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The Los Angeles Angels are looking to greatly improve upon a 63-win season in 2024.
If it wasn't evident from the proud history of the franchise and the urge to get back into the contender conversation, things were clear given the Halos' offseason that they want to win now.
More news: Angels' Mike Trout Reveals Biggest Adjustment He Must Make With Position Change
The veteran presence brought into the clubhouse, the talented players inked for 2025 and beyond, and key players returning from an injury-riddled season will all add to the excitement around Anaheim ahead of Opening Day.
One player with arguably the most to prove on the Angels this season is 25-year-old southpaw Reid Detmers.
After an inconsistent 2024, Detmers spoke honestly with MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger about looking to still fulfill the potential seen during his phenomenal 2022 rookie campaign. The southpaw is still trying to get back to the 3.77 ERA posted that season, as well as his no-hitter thrown that May.
“I think it was a little bit mental, but it was mostly not getting the ball in the zone,” Detmers said of his 2024 struggles. “Getting the fastball in the zone is huge. So hammering down fastball command in the offseason and having everything play off of that is huge. And that was my main goal.”
The knowledge of where he needs to improve plus the humility to face it head-on shows immense maturity from the young pitcher.
More news: Dodgers Superstar Hoping for Big Season From Angels' Mike Trout in 2025
“I would definitely say by the end of the year last year, I was kind of beat up,” Detmers said, “And so we were attacking those areas. It allows me to feel better longer throughout the season. I know I usually say just the best I've ever felt or get to Spring Training, but this is truly the best I've ever felt. So I think we're in a good spot. Body's moving a lot cleaner, it feels like.
“Nothing's guaranteed,” Detmers said. “Just kind of approach it the same way I would always approach it, not overthinking it, going out there and competing every day, which is what I love to do. That's how we got this job, competing like nothing's ever given to you. So just kind of going back to my roots.”
More news: Fantasy Baseball Owners Need to Hear the Latest Mike Trout Update From Angels Manager
For more Angels news, head over to Angels on SI.
More must-reads:
- Another team joins Eugenio Suarez sweepstakes
- Yankees not close to done adding ahead of trade deadline
- The 'MLB mascot names' quiz
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Report: Mariners to stay in the mix for Eugenio Suarez despite recent trade
The lead up to the MLB trade deadline is off and running, with the Seattle Mariners striking a move with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. Some might have expected Eugenio Suarez, a former Mariner, to be heading back to his old team. Instead, it was first baseman Josh Naylor who was shipped off to Seattle. However, that doesn't mean these two teams are done dealing. MLB.com's Daniel Kramer reported on X that "Eugenio Suarez is still Seattle’s top priority and being aggressively pursued by the Mariners." Suarez, on the back of an All-Star selection, is one of the hottest names on the market. With an eye-catching 36 home runs, good for second place in the National League, and 87 RBI, a bountiful number of MLB contenders are fighting for his services. Before his stint with Arizona, Suarez compiled two seasons' worth of monstrous home runs with the Mariners. A fan favorite, Mariners fans have been raving about the possibility of bringing him back. Despite their haste in acquiring Naylor, the chances of importing his teammate alongside him remain high. At 34 years old, Suarez is at his peak and would greatly improve the slugging of the playoff-hopeful Mariners. The third baseman would take the place of rookie Ben Williamson at the position. Williamson has performed valiantly, but his contact bat doesn't bring the same run-producing stature as Suarez. For a club that loves to hit home runs, Suarez would be the cherry on top. With the team currently ranked sixth in the MLB in home runs (144), the power-hitter would upgrade the Mariners into one of the best slugging lineups in the league. Coming at a high cost, the risk would be worth it. Pairing up Suarez with a lineup featuring multiple All-Stars in catcher Cal Raleigh, center fielder Julio Rodriguez and left fielder Randy Arozarena would be frightening. The high-octane lineup would give the Mariners something to rely on as they push for the playoffs. The Mariners are currently in vigorous pursuit of the injury-riddled Houston Astros, trailing the AL West leader by five games. Consistent offense has been difficult to come by for the Mariners, leading to some troubling losses. With a locked-and-loaded pitching rotation, the Mariners have no time to wait to bolster the offense. Adding Suarez may be the piece they need to unlock a giant-slaying squad. As we inch closer to the trade deadline, which takes place July 31 at 6 p.m. ET, be on the lookout for the Mariners to punch another deal with the Diamondbacks.
Why as many as 100 NFL players are facing fines and potential suspension
There is not a bigger sporting event in North America than the Super Bowl, and tickets are only getting more expensive every year. There is also a ridiculous secondary market for tickets where seats sell for well above the original face value. It is usually fans or ticket resellers going for a quick profit. But as was reported on Friday, sometimes it can be players in the NFL looking to make a profit. According to multiple reports, including the Associated Press and ESPN, more than 100 players are facing fines and potential suspensions for selling their allotment of tickets to this year's Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs for above face value. Players are reportedly facing fines of one-and-a-half times the face value they originally paid for the tickets, while they are also prevented from purchasing tickets to the Super Bowl for the next seasons. The Associated Press obtained a memo from the NFL detailing the violation and investigation. That memo was as follows: “Our initial investigation has determined that a number of NFL players and coaches, employed by several NFL Clubs, sold Super Bowl tickets for more than the ticket’s face value in violation of the Policy. This long-standing League Policy, which is specifically incorporated into the Collective Bargaining Agreement, prohibits League or Club employees, including players, from selling NFL game tickets acquired from their employer for more than the ticket’s face value or for an amount greater than the employee originally paid for the ticket, whichever is less. We are in the process of completing our investigation into this matter, but the investigation has revealed that club employees and players sold their tickets to a small number of ‘bundlers’ who were working with a ticket reseller to sell the Super Bowl tickets above face value.” If players are not willing to pay the fine, they could be facing suspension from the league. It seems unlikely that any of the players — none of whom have been named, or their teams — would refuse to pay such a fine. It's also one of those moments where you can say, professional athletes — they're still normal people trying to make a quick buck. The most logical answer here is perhaps some of the players caught up in this are younger players who have not yet struck it rich on a big contract or perhaps even practice squad players who are not making top dollar.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Had 1 Special Request For Teammates
The Pittsburgh Steelers have gotten training camp underway, and it’s a very exciting time for all football fans. The 2025 season is getting closer by the day, and with players finally back on the field, the energy around the team is building fast. In Pittsburgh, that buzz is especially strong this year, largely because of new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers brings experience, leadership, and championship expectations to a Steelers team that believes it can compete at the highest level. As he arrived at training camp, one moment quickly gained attention. According to ESPN Steelers insider Brooke Pryor, Rodgers had one special request for his teammates that he believes is critical to their success this season. To put it simply, it sounds as if Rodgers reportedly asked his teammates to fully commit to one another. He stressed the importance of trust, communication, and total buy-in from every player in the locker room. For Rodgers, it’s not just about talent or scheme. It’s about building a team that believes in the same mission and is willing to fight for each other every step of the way. "Aaron Rodgers had one request of his new Pittsburgh teammates: keep an open mind," Pryor said in her latest article for ESPN. "Rodgers asked his teammates to get to know him without any preconceived notions before making any judgments." When it was revealed that the Steelers were pursuing Rodgers, many fans quickly labeled him a diva or an attention seeker. Those types of criticisms have followed him for years, and while some of it might be fair to discuss, it doesn’t tell the full story. What Rodgers has shown in Pittsburgh so far has been quite the opposite. Since arriving at training camp, Rodgers has carried himself with leadership, professionalism, and humility. He didn’t come in expecting everyone to bow down to him because he’s a four-time league MVP. Instead, he made it clear that he wants to earn the right to lead this team. Rodgers has focused on building relationships and gaining the trust of his teammates. He understands that leadership is not something you demand, but something you prove through action and consistency. That attitude has already made a strong impression inside the Steelers’ locker room. For Steelers fans, this should be an encouraging sign. Rodgers’ mindset and approach could be a huge factor in helping this team reach its full potential in the 2025 season. His leadership may end up being just as valuable as his talent on the field. Mike Tomlin hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. He feels that pressure and gladly totes those bags. He knows the pressure is on him to get a playoff win and make a deep run in 2025 now that he got Rodgers. Steelers' Will Howard Expected To Be The Biggest Winner From Aaron Rodgers Joining Pittsburgh One of the biggest winners from Rodgers joining the Steelers is clearly rookie quarterback Will Howard. Despite falling to the sixth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard enters the NFL with an impressive resume, having led Ohio State to a National Championship victory in the 2024 college football season. He consistently elevated the talent around him and carries a strong belief in his ability to grow at the next level. Now, Howard finds himself in an ideal situation. Not only does he get to learn behind one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, but he also gets a version of Rodgers who is motivated, focused, and eager to mentor. Rodgers has already made it clear that he plans to take Howard under his wing. For a rookie in Howard’s position, this is like hitting the jackpot. The opportunity to develop behind a future Hall of Famer who is willing to invest in your growth is rare. If Howard takes full advantage, this could be the perfect start to a long and successful NFL career.
Chicago White Sox trade 29-year-old outfielder to Rays: Insider
The Chicago White Sox are one of this year’s sellers for the Trade Deadline, and should have a good chance at landing a deal that can make them more competitive next season. The White Sox have two names who will surely be on the move at this deadline: Adrian Houser and Luis Robert Jr. With the deadline less than a week away, the White Sox appear to have begun trading some players away, with the first domino falling. Chicago White Sox traded quad-A outfielder to the Rays The first domino of what should be a fire sale fell for the White Sox, with Baseball Insider Robert Murray reporting that the Tampa Bay Rays acquired 29-year-old outfielder Tristan Gray in exchange for cash considerations. The White Sox signed Gray to a minor league contract before the season, with him spending most of the season down with their Triple-A affiliate. “Sources: The Rays are acquiring infielder Tristan Gray from the White Sox for cash.” Gray, in 72 games with the Charlotte Knights, did well, hitting .270/.333/.472 for an OPS of .805. The White Sox did call Gray up to their big league roster for a day, but he was optioned the following day upon Luis Robert Jr. coming off the IL. Nailing this deadline The White Sox and general manager Chris Getz need to nail their trades at this deadline to put the team in a more competitive position next year. The White Sox have found their core and need to add players who can help round out the roster. With guys like Colson Montgomery and Kyle Teel showing promise in the big leagues, and Noah Schultz, Hagen Smith, and Braden Montgomery still waiting in the wings, the White Sox are proving not to be reckoned with for the future.
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