A's fan dives onto the dugout to get a foul ball #mlb #baseball #athletics
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Since winning the World Series in 2019, the Washington Nationals have been one of the laughing stocks of MLB. The franchise has failed to make the postseason in each of the last five seasons, and at 41-61, that trend doesn't appear to be ending this year. The Nats are considered sellers with the July 31 trade deadline quickly approaching, and starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore is their most coveted asset. The fourth-year starter was a key return in the blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres in 2022. After two productive seasons that saw him steadily improve, Gore earned his first All-Star nod in 2025. With the Nationals heading nowhere again, though, it seems as though the franchise may capitalize on the 26-year-old's career-best trade value. He has a 3.52 ERA and 144 strikeouts across 117.2 innings in 21 starts. Gore has two more years of arbitration before hitting unrestricted free agency in 2028, so it won't be easy for rival teams to coax the talented lefty out of Washington. But with so many playoff hopefuls struggling with injuries in their rotations, one franchise is bound to pay up. Detroit Tigers After blazing through the first half of the season, the Detroit Tigers have struggled to just one win in their last 12 contests. While the team's ice-cold offense certainly hasn't helped, Detroit's rotation behind Tarik Skubal has left plenty to be desired. The Tigers boast one of baseball's premier farm systems, but with championship aspirations looming, it may be time to cash in on some of their most sought-after prospects. Gore would immediately bolster the Tigers' title hopes while giving them a legitimate second star in their rotation behind the AL Cy Young favorite. Boston Red Sox Another American League team with playoff aspirations, the Boston Red Sox didn't tear through the first half of the regular season in the same manner Detroit did. However, the team found new life after dealing Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants and is in the thick of the AL wild-card race. Pitching has been a strength for the Red Sox this season, but they, too, could use another All-Star arm behind their ace. Garrett Crochet has been a dominant force, while Brayan Bello has experienced a bit of a breakout in recent weeks. With the back end of their rotation struggling to find any semblance of consistency, Gore would be a sensible addition for the Sox. Chicago Cubs A championship contender with a lineup that strikes fear into their opponents every night, the Chicago Cubs' Achilles' heel could be their starting pitching. If they fail to mend the issue, that is. Matthew Boyd has been an unforeseen redemption story with the Cubs. Shota Imanaga has also held his own in his second full season, consistently pitching deep into games. However, the rest of the team's rotation is riddled with injury and inexperience. Cade Horton and Colin Rea are solid back-end starters, but neither inspires confidence for a potential playoff series. Gore has the potential to be a magnificent fit with Chicago and would create a formidable starting trio with Boyd and Imanaga. If there's one National League team to keep an eye on in trade talks for Gore, it's the Cubs.
Shedeur Sanders has been working with the Cleveland Browns' equipment staff as the No. 4 quarterback this summer. He'll have a new opportunity following troubling injury news for Kenny Pickett. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Pickett suffered a hamstring injury during Saturday's practice and will not receive reps until his issue is re-evaluated. "Browns QB Kenny Pickett injured his hamstring near the end of Saturday’s practice and is expected to re-evaluate the injury later this week, per sources," Schefter posted on X. "Pickett was coming off a strong couple of practices, per sources, and at least for the short term, there now will be more reps for Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Pickett's injury will shake up the quarterback race in Cleveland. Through OTAs and early in training camp, Sanders has been the odd man out as the only signal caller on the roster not to receive reps with the first-team offense. It's unclear if the Browns coaching staff intends to give Sanders reps with the first-team offense now that Pickett is sidelined, but the fifth-round pick will have more chances this week to prove that he deserves an opportunity to stay in Cleveland. The Browns are in a unique situation with their rookie quarterbacks. Third-round pick Dillon Gabriel was selected before Sanders, but the son of Deion Sanders fell to Day 3 of the draft for reasons other than talent. The majority of draft analysts had Sanders as a better-graded quarterback than Gabriel, and many thought the Colorado product would be taken in the first round. The Browns can use the injury as an excuse to give Sanders reps with the first team, and it's a task they need to take advantage of before the team names a starter. Sanders has the potential to be a starter in the league, and this week is pivotal for his rookie season in Cleveland.
This year’s NBA offseason could see a lightning strike in the near future. The Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus has suggested a new, three-team trade between the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets that would send LeBron James, alongside his son Bronny James, to Dallas in a dramatic, yet significant deal to reshape all three teams’ futures. Here’s why. LeBron James to the Dallas Mavericks LeBron James opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season. However, James’ decision was met with skepticism by several NBA executives. Some NBA insiders expected James, 40, to opt out and sign a one-plus-one deal. The decision drove chatter of possible discontent and a potential end to his Lakers run. James holds one of the NBA’s rare no-trade clauses. Therefore, James can decide where he would land. Multiple NBA insiders have said that the Dallas Mavericks are high on James’ list. Joining the Mavericks would allow James to reunite with Kyrie Irving, join forces with Anthony Davis again, and play under Jason Kidd, who served as an assistant coach during the Lakers’ 2020 NBA championship run. James, Mavericks Outlook LeBron James is 40 years old and will turn 41 on December 30, 2025. However, James is still playing like a top-tier NBA player. If the Dallas Mavericks acquire James, the Mavericks could receive star power, shot creation, and veteran leadership. A Mavericks goal appears to be winning while the team’s NBA championship window is still open. The Mavericks would receive LeBron James (via Lakers), Bronny James (via Lakers), Drew Timme (via Nets), Tyrese Martin (via Nets), a $1.8 million trade exception, and a $1.1 million trade exception. The Mavericks could benefit from a solid core of James, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Cooper Flagg and Dereck Lively II. The Lakers would receive Daniel Gafford (via Mavericks), PJ Washington (via Mavericks), Naji Marshall (via Mavericks), Caleb Martin (via Mavericks), Jaden Hardy (via Mavericks), a 2030 Los Angeles Lakers second-round pick (via Nets), a 2031 Los Angeles Lakers second-round pick (via Nets) and a $24.1 million trade exception. The Lakers could start the Luka Doncic era. The Brooklyn Nets would receive Dalton Knecht (via Lakers), Maxi Kleber (via Lakers), Olivier-Maxence Prosper (via Mavericks) and Dwight Powell (via Mavericks). The Nets would serve as a facilitator, as the team would acquire assets while helping two contenders shift money around, and perhaps cash considerations. Final Thoughts It’s highly unlikely that LeBron James will be traded to the Dallas Mavericks. However, nothing can be ruled out. The NBA world saw the Luka Doncic trade to the Los Angeles Lakers this past February, and if they’re old enough to remember, the Jason Kidd trade to the Phoenix Suns in December 1996. If and when James is traded to Dallas, James’ presence can help the Mavericks succeed. James can help improve team chemistry, instill confidence in the team, and build a winning culture. James can play multiple positions as a forward, but a huge concern would be James’ declining gameplay and shooting stats.
The Green Bay Packers may have struck gold with their offseason acquisition of Isaiah Simmons. The former first-round pick has wasted no time making an impression during training camp, showcasing the athleticism and versatility that once made him one of the most coveted prospects in the NFL Draft. With just a few practices under his belt, Simmons is already turning heads and making the New York Giants question their decision to let him walk. Green Bay Packers Isaiah Simmons’ Early Impact Isaiah Simmons has been a standout in the first week of Packers training camp, stepping up as the team’s third linebacker while Quay Walker recovers from offseason ankle surgery. On the opening day of practice, Simmons made several eye-catching plays, including a highlight moment where he shut down Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs on a screen pass. Jacobs, clearly impressed, described Simmons as “a unicorn,” adding, “He can run. We can put him out on guys in the slot, and he can cover guys. Really, man, I can’t wait to see him in pads.” The following day, Simmons continued to impress, tipping a pass from Malik Willis that led to an interception by cornerback Carrington Valentine. Head coach Matt LaFleur was quick to praise Simmons, saying, “There’s a reason he was a top-10 pick. He’s got all the measurables, and it’s just getting him acclimated with our system and knowing what he can do.” Simmons himself has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to focus on a more defined role as an off-the-ball linebacker, a departure from the hybrid responsibilities he juggled with the Cardinals and Giants. “I feel like it’s been beneficial to me so far, just allowing me to really learn one thing as opposed to learning this today, something else tomorrow, and who knows the next day,” Simmons said. NFL and College Career Simmons entered the NFL as the eighth overall pick in the 2020 Draft, selected by the Arizona Cardinals after a stellar career at Clemson. In college, Simmons was a do-it-all defender, recording 104 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and three interceptions in his final season. His unique blend of size, speed, and versatility earned him the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker and made him a consensus All-American. In the NFL, Simmons has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency. His best season came in 2021 with the Cardinals, when he recorded 105 tackles, four forced fumbles, and an interception. However, his performance dipped in subsequent years, including a disappointing 2024 campaign with the Giants, where he earned a career-low Pro Football Focus grade of 45.6. Despite these setbacks, Simmons’ physical tools and potential remain undeniable. What Simmons Brings to the Packers The Green Bay Packers are hoping to unlock Simmons’ full potential by simplifying his role and allowing him to focus on his strengths. At 6’4″ and 238 pounds, Simmons has the size to take on blockers and the speed to cover tight ends and running backs. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways could make him a valuable asset in defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme. Simmons’ addition also bolsters a Packers linebacker group that includes Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker. With Walker sidelined, Simmons has an opportunity to carve out a significant role and prove he can be a difference-maker for Green Bay. Teammates and Coaches See the Potential Simmons’ early performances have drawn praise not just from LaFleur and Jacobs but also from his new teammates. Safety Xavier McKinney, who played with Simmons in New York and reportedly advocated for his signing, has been vocal about his belief in Simmons’ abilities. “He’s got everything you want in a player—size, speed, instincts. I think he’s going to thrive here,” McKinney said. Final Thoughts Isaiah Simmons’ journey has been anything but smooth, but his early success in Packers training camp suggests he may have found the right fit in Green Bay. With his unique skill set and a coaching staff committed to putting him in positions to succeed, Simmons has a chance to rewrite the narrative of his NFL career. If his first few practices are any indication, the Green Bay Packers may have landed a game-changing talent—and the Giants may soon regret letting him go.
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