Photos: Chicago Cubs take the series with a 7-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds
Photos from the Chicago Cubs' 7-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on Sunday, June 1, 2025. MLB players wore jersey patches with No. 4 in honor of Lou Gehrig Day.
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New York Times
32 minutes ago
- New York Times
MLB teams most likely to be sellers at trade deadline — and the players they could shop
With the calendar flipping to June, the MLB trade deadline is less than two months away. That leaves about eight weeks for contending teams to make deals to acquire players to improve their rosters, and eight weeks for non-contenders to start to rebuild for 2026 and beyond. Of course, there's a lot of baseball to be played between now and the July 31 deadline, but the landscape is starting to take shape. So let's begin to take stock, with the caveat that there will be changes along the way that no one can foresee. Advertisement Below are the nine teams that I currently believe will become 'sellers' at this year's trade deadline, but keep in mind several other teams that remain in contention now will join this list by the All-Star break (or shortly thereafter). It's pretty obvious, based on their records and low expectations entering the season, that the Rockies, White Sox, Pirates, Athletics, Marlins and Angels will be selling. Meanwhile, the Nationals, although hovering around .500, are a year away from legitimately contending, so they, too, need to focus on future seasons, and I expect them to ultimately be sellers. That leaves two surprise sellers on my initial list: the Orioles and Diamondbacks. At the start of the season, I thought both would make the playoffs as wild-card teams, but they've underperformed. Their pitching staffs have been riddled with injuries and just haven't delivered. The Orioles' staff ranks 28th in the majors with a 5.27 ERA, while the D-Backs' pitchers haven't fared much better (24th, 4.81 ERA). Baltimore is in worse shape, in the standings and overall — Arizona's offense ranks fourth in MLB in OPS and fifth in runs scored — but both teams have dug holes and, barring a change in fortune, it's probably best they become sellers. As the Orioles and Diamondbacks weigh whether to sell, they'll consider that they could become the headliners of this trade deadline in a sellers' market. They could both make shrewd trade deadline deals, then enter the offseason a key free agent or two away from contending again next year. Since most of this year's likely sellers don't have a lot of talent to trade, Baltimore and Arizona could take advantage of the lackluster market. The Orioles could dangle impact bat Ryan O'Hearn (175 OPS+), elite center fielder Cedrick Mullins and veteran starting pitchers such as Zach Eflin and Tomoyuki Sugano. The Diamondbacks, particularly if they learn ace Corbin Burnes will miss significant time with an elbow injury, could make starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly available in trade talks and could put first baseman Josh Naylor on the trade market too. All seven of those players are impending free agents. Advertisement It can be a tough and unpopular call to sell in these situations, and both teams have time to make that decision. Both expected to play in the postseason this year, but if they instead play at the trade deadline, then next year they could be in a much stronger position for October baseball. For now, here is my take on the nine teams that I believe will be sellers at the trade deadline, along with the players they could shop or contenders would covet. Starting pitchers: The Rockies don't have much to trade from their majors-worst rotation, but a team could take a chance on Kyle Freeland, who has posted a 4.29 ERA over six road starts this season. Freeland, 32, is making $16 million this year and will earn $16 million in 2026, plus has a $17 million vesting option for 2027 that's triggered if he reaches 170 innings next year. He's a back-of-the-rotation lefty who could benefit from a change of scenery and not having to pitch half his games in Coors Field. Relief pitchers: Colorado could dangle its two closers, Zach Agnos and Seth Halvorsen, or even set-up relievers such as Jake Bird and Victor Vodnik. The historically bad Rockies are in no position to hang onto relievers if they could be dealt for either starting pitching prospects or everyday position players at any level. Catchers/Infielders: Veteran third baseman Ryan McMahon is a trade candidate with the positional flexibility to also play second base. He's signed through 2027 and will make $32 million over the final two years of the contract. However, he has struggled this year at the plate (83 OPS+) and just doesn't have the trade value he possessed in the past four years, when he averaged 20-plus home runs per season. Shortstop Ezequiel Tovar is their most valuable infielder, but he's an important building block and not going anywhere. Advertisement Outfielders/DH: Their most valuable outfielder, center fielder Brenton Doyle, is having a down year, but the two-time Gold Glove Award winner is a keeper for the long term. Jordan Beck has some value, but the second-year major leaguer is unlikely to be moved. Most likely to be traded: LHP Kyle Freeland, 3B Ryan McMahon, RHP Seth Halvorsen Starting pitchers: The White Sox are developing a young rotation that includes Shane Smith, Sean Burke, Davis Martin and Jonathan Cannon — none of whom is expected to get traded. Adrian Houser, the lone healthy veteran in their rotation, could be dealt to a team looking for back-of-the-rotation depth. Relief pitchers: Steven Wilson will probably be traded. The veteran righty will be arbitration-eligible for two more years. He's allowed only one run over his past seven appearances and has a 2.16 ERA on the season. Catchers/Infielders: Miguel Vargas is the only infielder the White Sox could get nibbles on. The ex-Dodger has had a solid season at third base with eight homers, 15 doubles and 26 RBIs, and he has some positional flexibility. However, Vargas is only 25 years old and Chicago is not looking to trade him. Outfielders/DH: Luis Robert Jr. is their top trade chip, but he's had a brutal start to the season, batting just .177 with a .266 on-base percentage. He does have five homers and 21 stolen bases and plays plus defense in center field, but — unless he starts raking in June and July — the White Sox's asking price will have to come way down. Most likely to be traded: CF Luis Robert Jr., RHP Adrian Houser and RHP Stephen Wilson Starting pitchers: The Pirates can shop veteran lefty Andrew Heaney, an impending free agent. He has posted a 3.39 ERA over 12 starts and can help eat innings at the back of a rotation. They are less likely to trade from the rest of their rotation, which includes ace Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and Bailey Falter along with Jared Jones, who underwent season-ending elbow surgery. Advertisement Relief pitchers: Pittsburgh has several relievers to trade including closers Dennis Santana and David Bednar, who are a combined 11-for-11 in save opportunities this season, and veteran lefty relievers Caleb Ferguson and Ryan Borucki. Catchers/Infielders: Second baseman Adam Frazier and shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa can be shopped, but they would be merely extra players on a contending team rather than starting, like they do for Pittsburgh. The Pirates could explore trading third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes, but he's having another poor offensive season and his power has never arrived. Hayes is signed through 2029, and although he'll make an affordable $7.5 million annually over the next four years and deliver strong defense, most teams wouldn't want his contract. Outfielders/DH: It's unlikely the Pirates trade any of their outfielders. Oneil Cruz, their best player, isn't going anywhere. Bryan Reynolds is having a down year and is owed more than $15 million per year through 2030. DH Andrew McCutchen is expected to finish his career as a Pirate. Most likely to be traded: LHP Andrew Heaney, RHP Dennis Santana, 2B/OF Adam Frazier Starting pitchers: The A's could listen to inquiries on lefty Jeffrey Springs, whom they acquired in a trade with the Rays in the offseason, and fellow southpaw JP Sears; both have multiple years of team control. It's not like they'd want to move either, but they'd at least listen in case they get a compelling offer. Relief pitchers: Every contender would want the A's closer, Mason Miller, but there is no indication they'll trade him. Don't be surprised if they at least listen on Miller, who is under team control through 2029, as he could bring back a franchise-changing haul in prospects. It's more likely they move righty Tyler Ferguson, who has a 3.76 ERA over 27 appearances. Catchers/Infielders: The A's have a solid young infield but they're movable pieces are backup players such as Miguel Andujar (strained oblique), Luis Urías or Gio Urshela (hamstring strain). However, two of the three are on the injured list and none of them has much trade value. Advertisement Outfielders/DH: It's unlikely an outfielder or DH is moved. Most likely to be traded: LHP Jeffrey Springs, RHP Tyler Ferguson, 3B/OF Miguel Andujar Starting pitchers: After losing their best starter (Corbin Burnes) in free agency to the Diamondbacks last offseason and their next best starter (Grayson Rodriguez) to the IL this season with elbow inflammation, the Orioles will need to listen to trade offers on the rest of their rotation to begin their reboot in earnest. Tomoyuki Sugano is having a solid first year in MLB (3.23 ERA over 11 starts), but he's 35 years old. Zach Eflin will be a free agent at season's end, so dealing the righty for prospects and then trying to re-sign him in the offseason probably makes sense. Also, despite his poor start to the season, if Charlie Morton (6.20 ERA) can put together a string of good outings, he's another veteran who could be traded. Relief pitchers: The Orioles don't want to move their impact closer, Félix Bautista, who is under team control through 2027, but they'll at least listen to see if they get an overwhelming offer. Otherwise, veterans such as righty Seranthony Domínguez and lefty Gregory Soto, both impending free agents, should be traded. The Orioles might even listen to inquiries on Yennier Cano and Keegan Akin to see if some team will offer solid pitching prospects in return. They must rebuild their pitching staff with younger arms. Catchers/Infielders: The Orioles can shop both of their first base/DH power bats in Ryan O'Hearn and Ryan Mountcastle. O'Hearn, who is slashing .329/.416/.535 with nine homers and 22 RBIs, has the most trade value of any Orioles player. He will be a free agent after this season. Mountcastle is on the IL with a strained hamstring but his raw right-handed power still has some value. That said, his home run totals have declined every year since 2021. Outfielders/DH: Cedric Mullins is also on the IL with a strained hamstring but should be healthy by the trade deadline. An elite defensive center fielder, Mullins is having a solid offensive year with 10 homers, eight steals and a 123 OPS+ in 50 games. He will be a free agent after the season. Most likely to be traded: 1B/DH Ryan O'Hearn, CF Cedric Mullins, RHP Zach Eflin Advertisement Starting pitchers: In March, Sandy Alcantara was expected to be a headliner of this year's trade deadline, but he hasn't been able to regain his Cy Young Award form of 2022 after returning from Tommy John surgery. It would be foolish for the Marlins to swap Alcantara with his ERA so high (8.47 ERA) and trade value so low. They'll need to wait until the offseason or next year's deadline — he's under team control through 2027 — before they consider trading him. The rest of the Marlins' rotation consists of 25- to 27-year-old starters like Max Meyer, Ryan Weathers and Edward Cabrera who are building blocks. That leaves veteran Cal Quantrill as the only likely trade chip from this group, but he has a 5.84 ERA over 11 starts. Relief pitchers: The Marlins could listen to offers on some of their relievers including Ronny Henriquez (2.20 ERA, 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings), Jesus Tinoco (5.12 ERA, four saves), Calvin Faucher (4.95 ERA, four saves) and Anthony Bender (1.52 ERA). Catchers/Infielders: They really don't have anything to trade in the infield as it is filled with young, developing players with minimal service time. Outfielders/DH: The same can be said for the outfield and DH positions, though right fielder Jesús Sánchez is an exception. He will be arbitration-eligible in 2026 and is a left-handed bat (109 OPS+) some contending teams could chase. Most likely to be traded: RF Jesús Sánchez, RHP Cal Quantrill, RHP Anthony Bender Starting pitchers: The Angels could shop their best starter, Yusei Kikuchi (3.06 ERA), but it's unlikely they trade the lefty after signing him to a three-year, $63 million deal to headline their offseason. They could dangle José Soriano or Tyler Anderson, both of whom have ERAs under 3.90 this season. Anderson, 35, will be a free agent after this season. Advertisement Relief pitchers: Kenley Jansen is 12-for-12 in save opportunities and should have some trade value. Other relievers who could get moved include Ryan Zeferjahn and Brock Burke. Catchers/Infielders: Veteran catcher Travis d'Arnaud could get traded to a contender as could versatile infielder Luis Rengifo and maybe even third baseman Yoán Moncada (IL). D'Arnaud is signed through 2026, while the other two are impending free agents. Outfielders/DH: Left fielder Taylor Ward could bring back the best prospect package. He has 16 homers and 11 doubles with a .271 on-base percentage and is under team control through next year. Jorge Soler and his power bat could be traded again, and it probably makes sense for the Angels to get out of his contract ($16 million per year through 2026) if possible. Most likely to be traded: LF Taylor Ward, RHP Kensley Jansen, LHP Tyler Anderson Starting pitchers: Veterans Michael Soroka and Trevor Williams could get moved if they have a strong run of starts in June and July. Both are back-of-the-rotation inning-eaters at this point. Relief pitchers: The Nationals didn't trade closer Kyle Finnegan at last year's trade deadline and then were able to re-sign him in the offseason on an affordable one-year contract. Finnegan has 16 saves and a 2.61 ERA, and I'll be surprised if he isn't traded at this year's deadline. Lefty Andrew Chafin, who has been traded at the deadline two years in a row, could be on the move again. He has a 2.00 ERA in 12 appearances and left-handed batters are hitting .200 against him. Catchers/infielders: The only infielders who could get traded are utility types such as Amed Rosario and Paul DeJong, the latter of whom is on the IL with a broken nose. Outfielders/DH: They won't trade from their young outfield of James Wood in left, Robert Hassell III in center and Dylan Crews in right, although if center fielder Jacob Young comes back healthy from a sprained shoulder, he could get moved. He's a plus defender who can really run in center, ranking in the 94th percentile in sprint speed and the 85th percentile in outs above average (defensive range). In addition, Josh Bell could be traded again, but he'll have to perform much better in June and July for anyone to have interest. Advertisement Most likely to be traded: RHP Kyle Finnegan, CF Jacob Young, LHP Andrew Chafin Starting pitchers: Corbin Burnes underwent an MRI after exiting Sunday's game with an elbow issue. If the Diamondbacks get bad news on Burnes, they could become surprise sellers at the trade deadline, and if that happens, they could trade Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly as both are impending free agents. Gallen is having a subpar year — he's logged a 5.54 ERA, more than two runs over his career mark — and would have to pitch much better over his next five to six starts for the Diamondbacks to get anything close to his value if he were pitching at his accustomed level. Relief pitchers: The Diamondbacks could shop veteran relievers such as Shelby Miller, Jalen Beeks, Ryan Thompson and Kendall Graveman, all of whom are in their 30s. Catchers/Infielders: Arizona made a great trade in the offseason to land first baseman Josh Naylor, but if they pivot to selling, he will probably get dealt again given he's in his free-agent walk year. Naylor, 27, would be an excellent fit for the Seattle Mariners or Cincinnati Reds. Outfielders/DH: Randal Grichuk could be dealt to a team that needs an extra outfielder; he has some power and has learned how to come off the bench successfully. Most likely to be traded: RHP Zac Gallen, 1B Josh Naylor, RHP Shelby Miller (Top image photos: Ryan O'Hearn: Winslow Townson / Getty Images; Taylor Ward: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)
New York Times
36 minutes ago
- New York Times
Mets are recalling Ronny Mauricio after apparent injury to Mark Vientos: Source
LOS ANGELES — Ronny Mauricio is headed back to the major leagues earlier than expected. Mauricio, a former top prospect who missed all of last season after knee surgery, is joining the New York Mets in Los Angeles for the second game of their series against the Dodgers, a league source confirmed to The Athletic. Advertisement While the corresponding roster move is not yet known, the Mets ran tests on third baseman Mark Vientos after he stumbled out of the batter's box and grabbed his hamstring during the Mets' 4-3 win over the Dodgers Monday night. The severity of Vientos' potential injury was not clear immediately after the game, but Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said, 'Didn't look good. He's going through all the testing. We gotta wait and see.' Mauricio got off to an impressive start with Triple-A Syracuse this season. In nine games and 39 plate appearances, Mauricio, a switch-hitter, slashed .515/.564/.818 with three home runs and four stolen bases. Mauricio, who debuted with the Mets in 2023, is known for his ability to hit balls exceedingly hard. The Mets intended to proceed slowly with Mauricio because he was increasing his volume of game action, and their infield already appeared crowded. However, an injury to their infield group changes things significantly. Mauricio played full back-to-back games in the field for the first time last week on May 28-29 and again on May 31-June 1. With Syracuse, he has appeared at second base and third base. Earlier in his rehab assignment, Mauricio played shortstop, his primary position as he has moved through the Mets' farm system. The Mets have recently used a combination of Vientos and Brett Baty at third base, with Baty, Jeff McNeil and Luisangel Acuña seeing time at second. Acuña, however, posted just a .476 OPS in May and has appeared mostly as a defensive replacement later in games over the last couple weeks. With Baty gaining more starts at third base recently, Vientos saw time at designated hitter, which could create another path for playing time for Mauricio. At DH, the Mets have also used Starling Marte against left-handers and Jared Young against right-handers.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Kyle Kirkwood wins Detroit Grand Prix, takes second IndyCar race of 2025
When Kyle Kirkwood was asked what happened when Will Power latched onto the back of his car during the first practice lap on Friday, May 30, his annoyance seemed softened by his top-position finish: 'I'm not upset. I don't care. We're P1,' he said. Advertisement He was able to say that again on Sunday, June 1, winning the 2025 Detroit Grand Prix. And he seemed a lot happier with this result than he felt Friday. This is Kirkwood's second win of the IndyCar season, following his win at the 2025 Grand Prix of Long Beach. His best finish in Detroit previously came in 2024, when he finished in fourth place. IndyCar driver Andretti Global's Kyle Kirkwood celebrates winning the Detroit Grand Prix in Detroit on Sunday, June 1, 2025. "The car was flawless," he said. "We were definitely the fastest, and on the restarts, man, the car just came alive." Finishing second was Santino Ferrucci in the No. 14 car, who celebrated his second IndyCar podium and best finish of his young career in IndyCar. Colton Herta, who started the race in the pole position, finished in third place. Advertisement "Kyle was so fast today, so congratulations to him and his team on the win," Ferrucci said. IndyCar driver Andretti Global's Kyle Kirkwood, center, celebrates winning the Detroit Grand Prix next to second place AJ Foyt Racing's Santino Ferrucci, right, and Andretti Global's Colton Herta, left, in Detroit on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Kirkwood paced all drivers leading the race for 48 laps, followed by Christian Rasmussen at 21. The race brought an early surprise with no incidents on the first turn, something that marred the 2023 and 2024 races and the Indy NXT race from earlier in the day. That race paused under a red flag almost immediately after it began when a pileup occurred on Turn 3, causing 17-year-old Max Taylor to bow out on lap 1. The first yellow flag waved on the 15th lap when Felix Rosenqvist in the No. 60 car spun out on Turn 8 and halted facing backwards. The caution lasted for five laps, but the yellow came out once again when Devlin DeFrancesco lost his rear right tire trying to get back into the race. Advertisement With the cool morning temperatures warming up by race time, most drivers in the front half of the field began with the alternate soft tires, while the rest began with hard tires. Those with the softer tires went to the pit much earlier than expected, however, dashing the hopes of a two-stop race for the soft-tire starters. Each driver was required to use each set of tires at least once, per IndyCar rules. Herta, who has won at qualifying at Detroit in two straight years, led for the first 11 laps before entering the pit for his first tire change. It ended up a consequential decision, as Kirkwood edged Herta out for positioning once he emerged from the pit and finished the race two spots ahead of him. After Scott McLaughlin's brief spell in the front, Ed Carpenter Racing's Christian Rasmussen took the lead and stretched it to a two-second advantage for 21 laps before heading into the pit. Rasmussen pitted again 26 laps later but almost immediately ran into the wall after spinning out on cold tires in Turn 2, though he chose to continue despite his car appearing to suffer damage on the right side. Advertisement But that wasn't the biggest crash of the day. Big crash on lap 84 On the fastest part of the track, Louis Foster in the No. 45 car appeared to lose control of his suspension and crashed into Rosenqvist heading into turn 3. Foster's car continued deep into the turnout while Rosenqvist smashed into the tire barrier. "I don't know how the heck that happens," said Foster. "This track is just ridiculously bumpy, and that has to be something to do with it, because that's so uncommon." The bumpiness of the track was a common complaint from drivers during the race weekend. Both drivers exited their cars within minutes and appeared to avoid serious injury despite the crash, though both had to bow out of the race. Rosenqvist exited on a stretcher as he wasn't able to walk to the ambulance and waved to the crowd as he was carried off. Álex Palou doesn't finish the race Defending Indianapolis 500 champion Alex Palou quickly vaulted up to second from a fifth-position start in the early laps but fell behind once again after an early pit. He found himself in the top 5 again by the 45th lap and kept himself in a healthy position until lap 72, when a push from David Malukas sent Palou into the tire barrier at Turn 8. Advertisement The collision was enough to knock Palou out of the race, who couldn't continue his dominant stretch to begin the 2025 season. Despite not being able to finish the race, Palou maintains a strong lead in the overall standings. 'Doesn't feel great, but nothing we could have done there, I think,' said Palou after exiting. Palou to this point has won five of the first seven races of the NTT IndyCar season. This is the first time this season that Palou has not finished in the first or second position. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Kyle Kirkwood wins Detroit Grand Prix, takes second IndyCar race of 2025
