Joshua Valdez Articles - Page 20

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 […]

It comes as no surprise that Team USA handled Serbia 105-79 in a pre-Olympics exhibition on Wednesday. What is surprising, though, is who LeBron James anointed as “the new Splash Brother” after the game. “The King” bestowed the honor upon Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo. “The new Splash Brother! Bam Bam Splash right there.” LeBron […]

With the big free agents off the board, the San Antonio Spurs went bargain-bin hunting the last few days. Their search was fruitful, as they brought back Georgian-American forward Sandro Mamukelashvili as well as another veteran reserve. Mamukelashvili is returning to San Antonio on a one-year minimum deal, via ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “Free agent F […]

The Detroit Tigers are not going anywhere this season, as the team sits at a mediocre 47-50 record, seven games out of the final Wild Card spot. However, star pitcher Tarik Skubal could find himself on a contender sooner rather than later. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles are gearing up to offer prospects […]

The Milwaukee Bucks have not made any blockbuster moves this summer after an injury-ravaged playoffs last season. However, star guard Damian Lillard will now get to play with his former teammate again. Free-agent guard Gary Trent Jr. is headed to Milwaukee, via ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “Free agent G Gary Trent Jr. has agreed on a […]

The San Francisco 49ers were already on the last legs of their Super Bowl window, and it may have shrunk even more. Star wideout Brandon Aiyuk has been asking for a contract extension, but the team hasn’t budged. Now, the 2023 second-team All-Pro is asking out, via NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. “Source: #49ers All-Pro WR […]

It’s only a matter of time before the Chicago Bears come to terms with their first-overall pick. However, there are conflicting reports on the Caleb Williams contract saga. Williams claims that he is not involved in the negotiations, via NBC Sports’ Mike Florio. “Over the weekend, Williams said regarding his rookie deal, ‘I’m not handling […]

The New York Knicks are adding so many wings this summer that they might as well get sponsored by Red Bull. After adding Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby, the Blue and Orange snagged another backup for Jalen Brunson on Monday. The Knicks signed former Philadelphia 76er Cameron Payne, via The Athletic’s Shams Charania. “Free […]

The Washington Wizards have had an exciting offseason this summer, adding second-overall draft pick Alex Sarr and free-agent Jonas Valunciunas to bolster the frontcourt. However, waiving shooting guard Landry Shamet was an ill-advised move that weakened the backcourt depth for no good reason. Shamet is now being looked at by several different squads, via HoopsHype’s […]

Fresno State football has been on the upswing despite multiple coaching changes in recent years. Coach Jeff Tedford experienced more success in his second stint with the team, but his run with the program is over once again. Tedford has stepped down, via 247 Sports’ Matt Zenitz. “Jeff Tedford is stepping down as the head […]

After a flurry of moves this NBA offseason, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is now the biggest name being thrown around in trade rumors. The Golden State Warriors have aggressively pursued him, but what will it take to get the 2022-23 Most Improved Player in a Dubs uniform? The Warriors like Markkanen, but not for […]

Ja Morant has had a rough last couple of years. After getting suspended multiple times for detrimental conduct in 2023, the Memphis Grizzlies star went down with a season-ending shoulder injury last season. However, Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins said Morant is now fully ready to go, via SiriusXM NBA Radio. Ja Morant was cleared […]

England, the inventor of soccer, has been using the slogan “It’s coming home” for many years amidst its quest to win a trophy for the first time since the 1966 World Cup. The Three Lions will have to wait even longer, though, as Spain defeated them 2-1 in the 2024 UEFA Euro final. X user […]