Joshua Valdez Articles - Page 18

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to blow up their team, while the Houston Astros gear up for their perennial playoff push. As a result, veteran southpaw Yusei Kikuchi will head to Houston to give the team a sorely needed veteran arm. Toronto shipped out Kikuchi on Monday night, via ESPN’s Jeff Passan. “The Houston Astros […]

Rutgers football is flying high after its first winning season since 2014, finishing 7-6 (3-6 Big Ten) and with a 31-24 victory over Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl. With senior quarterback Athan Kalakmanis transferring from Minnesota to take the reigns, the Scarlet Knights will try to build on last year and become ranked for the […]

New York Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes is not having his best year, and he may get shipped out of town as a result. However, the veteran hurler isn’t worried about Tuesday’s trade deadline. Cortes sounded off about the possibility of him being moved, via The New York Daily News’ Gary Phillips. “‘I’m not thinking about the […]

The Indianapolis Colts may have a harder time getting to the quarterback this season. Edge rusher Samson Ebukam, who registered a career-high 9.5 sacks last year, suffered a major injury in Sunday’s practice. As a result, Ebukam is out for the season with a torn Achilles, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport. “#Colts veteran DE Samson […]

Eight-time All-Star Mookie Betts was headed for another top-shelf campaign before going down with a fractured left hand in June. The Los Angeles Dodgers have survived in his absence, but there’s no doubt they need him to achieve their dreams in October. Betts, however, is inching closer to a return, via MLB.com. “Betts’ strength in […]

The newest New York Yankee is already having fun after getting traded from the Miami Marlins. Outfielder/second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. showed off his pop culture knowledge online after the blockbuster deadline deal went down on Saturday. Chisholm posted a Seinfeld clip, via his Instagram story. Jazz posted this on Instagram 😂 pic.twitter.com/3PR3LquK4r — Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) […]

The Philadelphia Phillies were already the best team in the MLB before their latest headlining move. However, their deal for Carlos Estévez may shoot them to the moon. The Phillies traded for the Los Angeles Angels closer on Saturday evening, via The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. “The Phillies are acquiring Carlos Estévez from the Angels, sources […]

For the last two months, the New York Yankees have desperately needed a shot in the arm, as the lineup has struggled outside of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. However, outfielder/second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. could be just the right medicine. The Yankees gave up three prospects to secure the versatile veteran on Saturday afternoon, according […]

The baseball world assumed that the Oakland Athletics would be one of the biggest sellers at the trade deadline, but things changed when they improved. After a horrific start, Brent Rooker and company are 7-3 in their last 10 games and 13-7 in July, clinching them their first winning month of the season. Oakland is […]

The Toronto Blue Jays tried their best to develop right-handed pitcher Nate Pearson after selecting him 28th overall in the 2017 draft. However, the former top RHP prospect in the game has yet to pan out in the big leagues, so they shipped him out to the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs acquired Pearson on Saturday […]

The Detroit Tigers have been nothing to write home about this year, but right-handed pitcher Jack Flaherty has been. That’s why the Houston Astros, who are gearing up for another playoff run, have been taking a long look at him. Both teams have been discussing a possible trade centering around the 6-foot-4, 225-pounder, via MLB […]

Much has been made of Cameroon native Joel Embiid joining Team USA for the 2024 Olympics. Now, even Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is turning on the former NBA MVP. Haliburton joked with Embiid about his passport as the team sailed the Parisian waters. Tyrese Haliburton: “Give your passport back.” Joel Embiid: “I’m American, man.” […]

The Baltimore Orioles continue to profit from their elite farm system, as they’re able to make win-now moves while still building for the future. The Tampa Bay Rays are one of many mediocre teams that could use more prospect depth, which is why the two teams made a deal centering around right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin […]

The New York Mets are flying high, as they’re in the thick of the NL Wild Card race after winning five of their last six. Now, promising right-hander Kodai Senga is gearing up to make his much-anticipated return. The Mets DFA’d two players after taking Senga off the IL, via the team’s social media. “RHP […]

Life in the MLB can get wacky, and left-handed hurler James Paxton recently experienced that in full force. A few days after being sent down to the minors by the Los Angeles Dodgers, “Big Maple” returns to the Boston Red Sox. The two teams completed the trade on Friday, via ESPN’s Jeff Passan. “The Boston Red […]

The clock is ticking for Kevin Durant to finish his rehab as Team USA prepares to face Serbia on Sunday. However, the two-time NBA champion doesn’t want his Olympics campaign to be written off yet. Durant was upset with NBA insider Brian Windhorst for theorizing that he would miss Sunday’s game, via ESPN. "[KD] was […]

The Minnesota Vikings have had a summer to forget. After rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson tragically passed away in a car crash earlier in July, they’ll now be without fellow corner Mekhi Blackmon this season. Blackmon tore his ACL in practice Wednesday, via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “#Vikings CB Mekhi Blackmon suffered a torn ACL in […]

The San Francisco 49ers were already elite last season, but there’s a reason why they might be even better this year. Quarterback Brock Purdy not only has another year under his belt, but he has a new-and-improved body and throwing velocity. Purdy spoke about the month he trained with throwing coach Will Hewlett in Jacksonville, […]

Garret Crochet has been one of the hottest names on the MLB rumor mill as the July 30th trade deadline approaches. However, the Chicago White Sox will only let go of the 2024 All-Star for the right price. Chicago may hold onto Crochet until the off-season to maximize its return, via The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. […]

The San Francisco 49ers’ front office has its work cut out for it. Not only is Brandon Aiyuk refusing to practice at camp, but three-time first-team All-Pro offensive tackle Trent Williams is holding out as he seeks a new deal. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said contract talks have been ongoing, via CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. […]

NFL training camps have just begun, but the Houston Texans have wasted no time throwing paws. Cornerback Derek Stingley and tight end Dalton Schultz got into it on Wednesday, with Stingley being the main aggressor. Podcast host Ruben Gamez reposted a video of the brawl, via his social media. Best video from the “fight” today! […]

The 2024 New York Jets are not at a loss for talent on the offensive side of the ball, with names like Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and NFL legend Aaron Rodgers headlining the unit. However, tight end Tyler Conklin could be a bigger factor this year than ever before. Conklin is going into his third […]

The Minnesota Twins are not only getting healthier, but they’re re-gaining a player with a new perspective. Third baseman Royce Lewis, who’s only played in 24 games this year due to injury, realized that he doesn’t need to abuse his body for the good of the team. The 25-year-old opened up about his rehab, via […]

The New Orleans Saints can breathe a sigh of relief, for now. Running back Alvin Kamara was a candidate for a possible training camp holdout this summer, but it looks like the doomsday scenario won’t occur. The veteran reported to camp on Tuesday despite being unhappy with his current contract, via New Orleans Football Newtork’s […]

The New England Patriots looked to be in danger of getting into contract disputes with two core veterans, but the organization can take a deep breath for now. Defensive linemen Matthew Judon and Davon Godchaux are both looking for extensions as they enter the final years of their deals, but they won’t be holding out. […]

The Texas Rangers are unlikely to repeat as World Series champions this season, as the Lone Star State’s squad has sputtered to a 47-52 record. However, the team got positive injury news before its clash with the Chicago White Sox on Monday, giving it a glimmer of hope. Tyler Mahle, Cody Bradford, and Evan Carter […]

The New York Yankees had a much-needed blowout victory over the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, defeating their division rival 9-1 in a home laugher to split the series. However, they played mind games within the game, as Juan Soto and Jose Siri each took elongated home-run trots. Soto sounded off on Siri’s 30-second jog around […]

Jalen Brunson is easily the most generous superstar the New York Knicks front office has ever dealt with. Former franchise player Carmelo Anthony even admitted that he never would have taken a $113 million pay cut for the good of the team. Anthony sat down with Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George to discuss Brunson’s unprecedented […]

The Washington Wizards completed their fifth and final NBA Summer League game on Saturday, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 91-79. No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr sat out, but fellow 2024 first-rounders Carlton “Bub” Carrington (13 points, 15 rebounds) and Kyshawn George (9 points) turned in solid days at the office, with G-Leaguer Taylor Funk being […]

“Nasty Nestor” Cortes hasn’t been very nasty recently. The 29-year-old has allowed 11 runs in his last two starts for the New York Yankees, including Saturday’s 9-1 home loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Cortes admitted that the outing was unacceptable, via YES Network. "Just gotta be better when I'm out there" Nestor Cortes reflects […]

The Pittsburgh Steelers have learned the hard way that life after a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback’s retirement can be a sobering road. Three years after Ben Roethlisberger’s final season, Pittsburgh replaced the legend with another declining star in Russell Wilson, who has plenty to prove after two turbulent seasons with the Denver Broncos. The 35-year-old posted […]

The Washington Wizards are finally headed in the right direction after shedding the Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis contracts. However, 2024 No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr hasn’t been lighting up the scoreboard in his first NBA Summer League. Sarr finished with zero points on 0-for-15 shooting in Tuesday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, […]

At some point, someone other than Aaron Judge and Juan Soto is going to have to step up in the New York Yankees’ lineup. Manager Aaron Boone still thinks Alex Verdugo is the best option to protect Judge, despite the outfielder’s recent struggles. Boone admitted he’s “counting on” the former Boston Red Sock to heat […]

After a forgettable start to the season, the arrow was finally pointing up for the Houston Astros. That was until their superstar Kyle Tucker went down with an injury, which could wreck their playoff hopes. Tucker may not be back for a while, via The Juice Box Journal’s Michael Schwab. “[General manager] Dana Brown said […]

Although the initial wave of headlining NBA offseason transactions is over, teams are still working the phones as they try to upgrade in any way they can ahead of the preseason. The Brooklyn Nets and Memphis Grizzlies agreed to a trade on Friday that will impact both teams’ benches. The deal is headlined by forward […]

The Cleveland Guardians are in the coveted position of being present-day contenders while simultaneously building an exciting future. 2024 No. 1 draft pick Travis Bazzana may be the perfect fit for the club, and he’s saying all the right things to endear himself to the fanbase. Bazzana explained what impresses him about the Guardians, via […]

Alabama football is not usually associated with the “underdog” status, as the program has 18 claimed national titles and 46 Bowl wins. However, former Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban still liked to find ways to feel like David over Goliath. Saban clarified controversial comments he made about Alabama not getting picked to play in the […]

LSU football is coming off a couple of quality seasons after the arrival of head coach Brian Kelly. Now, the Tigers have landed another headlining recruit to add to its elite 2025 class. Cornerback DJ Pickett picked LSU over two other Power 5 candidates, via On3’s Hayes Fawcett. “BREAKING: Five-Star Plus+ CB DJ Pickett has […]

The entire New York Jets organization will be under pressure in 2024, as the current regime will most likely get canned if they do not make the playoffs. However, veteran wide receiver Allen Lazard will be especially under the microscope. Lazard had several issues with his game last season that caused him to flounder, via […]