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Fox Sports
3 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Who Are The 10 Best MLB Players This Season?
The All-Star break marks the unofficial halfway point of the MLB season, so what better time to take stock of the year so far? The 2025 season is full of players who are tearing it up at the plate and on the mound, but there are clear leaders whose performances outpace them all. That said, let's take a look at the 10 best players this season — both position players and pitchers — and what has made them stand out among the hundreds and hundreds of others. 10 Best Players in MLB This Season 10. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets Lindor has never won Most Valuable Player, but he has received votes in seven of his 11 seasons in the majors to go along with five All-Star team selections. He's always in the mix, and deservingly so. Lindor is once again having the kind of season that brought him those accolades, batting .260/.330/.457 with 19 first-half home runs, good for a 126 OPS+ that exceeds his career mark. He's an excellent defensive shortstop, too, and that combination has him eyeing his fourth consecutive season worth at least five wins above replacement. 9. José Ramírez, Cleveland Guardians Ramírez, Lindor's former teammate in Cleveland, is one of the most underappreciated players in the game. It's not that people aren't aware that he's excellent, it's that they just might not realize how great he is. Ramírez missed becoming the seventh 40-home-run, 40-stolen-bases player in history by a single long ball in 2024. In 202, he became just the 24th player to reach 250 homers and 250 steals in MLB history. At .295/.363/.506 with 18 dingers and 29 steals this year, Ramírez is angling to make it 300/300 sooner than later. 8. Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies Wheeler has finished second in the National League Cy Young race twice (2021 and 2024). He doesn't look as if he's going to slow down anytime soon, so much so that 2025 might finally be his year to win honors as the league's top pitcher. Wheeler is atop MLB in pitcher bWAR (4.8), and is leading the Senior Circuit in strikeouts with 154, while allowing the fewest hits per nine. That's not a blip, either. Wheeler has been hard to hit for years now but never as tough on opponents as in 2025. 7. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates He's just 23 years old and in his second year in the majors, but Skenes has already been the starter for the NL in the All-Star Game twice — and with good reason. He was a revelation in his 23 Rookie of the Year-winning starts in 2024, and he has been just as good in his follow-up campaign. Skenes leads the majors in ERA at 2.01 and has the lowest home run per nine in the NL at 0.4. He hasn't been lucky, either — his FIP is an NL-best 2.40 — as he's just this great at pitching. He might just be 4-8, but that says a lot more about how the Pirates have supported him than the other way around. Could Skenes win a Cy Young with a losing record? If anyone can, it would be the young flamethrower. 6. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals You don't need a long memory to recall that Witt was once a defensive disaster. He put in the work, though, and turned his raw talent into actual production just as he had already been doing at the plate. Now, Witt is arguably one of MLB's best players, one with consecutive 30-homer, 30-stolen-base seasons. He might even earn a third this year if he can pick up the home run pace. It says something about Witt that he's hitting .294/.345/.504 in 2025, and that it could be considered a down year after his MLB-leading .332 batting average in 2024. To make up for it, Witt is playing even better at shortstop this year. 5. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers Skubal, the ninth overall pick by the Tigers in 2018, won the 2024 American League Cy Young by leading major-league pitchers in bWAR (6.4) and strikeouts (228) and the AL in ERA (2.39). Skubal is somehow pitching even better in his follow-up campaign. His ERA is down to 2.23 and his ERA+ up to 181. He has the lowest WHIP in the majors, the lowest walk rate, the highest strikeout rate — no pitcher has ever finished with both in the same year — and the lowest FIP. 4. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs Crow-Armstrong's tools were obvious when the Cubs called him up to the majors in 2023. His defense was excellent, thanks to an all-out style of play that got a boost from his ability to read a ball in play and get a great jump on it. He developed a surprising amount of power in the minors, too. That power has translated well, allowing him to become the fourth-fastest player to have a 25-homer and 25-steals season. There's a lot of 2025 left, too, so he might even become the seventh 40/40 player of all time if he can keep it going. The defense was always there, too, so this newfound offense — Crow-Armstrong is batting .265/.302/.544 and leading the NL in bWAR — has made him a star. 3. Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners The 2025 season marks the third in a row that Raleigh has hit at least 30 homers. It's important to recognize that Raleigh has always had tremendous power for a catcher, but now, as he leads the majors in homers with 38 at the All-Star break — one shy of Barry Bonds' record set back in 2001. Raleigh is batting .259/.376/.634, good for a 190 OPS+ and his work behind the plate is worth noting, too. Raleigh has been one of the best players in baseball for some time now, but this added level of offense has jumped him from the back end of the list to right near the top. 2. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees Judge is the best hitter in baseball, and his 2025 season is his best work to date. That's saying something for a guy who hit an AL-record 62 homers in 2022, has already won two AL MVPs and has led the majors in bWAR on multiple occasions. Judge is batting .355/.462/.733 with 35 homers and an MLB-leading 228 OPS+ and 125 hits. He could very well finish the season with over 100 extra-base hits, which has been done just 15 times before in MLB history. 1. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers Judge's performance might have been enough to take the top spot if not for one important thing: Shohei Ohtani is a two-way player again. Ohtani, who just missed a 100-extra-base hit season himself in 2024, is not only leading the NL in slugging (.605), home runs (32), total bases (224) and OPS+ (174), but he's back on the mound. In five starts, Ohtani has allowed just one run and five hits, while striking out 10 batters. Those starts make up just nine innings of work, but that number is going to climb as he stretches back out: anyone watching him can see that the stuff that made him such a good pitcher before his second Tommy John surgery is still there. Honorable mentions: Juan Soto, New York Mets James Wood, Washington Nationals Jeremy Peña, Houston Astros Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres Kyle Tucker, Chicago Cubs Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins Check out all of our Daily Rankers . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily ! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Major League Baseball recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
USA Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Bills' Josh Allen on ESPN's QB ratings, fewer turnovers, and the 'big number'
Josh Allen's been busy in 2025. The Buffalo Bills quarterback came within one game of reaching his first career Super Bowl before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game. But less than two weeks later, he won the 2024 Most Valuable Player award. Then he tied the knot with singer and actress Hailee Steinfeld on May 31. Allen caught up with USA TODAY Sports on July 14 through his partnership with sleep-aid brand Natrol but also touched on his extension, the recent quarterback rankings from league personnel canvassed by ESPN, how he cut down on turnovers in 2024, and why his acting chops have improved. Josh Allen's contract extension not record breaking but 'still a big number' Allen and the Bills agreed to a six-year, $330 million extension that replaced the existing four years and $129.5 million still left on the books. The $250 million guaranteed is less than what Dak Prescott received from the Dallas Cowboys. But Allen doesn't see it as taking a discount. 'It's kind of hard to say, but it's still a big number,' Allen said. Josh Allen found out about Bills' 'Hard Knocks' appearance on 29th birthday: 'A surprise' Nobody asks him about why he signed the deal. Instead, Allen thinks of it as a way to capitalize on what he sees as a fortunate situation in Buffalo. Bills general manager Brandon Beane approached his camp in March and wanted to do right by him, Allen said. 'They took a chance on me going back to my draft year eight years ago now,' he said. 'I'm just trying to play the best football I can play.' Now entering his eighth season, Allen said he sometimes feels like a player still on his first rookie deal and not someone who is a veteran. 'It's happened in the blink of an eye. I feel like I'm going into year three or four right now,' Allen said. When people ask him about certain games or plays, the details are starting to become jumbled. 'I'll have to go back and watch for film of that certain game to understand what they're talking about,' he said. Josh Allen explains reasons for less turnovers in 2024 In 2023, Allen threw a career-worst 18 interceptions. That gave him 49 total in the span of three regular seasons (50 starts). Last season, however, Allen threw six interceptions – a 66% decrease. A lot of factors played into that drop, Allen said. The offensive line took its game to another level, in Allen's mind. Running back James Cook turned in another Pro-Bowl season and scored 16 rushing touchdowns. Allen also credited offensive coordinator Joe Brady for putting in concepts and plays that provide answers for what defenses present. Looking inward, Allen said, it was about making better decisions with the football and letting the game come to him. There is also a luck factor at play. Sometimes quarterbacks throw a ball off a receiver's hands and it's picked off. Other times, they errantly fire one right at a defender who drops it. 'They all kind of even themselves out,' Allen said. Taking care of the football is a priority entering training camp, Allen said, so he can hit the ground running like in 2024. 'Making sure, again, that I'm just being smart with the football, understanding the concepts, trusting my eyes, trusting my arm and trusting my feet if it's not there,' Allen said. Josh Allen reacts to ESPN's QB ratings ESPN polled league executives, personnel employees, coaches and scouts for the top 10 players at each position. On July 14, the quarterback rankings came out, with the Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes first, Allen second, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals third and the Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson fourth. Allen hadn't seen the rankings but didn't appear surprised. 'Any time you play one of those three guys, you know you have to perform your best to keep up with them,' Allen said. 'We have a lot of quarterback talent in the league, especially in the AFC right now. Just a lot of guys that, again, they show up each and every game. And in order to beat them you got to play better than them, which is very hard to do.' Josh Allen hopes sleep, Natrol partnership take game to next level Last season, Allen became serious about changing his diet and felt better as a result. Sleep is the next aspect of his health he wants to conquer. That is one aspect of his health Allen feels he's neglected throughout the first part of his career and is why he partnered with Natrol and starred in their 'I think going into training camp, getting restorative sleep is the number one thing,' Allen said. During camp, Allen likes to settle down earlier than usual. The Bills have a 10:30 p.m. curfew, but he might duck into his room 30 minutes earlier, turn the lights off and the air conditioning up. Waking up early and working out so he doesn't have to do it after practice makes camp that much easier, he said. 'But I'm very excited to see how Natrol Sleep and Restore is going to unlock the next thing in my game.' Allen used the product while flying back from Europe in March. Typically, he has a hard time sleeping on planes. But on this occasion he passed out for 10 hours – most of the flight. 'I just thought that was the coolest thing,' Allen said. For Natrol, Allen shot a 30-second commercial that portrays how sleep makes him the best version of himself in all parts of his life. 'I truly believe in the product,' Allen said. 'I think it'll help me be a better football player, a better leader and a better, overall, morning person and just waking up refreshed and ready to go and bringing that energy. 'Because as a quarterback people look at you and look to you. Sometimes I have to provide the energy throughout the day and that starts with me. So making sure that I'm doing everything necessary to be the best leader and the best teammate I can be. And sleep can help me do that.' At the start of his career, Allen was hesitant about the concept of acting and promoting products. But as he does more of the like and his star continues to rise, it's becoming more second nature. Being in front of the camera helps him tap into his competitive juices, too. 'I do appreciate the challenge,' Allen said. 'That was a pretty challenging shoot, I think. There (were) rigs, there were dollies, there was stuff getting pulled off me, I was ripping clothes off and jumping over people. I do enjoy that more than sitting there and holding the product.' Bills' new stadium, Bills Hallmark movie … and more movies The 2025 season will be the Bills' final in their current Highmark Stadium. The new Highmark Stadium will open in 2026 across the street. Allen toured the new digs a month ago. The construction happened quickly and he saw that throughout last year. 'To go out for practice and be like 'Holy cow, they already put this steel beam up,'' Allen said. 'Hopefully we can end this season at Highmark with a bang and open the new one the right way.' Some of Allen's teammates will be going from Highmark to Hallmark this holiday season, with the Bills being featured in 'Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story.' Head coach Sean McDermott, left tackle Dion Dawkins and safety Damar Hamlin will appear. Allen said a few guys were a bit nervous. Movies are an important part of Allen's daily life. 'If I have one superpower, it's remembering movies and movie quotes,' he said. 'The more I watch, the more I retain. It's like my own language. I'm constantly thinking through them. It's a cool little skill that I have. ''The Other Guys'' is probably the top-quoted film. 'Stepbrothers' is a classic. And 'Holes' has been receiving some shine lately."
New York Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
‘There are no words' – Lionel Messi and his record-breaking scoring for Inter Miami
Two years into his time with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi remains the game-changing superstar he has been throughout his career. Messi, who won the MLS Most Valuable Player award in 2024 with 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 games played in the regular season, seems intent on increasing his output this year. Miami set the record for most points in a season last year en route to the Supporters' Shield, and the club is again on pace to finish first atop the regular season standings thanks to Messi's recent form. Advertisement Entering Wednesday night's match vs. FC Cincinnati, Messi has scored multiple goals in five consecutive regular-season games, the first player in MLS history to do so. No other player had ever done it in four. You'd be forgiven for having it slip out of your focus, as the streak straddles the Club World Cup. Messi scored two goals in a pair of wins over CF Montréal and the Columbus Crew on May 28 and May 31, respectively. Miami then played four games in the FIFA Club World Cup, with Messi's free kick goal against Porto earning MLS their only win in the tournament and ensuring that Miami would be the only MLS team to advance to the knockout stage. 53' ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? 🐐 Messi scores a GORGEOUS free kick goal and @InterMiami are now leading 2-1 versus @FCPorto! Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MIAFCP — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 19, 2025 Since returning to MLS play, Messi has seemed intent on making a statement as rumors swirl about his future — even as sources close to Miami and the player have insisted that he is nearing an extension to remain in South Florida. Messi has scored two goals in each of his last three games — all wins — over Montréal, the New England Revolution and Nashville SC. That lifts Messi's season tally to 16 goals — tied with Nashville's Sam Surridge for the league lead — and seven assists in 16 games played. While Miami is five points back of the Philadelphia Union, who sit in first place in the Supporters' Shield table, it has three games in hand. Miami is setting the pace with two points per game — ahead of the Union's 1.95 pace – and is 6-2-2 in its last 10 games, having not lost in MLS play since May 17. It's riding a five-game winning streak, which coincides with Messi's latest goal binge. Advertisement 'There are no words. What he continues to do is incredible — breaking records every three days,' Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said after the Nashville win. 'It's what I have said a thousand times in this room: He's the flagbearer of this team, he sets the standard for how we compete, he is the leader, the one who obviously encourages his teammates, shows them how we have to keep going, and, above all, maintain at this moment the tone we are setting. 'It's a blessing to be part of this stage of his career.' While the goal tally is remarkable in itself, how it has been achieved is even more so. The shot map below showcases the wide range of strikes by Messi, including five from outside the box — more than 22 of the 30 MLS teams have managed in their entire campaigns. And it was a long-range effort that kickstarted the multi-goal streak in Miami's 4-2 victory over Montréal in May. Scored in typical Messi fashion, he quickly shifted the ball to create an opening, aided by teammate Sergio Busquets, who cleverly blocked the onrushing Montréal midfielder Victor Loturi, before Messi curled a precise shot into the bottom corner. The second also came from his repertoire of trademark finishes. No player has perfected the dinked finish quite like Messi and his uncanny ability to generate the perfect loft, regardless of the goalkeeper's proximity or height, was on show again as he dinked the ball over Jonathan Sirois from close range. For all his ability, a streak like this can't persist without a healthy dollop of good fortune. In the following match against Columbus Crew, Messi was gifted his first goal thanks to some disastrous goalkeeping from Nicholas Hagen. The Guatemalan 'keeper made a costly error, miscuing a goal kick straight into Messi's path on the edge of the area. Messi gave Hagen the chance to atone for his blunder with an uncharacteristically underhit lob, but the goalkeeper only managed to palm it goalward. He was less charitable with his second 10 minutes later, this time his lob from just inside the area was perfectly calibrated. He kept the streak alive with a brace in his next match, again against Montréal. No player has completed more take-ons than Messi's 3.9 per 90 minutes in MLS this season, and both goals against Montréal demonstrated the jinking movements that continue to make him so feared throughout the league. The first saw the Argentine dart into the area and swiftly shift his body weight to carve out space for another arrowed finish into the far bottom corner, but it was the second that was truly breathtaking. Picking up the ball from Luis Suárez near halfway, Messi embarked on a long, mazy dribble, leaving a trail of confusion as bamboozled Montréal defenders collided while trying to stop him. He evaded them at every turn before rifling a shot into the top corner from close range. Ankara Messi, Ankara Messi, Ankara Messi Ankara Messi, Ankara Messi . 🐐 — Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 6, 2025 After two relatively routine efforts, in his next match, a 2-1 victory against New England, there was one glaring omission in his scoring streak: a free kick. Against Nashville, he duly obliged, opting for measured placement over whipped power, as he guided an effort from the edge of the area into the bottom-left corner. After this and his staggering effort against Porto in the Club World Cup, he's now up to a staggering 69 career free kicks. Leo en su idioma. 🔊 ¡El golazo de tiro libre de Messi vs. Nashville en español! 🎙️ @brunovain — MLS Español (@MLSes) July 16, 2025 This phenomenal streak has been a self-contained showreel of the myriad ways Messi can put a ball into the back of the net. And based on this evidence, he's far from done.
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
Kevin Quiambao talks about his NBA dream and recent US training
For Kevin Quiambao, the journey to fulfilling his NBA dream is not yet over, especially after undergoing training sessions and a private workout in the United States in the last few days. In an exclusive interview with 24 Oras' 'Game Changer' host and sportscaster Martin Javier, Quiambao said he has been in the United States since July 2 and had training sessions in Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. "It's been a long journey for us -- a tiring journey," the reigning UAAP back-to-back Most Valuable Player said. "Ayun nga, para sa pangarap ko is gagawin ko ang best ko, whatever it takes." Quiambao added he will still have sessions with some local trainers but said he is not expecting a spot anymore in the NBA Summer League teams. "I'm trying to be a sponge lang in the next few days kasi ilang days na lang ako rito. Kung ano pa kaya ko ma-learn is i-soak in ko na lang sa sarili ko and dalhin ko sa Pilipinas and Korea mga natutunan ko rito," he added. While in the US, Quiambao confirmed that he had a private workout with NBA players. "It's a privilege for me na makapaglaro with NBA players, with Vic Oladipo, and some two-way players ng NBA. "It's been a pleasure for me. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience and hopefully this is not the last." "Kailangan ko mag-work hard for me and put my trust in myself lang palagi na kaya kong maabot 'yung NBA mentally and personally na kaya ko gawin lahat," he added. The grind then continues for KQ. "Tuloy-tuloy lang, for the love of the game. Para sa country natin, I'm trying to aim na maging first Filipino na full-blooded na makapasok sa NBA. Nothing is impossible naman." For now, Quiambao said he will join Gilas Pilipinas for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup. "Darating naman ako doon the day before the training camp will start. Gagawin ko lahat for the country," he said. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Francisco Lindor named All-Star for first time with Mets. These 3 should be there too
NEW YORK — Francisco Lindor has finally locked up his first All-Star selection as a member of the Mets. Despite three straight seasons cracking the top 10 in National League Most Valuable Player voting, slow starts had plagued Lindor in the past. With an electric start to 2025, the Mets shortstop earned the selection by topping the Dodgers' Mookie Betts in the second phase of All-Star voting. Advertisement When he takes the field as the NL's starting shortstop on July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Lindor will be making his fifth appearance as an All-Star and first as a member of the NL. He appeared in four straight seasons for Cleveland between 2016 and 2019. "It's a real honor. I'm honored and I'm proud to be able to take the field in Atlanta as Met," Lindor said. "It's gonna be good. I'm looking forward to it. There's a lot of good people in this organization and to be able to represent them, I do that with a lot of pride and utmost respect. "It's a great organization and I'm looking forward to it to represent the Mets organization, the fans that voted me in and my family." Lindor becomes the Mets' first fan-elected All-Star starter since Yoenis Cespedes started in the outfield in 2016. He becomes the Mets' third starting NL shortstop, joining Buddy Harrelson (1971) and Jose Reyes (2007). Advertisement After Wednesday's doubleheader split, Lindor was slashing .2261/.330/.457 with 17 home runs, 46 RBI, 52 runs, 16 doubles and 13 stolen bases. Here are three other Mets players who deserve a trip to Atlanta as members of the National League All-Star team: Pete Alonso New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) celebrates in the dugout with his teammates after scoring in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves on June 26, 2025, at Citi Field Alonso was a finalist in the National League's second phase of voting, alongside the Dodgers' Freddie Freeman. The Mets first baseman entered Wednesday's second game of the doubleheader slashing .291/.381/.539 with 18 home runs, 66 RBIs and 47 runs. He leads the National League with 24 doubles. Alonso's RBIs are the third-most in the NL behind the Cubs' Seiya Suzuki and Diamondbacks' Eugenio Suarez. Alonso's .920 OPS is fourth-best in the NL and tops among the league's first baseman. Advertisement The 31-year-old has far better numbers approaching the break than a season ago when he logged his fourth selection with a .240/.319/.454 slash line, including 19 home runs and 51 RBI at the break. Juan Soto New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves on June 25, 2025, at Citi Field. Juan Soto is one of the hottest players in baseball, quickly erasing a sluggish start with one of the best months in MLB this season. In the month of June, Soto slashed .322/.474/.722 with 11 home runs, 20 RBI and 25 runs. Obviously earning an All-Star selection is based on the totality of a player's season, and now Soto has done enough to warrant a look. Entering Wednesday night's second half of the doubleheader, Soto is slashing .256/.392/.502 with 20 home runs, 47 RBI and 10 stolen bases. Advertisement Soto is third in the National League with 62 runs and leads all of Major League Baseball with 69 walks. His .392 on-base percentage trails only the Yankees' Aaron Judge and Cubs' Kyle Tucker in baseball. Soto, who was one of the finalists for the second phase of voting, is a four-time All-Star — twice with the Nationals and one apiece with the Padres and Yankees. Edwin Diaz May 26, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) reacts after recording a strike out to end the top of the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Edwin Diaz has returned to his dominant form after a middling campaign a season ago. The Mets closer has allowed seven earned runs in 33 innings (1.91 ERA) while converting 17 out of his 18 save opportunities. He has also struck out 49 batters and produced a WHIP of 0.91. Advertisement Diaz has allowed one earned run in his last 23 outings, covering 23⅓ innings. He entered Wednesday in the top 2 percent of Major League Baseball in expected ERA (2.25), expected batting average (.166), whiff rate (38.7 percent) and strikeout rate (36.8 percent). An All-Star selection would be Diaz's third after he earned a nod in 2022 for the Mets and 2018 for the Mariners. This article originally appeared on Francisco Lindor named All-Star for first time with NY Mets
