Cal Raleigh + Barrel = AL MVP 2025
The Big Dumper continues his reign over the MLB hitting his 32nd HR of the season yesterday. He is now only just two homeruns away from his career high. But Raleigh’s success isn’t just his improved discipline at the plate. It’s his ability to barrel the ball, his names are up there with Ohtani and Judge. On 198 batted balls, 39 of those have been barrelled. Raleigh’s discipline and ability to barrel the ball, has officially put him in the conversation for MVP.
Dbacks Become Sellers Despite Trends?
Despite the Dbacks being top 5 in runs scored, OPS, AVG, total bases and HR’s. Their pitching is what is holding them back. Their ERA is the sixth worse in the league, with the bullpen ranking 4th worse in the league. The D-backs have also blown 24 leads this season. Despite the heavy trend upwards of batting which is similar to those in 2024 for them. Pitching and injuries is what’s holding back the D-backs, the question is will they be sellers come deadline?
Fernando Tatis Jr Sues Big League Advanced Fund
On Monday, Tatis filed a legal complaint over BLAF and BLA LLC, a company that offers professional sports players upfront payments in exchange for a percentage of their future MLB earnings. Tatis is said to owe millions to the companies. Tatis told Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic, he signed the contract in 2018 and he needed this agreement because he needed to hire a trainer, rent a better apartment and better food. During that time, Tatis was only just a prospect in the minors in the Dominican Republic and wasn’t worried about the bill.
Tatis said he his fighting this battle for everyone that is still chasing their dream in a statement that was released. “I want to help protect those young players who don’t know how to protect themselves from these predatory lenders and illegal financial schemes”. IF players do agree to a contract with the BLA, and do not make the league, they own nothing. But if they do make the league, it can be expensive. A portion of pre-tax major-league earnings is taken out from the players. Tatis signed a 14-year, 340m deal with San Diego back in 2021.
Reds Dealing With ‘Sunk Cost’ After DFA
“At the end of the day, you have to look at it as a sunk cost because you can’t bring a player that’s not going to help his team win.” That’s what Nick Krall said about Jeimer Candelario who was DFA’d in his second year of a 3yr/45m contract. Candelario was placed on the IL on April 30th and had recently completed his rehab assignment. In 15 games, he only batted .211/.318/.333, and didn’t have a bat in his final two games with Louisville.
The Reds will carry Candelario’s contract till 2026 with a club option in 2027 with a 3m buyout attached.
Tyrese Haliburton Successful Surgery
A heartfelt message was released by Tyrese last night, his first public statement since going down in Game 7 with an Achilles tear. Haliburton was already dealing with a calf injury, and had trouble playing for Game 6. He mentioned that if he’s able to walk, he is gonna play. Tyrese was out there clearly for the city and the team. A very unfortunate ending for a player who was willing to put it all out there for the city of Indiana. You can find his full statement down below. Get well soon Tyrese!
Daniel Gafford Extended
According to Shams Charania from ESPN, the Mavericks and Gafford are in agreement for a 3yr/60m deal. Gafford’s role as the center for the Mavericks has been solidified and in my opinion, won’t be involved in trade talks this summer. Gafford posted a 12.3 PTS – 1.4 AST and 6.8 REB in 2025. Which was a career high for average points in Gafford’s six year career.
Pac-12/CBS TV Extension Official
CBS and the Pac-12 announced their extension of a multi-year partnership which is set to begin this fall with football. CBS and the Pac-12 confirm that more members will be joining at a later date. The partnership will remain in effect ahead of the ‘new Pac-12 launch’ ahead of the 26’-27’ season and carry through till the 30’-31’ season.
- Annual football and men’s basketball championship’s game on CBS and streamed on Paramount+
- Minimum of three regular season football and men’s basketball games on CBS and Paramount+ for each season
- Football and men‘s basketball games throughout the regular season on CBS Sports Network.
- The Pac-12 in 2026 will include Oregon State, Washington State, Boises State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State and Utah State.
Blue Jackets Arena 400m Renovations
The Nationwide Arena, better known as the home of the Blue Jackets have released more details regarding a 400m renovation to modernize the arena. The renovations are expected to take place over a four-five year timeframe and will likely be funded through a public-private partnership.
Below is the list of planned renovations coming to Nationwide Arena
- Expanding the main entrance; will be expanded by 30 feet to improve traffic and offer better traffic protection.
- Adding an outside terrace and food hall
- Creating an enclosed walkway; The walkway will connect with the McConnell parking garage, to the arena and the attached practice rink.
- Upgrading concession stands; Offering more options and improving overall functionality
- Installing over 50 new LED displays; potentially a new digital main scoreboard
- Adding more escalator and elevators through the facility
Josh Harris Buys 500k Daniels Rookie Card
During Fanatics Fest, an event where Josh Harris, owner of the Commanders and Jayden Daniels were special guests at the event. After things finished up, Daniels and Harris walked around, and they found the holy grail among Jayden Daniels collectors. A Daniel’s 2024 Panini Prizm Black Fnite one-of-one card. After some negotiation, 500 thousand and a signed jersey by the ROTY, the deal was made. Harris will display the 1 of 1 card at the Commanders stadium.
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