Sports fans have sued online gambling sites DraftKings and FanDuel, claiming they lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to the “addictive” product, according to a new lawsuit.
The lawsuit, filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County Tuesday, alleges DraftKings and FanDuel, with game and player data supplied by the NFL and its betting data specialist partner Genius Sports, “intentionally and defectively designed their online sports gambling platforms to turn a known addictive product into a relentless, always-on addiction-amplifying machine.”
Online sports betting has dramatically changed the gambling industry in recent years. Instead of traveling to a sports betting parlor and placing a wager before a game starts, gamblers can now place bets on their phones as the game plays out in real-time.
The lawsuit claims this new live microbetting can “hijack gamblers’ brains and keep them immersed in ceaseless betting action.”
Sports fans have sued online gambling sites DraftKings and FanDuel, claiming they lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to the ‘addictive’ product, according to a new lawsuit (Getty Images)
Online sports betting caused plaintiffs Christopher Sage and Terry Thompson to develop severe gambling addictions, the suit alleges. Sage lost more than $170,300 on DraftKings and FanDuel. Thompson lost $1,856,000 on the sports betting platforms.
“We filed this case because the fundamental nature of sports gambling products has changed dramatically since they were legalized in Pennsylvania in November of 2018,” Mark Gottlieb, an attorney for the plaintiffs, told The Independent.
Advertisement
“Our clients are just two examples of sports fans and sports gamblers who have experienced substantial harm caused by these new and defectively designed sports microbetting products,” Gottlieb added.
The lawsuit claims DraftKings and FanDuel don’t just enable gamblers to place wagers anywhere and at any time, but have features “designed to drive customers toward microbetting.”
The lawsuit claims live microbetting can ‘hijack gamblers’ brains and keep them immersed in ceaseless betting action’ (Getty Images for FanDuel)
“FanDuel and DraftKings can collect and analyze detailed behavioral data about each of their customers. They then use this behavioral data to generate and market personalized gambling opportunities based on each customer’s unique wagering history and app usage,” the suit alleges.
DraftKings and FanDuel send personalized push notifications “designed to grab customers’ attention and lure them back” with these personalized gambling opportunities, according to the lawsuit.
“Within just a few years of placing their first microbets on the Sportsbook Apps, Plaintiffs nearly lost everything—their money, their houses, their business, their families, and, in Plaintiff Thompson’s case, also nearly lost his life,” the suit claimed.
Advertisement
The plaintiffs are demanding a jury trial on their claims against the online sports betting platforms and the other defendants, including the NFL (Getty Images)
Sage and Thompson are demanding a jury trial on their claims against the online sports betting platforms and the other defendants. The lawsuit seeks compensation for damages and to stop the defendants from continuing the alleged wrongful conduct.
“We seek justice for our clients and hope that their lawsuit ultimately helps prevent similar harm to other sports fans and their families,” Gottlieb told The Independent.
The Independent has reached out to the NFL, Genius Sports, DraftKings and FanDuel for comment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET.
If you’d like a look at the candidates and their dossiers, we’ve got that here. This search is going to take some time — I’d venture April 1 is the fastest possible timeline, and even that is ambitious — so this tracker will update on more with UNC’s pursuit as the weekend plays out.
Oh, and we had a hiring in a power conference on Wednesday: Butler is bringing on alumnus Ronald Nored as its coach. The 36-year-old was the behind-the-scenes frontrunner after Thad Matta’s retirement and never lost the lead.
Butler wasn’t the only school to make a move: South Florida lured Chris Mack away from Charleston to be its next coach. That’s one that wasn’t flaring many radars, and the agreement came together in a flurry on Wednesday, per one source. Mack has the most wins (323) of any inbound USF coach at the time of their hiring in program history.
“I am truly excited for the opportunity to lead a South Florida basketball program that’s on an exceptional trajectory and to join a university and athletic department defined by strong leadership, shared aspirations, and tremendous alignment,” Mack said in a statement. “The exceptional vision and commitment Rob (Higgins) outlined are inspiring, and I am grateful for his trust and belief in my leadership of Bulls basketball. I’m eager to connect with Bulls Nation, the students in the SoFlo Rodeo, and the passionate fans who make the Yuengling Center such a special home court.”
Annnnnd we’ve got one more dose of college carousel gossip: The noise around Will Wadepotentially bailing on NC State after one year to double back to LSU has a lot of people in the college basketball world laughing but also shaking their heads. One source told me they expect this to happen, it’s just a matter of days. The lack of statement from LSU on Matt McMahon’s job security over the past two weeks has been conspicuous, to say the least.
Other hirings from earlier this week
At Arizona State, Randy Bennett agreed to a five-year contract to be the coach of the Sun Devils. The Mesa, Arizona, native finally said yes after previously turning down the school multiple times in prior searches.
Bennett spent the past 25 years at SMC and went 589-228, including 12 NCAA Tournament teams, five of which came in the past five seasons. The Gaels made one Sweet 16, in 2010, on Bennett’s watch. All told, he’s one of the 20-ish best coaches in college basketball; the work he did in Moraga was a lift few others could’ve sustained over two and a half decades. He’s more than earned a shot at the power-conference level.
Advertisement
Arizona State placed a premium on Bennett, who was clearly catalyzed by the fact that Gonzaga is leaving the WCC and thus downgrading the league. The Bennett move at Saint Mary’s triggered an internal promotion of Mickey McConnell in Moraga. The Gaels alumnus gets his first shot at 36 years old. Can he keep SMC at the top of the WCC?
The other high-major news from Monday was Creighton coach Greg McDermott’s impending retirement. One of the game’s best tacticians is walking away at 63. I’ve got that story and all the info here. No search there, though. Alan Huss agreed last year to be next up once McDermott was done, so that transition is already buttoned up and will be official after Creighton’s season ends in the Fox-run Crown event out in Las Vegas next week.
The first hiring of Monday came in the American, where CBS Sports broke the news that Wes Miller agreed to be the next coach at Charlotte on a five-year deal. Miller was fired from Cincinnati almost two weeks ago but let it be known he still wanted to coach and land somewhere as quickly as possible. Miller is from Charlotte, which made the hiring process even more logical. Miller and Cincinnati agreed to terms on his payout from Cincinnati last week; the school would have owed him $9.9 million if it did not formally fire him until April 1. Miller’s record in five seasons at Cincinnati was 100-74. Before that, he coached in North Carolina at UNCG, going 185-135. In his career, Miller’s won 57.7% of his games (285-209) across 15 seasons.
Advertisement
G-Mac to 🍊
We’ve still got more to address! Gerry McNamara is now running the show at Syracuse. The school officially announced the hiring Tuesday morning.
The twist: Sources said Syracuse showed significant interest in other candidates, most prominently Saint Louis’ Josh Schertz, in the lead-up to the NCAA Tournament. SLU announced on March 13 it had agreed to terms of a new contract, but with the buyout being somewhat manageable, Syracuse pursued all options before landing on McNamara. One source said SU was still making a push on Schertz even after Saint Louis’ first round win over Georgia.
Though that never came to be, the fact Syracuse still looked at Schertz and other candidates falls in line with what sources previously told me: McNamara winning out comes after weeks of debate amongst big money players at Syracuse who were split over whether or not to break from the Syracuse family/Jim Boeheim coaching tree. McNamara is of course adored at Cuse, but some influential supporters of the program felt adamant that Syracuse needed to go in a new direction. Others favored keeping it in the family for at least one more try; McNamara was the obvious choice in that regard.
I’m told Syracuse is hopeful it can raise more than $9 million total in NIL budgeting for the 2026-27 season, with at least $4.5 million of that coming from revenue sharing. McMamara will have the support he needs to try and turn things around in central New York.
Advertisement
Here are our some of our high-major carousel headlines in the past week-plus:
ARIZONA STATE | OUT: Bobby Hurley »» IN: Randy Bennett Hurley leaves with the second-most wins in program history. Credit to ASU athletic director Graham Rossini for landing the best possible replacement. Bennett was the target of multiple previous searches and turned down the job. Now he’s going to make a run in his 60s and see if he can get the Sun Devils to consistently compete in the top half of the Big 12. That’s a real jolt for this program. He’ll have to do more with less, which is no thing new after the wizard work he guided for 25 years at Saint Mary’s.
BUTLER | OUT: Thad Matta »» IN: Ronald Nored Matta retired after a four-year, 63-69 go of it with the Bulldogs. The news was all the more surprising considering that Butler athletic director Grant Leiendecker publicly said Matta would be back for a fifth season. Ultimately, it’s probably the right move. Nored was announced Wednesday and represents the latest hire in a link of Butler-family head-coaching moves. He’s young but he’s sharp. Can he bump them up in the Big East?
BOSTON COLLEGE | OUT: Earl Grant This one was expected for months. There are 79 jobs in the Power Five leagues, and Boston College, unfortunately and unquestionably, ranks in the bottom five. Grant couldn’t win there, but this is an institutional problem as much as anything else. Minimal fan support, bottom of the league in NIL capability, and the basketball there ranks below football and hockey in the priority order. Will take a very specific fit to even give the Eagles a shot at fighting into the middle of the ACC. UConn assistant Luke Murray and Vermont head coach John Becker are the two finalists. I was thinking we’d know by Wednesday, but maybe this drags on to the end of the week.
CINCINNATI | OUT: Wes Miller »» IN: Jerrod Calhoun The Bearcats had to make a change after going five straight seasons without an NCAA bid, even if Miller’s teams came close three times. Miller wound up doing just fine by shooting off to Charlotte. Jerrod Calhoun (Utah State) is an alum and was the top target from Day 1. Bearcats fans have some hope again, and fortunately for them, the program should be at or north of $8 million to spend on a roster for 2026-27. That’s not upper tier for this cycle, but it is manageable and can be competitive.
CREIGHTON | OUT: Greg McDermott »» IN: Alan Huss The 61-year-old McDermott leaves as the most accomplished coach in program history. In addition to overseeing Creighton’s valuable upgrade from the Missouri Valley to the Big East in the early 2010s, he coached 11 NCAA Tournament-level teams at Creighton and made two Sweet 16s (2021, 2024) along with an Elite Eight (2023). McDermott went 365-188 at Creighton, and when factoring in his time as coach at North Dakota State, Northern Iowa and Iowa State, he’s at 645-383 with 13 NCAA Tournament appearances. Huss was at High Point a year ago and left because he agreed to be coach-in-waiting when McDermott stepped away.
G. TECH | OUT: Damon Stoudamire »» IN: Scott Cross Sources said the buyout for the 52-year-old Stoudamire was just $2.6 million, which made the decision that much easier after a 42-55 record in three seasons. This is a bottom-four job in the ACC (despite its terrific location) due to its lack of success over the past two decades, its relatively tough academic parameters and its limitations in NIL. Sources told me Tech will top out at $3.5 million in revenue sharing and maybe an additional $2 million after that. And yet, the 2026 portal market will likely mandate high-major teams to work with at least $6 million in order to be somewhat competitive. As was first reported here, Cross was the guy. The school made it official last Friday.
KANSAS STATE | OUT: Jerome Tang »» IN: Casey Alexander The first power conference job to hit the market in 2026, and it did so in a noisy fashion. Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor fired Tang for cause on Feb. 15. University lawyers and Tang’s legal representation are in an ongoing legal dispute over the validity of a for-cause firing, which, if K-State were successful, would mean $0 owed to Tang. If fully unsuccessful, Tang has more than $18 million coming his way. I’m expecting a settlement with terms undisclosed. Alexander and K-State agreed to terms on March 12 after it was clear that Jerrod Calhoun wasn’t going to leave Utah State for Manhattan, Kansas.
PROVIDENCE | OUT: Kim English »» IN: Bryan Hodgson PC finished 15-18 this season, and English was unable to get the school to the NCAAs in three seasons on the job. Hodgson agreed to a five-year contract late Saturday night. The Friars will be well-stocked; sources said the program will be well north of $10 million in this year’s portal cycle, which will be critical as Hodgson is expected to turn over almost the entire roster. PC bringing on the soon-to-be 39-year-old is a personality fit. He doesn’t run from a battle and is a guy who loves to punch up. The Big East just got more interesting. Providence agreed to a five-year contract with Hodgson.
SYRACUSE | OUT: Adrian Autry »» IN: Gerry McNamara The Orange’s season finished with an 86-69 loss to SMU in the ACC Tournament; Syracuse was a 14-seed in the league bracket. Jim Boeheim’s successor leaves with a 49-48 record and no NCAA Tournament showings. Siena coach/SU alum McNamara became the top target after some other wish-list candidates wouldn’t got to the altar. Plus: Siena almost upset Duke in the first round. This is a pivotal hiring. As one Syracuse-connected source told me a few days ago: “If this hire doesn’t go well, [Syracuse] could become a one step above a mid-major.” The program’s outlook after Boeheim feels tenuous, though the fan base is passionate and thirsty to get back to relevance. McNamara has a huge task on his hands, but his love for the school is undeniable.
Mid-majors
AIR FORCE | OUT:Joe Scott »» IN: Joe Crispin Scott had two runs at Air Force, the first from 1999-2004, the second from 2020 until earlier this year, when Scott was put on leave in January amid an investigation into his treatment of players. That ultimately led to a severance between he and the school, though the two sides ended things amicably with kind words when the split was made official on Feb. 26. A military academy program in the Mountain West, Air Force easily ranks among the 10 toughest jobs in all of college hoops. Crispin, 46, will leave Penn State as an assistant to take on his first head coaching opportunity.
BALL STATE | OUT: Mike Lewis »» IN: Chris Capko The Cardinals had Lewis in charge for four seasons, but the last three were all under .500. With this year’s team going 12-19, rumors bubbled up in late January that the job would come up. Lewis, a former UCLA assistant under Mick Cronin, went 61-64 in the MAC. The team hasn’t made the NCAAs since 2000 under Ray McCallum. Capko comes aboard after years of working under Andy Enfield at USC and SMU.
BELMONT | OUT: Casey Alexander »» IN: Evan Bradds Alexander was anxious to leave after more than proving his value over the past seven seasons in Nashville. He tallied a 166-60 record with the Bruins, continuing the impressive legacy built out by his former coach and mentor Rick Byrd. Bradds spent this past season at Duke after cutting his teeth in the NBA with the Jazz and Celtics. He played at Belmont and graduated in 2017 after winning OVC POY. At 31, he’ll likely be the youngest D-I coach next season. Bradds played at Belmont from 2013-17 and was a terrific mid-major scorer, winning OVC Player of the Year as a junior and senior.
CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD | OUT: Rod Barnes »» IN: Todd Lee Barnes was fired last September after 14 years at Bakersfield, and the reason is jaw-dropping: One of his former assistants was federally charged for allegations of pimping, among other heinous illegal activities. There have also been changes in leadership in the athletic department and this is a cash-strapped job that’s extremely difficult. Lee, who’s coached for more than three decades, spent recent seasons on Eric Musselman’s staff but was also an assistant at Bakersfield in the ’90s.
CHARLESTON | OUT: Chris Mack A semi-stunner Wednesday afternoon, as Mack was announced as the next coach at South Florida. He leaves behind by far the best NIL situation (and living location) in the CAA. A premier job in a one-bid league just came open and a lot of people are going to be out for it.
CHARLOTTE | OUT: Aaron Fearne »» IN: Wes Miller The 49ers made the move after three years with Fearne, who went 17-17 this season and 47-51 overall. The school has some solid financial backing for NIL moving forward thanks to some investments by local billionaire Ric Elias. Miller lands on his feet in what’s a best-case scenario after not making it to Year 6 with Cincinnati. If he can be as effective at Charlotte as he was at UNCG for a decade, he should end the school’s two-decade-plus NCAA tourney drought. This feels like a proper bounce-back opportunity.
DARTMOUTH | OUT: Dave McLaughlin The school did not renew McLaughlin’s contract. The Big Green job is almost universally considered the toughest in the eight-school Ivy League, so picking a next coach will be difficult. McLaughlin came on in 2016 and was 87-161 with a 41-85 conference record.
EASTERN MICHIGAN | OUT: Stan Heath »» IN: Billy Donlon The Eagles are starting over after five years under Heath. EMU was 57-98 the last five seasons and only finished .500 once both overall and in the MAC (in 2024-25). The location is good for a MAC program (less than 15 minutes from Michigan‘s campus, in fact) but the resources are bottom half of the league. That will need to change. Donlon is an assistant at Clemson and has a 155-133 record at Wright State and Kansas City.
FIU | OUT: Jeremy Ballard »» IN: Joey Cantens Ballard was sacked after his eighth season on the job. The CUSA program had winning seasons in Ballard’s first two years but averaged 12 wins over the last six. Cantens came from behind to land the gig over some sitting high-major assistants. His teams went 109-21 in-state at Daytona State College in the D-II ranks. The 39-year-old is a local who grew up in Miami.
GEORGIA STATE | OUT: Jonas Hayes Hayes lasted four seasons and leaves Atlanta with a 48-79 record at the Sun Belt-based program. The school will still draw in some promising mid-major candidates because of its location and potential in that league.
KANSAS CITY | OUT: Marvin Menzies »» IN: Mark Turgeon A huge get for the Roos, who have pulled off a rarity: A school with zero NCAA Tournament appearances hired a coach with at least 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, at least 15 years of experience of high-major coaching and at least 450 wins. The only other instance of this that I can recall where that exact scenario applied is when High Point hired Tubby Smith in 2018, but he was an alum. Turgeon played at Kansas and therefore has some semi-local ties. He heads to the Summit League with a healthy boost in NIL support, determined not to let his rickety exit from Maryland in 2021 be the end of his story.
LAMAR | OUT: Alvin Brooks »» Jordan Fee Fee? Hit the Phish. Lamar is hiring the FAU assistant with a really good rep as an up-and-comer who’s had previous success at some non-D1 spots. Could be one of the best mid-major gets of this cycle. Brooks went 62-95 across five seasons in the Southland. This season’s team went 12-19 overall. The Cardinals last made the NCAA Tournament in 2012 under Pat Knight.
LITTLE ROCK | OUT: Darrell Walker »» IN: Travis Ford Walker’s team went 12-20 this season and finished seventh in the OVC. He leaves after eight seasons and with a 113-133 record. If you followed the tracker, you saw I had Ford’s name as the frontrunner basically from the start. The process was a little clunky and took a scenic route to getting there, but Little Rock brings on a guy with 20-plus seasons as a head coach and almost 500 wins. Ford was most recently at Saint Louis but also Oklahoma State and UMass prior to that.
UL MONROE | OUT: Phil Cunningham »» Ryan Cross A one-and-done in the Sun Belt. Cunningham was the head coach this past season after serving as an assistant the year prior. The team went 4-28, ranking 350th at KenPom. The bad record combined with the school switching ADs in the past five months led to the change. Cross is a former assistant (2012-20) who spent the past two seasons at UAB.
UTAH STATE | OUT: Jerrod Calhoun The Aggies will be holding a coaching search for the fifth time in five years. One name that should get strong consideration is Craig Smith. He was at Utah State from 2018-21 and won 74 games in three seasons, including 50-14 in the Mountain West and three total league titles. You could also see BYU’s Chris Burgess or Bobby Hurley try to get involved as well. The pool will be competitive. This is one of the best mid-major jobs in the country. Fascinated to see who’s next up in Logan.
NORTH FLORIDA | OUT:Matt Driscoll »» IN: Bobby Kennen This job had been open dating back to last May, when Driscoll left after 16 seasons to be Jerome Tang’s top assistant at Kansas State. Now Driscoll is wrapping up a disappointing season in Manhattan, Kansas, in the wake of Tang’s mid-February firing. At UNF, the Ospreys struggled under Kennen; the team went 7-24 this season. Nevertheless, he’s got the full-time gig. UNF’s been a D-I program for two decades, with its lone NCAA Tournament trip coming in 2015 under Driscoll.
N. ILLINOIS | OUT: Rashon Burno »» IN: Matt Majkrzak Burno bounced after five seasons, all of them under .500. This year’s team finished 9-21 and 319th at KenPom at the time of Burno’s (expected) resignation. He went 48-106 in one of the toughest jobs in the MAC. As was previously noted in this here capsule, Majkrzak was a leading candiate from the onset. The 35-year-old had a 136-73 in seven seasons at Northern Michigan in Division II.
OREGON STATE | OUT:Wayne Tinkle »» IN: Justin Joyner For Tinkle, the high point was the unexpected run to the Elite Eight in the 2021 COVID NCAA tourney, when the Beavers won three games as a 12-seed after earning the auto bid by winning the Pac-12 Tournament. Joyner is a fresh new face and represents and optimistic new start for the Beavers as the Pac-12 rebirth will commence later this year. Joyner is on a five-year contract and will try to compete in the league with the likes of Gonzaga, Boise State, San Diego State, Utah State.
PEPPERDINE | OUT: Ed Schilling Two-and-through for Schilling, who was a surprising hire in 2024. The Waves went 22-45 the past two seasons and won just eight games in the WCC. Pepperdine famously has one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, but it’s also a school with strong religious ties and therefore will have specific criteria for its next coach. Cal Baptist coach Rick Croy could be a name to watch here, as are guys like Virginia assistant Griff Aldrich and Notre Dame assistant Kyle Getter.
SAN DIEGO | OUT: Steve Lavin »» IN: JR Blount The 61-year-old Lavin couldn’t bring the program to consistency in the Gonzaga-dominated WCC. USD has not made the NCAAs since 2008 under Bill Grier. Athletic director Kimya Massey moved even more quickly than most expected when he brought on Blount, who’s seen his reputation rise quickly the past two seasons at Iowa State. This was a competitive job opening. I highlighted Blount just last week in my names-to-know piece for this year’s carousel cycle. He’s considered among the sharpest young defensive minds in high-major hoops, but beyond that, he has an outstanding reputation for his dedication to the job.
SAINT MARY’S | OUT: Randy Bennett »» IN: Mickey McConnell After 25 years in Moraga, Bennett is finally taking a chance on himself and coaching at a power-conference program. He’s not yet signed but is closing in on a five-year deal to be the coach at Arizona State. The plan was always to promote from within at SMC; McConnell, 36, is one of the better players in program history and has been on staff since 2019.
SIENA | OUT: Gerry McNamara A one-ane-done year for McNamara, who had everything break just right in order for him to go back to Syracuse and try to restore the luster at a program facing an uncertain crossroads. McNamara’s Saints team nearly toppling 1-seed Duke in the tourney made his hiring that much easier to sell to a fan base that has loved him for 23 years and counting. Will Siena promote in-house or try to land a quality assistant from the high-major ranks?
TROY | OUT: Scott Cross After seven seasons, Cross leaves for Georgia Tech. The Trojans are coming off back-to-back tournament runs. The Sun Belt program is down to a few finalists, I’m told, including SEMO coach Brad Korn.
USF | OUT: Bryan Hodgson »» IN: Chris Mack With Hodgson’s expected move to Providence, USF will be the only team in the sport to have five coaches in a five-year span. In 2022-23, Brian Gregory was in charge and got fired. Amir Abdur-Rahim took over, revived the program, then tragically died in in October 2024, weeks before his second season was set to begin. Ben Fletcher was the interim in 2024-25 and then Hodgson got the job. Next up? Chris Mack. A stealth job switch from Charleston for the former Louisville and Xavier coach. He’ll be well-stocked to keep it rolling in Tampa.
ST. BONAVENTURE | OUT: Mark Schmidt Schmidt, 63, leaves the profession with a terrific reputation. Bonaventure is an extremely tough job, yet he won 339 games most in program history, and captured four combined conference titles. With Schmidt leaving, program GM and prominent former NBA national reporter Adrian Wojnarowski will work with school leadership to try and land a coach on the cheap who is about leaning into the challenges and culture of Bonaventure. I’ve been told that this job is going to be a significant pay cut from what Schmidt was making after 19 years and all the pay bumps that come with such a long tenure. Bona doesn’t have any revenue sharing and needs to fundraise all of its capital in order to try and field a roster that can compete in the A-10; Wojnarowski has a huge task ahead, to be sure. Two early names rumored for the job are both alums: Washington Wizards assistant David Vanterpool and D-II Daemen College coach Mike MacDonald, who’s done well at that level.
TARLETON STATE | OUT: Billy Gillispie »» IN: Eric Haut Gillispie oversaw Tarleton State’s transition into Division I, with the high point being a 25-10 season in 2023-24. The WAC-based school went 92-90 in six years at the D-I level under Gillispie. The university, based in Stephenville, Texas, is about 70 miles southwest of Fort Worth. Haut will join the program after Utah State finishes playing in the NCAA tourney. He’s been a valuable assistant at USU, Northern Kentucky and Kent State. Was due for a shot at running his own show.
TENNESSEE TECH | OUT: John Pelphrey »» IN: Tobin Anderson Pelphrey lasted seven years in the Ohio Valley and went 79–138 at what is obviously a very hard job with limited resources. TTU last won the regular-season title in the OVC in 2005, but it landed the best guy possible. Anderson famously coached FDU to a 16-over-1 upset of Purdue in the 2023 NCAAs. He potentially could’ve gotten a bigger job this cycle. Big coup for this school.
UNCG | OUT: Mike Jones »» IN: Jerod Haase Something of a surprise here, as Jones went 93-69 and didn’t get his contract extended. The Spartans went 15-19 this season, the only one of Jones’ five that didn’t end above .500. The job is considered in the top third in the SoCon. Haase got the job after two years away from coaching. He’s 206-180 at UAB and Stanford. The Carolina connection was big in getting him the gig.
UTRGV | OUT: Kahil Fennel Tough loss for the Vaqueros, who had Fennel for two seasons but did not have the resources to keep a quality up-and-coming coach around for Year 3. The Southland program will plumb the depths to see if they can land an assistant at a power conference school.
WAGNER | OUT: Donald Copeland (?) Wagner was coached by interim Dwan McMillan since the start of the season after Copeland was put on indefinite leave amid a school investigation into alleged abusive coaching tactics, including withholding water breaks during practice. One former player went on record with the New York Post last fall to confirm the allegations, but the school has yet to fire Copeland, who is still listed on the team’s website. The Seahawks went 14-17 and lost in the NEC semis to LIU.
WEBER STATE | OUT: Eric Duft We have a Brad Stevens-esque transition in the Big Sky. Duft has been with the program for two decades, but he’s not being fired. He’s going into the athletic department with a title of President of Basketball Operations and Development for the men’s basketball program. He’ll be working with Damian Lillard, who’s labeled as Weber State’s GM, to get the Wildcats to a better spot, roster-wise, for the net coach. Duft was the head coach the past four years.
WESTERN MICHIGAN | OUT: Dwayne Stephens »» IN: Kahil Fennel The former Michigan State assistant lasted four seasons in Kalamazoo, going 42-84. The Broncos came extremely close to ending Miami University’s undefeated run on Feb. 27 before falling in the final second 69-67. The school last made the NCAAs in 2014. Fennel, 43, arrives via UTRGV, where he went 35-29 the past two seasons. A pretty solid get at a place with enough to be a player in the MAC in the next two years.
Fool me once? Shame on you. Fool me twice with a near-carbon copy pass in-behind to Bayern Munich Women’s top goalscorer, this season’s second-top scorer in the Champions League…?
For a long period in United’s 2-3 quarter-final first-leg defeat to Bayern Munich, Manchester United seemed capable of defying the inevitable answer. Twice, they rallied, centre-back Maya Le Tissier’s converted penalty restoring parity after Bayern striker Pernille Harder’s opening goal after 98 seconds, and full-back Hanna Lundkvist heading home a second equaliser five minutes after Harder restored Bayern Munich’s lead in the 71st minute with another ball in behind United’s backline.
Advertisement
But once is hard, twice is Harder and third is Japan forward Momoko Tanikawa with a third sneaking into goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s far corner because Jess Park wasn’t looking over her shoulder and Ziggioti Olme was too late to clock her run into the box. So Bayern return home with a goal-advantage and the away fans are singing “football’s coming home” in Old Trafford’s away section.
Advertisement
How you square this depends on your United orientation.
This was not a tactical masterclass, but it was not a disaster-class either. United looked best when they relied on short passing and tight connections, as was the case when Leah Schuller won United’s penalty following a short, sharp sequence between Park and Hinata Miyazawa. A few times United used Bayern’s shape to regain possession. Once Melvine Malard put Bayern’s defence on their backside after United realised Miyazawa couldn’t be the only outlet for attack.
Yet, multiple times United’s defensive line was pulled apart because Harder ran one way, then another. The fullbacks kept forgetting space is left when they vacate it. Of United’s 46% possession, they registered 15 touches in Bayern’s box compared to Bayern’s 24 in theirs. For the third successive match, the final third became a Bermuda Triangle for decision-making. At full-time, Bayern head coach Jose Barcala described United’s possession as a time that his side didn’t “suffer”. “We were still comfortable in the uncomfortable,” he said.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Twice, though, United recovered. Despite defensive naivety. Despite Harder. That resilience – not least after 98 seconds – deserves lauding.
But here is where your orientation of United is required: Whether you see United as an ongoing rendering of resilience, an underdog in a new ecosystem keeping the heartbeat of a precarious tie still very much beating.
Or Manchester United, the Gary Neville-voiced version. The version that doesn’t win just one of seven matches against their top four Women’s Super League (WSL) rivals in all competitions this season (three of 16 if stretched to last). The version that should not keep finding itself on the wrong side of the Big Game Margins.
Champions League quarter-finals are all about margins and in them Bayern were simply more. More robust, more physical, more savvy, more secure. Bayern have graced this stage before. Eight times in fact, seven more times than United for those counting. At which point the time arrives to mention the default qualifier: That the last time there was a Champions League quarter-final at Old Trafford (the men’s tie against Barcelona in April 2019), United Women were in their first season of existence since their 2005 disbandment, rampaging through England’s second-tier. Bayern Munich were in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Harder was scoring 31 goals for Wolfsburg, reaching a Champions League quarter-final and winning the Fraun-Bundesliga.
Advertisement
Advertisement
And yet, there comes the gnawing. Because it’s difficult to keep making excuses. To keep reminding oneself of the distance travelled when, in the quiet spaces between, lurks the inkling that perhaps even greater lengths might have been travelled if there’d been just a little more investment, a little more care, a little more time to be on this stage and not forget that Harder — a two-time UEFA Player of the Year and 2019-20 Champions League Forward of the Season — is good at running in behind and making you bleed. Just a little more more from the people capable of providing it.
Instead, for successive seasons, United are staring down a defining juncture with a squad at breaking point. Defender Dominique Janssen and January signing Ellen Wangerheim joined full-back Anna Sandberg, forward Leah Galton and midfielder Ella Toone on the sidelines this week. So winger Fridolina Rolfo is playing left-back. Lisa Naalsund is trying to cover midfield. Miyazawa, who returned to Manchester after lifting the Asia Cup with Japan in Australia (a 24-hour flight and an 11-hour time difference) on Tuesday, is waltzing back into the starting XI the next day. Striker Elisabeth Terland, the only real attacking option on United’s bench, is unavailable because she’s exhausted and league leaders City await on Saturday in a match that could see United’s one-point lead over third-place Chelsea in the WSL table wiped out.
All of which beckons memories of the final weeks of last season, when United – still in the running for a second-place finish in the league and an FA Cup trophy – failed to win any of their last five matches and slipped to third in the league, starting with a goalless league draw away to West Ham before unravelling into 0-1 to Chelsea, 2-2 against City and 3-4 to Arsenal in the league and 0-3 to Chelsea at Wembley.
Advertisement
“The second leg will take us to the depths,” said United head coach Marc Skinner in Wednesday’s post-match press conference. “But if there’s anything I know about this team, it’s that that’s almost where we’ve had to live this year.”
Advertisement
There are congratulations in order for making it this far. A first-ever quarter-final in a debut European season. A tie that is still very much alive against one of Europe’s best. Still second in the WSL. But what is the plan to ensure United make it here next season? And further after that? Or, maybe, just to not have the team living in those depths perennially?
“I love this team, but we also are progressing at a speed where we’ve got to keep catching teams that have already had many years on us,” said Skinner. “I honestly think we aren’t too far away. I know the plan. We’ve talked about it internally. We have to recruit the right players to make sure we have the depth in these areas to go toe-toe with the best in Europe.
Advertisement
“City, Chelsea, Arsenal won’t stop. So if you pause for a second, you lose ground. We know that’s the way forward is to recruit better players for more experience. It’s the experience they get you over the line.”
The next two matches will be critical in doing so.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan shed light on the extensive level of preparation Rishabh Pant is undergoing with Yuvraj Singh ahead of the crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain is at a delicate stage in his career, especially after a poor IPL 2025 campaign after coming in as the most expensive player in the competition’s history.
Rishabh Pant has had a stunning slump in white-ball cricket in recent years. He has been a back-up wicket-keeper in the ODI setup, with only one appearance in the last three and a half years. The southpaw lost his place in the T20I team shortly after the T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, with the likes of Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson taking over.
Yuvraj Singh, who has closely worked with the likes of Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, and shaped their careers, was seen recently working with Rishabh Pant as well.
“It is very important that Rishabh Pant gets to bat during the powerplay. Nicholas Pooran has batted at No.3 for them, but Rishabh Pant must be locked in batting at No.3 so that he gets to bat in the powerplay. So, I believe that just lock it. After he worked with Yuvraj Singh, I spoke to Yuvi, and Yuvi told me that more than technical aspects, he worked with Rishabh on the mental side of the game. 3-4 hour sessions were dedicated to just talking,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
Rishabh Pant has not played competitive cricket since January 2026, when he led Delhi in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. He was part of the Team India ODI squad for the home series against New Zealand, but sustained an injury during a practice session ahead of the first ODI.
“He always seemed to be under pressure last year” – Irfan Pathan urges Rishabh Pant to enjoy his cricket in IPL 2026
Rishabh Pant struggled with the bat as well as a captain over the course of IPL 2025. The left-handed batter was often seen arguing with teammates, and having intense discussions in the dugout, which did not help his case, on top of the price tag pressure.
Advertisement
“There will be a lot of responsibility on Rishabh Pant. We will have to see what he does to get this team qualified. Whatever I have seen of him so far, he looks to be more fit and focused. He has spent 4-5 days with Yuvraj Singh as well. Now we will have to see how he brings those learnings onto the field. He always seemed to be under pressure last year. It seemed that he was not enjoying cricket. He needs to enjoy cricket,” Irfan Pathan said.
Rishabh Pant’s credentials were recently questioned by former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, but Irfan Pathan believes that the wicket-keeper has done more than enough to earn his reputation.
“Rishabh Pant has done well in this league, he has an average of 34 and a strike rate of around 150, and scored 3500 runs. This shows that you have shown your dominance in this league. The performances are there, match-winning innings are there, but it has to be taken further,” he added.
Rishabh Pant had not batted during LSG’s last practice game on March 24, but he is expected to hold the No.3 slot for the franchises in the upcoming season.
Blessedly as an act of soaring mercy, the 2026 Major League Baseball season is upon us. Opening Day is in the immediate offing, and soon we’ll have actual, for-keeps baseball games to distract us from the inferior remainder of human existence.
Specific to the 30 MLB teams that will do this honest work for us, there are questions — questions about how their 2026 seasons will go and which players will determine how those seasons go. Let’s explore those 30 questions now in suspenseful alphabetical order as a means to anticipate and proclaim the return of This, Our Baseball.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Biggest question: Can that rotation hold up?
There’s potential for disaster with this rotation. Zac Gallen was mostly bad last season and signed a one-year deal to try to re-establish his worth before diving back into free agency. Merrill Kelly is 37 and already dealing with back issues. Eduardo Rodriguez’s ERA has been above 5 both years in Arizona. Brandon Pfaadt got clobbered last season to the tune of a 5.25 ERA and his career mark is now 5.13 across more than 80 career starts. Corbin Burnes will miss most of the season. Ryne Nelson was good last year, but what’s his upside? Ace? Probably not. Mike Soroka hasn’t been a good starter for more than a few starts at a time since 2019.
Advertisement
There’s certainly upside in this group if you could be guaranteed to get the best versions of Gallen and Kelly while Nelson kept building on last season, Pfaadt put things together and Rodriguez could pitch back to 2023 form. If all these things happen, the Diamondbacks have a good rotation before they even think about getting Burnes and his ace-caliber stuff back in there.
Can all of that really come together, though? Realistically?
The most likely scenario here is the starting pitching is a problem. — Matt Snyder
It wasn’t even technically just “late.” The A’s were one of the worst teams in baseball through June 4, sitting 23-40. Things clicked after that, though, and they went 53-46 the rest of the way. If we started the standings on June 5, the A’s would’ve been a playoff team. Of course, we don’t do that; the horrific stretch of baseball that preceded that run mattered.
In looking toward 2026, the A’s are surely telling themselves that they found something. One thing they found was Nick Kurtz as a centerpiece and rising superstar. Shea Langeliers is a force as an offensive catcher. Brent Rooker is a quality middle-of-the-order slugger. Tyler Soderstrom runs hot and cold, but his hot streaks are glorious. Jeff McNeil and Jacob Wilson are capable of running high batting averages. It’s a really good lineup. Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs can look good in the rotation too, but there are questions all over the pitching staff.
Still, we might’ve seen a glimpse of the A’s turnaround last season. There’s good talent here, especially with the bats. — Matt Snyder
Biggest question: Do they have the depth to survive these injuries?
Even before spring training let out, the Braves lost Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow bone spurs), Spencer Strider (oblique), Hurston Waldrep (elbow bone spurs), and Joey Went (torn ACL) from the rotation. That’s a lot of pitching depth down for weeks, if not longer. Also, Reynaldo López’s fastball is missing about 4 mph after last year’s shoulder surgery. The Braves got slammed by injuries last year and they’re already heading down that road this year. The team’s pitching depth is not great. Injuries are part of the game and the best teams figure out a way to navigate them. Atlanta didn’t last year. Whether they can this year will shape their season. — Mike Axisa
Baltimore Orioles
Biggest question: Will their homegrown hitters actually hit?
Pitching was the No. 1 reason the Orioles underperformed so aggressively last season, but don’t let their homegrown hitters off the hook. Gunnar Henderson is great and he had a terrific season once he returned from his oblique strain. Colton Cowser, Jackson Holliday, Heston Kjerstad, Adley Rutschman, and Jordan Westburg all fell short of expectations. In some cases, far short. I’m willing to give Holliday a pass because he’s still so young. The others? Not so much. Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward bring needed righty power, and the rotation has been upgraded with Shane Baz and Chris Bassitt. Ultimately though, these homegrown hitters were the centerpiece of the rebuild and it’s time for everyone to join Henderson in pulling their weight. — Mike Axisa
There is more to this game than hitting home runs, but you do need them, and the best teams tend to hit a lot of them. The 2023 Arizona Diamondbacks are the only team in the last nine years to reach the World Series while finishing in the bottom half of the league in home runs during the regular season. Last year’s Red Sox finished 15th in home runs, and they’re projected to finish even lower this year:
A full season of Roman Anthony should help in the power department, ditto replacing Alex Bregman with Willson Contreras. Otherwise, there is not much reason to believe the Red Sox will hit the ball out of the ballpark at a rate typically seen by the game’s top teams. Their rotation is much improved and their defense should be better. Will they be able to put points on the board with one swing often enough? — Mike Axisa
Chicago Cubs
Biggest question: What will Bregman provide at the plate?
The departed Kyle Tucker — now with the Dodgers — indeed moved the needle for the Cubs last season with a 4.6 WAR in 136 games. That’s a quite significant loss and the Cubs will need to find a way to replace that lost value. Getting Pete Crow-Armstrong to hit like he did in the first half of the 2025 season is one path to doing so, but the more obvious one lies within Alex Bregman, the Cubs’ flagship addition of the offseason. Bregman upgrades the Cubs’ defense at the hot corner — they probably have the best infield defense in all of baseball now — and he’s an accomplished hitter of long-standing.
Advertisement
Still, the fit and Bregman’s future outlook at the plate raise questions about his offense moving forward. Wrigley Field is a tough environment for right-handed batters, of which Bregman is one. As well, Bregman has spent his entire career to date in Houston and Boston, which feature parks much friendlier toward right-handed hitters. On the other hand, Bregman has balanced home-road splits for his career (he’s actually been a bit better on the road), which tracks given that he’s a high-contact, all-fields kind of batsman. You can find some signs of soft decline in his expected stats over the last two seasons, and that’s something to monitor as he moves into his age-32 campaign. This is probably more of a question of how Bregman’s five-year pact with Chicago will age, but the ballpark fit bears monitoring right away. They could use vintage Bregman at the plate and in the field if they’re going to end the Brewers‘ run in the NL Central. — Dayn Perry
Chicago White Sox
Biggest question: Will the rebuild take the next step?
This winter’s trade of Luis Robert Jr. to the Mets was in some ways the capstone on the White Sox’s teardown process — a teardown that saw them crater to a record 121 losses in 2024. After the teardown comes the rebuild. With their veteran contributors largely departed, the focus now shifts to developing and improving the young talent that’s on hand. That’s the next step for a club that could possibly contend as soon as 2027. The projected lineup features seven hitters 26 years old or younger. The bench skews young as well, as do two of the five projected members of the rotation. That’s not to mention five consensus top-100 prospects still on the way, and the Sox will of course have the top overall pick in this year’s MLB Draft. Other questions flow from that central question above. Will Colson Montgomery scale his power outburst in 2025 to a full season in 2026? Will splash signing Munetaka Murakami — himself just 26 — make enough contact to tap fully into his impressive raw power? Which of those prospects will trickle into the South Side this season? It’s a big bridge year for Chicago. — Dayn Perry
The Reds throughout much of recent history have been known for scoring runs, thanks in part to the strong tendencies of Great American Ball Park. Last season, though, it was run prevention that carried them to their first playoff berth in a full season since 2013. The offense, meantime, ranked a mere 28th in MLB in xWOBA (what’s this?), which does not bode well for the 2026 season. On the upside for Cincy, there are causes for hope. Major offseason addition Eugenio Suárez is the new cleanup hitter, and he’s fresh off a 2025 resurgent campaign in which he racked up 49 homers and placed in the 89th percentile in barrel rate. As well, star shortstop Elly De La Cruz may have been on his way to an MVP-caliber season at the plate before a lingering quad injury sapped his production. Elsewhere, Matt McLain will be looking for a bounceback season as he gets further removed from the shoulder surgery that cost him all of 2024, and 22-year-old Sal Stewart has middle-of-the-order potential. Some of those factors will need to go the Reds’ way in 2026 if they’re to make it back to the postseason. — Dayn Perry
Cleveland Guardians
Biggest question: Can they score enough runs?
The Dolans are, perhaps somewhat quietly, some of the worst owners in the sport — utterly unwilling to invest in the product for so much of recent history despite receiving a quite substantial amount of money through revenue sharing. This time around, their lack of interest in the on-field product will be most keenly felt on offense. The Guardians last season finished strong to eke out the division title, but they did so despite a negative run differential. That was largely a reflection of the offense, which ranked 28th in MLB in runs scored, 29th in OPS, 28th in OPS+, 29th in wOBA, and 30th in xwOBA. That’s a terrible run-scoring attack, and the ever-excellent José Ramírez can do only so much. As for new additions, there’s … Rhys Hoskins, who made the team out of spring training as an NRI. Yes, the Guardians are among the very best at developing pitchers and Ramírez is a future Hall of Famer who’s still at the top of the game. The rest of the lineup, though, probably isn’t good enough to put the Guards in contention for another trip to the playoffs in 2026. That fatal flaw traces right back to ownership. — Dayn Perry
Biggest question: How many more games can they win?
Look, there’s no reason to sugarcoat this. The Rockies are awful and might be the worst team in baseball. They were historically bad last season and came close to the all-time record for losses with 119. They’ll improve because it’s very, very difficult to be that bad. The White Sox set the modern record with 121 losses in 2024 and were terrible again in 2025, but they ended up 60-102. Does that automatically mean that the Rockies will improve by roughly 20 games? Of course not. They’ll win more games, though, mark my words. The question is just how many more. — Matt Snyder
Detroit Tigers
Biggest question: Is this Tarik Skubal‘s last ride in Detroit?
The winner of the last two American League Cy Young awards and perhaps the best pitcher in all of baseball, Skubal will be in his walk year in 2026. The expectation is that he’ll again be at the top of his craft and position himself for a massive payday on the free agent market during the 2026-27 offseason. Or will the Tigers somehow manage to sign Skubal to an extension before that time comes? Signs at this juncture point resoundingly toward no. It’s exceedingly rare for a superstar like Skubal to sign an extension this close to reaching free agency, and the Tigers — meaning, mostly, lackluster owner Christopher Ilitch — have not behaved seriously toward their franchise talent. First came their extension talks following the 2024 season, in which the club reportedly made an offer that can’t be characterized as anything but insulting. Then came an absurdly low arbitration offer (the Tigers, not surprisingly, lost their arbitration hearing against Skubal). Consider all of this and, no, a late-hour extension for Skubal doesn’t seem plausible.
To the Tigers’ credit, they didn’t trade their ace of aces this past offseason, which makes them real threats to make the playoffs for the third straight year and favorites to win the division. As well, they fortified their rotation behind Skubal with Framber Valdez, the top starting pitcher on the free-agent market. They also brought back franchise legend Justin Verlander to stabilize the back end after Reese Olson underwent shoulder surgery that will sideline him all season. The arrival of top prospect infielder Kevin McGonigle, who made the Opening Day roster, should also help make Skubal’s (presumed) final season in Detroit a memorable one. The Tigers, though, shouldn’t let the Skubal era end without a good-faith, powerhouse effort to keep him around beyond 2026. — Dayn Perry
Advertisement
Houston Astros
Biggest question: How does the rotation fare?
There are plenty of offensive questions, but better health and a few bouncebacks are expected.
The rotation, though, is worrisome. Hunter Brown took a huge leap into acedom last season, but continued improvement is far from guaranteed. Cristian Javier has a 4.47 ERA in 46 starts in the last three seasons with a Tommy John surgery sandwiched in there. Tatsuya Imai was a beast in Japan, but sometimes pitchers struggle in the transition to Major League Baseball with the travel schedule (Japan only has one time zone, for example) and pitching once every five days instead of once a week. It’s hard to know exactly how he’ll fare. Lance McCullers missed all of 2023 and 2024 with injuries and had a 6.51 ERA in just 55 ⅓ innings last season. Mike Burrows could be good, but he has fewer than 100 innings of MLB experience and none with the Astros. Ryan Weiss is a 29-year-old minor-league journeyman who was in Korea last year.
It’s entirely possible to see something like Brown remaining an ace, Javier pitching like it’s 2022, Imai looking like a frontline starter all year, McCullers throwing it back to his prime, Burrows blossoming and Weiss bringing back frontline stuff from overseas. How likely is all of that, though? — Matt Snyder
Advertisement
Kansas City Royals
Biggest question: Will Jac Caglianone be the hitter they need?
There’s a lot to like about the Royals as they angle to notch a third straight winning season in 2026. There’s rotation depth, and ace Cole Ragans is a bounceback candidate this season. The Matt Strahm signing was a nice targeted strike that improves the bullpen. Bobby Witt Jr. will likely be in the American League MVP race once again and Maikel Garcia is one of the most underrated players in the game. They could, however, use additional power to complement what’s provided by Witt, Salvador Perez, and Vinnie Pasquantino. That brings us to Jac Caglianone.
The University of Florida product and the No. 6 overall pick of the 2024 Draft has big-time power, but getting to that power against more advanced competition is an issue thanks to his occasional swing-and-miss problems. Across 232 plate appearances with KC last season as a rookie, Cags had an OPS+ of just 49 and chased pitches outside the zone way too often. None of this is overly concerning for a 22 year old who was facing big-league pitching for the first time, but the Royals need Caglianone to flip the switch in 2026. Last season, KC ranked 26th in MLB in home runs and 18th in slugging, and Caglianone could address those deficits in direct fashion if he finds something close to his expected level of production in 2026. For what it’s worth, Caglianone this offseason is coming off a strong showing in camp and a strong showing as a lineup regular for Italy during their deep run in the World Baseball Classic. — Dayn Perry
The Angels look ticketed for last place in the AL West. They finished last in 2024 and 2025 and own the longest playoff drought in baseball, having missed the postseason every year since 2014. They’ve wasted Mike Trout‘s career and the years they had with Shohei Ohtani.
I hate going this hard because I always feel bad for the fan base. They deserve better. So instead, what we’ll do now is find some fun stuff.
Well, there’s Trout. He’ll never not be fun on a baseball field for me. That’s likely a stale answer, though. Jo Adell and Jorge Soler both have light-tower power so there’s always the chance to see some prodigious home runs.
Also, bring on Zach Neto! He’s still only 25 years old and is a very nice power-speed combo. In just 128 games last season, Neto had 26 home runs and 26 steals — meaning there’s 30-30 or more potential in there in a full season. The only 30-30 players in Angels history are Trout (2012) and Bobby Bonds (1977). — Matt Snyder
Advertisement
Los Angeles Dodgers
Biggest question: Will they threepeat?
The portmanteau threepeat was coined in Los Angeles when Pat Riley was discussing his “Showtime” Lakers. The most prominent baseball team in L.A. has never done it and the Dodgers have a shot this season, heading in as back-to-back champs. In fact, only the Yankees and A’s in MLB history have ever gone for a threepeat. This is how rare it is. These are the only times it has happened:
1936-39 Yankees
1949-53 Yankees
1972-74 A’s
1998-2000 Yankees
That’s it.
Can the Dodgers join that group? They are absolutely capable. The only question is will they. We’ll find out later this year, likely in mid-October at the earliest. Probably in late October.
As for the regular season, yeah, they likely cruise to the NL West title. Again. — Matt Snyder
Advertisement
Miami Marlins
Biggest question: Will they build on their strong finish to 2025?
Last year’s 79-83 record represented a 17-win improvement for the Marlins, and that 79-83 record hides a really strong finish. Miami went 25-41 in their first 66 games and 54-42 (91-win pace) in their final 96 games. Several young hitters began to emerge (Jakob Marsee, Agustín Ramírez, etc.) and pitching stabilized. The Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers trades removed some rotation depth, though lefties and top prospects Robby Snelling and Thomas White are knocking on the door. Are the Marlins good enough to contend for a postseason berth? I don’t think so, but a) I could be wrong, and b) the arrow is pointing up regardless. At minimum, a winning record should be the expectation in 2026. — Mike Axisa
Milwaukee Brewers
Biggest question: Can they once again survive the departure of multiple key contributors?
The Brewers are without question one of the smartest and most impressive organizations in all of baseball. They’re in a class with the Dodgers. In broad terms, they’re the National League’s answer to the Rays, in that they doggedly succeed year after year despite significant churn among their core contributors. The Rays right about now may be at risk of finding the limits of such an approach — or, to be more precise, the limits of consistent success despite paltry commitment from ownership.
Advertisement
But what of Milwaukee, which has won three straight division titles and made the playoffs in seven of the last eight years? This time around, they’ll be without ace Freddy Peralta (traded to the Mets in the offseason) and breakout infielder Caleb Durbin (traded to the Red Sox). The absence of Peralta may be acutely felt, as he’s reached at least 30 starts and 200 strikeouts in each of the last three seasons. There’s rotation depth in place and on the way in Milwaukee, but is there enough certainty post-Peralta? Brandon Woodruff is an ace when healthy, but that health is far from guaranteed. Will Jacob Misiorowski‘s command and control rise to meet his lights-out stuff? Will Luis Rengifo amply fill Durbin’s role? The model, impressive as it is, will be tested in 2026. — Dayn Perry
Minnesota Twins
Biggest question: Is the teardown complete?
Leading up to the 2025 trade deadline, no team was more active on the seller side than the Twins were. With front office turnover, a new manager, and persistent rumblings about a sale of the team, what’s ahead? It’s hard to see the Twins as contenders, even in the AL Central, and that’s especially the case after ace Pablo López was lost for the season to Tommy John surgery. If the Twins struggle in the first half, will franchise stalwart Byron Buxton be asked to consider waiving his no-trade clause? Will the underrated Joe Ryan be shopped to a contender? Will high-upside Royce Lewis be dangled now that he’s into his arbitration years? Those are the big unknowns, which fittingly reflect the uncertain future of the organization. — Dayn Perry
Biggest question: Will all the turnover equal more wins?
We’ll never truly know how much discord there was in the clubhouse last season, or whether it was something that had to be addressed or a narrative POBO David Stearns used as pretext to rebuild the roster in his image. What we do know for certain is it is now a much different clubhouse. The club’s four longest-tenured players were jettisoned in the offseason:
Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto and Mark Vientos will be only players in New York’s 2026 Opening Day lineup who were also in their 2025 Opening Day lineup. Soto changed positions too, shifting from right field over to left. The Mets emphasized defense up the middle with Luis Robert Jr. and Marcus Semien, and hitters with strong contact/power blends on the infield corners in Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco. They also added a new ace (Freddy Peralta) and have given the right field job to top position player prospect Carson Benge. The Mets will look much, much different this year, and, frankly, the change was needed. Will it result in more wins? In the end, that’s the only thing that matters. — Mike Axisa
New York Yankees
Biggest question: What will they get from their injured pitchers?
They might not come out and admit, but it sure feels like the Yankees are counting heavily on Gerrit Cole returning from Tommy John surgery as an instant ace. He looked good in his first spring training appearance and his rehab has gone very well, but still, it’s a lot to ask. Sandy Alcantara showed everyone last year that even the best pitchers can need time to get on track after having their elbow rebuilt. Cole is expected back in late May or early June. Carlos Rodón should return from his elbow surgery (loose bodies) in April. Clarke Schmidt (UCL surgery) is looking at an August or September return. The 2026 Yankees will look an awful lot like the 2025 Yankees. If Cole hits the ground running when he returns, he could swing the balance of power in the AL East. — Mike Axisa
Advertisement
Philadelphia Phillies
Biggest question: How much will the young players contribute?
Other than effectively swapping Nick Castellanos for Adolis García, the Phillies spent the offseason bringing back their own players. They’re banking on several prospects coming up and contributing right away. Justin Crawford (Carl’s son) is the starting center fielder and righty Andrew Painter is in the rotation. Later this year, infielder Aidan Miller could come up to play somewhere (likely third base). Ultimately, the Phillies will only go as far as Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, et al take them. The young players being able to limit the growing pains could be what separates Philadelphia in the NL East race. — Mike Axisa
Pittsburgh Pirates
Biggest question: When will the Konnor Griffin era begin?
The Pirates this winter finally ramped up their spending just a bit, what with a trio of (quite dubious) free-agent signings and a canny trade for Brandon Lowe. The big story, though, involves one of the best prospects in baseball, shortstop Konnor Griffin. The 19-year-old former No. 9 overall pick is coming off a 2025 campaign in which he slashed .333/.415/.527 across three different levels with 48 extra-base hits and 65 steals in 122 games. That was his first professional season. This spring, he started off magma-hot in Grapefruit League play before cooling off and getting optioned to the minors before the Opening Day active roster was set. The Pirates, who hope to matter this season, at some point could absolutely use Griffin’s bat in the lineup that struggled last season, especially at the shortstop position. As well, the arrival of Griffin would put a charge in a fan base that’s been worn down over the years by owner Bob Nutting’s abject neglect. The Pirates can justify starting Griffin off back in the minors since he’s not yet 20 and hasn’t even played at Triple-A. Barring the unexpected, though, he’ll make it to Pittsburgh this season. How soon and how much he helps the cause this season are the unknowns. First, though, he needs to thrive once again back on the farm. — Dayn Perry
Advertisement
St. Louis Cardinals
Biggest question: Will the young core take the next step?
The Cardinals under first-year president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom have drastically built out the player-development program, and they’ve also added lots of pitching and depth upside thanks to recent trades and other acquisitions by the Bloom regime. Now the focus becomes, to a large extent, developing the young talent that’s in the fold. Will Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman find a higher level as hitters and become a part of the young core? Will JJ Wetherholt‘s rookie season unfold as hoped? Will the velocity and swing and miss that’s been added to the organization make a difference in St. Louis this season, or is that more of a longer-term consideration? Will Masyn Winn take the next step as a hitter now that his knee has been surgically repaired? Will Dustin May get back to his old form and become a valuable deadline piece for the Cards? Speaking of trade candidates, will Lars Nootbaar produce after having surgery on both heels and be moved in the first half? Are Iván Herrera and his cleaned-up elbow capable of controlling the running game, or is a permanent move off the catcher position ahead? The 2026 season probably won’t bring contention to St. Louis, but it will be a clarifying campaign on many fronts. — Dayn Perry
San Diego Padres
Biggest question: Can the depth pieces step up?
There’s no question the Padres have the top-shelf talent needed to make the Dodgers sweat and maybe even to win a World Series. Fernando Tatís Jr. is capable of winning MVP. Hell, Manny Machado still might be. He finished second in 2022 and is still only 33 years old. Jackson Merrill and Xander Bogaerts look like All-Stars at their best. The rotation has three pitchers for whom you could say the same. The bullpen could be the strongest in all of baseball, or at least when we narrow it down to the late-inning guys.
Advertisement
The roster depth is the concern. The Padres have a litany of main characters, but the problem here might be the supporting cast. The back half of the lineup can’t afford to be terrible. The fourth and fifth spots in the rotation can’t just be batting practice for opposing teams. They can’t rely on just a few arms in the bullpen to pitch every single time they are winning a close game.
The Padres are on one of the better runs in club history. They’ve made the playoffs in four out of five seasons and had previously only been to the postseason five times in 52 years. There’s an NLCS appearance in there, too. But they haven’t won the pennant in this five-year stretch and remain one of five MLB clubs with zero World Series titles.
New manager Craig Stammen needs his studs to be studs, yeah, but he needs the supporting cast to step up if this season is to be special in San Diego. — Matt Snyder
Biggest question: How does the Tony Vitello hire work?
Surely there will be some sort of transition phase with the new Giants manager, who was hired straight from the University of Tennessee. This isn’t like jumping from college to the pros in football or basketball, and college baseball coaches can be dictatorial. That won’t fly in the majors with high-priced talent on this team like Rafael Devers, Logan Webb, Willy Adames and Matt Chapman.
Tony Vitello traveled in the offseason to meet his players, including the Dominican Republic (Adames and Devers) and South Korea (Jung Hoo Lee), then gave a speech at the start of camp to the entire organization. He got rave reviews from his players. Will that translate on the field?
Seattle Mariners
Biggest question: Can they take the next step?
The Mariners were once one of the worst franchises in baseball, but they rose to respectability in the mid-90s and have since been the biggest tease to their fan base. They’ve had all-time greats like Ken Griffey Jr., Ichiro Suzuki, Randy Johnson and Edgar Martinez (and A-Rod … and King Felix … ), but have the unfortunate distinction of being the only franchise with zero World Series appearances.
Advertisement
It isn’t just that, though. We can’t forget about the regular-season collapses. They set an MLB record with 116 wins in 2001 and failed to win even two games in the ALCS. In 2022, they finally got their first home playoff game since 2001 and scored zero runs in 18 innings in front of what started as a raucous crowd. Last year felt different for a while. They had that 3-2 ALCS lead after a five-run eighth inning in Game 5 — headlined by a Eugenio Suárez grand slam — sent T-Mobile Park into a frenzy. And then they lost the next two games.
That was the closest they’d ever come. The fans are as excited as ever now for 2026. Will the tease job continue or can the Mariners finally break through?
The rotation is on point, though there isn’t much margin for error concerning a terrible season or injury from one or two of them. The bullpen looks good, too, but sometimes those things go south. The lineup is capable, albeit with questions to answer. Things need to break right. My concern is that there isn’t enough depth to absorb a few bad outcomes, along with the reality that Cal Raleigh can’t possibly replicate what he did last season.
They have a very good roster, though, and the American League seems wide open. The front office needs to be ready to strike at the deadline, again, just like last year. — Matt Snyder
Advertisement
Tampa Bay Rays
Biggest question: What can Junior Caminero do for an encore?
Well, he can star in the World Baseball Classic. We know that much. Junior Caminero went 7 for 20 (.350) with three home runs in the Dominican Republic’s six games and was arguably the most dangerous hitter on a team that included Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, and Fernando Tatis Jr. Last season, Caminero slugged 45 home runs for the Rays, the second most ever for a player in his 21 season (Hall of Famer Eddie Mathews hit 47 in 1953). Tampa finished in last place last season, then subtracted some pieces over the winter (Brandon Lowe, Shane Baz, etc.). To have any shot at contention in 2026, they’ll need Caminero to not just repeat his big 2025, but improve upon it. — Mike Axisa
Texas Rangers
Biggest question: Can the rotation carry them?
The upside of this rotation is the best in baseball. I have them fourth right now and that might end up being too low. There are ace-caliber arms and there is depth. It could be so great. There are questions in the bullpen, though, and the lineup has taken a huge tumble since being such a force in 2023. Last season, the Rangers finished 23rd in runs scored and 26th in OPS.
Advertisement
They swapped out Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo and let Adolis García walk, giving the top of the order a makeover. They’ll need Wyatt Langford to become the star everyone thinks he can be while Corey Seager stays as healthy as can be expected. Still, that leaves the bottom part of the lineup. Is the Evan Carter breakout coming? Is there more from Joshes Jung and/or Smith? Jake Burger and Joc Pederson must be better to make this work, but are they capable?
That’s a lot of questions. The rotation has to be the engine here. — Matt Snyder
Toronto Blue Jays
Biggest question: Will all that go their way again?
In addition to being an excellent team, the Blue Jays had a lot break their way last season. Several role players, including backup catcher Tyler Heineman and extra outfielder Myles Straw, performed way above expectations, plus George Springer had close to a career year offensively at age 35. Teams that go to the World Series tend to have players come out of nowhere to perform unexpectedly well. That was the case with Toronto last season. There are already some cracks in the rotation (José Berríos’ elbow, Shane Bieber‘s forearm, Trey Yesavage‘s shoulder) shrinking their margin of error. As good as they are, the Blue Jays could use a little of that 2025 magic early in 2026. — Mike Axisa
Advertisement
Washington Nationals
Biggest question: What would qualify as a successful season?
The Nationals won the World Series in 2019 and only the Rockies have lost more games since. Longtime GM Mike Rizzo was let go last summer and, in the offseason, new POBO Paul Toboni was brought in to get the organization up to speed. The Nationals had fallen behind in just about everything that matters. Analytics, scouting, player development, you name it. A sixth straight 90-loss season is the likely outcome here, but that doesn’t mean Washington can’t have a good season. Success for them would be young players like Dylan Crews and Harry Ford (both starting the year in Triple-A) emerging as legitimate building blocks, and some veterans playing their way into trade value. Think Zack Littell, Miles Mikolas, etc. The Nationals have had bad seasons the last few years. Will the 2026 team have a bad season that at least shows some signs of hope and progress? — Mike Axisa
Kylie Kelce preferred not to share any details about Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s wedding. Reports suggested that the couple is likely to tie the knot in the offseason. However, their family members remained tight-lipped on the matter.
Kylie Kelce made a guest appearance on a recent episode of the “Conversations with Cam” podcast, where she opened up about her personal life and her kids, and was also asked about her brother-in-law’s wedding plans. However, the “Not Gonna Lie” podcast hosts cleverly dodged the questions and didn’t share any details.
Thanks for the submission!
Advertisement
“I would love to give you all the details,” Kelce said (1:19:55). “I don’t have them.”
Advertisement
•
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
Kylie Kelce is married to Travis Kelce’s older brother, Jason Kelce. The couple met on a dating app in 2014 and, after dating for four years, tied the knot in 2018. They were blessed with four children.
Their elder daughter, Wyatt, was born in 2019, and in 2021, they were blessed with a second baby girl, Elliotte Ray Kelce. Elliotte Ray Kelce was born in March 2021, and then last year in March, they were blessed with a fourth baby girl named Finnley “Finn” Anne Kelce.
Travis Kelce sneaks sweet tribute to Taylor Swift ahead of Chiefs deal
Travis Kelce has shown special attention to Taylor Swift before signing his deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. There has been a long discussion surrounding Kelce’s future with the Chiefs.
Advertisement
However, the NFL star recently signed a three-year contract worth $54.7 million. Before signing the deal, Kelce made sure to pay a subtle tribute to his fiancée, Taylor Swift.
There is a picture of the Grammy-winning singer inside the halls of Arrowhead Stadium. While walking through the hall to sign the contract, Kelce waved at the poster.
Travis Kelce proposed to Taylor Swift last year after dating for a while. They started dating in mid-2023 and are likely to tie the knot before training camp starts, according to ESPN’s insider Nate Taylor.
Brilliant as Wales were against North Macedonia, the performance was not without its blemishes.
The visitors’ goal was alarmingly simple, with one pass from their own half splitting the Welsh midfield and defence to allow Bojan Miovski time and space in the penalty area to finish.
That was not an isolated incident during the campaign. One drawback of Wales’ enterprising style under Bellamy is the way in which it can leave them defensively vulnerable.
Group winners Belgium exposed that frailty, scoring eight goals during their two victories over Wales.
Advertisement
The Belgians’ 4-2 triumph in Cardiff was the starkest illustration. Wales enjoyed plenty of possession but left an alarming amount of space behind for the likes of Jeremy Doku, who cut loose at Cardiff City Stadium.
Bosnia do not possess the same firepower as Belgium, but Wales cannot afford to gift their opponents those opportunities.
“A chaotic game will not suit us, it suits them,” said Bellamy. “It’s very important that we’re able to move the ball, wait for the openings, and then find the openings.
“And if we do look for the openings, make sure we’re compact enough because, if we don’t, we leave space.”
Advertisement
Cut out the individual errors and lapses in concentration and the home side should be confident of progressing against opponents 36 places below them in the world rankings.
At home and with Bellamy’s words of encouragement ringing in their ears, Wales believe they can beat anyone.
“Bosnia are defensively well organised, very good individual players who are playing with very good teams,” said Bellamy.
“It’s what we do during the game, how we adapt. We have to be patient. We’re experienced enough to smell the game, see what’s happening during the game, to be able to react.
Advertisement
“Do you know why I’m calm? Because we’re such a good team.”
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – MARCH 24: Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates after defeating Belinda Bencic of Switzerland during day 8 of the Miami open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 24, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Coco Gauff fought her way into the semifinals of the Miami Open 2026 with a 6–3, 1–6, 6–3 win over Belinda Bencic.
Bencic, despite dealing with an injury, produced high-level tennis and pushed Gauff throughout.
After taking the first set, Gauff saw Bencic respond strongly in the second before the match was decided in a tight third set. Gauff had to recover from a breakdown before taking control late.
Advertisement
“It was a tough match. Belinda is a tough player. Every time we play, it’s a long match.”
“It took a lot of running today, some falls. I’m really proud of how I fought today.”
Gauff highlighted her ability to respond under pressure as the key difference:
Advertisement
“My opponent raised her level today. I was able to raise it in the 3rd.”
The win marks: her first Miami Open semifinal her third consecutive win over Bencic
Two-weight world champion Tim Bradley has predicted how a fight between David Benavidez and Jai Opetaia would go.
Benavidez has reigned at super-middleweight and currently holds the WBC light-heavyweight world title, but ‘The Mexican Monster’ is seeking honours in a third division, scheduled for a tough test against unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez in May.
Should he be successful, it is unknown whether Benavidez could be persuaded to stick around as a cruiserweight or whether he will stay true to his word and return to light-heavyweight, in pursuit of a clash with Dmitry Bivol.
Advertisement
However, if he opts to remain at 200lbs, Opetaia is the man that fans will be demanding him to face, despite the fact that the Australian has been stripped of his IBF world title, after outpointing Brandon Glanton on his Zuffa Boxing debut.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Hall of Fame inductee Bradley spoke of that potential clash, where he explained why he believes Benavidez would have little trouble in handing Opetaia a first career defeat.
“He [Benavidez] would have stopped Glanton, he would have served him. I understand that styles make fights, I get that. However, s**t, Benavidez’s style breaks through anything, breaks through any style. He has been in there with boxers, he was in there with [David] Morrell, that can punch, he can box, southpaw just like Jai Opetaia.
“Y’all didn’t see his last couple of fights beforehand? Y’all ain’t see his fight with [Mairis] Briedis? Bro, the dude ran out of juice, he ran out of gas and Briedis is a small dude. Benavidez trains at 200lbs and then he works his way down to 175lbs.
“He has still got that hand speed and quickness and has probably got more pop in his shots at 200lbs or at 190. At cruiserweight, he is going to be cold, he is about to beat the s**t out of Ramirez, he is about to whoop Ramirez’s a** … After that, Jai Opetaia is going to get it too.”
Advertisement
Zurdo-Benavidez takes place on Saturday, May 2, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, whilst Opetaia is plotting his next move after being stripped of his IBF belt.
Next weekend’s cruiserweight clash between Viddal Riley and Mateusz Masternak has now become all the more meaningful, with the victor expected to earn a shot at the vacant IBF crown, likely against former WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith.
Lana began in WWE as a manager and started wrestling in the latter half of her run. However, she is no longer involved in the Stamford-based promotion and is focused on other paths. One of them is exploring her time on the stage doing stand-up comedy.
Lana, aka CJ Perry, will be performing stand-up for the first time on Thursday, March 26, at The Comedy Chateau in North Hollywood, CA, with an open mic lineup at 7 PM. The show is free, but fans need to RSVP where CJ will be trying out her comic material.
Thanks for the submission!
Advertisement
“Tomorrow will be my first ever Stand up Comedy show in LA !!!! Please rsvp and come out and have fun with me.” wrote CJ Perry
Perry is currently under a WWE Legends contract, though. Her husband, Rusev, is still in the company wrestling on RAW. However, CJ has confirmed to have retired from wrestling since 2021. It will be exciting to see how Perry’s future in stand-up comedy shapes up after her first show in LA.
Advertisement
We at Sportskeeda congratulate CJ Perry and wish her the best for her first stand-up show.
WWE star Sami Zayn also performed a comedy show
Sami Zayn hosted a comedy show in 2024. However, it wasn’t a typical stand-up comedy event but was an extensive one with cameos. It was billed as a comedy and variety show with his monologues and chats with guests. The show, Sami Zayn & Friends, debuted at the Netflix Is a Joke festival in 2025.
Zayn then picked it up from there and did two more shows of it on his own. First around the Money in the Bank 2024 weekend in Toronto and then at the SummerSlam 2024 weekend in Cleveland.
Advertisement
Why did you not like this content?
Was this article helpful?
Advertisement
Thank You for feedback
Read all the hottest WWE news from Sportskeeda by choosing us as your preferred source. Click HERE.
Coco Gauff didn’t just win her way through the Miami Open 2026. She picked up an unexpected tip along the way.
After her match, Gauff revealed that a simple fan tweet influenced her approach:
“Honestly, I saw a tweet saying I should go to the net more… I was like, ‘Yeah, you’re right. I win a lot of points at the net.’”
Advertisement
And she actually used it.
Coming forward more, finishing points earlier. It worked. She adjusted, and she won.
So when Aryna Sabalenka spoke to the media, she was asked about it, whether players really take advice from social media, especially at this level.
Advertisement
She replied:
“Of course, I see some of the things.. but for some reason I see more negative than positive about myself.”
“So I try not to really look deep and whenever I see my picture or something about myself I go to the next one because sometimes people are just being rude and mean to all of us.”
“I feel like it’s not really worth reading and going through.”
Advertisement
But she still found the humor in Gauff’s approach:
“But.. well, if she helped, it helped. We’re all different right? Thanks for telling me.. now I’m gonna be ready that she’s coming to the net ”
You must be logged in to post a comment Login