a pure hitter in October, few were ever more dangerous.

4. Bob GibsonOct 2, 1968; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bob Gibson (45) is congratulated by catcher Tim McCarver (right) during the 1968 World Series against the Detroit Tigers. Gibson struck out 17 batters in the game. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Bob Gibson’s World Series record shows how dominant he could be on the biggest stage. The St. Louis Cardinals right-hander made nine World Series starts and went 7-2. Gibson posted a 1.89 ERA across 81 innings and struck out 92 batters. Gibson struck out 17 Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the 1968 World Series while throwing a shutout. The 17 strikeouts remain the World Series single-game record. Gibson won championships with the Cardinals in 1964 and 1967, also set a record with 35 strikeouts during the 1968 World Series. His 31 strikeouts in the 1964 Series rank second all time.

3. Reggie JacksonFormer Yankee great Reggie Jackson attends a team postseason workout at Yankee Stadium in 2018. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Reggie Jackson is the original “Mr. October” for a reason. He lived for the World Series, hitting .357 with 10 homers across five trips to the championship round. His most famous night came in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series, when he hit three home runs on three consecutive pitches. With five World Series rings and two World Series MVP awards, he proved that nobody welcomed the brightest lights quite like he did.

2. Derek JeterFormer professional baseball player Derek Jeter reacts before game three of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Derek Jeter played so many playoff games that it basically equaled an entire extra regular season. Across 158 games, he hit .308 with 200 hits, 111 runs and 20 homers. He holds the all-time playoff records for hits, runs, doubles and total bases. He won five World Series rings with the Yankees and always seemed to make the right play at the right time. Jeter wasn’t just good for a week or two, he stayed elite through October for nearly 20 years.

MORE: Fanbase Hall of Fame: Ranking today’s MLB player-fan love stories

1. Mariano RiveraFormer Major League Baseball pitcher Mariano Rivera at Yankee Stadium. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Mariano Rivera is simply the most untouchable playoff pitcher in baseball history. He pitched in 96 games, threw 141 innings, and finished with a tiny 0.70 ERA along with 42 saves. For perspective, the next closest pitcher only has 20 saves. He once threw 33 straight scoreless innings in October, won five World Series titles and was only charged with a single playoff loss his entire career. Nobody has ever combined that kind of dominance with that heavy of a workload. He is the ultimate Mr. October.

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Emerging tennis talent Felix Balshaw has committed his international allegiance to France, despite his father’s key role in one of English sport’s crowning moments.

Former rugby union international Iain Balshaw earned 35 caps for England and featured in the memorable 2003 World Cup final victory against Australia.

Born three years after that famous triumph, Felix’s early memories of his father’s career stem from his spell with Biarritz on the Basque coast, where the Balshaw family settled in 2009.

Although Felix is now establishing himself in tennis, he revisited his father's finest hour ahead of the most significant match of his own career on Wednesday.

He said: "I watched some of the highlights. Every time I watch his highlights or the World Cup, I just have a massive smile because I can just say this is my dad.

"I was not born and, watching him play, it’s fantastic. I was always in a little corner in the stands with the rugby gang just watching him with massive eyes. It was very inspirational.

"He’s been very, very important for me because ever since I was little he’s always been my idol.

"He has a lot of experience in rugby so he’s got a lot of stuff to teach me. He’s always been a great part of my life. Always there for me, always behind my back."

Though born in Leeds, with visits to grandmothers in Bath and Blackburn keeping links to England alive, Felix shows no inclination to switch national representation.

"I grew up in France and each day that went by I felt more and more French," said Felix, who acknowledged that he even supports France in rugby.

"I’m fully committed to France. I’ve always had the French flag and I think I’ll just stick with it."

His father has not pressured him regarding his sporting path or nationality, with the 20-year-old explaining: "It’s a conversation to have, but I think for them the most important thing is, if I’m happy, they’ll be happy as well.

"Maybe in the future there’ll be conversations, but for now I’m sticking to France."

Balshaw’s situation mirrors Arthur Fery’s in reverse (Reuters)

His situation mirrors that of British player Arthur Fery in reverse—Fery was born in France to French parents but grew up in London. Meanwhile, Felix welcomes comparisons with another famous athlete born in Leeds.

"Compare me to Haaland, it’s great," he said of Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland.

The Lawn Tennis Association may well take notice, given Felix has received minimal backing from the French tennis federation—an organisation with 21 male players in the top 200, compared to Britain's seven.

Having begun the year ranked 718th, his swift rise to 186th has brought him firmly into focus after previously operating beneath the FFT's radar.

In Lyon this week, he registered his maiden ATP Tour win on French soil before bowing out in a lively contest against Corentin Moutet.

He now aims to secure a place at his debut Masters 1000 event in Paris next month and remains in contention to reach the Next Gen ATP Finals, which features the top eight under-21 players of the year.

Demonstrating the flair often associated with French tennis, he plays with a single-handed backhand—a technique he adopted at age eight after drawing inspiration from Roger Federer.

Balshaw has taken inspiration from Roger Federer (PA Wire)

Having participated in various sports as a child, he eventually chose tennis over rugby when he was 13.

"When your father is a rugby champion, you always want to follow his steps and do the same journey as him, but I just felt rugby was not going to be my sport," he said.

"In tennis, yes it’s more difficult because it’s an individual sport, but there was a little fire in me that it was the right choice."

Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

The Minnesota Vikings got running back Jordan Mason back on the practice field Wednesday for the first time since he landed on injured reserve, following the Vikings’ Week 1 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

Mason — who underwent surgery on his fractured thumb between weeks one and two — had to sit out four games, as required by his IR designation.

When the Vikings made that decision, head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters that Mason would be back when eligible, which is this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, and that seems to be the way things are trending.

Jordan Mason was pacing between stretch lines today in his first practice back since going on IR. https://t.co/QEiU5JfBDD

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 21, 2026

The Vikings designated Mason to return from injured reserve Monday, and he was a full participant on Minnesota’s first injury report of Week 7.

While he was out, Aaron Jones Sr. took on the load of a workhorse running back, which made it clear that neither rookie Demond Claiborne or DeeJay Dallas were trusted by coaches for regular work out of the backfield.

Aaron Jones Sr. dealing with previously undisclosed knee injury

Jones did miss practice before the Week 3 trip to Tampa Bay with a knee injury, but he’s always been active on game day, at least through five six weeks (five games). However, we are learning Thursday that he’s been playing despite a knee injury that most would not be pushing through… including his past self.

According toKevin Seifert (ESPN), Aaron Jones has been playing through a sprained MCL in his left knee, an injury that Jones says he’s suffered in past seasons of his NFL career. He also admitted to Siefert that, in those past instances, he did not play through the injuries.

Jones, however, didn’t make it very far before encountering his own adversity, suffering the MCL injury in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears. He missed one series while he was being fit for a brace, and said he surprised himself by feeling well enough to continue in the game. In each of his previous sprained MCLs, Jones said he missed the remainder of the game and then at least another two weeks.

The Vikings opened the season planning to split carries between Jones and Mason. In the Week 1 win over Green Bay, Mason had 15 carries to 12 for Jones. That plan changed after Mason’s injury.

So when Aaron Jones, 32, hurt his knee the very next week, in Chicago, it presented a problem that the Vikings may not have been able to fix without their captain running back playing through the pain. He missed one series of that game against the Bears, while he was being fit for a brace.

Vikings RB Aaron Jones Sr. carried the load without Jordan Mason

From Week 2 through Week 5, Jones took 90% of the Vikings’ running back carries per Seifert’s report. Not only did he close out that 9-3 victory, but he went on to carry the offensive load for the next three games, injured, while the passing game struggled to get right.

For Kevin O’Connell, thankful isn’t a strong enough word when talking about Aaron Jones.

“It’s hard to even put into words. Just the toughness, the way he’s been able to turn over after a high volume of carries and get to a place by the next Sunday with a lot of work, a lot of time in the recovery room and just knowing his body like he does. He’s just been an absolute pro. He’s been a warrior, and I’m just so thankful that we have Aaron Jones on our team.”

Kevin O’Connell, via ESPN

Related: MN Vikings Get Encouraging Injury News Out of Bye

For the season, Aaron Jones has rushed for 410 yards and two touchdowns on 97 carries, an average of 4.2 yards per carry. He has gained 256 of those yards before contact, or 2.6 yards per carry, and 154 after contact.

He ran for 105 yards on 23 carries in the game where he sprained the MCL, then had 94 yards against the Miami Dolphins in Week 4 and 113 yards, plus a touchdown, on 25 carries in last week’s 23-13 win at New Orleans.

Read more at Minnesota Sports Fan

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 03: Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman TJ Bush Jr. (3) celebrates pressuring Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) which lead to an interception during the second half to the college football game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 3rd, 2026, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The elephant in the room is actually a giant bronze pig that has established residency in Iowa. Can PJ Fleck find a way to beat Iowa and return the stolen pig?

How to Watch
TV: FS1
Time: 2:30
Stream: FoxSports.com

Iowa has been playing Iowa football and they are having a very good season. A season that could turn into an elite season, as one could see a path to Iowa getting into the college football playoff. A loss to Minnesota could put that dream in serious jeopardy. Can the Gophers find a way to beat the Hawkeyes at home?

KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN

Stop the Run! – This is absolutely critical. The Gopher defense has been hit or miss when it comes to stopping the run. They held Michigan to 79 yards and Washington to 40. But Purdue rushed for 305 and Mississippi State ran for 252. It is no coincidence which of those four games they won and which were multi-score losses. Now they face the Big Ten’s leading rusher and Kamari Moulton is very good. If he is not stopped, Iowa will run away with this game; literally and figuratively.

Win special teams – Is it even conceivable that Minnesota could win the Special Teams battle with Iowa? We have a reliable placekicker, and Javon Tracy has given us the best punt returning since Antoine Winfield. Meanwhile, Iowa’s kicker has missed two field goals and two extra points. But their return game remains strong. Can this be a phase that Minnesota wins this year?

Play with tempo – Back to my request to change your best and pivot, this is the single thing that I think would change our fortunes against Iowa. Have the offense play with tempo. Not a full, two-minute drill. Not that we are throwing the ball all over the place. But go with no huddle; let Drake Lindsey operate the offense and pick up the pace a little bit. This is a very good Hawkeye defense; let’s try to keep them on their heels.

OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH

• #28 RB – Kamari Moulton – Probably the best back in the Big Ten and I am very scared.
• #33 LB – Cam Buffington – This guy does it all for the Hawks. He leads the team with 52 tackles, 17 more than the second-most tackles. He also has two sacks, both in the Washington game.

PREDICTION

I will never pick Minnesota over Iowa until PJ Fleck proves to me that he can beat Kirk Ferentz.

I think this one plays out like the 2024 game where the Gophers may have a small, half-time lead and then Iowa controls the second half.

Minnesota – 13
Iowa – 27

Credit: Reuters Images, CBS

Earlier this month, CBS announced that NFL game analyst Tony Romo’s leave from the network had officially been made permanent, ending the former quarterback’s tenure as the network’s top NFL analyst after his OWI arrest in Milwaukee over the summer.

Romo hadn’t called a game this season, and his absence left CBS without the analyst it had built its NFL coverage around since 2017, when it handed the former Cowboys quarterback the No. 1 job straight out of retirement and later locked him into a 10-year, $180 million contract.

“CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways. We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward,” CBS’s statement read. “J.J. Watt will continue to partner with Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on our lead NFL announce team for the rest of the season. All other teams remain the same, including Ian Eagle, Ross Tucker and Evan Washburn.”

It was unclear at the time whether Watt would only continue alongside Nantz through the season, or if he would be the permanent color analyst in CBS’s top booth. On Thursday, the network announced its final decision.

“JJ Watt Agrees to Multi-Year Deal to Serve as NFL ON CBS Lead Game Analyst Watt will continue to call the Network’s top games alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson as CBS Sports’ lead NFL announce team,” CBS Sports PR posted on X.

“I’ve had a front-row seat to JJ’s growth as a top-tier broadcaster, watching him tackle this role just like he did his hall-of-fame playing career,” Skydance Chairman David Berson said via statement. “He’s insightful, entertaining, passionate, meticulous in his preparation, and the ultimate teammate. He has a unique ability to see things and communicate to fans of all levels. We are thrilled to have him leading our NFL coverage.”

“I am incredibly honored and grateful to have the opportunity to represent CBS Sports and all of the fantastic people who make this place so special,” Watt said. “From the brotherhood of THE NFL TODAY to my crews calling games, I couldn’t ask for better teammates alongside me on this television journey. I am thankful to David Berson for his leadership, vision and trust. I love this job and can’t wait to see ya Sunday with Jim and Tracy and many more Sundays to come!”

As for Romo, Nantz believes that at some point, he’ll be back in the business.

“I think unquestionably he will work again,” Nantz said. “I don’t know if it’s calling games or being in studio, but he’s got a lot of talent. He’s got a lot of people who like him, and he’s a star. He’s got a personality that’s different, and that’s a good thing. …And I don’t know where Tony’s head is on that right now, so I’m not going to speculate, but I think you’re asking me ‘will he ever work again in the business?’ I think there will be plenty of opportunity for that, because he’s got game.”

The post CBS announces final decision on Tony Romo’s replacement appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

Barcelona look to put nine points between their title plans and Real Madrid when El Clasico's first 2026-27 meeting hits the Camp Nou on Sunday.

Barca are 9-0-0 to start their title defense and a late loss to PSG at Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League will not have done much to dull their early-season shine. In fact, it may give us some clues to Hansi Flick's plans lineup for Sunday.

MORE — Barcelona vs Real Madrid preview, how to wathc/stream in the USA

Jose Mourinho's Real have one less days rest than Barca ahead of this contest thanks to the Madrid side's UCL contest on Wednesday.

Real lost 1-0 at Real Betis in Week 4 and 2-1 in an away Madrid derby on September 20. Mourinho needs to push the right buttons with his lineup in order to avoid another away setback, this one on a huge scale.

So what are the predicted lineups for Barcelona and Real Madrid? Read on...

Barcelona vs Real Madrid predicted lineups: How will Barca line up for El Clasico?

Hansi Flick has done a lot of chopping, changing, and rotating of players both in terms of starts and spots on the field.

Joao Cancelo's been one of the wild cards, played forward and back on both flanks. He gives Flick the option to use Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde, and/or Xavi Espart how he sees fit.

The only guarantees are Lamine Yamal in attack, Joan Garcia at the back, and — probably — Pedri and Pau Cubarsi.

Rodri, Gavi, and Karim Adeyemi were programmed 60th minute subs at midweek. All of that could've been with El Clasico in mind, almost certainly in the case of Rodri. Raphinha and Pedri subbing off at the same point? Same idea.

— Garcia —

— Garcia — Cubarsi — Martin — Cancelo —

— Rodri — Pedri —

— Yamal — Lopez — Gordon —

— Raphinha —

Real Madrid predicted lineups at Barca: How will Real line up for El Clasico?

Health-pending, we know a number of players who have become every game men for Jose Mourinho early in his new tenure at Real.

Thibaut Courtois, Jylian Mbappe, and Fede Valverde have started every game, while Ibrahim Konate has only been out of one team. Jude Bellingham, Marc Cucurella, and Yan Diomande have also played in all 11 games.

Vinicius Junior remains suspended and will not play Sunday. Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio, and Rodrygo are long-term injuries.

Cucurella feels a great shout to start against his former club. Denzel Dumfries, Antonio Rudiger, and Eduardo Camavinga would love to be on the field from the jump, but here's how we see it looking:

— Courtois —

— Valverde — Konate — Huijsen — Cucurella —

— Guler — Tchouameni —

— Endrick — Bellingham — Diomande —

— Mbappe —

Colson Montgomery isn’t about to change his swing — but after a record 227 strikeouts in 2026, there are times he should. | (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Colson Montgomery wasn’t about to change his swing.

Not when the Chicago White Sox shortstop was approaching a record no batter wants. Not when his strikeout total climbed past some of baseball’s most notorious free swingers. And certainly not when the same approach that produced all those swings and misses had also delivered 31 home runs.

The 24-year-old believed one swing could change a game. Shortening his stroke, even with two strikes, wasn’t part of his plan.

“I’m not a finished product by any means,” Montgomery told MLB.com in September. “It’s one of those things you have to accept.”

By season’s end, Montgomery had struck out 227 times, surpassing Mark Reynolds’ previous major league record of 223 set in 2009. It was a dubious distinction in an otherwise memorable season that helped carry Chicago into October.

But Montgomery’s record was only part of a much larger story.

Across Major League Baseball, strikeouts have transformed from an outcome hitters once desperately tried to avoid into an increasingly accepted consequence of an offensive philosophy built around power, patience and hitting the ball in the air.

For the White Sox, that philosophy produced one of the American League’s most productive offenses.

It also helped bring their season to an abrupt end.

In five American League Division Series games against Cleveland, Chicago struck out 75 times, the most ever in a Division Series. The Guardians recorded 21 strikeouts in a 2-0 victory in Game 5, setting a major league record for a nine-inning game. Not a playoff record, but a record never matched in any nine-inning MLB game, ever.

The White Sox had gone from chasing a championship to chasing pitches they couldn’t hit. 

THE PRICE OF POWER

Montgomery’s record-breaking season illustrated the complicated relationship between strikeouts and offensive production.

His 31 home runs and 87 RBIs made him a dangerous presence in Chicago’s lineup, even as his .197 batting average and 227 strikeouts demonstrated how difficult consistent contact had become.

For Montgomery, the solution wasn’t necessarily changing the mechanics of his swing. It was changing how he approached each opportunity.

“You get what you focus on,” Montgomery says. “I feel like if you sit there and you are focusing on striking out all the time, you are probably going to get more of that stuff.”

The reasoning reflects a broader philosophical shift in baseball.

Rather than simply trying to put the ball in play, many hitters prioritize pitches they can drive with authority. Modern hitting instruction emphasizes exit velocity, launch angle and swing decisions — the combination of recognizing a hittable pitch and delivering a swing capable of producing damage.

A fly ball hit at an optimal launch angle can clear the fence. A weak ground ball, even when successfully put into play, frequently becomes an out.

But the pursuit of harder contact can create a difficult trade-off. Hitters trying to elevate the baseball may develop swings with more upward movement, while pitchers increasingly attack with high-velocity fastballs, breaking pitches and changing speeds.

The result can be more home runs, but also more empty swings.

White Sox hitting coach Derek Shomon acknowledged the concern while explaining that the reasons behind strikeouts matter as much as the totals.

“I would be sitting here lying to you if I’m OK with strikeouts,” Shomon told MLB.com in September. “No one is.”

Shomon said the organization evaluates whether strikeouts result from chasing pitches outside the zone, missing hittable strikes or making poor decisions with two strikes.

The challenge is reducing those failures without eliminating the aggressive approach that made Chicago’s offense successful. 

A CENTURY OF CHANGING EXPECTATIONS

For much of baseball history, striking out was relatively uncommon.

Hitters were expected to protect the plate, shorten their swings with two strikes and make pitchers rely on their defense. Contact was considered a fundamental part of offensive success.

That philosophy gradually changed as hitters and organizations began placing greater value on walks, extra-base hits and home runs.

Statistical analysis reinforced the importance of reaching base and hitting for power. Meanwhile, improvements in pitching velocity, pitch design and bullpen specialization made simply putting the ball in play increasingly difficult.

In 2026, major league teams averaged 8.38 strikeouts per game, compared with 8.36 in 2025, according to Baseball-Reference. Although the increase was small, the modern figures remain substantially higher than those of earlier generations.

The distinction is important: Baseball is not necessarily experiencing a new annual strikeout record, but it continues operating in an era in which a team striking out eight or nine times per game is ordinary.

For an individual hitter, that environment has changed the definition of an acceptable offensive performance.

A player can strike out 200 times and still provide significant value through walks and home runs.

For the White Sox, nobody embodied that contradiction more dramatically than Munetaka Murakami. 

MURAKAMI’S DISAPPEARING CONTACT

Murakami’s first season in Chicago offered a striking example of how tremendous power can coexist with prolonged offensive struggles.

The Japanese slugger finished with 35 home runs, 77 RBIs and 92 walks, helping anchor a White Sox lineup that scored more runs than any other American League team.

But he also struck out 196 times in 454 at-bats, a staggering total for one of Chicago’s most important hitters.

His struggles became especially pronounced during August.

Murakami struck out 46 times that month while hitting five home runs. From August 5 through September 3, he recorded 45 strikeouts in 101 at-bats, meaning nearly 45% of those official at-bats ended without a ball being put into play.

By mid-September, the slump had deepened. Murakami was hitting .095 with 50 strikeouts in his previous 95 at-bats — more than half.

Yet he continued drawing walks, demonstrating that patience and the ability to make contact are not necessarily the same skill.

“There’s always good times and bad times throughout the season,” Murakami said through interpreter Kenzo Yagi in September. “It’s really important just to keep focusing on the approach every single day.”

The numbers raised a difficult question for Chicago: How much swing-and-miss can an offense withstand before its power becomes insufficient?

During the regular season, the answer appeared to be quite a lot.

In October, it was considerably less. 

WHEN CONTACT BECOMES EVERYTHING

The White Sox entered the postseason with 776 runs, 211 home runs and an American League-leading 589 walks. Their offense was built to create opportunities, work counts and deliver game-changing swings.

Against Cleveland, however, those opportunities increasingly disappeared.

In Game 3 of the ALDS, seven Guardians pitchers combined for 19 strikeouts in a nine-inning game, then a postseason record. Three days later, Cleveland shattered that mark with 21 in Game 5, as Guardians starter Gavin Williams struck out 12 batters over 5 2/3 innings, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth.

Chicago finally threatened when Miguel Vargas drew a two-out walk to load the bases. Murakami stepped to the plate with an opportunity to change the game.

Instead, Cleveland reliever Erik Sabrowski struck him out on five pitches.

It was one of four strikeouts for Murakami that night. Andrew Benintendi also struck out four times.

Chicago finished the series with 75 strikeouts, an average of 15 per game. Cleveland’s pitchers surpassed the previous record for a five-game postseason series … by 11.

For White Sox manager Will Venable, the issue wasn’t simply hitters expanding the strike zone.

“I thought it was less about chase and more about being attacked in the zone and swing and miss in the zone,” Venable said after Game 5.

The difference is significant.

Plate discipline is frequently measured by whether hitters swing at pitches outside the strike zone. But a hitter can make the correct decision to swing at a strike and still fail to make contact.

Against Cleveland, Chicago’s inability to connect with pitches inside the zone became a defining problem. Venable acknowledged that the outcome ultimately came down to the most basic element of hitting: putting the ball in play.

For a team built around power, patience and offensive production, it was a painful reminder that none of those strengths matter when the bat never meets the baseball. 

A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO TWO STRIKES?

The question facing Chicago heading into 2027 isn’t whether Montgomery and Murakami should abandon their power, but whether the White Sox can preserve that power while developing a more adaptable offensive approach.

Situational hitting becomes especially important with runners in scoring position, when a productive out, sacrifice fly or ground ball to the right side can help manufacture a run.

A strikeout provides no such opportunity.

With two strikes, some hitters shorten their swings, widen their stances or focus on making contact rather than producing maximum exit velocity. Others refuse to sacrifice the mechanics that generate their power.

Montgomery has made his position clear: His game is built around the possibility of changing the scoreboard with one swing, and he believes that ability is worth protecting.

Venable has supported that outlook, emphasizing Montgomery’s contributions rather than allowing his strikeout record to define his season. But Cleveland exposed the limitations of relying on damage without enough contact.

After the season-ending loss, Murakami acknowledged that the White Sox would need to learn from their first postseason experience together.

“We are still a very young team,” he said through Yagi. “We have to learn from our experience here and then bring that to next year.”

That education may begin with a deceptively simple lesson: Baseball’s modern offensive revolution has demonstrated the value of hitting the ball harder, higher and farther — but when a season comes down to one swing, sometimes the most valuable thing a hitter can do is simply make contact.

Khobi Price: JJ Redick on Jake LaRavia: "No update. I'm probably be more positive than when it first happened. But again, he'll be evaluated and the next time I talk to you guys, we'll have an update."

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: JJ Redick optimistic about Jake LaRavia's injury

“Contrary to my name, I run a lot,” said Walker Kessler, who, per Stathead, set the NBA record for most field goal attempts in a season opener while making all of them. “I’ve always been like that. I think when I run, it keeps me engaged in the game. There’s gonna be times where I’ll run needlessly, just because every once in a while, one might come off the rim, whether on offense or defense. Might get a rebound, or a put-back. And then it opens up a lot of the shooters on the perimeter.”

New York Times

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “Contrary to my name, I run a lot,” said Walker …

Jamal Murray: “Obviously doing it over again and more. I thought I could have made All-Second Team, so striving for that and obviously want to keep the All-Star up, which means I got to have a good start. So really just taking game by game, but focusing on these wins early, I think are important.”

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Jamal Murray: I thought I could have made All-Second Team

LOS ANGELES - Coach Tyronn Lue and the Los Angeles Clippers dedicated their 121-96 season-opening victory over the Sacramento Kings to team owner Steve Ballmer.

Darius Garland led the way for the Clippers with 30 points at the Intuit Dome on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Ballmer was suspended during the offseason for his role in the Clippers' salary cap circumvention scandal and will not be in his usual seat in the arena he built for the 2026-27 season. John Gibson will serve in his place as interim CEO and governor.

"It is odd not seeing him around and the energy he brings every day," Lue said. "He would come and meet with me before every game and John Gibson did that today just to fill in, but there is nobody like Mr. Ballmer. We miss him and we have to keep it going for him."

“We gotta keep it going for (Ballmer). - Ty Lue said after the Clippers win. pic.twitter.com/jQaMYhNgbh

— James H. Williams (@JHWill) October 22, 2026

The NBA announced disciplinary action against the Clippers on Sept. 2 after an external law firm completed enough of its investigation and shared its findings with league commissioner Adam Silver.

The team was fined $30 million and told to forfeit five first-round draft picks (2029–2033). Two of the team’s executives were also suspended.

Ballmer purchased the Clippers in August 2014 for $2 billion from Donald Sterling. The owner moved the Clippers out of the Crypto.com Arena in 2024 after the completion of the new arena in Inglewood.

"We are trying to protect home," Garland said. "It's the house he built. We are trying to protect it as best we can. He was definitely here in spirit. (Gibson) was in his seat, and we felt the energy. It wasn't (Ballmer's) energy, but we felt his energy. It was super cool that we got the win for him."

Gibson was a Los Angeles trial lawyer and long-time team season-ticket holder before being tasked with filling in for Ballmer. Gibson will be responsible for overseeing both basketball and business operations for the team. He will also represent the team when it comes to league-wide voting matters.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tyronn Lue, Clippers dedicate season-opening win to Steve Ballmer

The Chicago Bears will face the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football, where Chicago is looking to win their second straight in the first of three consecutive prime-time games ahead of their Week 10 bye.

The Bears are coming off a 31-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons, which featured the returns of quarterback Caleb Williams and cornerback Kyler Gordon, who provided huge boosts to the team. Now, on a short week, Chicago welcomes the defending AFC Champion Patriots, who have been rolling after a rough start. Former 2024 draft mates Caleb Williams and Drake Maye will square off for the second time in three years, and we'll see if Williams can even the score.

Here's how to watch Bears vs. Patriots in Week 7:

What TV channel is Bears vs. Patriots on today?

• TV channel: Prime Video
• Streaming: Amazon Prime (free trial)

The Bears and Patriots play Thursday night in Week 7 of the 2026 NFL season. The Bears vs. Patriots game will air on Prime Video. Streaming options for the game include Prime, which offers a free trial.

Stream Bears vs. Patriots (free trial)

Bears vs. Patriots start time

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026
• Time: 7:15 p.m. CT
• Location: Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)

Kickoff for the Bears and Patriots Week 7 game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT on Thursday night at Soldier Field as Chicago returns home after a two-game road trip.

Bears tickets

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Bears regular-season schedule 2026

Below is Chicago's regular-season schedule.

• Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13: Chicago Bears 59, Carolina Panthers 37
• Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20: Chicago Bears 3, Minnesota Vikings 9
• Week 3: Monday, Sept. 28: Chicago Bears 27, Philadelphia Eagles 7
• Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4: Chicago Bears 23, New York Jets 12
• Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11: Chicago Bears 7, Green Bay Packers 31
• Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18: Chicago Bears 31, Atlanta Falcons 23
• Week 7: Thursday, Oct. 22, vs. New England Patriots, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime
• Week 8: Monday, Nov. 1, at Seattle Seahawks, 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
• Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8, vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
• Week 10: BYE WEEK
• Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, vs. New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
• Week 12: Thursday, Nov. 26, at Detroit Lions, 12:30 p.m. ET, CBS
• Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6, vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
• Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13, at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
• Week 15: Saturday, Dec. 19, at Buffalo Bills, 8:20 p.m. ET, CBS
• Week 16: Friday, Dec. 25, vs. Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m. ET, Netflix
• Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, vs. Detroit Lions, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX
• Week 18: Sunday, Jan. 10, at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET, TBD

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: What channel is Bears vs. Patriots on today? Time, TV schedule

Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.

Wrexham AFC will look to secure consecutive Championship wins when they travel to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, October 24, after an impressive 4-1 win over Preston North End at the Racecourse Ground.

Phil Parkinson’s side returned to winning ways last weekend, producing a much-needed response after suffering a 2-1 home defeat against West Bromwich Albion four days earlier.

The victory lifted Wrexham to 14th in the Championship table, with 14 points from their opening 11 fixtures.

Saturday’s trip to Ewood Park offers another chance to improve their league position and build momentum after an inconsistent start to the campaign. Wrexham entered last Saturday’s fixture under pressure following a difficult sequence of results. Defeats to West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion exposed defensive weaknesses, while draws with Burnley and Derby County highlighted the need to turn competitive performances into wins.

However, Parkinson’s side delivered a considerably improved attacking display against Preston, scoring four goals for the first time in the Championship this season. Ben Whiteman played a key role against his former club, adding a goal and an assist as Wrexham recorded their third league win. The result took Wrexham’s goalscoring tally to 15 from 11 matches, although they have also conceded 16 goals.

Blackburn Rovers enter Saturday’s fixture sitting 10th in the Championship with 15 points, one ahead of Wrexham. Rovers have won four of their opening 11 league matches, drawn three, and lost four. They have scored 17 goals and conceded 16, giving them a one-goal advantage.

Wrexham will need to improve their defensive consistency, particularly after conceding six goals against West Ham and twice surrendering their advantage against West Brom. Their attacking performance against Preston nevertheless provides encouragement ahead of another demanding away fixture.

Wrexham’s preparations have been complicated by injuries to several first-team players. Max Cleworth, Nathan Broadhead and Ben Sheaf have been working towards fitness, while Josh Windass has been recovering from an ankle problem. Parkinson previously confirmed that Cleworth, Broadhead and Sheaf had returned to outdoor running, although they still needed to make further progress before they could resume full involvement.

The manager will assess his options before Saturday’s fixture, as the squad faces another demanding Championship schedule.

Following Blackburn, Wrexham travel to Sheffield United on Friday, October 30, before returning to the Racecourse Ground to face Middlesbrough on November 4.

A positive result at Ewood Park would strengthen Wrexham’s Championship position and provide further evidence that their victory over Preston could be the start of a more consistent run.

World Series schedule 2026: Dates, start times, channels, scores for every Brewers vs. Rays game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

No matter how it turns out, the 2026 World Series will crown a champion for a city that has waited decades for the honor. 

With the Dodgers dethroned, this season will produce a first-time Fall Classic winner for Milwaukee or Tampa Bay. It will be the second first-time champion in four years after the Rangers won their first title in 2023. 

The NL champion Brewers are making their first World Series appearance since 1982, when they were still in the American League and lost to the Cardinals in seven games. On the AL side, Tampa Bay is winless in two previous World Series appearances in 2008 and 2020. 

Whatever happens, history will be made. Here's when and where to watch every game. 

Where to watch the World Series

• TV channels: Fox
• Live streams:Fubo, DIRECTV

Every game of the 2026 World Series is set to air on Fox, which has broadcast the final round of the MLB postseason every year since 2000. Fans can stream every game live on Fubo. 

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Another streaming option for every game is DIRECTV, which also offers a free trial. 

World Series schedule, scores 2026

Friday, Oct. 23

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 1: Brewers vs. Rays8 p.m.Fox, Fubo, DIRECTV

Saturday, Oct. 24

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 2: Brewers vs. Rays8 p.m.Fox, Fubo, DIRECTV

Monday, Oct. 26

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 3: Rays vs. Brewers8 p.m.Fox, Fubo, DIRECTV

Tuesday, Oct. 27

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 4: Rays vs. Brewers8 p.m.Fox, Fubo, DIRECTV

Wednesday, Oct. 28

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 5*: Rays vs. Brewers8 p.m.Fox, Fubo, DIRECTV

* If necessary

Friday, Oct. 30

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 6*: Brewers vs. Rays8 p.m.Fox, Fubo, DIRECTV

* If necessary

Saturday, Oct. 31

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 7*: Brewers vs. Rays8 p.m.Fox, Fubo, DIRECTV

* If necessary

World Series radio coverage 2026

• Radio station:SiriusXM

While some traditional radio stations may carry postseason games depending on the market, fans across the country can listen to every game of the 2026 World Series live with SiriusXM. 

The SiriusXM Sports Pass allows fans to listen to live MLB broadcasts featuring both teams' announcers, along with sports talk and analysis from MLB Network Radio, plus play-by-play coverage of the NFL, NBA, NHL, college football and basketball, the PGA Tour, NASCAR and more. 

Get your first month of SiriusXM Sports Pass for free, then pay just $5 a month or $49 for a year. Click here to learn more and sign up today!

MLB playoff bracket 2026

SN

MLB playoff schedule, scores 2026League Championship Series schedule, scores

Sunday, Oct. 11

GameTime (ET)WatchNLCS Game 1: Brewers 2, Dodgers 1——

Monday, Oct. 12

GameTime (ET)WatchNLCS Game 2: Brewers 7, Dodgers 4——ALCS Game 1: Guardians 7, Rays 3——

Tuesday, Oct. 13

GameTime (ET)WatchALCS Game 2: Rays 3, Guardians 1——

Wednesday, Oct. 14

GameTime (ET)WatchNLCS Game 3: Brewers 6, Dodgers 2——

Thursday, Oct. 15

GameTime (ET)WatchALCS Game 3: Guardians 3, Rays 2——NLCS Game 4: Brewers 6, Dodgers 4——

Saturday, Oct. 17

GameTime (ET)WatchALCS Game 4: Rays 7, Guardians 3——

Sunday, Oct. 18

GameTime (ET)WatchALCS Game 5: Rays 3, Guardians 1——

Monday, Oct. 19

GameTime (ET)WatchALCS Game 6: Rays 7, Guardians 3——Division Series schedule, scores

Saturday, Oct. 3

GameTime (ET)WatchALDS Game 1: White Sox 3, Guardians 0——NLDS Game 1: Dodgers 5, Braves 3——ALDS Game 1: Rays 1, Yankees 0——NLDS Game 1: Brewers 3, Padres 2——

Sunday, Oct. 4

GameTime (ET)WatchNLDS Game 2: Brewers 4, Padres 3——NLDS Game 2: Braves 3, Dodgers 2——

Monday, Oct. 5

GameTime (ET)WatchALDS Game 2: White Sox 4, Guardians 3——ALDS Game 2: Rays 5, Yankees 2——

Tuesday, Oct. 6

GameTime (ET)WatchNLDS Game 3: Dodgers 3, Braves 1——NLDS Game 3: Padres 4, Brewers 3——

Wednesday, Oct. 7

GameTime (ET)WatchALDS Game 3: Guardians 9, White Sox 3——NLDS Game 4: Dodgers 4, Braves 1——ALDS Game 3: Rays 4, Yankees 3——NLDS Game 4: Brewers 3, Padres 1——

Thursday, Oct. 8

GameTime (ET)WatchALDS Game 4: Guardians 9, White Sox 5——

Saturday, Oct. 10

GameTime (ET)WatchALDS Game 5: Guardians 2, White Sox 0——Wild Card Series schedule, scores

Tuesday, Sept. 29

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 1: Braves 5, Phillies 3——Game 1: White Sox 6, Astros 3——Game 1: Yankees 9, Red Sox 0——Game 1: Padres 8, Cubs 0——

Wednesday, Sept. 30

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 2: Phillies 4, Braves 3 (10 inn.)——Game 2: White Sox 7, Astros 3——Game 2: Yankees 9,  Red Sox 2——Game 2: Padres 4, Cubs 1——

Thursday, Oct. 1

GameTime (ET)WatchGame 3: Braves 6, Phillies 2——Related Links

• Latest MLB news and rumors
• 2026 MLB schedule and scores
• MLB standings 2026
• How to bet on MLB

Sergio Perez would love to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso, the Cadillac driver confirms in an exclusive interview with GPblog. The Mexican sees the prospect of having fun with both drivers as a key reason for wanting to line up alongside them.

GPblog asked Perez whether he would be interested in competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the two world champions, with the 36-year-old responding positively to the idea. Perez explained he would be keen to compete together, while acknowledging that the schedules of all three F1 drivers would have to align."Yeah, that would be something great to do. You know, with them. But I think that with them it's also hard to make sure that it happens at the right time, at the right moment," he said.

Aside from the fact that Perez would have two of the strongest possible teammates in Verstappen and Alonso for a potential entry in the prestigious endurance race, having an enjoyable experience is just as important to him. "Certainly, I would like to do Le Mans with drivers I know I can have fun with. And they are certainly two drivers I can have a lot of fun with," Perez continued, with a smile appearing on his face at the thought.

Perez has spoken about competing at Le Mans before

Perez has previously expressed interest in competing in the French 24-hour race. In 2024, he said that the 24 Hours of Le Mans was the only race outside Formula 1 that really appealed to him. At the time, he did not name any drivers he would like to take on the challenge with, but he would certainly be keen to compete alongside Verstappen and Alonso.

Verstappen and Alonso have repeatedly said in recent years that they would like to compete together in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2023, Verstappen revealed that he had discussed it with the Aston Martin driver. According to the Dutchman, Alonso had said he would only return if he could race alongside Verstappen.

In February 2025, Verstappen again spoke about competing together. At the time, he named his father, Jos, as a possible third driver, although he said Jos was not interested. Sebastian Vettel was later mentioned as another potential teammate. Verstappen also made it clear that he would only compete at Le Mans if he had a car capable of fighting for victory.

Verstappen and Alonso have expressed their wish to race at Le MansPhoto: Race Pictures

Photo: Race Pictures

Alonso has been interested for years in competing alongside Verstappen in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Spaniard previously said he would like to form a team with the Dutchman, provided they had a competitive car. Alonso believes Verstappen would bean ideal teammate for endurance racing, as he can trust him to take good care of the car. Perez has now emerged as a potential third driver for the team.

Alonso knows what it is like to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Spaniard took victory with Toyota in 2018 and 2019, alongside Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima. He also won the 2018–2019 World Endurance Championship (WEC) title with the Japanese team.

A joint entry in 2027 does not seem likely for now, despite Le Mans not clashing with a Grand Prix next year. In Baku, Alonso pointed to Verstappen's busy schedule. He said: "I don’t think it’s going to happen next year, but maybe in the future.” Verstappen himself confirmed that Le Mans is not currently on his schedule for 2027.

Photo by Tyler Clouse/Getty Images

Jaden McDaniels has become one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and is a key player for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The 26-year-old has been a part of the team since he was drafted in 2020. He is entering his seventh season now and has committed his future to the Wolves.

According to ESPN, McDaniels has put pen to paper on a rare one-year extension worth $40 million that will keep him in Minnesota through the 2029-30 season.

But if he had got his wish six years ago, he would be as far away from the Timberwolves as possible.

Jaden McDaniels says he never wanted to join the Minnesota Timberwolves

McDaniels was selected 28th in the 2020 draft by the Los Angeles Lakers before his draft rights eventually ended up with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Of course, getting into a team is a dream for any youngster, but the defender was praying that the Wolves would stay away from him. He just didn’t want to go there.

However, as fate would have it, McDaniels had to join the Minnesota side, but luckily for him, that has changed his life over the last six years.

Now, after signing a lucrative extension, he has admitted why he didn’t want to join the Timberwolves all those years ago.

“In the draft process, I didn’t know where I was going. This was actually the team I was trying to stay away from,” he told Dane Moore on X:

“So I ended up coming here not knowing how it was gonna be. The first year was terrible, but after that, we started winning, building, getting better and adding more pieces. It has just been a good situation.”

When asked why he was against a move to the Wolves, he said: “Yeah, they were just bad. Just bad as f***.”

The Timberwolves were coming off a 19–45 campaign and stuck near the bottom of the Western Conference before the 2020 draft, so McDaniels’ stance is understandable.

But together, the player and the team have grown immensely over the last few years and are now seen as one of the contenders in the Western Conference.

Read more:

• ‘No, not LeBron’: Shaquille O’Neal says 76ers ‘will not win’ if one player doesn’t perform
• Steph Curry has a message for Yaxel Lendeborg after Luka Doncic drama
• ‘Do you understand?’ – Stephen A. Smith reveals Donald Trump’s ‘greatest president’ claim

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts during a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, Dec 21, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA. Credit: Imagn.

J.J. McCarthy was promoted to the New York Giants’ starting quarterback role. Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho isn’t convinced the move will work out.

The Giants named McCarthy their starter on Wednesday after he impressed in relief of Jameis Winston during their Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints. McCarthy threw for 243 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

However, Acho believes the circumstances surrounding that performance will make it much harder for McCarthy to replicate his success against Houston.

Speaking on Speakeasy, Acho questioned whether McCarthy could handle the job.

“JJ McCarthy bouta go out there and STINK IT UP! His starting job will be very quickly taken away,” Acho said via Speakeasy’s X .

Acho acknowledged that McCarthy’s performance against New Orleans deserved recognition, but argued that the circumstances were significantly different from what the quarterback will encounter in Week 7.

When McCarthy entered the game against the Saints, New Orleans had primarily prepared for Winston. That meant the defense hadn’t spent much time developing a game plan specifically designed to contain the former Minnesota Vikings quarterback.

Now that McCarthy has been named the starter, Acho expects Houston to approach the matchup differently.

“When you are playing a backup quarterback, you do not scout the backup quarterback. You scout the starting quarterback,” Acho explained.

He also highlighted the quality of Houston’s secondary, arguing that McCarthy will face a much tougher challenge against the Texans than he did against New Orleans.

Acho believes the quarterback’s relief appearance has created expectations that may be difficult to meet once opposing defenses have a full game plan built around him.

J.J. McCarthy Gets Another Opportunity With Giants

This is a significant opportunity for McCarthy to revive his career after a difficult time in Minnesota. The Giants acquired him in a trade with the Vikings for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, giving him a fresh start in New York.

His performance against the Saints gave head coach John Harbaugh enough confidence to make the change, even though Winston had started the previous four games.

Winston responded professionally and expressed his commitment to supporting McCarthy.

“Every single week, you’re defined off of the last time you stepped foot on the field. Last game, my job is to lead the New York Football Giants to a win, and that didn’t happen. I’m extremely grateful that I still get to do what I love, and that’s play football at a high level for the New York Football Giants. Being able to accept roles and understand, ‘How can I be the best at my role with this team?’” – Winston said via the SNY Giants’ X.

Meanwhile, McCarthy has spoken positively about his new team and the opportunity to establish himself as a starting quarterback again.

For now, McCarthy has the starting job. Whether he can keep it will depend on what he delivers when the Texans are ready.

Also Read:

“Hire An Independent Investigator”: Fans Lose Trust In NFL As NFLPA Issues Statement Regarding Handling Of Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clots

“Will NEVER Play in the NFL Again”: Emmanuel Acho Doesn’t Hold Back in Assessment of Jordan Elliott’s Future After Firearm Incident With Titans Teammate

College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!

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The New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers are the next round of teams to play in the NFL’s International Games which will be held in Paris, France.

Playing away from the United States has come under some scrutiny over recent weeks from a number of NFL fans. However, the Saints appear to be taking it in their stride as they have enjoyed a number of days soaking in the culture that Paris has to offer.

Kellen Moore’s team have been in town for a number of days in the build-up to the game at the Stade de France. This has provided his players with some down time to experience Paris’ shopping scene which has certainly proven expensive for some.

Alvin Kamara blow away by Chris Olave’s Paris shopping spree

During the offseason, Olave signed a four-year extension with the Saints worth up to $132 million. He has certainly been enjoying some of his earnings in Paris as Kamara shared just how wild he had gone when shopping in the French capital.

“You got to talk to CO. CO was telling me he spent like $100,000 yesterday shopping,” Kamara said during a press conference on Wednesday.

“I’m telling you. I was like, yeah, you know, he just got paid. So, he cool. I was like, slow down, bro.”

“He crazy,” added Tyler Shough.

Although Olave has been paid like one of the top receivers in the league, he is certainly paying back the Saints with his early season performances. The wide receiver has already secured 580 receiving yards on the season.

Only Jaxon Smith-Njigba is outperforming Olave when it comes to receiving yards this season which is a seriously impressive achievement for the Saints’ wideout. However, Olave will be keen to get back on track this weekend having failed to register over 46 yards in his last two outings.

Read more:

• ‘It’s done’ – Skip Bayless names the quarterback he’d trade Dak Prescott for
• Roddy White doubts Kyle Shanahan can win Super Bowl as 49ers coach’s biggest flaw exposed
• ‘Wasn’t a top pick’-Super Bowl champion explains why Shedeur Sanders has struggled at Browns

Oct 21, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) and forward Angel Reese (5) high five against the Golden State Valkyries in the fourth quarter during game three of the 2026 WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Angel Reese has faced plenty of criticism throughout her young career. But after another huge night on Wednesday, it’s getting harder and harder for her critics to find anything to complain about.

Reese led the Atlanta Dream to a 97-71 win over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead. And plenty of people across the sports world were quick to praise her performance, with one USA Today columnist noting that her “haters” have “no idea what to do.”

Reese Dominates Again

The game was moved from the Gateway Center Arena, where the Dream play most of their home games, to State Farm Arena to make room for a bigger crowd. And Reese and the Dream gave the crowd plenty to cheer about as they took a 2-1 lead in the series with a lopsided win.

Reese was coming off one of the best performances in WNBA Finals history in Game 2, when she put up 30 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Dream to the first Finals win in franchise history. She followed that up with 21 points and 12 rebounds in Game 3 as she continued her dominance.

The game was tied at 49 in the third quarter before Atlanta scored eight straight points, including four from Reese. The Dream then closed the quarter by scoring 12 of the final 14 points, and they’ve now outscored the Valkyries 63-35 in the third quarter through three games.

Reese also let the Valkyries hear about it. During the second quarter, she could be heard yelling “You can’t guard me!” as she ran back down the court after a basket.

Reactions

Needless to say, Reese received plenty of praise for her performance.

“The haters just have no idea what to do with Angel Reese right now. An utterly dominant, winning level of play in the WNBA finals,” wrote Dan Wolken of USA Today.

“Nothing gonna make me smile harder than seeing @CathyEngelbert’s last action as WNBA commissioner handing Angel Reese the Finals MVP trophy,” wrote Oscar-winning director Matthew A. Cherry.

“Angel Reese is coming for that WNBA Finals MVP,” wrote Matt Dowell, sports director for WACH Fox in Columbia, South Carolina.

“Lots of people shifting from Angel sucks to national anthem nonsense,” wrote Casey Gisclair, owner of By-U Sports and host of Play by Play on KLEB.

“Haters are in shambles right now,” wrote Daniel Yanofsky, combat sports editor at The Sporting News.

“The definition of dominant,” the WNBA wrote.

Game 4 is set for Saturday at 1 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. We’ll have to see whether or not Reese can keep up her dominance.

The post ‘The haters just have no idea what to do’: Sports world reacts to Angel Reese’s WNBA Finals dominance appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.