Latest news with #BusterOlney
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cardinals surprise MLB with big comeback as John Mozeliak pauses trade plans
Cardinals surprise MLB with big comeback as John Mozeliak pauses trade plans (Image Source: Getty) The St. Louis Cardinals appeared to be facing an ugly season when they fell to 14-19 in early May. But things have altered quickly. The Cardinals have won 12 of their last 13 games since hitting that nadir, capped by a nine-game winning streak. They trail first-place Chicago by just one game in the NL Central and are in the playoff hunt again with strong momentum. John Mozeliak's last season might alter deadline strategies John Mozeliak 's last season on the job as head of baseball operations might alter how the Cardinals approach the trade deadline. The Cardinals have informed other clubs that they might not trade away their assets even if they aren't division leaders, ESPN's Buster Olney reported. The team's strong performance has led them to reconsider selling. — kmoxsports (@kmoxsports) Players such as Ryan Helsley, Miles Mikolas, Phil Maton, Steven Matz, and Erick Fedde have all been talked about as potential trade chips. Helsley particularly might return some elite young players. But if the team continues to win, they might opt to retain those players for a playoff push. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You - See Tips Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Click Here Undo John Mozeliak's Cardinals might become buyers, not sellers The St. Louis Cardinals were once expected to be relegated to the sidelines of this year's postseason battle, but their surprising turnaround in recent weeks has made them one of the league's strongest teams. Their offense has been an all-around powerhouse, piling up high-scoring runs, and their pitching staff has shown a superb capacity to keep opponents at bay. If this exceptional momentum continues, management may need to reevaluate their strategy, potentially leaning towards acquiring new talent instead of offloading existing players. The shift in their trajectory has certainly ignited discussions about bolstering the roster as they aim for a playoff berth. They have a few of their worthiest players that would be traded if they get behind down the stretch of the season. But for now, the Cardinals are appearing as more buyers than sellers. While Mozeliak finishes out his last year at the helm and the team is winning games, St. Louis is now a team to monitor as the trade deadline approaches. Also Read: Royals' Mistake Becomes Cardinals' Big Hit, Ivan Herrera Leads Team To Victory Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Big Time MLB Insider Suggests MN Twins Could Consider Trading… Byron Buxton
The Minnesota Twins have had a tale of two seasons, through 41 games. After they stumbled out of the MLB Opening Day gates to the tune of a 4-11 start, all sorts of questions were being raised surrounding the futures of Carlos Correa, Pablo Lopez and especially manager Rocco Baldelli. But since then, the MN Twins have gone 17-9, including a current eight-game win streak that has pushed their overall record to 21-20, above .500 for the first time all season. Now, they'll look to put a gap between them and that .500 line, with yet another win over the Orioles. Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images If they can stack some more wins this week, Byron Buxton & Co will turn their attention to the top of the American League Central Division, where the surprise Detroit Tigers currently sit 5.5 games above them, at 27-15. Advertisement While it's way too early to be counting down magic numbers, this streak of good play is certainly enough for MLB pundits to take the Minnesota Twins — who were picked to win the AL Central in Spring Training — off their trade deadline sellers lists… right? Buster Olney floats Byron Buxton as a MN Twins trade candidate Well, apparently not. Just Monday — fresh off a weekend sweep at home over the now 24-18 San Francisco Giants — well-known and highly-respected ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney suggested that the Twins could be open to dealing superstar center fielder, Byron Buxton, who has been their best player during this recent hot stretch. Olney argues that the outfield free agency market next offseason is expected to be historically thin, which could inflate offers for Buxton even beyond what they would normally be. But if the Twins have no interest in trading Buck, it seems weird for such a plugged-in reporter to float his name in an article like this. The would-be opportunists could take advantage of a really soft outfield market and get value if they're willing to dangle outfielders under team control beyond this season. For example, the Twins could set a solid price for Buxton and the Jays would probably draw a lot of interest for Daulton Varsho, an elite defender who won't be eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season. Buster Olney – ESPN Advertisement Outside of two games he missed mourning a death in his family. Byron Buxton has been a staple in the 2025 Minnesota Twins lineup, slashing an impressive .264/.304/.520 (127 OPS+), with the same speed he's become famous for. Buck's average 2025 sprint speed (30.2 ft/sec) leads all of baseball, and it's the fastest we've seen him since 2019. Byron Buxton's injury history is well-documented. His 102 games played last season were just the second time he reached the century mark during his 11 year career, and first since 2017. Those 102 games were also played at an incredibly high level. In 2024, Buxton slashed .279/.335/.524 (136 OPS+) with 27 doubles and 18 home runs. His 3.7 fWAR equated to a 5.9 per 162 tally which would have easily been the best of his career. This season he has been even better. Advertisement Related: What is Fueling This Minnesota Twins Hot Streak? Buxton's three triples put him on pace to best his career high (6) which he attained in both 2016 and 2017. He is also stealing bases with ease. After running just nine times all of last season (6-of-8), he is a perfect 8-for-8 so far this season. Buxton signed a seven-year, $200 million contract extension prior to the 2022 season. After being the second overall pick (behind teammate Carlos Correa) in 2012, hes' spent his entire professional career in Minnesota., which is where Byron and his family have made their home. Even with three-years and $45.4 million remaining on a deal that will see him past his 32nd birthday, Byron Buxton is still arguably the top asset in the Minnesota Twins organization, especially if they were to sell high. Why would the Minnesota Twins trade Byron Buxton? But unless they fall out of contention, there has to be more compelling reason to trade an embedded star like Byron Buxton. This is a player the Minnesota Twins drafted, developed, and someone who has given his entire professional life to the organization. Nonetheless, sometimes a professional team needs to rip off the proverbial band-aid and make difficult choices for the future health of their organization. The Pohlads' sale of the Twins, or lack thereof, has the front office strapped for cash. Advertisement While Buxton's deal is more than worth it, from a value standpoint, it's possible the Pohlads see it as $15 million per year that they could shed off the books, while simultaneously improving the talent and depth in their farm system. 'Typically, the upcoming free agent class serves as a tool to define most of the players who could be traded before that year's deadline — and quite simply, in the outfield, the pickings beyond Kyle Tucker are few. Buster Olney – ESPN If Minnesota were to make Buxton available, they should expect to demand almost whatever they want in prospect capital. The star center fielder has proven himself even healthier than the Twins could have possibly dreamed, through 41 games this season. Once Matt Wallner returns, the Minnesota Twins are uniquely positioned to try and replace a talent like Buxton, at least defensively, after acquiring Harrison Bader last offseason. Then, there is top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez, who's in triple A and knocking on the Big League door. Don't forget about Luke Keaschall, who can play center when healthy. Then, there's DaShawn Keirsey Jr., who would also provide defensive relief in Buxton's absence. If Walker Jenkins can get healthy, he could be an option in the future, as well. In all likelihood, Byron Buxton isn't going anywhere It's not as though the Minnesota Twins will be rushing to build a statue for Byron Buxton, when his playing career eventually ends. Still, the Twins were built on players like Buck, who were drafted and raised in the organization. I can't see the Pohlads trading him for a cash/prospect grab. Beyond that, the 2025 Twins have pushed themselves right back into the AL Playoff mix. As of now, it no longer makes sense to consider trading your best player. If the Twins are going to chase down the division title, or land a wild card spot, they're certainly going to need Byron Buxton along the way. Advertisement $15 million is a moderate amount for a player of Buxton's caliber. His new teammate, Bader got $10 million from the New York Mets last year despite owning a career 92 OPS+ and coming off a season with a 69 OPS+. Related: Royce Lewis is Trying to Trade Speed for Health… While Buxton may be seen more as a quiet Joe Mauer leader as opposed to the vocal Torii Hunter-type, he has the respect of the clubhouse and the relationships there run deep. Oh, and he has a no-trade clause and has never made any inclination that he wants to finish his MLB career anywhere but the Twin Cities. The AL Central has proven to be a tough division this season. Detroit leads the pack at 26-15 with both Cleveland (23-17) and Kansas City (24-18) ahead of Minnesota, as well. The Twins' +19 run differential trails only the Tigers' incredible +84. Most likely, Buxton will be there to help the MN Twins try and catch the Tigers this summer.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NL West is a 4-Horse Race, Buster Olney talks Yankees & Dynasties + Cal Raleigh the best catcher in baseball?
NL West is a 4-Horse Race, Buster Olney talks Yankees & Dynasties + Cal Raleigh the best catcher in baseball? This embedded content is not available in your region. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down how good the NL West has been so far with the Dodgers, Padres, Giants and Diamondbacks all vying for the top spot. Can this division end up having 4 great teams? Are the Dodgers still the favorites? Jake and Jordan then bring on ESPN's Buster Olney to chat the Dodgers, Yankees & why there are so few dynasties in baseball. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Later, Jake & Jordan bring back The Good, Bad & Uggla and tell us why Cal Raleigh is the best catcher in baseball. (2:00) - 4 teams vying for NL West crown? (8:00) - Buster Olney joins the show (45:00) - The Good, The Bad, The Uggla NL West Follow the show on X at @CespedesBBQ Follow Jake @Jake_Mintz Follow Jordan @J_Shusterman_ 🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLB dynasties: Why the late-'90s Yankees ruled and why it's so hard to replicate today
Could the Dodgers ever achieve dynasty status on the same level as those Yankees? (This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.) On the latest episode of "Baseball Bar-B-Cast," hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman sat down with ESPN's Buster Olney to dig into the question: Where did all the dynasties go? Their conversation offers a look at the legendary New York Yankees dynasty of the late 1990s — and why today's superteams struggle to achieve similar levels of dominance. This embedded content is not available in your region. The Yankees: Baseball's last true dynasty? Buster Olney quite literally wrote the book on the Yankees' dynasty years: "The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty: The Game, the Team, and the Cost of Greatness." As he explains in the episode, the late-'90s Yankees weren't just a collection of high-priced free agents; they were a product of patience, clever management during a brief George Steinbrenner suspension and a homegrown core that included Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and Bernie Williams. Veterans and stars such as David Cone and Roger Clemens rounded out the roster, but the key ingredients were sustainability and in-house talent. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Olney frames the 1998-2001 Yankees as the last 'true' MLB dynasty, or as he puts it: 'maybe the last dynasty that's going to win four World Series in five years.' What made the Yankees so special? Olney emphasizes the 'combination of homegrown players and great stars that they added through free agency,' plus, crucially, a culture that made outside stars want to join: 'Because they were so successful, they have what the Dodgers have now, which is a lot of players coming in from the outside saying, 'I want to be a part of that.'' Why don't we see MLB dynasties anymore? So what has changed? Olney, Mintz, and Shusterman point to several big reasons dynasties have become nearly impossible in MLB. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Roster turnover and free agency: With player movement so much more common today, keeping a championship core together is extremely difficult. Injuries and luck: As Olney notes, 'it's also about luck, it's about injuries, it's about players who decide to depart.' Maintaining excellence over multiple MLB seasons is just brutally difficult. The psychological toll: Olney makes a great point: Today's social media era means players face far more noise, scrutiny and pressure than Ken Griffey Jr. ever did in the clubhouse. 'I do think it takes a toll … players get worn down by the constant feedback.' Expanded playoff fields: More rounds mean more opportunities for upsets — a dynasty killer. As Mintz notes, 'The playoffs are longer by one round … just another roll of the dice.' The modern superteams: Dodgers, Astros, Giants Every few years a team emerges — think the Dodgers, Astros or the earlier 2010s Giants — and gets branded with the 'dynasty in the making' label. But as the Bar-B-Cast crew explains, none has repeated the Yankees' level of sustained postseason success. Olney praises the current Dodgers as, 'on paper, the best team I've ever seen,' but even he acknowledges that it's far from a given that they'll embark on a pinstripes-level run. The Astros' frequent postseason trips and the Giants' trio of even-year titles are impressive, but Mintz still contends, 'I would probably argue against both of those [being true dynasties].' Will we ever see another true dynasty? All signs, according to the podcast trio, point to 'maybe, but don't hold your breath.' The hosts agree that because of all the factors named above, a four-titles-in-five-years run looks like an artifact of another era. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement But as Mintz points out, that isn't a reason to stop believing: 'For those of us who love the drama, there's always a chance … and that's what keeps baseball compelling.' For more deep dives into baseball's dynasties and other debates, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tommy Edman's three-run homer (8)
Can the Dodgers replicate the 90s-style Yankees dynasty in the modern era? | Baseball Bar-B-Cast The Los Angeles Dodgers have two World Series wins under their belts in the last five years and with Shohei Ohtani in the fold for another nine years, they certainly have their sights on many more. ESPN's Buster Olney joins Jake Mintz & Jordan Shusterman on Baseball Bar-B-Cast and discusses the current Dodgers squad and how they relate to the famous New York Yankees dynasty of the 1990s. Olney details why even Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes that replicating the Yankees' achievements will be a Herculean feat. Catch Buster Olney on this weekend's Sunday Night Baseball matchup between the Houston Astros and San Diego Padres on ESPN. Hear the full conversation on the 'Baseball Bar-B-Cast' podcast - and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen. 5:30 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
