It's July 2, 2025, and as he has been for the last half-decade, Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is the most feared hitter in baseball.

He is famously the kind of player to whom no numbers can do justice—but on Tuesday, he added yet another statistical milestone to his storied resume.

A home run against the Chicago White Sox in his team's 6–1 win gave him 30 on the year to go with 10 stolen bases and five triples. According to OptaSTATS, Ohtani is the first player ever to do that in five consecutive seasons.

Only four players, in fact, have accomplished that feat in consecutive seasons—Milwaukee Braves outfielder Hank Aaron (1960 to '62), Milwaukee Brewers third baseman and left fielder Ryan Braun (2007 to '09), New York Giants center fielder Willie Mays (1955 to '57), and Dodgers outfielder Raul Mondesi (1997 to '99). Mays and New York Yankees outfielder Babe Ruth are the only other players to accomplish that feat in five seasons .

He has a long way to go at just 30, but it seems almost certain that Cooperstown, N.Y. awaits Ohtani.

How RCB silenced the crowd at a ground and against a team they’ve historically struggled

Alagappan Muthu29-Mar-20251:32

Rapid Fire Review: Is this RCB’s season?

For a little while on Friday, Josh Hazlewood held all the power and he had the good sense to use it indiscriminately. He produced two wickets and nine dots with his first 12 balls.For a little while, a little earlier, Rajat Patidar held all the power and he had the good sense to use it indiscriminately. He gave up all of his stumps to one of India’s best spin bowlers and did not care one bit. He had lined up Ravindra Jadeja. He felt in no danger whatsoever. That inside out cover drive went to the boundary like it was racing to meet an appointment.For a little while, a little later, Virat Kohli held all the power and he had the good sense to use it indiscriminately. He was walking over to his mark at long-on and a whole host of people – many of them wearing yellow – were going crazy for him. When he looked up, waved, touched his heart and raised his hand in a thumbs up, a crowd that is famously partisan started chanting his name.Related

• Patidar, bowlers lead RCB to first win over CSK in Chennai since 2008

• Stats – RCB end 17-year Chennai jinx against CSK

• Gaikwad: 'Happy we didn't lose by a big margin'

• Fleming: 'No home advantage at Chepauk'

• Hazlewood: 'This is probably the freshest I've been in a long time'

All of this happened at a ground and against a team that Royal Challengers Bengaluru have historically struggled. But by the end of the night, they conquered both the place and the opposition. They recorded the biggest win, in terms of runs, by a visiting team against Chennai Super Kings at MA Chidambaram stadium.Fast bowlers have had to stomach all manner of evils as T20 cricket has progressed, to the point that they have been forced to admit that for their own survival they had to give up the very thing that makes them so special. Their speed. Their ego. Their gravitational pull.The new ball, though, reminds them that they matter. And Hazlewood is so good with it. Seven of his 16 wickets at the 2023 ODI World Cup were the result of his work within the first 10 overs, including a peak performance in the semi-final where his first spell – 6-1-12-2 – left South Africa – a side that scored over 400 earlier in the tournament – at 28 for 4. By then, he was pushing through on adrenaline. At the start of this IPL, he said he was feeling fresh. In Chennai, he was pure fire. His dismissal of Ruturaj Gaikwad left CSK at 8 for 2 chasing 198. The entire ground was drowning in silence. Kohli, and one billion people, slumped the last time an Australian fast bowler did that. Here he (literally), and eight million people (figuratively), leapt on top of Hazlewood and took a piggy back ride.Josh Hazlewood gave RCB a cracking start with the ball•Associated PressThe war cry that always goes up at the Chinnaswamy stadium had found its way across the border. “Arr-Cee-Bee! Arr-Cee-Bee.” The enemy had breached the gates. Chepauk had fallen. And the worse was to come. When DRS revealed the spike on Deepak Hooda’s edge, several pockets of RCB fans celebrated it with not screams or claps but with something deeply synonymous with the CSK fan base – whistles.RCB have waited for 17 years to win against this team in this place and they were very aware of it.”Yeah, it was actually at breakfast,” Phil Salt, their newest member, said at the post-match press conference. “Some sort of an article came up on my phone, and it was all the things that have happened since RCB beat CSK here. [We had] a pretty light-hearted conversation. There wasn’t too much in it. But yeah, it’s a good win.”To beat the champions in their home ground, and then come here, which is a very, very tough place to come and get a win, we’re really happy with the fact that we’re sitting two games, four points, obviously with a boost in the net run rate as well. But we’re very aware of how good a side CSK are, especially at home, so we’re pleased.”It is not easy to spot a captain’s influence on a T20 game. But it is possible to spot what it does to their own game. In Patidar’s case, the extra responsibility is bringing the best out of him. In three previous matches at Chepauk, he had made only nine runs. He made nearly six times as many from just tonight – though did have the benefit of being dropped on 17.Patidar’s presence through much of the RCB innings prevented R Ashwin and Jadeja from finishing their full quota of overs. They bowled just five, and were taken for 59 runs. The dressing room was in awe of their leader.”I think he’s brilliant in all areas, if I’m being honest with you,” Salt said, “I think the batting is right up there with the best around. I’ve not seen anybody hit spin the way that he can. Obviously, he rode his luck a little bit tonight, but that’s the game. You get that in patches.”And then you come to his captaincy, and he’s a cool head and very calm under pressure. He’s got very good cricket brain. He thinks about the game very deeply. As I’ve already said, the way that he spun the bowlers around tonight to make sure that we’re keeping the pressure on at all times. There’s not much more you can ask for. There’s a reason he’s got a [Player] of the Match trophy as well.”RCB had done such a number on CSK at Chepauk that when the living embodiment of both this place and this team finally made his way out at No. 9, he took strike with a slip and short leg crowding him. At the end of the match, his coach felt compelled to get up close and personal with the pitch, a member of the ground staff in tow. Stephen Fleming’s next stop was the press conference. He left it in a huff with echoes of “Arr-Cee-Bee! Arr-Cee-Bee!” still ringing in the air.

Tottenham have made contact with a “complete” young player over a move to the club, with plenty of other clubs providing stiff competition including Scottish giants Rangers.

Tottenham given £100m cash injection

It has been a positive start to life in north London for Thomas Frank, with Spurs performing well overall in the Premier League and sitting third in the table.

Tottenham have now been given a fresh boost, with their owners, Enic, who are run by the Lewis Family Trust, injecting £100m into the club to “further strengthen the club’s financial position and equip the club’s leadership team with additional resources to continue the focus on driving long-term sporting success”.

A source close to Spurs also added: “This is initial additional funding. As the club’s management decides what’s needed to deliver success, more money will be available. The Lewis family is committed to backing the club to be successful.”

This will be music to the ears of the fanbase, who will feel that life after Daniel Levy is going well, and it’s now a case of using the money wisely, potentially on new signings moving forward. One player has now been mentioned as a potential option for the north Londoners.

Tottenham make contact with "complete" winger

Writing on X, journalist Rudy Galetti claimed that Tottenham have made contact with AS Trencin winger Sani Suleiman, looking to beat the likes of Rangers and Bayer Leverkusen to his signature.

Not a lot is known about Suleiman, given his age and where he is currently playing, but he could be an exciting long-term acquisition for Spurs, being capable of shining on both wings. The report does say that he has impressed with his speed, creativity, and ability to impact games.

At just 19, he has already scored 15 goals at senior level, as well as winning three caps for Nigeria’s Under-20s, and Galetti himself has described him as “complete” recently.

It is always important for Spurs to plan for the future, rather than simply focusing on the present, and signing players of Suleiman’s calibre and potential is vital.

Move over Spence: Spurs must unleash "one of the best talents England have"

Frank manages at Tottenham some of England’s finest up-and-coming talent.

2

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 12, 2025

Granted, it is hard to predict the trajectory of a young player, with so many hurdles to clear in their career, from injuries to consistency, but if Frank and the recruitment team at the club see him as a good option, they need to be trusted.

Dylan Cease could be on the move before the 2025 MLB trade deadline.

That shocking news hit on Wednesday, as ESPN's Buster Olney reported the San Diego Padres might try to get creative as they attempt to compete down the stretch. The Padres have a number of pressing needs as the deadline approaches, with left field and catcher at the top of the list. Given their financial situation, moving some salary while making additions makes a lot of sense.

Cease has ace-level stuff, but has struggled this season. After finishing fourth in NL Cy Young voting in 2024, he has been a different pitcher in 2025. Through 21 starts, the 29-year-old is 3-10 with a 4.59 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP and 144 strikeouts against 42 walks in 113 2/3 innings. The one thing to note here is that Cease's xFIP is 3.30, meaning he's gotten pretty unlucky this year.

The Padres are set to lose Cease at the end of the season as he'll hit free agency. They could, instead, leverage his value given the lack of available starting pitching at this year's deadline and hope a team will bank on Cease's bad luck turning around, or their staff making minor tweaks. San Diego could then use assets acquired to help improve their roster for the stretch run.

What follows is a look at the best fits for Cease as we approach the trade deadline.

Chicago Cubs

Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd have been excellent for the Cubs this season, but there remains a Justin Steele-sized hole in the rotation. As a group, the team's starters rank 13th leaguewide in ERA (3.93) and have allowed the third-most home runs (87). Chicago needs to add juice to the starting rotation, and the organization knows Cease intimately. The Cubs selected him in the sixth round of the 2014 MLB draft and Cease wound up being a top prospect before the club dealt him to the Chicago White Sox as part of the ill-fated Jose Quintana trade.

This would be a chance for the Cubs to land Cease back on the North Side to help the team's starting pitching depth as they make a push for an NL Central crown.

New York Yankees

The Yankees' focus is sure to be finding a third baseman, but the pitching also needs help. Max Fried and Carlos Rodon have carried the starting rotation this season with Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt out after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Luis Gil is close to a return, but the rest of the team's starters have been shaky at best and awful at worst. As a group, New York's starters rank seventh in ERA (3.74) but they don't have the rotation depth to win a World Series.

Cease has the kind of elite stuff that can show up in October. While he struggled in the 2024 postseason, his average fastball velocity (97.1 mph) ranks fifth in MLB among starting pitchers and his slider was one of the best pitches in baseball in 2024. A few tweaks could have him dominating hitters again.

New York Mets

The Mets have a really good rotation, led by Kadai Sengal and David Peterson with Sean Manaea healthy again to back them up. But they also have a ticking time bomb on their hands. Converted reliever Clay Holmes has already thrown 108 2/3 innings, which is 38 2/3 more than his previous career high of 70. He has been really good this season, posting an 8-5 record with a 3.48 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. But so far in July he has an ERA of 5.66, and has surrendered 13 earned runs on 21 hits in 20 2/3 innings. He could be hitting a wall.

If Holmes continues to struggle, New York needs to find another option for the stretch run. Frankie Montas is back, but he has a 4.62 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP this season through five starts. His last two starts have been better but he's risky. Adding another starter feels like a must for the Mets.

Toronto Blue Jays

Like the Mets, the Blue Jays look solid on the surface, with Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman leading the rotation. But if you look under the hood, the team's starters rank 24th in ERA (4.53). Max Scherzer (5.14 ERA) was sidelined for months thanks to a thumb injury and has yet to look ready for primetime, and Eric Lauer (2.80 ERA) is a low-ceiling lefty who has had some success this season but his 3.82 xFIP says he's getting incredibly lucky.

Cease would be a high-ceiling arm that could add the depth to the rotation Toronto has struggled to find a year.

MatériaMais Notícias

O ex-lateral Jorginho, campeão da Copa do Mundo em 1994, criticou a atual safra de jogadores da posição, apontando que poucos cumprem uma função muito importante para o jogo: o cruzamento.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFlamengoÍdolo do Flamengo critica Léo Pereira: ‘Se abate com facilidade’Flamengo31/01/2024

– Vendo o último jogo da Seleção, contra a Argentina (pelas Eliminatórias), eu fiquei assim… e o Emerson é um bom jogador. Hoje, eu acho que ele é mais um zagueiro do que um lateral. O lateral precisa chegar no fundo, ele precisa cruzar, ele precisa ter uma visão. Muitas vezes eu tava vendo ele jogar de costas (…) Mas o lateral precisa cruzar, mesmo que ele não chegue no fundo. Precisa fazer um cruzamento. Ele não deu um cruzamento no jogo. E isso me preocupa – afirmou Jorginho ao “Só Resenha Podcast”.

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Com 89 partidas entre 1987 e 1995 pela Seleção Brasileira, tendo participado das conquistas da Copa América de 1989 e da Copa do Mundo de 1994, o ex-jogador lembrou que a falta de laterais que saibam cruzar também é crônica nos clubes brasileiros.

continua após a publicidade

– Essa é minha preocupação também nos times, não só na Seleção Brasileira. Hoje, poucos laterais estão chegando no fundo, como o Leo Moura fazia – concluiu Jorginho.

+ FUTEBOL NACIONAL

Tudo sobre

Seleção Brasileira

The best team in baseball is loading up for a World Series push.

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians, according to a report from ESPN's Jeff Passan. It will be a one-for-one deal, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, with the Guardians receiving pitching prospect Khal Stephen in return.

Bieber holds a career 3.22 ERA across seven seasons, and is nearing a return from rehabilitiation following Tommy John surgery that he underwent in April of 2024. He has shown well in limited rehab outings in the minor leagues this season.

If he continues to pitch well in his return from injury, the Blue Jays will certainly rely upon him in their playoff rotation.

Manchester United are now willing to outbid Real Madrid to win the race for Tijuana wonderkid Gilberto Mora, who starred at the recent U20 World Cup.

It was recently revealed that Ruben Amorim is putting a heavy emphasis on bringing young players through the ranks, having introduced a number of academy stars to first-team training, with 18-year-old winger Shea Lacey particularly catching the eye.

Amorim plans to rebuild the link between the academy and the senior squad, and Lacey is one of the main youngsters who could push for a place in the match-day squad before the season comes to a close.

Bringing players through the academy has always been a part of United’s DNA, and their current manager has made it clear he wants to continue that tradition, saying: “We want to maintain it. The past of Manchester United is built on kids.

“I don’t want to be the guy that breaks that.”

The Red Devils have also set out to sign impressive up-and-coming talents from elsewhere, with it recently emerging they are in concrete talks to sign AIK Fotboll striker Kevin Filling, and they are now looking to sign another young attacker.

Man Utd willing to outbid Real Madrid for Mora

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Man United are willing to put a lot of money on the table to win the race for Tijuana attacking midfielder Mora, following his impressive performances at the recent U20 World Cup.

Such is United’s level of interest, they are willing to raise the price to a point where Madrid would be forced to back out of the race, but there could be competition for his signature, with Paris Saint-Germain also prepared to spend big.

In order to win the race, the Red Devils are aware they will need to move swiftly, with a deal expected to amount to €4.5m (£4m).

The 17-year-old certainly caught the eye at the U20 World Cup, receiving plaudits from scout Jacek Kulig courtesy of his performances in the group stage.

Not only that, but the teenager has already gained a plethora of experience for Tijuna at first-team level, having made 44 appearances for the Mexican side, during which time he’s amassed seven goals and two assists.

Mora is yet to prove himself in a major league, but his performances for both club and country have been extremely impressive, and it would be a real statement if Man United were able to beat Real Madrid to his signature.

Man Utd now enter race for Jeremy Monga Man Utd now enter race to sign new forward dubbed "England's Ousmane Dembele"

The Red Devils are looking to sign a “deadly finisher”.

ByDominic Lund Oct 29, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Titular do Santos no início de temporada, João Paulo mantém moral dentro do clube. Isso acontece apesar de algumas críticas da torcida, sofridas especialmente após o pênalti em Endrick, na final do Paulistão diante do Palmeiras. Porém, é provável que ele ganhe concorrência mais forte em breve.

continua após a publicidade

➡️ Siga o Lance! Santos no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Peixe

➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

Segundo apuração do Lance!, por enquanto, o Peixe não está em uma busca profunda pela contratação de outro goleiro. O clube enxerga que tem dois bons atletas para a posição: o próprio João Paulo e Gabriel Brazão.

Escalado em todos os jogos do Santos, João Paulo foi eleito o melhor goleiro do Paulistão e figurou na seleção do campeonato da Federação Paulista de Futebol (FPF). Brazão chegou nesta temporada e, em razão de um transfer ban, ficou impedido de ser relacionado para algumas partidas.

continua após a publicidade

O técnico Fábio Carille conta com cerca de duas semanas para definir o time que disputará a Série B, após ter diversas amostras no Estadual. O Alvinegro estreia no torneio entre os dias 19 e 21 de abril, contra o Paysandu, na Vila Belmiro.

JP “TRANQUILÃO”

Apesar de críticas de parte da torcida do Santos, pessoas próximas a João Paulo garantem que ele segue focado no clube. No início do ano, o principal desejo do goleiro foi de permanecer no Peixe, mesmo com a queda à Série B e interesse de clubes brasileiros em contratá-lo.

continua após a publicidade

Além disso, uma suposta procura do Alvinegro por outro jogador da posição não abala o atleta. Ainda em 2024, com João Paulo já garantido no elenco, o Santos tentou contratar Marcelo Grohe e Tadeu, antes de acertar com Gabriel Brazão.

Tudo sobre

João PauloSantos

تحدث مدرب ليفربول آرني سلوت عن العلاقة مع المصري محمد صلاح جناح الفريق، وعودته للمشاركة حيث دفع به كبديل أمام برايتون في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وصنع محمد صلاح هدفًا في فوز ليفربول أمام برايتون (2-0)، وجاءت مشاركته بعد جلوسه بديلاً لثلاث مباريات متتالية، وتصريحاته التي أعرب فيها عن عدم رضاه على وضعه، واستبعاده من مواجهة إنتر ميلان في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وفي مؤتمره الصحفي بعد الفوز، الذي شهد تمريرة حاسمة من صلاح للهدف الثاني، سُئل عما إذا كان راضيًا عن حل جميع المشاكل، وأجاب سلوت: “لا توجد أي مشكلة تحتاج إلى حل، بالنسبة لي هو الآن كأي لاعب آخر”.

وأضاف: “تتحدث مع لاعبيك إذا كنت سعيدًا أو غير سعيد بالأمور، ولكن ليس لدي ما أتحدث عنه بشأن ما حدث بعد مباراة ليدز”.

وأردف: “بالنسبة لي، فإن حديثي معه بالأمس، ووجوده على مقاعد البدلاء وخروجه كأول بديل، يعني أن الأمور قد هدأت، ولكن إذا أراد البعض الاستمرار في الحديث عن الأمر، أو كانت هناك أسبابٌ أخرى تدفع الناس إلى ذلك، فلا بأس، حديثنا بالأمس، وما حدث اليوم بيننا، يُغني عن أي تعليق”.

اقرأ أيضًا | سلوت عن عودة محمد صلاح لتشكيل ليفربول: قرار سهل.. وما دار بيننا سيبقى سرًا

وفيما يتعلق بما إذا كان يأمل عودة صلاح بعد انتهاء فترة وجوده مع منتخب مصر بكأس أمم إفريقيا، رد سلوت: “نعم، إنه لاعب في ليفربول، وعندما يكون موجودًا، أحب أن يشارك عندما نحتاج إليه”.

وواصل: “لم يبدأ المباراة اليوم، كما فعل في بعض المباريات السابقة، لكنه في الموسم الماضي كان أساسيًا في معظم المباريات، وعندما دخل بديلًا، قدّم أداءً رائعًا كما هو متوقع منه”.

واستطرد: “كان قريبًا من صناعة هدف آخر، أعتقد أنه فوجئ برؤية فيرجيل فان دايك بجانبه! لقد شكّل تهديدًا حقيقيًا، وهذا أمر بالغ الأهمية، لأنك عندما تلعب بمهاجميك، تأمل أن يكونوا مصدر تهديد”.

وأكمل سلوت: “أعتقد أن سبب عدم وجوده في ميلانو كان المقابلة التي أجراها، ثم يظل السؤال دائمًا مطروحًا، ولكل شخص رأي مختلف حوله، هل ينبغي إبعاده مرة، أو مرتين، أو ثلاث مرات، أو أربع مرات، أو لأربعة أشهر، أو حتى لاثني عشر عامًا؟”.

وتابع: “كل مدرب يتخذ قرارات مختلفة في مثل هذه الأمور، لكنه لم يكن ضمن المباراة أمام إنتر ميلان، وقد تحدثت معه أمس”.

وأصر سلوت: “بما أنني عادةً لا أتحدث عما نتحدث عنه، فلن أستثني هذه المرة، لكنني أعتقد أن الأفعال أبلغ من الأقوال”.

وأسترسل “كان ضمن التشكيلة مجدداً، وعندما اضطررت لإجراء أول تبديل، أشركته، وقدّم أداءً كما أتمنى أن يقدمه كل مشجع، بمن فيهم أنا”.

ورد سلوت على تصفيق الجماهير لصلاح في ملعب آنفيلد، قائلاً: “أعتقد أنه لم يكن اللاعب الوحيد الذي طاف أرض الملعب شاكراً الجماهير، لأن الجماهير تستحق الشكر منا”.

وأختتم قائلاً: “سيشارك صلاح الآن في كأس الأمم الإفريقية، وآمل أن يقدم أداءً مميزاً، وفي الوقت الراهن، علينا أن نلعب هنا بدونه مع قلة اللاعبين المتاحين حاليًا”.

Jarren Duran is one of the best players on the Red Sox, but that doesn’t mean they won’t trade him.

For the past two seasons, the All-Star outfielder’s name has come up repeatedly in trade talks. Given Boston’s young core and glut of outfielders, something has to give. Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu appear to be the future of the team. Duran looks to be the odd man out.

The 29-year-old blew up in 2024, slashing .285/.342/.492, with a wRC+ of 131, 21 home runs, and 34 stolen bases, while leading MLB in doubles (48) and triples (21), and producing 6.8 fWAR. He fell off a bit in 2025, slashing .256/.332/.442, with a wRC+ of 111 and 3.9 fWAR. Still, he had 16 home runs, 41 doubles, 13 triples and stole 24 bases. He has the kind of extra-base pop and speed every team values.

Duran would not be a rental. He’s under team control through 2028, which makes him even more attractive. What follows is a look at his four best fits as a trade target this winter.

1. Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies could potentially lose Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto on top of already needing to add multiple bats. Their biggest hole comes in the outfield, where Brandon Marsh is the only useful returning player. Nick Castellanos is awful in the field and posted an fWAR of -0.6 in 2025. Harrison Bader is a free agent Philadelphia could look to bring back, but the team will need to look outside the org to find a starting caliber corner outfielder.

Duran works really well here. His lefty bat near the top of the lineup with his extra base pop and outstanding speed would be a perfect fit for the Phillies. He’s exactly what they’re missing in the outfield.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

This may seem crazy, but the Dodgers are a mess in the outfield. Andy Pages had a breakout season in center but collapsed in the playoffs. Teoscar Hernández signed a big contract, then posted the worst full-season OPS of his career (.738). We won’t even talk about the disaster that was the Michael Conforto signing. There’s a reason L.A. is the favorite to land Kyle Tucker in free agency. But if that doesn’t happen, Duran would be a nice consolation prize.

The Dodgers would have an unfair lineup with some combination of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Duran at the top. L.A. has the prospects to win a bidding war with pretty much anyone on the trade market. It could add him and barely blink.

3. Kansas City Royals

The Royals desperately need outfield help. As a group, the team’s outfielders ranked last in MLB in fWAR (-1.4), wRC+ (70), on-base percentage (.283), and slugging (.334), while finishing 29th in batting average (.219) during the 2025 season. Those are some horrific numbers. Jac Caglianone should round into form with experience, but no one else on the roster profiles as even a replacement-level bat in the outfield.

Duran would represent a huge upgrade in Kansas City’s outfield, and the team has the rotation depth to entice a Red Sox team desperate for arms. Additionally, catching prospect Blake Mitchell could help sweeten a deal.

4. Baltimore Orioles

While Kansas City was awful in the outfield, the Orioles weren’t far off. Their outfielders collectively combined to rank 25th in fWAR (2.6), 22nd in wRC+ (94), 25th in OBP (.296), 20th in slugging, and 28th in batting average (.222). Tyler O’Neill will be back after opting in to his contract, as will Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers. All three struggled in 2025.

Duran would provide a veteran presence to the outfield and another good bat for a lineup that really needs it after a disappointing 2025 season. Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Samuel Basallo, and Duran would be an outstanding nice group to build around.