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2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
6 underrated players who could boost their teams in final push toward MLB playoffs
When it comes to the playoff chase, nobody is overlooking the importance of established stars such as Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge or Tarik Skubal. Those players have the weight of their teams' fortunes squarely on their shoulders, and everyone knows it. But in reality, it doesn't take huge names to make a huge impact. The stretch run, which features some tight races, could very well hinge on players who were not widely expected to be significant factors, at least not up until recently. With that in mind, six writers (three from and three from Yahoo Sports) got together and picked one player apiece whom they see as underrated candidates to be impact players down the stretch. Here are their selections. All statistics updated through Tuesday. Cristian Javier, SP, Astros The fact that the Astros are still neck-and-neck with the Mariners in the AL West race is pretty remarkable considering how many key players have been injured this season. The list of players on the injured list for the Astros includes, but is not limited to: Yordan Alvarez, Isaac Paredes, Josh Hader, Ronel Blanco, Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia. Fortunately, the Astros saw some good injury fortune with the return of Javier on Monday. Sidelined since May 21, 2024, after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Javier allowed two runs in five innings against the Red Sox on Monday — which came on a two-run home run from Alex Bregman — while striking out five batters. Notably, Javier's fastball sat at 93.4 mph, a mark he hasn't been at since his dominant 2022 season, when he had a 2.54 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings and helped pitch a combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the World Series against the Phillies. [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] We know that Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown are a heck of a 1-2 punch at the top of the Astros' rotation. But there are serious questions about who would slot in as a Game 3 starter for Houston, should the club secure a postseason berth. Perhaps just as important right now, the Astros need another quality starter to help fend off the Mariners and clinch yet another division title. —Brent Maguire, Andrew Vaughn, 1B, Brewers After a failed run with the White Sox, Vaughn has become one of the best hitters in baseball since he got to Milwaukee, a key part of the Brewers' recent success. Milwaukee, which is an incredible 39-11 since trading for Vaughn, will be without Jackson Chourio for the next few weeks as he recovers from a hamstring injury. As a result, the Brewers will need their new first baseman and his increased production even more down the stretch as the team looks to tie a bow on the NL Central title and make a run at baseball's No. 1 seed in the postseason. —Russell Dorsey, Yahoo Sports Ramón Laureano, OF, Padres It's easy to overlook Laureano on a Padres team loaded with star power, including newly acquired flamethrower Mason Miller. The 31-year-old outfielder didn't even get top billing in the deal with the Orioles that brought him to San Diego — that went to 2025 All-Star Ryan O'Hearn. But if Laureano can sustain his performance, he'll go down as one of the biggest positional upgrades any team made at the trade deadline, considering the black hole that was the Padres' left-field situation before he arrived. Through the end of July, only four teams got less production from their left fielders than the Padres (74 wRC+). In August? San Diego ranks fourth with a 159 wRC+ in left — including a 149 wRC+ from Laureano over 44 PAs at the position. —Thomas Harrigan, Kristian Campbell, 1B/2B, Red Sox First base has been a hot topic for the Red Sox for a while now. Triston Casas' season-ending ACL injury in early May sparked a series of shocking events, including Rafael Devers' refusal to play first base and subsequent trade to the Giants in an early-season blockbuster. Since Devers was dealt, Boston has been relying primarily on a platoon of Abraham Toro and Romy González at first base. That combo performed admirably at first, but Toro in particular — the larger side of the platoon as the switch-hitter who starts against right-handers — has struggled immensely recently, with a .481 OPS since July 8. Enter — or, perhaps more accurately, reenter — Kristian Campbell. Campbell began the season as one of baseball's top prospects, and the eight-year, $60 million extension he signed in April was indicative of Boston's confidence that he could be a key contributor in the short and long term. A terrific April at the plate suggested Campbell was indeed ready to make an impact, but then he went ice-cold for a lengthy stretch, necessitating a reset in Triple-A, where he has been since mid-June. Campbell continued to scuffle initially but has been heating up over the past month, hitting .370/.465/.575 in his past 20 games with Worcester. More importantly, he has been playing first base after appearing mostly at second in the spring, hinting that he could resurface as an option there for the big-league club. Whether he's a first baseman long-term doesn't really matter; right now, if Campbell can play first, he can fill a need for the Red Sox down the stretch. If he can make an impact the rest of the way, it'd be a cool redemption story after his demotion, especially if he can provide the kind of spark Boston needs to return to October. —Jordan Shusterman, Yahoo Sports Cade Horton, SP, Cubs The Cubs have been working overtime to hold their rotation together all year. Other teams have more high-profile pitchers on the injured list, but the Cubs are the ones still leading with ace Matthew Boyd, which one has to assume wasn't part of their original plan. Even as they get Javier Assad and Jameson Taillon back, we can't minimize the role Horton could play in the final weeks of the regular season. Horton didn't get off to a great start, but as he's figured out how to limit hard contact — now that it's clear he won't be averaging over a strikeout per inning at the MLB level in 2025 — he's really starting to come into his own. The 23-year-old came into his Wednesday night start against the Blue Jays with a 1.05 ERA since July 1 and a scoreless streak he'd run up to 23 1/3 innings. That scoreless streak hit 29 innings before he gave up a run in a 4-1 Chicago victory. At this point, the Cubs really can't burden themselves with what the Brewers are doing outside of their final five head-to-head games — there's basically no recourse for a miraculous hot streak. All they can do is to get themselves back in fighting form, playing their best baseball, and a good way to do that is to get your rotation back into a steady rhythm. Horton's certainly doing his part. —Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru, Trent Grisham, OF, Yankees October baseball is no longer a given for the 2025 Yankees, who, thanks to a late summer tumble, sit just one game up on the Cleveland Guardians for the final AL wild-card spot. That stark reality is most certainly not Grisham's fault. Disregarded in the minds of most as little more than a bench outfielder, the mustachioed lefty is enjoying a phenomenal season ahead of his first foray into free agency this winter. Call it good fortune, call it clutch, call it whatever you want, but one of the most notable features of Grisham's 2025 has been the timeliness of his long balls. Grisham has 25 homers, 20 of which have either tied the game or put the Yankees in front. By Win Probability Added — a WAR-like metric that also measures the timing of a player's contributions — Grisham has been the 13th-best hitter in the sport. Whenever the Bombers have needed a boost with a blast, Grisham has been there. I see no reason to expect that trend to stop now. —Jake Mintz, Yahoo Sports
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tigers in jeopardy of losing former Yankees star Gleyber Torres
Tigers in jeopardy of losing former Yankees star Gleyber Torres originally appeared on The Sporting News Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres entered the 2024-25 offseason with some questions about his future. It was evident that he wasn't going to return it to the New York Yankees, but many questioned where he could land, or what his deal might look like. Throughout parts of Torres' career, he seemed to be one of the better second basemen in baseball, and he's proven that again during the 2025 campaign. Barring anything drastic happening over the last few months, Torres now looks to be in a great position to get paid this winter, and that could impact the Tigers. MORE: According to there's even a chance they could lose him. noted that it won't be easy for the Tigers to keep him in town, something the front office has to consider. 'Batting .271 with a career-high .368 on-base percentage and 13 home runs, Torres has had quite the bounceback year since joining Detroit on a one-year, $15 million deal. He appears to be a good long-term fit for the first-place Tigers, but he's likely to seek a multiyear contract that probably won't be cheap. Plenty of other clubs could use a good second baseman, so it won't be easy for the Tigers to keep Torres, but they'll probably try,' they wrote. Depending on who the Tigers call up over the next few weeks to months, or even over the next year, it might not be too big of an issue to lose Torres. However, losing a right-handed bat with a 120 OPS+, when the team is already lacking right-handed juice, would be very tough to justify.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cardinals' Ryan Helsley reveals strong stance on trade rumors
At the MLB trade deadline, the St. Louis Cardinals could look to shake up their roster, one way or another. A strong end to July could have the team buying, while a rough go could have them entering the seller's market. If they do sell, one of the most highly sought-after players will be closer Ryan Helsley. According to John Denton of Helsley is one of the most likely relievers to be traded at the deadline if St. Louis struggles in July. But, also in Denton's piece, he included a strong stance from Helsley on his trade potential, and how he feels about a potential trade. "Helsley," Denton writes, "The longest-tenured Cardinal since 2015, would like to stay and sign a contract extension, but he has the most value because of his two-time All-Star pedigree." Despite the interest from Helsley in re-signing with the team, the Cardinals might still trade him at the deadline since he'd fetch the strongest return of all their relievers. During his two All-Star seasons, Helsley was one of the best bullpen arms in the game. MORE: Cardinals get good news on top Diamondbacks trade targets He doesn't want to be traded, but when push comes to shove, there might not be a better choice for the Cardinals than to move him at the deadline. With a lack of high-profile sellers on the market, the Cardinals would likely get a strong return in a potential Helsley trade. As Denton mentions, the All-Star pedigree rarely becomes available at the deadline, so the Cardinals would surely have plenty of teams interested and could get a solid return for a rental. And if Helsley still wants to return after a deal, he could sign a new contract with St. Louis in the offseason as a free agent. It's just for a couple of months that Helsley will be forced to be on a new team. If the Cardinals don't see this season as a time to compete, selling the All-Star closer makes the most sense. He could still make his way back to the city, but for the 2025 season, trading Helsley is the best short-term and long-term move if they're out of contention. MORE MLB NEWS Guardians should cut ties with Carlos Santana at MLB trade deadline Guardians' Steven Kwan 'doubtful' to be moved at MLB trade deadline Padres make Leo De Vries, Ethan Salas decisions ahead of deadline Padres' A.J. Preller predicted to 'aim high' at MLB trade deadline Astros writer reveals 'ideal outcome' at MLB trade deadline Tigers 'strongly interested' in pair of Twins righty relievers
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Is Clayton Kershaw retiring? Dodgers star receives emotional ovation in possible final All-Star Game
Clayton Kershaw is a bona fide future Hall of Famer, but just how soon his playing career will end has been in question for some time. The Dodgers star, now 37, recently surpassed 3,000 career strikeouts. He's made the decision to return to Los Angeles multiple times, still an effective starting pitcher when he can stay healthy, and in 2025, he was selected as a "legacy pick" for the All-Star Game. Advertisement Because of that distinction and the standing ovation he received mid-game because of it, retirement rumors have never been louder for Kershaw, but is he actually planning on hanging up his cleats soon? 📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp Here's what Kershaw has said of his retirement plans, why he was selected as a 2025 All-Star, and more. MORE: Highlights, results from 2025 MLB All-Star Game Is Clayton Kershaw retiring? Despite all the rumors, his age, and the honor he was given as a "legacy" All-Star this season, Kershaw has not confirmed that the 2025 season will be his last. Advertisement He recently said that he has no plans for his future right now, doing his best to focus on where he is right now on a Dodgers team that once again has title aspirations. Kershaw addressed this after a recent game when he surpassed 3,000 strikeouts, as well. "Not to be not appreciative of moments, like because that was a really special night in L.A. I wouldn't change anything that that night was. That was so special,' Kershaw said, per 'But I don't know what is going to happen in the future. I really have no idea when it comes to the years beyond this one. So I'm just trying to enjoy it, be part of a really good team this year. We still have a lot to accomplish. We still have October. It's really hard to look at stuff individually when you're trying to accomplish something as a team." Kershaw also said that he's not "a big look-back guy." While his distinction as an All-Star, in a season where he typically would not have earned the honor, has made it seem like a farewell tour for the longtime ace, Kershaw likely won't be making his future plans known for some time. Advertisement 'You never take for granted getting to go to an All-Star Game, regardless of the circumstances,' he said, per 'Obviously, I don't deserve to get to go this season. Haven't pitched very much. But everything that it encompasses to go to an All-Star Game, I get to take my family – I'll never pass up that opportunity.' Clayton Kershaw All-Star legacy pick, explained MLB's commissioner, Rob Manfred, has made legacy pick additions to the All-Star rosters in the past. The distinction is meant to celebrate a baseball legend's accomplishments, giving them one last trip to the Midsummer Classic so fans can say farewell, look back on their dominant careers, etc. In 2022, Manfred added Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols to the All-Star rosters with the legacy picks. Kershaw said he was not expecting to be a legacy pick this year, but he was honored. Advertisement "He's very self-aware. He was very surprised," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, per "But I think that the next level of thinking and appreciating who this honor has been given to over [the] years, the legends honor, I think that he understood it sooner. And it's a great honor, and I think that he took it the right way." Manfred's decision to add Kershaw as a legacy pick isn't exactly indicative of the Dodgers pitcher retiring after this season, but either way, he's still late in his career and unlikely to ever earn another All-Star selection. With Kershaw recently notching 3,000 strikeouts, the timing was also meant to celebrate his accomplishments. MORE: How fans reacted to Fox having pitchers, more mic'd up during All-Star Game Clayton Kershaw standing ovation at All-Star Game Kershaw, who was mic'd up while on the mound in the All-Star Game, managed to strike out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He knew that was likely his last batter, and Roberts then emerged from the dugout to take the legend out of the game. Advertisement "I think that might be it," Kershaw said of his outing before thanking his teammates. Roberts told him to keep the baseball, and Kershaw exited to the Atlanta crowd cheering him on, on their feet for a standing ovation. Clayton Kershaw contract Kershaw, who never showed much interest in leaving the Dodgers, officially finalized a one-year, $7.5 million deal with the team in February. The total contract value is $16 million with performance bonuses, though, most of which were related to how many games he pitched in throughout the 2025 season. That means that Kershaw is set to be a free agent after the 2025 season, although his intentions to continue playing are still up in the air.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Royals' pitching staff dealt concerning injury
The post Royals' pitching staff dealt concerning injury appeared first on ClutchPoints. With the Kansas City Royals fighting to remain in the mix of the AL Central, the club received some concerning news regarding one of their starting pitchers. Reports indicate that Cole Ragan's injury is potentially more serious than previously thought, and the club is currently waiting for test results. Advertisement Ragans is dealing with a rotator cuff strain, according to Anne Rogers of Manager Matt Quatraro claims the club has yet to determine how long the 27-year-old pitcher will be out for, but it sounds like Ragans will be on the injured list for quite some time. 'Royals didn't provide many details about the severity of Ragans' rotator cuff strain. Quatraro said that they were waiting for a few test results to come back before determining severity and timeline. Doesn't sound like it will be a quick IL stint like last time, though.' Rogers reports that the Royals had originally hoped for Cole Ragans to return to the mound soon after initially injuring his shoulder in the previous week. But Ragans felt something wrong with his shoulder despite Kansas City giving him a few extra days to rest to manage the injury. 'Ragans felt shoulder soreness after his start last week against STL. Team had pushed Ragans back a few days in the rotation to see if it would go away. He was feeling OK, then it popped up again, playing catch [Tuesday]. That led to getting scans/testing.' Advertisement The Royals will continue to monitor Ragans' status closely. In an ideal world, Ragans avoids a tear in his rotator cuff and only needs to be on the 10 or 15-day IL. But a trip to the 60-day IL is certainly in play. It's been a rocky season for the 2024 All-Star, as Ragans has not been as effective this season as he was last year. Through 48.2 innings pitched, the Royals' starting pitcher owns a 5.18 ERA and 1.295 WHIP while recording 76 strikeouts. Related: Jac Caglianone's 'super fired up' admission for Royals' home debut
