Connect with us

Sports

3 All-Star catchers are trade candidates — here’s where each stands

Published

on

The New York Yankees want to add a right-handed hitting catcher, and the Minnesota Twins’ Ryan Jeffers still appears to be their most obvious target.

For a variety of reasons, three intriguing All-Stars — the Colorado Rockies’ Hunter Goodman, Athletics’ Shea Langeliers and Baltimore Orioles switch-hitter Adley Rutschman — are less likely to move.

The Twins, three games out in the AL wild-card race and five back in the Central, aren’t certain to trade Jeffers to the Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays or any other team in need of a catcher. But as written previously, Jeffers is a potential free agent who could bring back bullpen help, and the Twins could replace him with Victor Caratini and Alex Jackson.

Goodman (three years), Langeliers (two) and Rutschman (one) all come with additional club control beyond this season. Their respective teams are all in different positions, and Rutschman went on the injured Monday with left wrist inflammation.

Here is a look at where each catcher stands with his club, based on conversations with people familiar with those teams’ plans.

Ken’s Week in Baseball: What will the Mets do with Francisco Lindor?

Ken Rosenthal

Goodman: No rush to move him, if he moves at all

The Rockies are telling teams they spent the first part of the season trying to figure out which players can be part of their next 90-win team. Goodman, third in the majors with 30 home runs, including 18 on the road, obviously qualifies for that list.

An extension would ensure Goodman remains with the Rockies long-term. At some point, such a deal is possible. But if it doesn’t happen, the Rockies must decide: Can we get to 90 wins with Goodman by 2029, his final season under club control? Or would we be better off trading him for multiple players who could accelerate our timeline?

The Rockies, under new president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta and general manager Josh Byrnes, need not make that decision right away.

Goodman, 26, is earning $810,000 in his final year before arbitration, and entered Monday ranked 12th in the majors with an .887 OPS. He will remain attractive in the offseason, when teams are both more flexible with their rosters and comfortable incorporating new catchers. Colorado will have several additional opportunities to trade him as well.

To reach 90 wins this season, the Rockies would need to finish 50-10. They almost certainly fall short of 90 next season as well, assume the pending lockout doesn’t wreck that campaign. Obviously, they need to stay open-minded. But to trade Goodman when they are unclear of what their future path looks like, they would need to be overwhelmed.

Third baseman Kyle Karros, 23, center fielder Cole Carrigg, 24, and first baseman TJ Rumfield, 26, also look like potential core players. The Athletic’s Keith Law liked the Rockies’ college-heavy draft. For Goodman, the Rockies wouldn’t want three Class-A lottery picks. They would want multiple high-end prospects who could help them reach 90 wins faster than Goodman could alone.

The Yankees, who also need to address their bullpen and add more than one player to their offense, would hesitate to meet such a price. Other clubs would, too.

Langeliers: Still part of A’s future

On the surface, listing Langeliers as a trade candidate makes sense.

Unlike four other Athletics position players — left fielder Tyler Soderstrom, shortstop Jacob Wilson, outfielder Lawrence Butler, designated hitter Brent Rooker – Langeliers has yet to sign a long-term extension. And with Scott Boras as his agent, it’s probably safe to say he won’t be agreeing to one anytime soon. Boras generally prefers his clients to establish their values on the open market.

So why not trade Langeliers when his value is soaring? For starters, the A’s have precious little catching depth behind Langeliers and Jonah Heim, who is eligible for free agency. Perhaps even more significant, Langeliers is under club control through 2028, the year the Athletics expect to open their new $2 billion ballpark on the Las Vegas strip — and a year in which they expect to contend.

Langeliers, 28, leads the A’s with 22 homers and is third on the club with a .819 OPS. And while the team has collapsed for the second straight year playing its home games at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, losing 15 of its last 18 games, it doesn’t want to crater further by trading one of its best players.

True, the A’s intended to take a step forward this season. Still, they weren’t built for 2026, and playing in a minor-league park might be hindering their pitching development. According to park factor, the run-scoring environment at Sutter Health the past two seasons is the second-most robust in the majors, behind only Coors Field.

Something else to consider with Langeliers: Teams consider catchers more valuable to teams than relievers, distinguishing him from where the A’s were with closer Mason Miller a year ago.

The A’s initially did not plan to move Miller, but ultimately parted with him and lefty JP Sears for a package led by shortstop Leo De Vries, whom Law recently ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the sport.

Miller has defied the usual concerns about reliever volatility with the San Diego Padres, pitching even better than he did with the A’s. But it is exceedingly rare for teams to acquire and develop All-Star catchers the way the A’s did with Langeliers, who was the prize of the Matt Olson trade in March 2022.

It would be one thing if the A’s could land a prospect as prized as De Vries for Langeliers. Yankees Triple-A shortstop George Lombard Jr., whom Law ranks No. 6, is nearly at that level, but might be close to untouchable. Besides, as the A’s try to build momentum, they need to remain as stable at catcher as possible.

Rutschman: Future uncertain

Trade Rutschman? Try keeping him on the field first. As noted by The Baltimore Sun’s Jacob Calvin Meyer, Rutschman’s latest trip to the IL is his fifth in the past 394 days.

Two weeks ago, when Rutschman was healthy and the Orioles’ season appeared lost, the team seemed likely to face a choice: Sign Rutschman to an extension before the deadline or trade him.

The Orioles since have won seven of eight games and now could be a buyer, but perhaps they should have made a decision on Rutschman sooner.

His injury, combined with the team’s surge, further reduces the already low odds of the Orioles trading him. It also underscores the risk of signing him — or any catcher, for that matter — long-term.

Rutschman’s eligibility for free agency after next season further complicates the matter.

Front offices weighing what to do with prominent 2027-28 free agents likely will face smaller windows than usual to act on them — the one month or so before the lockout begins, and then a brief period between the end of the lockout and spring training, assuming the owners and players reach an agreement in that time frame.

This is why the Orioles needed an earlier gauge on Rutschman’s value, both as a trade and extension candidate. But the urgency for an extension, if it ever existed among either party, likely diminished with Rutschman’s new injury.

Rutschman surely would prefer to negotiate while on a hot streak. The Orioles probably would be reluctant to rush into a deal while he is hurt, even though president of baseball operations Mike Elias has said he wants Rutschman “here forever.

Elias clearly is not opposed to negotiating midseason. The Orioles on Saturday agreed with right-hander Kyle Bradish on a five-year, $90 million extension. Lefty Trevor Rogers could be next on the team’s list.

Rutschman during All-Star week told The Athletic he was open to such a deal. But that was before he went down again. He never was likely to be traded within the division to the Yankees or Rays. Now it appears his future with the team will remain uncertain, through the deadline and beyond.

>

Continue Reading

Sports

Valencia 1-2 Newcastle: Yoane Wissa’s double gives Matthias Jaissle winning start as Anthony Elanga stretchered off | Football News

Published

on

Substitute Yoane Wissa scored twice to give Matthias Jaissle a winning start as Newcastle boss with a 2-1 comeback pre-season win at 10-man Valencia.

But the friendly at the Mestalla threatened to be overshadowed by Jose Gaya’s red-card horror tackle on Anthony Elanga, which saw the Newcastle winger stretchered off in the first half and led to both sets of players clashing.

Fortunately for the Sweden international, his injury does not appear to be serious, with Elanga later up and walking after a contusion to the shin.

Tempers flared after Jose Gaya's challenge saw Anthony Elanga stretchered off
Image:
Tempers flared after Jose Gaya’s challenge saw Anthony Elanga stretchered off

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Jaissle was “relaxed” over Elanga’s injury.

The German said: “It seems to be not bad, so we are pleased. I hope it’s true, then he can start again next week.”

He added: “Of course I was in fear [it was a serious injury], definitely, but now I’m more relaxed as the medical department is showing almost green lights, and there’s nothing serious.”

Who played for Newcastle?

  • Hornicek; Shahar (M Miley 46), Thiaw (Johnson 72), Botman, Pivas (Charlton 67); Bamba (Steur 46), Ramsey (Joelinton 67); Elanga (J Murphy 39), Woltemade (Willock 67), Barnes (Toure 46); Osula (Wissa 46).
  • Unused subs: Gillespie, Harris, Finneran, Neave.

Elanga’s injury after Valencia’s Filip Ugrinic’s stunning fifth-minute opener had given Jaissle a nightmare start to life in the Newcastle dugout.

But his half-time changes sparked a Toon turnaround with new signings Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur impressing.

It was last summer’s signing Wissa who pounced on a mistake to level in the 52nd minute.

New arrival Toure then broke clear of the Valencia defence to unselfishly set up Wissa for a tap-in to complete the comeback in the 76th minute.

Toure should have had a second assist after fine work down the left, but Jacob Murphy put over his cross in stoppage time.

The win brings some relief to Newcastle on the day they lost their captain Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal.

Jaissle’s next pre-season test will come on Wednesday as his new side face Everton at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

Newcastle's Nick Woltemade (left) started at the Mestalla
Image:
Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade (left) started at the Mestalla

Wissa’s fresh start under Jaissle

Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie at the Mestalla:

“A good end to a positive week in Spain for Newcastle – and a trophy for Jaissle in his first match in charge as they lift the ‘Orange Cup’.

“Some impressive signs from new signings Aladji Bamba, Steur and Toure.

“Newcastle’s travelling fans sent home from The Mestalla with a spring in their step.

“One major positive was Wissa’s performance.

“Newcastle really need him to come good this season. It was a huge £55m outlay on a 29-year-old, and last season was a nightmare for him.

“He looks sharp and is coming off a good World Cup showing. Maybe this could be a fresh start for the striker.”

Jaissle keeping ‘balanced’ after debut win

Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle speaking at his post-match press conference:

“First of all, I’m really happy that there are no serious injuries. Anthony, we are happy, and it seems to be okay, actually – that was the most important thing.

“Of course, winning games always helps to gain confidence, but we also knew that we had a hard week behind us. The players did well in the camp; there was a pure commitment in each session.

“We had a hard load, so therefore now we deserve two days off, and then we start again.

“It was a friendly today; we will not smash the locker room now and celebrate a lot.

“We’re quite balanced; we know what it is about. Now it’s pre-season, and we’re still looking to work on it.

“It’s just a journey; we don’t want to hang onto that.

“The victory is higher than it is, but also we don’t see the losses lower than it is then, so we should be quite balanced in our approach.

“We should just analyse the situation and develop from there, and that’s what we’re going to do.

“Now next week, there are things we need to work on, definitely.”

>

Continue Reading

Sports

Aaron McKenna wins dream homecoming bout against Etinosa Oliha to become IBF middleweight world champion in Dublin | Boxing News

Published

on

Ireland’s Aaron McKenna defeated Etinosa Oliha to become a middleweight world champion.

For McKenna this fight in Dublin was a dream homecoming. The Irish middleweight had pursued his career across America, sparring in some of the world’s best gyms and amassing an undefeated pro record.

This contest, for the vacant IBF middleweight title, was his first world title fight and his first professional contest in Ireland.

With brother Stevie taking a spectacular knockout earlier, McKenna made a memorable entrance, wildly cheered into the ring by the 3Arena crowd, so loudly that the floor was almost rumbling.

But he didn’t let emotions carry him away at the start of the fight. He edged forward onto the front foot, feinting. He timed a left hook as Oliha, unbeaten himself coming in, stepped to him.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Aaron McKenna had an incredible entrance ahead of his IBF world middleweight title fight with Etinosa Oliha, first coming into Sinead O’Connor’s The Foggy Dew and then Faithless’ Insomnia!

McKenna let his jab flicker out. His hands were quick, his right streaked in and McKenna used his left hook to let a cross blast through.

But the Italian wrested the second round his way, thumping through right hooks, punches McKenna felt, to show that he too could launch meaningful attacks.

McKenna ground forward, stifling his own long-range work but bodily forcing Oliha back.

When he did strike his opponent with a reaching right, the crowd roared and as the fight progressed into its second half McKenna did move more on his toes, darting back to scrape his left hook into the side of Oliha’s head.

The Italian looked to rip hooks into him but McKenna marshalled him to the ropes and slugged Oliha with a left hook.

McKenna and Oliha were both unbeaten coming into this world title fight
Image:
McKenna and Oliha were both unbeaten coming into this world title fight

McKenna imposed himself again in the ninth round but Oliha, a solid operator, showed little sign of wilting.

In the 10th round McKenna circled out and reeled off double jabs. As they grappled in a clinch though, Oliha unleashed a flurry that caught the Irishman.

McKenna briefly put space between them with a cross to the chin. He scored to the body with thudding right hooks too.

Oliha charged from his corner with a long one-two to start the 11th round. With flashier work, McKenna landed a left uppercut off his jab. Oliha though hacked back at him with a right hook up close.

McKenna continued to punch in greater volume. A clash saw him cut on the forehead just before the end of the 11th. He trusted in a hefty right hook as a response.

McKenna tears into Oliha.
Image:
McKenna tears into Oliha.

He didn’t want or need to take risks in the last round. He moved sharply, striking an increasingly desperate Oliha with jabs and the crowd all around him stood up cheering, clapping and chanting his name.

McKenna worked an uppercut, Oliha drove in a right but even when McKenna took shots he didn’t let them shake him as he closed out a unanimous decision.

When that final bell chimed, McKenna rushed to the corner post and jumped up onto the ropes to celebrate.

As soon as the words “from Monaghan” were declared by the ring announcer, confirming McKenna a 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 victor, the arena burst into deafening cheers once again.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Aaron McKenna was in buoyant mood after beating Etinosa Oliha to become IBF world middleweight champion in front of his home crowd in Dublin.

“A new world champion. I’ve been saying it for years. A big thank you to Zuffa Boxing for giving me this platform and bringing a fight back to Ireland for me,” McKenna beamed afterwards.

“I’ve been a professional for nine years and never got the chance to fight in Ireland. Why? Just look at these beautiful fans.

“I never lost discipline in training. There were times when I wondered whether I’d ever get the chance.

“My dad [their trainer] sacrificed his whole life for me and my brother, dedicating everything to helping us chase our dreams.

“Finally, I’ve got my hands on this.”

>

Continue Reading

Sports

How to watch the 2026 Wyndham Championship: Streaming options for Round 4

Published

on

Beau Hossler leads the field at the 2026 Wyndham Championship after three rounds of play, with a score of -16. Play continues at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, NC, watch the fourth round to see how the action plays out.

How to Watch the 2026 Wyndham Championship

  • Venue: Sedgefield Country Club
  • Location: Greensboro, NC
  • Par/Distance: Par 70/7,131 yards
  • Time: 7 a.m. ET
  • Streaming: Fubo (Stream now)
  • Watching in person? Get tickets on StubHub.

Wyndham Championship Leaderboard

  • 1st: Beau Hossler -16 (61-67-66)
  • 1st: Michael Brennan -16 (66-65-63)
  • 3rd: Tom Kim -15 (65-67-63)
  • 4th: Alex Smalley -14 (67-64-65)
  • 4th: Alex Noren -14 (66-65-65)

Wyndham Championship Notable Pairings & Tee Times

  • 7 a.m. ET: Peter Malnati (+2/81st)
  • 10:45 a.m. ET: Eric Cole (-7/32nd), Hayden Springer (-7/32nd)
  • 10:55 a.m. ET: Brandt Snedeker (-7/32nd), Rafael Campos (-7/32nd)
  • 11:05 a.m. ET: Austin Eckroat (-7/32nd), Andrew Novak (-7/32nd)
  • 11:20 a.m. ET: Christiaan Bezuidenhout (-7/32nd), Richard Hoey (-8/21st)
  • 11:30 a.m. ET: Jackson Suber (-8/21st), Denny McCarthy (-8/21st)
  • 11:40 a.m. ET: Chandler Phillips (-8/21st), Tyler Collet (-8/21st)
  • 11:50 a.m. ET: Joel Dahmen (-8/21st), Sungjae Im (-8/21st)
  • 12 p.m. ET: Jordan Spieth (-8/21st), Justin Thomas (-8/21st)
  • 12:10 p.m. ET: Webb Simpson (-8/21st), Ben Kohles (-8/21st)

This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.

Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.

Photo: Hector Vivas, Maddie Meyer / Getty Images

Connections: Sports Edition Logo

Connections: Sports Edition Logo

Connections: Sports Edition

Spot the pattern. Connect the terms

Find the hidden link between sports terms

>

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2017 Zox News Theme. Theme by MVP Themes, powered by WordPress.