The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs rang in the 2025 series with the first of the two-game Tokyo Series on Tuesday morning at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. The Dodgers won, 4-1, kicking off their title defense in style.
The Seattle Mariners had the honor of opening the season in the 2019 iteration of the event against the Oakland Athletics. The Mariners won't travel to the eastern hemisphere this season, but a large part of the team's history is tied to Japan.
One of the most iconic players in Seattle history is Ichiro Suzuki, who will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27.
Suzuki made his major league debut in 2001. But the most recent successful Japanese-born player who began with the Mariners is one that is still enjoying the prime of his career in the American League West.
Yusei Kikuchi spent eight seasons with the Seibu Lions in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball from 2011-18. He was a three-time NPB All-Star and led the Pacific League in ERA and wins in 2017. He came stateside and made his debut with Seattle in 2019.
Kikuchi pitched three seasons in the Pacific Northwest from 2019-21. He struggled his first two seasons with the Mariners and had ERAs above 5.00 in 2019 and 2020. He broke through in 2021 and made the All-Star game that year. He started 29 games and had a 4.41 ERA with 163 strikeouts in 157 innings pitched.
After opting out of his deal, he found more success with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was traded to the Mariners' biggest in-division rivals, the Houston Astros, on July 29 last season.
Kikuchi had arguably the best stretch of his career with Houston. He had a 2.70 ERA with the Astros in 10 starts. He fanned 76 batters in 60 innings pitched.
Kikuchi was able to get a big contract this past offseason and signed a three-year, $63.675 million contract with another one of Seattle's American League West rivals, the Los Angeles Angels. Entering Tuesday, Kikuchi has a 3.86 ERA with 11 strikeouts in two Cactus League starts.
Kikuchi hasn't received notoriety to the same level as fellow as Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who's also from Japan. But Kikuchi is still one of the better starting pitchers in the American League.
And unfortunately, as referenced by own Brady Farkas on the most recent "Refuse to Lose" podcast, he could be the last link for the M's to Japan's talent.
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Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg lost his battle with cancer on Monday. He was 65. A 20th-round selection by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1978 MLB Draft, Sandberg quickly moved through the Phillies system despite his humble beginnings. He made his major league debut at the end of the 1981 season, getting six plate appearances in 13 games, his only hit coming off of a bat he borrowed from shortstop Larry Bowa. Drafted as a shortstop, the Phillies hoped that Sandberg would be the heir apparent for Bowa. However, that 13-game stint convinced the Phillies that he was not the answer. Although Sandberg had played at second and third as well in the minors, he was blocked at those positions by Manny Trillo and Mike Schmidt respectively. Bowa and Sandberg were traded to the Cubs during the 1981-82 offseason, with shortstop Ivan DeJesus heading to Philadelphia. Sandberg, now a second baseman, had a solid first two seasons in Chicago before exploding into stardom in 1984. He posted a .314/.367/.520 batting line in his 700 plate appearances, hitting 19 homers and 36 doubles while stealing 32 bases as he led the Cubs to their first postseason berth since 1945. Sandberg made his first All-Star Game, was named the NL MVP, won a Silver Slugger and his second Gold Glove award. A perennial All-Star, Sandberg possessed a combination of power and speed at second base that was rare for his era. He was a 10-time All-Star, winning nine Gold Gloves and seven Silver Sluggers. Sandberg posted a lifetime .285/.344/.452 batting line in his 9282 plate appearances, hitting 282 homers and 403 doubles while stealing 344 bases. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame 2005 in his third year on the ballot. After a decade away from the game, Sandberg returned as a minor league manager in the Cubs system in 2007, moving up the ladder to Triple-A in 2009. After Cubs manager Mike Quade was fired, and Sandberg was passed over for the opening, he joined the Phillies organization in 2011. After three years in the Phillies organization, he became the interim manager in 2013, and was eventually hired full-time at the end of the season. Sandberg lasted just over two years in total as the Phillies manager, resigning after 74 games in 2015 as the losses piled up. He remained in the game as a goodwill ambassador for the Cubs before announcing that he had prostate cancer in 2024. Although his cancer had gone into remission, it returned in December, spreading to other organs before Sandberg ultimately lost his battle. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Sandberg during this difficult time.
Las Vegas Raiders WR Dont'e Thornton Jr. is opening eyes at training camp, including QB Geno Smith, who appears to be trusting the rookie. Maybe that is the reason why general manager John Spytek has not looked for outside help at the position. And just maybe he got a steal from the 2025 NFL Draft. That looked evident on the first day of pads in Henderson, Nevada, where Thornton badly beat fellow rookie cornerback Darien Porter for a long touchdown, as described by The Athletic's Tashan Reed. In a piece, Reed said Thornton has been the first-string "X" receiver since OTAs and "could make an immediate impact." Thornton shared what Smith told him during training camp: "He tells me every single day, 'if you've got a one-on-one matchup, I'm coming to you,'" Smith said, as shared by Reed. "It means a lot to me. Being a rookie and just getting here ... just knowing that he believes in me a lot. It gives me a lot of motivation to keep getting better." While the headlines are more on rookie RB Ashton Jeanty for his potential big season, Thornton is making sure he is not forgotten after getting selected in the fourth round (108th overall) after leading the University of Tennessee with 661 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, Thornton is getting all the opportunities he can get, given the Raiders didn't bother to add a veteran WR. One could see why Thornton is raising eyebrows in training camp. That is a good thing because Smith is trusting Thornton's potential playmaking abilities. Thornton is one of the tallest Raiders WRs besides Collin Johnson, and that could be a big deal given the Raiders need a big target minus TEs Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer and Ian Thomas. Yet, ESPN's Mike Clay is projecting Thornton to have a quiet year with 317 receiving yards and a TD. With such low numbers, maybe that is how the Raiders would prefer it to be, anyway. Only the Raiders know what they have in Thornton. It is up to Thornton to keep the momentum going into preseason games and beyond.
Luis Díaz’s move to Bayern Munich for a reported €75 million (around £65.5 million, including add-ons) wasn’t just a blockbuster summer transfer; it was a prime example of Liverpool playing the market smartly. While fans might feel watching the Colombian winger leave after three impactful years at Anfield, the reality is that the Reds cashed in at the right time, on their own terms. Bayern’s earlier bid of €67.5 million was turned down, but when Díaz made it clear he was ready for a new challenge, and Liverpool saw contract extension talks stalling, they took control of the situation. The club chose to sell at full market value rather than risk losing a valuable asset for less down the line. In today’s climate, getting top dollar for a player pushing 30 with no new deal in sight is no small achievement. They signed him from Porto in January 2022 for £37.5 million, rising to £50 million with add-ons. The sale now not only brings in profit but also helps Liverpool enhance their galactic transfer window even further. The Reds Played This Window Like Pros Liverpool has had a busy, record-breaking summer of high spending, with over £300 million spent on fresh faces like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike. Those names don’t come cheap, but while many clubs overextend during rebuilds, Liverpool has kept things tidy on the financial front. Offloading Díaz, along with departures like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Jarell Quansah, has brought in nearly £125 million in total, helping to balance their books and avoid falling foul of FFP regulations. Liverpool found the sweet spot between emotion and economics in a transfer market where clubs either panic-buy or cling onto stars for too long. No Room For Stalemates Let’s not forget, this wasn’t just about money. Behind the scenes, Díaz’s future was uncertain for months. Liverpool made two attempts to extend his contract, but neither went anywhere. Sources close to the player had hinted at his decision to leave as early as summer 2024, especially after his stock rose following a strong 2023/24 campaign. Bayern came knocking with a better deal in July 2025, and the writing was on the wall. The club’s decision to leave Díaz out of the pre-season friendly against AC Milan, despite no injury concerns, was a clear sign that things were moving quickly. Rather than drag the saga out and risk it affecting the dressing room, Liverpool acted decisively. A Big Departure, But Vision Remains Since his Liverpool debut, Díaz has made 148 appearances, scoring 40+ goals and providing around 23 assists. He was electric, unpredictable, and crucial for the club during the 2024-25 season, notching 17 goals and eight assists in 50 games as the Reds lifted the Premier League title. He offered more than just stats; his flair on the left wing, defensive work rate, and ability to change games were undeniable. Liverpool has a long history of letting stars go when the timing is right, and this move feels consistent with that tradition. A Squad Ready To Evolve With Díaz gone and Darwin Núñez also rumored to be on his way out, Liverpool’s front line is undergoing a reshuffle. The likes of Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and new boy Ekitike give Slot plenty to work with, but the real excitement lies in the club’s pursuit of Alexander Isak. The Newcastle striker is being lined up as a potential record-breaking signing, with Liverpool preparing a huge bid to bring the Swedish international to Anfield, and they’re thinking of breaking the British transfer record for the second time in a single window. Isak has reportedly rejected offers from Saudi Arabia, making Liverpool his preferred destination. The Díaz funds could prove vital in landing him, proof that Liverpool aren’t just cashing in, they’re already preparing the next chapter.
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a shocking move early in the 2025 offseason. In a bold and unexpected trade, the team acquired star wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks, instantly changing the outlook of their offense. Shortly after the deal, the Steelers committed long-term, signing Metcalf to a five-year contract worth $150 million, with four new years and $132 million in fresh money. At $33 million per year, the Steelers made it clear they believe Metcalf is a rare talent worth every dollar. While the Steelers were focused on boosting their offense, their move has caused problems elsewhere in the NFL. The Washington Commanders now find themselves in a difficult position with their own star wide receiver, Terry McLaurin. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that McLaurin "wants considerably more than" the $33 million per year that Metcalf received in Pittsburgh. That revelation has sparked questions about whether the Commanders are prepared to meet McLaurin’s growing demands. The Steelers may not have intended to impact other teams' contract negotiations, but their deal with Metcalf is now being used as a measuring stick. McLaurin, who has consistently been one of the most reliable wideouts in the league, is looking to cash in at a level that reflects his value. Pittsburgh’s decision to pay top dollar has inadvertently put pressure on Washington, who must now decide whether to match or exceed those terms to keep their top receiver happy. The Commanders find themselves in a difficult position as the NFL continues to see critical positions like wide receiver experience rapid increases in market value. As star players across the league sign massive deals, it becomes increasingly challenging for teams to build balanced rosters while also keeping their top talent and maintaining consistency from one season to the next. Washington is now facing that exact challenge with McLaurin. It makes perfect sense that Metcalf’s massive extension with the Steelers is being used as a comparison. This is a common pattern in the NFL. One player gets paid, and others in the same position group see it as their opportunity to cash in. McLaurin, after watching Metcalf land a $33 million per year deal, likely sees this as the perfect moment to get the contract he believes he deserves. It is not about being greedy. Players understand the business side of the league and know their value can shift quickly. When the opportunity comes, they have to take advantage of it. Steelers' Omar Khan Has A Chance To Do Something Crazy At Wide Receiver The bigger question is whether McLaurin could become available if things continue to stall in Washington. While the Steelers might seem like a potential landing spot, they are already investing heavily in Metcalf. Paying McLaurin even more than Metcalf would be incredibly difficult under the current financial structure. However, if General Manager Omar Khan were somehow able to make it work, it would completely reshape how the rest of the league views Pittsburgh entering the 2025 season. For now, both sides appear to be stuck, and that uncertainty could eventually lead to McLaurin’s name surfacing in trade talks, even if his price is far too high for Pittsburgh to realistically consider. While it’s highly unlikely the Steelers would make another major move at wide receiver, Khan has shown a willingness to get creative with the salary cap, so nothing can ever be completely ruled out. With the right cap maneuvering, there’s always a slim chance something unexpected could happen. Though the idea of the Steelers making McLaurin higher paid than Metcalf certainly sounds very unlikely at this point.
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