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Analyst addresses Mets' spending philosophy after quiet offseason
For a piece published Tuesday, ESPN MLB analyst Bradford Doolittle insisted that New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns will pursue big-name free agents sooner rather than later following the organization's uninspiring offseason.
"This will not be an annual thing for the Cohen Mets, even if Stearns' background is in winning more with spending less," Doolittle said about the team president who previously served as an executive with the Milwaukee Brewers. "As a New York native and childhood Mets fan, Stearns didn't return to the Big Apple just to replicate what he had in Milwaukee."
Cohen's 2023 Mets were baseball's most expensive flop before he signed off on trading high-priced co-aces Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander last summer. It's no secret that Cohen wanted Yoshinobu Yamamoto to help replace Scherzer and Verlander in the rotation, but both Yamamoto and two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani instead joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency.
"The Mets' offseason was largely one of building up depth," Doolittle wrote about Stearns' pivot after Yamamoto and Ohtani rejected the Amazins. "It's not sexy, but New York still has the game's highest payroll and plenty of star power on the roster."
While it remains unclear if the Mets will re-sign All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso assuming he reaches free agency following the ongoing season, it's widely expected that Cohen will give Stearns a blank check for the pursuit of current New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto. Soto is on track to hit the open market this coming fall but seems to be loving life with the Yankees.
Meanwhile, the Mets opened the 2024 campaign at 4-6.
"Stearns was brought in to combine his powers of efficiency with Steve Cohen's spending might, in order to create a sustainable behemoth," Doolittle added. "There was bound to be a transition phase during which Stearns could reshape things to a new collaborative state of harmony, which is more or less how he's prone to describe it."
Doolittle's words may soothe anxious Mets fans, but it's worth noting that Cohen's funds meant little to Ohtani and Yamamoto after New York's woeful 2023 season. Depending on how bad things get for the Mets between now and October, Soto may instruct his camp to decline calls made by Cohen during the free-agency process.
More must-reads:
- Mets designate two-time All-Star pitcher for assignment after rough outing
- Mets trade veteran pitcher to Twins for cash
- The 'Highest-paid MLB players' quiz
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Pirates' top pitching prospect to make long-awaited MLB debut
The Pittsburgh Pirates are promoting top pitching prospect Bubba Chandler to the major leagues, according to a report from Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Alex Stumpf of MLB.com adds that Chandler’s contract will be selected to the roster on Friday, while Hiles notes that Chandler will pitch in a long relief role. It’s a long-awaited promotion for Chandler, who entered the season viewed as a consensus top-20 prospect in the sport and on the shortlist for the league’s very best pitching prospects. The 22-year-old hurler reached the Triple-A level last year and opened eyes with a brilliant 1.83 ERA in seven starts, where he struck out 34.0% of batters faced, and that led many to speculate upon whether or not Chandler would be brought up to the majors early in the 2025 campaign or perhaps even join the club’s Opening Day rotation. That’s not the route that Pittsburgh decided to take. Chandler has spent the entire 2025 campaign at Triple-A to this point and will now only get promoted to the majors for the final weeks of the season. The right-hander did everything he could to force the issue early in the season, with a sterling 2.03 ERA and a 35.0% strikeout rate in 11 starts through the end of May. His call to the majors never came, however, and Chandler began to struggle as the summer began. Since June began, Chandler has struggled to a 5.96 ERA due in part to vanishing command. He’s struck out just 22.1% of his opponents during that time while walking a hefty 13.1%. A .377 BABIP since the start of June is surely the culprit for at least some of those struggles, however, and it’s also possible that the challenge of a new level could help invigorate Chandler upon his arrival to the majors. After all, this is the same prospect who dominated Triple-A to the tune of a 1.94 ERA, 2.79 FIP, and 34.6% strikeout rate across his first 18 starts at the level. High as the right-hander’s upside clearly appears to be, however, his recent struggles can’t be ignored. Perhaps that’s why the Pirates will look to ease him into the majors with a bullpen role to start his big league career. It’s hardly an unprecedented path for even a potential star player to take. Chris Sale and, more recently, Garrett Crochet both spent years pitching out of the bullpen before moving into the rotation and becoming the ace-level arms we know today. That doesn’t appear to be the plan for Chandler, of course, as Stumpf writes that the Pirates view Chandler as a starter long-term, and he could get starts at the big league level later this year. Future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer served as a swing man for the Diamondbacks during his first year in the big leagues, while current rookies like Joey Cantillo, Brad Lord and Ryan Gusto have also broken into the majors by starting in a hybrid role between starting and relief work. That’s also true for a few of Chandler’s Pirates teammates, like Braxton Ashcraft and Mike Burrows. Chandler’s impending ascension to the major leagues brings together Pittsburgh’s fleet of young starting pitchers. Led by likely NL Cy Young award winner Paul Skenes, the Pirates’ 2026 rotation figures to feature Ashcraft, Chandler, and Jared Jones as young, talented arms who have yet to reach arbitration. It’s a highly talented, exciting group of arms that should be a strong basis for a contending team, but if the 2025 season has been any indication the club will need to assemble a much better lineup than what they’ve put together this year if they hope to compete with the rest of the NL Central for a playoff spot. Oneil Cruz is a toolsy player with star upside, and perhaps Bryan Reynolds will rebound from his down season to put up the solidly above-average numbers fans in Pittsburgh have grown to expect from him. Outside of that duo, however, there isn’t much to get excited about. While top prospect Konnor Griffin turned heads in the lower minors earlier this year, he’s currently struggling badly at Double-A and isn’t especially likely to debut next year. Suppose the team is to compete next year. In that case, it will either need massive steps forward from under-performing young players like Spencer Horwitz, Henry Davis, and Nick Gonzales, or it’ll need to make meaningful external additions to the lineup via either trade or free agency. Strong performances from young arms like Chandler and Ashcraft down the stretch this year could go a long way to convincing Pittsburgh brass that now is the time to make a significant investment in short-term competitiveness. For now, however, the focus will be on getting Chandler acclimated to the majors in his first few weeks as a big league player. The Pirates have space on their 40-man roster already, so they’ll only need to make an active roster move to bring Chandler into the fold later this week.
Shaquille O'Neal makes peace with longtime enemy — mostly
Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard patched things up Sunday after years of feuding. But even while describing their rapprochement, O'Neal couldn't keep from teasing his longtime nemesis. The "Big Aristotle" was at the BIG3 playoffs Sunday to watch Howard's L.A. Riot play the Chicago Triplets. In the middle of describing to Rachel Nichols how he and Howard had made peace, O'Neal broke off his explanation to make fun of Howard for missing a dunk. The two Hall of Fame centers had sparred for years, despite their common ground as former members of the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers. Some of the tension seemed to be due to Howard adopting O'Neal's "Superman" nickname, though O'Neal claimed to Nichols that he was simply being tough on Howard to motivate him. That explanation doesn't account for the time O'Neal mocked Howard for playing basketball in the Taiwanese league or the decade-plus he's spent roasting Howard on his podcast, in public appearances and on "Inside the NBA." Still, it appears that the two have made peace. Despite O'Neal being left off the original list of presenters, he insisted that he'll be among a group of Hall of Famers inducting Howard Sept. 6, including Dominique Wilkins, Robert Parish, Dennis Rodman and Patrick Ewing. It means that two of the most dominant big men of their eras have finally buried the hatchet. It's added a new level of interest to the Hall of Fame ceremonies, and it should be a sweet moment between O'Neal and Howard. As long as Howard doesn't mention Superman.
Texas' Arch Manning reacts to grandfather Archie's 2026 NFL Draft prediction
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning should keep his family group chat updated about his decision for the 2026 NFL Draft. He doesn't want it tipping his plans, especially when they're not confirmed. Manning's grandfather, former New Orleans Saints QB Archie, told Texas Monthly his grandson isn't going to declare for the 2026 draft in a story published at the beginning of August. The 21-year-old passer, however, clarified he's keeping his options open. "I don't know where he got that from," Manning said Tuesday, via CJ Vogel of OnTexasFootball. "He texted me and apologized about that, but I'm really just taking it day-by-day right now." Manning attempted just 95 passes in his first two seasons at Texas but is already viewed as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. In a story published Tuesday, The Athletic's Dane Brugler tabbed him as his top QB entering the season. Still, it would reportedly take a special circumstance for Manning to declare for the draft in 2026. He would want to play for a team that has a stable head-coaching situation and front office. Most franchises that are picking near the top of the draft don't have that. More importantly, Manning must prove he's worthy of the No. 1 pick. Despite his family name, he doesn't have a large enough sample size to show he's pro-ready. "If his last name were 'Smith' and he were a three-star recruit instead of a five-star blue-chipper, would he still appear this high early in draft rankings? Who knows," wrote Brugler. "However, what he has put on film so far has been very impressive. Now, scouts need to see it consistently each week, especially against the top opponents on Texas' schedule." Manning faces an elite opponent in Week 1. The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes host the No. 1 Longhorns on Aug. 30 at noon ET (Fox). The QB should probably tell his family to deflect questions about the draft until he's ready to make a decision. Speculation about his future could create even more pressure, which he doesn't need.
Browns gave Isaiah Bond a deal NFL fans rarely see, and it might reshape their roster
Cleveland did not just add a flyer. The Browns handed Isaiah Bond a three‑year, fully guaranteed contract worth just over $3 million. That is a historic level of commitment for an undrafted rookie. You do not guarantee that money unless you plan to use the player. Bond brings verified speed and vertical juice from Alabama and Texas. The timing is perfect. Joe Flacco was just named the starter, the receiver room is deep with route runners, and the offense needed another player who can threaten leverage and force safeties to honor the third level. Unheard of Contract First, the Browns believe their receiving room needed an accelerator, not just another possession target. Jerry Jeudy and Diontae Johnson win with separation and option routes, while Cedric Tillman and Jamari Thrash give size and intermediate help. Bond tilts the field, and more vertical respect means cleaner spacing for David Njoku on glance and seam. The backs should see softer boxes when Bond is on the field with Jeudy. When Bond dresses, he can also be an emergency return option. Second, the timeline is now; this is not a stash move. Fully guaranteed money at this level makes Bond a favorite to make the 53 unless something changes fast. The team is betting on speed, and they are betting it translates quickly. The top of the room, Jeudy and Njoku, should still lead early target share. Read More: Browns just made their stance on former practice squad player clear Bond’s role slides in as a vertical and over route specialist who also runs the occasional jet motion to stress eye discipline. Tillman’s red‑zone value remains, and Thrash’s inside‑out utility keeps him in the weekly plan. They may still keep Johnson as a veteran, but Bond’s presence can pull a safety and create the kind of high‑low reads Flacco likes. The money is the story. While all of that guaranteed money does not force game‑day actives immediately, it forces honest competition for the last wide receiver snaps. A fully guaranteed three‑year deal for a UDFA is almost unheard of, which told the league the Browns wanted exclusivity and runway. It also signals internal confidence in their medical and character vetting after the legal cloud cleared, though their record in the latter is questionable. The Browns are paying for traits, then trusting development. On The Field Matchups get interesting against teams that live in split‑safety shells. If Bond can win the outside step on posts and deep crossers, defenses either rotate help, which opens the middle, or they get cut by explosives - either outcome is a win. With Flacco at the controls, those throws are on the table. Bond’s profile in college included vertical wins and run‑after‑catch juice, and Flacco thrives on intermediate layers and timing, which pair well with a field‑stretcher who forces cushion. The net effect is bigger windows for option routes and benders. This signing gives Cleveland a clean way to dress the offense differently week to week. Against zone‑heavy teams, Bond can run through voids and occupy a safety. Against press‑heavy teams, he can force off coverage or draw PI on a deep shot once a half. Even if he only logs 15 to 20 snaps early, those snaps can change coverages for the other 40. Read More: Dillon Gabriel follows in Shedeur Sanders' footsteps with solid Browns preseason debut It also raises the bar for roster depth. If Bond is a lock, the last receiver spot tightens. That competition should push better camp and preseason reps out of the group. Iron sharpening iron is not just a slogan - it's how you build a weekly plan that travels. Finally, this move helps the quarterback room. A speed threat gives a veteran starter more stress‑free throws underneath and gives young quarterbacks clearer read pictures when they get their turns. It is harder to disguise coverage when speed is on the field. Final Thoughts This is how you round out a room - pay for the thing you lack, then let the rest of your skill guys eat off the spacing. If Bond’s speed shows up on just a few plays a week, it is worth it. If he grows a full route tree, it becomes a steal. Either way, the Browns just made life harder on safeties, and that's the point. In the short term, set your expectations around role and leverage, not box score totals. Early weeks could look like 12 to 20 snaps, with a few designed shots, a deep over off play action, and some motion to stress eyes. Some games, he will be the clear out, which still matters because it opens the middle for Njoku, Jeudy and Johnson or Tillman. Special teams reps are in play if that helps him dress on Sundays. The staff will take efficient snaps over empty targets. By midseason, the bar is simple - one or two explosives a game, or a defensive adjustment that creates them for someone else. If Bond forces a safety to widen or a corner to open his hips, Jeudy’s option routes and Tillman’s red zone work get cleaner. If the growth stalls, the contract still gives Cleveland time to develop him without panic. The offense only needed one more lever to tilt coverage - this is that lever.
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