Yardbarker

Joshua Valdez

Joshua Valdez started his journalism career as the sports editor/men's basketball reporter for the Rutgers University newspaper before becoming a Yarbarker contributor and Washington Wizards/Mystics reporter for ClutchPoints. He is a diehard Yankees, Jets, Knicks, and Rutgers basketball/football fan. When Joshua is not either watching a game or writing about one, you can find him in an art-house movie theater or working on a screenplay.

EXPERTISE:

MLB, NFL, NBA, NCAA basketball and football

Comparing the Yankees and Mets after Juan Soto's move

The New York Yankees and Mets have always been intertwined since they play in the same city, but especially now, given that the latter club poached Juan Soto off the former in free agency.

Is the Timberwolves’ second-half improvement a mirage?

Do the Timberwolves have what it takes to compete against the NBA's best?

Will DK Metcalf help Steelers finally win a playoff game?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been carried by their defense for what feels like eons, but that should change with DK Metcalf in the fold.

Why the Yankees should make a deal for Luis Robert Jr. 

After getting embarrassed in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in October, the New York Yankees have experienced a series of misfortunes.

How Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns can keep Knicks in contention

The New York Knicks will soon find out how good they are without their offensive savior. 

How Draymond Green's apology to Karl-Anthony Towns made things even worse

Green publicly mentioned the false rumor that Towns skipped the Knicks' Tuesday matchup with the Warriors to avoid Jimmy Butler. 

Why Payton Pritchard's rise makes Celtics likely repeat champions

It's one thing to have stars, but the Celtics are unbeatable when their role players also play like stars.

Yankees should be concerned about Jasson Dominguez

2025 was supposed to be Jasson Dominguez's year. The Martian was touted as one of baseball's best prospects after signing a franchise-record $5.1 million signing bonus with the New York Yankees in 2019, but he hasn't looked the part in spring training this season.

What should Jets do at quarterback?

The embattled franchise announced its decision to move on from Aaron Rodgers on Feb. 13, leaving Tyrod Taylor, Jordan Travis and Adrian Martinez as its only quarterbacks.

Josh Hart is more important to the Knicks than you think

Josh Hart lives up to his last name, but he's the engine that New York needs operating at full speed in order to stand a chance past the first round of the playoffs.

Yankees position battles to watch in spring training

No matter how these positional battles play out, New York will rely on its depth now more than ever with Juan Soto gone.

Should the Yankees stick with DJ LeMahieu?

LeMahieu is a three-time All-Star and two-time batting champion, but his hitting has steadily declined since 2021, culminating with his brutal 2024 campaign.

Should Josh Allen leave the Bills?

Josh Allen is the Buffalo Bills' savior. However, he shouldn't sell himself short with blind loyalty.

Should Yankees trade Marcus Stroman?

He is coming off one of his worst years, going 10-9 with a 4.31 ERA across 30 appearances.

Will Darren Mougey help end the Jets' suffering?

Finding the right signal-caller is only part of the way to end the Jets' 14-year playoff drought, which is the longest in North American sports.

Did new Bears HC Ben Johnson provide Packers with bulletin board material?

It's one thing to tease a friend, but Ben Johnson threw a verbal right hook at a rival during his introductory press conference on Wednesday.

Why Aaron Glenn can lead Jets out of the abyss

While Wednesday's hiring of Aaron Glenn as head coach won't undo years of pain, it's a step in the right direction for the troubled franchise.

Is bringing back Josh McDaniels a mistake for the Patriots?

The New England Patriots continue their new era by bringing back old faces.