3 hours ago
Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai appears to have avoided a serious knee injury but his status for Week 1 may be in jeopardy. According to ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, Monangai suffered a hyperextended knee after getting tangled up with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett during Sunday's practice that will cause him to miss multiple weeks.
It's been a tough camp for the Bears when it comes to managing injuries. Key players such as safety Coby Bryant and wide receiver Luther Burden are out for multiple weeks at a minimum, while other players like tackle Braxton Jones and defensive end Montez Sweat have been banged up throughout camp. Monangai is the latest player to go down and, at a minimum, will miss the rest of training camp.
The hope is the Bears' second-year back will be good to go for the team's regular season opener against the Carolina Panthers, taking place in less than four weeks. Monangai is a critical aspect of the ground game, along with D'Andre Swift, and is being counted on to pick up where he left off last year. As a rookie, Monangai rushed for 783 yards and five touchdowns in the regular season.
With Monangai sidelined, running backs Roschon Johnson, Salvon Ahmed, Brittain Brown, and Coleman Bennett will see extended carries with a chance to earn a roster spot as training camp continues.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Latest injury update on Bears running back Kyle Monangai
#running
It's been a tough camp for the Bears when it comes to managing injuries. Key players such as safety Coby Bryant and wide receiver Luther Burden are out for multiple weeks at a minimum, while other players like tackle Braxton Jones and defensive end Montez Sweat have been banged up throughout camp. Monangai is the latest player to go down and, at a minimum, will miss the rest of training camp.
The hope is the Bears' second-year back will be good to go for the team's regular season opener against the Carolina Panthers, taking place in less than four weeks. Monangai is a critical aspect of the ground game, along with D'Andre Swift, and is being counted on to pick up where he left off last year. As a rookie, Monangai rushed for 783 yards and five touchdowns in the regular season.
With Monangai sidelined, running backs Roschon Johnson, Salvon Ahmed, Brittain Brown, and Coleman Bennett will see extended carries with a chance to earn a roster spot as training camp continues.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Latest injury update on Bears running back Kyle Monangai
#running
1 day ago
The Chicago Bears have been dealing with injuries throughout the first few weeks of training camp, and that continued on Sunday when running back Kyle Monangai suffered a knee injury.
According to reporters in attendance, Monangai got tangled up with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett during a non-padded practice, and both players went to the ground. Monangai's knee was examined on the field by trainer Andre Tucker before they both walked off the field, although Monangai was walking gingerly.
But it sounds like good news as ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Monangai is believed to be "fine" and "initial tests showed his knee to be structurally sound, but the team will do an MRI to confirm."
More to come.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebookand Instagram
#grady #jarrett
According to reporters in attendance, Monangai got tangled up with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett during a non-padded practice, and both players went to the ground. Monangai's knee was examined on the field by trainer Andre Tucker before they both walked off the field, although Monangai was walking gingerly.
But it sounds like good news as ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Monangai is believed to be "fine" and "initial tests showed his knee to be structurally sound, but the team will do an MRI to confirm."
More to come.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebookand Instagram
#grady #jarrett
1 day ago
Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai suffered in a parent right knee injury during Sunday's training camp practice.
According to Sean Hammond, got tangled up with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and both players went to the ground in a non-padded practice.
Monangai limped off the field with a trainer. "Jarrett was visibly upset with himself."
More to come.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears RB Kyle Monangai suffered injury in Sunday's practice
#bears #monangai #according
According to Sean Hammond, got tangled up with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and both players went to the ground in a non-padded practice.
Monangai limped off the field with a trainer. "Jarrett was visibly upset with himself."
More to come.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears RB Kyle Monangai suffered injury in Sunday's practice
#bears #monangai #according
2 days ago
POPLAR GROVE, Ill (WTVO/WQRF) — North Boone football is coming into year two of the Brett Fredrick era. Everyone on the team is continuing to build on what they learned last year.
"I was very proud of that group last year, being our first year together and coming together as the season went along." Said head coach Brett Frederick. "This group is determined to take the next step, to continue to carry on and to take the things they learned from a year ago and from those that were around us that maybe aren't here anymore."
The Vikings lost a handful of players from last season, including quarterback Grady Condon, wide receiver Brad Dahl, and lineman Phillip Davis. North Boone also lost offensive coordinator Chris Weber, as he is now the head coach at Stillman Valley. Leaving a hole that Coach Fredrick and his ****** istants are gladly able to fill.
"Fortunately, the system that we have been using for quite some time." Said Coach Frederick. "I am pretty well versed in it, so I can slide over to the offensive coordinator responsibilities without having to change terminology and scheme entirely."
With a smaller group leaving from North Boone, it means a lot of returning experience for the Vikings, along with a lot of the younger talent stepping into new roles.
#coach #fredrick #frederick
"I was very proud of that group last year, being our first year together and coming together as the season went along." Said head coach Brett Frederick. "This group is determined to take the next step, to continue to carry on and to take the things they learned from a year ago and from those that were around us that maybe aren't here anymore."
The Vikings lost a handful of players from last season, including quarterback Grady Condon, wide receiver Brad Dahl, and lineman Phillip Davis. North Boone also lost offensive coordinator Chris Weber, as he is now the head coach at Stillman Valley. Leaving a hole that Coach Fredrick and his ****** istants are gladly able to fill.
"Fortunately, the system that we have been using for quite some time." Said Coach Frederick. "I am pretty well versed in it, so I can slide over to the offensive coordinator responsibilities without having to change terminology and scheme entirely."
With a smaller group leaving from North Boone, it means a lot of returning experience for the Vikings, along with a lot of the younger talent stepping into new roles.
#coach #fredrick #frederick
2 days ago
By now, you should be more than familiar with our series of regularly updating leaderboards for various Marquette Golden Eagles sports accomplishments. Keep checking back to that link in the previous sentence for our charts as the seasons continue to churn through history and MU's various teams continue to create new memories and accomplishments.
Here, we take a look at the single season goals record for men's lacrosse.
Bobby O'Grady did not wrap up 2022 with the single season record for points, but he did knock down the program record for goals in a season. Before 2022, only Ryan McNamara had ever scored 40 goals in a season, and he did that exactly on the nose in 2016, the year MU won their first ever Big East championship. At the time, McNamara had become just the second Marquette player to ever record 35 goals in a season and the first to ever clear 37. O'Grady went flying right past the workhorse of Marquette's first two NCAA tournament teams, and landed on 45 goals in MU's 15 games in 2022. That makes him the first Marquette player to ever average a hat trick for an entire season. Up til now, Tyler Melnyk's 2.57 per game in 2014 was the gold standard for the Blue and Gold.
One year later, O'Grady took a run at breaking his own record. He ultimately fell short, finishing the campaign with 43 goals, but he accomplished something else instead. O'Grady is — even now, three years later — the only player in Marquette history to score 40 or more goals in two separate seasons. In 2025, O'Grady became the first Marquette player with 30 or more goals in three different seasons, and he's the only player in MU history to tally at least 25 goals in each year of his four year career.
O'Grady hasn't been alone in redecorating this top 15 list in the past few seasons. Nolan Rappis now owns two of the seven best scoring seasons in MU history after back to back 30+ goal seasons. Carsen Brandt got into the action in the spring of 2026, putting up 27 goals and passing all but the 10 best seasons in MU history, all of which featured at least 30 goals.
#marquette #ever
Here, we take a look at the single season goals record for men's lacrosse.
Bobby O'Grady did not wrap up 2022 with the single season record for points, but he did knock down the program record for goals in a season. Before 2022, only Ryan McNamara had ever scored 40 goals in a season, and he did that exactly on the nose in 2016, the year MU won their first ever Big East championship. At the time, McNamara had become just the second Marquette player to ever record 35 goals in a season and the first to ever clear 37. O'Grady went flying right past the workhorse of Marquette's first two NCAA tournament teams, and landed on 45 goals in MU's 15 games in 2022. That makes him the first Marquette player to ever average a hat trick for an entire season. Up til now, Tyler Melnyk's 2.57 per game in 2014 was the gold standard for the Blue and Gold.
One year later, O'Grady took a run at breaking his own record. He ultimately fell short, finishing the campaign with 43 goals, but he accomplished something else instead. O'Grady is — even now, three years later — the only player in Marquette history to score 40 or more goals in two separate seasons. In 2025, O'Grady became the first Marquette player with 30 or more goals in three different seasons, and he's the only player in MU history to tally at least 25 goals in each year of his four year career.
O'Grady hasn't been alone in redecorating this top 15 list in the past few seasons. Nolan Rappis now owns two of the seven best scoring seasons in MU history after back to back 30+ goal seasons. Carsen Brandt got into the action in the spring of 2026, putting up 27 goals and passing all but the 10 best seasons in MU history, all of which featured at least 30 goals.
#marquette #ever
17 days ago
CHICAGO: Roch Cholowsky poses for a photo with Hall of Famer Harold Baines before the Chicago White Sox' game against the Athletics at Rate Field on July 12, 2026. (Photo by Kyle Sheridan/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Imagine getting your first job out of college or high school and signing a contract worth $703,638.36. That was the average signing bonus received by 572 players this month in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Top pick Roch Cholowsky and 39 other first-round selections cashed in heavily on the all-time record $402,481,143 paid out by the 30 MLB franchises. That is about $10 million more than a year ago and $28 million above the 2024 class.
Cholowsky, a shortstop from UCLA, got an all-time record $10,347,500 from the Chicago White Sox. Shortstop Grady Emerson, an 18-year-old from Fort Worth, TX, was taken second and got $9,747,500 from the Tampa Bay Rays, a record amount for a high school player.
The White Sox spent a single-team record of $21,150,840. Nine teams total spent enough to join the top 20 list in draft history.
#worth #first #high
Imagine getting your first job out of college or high school and signing a contract worth $703,638.36. That was the average signing bonus received by 572 players this month in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Top pick Roch Cholowsky and 39 other first-round selections cashed in heavily on the all-time record $402,481,143 paid out by the 30 MLB franchises. That is about $10 million more than a year ago and $28 million above the 2024 class.
Cholowsky, a shortstop from UCLA, got an all-time record $10,347,500 from the Chicago White Sox. Shortstop Grady Emerson, an 18-year-old from Fort Worth, TX, was taken second and got $9,747,500 from the Tampa Bay Rays, a record amount for a high school player.
The White Sox spent a single-team record of $21,150,840. Nine teams total spent enough to join the top 20 list in draft history.
#worth #first #high
18 days ago
DAYTONA BEACH — Naismith Hall of Famer, Daytona Beach native and Mainland High School graduate Vince Carter played professional basketball for a long time. Like, a really long time.
Carter's 22-year career from 1998-2020 is the second-longest in the history of the NBA, having just been exceeded by LeBron James during the 2025-26 season.
The eight-time All-Star and dunk extraordinaire called it quits after the COVID-shortened 2020 season and transferred to another career he'd been building for years — sports broadcasting.
In 2025, Carter became a studio ****** yst for NBC alongside fellow All-Stars Carmelo Anthony and Tracy McGrady.
Broadcasting has been a natural second act for retired professional athletes because they tend to know a lot about the sport they dedicated their lives to. It was an avenue Carter had already been eyeing for his post-NBA life, only for it to get postponed with each season he returned.
#time #daytona #long
Carter's 22-year career from 1998-2020 is the second-longest in the history of the NBA, having just been exceeded by LeBron James during the 2025-26 season.
The eight-time All-Star and dunk extraordinaire called it quits after the COVID-shortened 2020 season and transferred to another career he'd been building for years — sports broadcasting.
In 2025, Carter became a studio ****** yst for NBC alongside fellow All-Stars Carmelo Anthony and Tracy McGrady.
Broadcasting has been a natural second act for retired professional athletes because they tend to know a lot about the sport they dedicated their lives to. It was an avenue Carter had already been eyeing for his post-NBA life, only for it to get postponed with each season he returned.
#time #daytona #long
21 days ago
Just before the Chicago Bears opened training camp this week, big news came out that could grab the attention of the front office with a position player they could use having requested a trade. According to several NFL insiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea, a former first-round pick in 2018, has requested a trade due to stalled contract negotiations.
While it could just be a ploy to get the franchise to bite into his favor during contract talks, Vea's trade request should immediately perk the ears of Bears general manager Ryan Poles. Coming into this season, the Bears really only have Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett as their production leaders at the defensive tackle but severely lack depth behind him, and Jarrett underperformed in his first season with Chicago last year.
The question now becomes if the Bears should entertain a trade for Vea, and if they do, what would that look like to acquire him, as there's no doubt he'd be a big upgrade to the defensive line as a whole. Here's our examination of a potential Bears pursuit of acquiring the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle.
A trade for Vea, at the very minimum, is going to likely start with a second-round pick, and another Day 3 pick going back to Tampa Bay, but the Bears may also want to consider dangling Gervon Dexter in return. The issue with potentially including Dexter is that he would be the youngest of the three between Vea, Jarrett, and himself, and he's a free agent after the 2026 season, so a contract is going to be on the table for both players. For Chicago, there would need to be a contract extension on the table for Vea, which could be very difficult with limited cap ******* e, especially with the veteran defensive tackle likely looking to get paid among the top players at his position, approximately over $20 million a season.
The Bears were one of the worst run defenses in the NFL last year, allowing 134.5 yards per game to opponents, as well as a 5.0 yard per carry average to opposing running backs. Over the last several seasons, Vea has been among the best run stoppers in the league, and in 2024 he had the best season of his career with 7.0 sacks and 10 tackles for loss on the year. If Chicago believes that Vea could lead the defensive tackle position, and improve their run defense, they should swing big if they can make it work from a financial fit, because he would most certainly be a big upgrade on the field.
#defensive #dexter
While it could just be a ploy to get the franchise to bite into his favor during contract talks, Vea's trade request should immediately perk the ears of Bears general manager Ryan Poles. Coming into this season, the Bears really only have Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett as their production leaders at the defensive tackle but severely lack depth behind him, and Jarrett underperformed in his first season with Chicago last year.
The question now becomes if the Bears should entertain a trade for Vea, and if they do, what would that look like to acquire him, as there's no doubt he'd be a big upgrade to the defensive line as a whole. Here's our examination of a potential Bears pursuit of acquiring the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle.
A trade for Vea, at the very minimum, is going to likely start with a second-round pick, and another Day 3 pick going back to Tampa Bay, but the Bears may also want to consider dangling Gervon Dexter in return. The issue with potentially including Dexter is that he would be the youngest of the three between Vea, Jarrett, and himself, and he's a free agent after the 2026 season, so a contract is going to be on the table for both players. For Chicago, there would need to be a contract extension on the table for Vea, which could be very difficult with limited cap ******* e, especially with the veteran defensive tackle likely looking to get paid among the top players at his position, approximately over $20 million a season.
The Bears were one of the worst run defenses in the NFL last year, allowing 134.5 yards per game to opponents, as well as a 5.0 yard per carry average to opposing running backs. Over the last several seasons, Vea has been among the best run stoppers in the league, and in 2024 he had the best season of his career with 7.0 sacks and 10 tackles for loss on the year. If Chicago believes that Vea could lead the defensive tackle position, and improve their run defense, they should swing big if they can make it work from a financial fit, because he would most certainly be a big upgrade on the field.
#defensive #dexter
24 days ago
The LeBron James free agency frenzy finally concluded on Friday.
The 41-year-old future Hall-of-Famer announced on social media that he is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he'll join former MVP Joel Embiid and perennial All-Stars Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown, who the team acquired from the Celtics earlier this month.
That forms a pretty strong core in the City of Brotherly Love, and former NBA star Vince Carter — a Hall of Famer in his own right — doesn't think the league is ready for it.
"That's cheating," Carter said of Philadelphia adding James on "Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady. "That's cheating if he goes there, because he doesn't have to do much to still be him. Now, your fifth starter has to guard (one of the 76ers' other stars)."
Despite his age, James remains a productive player. In 60 regular-season appearances last season, he averaged 33.2 minutes along with 20.9 points, 7.2 ******* ists and 6.1 rebounds. Now, with a strong supporting cast around him, Carter is putting the league on notice.
#hall #former
The 41-year-old future Hall-of-Famer announced on social media that he is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he'll join former MVP Joel Embiid and perennial All-Stars Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown, who the team acquired from the Celtics earlier this month.
That forms a pretty strong core in the City of Brotherly Love, and former NBA star Vince Carter — a Hall of Famer in his own right — doesn't think the league is ready for it.
"That's cheating," Carter said of Philadelphia adding James on "Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady. "That's cheating if he goes there, because he doesn't have to do much to still be him. Now, your fifth starter has to guard (one of the 76ers' other stars)."
Despite his age, James remains a productive player. In 60 regular-season appearances last season, he averaged 33.2 minutes along with 20.9 points, 7.2 ******* ists and 6.1 rebounds. Now, with a strong supporting cast around him, Carter is putting the league on notice.
#hall #former
25 days ago
Jul. 23—MENNO, S.D. — Parkston Post 194 punched its ticket to the Class B American Legion state tournament for the third consecutive season after defeating Platte/Geddes Post 115 by a score of 6-2 in the Region 4B championship game on Thursday.
With the victory, Parkston went a perfect 3-0 in the regional tournament and advanced to the state tournament scheduled for July 31 through Aug. 4 in Madison.
Parkston wasted little time taking the lead, scoring in the top of the first inning when Grady Bowar delivered an RBI single that plated Mason Jervik for a 1-0 advantage. Platte/Geddes answered in the bottom of the second, pushing across a run to even the game at 1-1.
Post 194 regained the lead with a run in the third inning before breaking the game open in the fifth. Parkston scored three times in the frame to build a comfortable 5-1 cushion and put the WhiteCaps on their heels. P/G scratched across its final run in the bottom of the sixth to trim the deficit, but Parkston responded in the seventh with a sacrifice fly to right field for an insurance run and a 6-2 lead.
Kash Neugebauer turned in a strong outing on the mound, pitching six innings while allowing just three hits and two runs. Johnny Weber took over in relief and retired the side in the seventh to secure the regional championship and send Parkston back to the state tournament.
#parkston #post #tournament #Third
With the victory, Parkston went a perfect 3-0 in the regional tournament and advanced to the state tournament scheduled for July 31 through Aug. 4 in Madison.
Parkston wasted little time taking the lead, scoring in the top of the first inning when Grady Bowar delivered an RBI single that plated Mason Jervik for a 1-0 advantage. Platte/Geddes answered in the bottom of the second, pushing across a run to even the game at 1-1.
Post 194 regained the lead with a run in the third inning before breaking the game open in the fifth. Parkston scored three times in the frame to build a comfortable 5-1 cushion and put the WhiteCaps on their heels. P/G scratched across its final run in the bottom of the sixth to trim the deficit, but Parkston responded in the seventh with a sacrifice fly to right field for an insurance run and a 6-2 lead.
Kash Neugebauer turned in a strong outing on the mound, pitching six innings while allowing just three hits and two runs. Johnny Weber took over in relief and retired the side in the seventh to secure the regional championship and send Parkston back to the state tournament.
#parkston #post #tournament #Third
26 days ago
Jul. 22—MENNO, S.D. — After trailing 5-0 in the first inning, Parkston Post 194 rallied back to a 7-5 victory over Tabor Post 183 to send them into the American Legion Region 4B ****** le series on Wednesday.
With the win, Parkston (20-9) remains unbeaten in the Region 4B tournament and awaits its 2 p.m. matchup for Thursday's championship series where they will have two games to win one to send them into the Class B Legion state tournament July 31 through Aug. 4 in Madison.
Tabor packed the first punch with a 5-run first inning, but Parkston tallied two runs in the third, one in the fourth and four more in the fifth to score seven unanswered runs, highlighted by a two-RBI double from Carson Bueber to take the two-run lead in the bottom of the fifth.
Parkston was led by the bat of Jaxx Kurtenbach, who went 3-for-4 at the plate, while Kash Neugebauer and Bueber each had one hit and two RBIs. Grady Bowar earned the pitching victory after allowing two hits and zero runs with one strikeout in 2 2/3 innings of work in relief for Brycen Bruening, who allowed five runs and six hits with three strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings pitched.
Tabor was paced offensively by Cooper Mudder, who had three hits and two RBIs, while Isaiah Crownover and Owen Bures added one hit and one RBI apiece. Madden Merkwan was tagged with the loss on the ****** p, surrendering seven hits and seven runs with six strikeouts in five innings pitched.
#runs
With the win, Parkston (20-9) remains unbeaten in the Region 4B tournament and awaits its 2 p.m. matchup for Thursday's championship series where they will have two games to win one to send them into the Class B Legion state tournament July 31 through Aug. 4 in Madison.
Tabor packed the first punch with a 5-run first inning, but Parkston tallied two runs in the third, one in the fourth and four more in the fifth to score seven unanswered runs, highlighted by a two-RBI double from Carson Bueber to take the two-run lead in the bottom of the fifth.
Parkston was led by the bat of Jaxx Kurtenbach, who went 3-for-4 at the plate, while Kash Neugebauer and Bueber each had one hit and two RBIs. Grady Bowar earned the pitching victory after allowing two hits and zero runs with one strikeout in 2 2/3 innings of work in relief for Brycen Bruening, who allowed five runs and six hits with three strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings pitched.
Tabor was paced offensively by Cooper Mudder, who had three hits and two RBIs, while Isaiah Crownover and Owen Bures added one hit and one RBI apiece. Madden Merkwan was tagged with the loss on the ****** p, surrendering seven hits and seven runs with six strikeouts in five innings pitched.
#runs
26 days ago
Tracy McGrady: I only have two teams that he could go to. Vince Carter: The Cavs, I feel like and then, you know, probably Golden State. McGrady: Go back home. And those are those are my two teams. Go back home to the Cavs. Golden State to me, when I looked at Steve Kerr, who was on his way out, was about to retire. Carter: We talked about he did it for some some reason. There's something brewing. There's something brewing.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Only have two teams that he could go to. Vince Carter: …
#mcgrady
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Only have two teams that he could go to. Vince Carter: …
#mcgrady
1 month ago
The 2026 MLB Draft has come to an end, and now comes the fun part; seeing these players get a chance to take on professional pitching/hitting as they try and help their new organizations at the highest level. Some of these players will be ready to help in a year, and some will need far longer to develop; with the unfortunate reality that there will be players who never get a chance to play games in the majors.
Here's a look at the top 10 prospects from a fantasy perspective who were drafted over the weekend, and a look at what categories they could potentially help in.
1. Grady Emerson, SS, Tampa Bay Rays
Emerson may have been the second pick of the draft -- and he ranked second on my MLB Draft big board, as well -- but from a fantasy perspective? He's the best. He's a left-handed hitter who has a chance for a double-plus hit tool, or 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale, because of his bat speed and smooth stroke. There's above-average or better power in his bat as well, and the separator here is that Emerson is much more likely to steal bases. There's a little more risk in his profile than the name below, but on paper, there's no player with higher reward, and that's why I'd take him first in any eligible draft.
Potential category help: AVG, R, HR, SB
Here's a look at the top 10 prospects from a fantasy perspective who were drafted over the weekend, and a look at what categories they could potentially help in.
1. Grady Emerson, SS, Tampa Bay Rays
Emerson may have been the second pick of the draft -- and he ranked second on my MLB Draft big board, as well -- but from a fantasy perspective? He's the best. He's a left-handed hitter who has a chance for a double-plus hit tool, or 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale, because of his bat speed and smooth stroke. There's above-average or better power in his bat as well, and the separator here is that Emerson is much more likely to steal bases. There's a little more risk in his profile than the name below, but on paper, there's no player with higher reward, and that's why I'd take him first in any eligible draft.
Potential category help: AVG, R, HR, SB
1 month ago
Now that the 2026 NBA playoffs are in the rearview mirror, I think we can safely crown the 2026 Western Conference Finals as the most epic series clash. Sure, the eventual NBA champion actually became the New York Knicks — despite being contrary to popular belief.
But the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs went the distance in a series that featured the NBA's top two teams all year. Both were 60-win juggernauts that blew teams out left and right. When they faced off, it was a meeting of NBA heavyweights — ala The Rock and John Cena at WrestleMania.
In a Feb. 2026 podcast clip with Dylan Harper that has recently gone viral, what he said on Vince Carter's and Tracy McGrady's 'Cousins' podcast aged like fine wine. Of course, the 20-year-old popped off in the NBA playoffs. He was arguably San Antonio's second-best player in their run to the NBA Finals.
Harper's old comments resurfaced as he pinpointed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams as two of their toughest defensive ******* ignments. The Spurs took four of five over the Thunder in the regular season, but a lot of caveats filled those matchups thanks to injuries.
"Shai and Jalen Williams from OKC," Harper said. "When we first played them, we beat them. But I was like, 'Them two kinda hard to guard.'"
But the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs went the distance in a series that featured the NBA's top two teams all year. Both were 60-win juggernauts that blew teams out left and right. When they faced off, it was a meeting of NBA heavyweights — ala The Rock and John Cena at WrestleMania.
In a Feb. 2026 podcast clip with Dylan Harper that has recently gone viral, what he said on Vince Carter's and Tracy McGrady's 'Cousins' podcast aged like fine wine. Of course, the 20-year-old popped off in the NBA playoffs. He was arguably San Antonio's second-best player in their run to the NBA Finals.
Harper's old comments resurfaced as he pinpointed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams as two of their toughest defensive ******* ignments. The Spurs took four of five over the Thunder in the regular season, but a lot of caveats filled those matchups thanks to injuries.
"Shai and Jalen Williams from OKC," Harper said. "When we first played them, we beat them. But I was like, 'Them two kinda hard to guard.'"
1 month ago
Leeds Rhinos finished the regular season with a 56-10 victory that ended Huddersfield Giants' hopes of making the cut for the top four.
The Giants began the day knowing a win at Laund Hill and defeat for York Valkyrie away to bottom club Barrow Raiders would see them join Wigan Warriors, Leeds and St Helens in the extended top-four play-off series.
That faint hope was quashed in the opening nine minutes as Leeds took control through tries from Lucy Murray, Liv Whitehead and Kaiya Glynn, all converted by Mel Howard.
Tries from Becky Grady and Faye Barraclough, either side of a Connie Boyd score for Leeds, brought some hope to the home side, but the Rhinos ran away with the game as Shannon Brown crashed over and Boyd scored her second to make it 34-10 at half-time.
The second half was a procession as Lois Naidole scored a try against her former club, Evie Cousins marked her return to action with two more, and Whitehead scored her own second to secure second place for Rhinos and condemn Giants to the bottom four play-offs.
The Giants began the day knowing a win at Laund Hill and defeat for York Valkyrie away to bottom club Barrow Raiders would see them join Wigan Warriors, Leeds and St Helens in the extended top-four play-off series.
That faint hope was quashed in the opening nine minutes as Leeds took control through tries from Lucy Murray, Liv Whitehead and Kaiya Glynn, all converted by Mel Howard.
Tries from Becky Grady and Faye Barraclough, either side of a Connie Boyd score for Leeds, brought some hope to the home side, but the Rhinos ran away with the game as Shannon Brown crashed over and Boyd scored her second to make it 34-10 at half-time.
The second half was a procession as Lois Naidole scored a try against her former club, Evie Cousins marked her return to action with two more, and Whitehead scored her own second to secure second place for Rhinos and condemn Giants to the bottom four play-offs.
1 month ago
Best available talent headlines Day 2 of 2026 MLB Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With the first four rounds complete, the focus of the 2026 MLB Draft now shifts to Day 2, where teams will look to uncover hidden gems and complete their draft classes during Rounds 5-20 on Sunday as part of MLB All-Star Week in Philadelphia.
While the opening day featured expected selections at the top including shortstop Roch Cholowsky to the Chicago White Sox, Grady Emerson to the Tampa Bay Rays and Vahn Lackey to the Minnesota Twins plenty of highly regarded prospects remain available entering Sunday's action.
One of the biggest names still on the board is California high school shortstop Archer Horn. Ranked No. 54 on MLB Pipeline's Top 250 list, Horn possesses impressive bat speed, a strong throwing arm capable of reaching 95 mph off the mound and developing power potential from the left side. Although questions remain about whether he will stay at shortstop long term, his overall athletic ability makes him one of the top remaining prospects. Horn is committed to Stanford.
Another intriguing player is Blake Bowen of JSerra Catholic High School in California. The 6-foot-3 outfielder boasts plus-plus raw power along with above-average speed and arm strength, giving him the tools to become an impact player. His swing-and-miss tendencies have caused some teams to hesitate, but his upside remains among the highest still available. Bowen is committed to Oregon State.
With the first four rounds complete, the focus of the 2026 MLB Draft now shifts to Day 2, where teams will look to uncover hidden gems and complete their draft classes during Rounds 5-20 on Sunday as part of MLB All-Star Week in Philadelphia.
While the opening day featured expected selections at the top including shortstop Roch Cholowsky to the Chicago White Sox, Grady Emerson to the Tampa Bay Rays and Vahn Lackey to the Minnesota Twins plenty of highly regarded prospects remain available entering Sunday's action.
One of the biggest names still on the board is California high school shortstop Archer Horn. Ranked No. 54 on MLB Pipeline's Top 250 list, Horn possesses impressive bat speed, a strong throwing arm capable of reaching 95 mph off the mound and developing power potential from the left side. Although questions remain about whether he will stay at shortstop long term, his overall athletic ability makes him one of the top remaining prospects. Horn is committed to Stanford.
Another intriguing player is Blake Bowen of JSerra Catholic High School in California. The 6-foot-3 outfielder boasts plus-plus raw power along with above-average speed and arm strength, giving him the tools to become an impact player. His swing-and-miss tendencies have caused some teams to hesitate, but his upside remains among the highest still available. Bowen is committed to Oregon State.
1 month ago
The 2026 MLB Draft starts today! Coverage starts on NBC or Peacock with a half-hour preview show at noon followed by the first pick at 12:30 CT. The first hour (about 10 picks) will then be on NBC or Peacock when coverage switches to MLB Network, MLB.com or MLB.tv from 1:3o to 3:30. That should cover picks 11 through 40, or enough for every team to pick once.
After that, rounds 2 through 4 will be today (Saturday) on MLB.com or MLB.tv. Rounds 5 through 20 start on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. CT. Those rounds will conducted by a conference call, but you can again listen in on MLB.com or MLB.tv.
The White Sox have the first pick in the draft and as I write this, no one is sure whether they will select UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Fort Worth Christian HS shortstop Grady Emerson, or Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey. Those three players are expected to go 1 through 3 in the draft, with the Rays and Twins taking whomever the White Sox don’t.
In my preview on Friday, I gave some possibilities for the Cubs with the 23rd pick in the first round. The Cubs could get a real great player with that pick. Some players who went 23rd in the draft this century include Christian Yelich, Jacoby Ellsbury, Phil Hughes, Gavin Williams and Jeff Francoeur. However, more often than not, the player taken with the 23rd pick either fails to reach the majors or only has a short career. So the draft is indeed a ***** shoot—one with huge rewards but also one in which the odds are against every team. So keep that in mind as the Cubs select.
Throughout the draft, we’ll be updating this article with the names of every player taken by the Cubs. We’ll also be giving you separate articles welcoming the Cubs first five picks, along with the information you need to know about them.
After that, rounds 2 through 4 will be today (Saturday) on MLB.com or MLB.tv. Rounds 5 through 20 start on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. CT. Those rounds will conducted by a conference call, but you can again listen in on MLB.com or MLB.tv.
The White Sox have the first pick in the draft and as I write this, no one is sure whether they will select UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Fort Worth Christian HS shortstop Grady Emerson, or Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey. Those three players are expected to go 1 through 3 in the draft, with the Rays and Twins taking whomever the White Sox don’t.
In my preview on Friday, I gave some possibilities for the Cubs with the 23rd pick in the first round. The Cubs could get a real great player with that pick. Some players who went 23rd in the draft this century include Christian Yelich, Jacoby Ellsbury, Phil Hughes, Gavin Williams and Jeff Francoeur. However, more often than not, the player taken with the 23rd pick either fails to reach the majors or only has a short career. So the draft is indeed a ***** shoot—one with huge rewards but also one in which the odds are against every team. So keep that in mind as the Cubs select.
Throughout the draft, we’ll be updating this article with the names of every player taken by the Cubs. We’ll also be giving you separate articles welcoming the Cubs first five picks, along with the information you need to know about them.
1 month ago
The White Sox added a potential cornerstone player by selecting UCLA shortstop Daniel Roch Cholowsky with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft, with the toss-up between Cholowsky and prep SS Grady Emerson apparently lasting deep into Saturday morning.
But that all turned out to be a ruse, as Cholowsky admitted that the White Sox informed him on Thursday that he was their pick, easing some of his anxiety about having lost out on the team he wanted to land with (as well as a record signing bonus — it won’t be the full $11 million-plus designated for the slot, but it won’t be a mere nine figures, either).
So, the rest of us still were stirred when word “broke” from MLB’s Jim Callis right before the pick announcement that Cholowsky — the presumptive No. 1 since the end of the 2025 draft — would join the White Sox. Minutes later, commissioner Rob Manfred made it official, welcoming Rob “Cha-lew-sky” (sic) to Chicago.
In doing so, Cholowsky becomes just the third college shortstop ever selected first overall, joining Bill Almon (1974) and Dansby Swanson (2015). Although neither player went on to a Hall of Fame career, that’s rare company, and another indication of just how highly Cholowsky is regarded.
“Drafting Roch today adds another standout talent and person of impressive character to this organization at absolutely the right time,” GM Chris Getz said in a press release announcing the pick. “Roch, his family and his support structure impressed us throughout the entire process, and his experience at UCLA certainly prepared him to take the next step as a professional. An outstanding defensive shortstop, Roch brings an impact bat to any lineup, and he is a leader on the field as well as in the clubhouse. He has more than lived up to very high expectations, and we cannot wait to get him into our organization, get started and see him continue his growth and success.”
But that all turned out to be a ruse, as Cholowsky admitted that the White Sox informed him on Thursday that he was their pick, easing some of his anxiety about having lost out on the team he wanted to land with (as well as a record signing bonus — it won’t be the full $11 million-plus designated for the slot, but it won’t be a mere nine figures, either).
So, the rest of us still were stirred when word “broke” from MLB’s Jim Callis right before the pick announcement that Cholowsky — the presumptive No. 1 since the end of the 2025 draft — would join the White Sox. Minutes later, commissioner Rob Manfred made it official, welcoming Rob “Cha-lew-sky” (sic) to Chicago.
In doing so, Cholowsky becomes just the third college shortstop ever selected first overall, joining Bill Almon (1974) and Dansby Swanson (2015). Although neither player went on to a Hall of Fame career, that’s rare company, and another indication of just how highly Cholowsky is regarded.
“Drafting Roch today adds another standout talent and person of impressive character to this organization at absolutely the right time,” GM Chris Getz said in a press release announcing the pick. “Roch, his family and his support structure impressed us throughout the entire process, and his experience at UCLA certainly prepared him to take the next step as a professional. An outstanding defensive shortstop, Roch brings an impact bat to any lineup, and he is a leader on the field as well as in the clubhouse. He has more than lived up to very high expectations, and we cannot wait to get him into our organization, get started and see him continue his growth and success.”
1 month ago
The 2026 MLB Draft is set to take place in Philadelphia today at 1:00 pm, and it is going to be a monumental day for the Atlanta Braves. On the heels of their disappointing 2025 season they hold they 9th overall pick — the highest pick for them since 2019 — along with an extra first round pick at 26th overall thanks to Drake Baldwin winning Rookie of the Year. You can stick around Battery Power for wall-to-wall coverage of the draft over the next two days, and here we’ll be keeping up with every pick from day one. We will be updating this article as each pick is announced so follow along, have fun, and join us for a chat in the comments.
Chicago White Sox – SS Roch Cholowsky, UCLA
Tampa Bay Rays – SS Grady Emerson, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)
Minnesota Twins – C Vahn Lackey, Georgia Tech
San Francisco Giants – RHP Jackson Flora, UC Santa Barbara
Chicago White Sox – SS Roch Cholowsky, UCLA
Tampa Bay Rays – SS Grady Emerson, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)
Minnesota Twins – C Vahn Lackey, Georgia Tech
San Francisco Giants – RHP Jackson Flora, UC Santa Barbara
1 month ago
Just three days before the best players in Major League Baseball take the field for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, the future stars got the spotlight at the 2026 MLB Draft.
The draft is now 20 rounds, spanning both Saturday and Sunday in Philadelphia. While Major League Baseball has proposed changes to the format and eligibility of the MLB Draft, right now, American high school players and college players who are three years removed from high school are eligible to be drafted. While the players drafted on Saturday in the first round of the MLB Draft may not have the name recognition of guys taken in the NBA or NFL Draft, they have every bit the chance to make a near-immediate impact on their organizations, as Chase Burns and Nick Kurtz did for the Reds and Athletics, respectively, about a year after being selected.
So who were the picks I was most impressed, confused, or intrigued by?
I know it feels silly to put the first overall pick here, but I think this is more about what the pick says about the White Sox's frame of mind. There is a pretty compelling case that Grady Emerson (who eventually went second) has a higher ceiling than Cholowsky as a prospect. A high school senior, Emerson is farther along as a player at his age than Cholowsky was, and there aren't many flaws in his game. However, Cholowsky, after three seasons at UCLA, is certainly closer to being MLB-ready. With the White Sox contending for a playoff spot in 2026, they opted to pick the player who was most likely to help them in the next two or three years. To me, that's a vote of confidence not just in what the White Sox are building for the future but in what they have right now. I love that the White Sox are looking to be better now (or in 2027) and not just in the future.
The consensus best pitching prospect in the draft going to a team with glaring needs in the rotation is obviously something that we should support. Flora figures to rise through the minors quickly, and I talked with Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline this week about why Flora is the most advanced pitcher in the 2026 MLB Draft.
The draft is now 20 rounds, spanning both Saturday and Sunday in Philadelphia. While Major League Baseball has proposed changes to the format and eligibility of the MLB Draft, right now, American high school players and college players who are three years removed from high school are eligible to be drafted. While the players drafted on Saturday in the first round of the MLB Draft may not have the name recognition of guys taken in the NBA or NFL Draft, they have every bit the chance to make a near-immediate impact on their organizations, as Chase Burns and Nick Kurtz did for the Reds and Athletics, respectively, about a year after being selected.
So who were the picks I was most impressed, confused, or intrigued by?
I know it feels silly to put the first overall pick here, but I think this is more about what the pick says about the White Sox's frame of mind. There is a pretty compelling case that Grady Emerson (who eventually went second) has a higher ceiling than Cholowsky as a prospect. A high school senior, Emerson is farther along as a player at his age than Cholowsky was, and there aren't many flaws in his game. However, Cholowsky, after three seasons at UCLA, is certainly closer to being MLB-ready. With the White Sox contending for a playoff spot in 2026, they opted to pick the player who was most likely to help them in the next two or three years. To me, that's a vote of confidence not just in what the White Sox are building for the future but in what they have right now. I love that the White Sox are looking to be better now (or in 2027) and not just in the future.
The consensus best pitching prospect in the draft going to a team with glaring needs in the rotation is obviously something that we should support. Flora figures to rise through the minors quickly, and I talked with Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline this week about why Flora is the most advanced pitcher in the 2026 MLB Draft.
1 month ago
The Rays used the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on Fort Worth Christian (Texas) shortstop Grady Emerson, selecting one of the highest-upside hitters in this year's class.
Emerson enters professional baseball with an advanced left-handed bat, exceptional feel for the strike zone, and the projection to develop above-average power as he matures physically. His athleticism gives him a chance to remain on the infield – likely at shortstop, while his offensive upside has made him one of the premier prep prospects available.
By selecting Emerson, Tampa Bay is betting on one of the draft's highest ceilings. His combination of hitting ability, athleticism, and long-term offensive potential gives the Rays another premium position player to develop through one of baseball's strongest farm systems.
Here's the Rays press release on the selection:
The Tampa Bay Rays have selected shortstop Grady Emerson out of Fort Worth Christian High School (Tx.) with the No. 2 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) First-Year Player Draft.
Emerson enters professional baseball with an advanced left-handed bat, exceptional feel for the strike zone, and the projection to develop above-average power as he matures physically. His athleticism gives him a chance to remain on the infield – likely at shortstop, while his offensive upside has made him one of the premier prep prospects available.
By selecting Emerson, Tampa Bay is betting on one of the draft's highest ceilings. His combination of hitting ability, athleticism, and long-term offensive potential gives the Rays another premium position player to develop through one of baseball's strongest farm systems.
Here's the Rays press release on the selection:
The Tampa Bay Rays have selected shortstop Grady Emerson out of Fort Worth Christian High School (Tx.) with the No. 2 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) First-Year Player Draft.
1 month ago
PHILADELPHIA — With the No. 1 pick in what could be the last MLB draft of its type, the White Sox selected UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky on Saturday afternoon at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
The White Sox, winners of the draft lottery last offseason, opted for the more secure route in taking the back-to-back Big Ten player of the year. Chicago also seriously considered taking Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, who instead went to the Rays with the second overall pick.
Cholowsky, expected since late last year to be the top overall pick, will be in line for a $11.35 million signing bonus. The White Sox, however, have some latitude within their overall $20.49 million bonus pool to go above or below that individual slot value for Cholowsky—to either help get a contract done or to save money to aid in deals with other draft picks.
The White Sox have been one of the more notable stories of the 2026 MLB season so far, rebounding from three consecutive 100-loss seasons that included a MLB-record 121-loss campaign in 2024. Entering Saturday's games, Chicago is now in a virtual tie with the Guardians for the AL Central division lead.
Cholowsky is the first Bruin to be picked first in the MLB draft since the Pirates selected Gerrit Cole, now with the Yankees, at that position in 2011.
The White Sox, winners of the draft lottery last offseason, opted for the more secure route in taking the back-to-back Big Ten player of the year. Chicago also seriously considered taking Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, who instead went to the Rays with the second overall pick.
Cholowsky, expected since late last year to be the top overall pick, will be in line for a $11.35 million signing bonus. The White Sox, however, have some latitude within their overall $20.49 million bonus pool to go above or below that individual slot value for Cholowsky—to either help get a contract done or to save money to aid in deals with other draft picks.
The White Sox have been one of the more notable stories of the 2026 MLB season so far, rebounding from three consecutive 100-loss seasons that included a MLB-record 121-loss campaign in 2024. Entering Saturday's games, Chicago is now in a virtual tie with the Guardians for the AL Central division lead.
Cholowsky is the first Bruin to be picked first in the MLB draft since the Pirates selected Gerrit Cole, now with the Yankees, at that position in 2011.
1 month ago
Baseball's first major event of the All Star Weekend, the MLB Draft, kicks off today. Today we have the first four rounds of the Draft televised; rounds 5 through 2o will occur tomorrow off-air.
The event begins at 1:00pm on NBC/Peacock, where the Chicago White Sox will make the first pick around 1:30pm. This year's draft is structured a bit strangely, as the first 10 picks are on NBC/Peacock, but picks 11-40 are on the MLB network. Rounds 2 through 4 are on MLB.tv or MLB.com and are expected to last from 4:30 to 7:45pm. Day 2 will be an untelevised event tomorrow afternoon.
Stay here to follow along throughout the draft for every Tigers' pick and every first round pick overall. As each pick is made, this post will be updated with that player's name, position, and where they're drafted from. Join us for duscussion on the whole Day 1 coverage of the draft in the comments. The Tigers have a bonus pool of $9,165,100 to work with. They'll select 22nd overall for their first round pick.
1. White Sox – Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA
2. Rays – Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)
3. Twins – Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech
4. Giants – Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
5. Pirates – Derek Curiel, OF, LSU
6. Royals – Zion Rose, OF, Louisville
7. Orioles – Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove (MS)
8. Athletics
9. Braves
10. Rockies
11. Nationals
12. Angels
13. Cardinals
14. Marlins
15. D-backs
16. Rangers
17. Astros
18. Reds
19. Guardians
20. Red Sox
21. Padres
22. Tigers
23. Cubs
24. Mariners
25. Brewers
The event begins at 1:00pm on NBC/Peacock, where the Chicago White Sox will make the first pick around 1:30pm. This year's draft is structured a bit strangely, as the first 10 picks are on NBC/Peacock, but picks 11-40 are on the MLB network. Rounds 2 through 4 are on MLB.tv or MLB.com and are expected to last from 4:30 to 7:45pm. Day 2 will be an untelevised event tomorrow afternoon.
Stay here to follow along throughout the draft for every Tigers' pick and every first round pick overall. As each pick is made, this post will be updated with that player's name, position, and where they're drafted from. Join us for duscussion on the whole Day 1 coverage of the draft in the comments. The Tigers have a bonus pool of $9,165,100 to work with. They'll select 22nd overall for their first round pick.
1. White Sox – Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA
2. Rays – Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)
3. Twins – Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech
4. Giants – Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
5. Pirates – Derek Curiel, OF, LSU
6. Royals – Zion Rose, OF, Louisville
7. Orioles – Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove (MS)
8. Athletics
9. Braves
10. Rockies
11. Nationals
12. Angels
13. Cardinals
14. Marlins
15. D-backs
16. Rangers
17. Astros
18. Reds
19. Guardians
20. Red Sox
21. Padres
22. Tigers
23. Cubs
24. Mariners
25. Brewers
1 month ago
Over the years, the name Grady Emerson has become a staple in youth and high school baseball.
That journey from tee ball through high school, and now into Major League Baseball has seen Emerson find a home in very short order.
All of that work led to Saturday afternoon, when Emerson was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays with the No. 2 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Emerson's selection made him the first high school product off the board, as many mock drafts had predicted in the lead-up to Saturday's festivities.
Just who are Rays fans getting as the potential next face of their franchise? Here's a look at Emerson's path from Texas to Tampa.
Emerson is the second shortstop from the Dallas area selected inside the top three this decade, joining Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals. Emerson draws a lot of comparisons to Witt despite being a left-handed bat as their athletic profiles, polished hitting ability and makeup all are very close in similarity. Emerson played for Rusty Greer during his senior year, who also mentored Witt growing up.
That journey from tee ball through high school, and now into Major League Baseball has seen Emerson find a home in very short order.
All of that work led to Saturday afternoon, when Emerson was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays with the No. 2 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Emerson's selection made him the first high school product off the board, as many mock drafts had predicted in the lead-up to Saturday's festivities.
Just who are Rays fans getting as the potential next face of their franchise? Here's a look at Emerson's path from Texas to Tampa.
Emerson is the second shortstop from the Dallas area selected inside the top three this decade, joining Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals. Emerson draws a lot of comparisons to Witt despite being a left-handed bat as their athletic profiles, polished hitting ability and makeup all are very close in similarity. Emerson played for Rusty Greer during his senior year, who also mentored Witt growing up.
1 month ago
The White Sox added a potential cornerstone player by selecting UCLA shortstop Daniel Roch Cholowsky with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft, with the toss-up between Cholowsky and prep SS Grady Emerson lasting deep into Saturday morning. But word broke from MLB's Jim Callis right before the pick announcement that Cholowsky — the presumptive No. 1 since the end of the 2025 draft — would join the White Sox. Minutes later, commissioner Rob Manfred made it official, welcoming Rob "Cha-lew-sky" (sic) to Chicago.
In doing so, Cholowsky becomes just the third college shortstop ever selected first overall, joining Bill Almon (1974) and Dansby Swanson (2015). Although neither player went on to a Hall of Fame career, that's rare company, and another indication of just how highly Cholowsky is regarded.
Cholowsky also becomes the fifth UCLA player selected No. 1 overall in a pro draft, a group that includes Gerrit Cole, Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Troy Aikman and
As the draft came closer, some of the conversation for No. 1 overall has shifted to the other prime prospects, Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey and Emerson. That turned out to be a case of overall draft fatigue and prospect evaluators rationalizing their professions, as Cholowsky has been at or near No. 1 overall in mock drafts for essentially a solid year now. The right-handed hitter entered the spring with a reputation for elite bat-to-ball skills and polished defense, then strengthened his case by continuing to produce throughout the 2026 season.
Cholowsky as Chicago's pick indicates the White Sox went with the prospect many evaluators considered the most complete position player in the class. Cholowsky offers an advanced offensive approach, dependable defense at shortstop, and the kind of all-around game that gives him both a high floor and an equally enticing ceiling.
In doing so, Cholowsky becomes just the third college shortstop ever selected first overall, joining Bill Almon (1974) and Dansby Swanson (2015). Although neither player went on to a Hall of Fame career, that's rare company, and another indication of just how highly Cholowsky is regarded.
Cholowsky also becomes the fifth UCLA player selected No. 1 overall in a pro draft, a group that includes Gerrit Cole, Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Troy Aikman and
As the draft came closer, some of the conversation for No. 1 overall has shifted to the other prime prospects, Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey and Emerson. That turned out to be a case of overall draft fatigue and prospect evaluators rationalizing their professions, as Cholowsky has been at or near No. 1 overall in mock drafts for essentially a solid year now. The right-handed hitter entered the spring with a reputation for elite bat-to-ball skills and polished defense, then strengthened his case by continuing to produce throughout the 2026 season.
Cholowsky as Chicago's pick indicates the White Sox went with the prospect many evaluators considered the most complete position player in the class. Cholowsky offers an advanced offensive approach, dependable defense at shortstop, and the kind of all-around game that gives him both a high floor and an equally enticing ceiling.
1 month ago
Follow along as we track every pick from Day 1 of the 2026 MLB Draft in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Saturday. The White Sox are on the clock to pick first.
Remember, you can catch the first 10 picks live on NBC starting at 1 p.m. ET. Coverage continues at 2:30 p.m. ET on Peacock.
You can also see ***** ysis and insight from each first-round pick via Rotoworld Player News.
2026 MLB Draft Big Board: Roch Cholowsky, Grady Emerson, Vahn Lackey headline this year's class
Ranking the top 50 players available in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Remember, you can catch the first 10 picks live on NBC starting at 1 p.m. ET. Coverage continues at 2:30 p.m. ET on Peacock.
You can also see ***** ysis and insight from each first-round pick via Rotoworld Player News.
2026 MLB Draft Big Board: Roch Cholowsky, Grady Emerson, Vahn Lackey headline this year's class
Ranking the top 50 players available in the 2026 MLB Draft.
1 month ago
The 2026 MLB Draft opens on July 11 with the first four rounds, beginning with the Chicago White Sox at No. 1 overall.
Most expert mock drafts peg UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Texas high school infielder Grady Emerson and Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey as the top candidates in the first three picks, including the White Sox with the top pick.
Several Vanderbilt baseball commitments are in line to be selected in Day 1, including outfielder Eric Booth Jr., infielder Aiden Ruiz and southpaw Sean Duncan.
Two local prospects are inside ESPN's most recent top 100 — CPA left-hander Bo Holloway and Columbia Academy infielder Gunner Skelton, both Vandy commitments.
Follow along with our MLB draft pick-by-pick tracker for Day 1, with the draft beginning at 12 p.m. CT:
Most expert mock drafts peg UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Texas high school infielder Grady Emerson and Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey as the top candidates in the first three picks, including the White Sox with the top pick.
Several Vanderbilt baseball commitments are in line to be selected in Day 1, including outfielder Eric Booth Jr., infielder Aiden Ruiz and southpaw Sean Duncan.
Two local prospects are inside ESPN's most recent top 100 — CPA left-hander Bo Holloway and Columbia Academy infielder Gunner Skelton, both Vandy commitments.
Follow along with our MLB draft pick-by-pick tracker for Day 1, with the draft beginning at 12 p.m. CT:
1 month ago
The 2026 MLB Draft opens on July 11 with the first four rounds, beginning with the Chicago White Sox at No. 1 overall.
Most expert mock drafts peg UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Texas high school infielder Grady Emerson and Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey as the top candidates in the first three picks, including the White Sox with the top pick.
Several Vanderbilt baseball commitments are in line to be selected in Day 1, including outfielder Eric Booth Jr., infielder Aiden Ruiz and southpaw Sean Duncan.
Two local prospects are inside ESPN's most recent top 100 — CPA left-hander Bo Holloway and Columbia Academy infielder Gunner Skelton, both Vandy commitments.
Follow along with our MLB draft pick-by-pick tracker for Day 1, with the draft beginning at 12 p.m. CT:
Most expert mock drafts peg UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Texas high school infielder Grady Emerson and Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey as the top candidates in the first three picks, including the White Sox with the top pick.
Several Vanderbilt baseball commitments are in line to be selected in Day 1, including outfielder Eric Booth Jr., infielder Aiden Ruiz and southpaw Sean Duncan.
Two local prospects are inside ESPN's most recent top 100 — CPA left-hander Bo Holloway and Columbia Academy infielder Gunner Skelton, both Vandy commitments.
Follow along with our MLB draft pick-by-pick tracker for Day 1, with the draft beginning at 12 p.m. CT:
1 month ago
Follow along as we track every pick from Day 1 of the 2026 MLB Draft in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Saturday. The White Sox are on the clock to pick first.
Remember, you catch the first 10 picks live on NBC starting at 1 p.m. ET. Coverage continues at 2:30 p.m. ET on Peacock.
You can also see ***** ysis and insight from each first-round pick via Rotoworld Player News.
2026 MLB Draft Big Board: Roch Cholowsky, Grady Emerson, Vahn Lackey headline this year's class
Ranking the top 50 players available in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Remember, you catch the first 10 picks live on NBC starting at 1 p.m. ET. Coverage continues at 2:30 p.m. ET on Peacock.
You can also see ***** ysis and insight from each first-round pick via Rotoworld Player News.
2026 MLB Draft Big Board: Roch Cholowsky, Grady Emerson, Vahn Lackey headline this year's class
Ranking the top 50 players available in the 2026 MLB Draft.
