FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Even after 18 seasons in the NFL, kicker Nick Folk says he still gets excited about the dawn of a new season.
"Always exciting," Folk said Tuesday after reporting for his first training camp with the Atlanta Falcons. Folk, 41, and the Falcons will have their first practice on Wednesday.
"I tell everyone, there is nothing like playing on Sundays," Folk said. "Being in front of people, being in front your fans and playing, there's nothing like it. So training camp is just the start of that. And I'm just excited to kind of get going."
Folk signed with the Falcons on March 9, three days before the team signed free-agent punter Jake Bailey.
The Falcons' interest in Folk was easy to explain after the team went through three kickers — Younghoe Koo, Parker Romo and Zane Gonzalez — in 2025.

#excited #first #nothing #like

It's time for football season.
The New York Jets are coming off of a brutal campaign in 2025, with the team posting a 3-14 record, their worst mark since the NFL added a 17th game ahead of the 2021 season.
The pressure is on for this Jets regime -- led by head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey -- who very well could be on the hot seat if another disastrous season is the result in 2026.
There's no denying the Jets added an influx of talent during the 2026 NFL Draft, with four selections in the top-50 picks, led by edge rusher David Bailey at No. 2 overall, and followed by tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16, wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30 and cornerback D'Angelo Ponds with the 50th pick.
The Jets open the regular season on the road against their former head coach Robert Saleh and the Tennessee ******* ans on Sept. 13.

#coach #york #mougey

The Golden State Warriors have been linked to the biggest names in basketball for years now ... and the only star-level players they've been able to pair with Stephen Curry of late are Kristaps Porzingis and Jimmy Butler.
Both Porzingis' and Butler's Golden State have been injury-riddled, and now that LeBron James opted against a move to the Bay Area, the Warriors' blockbuster options are running thin.
After missing out on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown on the trade market, could the Warriors be eying a deal for a key member of the Utah Jazz's young core?
Bleacher Report believes it's possible.
Andy Bailey put together a package Golden State could offer Utah for former All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen, and while the Jazz shouldn't make any major moves this summer, the offer is ... intriguing.

#porzingis

The Carolina Panthers have just added another hog molly to their training camp.
As announced this afternoon, the team has claimed offensive tackle Ryan Hayes off waivers from the Tennessee **** ans.
The 6-foot-6, 303-pounder was a two-time second-team All-Big 10 selection at the University of Michigan in 2021 and 2022. He'd enter the pros as a seventh-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Hayes would go on to pick up additional stints with the Indianapolis Colts (2023), Dolphins (2023 to 2024), Atlanta Falcons (2025) and **** ans (2026). His lone regular-season appearance came in 2024, during his second stop for Miami.
Earlier this morning, the Panthers waived guard Joshua Gray and added offensive tackle Derrell Bailey—an undrafted rookie out of Georgia State University. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound Bailey was one of six players who worked out for the team on Thursday.

#team #bailey #offensive

The Cincinnati Bengals have become a popular dark horse team for the upcoming season for **** ysts who aren't banking on old narratives holding true.
SB Nation's Jarrett Bailey put together 61 predictions for the NFL season, and it would do a disservice to him to go over every single one that involves the Bengals here. But he had a really positive outlook for how their season will play out.
We'll talk about several of the highlights here.
If things play out to Bailey's predictions, Joe Burrow will have a career year that will help propel Cincinnati back into the playoffs.
He has Burrow topping 50 touchdowns and leading the league in passing yards. We also see Ja'Marr Chase get another triple crown. This time getting 20 touchdowns.

#burrow #here

Bailey Phillips got to live one of the best days of her life all over again, this time watching it on a screen surrounded by the people who love her most.
Her eight-minute segment aired nationally on July 23 for the first time as part of ESPN's "My Wish" series, chronicling her ultimate Tennessee football gameday with the Vols. Make-A-Wish East Tennessee marked the moment with a watch party at The Wishing Place powered by JTV.
"It was good," Bailey said of having her family and friends there to watch it with her.
It was the first wish UT athletics had ever granted, according to her grandfather, John Rosser.
"A lot of tears are running out of my eyes," Rosser said. "But it brought back some very good memories of what she was able to go through."

#wish

Bailey Phillips got to live one of the best days of her life all over again, this time watching it on a screen surrounded by the people who love her most.
Her eight-minute segment aired nationally on July 23 for the first time as part of ESPN's "My Wish" series, chronicling her ultimate Tennessee football gameday with the Vols. Make-A-Wish East Tennessee marked the moment with a watch party at The Wishing Place powered by JTV.
"It was good," Bailey said of having her family and friends there to watch it with her.
It was the first wish UT athletics had ever granted, according to her grandfather, John Rosser.
"A lot of tears are running out of my eyes," Rosser said. "But it brought back some very good memories of what she was able to go through."

#wish

It's a little early to start reimagining this year's NFL draft, as the class has yet to even complete its first training camp, let alone play in an NFL game.
But that is where we are, days away from camp. Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated recently conducted the exercise of redrafting the 2026 college class knowing what we know now about these players.
The first two picks remained unchanged. The Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1, and the New York Jets took Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey second overall.
At No. 3, the Arizona Cardinals selected Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese instead of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Next up, at No. 4, the Tennessee **** ans stay the course with Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.
The New York Giants, at No. 5, and with Reese, their actual pick this year, select his Buckeyes teammate, linebacker Sonny Styles.

#selected

The Detroit Lions have been mentioned in plenty of trade speculation over the past couple of seasons, but one prediction for the 2026 campaign stands out from the rest.
In his recent article, "61 NFL Predictions Ahead of the 2026 Season," SB Nation's Jarrett Bailey predicts the Lions will swing a blockbuster trade for Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker during their Week 6 bye, immediately following Detroit's matchup against Arizona.
According to Bailey, the move would come after the Lions defeat the Cardinals, with Detroit taking advantage of the bye week to bolster a secondary that he believes could use additional help.
On paper, it's an intriguing idea.
Baker has long been regarded as one of the NFL's premier safeties thanks to his leadership, physicality, and ability to impact both the run and pass game. Adding a player of his caliber would undoubtedly strengthen almost any defense.

#trade #ahead

Are the United States Senators from the State of Texas actively working against the University of Texas and its rival Texas A&M? U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has seemingly gone to war with the state's flagship university and its biggest rival, Texas A&M. And the (probable) future U.S. Senator from Texas, Ken Paxton, has publicly and controversially allied himself with Texas Tech.
It is a stunning turn of events for the state's flagship university. For 20 years, the University of Texas had an ally in the U.S. Senate. Kay Bailey Hutchison, a UT alum and former Longhorns cheerleader, was a United States Senator from 1993 to 2013. She was replaced by Cruz.
For years, sports fans have joked about the "Ted Cruz Curse." It seems when Cruz attends a sporting event to support a team from the state, they lose. The narrative reached fever pitch when Cruz attended the Sugar Bowl in 2024 between Washington and Texas. The Huskies beat the Longhorns and social media exploded.
Cruz took to social media to defend himself a few days after the game.
"To all the dishonest press hacks blaming me for the Longhorn's heartbreaking loss, ok—if you give me the WINS I've cheered on too!" Cruz said.

#university #senator #longhorns #rival

In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Sunderland are among the clubs hoping to sign Barcelona ace Roony Bardghji. It has been mentioned that the Black Cats would have to rival Aston Villa, Brighton and Hove Albion, Brentford and Everton in the race to sign the Swedish wide player later this year.
Bardghji endured an inconsistent campaign at the Catalan club but managed to put in a string of impressive displays for them in the final third. The 20-year-old registered two goals and picked up four ****** ists in 28 matches for Barcelona last season across various competitions.
The Swedish talent is currently among the most gifted wide players in La Liga. Hence, it is no surprise that Sunderland are in the running to land him this off-season.
His current contract at the Nou Camp will run out in the summer of 2029, which could make it tough for the Black Cats to sign him on a cut-price deal in this transfer window.
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 14: Roony Bardghji of FC Barcelona in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona at on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl last season with a talented roster on both offense and defense, but as they look to repeat as champions in 2026, a trade many be necessary to strengthen their team prior to the NFL trade deadline next autumn.
According to ClutchPoints' Bailey Bassett, Zach Charbonnet is among three prime trade candidates for the Seahawks this year, also including Tory Horton and Ernest Jones IV.
"The Seahawks backfield changes led to them selecting Jadarian Price in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, which only further clouds Charbonnet's future. …" Bassett said. "…The fact that Charbonnet may not be of help during a ***** le defense only increases the likelihood that he could be traded."
Charbonnet was highly effective as the 1B to Kenneth Walker's 1A in Seattle's offensive backfield last season. He rushed for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, but with his health in question for the start of the upcoming season after tearing his ACL in the NFC divisional round of the playoffs last season, moving him may be beneficial for the team in a favorable deal.
Horton has much talent at the wide receiver position, but there's not enough room for him to shine in the way that he may be capable of doing alongside AP Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Kupp. Another favorable return will be sensible for the Seahawks to sign off on in a deal for Horton in the event that one presents itself.

In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey stated that Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to re-sign Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane. It has been mentioned that Spurs are eyeing a move to bring him back to England, but are facing competition from Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race to land the England international.
Kane enjoyed a decent run of form at the German club in the previous campaign as he put in a lot of impressive displays for them in the final third. The 32-year-old banged in 61 goals and earned seven ***** ists in 51 matches for Bayern Munich last season in various competitions.
The English talent is currently among the most feared strikers in Europe. Hence, Spurs would do well to re-sign him in this summer transfer window.
His current contract at the Allianz Arena will run out at the end of next season, which could open the door for Tottenham to land him on the cheap this summer or on a free transfer at the end of next season.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 11: Harry Kane #9 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is still on the radar of Inter Milan. It has been stated that the Italian outfit are planning to launch a third offer to sign the English midfield ace from the Reds this summer.
Jones enjoyed a good run of form at the Merseyside club in the previous campaign when he put in a string of impressive displays for them at the centre of the park. The 25-year-old found the back of the net three times and secured three ****** ists in 49 matches for Liverpool last season on all fronts.
The English sensation is currently among the most talented central midfielders in the Premier League. Thus, Liverpool should consider keeping hold of him beyond this summer.
However, his current deal at Anfield will run out at the end of next season. Hence, the Reds have got no choice but to sell him for a reduced fee this off-season or else risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Curtis Jones of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brentford at Anfield on May 24, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)

Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has encountered another significant obstacle, with Atletico Madrid prepared to negotiate with ******* nal while remaining unwilling to strengthen one of their biggest domestic rivals.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Spanish club has made their position clear to the striker’s representatives, even as Barcelona continue to view the Argentina international as their leading attacking target this summer.
The update comes at a time when ******* nal’s interest in Julian Alvarez is gathering momentum.
The Premier League champions are actively exploring attacking reinforcements and believe they have a realistic opportunity if Barcelona are ultimately unable to complete a deal.
Despite that growing competition, it is crucial to note that those close to the player insist his preferred destination has not changed.

The 2026 MLB Draft has come and gone, with the two-day event concluding on Sunday night. The Seminoles had seven players taken in this year's draft, headlined by second-round selections Wes Mendes and Myles Bailey. FSU lost its entire weekend rotation from a season ago, but did not lose RHP John Abraham or OF Brody DeLamielleure, as neither was picked.
On the high school front, two of Florida State's best high school recruits, Landon Thome and Kaden Waechter, had their names called in the second round, and it would be unlikely that either would make it to campus.
As always, players do not have to sign when they are drafted and can elect to go/return to school. This year's signing deadline is Monday, July 27.
Bolded players have signed
No. 34: INF Landon Thome (HS), Chicago White Sox

After two days, 20 rounds, and more than 600 names announced (some even with correct **** unciations!), the 2026 MLB Draft has come to a close. It was a very fun one for the Giants … after a few years of losing picks due to the Qualifying Offer, the Giants had their full slate this time around … and then added an extra pick in the top 30 when they traded Patrick Bailey, all while getting lucky in the lottery and landing the No. 4 overall pick.
What follows is a breakdown of the final 10 selections that the Giants made on draft day.
If you want to read about the earlier picks, here are the links:
No. 4 Jackson Flora (RHP)
No. 29 Carson Bolemon (LHP)
No. 55 Kaden Waechter (RHP)
No. 90 Peyton Bonds (OF)
No. 118 Carlos Martinez (RHP)
Rounds 5-10
The Giants kicked off the second half of the draft with a player who posted comical numbers this year: first baseman Charlie Bussey III, a right-handed hitter out of Francis Marion, taken with the No. 328 pick. Obviously players are drafted first and foremost based on scouting their live mechanics, which is good because it's hard to know how much stock to put into smaller school stats. Bussey is Example A: in the Division II Conference Carolinas, playing against competition such as Ferrum College and Shorter University, Bussey hit a truly laughable .489/.604/.866 with 21 home runs and 40 stolen bases in 60 games, while walking well over twice as frequently as he struck out.

In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Manchester City are eager to recruit Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes. It has been mentioned that the Mancunian club are trailing ***** nal in the race to land the Brazilian midfield ace, who wants to leave the Magpies this summer.
Guimaraes enjoyed a decent run of form at the Tyneside club as he was responsible for putting in a series of influential performances for them in the middle of the park. The 28-year-old made 41 appearances for Newcastle last season, scoring nine times and securing eight ***** ists in various competitions.
The Brazilian sensation is currently one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League. Hence, it is no surprise that Man City are in the mix to recruit him this off-season.
His current contract at St. James' Park will run out in the summer of 2028, which could make it tough for the Mancunian club to sign him on a cut-price deal later this year.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 05: Bruno Guimaraes #8 of Brazil prepares for kick off the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Fútbol became real life for Cristo Fernández on Saturday night.
The "Ted Lasso" actor went from the fictional pitch for AFC Richmond to taking the field for El Paso Locomotive FC of the United Soccer League. Facing New Mexico United, Fernández entered the game as a substitute for Rubio Rubín in the 79th minute of the Locomotive's 2-0 defeat in a USL Cup match.
El Paso and New Mexico were in a scoreless tie until the 85th minute when Joseph Quiah scored in the left corner for United. Zico Bailey found the net four minutes later on a cross from Jake LaCava for a 2-0 lead. Attendance for the match was announced at 5,011.
Locomotive FC announced on Wednesday that Fernández was added to the club's 18-man matchday roster for a home game at Southwest University Park versus New Mexico.
"Yes, it's really him," Locomotive FC included in Fernández's bio on the club's website.

College football talking season got going last week at The Star in Frisco, Texas, as Big 12 Media Days transpired.
One of the higher rated draft prospects in attendance was AJ Holmes, DT, Texas Tech. The Big 12's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, Holmes played alongside three position group mates last season in Lubbock who were selected during the early rounds of this past April's draft.
Edge rusher David Bailey was the second overall pick by the New York Jets. Nose tackle Lee Hunter was a second-round pick, 49th overall, to the Carolina Panthers.
And then finally, defensive end Romello Height was the 70th overall pick, getting selected in the third-round by the San Francisco 49ers.
Holmes is up next, in 2027, as his current projection is early-to-mid second round.

Nine-hole hitter Steven Kwan lined a two-out, two-strike, two-run double and also produced a run-saving defensive gem, leading the Cleveland Guardians to a 4-1 win over the host Miami Marlins on Saturday afternoon, July 11.
Cleveland also got a two-out, two-strike, two-run double from No. 8 hitter Patrick Bailey in the eighth to add some insurance.
Tanner Bibee, who started this season 0-7 with six no-decisions, earned the win. Bibee (3-9) turned in a quality start, allowing five hits, four walks and one run in 6⅔ innings.
Eury Perez, who pitched seven perfect innings in his previous start, took the loss. Perez (5-7) allowed eight hits, two walks and two runs in six innings. He struck out six.
Cleveland loaded the bases with no outs in the first inning, but Perez struck out Kyle Manzardo and got Kahlil Watson to bounce into a double play.

MIAMI (AP) — Tanner Bibee threw 6 2/3 solid innings, Steven Kwan and Patrick Bailey hit two-run doubles and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Miami Marlins 4-1 on Saturday.
Gabriel Arias had three hits for the Guardians, who clinched the series after winning the opener 3-2 on Friday. The Marlins, who lost their first series since June 14-16 at Philadelphia, had won six consecutive home series.
Bibee (3-9) gave up one run and four hits, walked four and struck out three. Colin Holderman pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his first save.
Miami starter Eury Pérez (5-7), who pitched seven perfect innings in his previous outing at the Athletics on July 5, allowed two runs and eight hits over six innings. The right-hander walked two and struck out six.
Kwan’s double in the fourth put Cleveland ahead 2-0. Arias and Petey Halpin had consecutive singles and both scored when Kwan hit an opposite filed grounder that rolled inside the line and toward the left-field foul area.

Brayden Dowd has been drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 88th overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft. He is FSU's second position player to be drafted and third overall.
He is yet another success story for FSU head coach Link Jarrett through the transfer portal, with Dowd making the All-ACC Third Team in his only season with the Seminoles after starting his career with the USC Trojans. He started 43 games for FSU, with 37 coming at center and six in left field.
Dowd hit .293 with 13 doubles, 10 home runs, 36 RBI, and 52 runs scored. He also worked 51 walks and finished with a .527 slugging percentage and a .456 on-base percentage. He ranked among FSU's top five hitters in every offensive category and was a perfect 10-for-10 stealing bases.
The lefty played in 101 games at USC, making 97 starts. He hit .325 with 21 doubles, 11 home runs, and 62 RBI before joining the Seminoles. He has made just four errors in his career.
Former FSU first baseman Myles Bailey ad pitcher Wes Mendes have also been drafted. Commits Landon Thome and Kaden Waetcher have also been taken, as the Seminoles are once again well represented.

Myles Bailey has been drafted by the Chicago Cubs with the 75th overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft. He is FSU's first position player to be drafted and the second overall, with Wes Mendes going to the Houston Astros.
Bailey, a Tallahassee native, was one of the top players in the country before an ankle injury ended his sophomore season early. He hit .363, with a .913 slugging percentage, 13 home runs, and 33 RBI. He walked 35 times this season, producing a .582 on-base percentage.
Despite playing in just 26 games, he led FSU in batting average, OPS, and home runs, and was top five in RBI, total bases (73), and walks. He made just one error, finishing with a .995 fielding percentage. He made the Golden Spikes Award mid-season watch list and was a mid-season First Team All-American by Perfect Game and D1Baseball.
Bailey was a Day One contributor for the Seminoles, starting 55 games as a freshman in 2025. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder finished his FSU career with a .337 batting average, 32 home runs, 16 doubles, 89 RBI, and 67 walks in 82 games. He recorded a .734 slugging percentage and a .488 on-base percentage.
He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 20th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, with teams not willing to draft him earlier due to his interest in playing for FSU. While players taken in the second round typically sign, Bailey has a shot to boost his stock with another strong year with the Seminoles and will be worth watching to see if FSU can bring him back for one more run.

Hudson 4, Main South 3: Shamus Rowe hit a bases loaded single in the bottom of the seventh as Post 100 (10-10) rallied past Post 341 (3-16).
Anthony Moura was 2 for 4 with a double and RBI, Jackson Healy singled, tripled and scored and Garrett Mahoney doubled and scored for Hudson. Will Hastings sealed the win with three innings of scoreless and hitless relief for Post 100, fanning two.
Chase Eggen was 3 for 3 for Main South, including his 100th career hit, while Beckett Bailey doubled and drove in a pair.
Cherry Valley 13, Northborough 10: Jacoby Buniowski was 3 for 4 with a triple, RBI and four runs and Andrew Cloutier (2 for 5, 2 RBIs) and Andrew Lancette (2 for 4, 4 RBIs) each homered as visiting Post 443 (9-10) scored six runs in the top of the seventh to get past Post 234 (1-18).
Patrick Shilale and Nolan Remington (2 runs) each had two hits for Cherry Valley.

It's here! The 2026 MLB Draft has officially arrived, and it's an exciting one for the San Francisco Giants. After lucking out in the lottery, the Giants have the No. 4 overall pick. And, in exchange for trading Patrick Bailey, the Giants have added an extra top-30 pick, giving them 21 total selections in the 20-round draft.
We'll have write-ups for most of the picks, but you can track all the moves over the two-day event here. Enjoy, everyone!

The 2026 MLB Draft is here, and it will be a busy two days for FSU's coaching staff.
The Seminoles had a historic showing in last year's draft, setting a new program record with 11 players drafted. It was also the second straight year they had a first-round pick, with the Athletics taking Jamie Arnold with the No. 11 overall pick.
While it is unlikely FSU will match that number, they have several players who are set to hear their name called and start their professional journey. The entire weekend rotation could be drafted, with Wes Mendes having a shot to be taken in the first round, while Trey Beard and Bryson Moore both showed enough with solid junior seasons.
Perhaps the biggest name to watch is Myles Bailey, who was having a sensational sophomore season before an ankle injury cut it short. He has shown plenty in his time at Tallahassee, but with multiple seasons of eligibility remaining, he can afford to be selective and has a shot to return for a third season at FSU.
FSU's high school commits are also eligible to be taken, and several of them have seemingly done enough to entice MLB teams. Infielder Landon Thome is one of the best left-handed hitters in the class and has vaulted himself into first-round consideration, which would likely cause him to sign. Pitcher Kaden Waetcher is the other commit who could hear his name called early and elect to forego college.

Bronny James receives harsh message from NBA **** yst on proving he's an NBA player originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers made their move on Bronny James before they knew where his father stood. On June 29, Los Angeles let a deadline pass without waiving Bronny, locking his $2.3 million salary for 2026-27.
One day later, LeBron James told the organization he wouldn't return for a ninth season in L.A., with the Golden State Warriors and Celeveland Cavaliers both believed to be in the mix for his services this summer.
The timing raised eyebrows around the league and also forced a real question about Bronny's spot on the roster without his father. Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey asked that question after looking at the data, and he was absolutely blunt in his answer.
He wrote, "Has Bronny James Proved He's an NBA Player?—right now, is no. He hasn't yet. In fact, the numbers suggest he probably won't be.

It is in times like this where I have to intentionally remind myself how much I will miss baseball during the lockout.
I swear, if they can't hit Bailey Ober AGAIN today…
Here's the Guardians' lineup:
Here's the Twins' lineup:
Let's go, Guardians!

The Guardians flipped their normal operating procedure in last year's MLB Draft. Will they do it again?
Last year, the Guardians primarily drafted raw power in the MLB Draft, taking a series of swing-and-miss hitters with high home run upside, highlighted by first-round pick Jace LaViolette. It was a stark contrast to their recent history of drafting hitters, which often sided with high contact position players.
That mix of draftees followed the Guardians' 2024 class, led by No. 1 overall selection Travis Bazzana, now the everyday second baseman and leadoff hitter in Cleveland.
As the 2026 draft approaches, the Guardians hold the No. 19 overall pick in the first round. They'll also pick at No. 59 (second round) and No. 95 (third round) on the draft's first day.
They originally had a Competitive Balance Round A pick (No. 29 overall), but they dealt it to the San Francisco Giants in a trade for Patrick Bailey.