Category: Sports

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

DraftKings has become one of the most recognized names in online sports betting, known for its deep market coverage, smooth mobile experience, and enticing promotions. The current DraftKings new user promo gives players the chance to bet $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets instantly + 100% Profit Boost on an NCAA Tournament Winner Bet, with no promo code required.

More Opening Day baseball headlines Thursday. The Dodgers, two-time defending champions, take on the Diamondbacks as they look to keep their run going. Paul Skenes leads the Pirates against Juan Soto and the Mets. Tarik Skubal gets the start for the Tigers versus the Padres. Action on the hardwood features the Hornets taking on the Knicks. On the ice, the Oilers meet the Golden Knights.

Current DraftKings Promo: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly + 100% Profit Boost on an NCAA Tournament Winner Bet, No Promo Required 

DraftKings has an exciting offer for you with no promo code needed as new users can sign up and unlock $200 in bonus bets instantly when you place your first bet of $5 or more. 

As one of the top sportsbooks in the U.S., DraftKings offers some of the best promos on the market. On this page, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the $200 DraftKings promo + 100% Profit Boost on an NCAA Tournament Winner Bet, including how it works, how to claim on their betting app, and how the promo compares to its competitors. 

DraftKings Promo Code: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly + 100% Profit Boost on an NCAA Tournament Winner Bet

• Who’s Eligible: New customers, 21+ (18+ in DC/KY/NH/WY), in eligible states (AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WY, WV).
• Qualifying Bet: $5+ cash bet at -500 odds or longer using the New Customer Token.
• Bonus: Get $200 in Bonus Bets (8×$25) if your bet wins.
• Expiration: Bonus Bets valid for 7 days.
• One per customer; void/cashed-out bets don’t qualify.

Today’s Top DraftKings Promos for Existing Customers

All Sport Stepped Up: Build your Parlay and get up to a 105% Profit Boost based on parlay legs!

How to Sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook and Claim the New User Bonus

1. Sign up for a new DraftKings Sportsbook account.
2. Deposit funds into your account.
3. Place a $5+ cash wager on any eligible sport.
4. Receive $200 in Bonus Bets instantly (8 × $25), regardless of the bet result.
5. Use the Bonus Bets within 7 days and optionally apply the NCAA Tournament Profit Boost token.
6. The DraftKings welcome bonus is easy to claim— deposit $5, and place a $5+ bet and you’ll instantly receive the bonus bets in your account.

DraftKings Promos for Existing Customers

Profit boosts and ongoing promos are one of DraftKings’ strengths — it’s not just about new users. 

Let’s take a look at a few of the promos of existing customers. 

DraftKings Single-Game Parlays, Profit Boosts & No Sweat Bets

DraftKings is a leader in the sports gambling space when it comes to these options. Check the promotions tab to see any current SGP boosts or No Sweat SGPs.

DraftKings also offers SGPx (Same Game Parlay Extra) which allows you to combine multiple SGPs from different games into one single wager. For example:

• Dolphins vs. Jets: Tyreek Hill Anytime TD Scorer and Justin Fields Anytime TD Scorer
• Chiefs vs. Bengals: Patrick Mahomes Over 275.5 Passing Yards and Joe Burrow Over 285.5 Passing Yards

All four legs are part of one parlay, but they’re from different matchups.

DraftKings Referral Bonus

DK also offers bonuses for referrals. If you refer a friend (new user), and they deposit at least $25 into their account, you get $100 bonus bets.

DraftKings Promo Comparison vs. Other Sportsbooks

How Does the DraftKings Sign-Up Bonus Compare to the Competition?

DraftKings has one of the best promos available, mainly because you get the bonus bets whether you win or lose on that $5 bet, which is great for new bettors who don’t want to risk too much.

The FanDuel promo does not apply whether a bettor wins or loses, and the First-Bet Safety Net at BetMGM only triggers if the first bet loses, which is higher risk and best for large wagers. 

Where is DraftKings Legal? 

DraftKings Sportsbook Review 2026

DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the highest-reviewed books in the market. Let’s get into the particulars.

• User Experience & Interface: Navigation is straightforward: pick a league → game → market, with clear tabs for main lines, alternates, and props. The betslip is intuitive, updates payouts instantly, and building SGPs feels seamless.
• Mobile App: The iOS/Android app is polished and responsive, with quick bet acceptance and smooth scrolling on busy NFL Sundays. Odds changes and notifications surface promptly without feeling cluttered.
• Market Depth: DraftKings offers one of the deepest menus in the U.S.—massive player-prop catalogs, plentiful alternate spreads/totals, and robust futures across every major league.
• Betting Tools & Innovation: Standouts include Same Game Parlay+ (combine legs across games), custom stat filters, and detailed game/prop pages. Select markets also feature integrated live video (BetVision, where available) and rich data visualizations.
• Live Betting: Excellent in-play hub with fast odds refresh, wide live markets (including player props), and live SGP/SGP+ support. Streaming and real-time stats (availability varies by event/state) make reacting midgame easier.
• Promotions: Frequent odds boosts and timely football promos, plus rotating “Bet & Get” offers for new and existing users. Ongoing parlay boosts and profit boosts help stretch smaller bankrolls.
• Banking & Withdrawals: Plenty of options: online banking/ACH, debit card, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay (where supported), and wire/Play+. Deposits are instant; most withdrawals arrive in 1–3 business days depending on method.
• Trust & Support: Licensed in numerous states with strong responsible-gaming tools (deposit/time limits, timeouts, self-exclusion). Customer support is available 24/7 via help center, chat, and email.

DraftKings User Experience & Interface

DK has one of the smoothest user experiences on mobile and desktop, and is extremely beginner-friendly. Key pages/features — such as Met Bet, Live Now and SGP Builder — are easy to find and load fast. Navigation between sports, promos, and bet slip is intuitive, and there are real-time stat integrations.

DraftKings Mobile App Review

DraftKings is available on Apple and Android devices, and has Face ID/Touch ID. The app also features push notifications for odds boosts, bet results and promos.  It’s fast nav, in-app stats, intuitive build, and feature-rich platform makes this one of the best sportsbooks app out there.

Market Depth & Betting Options

DraftKings is recognized for its market depth, with betting options that stretch across every major sport as well as niche events. Standard spreads, moneylines, and totals are available for all games, complemented by a wide range of player props and creative specials. Bettors can explore both mainstream and alternative markets:

Sports You Can Bet On With DraftKings:

Key Events You Can Bet On With Draftkings:

Every game mentioned above has standard spread, moneyline, totals, and a wide variety of player props you can bet on. But the platform doesn’t stop with the major leagues, as it also features odds on entertainment and alternative markets such as the Oscars, eSports, lacrosse, and table tennis. This breadth of coverage helps explain why DraftKings frequently appears in roundups of the best NFL betting sites and top sportsbooks in the U.S.

Betting Features & Innovation

DK is an industry leader, feature-rich, and one of the most innovative books in the U.S. market. SGPs/SGPx are one of the best builders in the industry, especially for the NFL, and it is one of the best apps for live betting. There are options for early cashout, built-in stats hub, free-to-play pools, and there is NFL BetVision, which allows users to stream in-network and nationally televised games directly inside the DraftKings Sportsbook app. To access a stream, you must place a bet on the specific event.

DraftKings Live Betting

DraftKings delivers a smooth in-play experience with odds that refresh quickly after key moments, so you can react to momentum swings in real time. The interface is clean and intuitive, with a betslip that updates potential payouts instantly and accepts bets fast.

You’ll find a wide range of live markets, including updated spreads and totals, next drive result in the NFL, next team to score, and plenty of player props as the game unfolds. Early Cash Out is available on many markets, letting you lock in profit or limit losses midgame, and the mobile app mirrors the full live offering for easy wagering on the go.

DraftKings Promotions

DraftKings has one of the best welcome offers and ongoing promos for existing users, where a new user can bet $5 and get $200 if your bet wins.

There are also No Sweat Same-Game Parlays (often available for primetime games), Profit Boost Tokens (usually issued on weekends or for big events), occasional deposit matches and no-deposit offers for returning users.

DraftKings Banking: Deposit & Withdrawals

Deposits can be made on desktop or mobile app, and to make a deposit, click “deposit” on the top right corner (app and desktop), select the amount, and add payment details.

Trust & Safety

DraftKings Sportsbook is legally available online in 24 states plus Washington, D.C., with additional retail locations in Nevada, Washington, and Mississippi. Expansion is expected to continue, with Missouri being the latest state to legalize sports betting. The platform also emphasizes player protection, offering responsible gaming tools such as real-time check-ins, deposit and loss limits, timeouts, and exclusion options. For customer support, users can access live chat or email assistance, while secure payment processing and multi-factor authentication ensure that both transactions and accounts remain protected.

DraftKings Sportsbook Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Strong welcome offer.
• SGP builder.
• Market depth.
• Fast payouts.
• Great mobile experience.
• Frequent promotions.

Cons:

• Bonus bets expire in 7 days.
• Some promos have low max wager limits.
• Odds are sometimes less competitive than those from other sportsbooks.

DraftKings Dynasty Rewards Loyalty Program

The Dynasty Rewards Program is the rewards program for DraftKings and Golden Nugget Online Casino. With Dynasty Rewards, your play can earn Crowns and Tier Credits for your play to receive exciting perks and redeem for a variety of rewards. 

Dynasty Rewards Program Tier Credits Information

• Learn more about Tier Credits.
• Important Note: While you earn Tier Credits by playing on DraftKings products, you can also earn Tier Credits for your play in our partner company Golden Nugget Online Casino! Any Tier Credits earned from gameplay in our partner company Golden Nugget Online Casino will contribute to your Tier Status for your DraftKings account and your Golden Nugget Online Casino account.
• Crown and Tier Credit accrual rates are subject to change. Your participation in the Dynasty Rewards Program is governed by the Dynasty Rewards Rules & Policy. Learn more about the Rules and Policy.
• Please be aware your Tier Credit balance won’t be visible within the DK Horse app or website. For up-to-date information on your Tier Credits, view your Tier Credits balance with any of the other DraftKings Products.

DraftKings Promo Code FAQ

What is the current DraftKings promo code and how does it work?

• The current welcome offer is: DraftKings Promo Code: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
• In addition, there’s often a 20% deposit match up to $1,000 in bonus content for many states.

Do I need to enter a promo code to get the DraftKings welcome bonus?

• No, you do not need to enter a promo code for the $5 → $200 offer. You typically claim it by registering as a new user and placing a qualifying first bet.

What states allow DraftKings?

• Click here to see where DraftKings is legal.

How do you claim the DraftKings $200 promo?

• Be a new user in a legal state.
• Register for a DraftKings Sportsbook account (verify identity as required).
• Deposit at least $5 using an accepted payment method.
• Place a first wager of at least $5 on any eligible market. Win or lose, this bet triggers the $200 bonus bets.
• The bonus bets are credited (often in increments or tokens) and usually expire after a certain period (commonly 7 days) for use.

Can I cash out DraftKings in another state?

• As long as you’re in a state where DraftKings is legal and you have an account in good standing, you can generally request a withdrawal regardless of whether you’re physically in your home state or traveling (geolocation typically applies only for placing new bets, not for withdrawals). Some withdrawal methods may not be available in every state. Also, you must meet identity verification (KYC) requirements.

How long does DraftKings take to payout?

• Withdrawal times depend on method:

Can I use DraftKings in a state I don’t live in?

• Yes, if you are physically located in a state where DraftKings is legal and you meet all the licensing / verification requirements, you can use the service. You cannot use it from states where DraftKings is not licensed, even if you are a resident of another state. Geolocation requirements mean the app/site verifies you’re in a legal jurisdiction before you can bet.

How do I contact DraftKings customer service?

• Via the Help Center on the DraftKings app or website, using the chatbot.
• You can also request a callback (for Sportsbook / Casino customers in the U.S.) via the chatbot.
• By email: support@draftkings.com is the main customer service email.
• On social media: Twitter/X via @DK_Assist.

Can you bet on presidential elections on DraftKings?

• It depends on the state and whether DraftKings has been allowed to offer political betting markets in that jurisdiction. In many U.S. states, betting on political events (like elections) is not allowed under state gambling laws.

How do you redeem crowns on DraftKings?

• Crowns have no direct cash value, but you can use them to enter contests, buy items in the DraftKings Shop, or convert them into DK Dollars or Casino Credits (in states where DraftKings Casino is available).
• The conversion rate is 550 Crowns = $1 in DK Dollars or $1 in Casino Credits.
• To redeem for Casino Credits, you navigate in your app: Rewards → Dynasty → “Redeem Crowns” → select “Get Casino Credits” (or DK Dollars if you prefer).

Gambling disclaimer: Only individuals aged 21 and over are permitted to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Gambling is subject to local state regulation and is illegal in some states. Please gamble responsibly – information relating to responsible gambling can be found here.

---

---

Only 16 teams remain in the NCAA Tournament, as play resumes Thursday evening. 

After an opening weekend that saw most of the favorites advance, a lack of upsets sets the table for what promises to be some incredible matchups going forward. 

By Sunday night, we will have a Final Four set, so let’s take a look at each game, and which teams might win their way to Indianapolis.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

No. 11 Texas vs. No. 2 Purdue

Sean Miller’s Texas squad went from the bubble to the First Four to the Sweet 16 after banking three Tournament wins. The Longhorns face a Purdue team that seems to be peaking at the right time after a disappointing regular season. I’m betting on a closer game than expected here. Both teams play at a relatively slow pace, and Texas is elite at getting to the foul line (eighth in the country averaging 26 free-throw attempts per game). Purdue beat Miami by 10 in the last round, but that was a four-point game with under a minute left before Purdue pulled away with late free throws. I like Texas to hang around.

PICK: Texas (+7.5) to lose by fewer than 7.5 points or win outright

No. 9 Iowa vs. No. 4 Nebraska

Part of Black Friday tradition involves these teams squaring off on the gridiron, but now they meet on the hardwood for a trip to the Elite Eight on the line. Iowa is as close to a Cinderella as we have in this Tournament, after the Hawkeyes got the upset win over double-digit favorite Florida. I was hoping to get Iowa plus a handful of points again, but with a line of 1.5, I’m looking at the total — particularly the Under of 132.5. The first meeting between these two teams was 57-52, and with this game taking place in an NBA arena (Toyota Center in Houston), perhaps the shooting backdrop gives us another low-scoring duel between two teams who love to slow the tempo.

PICK: Under 132.5 points scored by both teams combined

No. 4 Arkansas vs No. 1 Arizona 

There’s a lot of sentiment for the underdog Razorbacks here, but I think Arizona is the way to go. Arkansas has been hot as of late, but wins over Hawaii and High Point aren’t enough to convince me the Razorbacks are ready to hang with the juggernaut that is Arizona. Florida beat Arkansas by 34 points near the end of the regular season. I think this loaded Arizona team presents similar challenges here. 

PICK: Arizona (-7.5) to win by more than 7.5 points

No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 Houston 

What an awesome matchup this is, between two teams that are worthy of winning the title. Houston will play within walking distance of its campus, and the line has gone up from 1.5 at open to now 3.5. Home court favors Houston, but these are relatively even teams, so I will take the points in a game I expect to go down to the wire. 

PICK: Illinois (+3.5) to lose by fewer than 3.5 points or win outright

No. 5 St. John’s vs. No. 1 Duke 

For the first time since 1999, St. John’s is back in the Sweet 16, thanks to a buzzer-beating layup to oust Kansas. St. John’s has the size inside to match up with Duke phenom Cam Boozer, and giving seven points to Rick Pitino seems like an awful lot. Points could be at a premium here, and Duke trailed both Siena and TCU in the second half of its first two Tournament games.

PICK: St. John’s (+7) to lose by fewer than 7 points or win outright

No. 4 Alabama at No. 1 Michigan (-9.5, 174.5)

Alabama is always dangerous with its willingness and ability to chuck a bunch of 3-point attempts, and if the Tide get hot early, look out. But ultimately, I expect Michigan to score at will, especially with the Wolverines’ dominance on the glass likely leading to too many second-chance points for Alabama to sustain.

PICK: Michigan team total Over 92.5 points

No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 2 UConn (-2, 136.5)

This will be another incredible matchup, with championship coaches Tom Izzo and Dan Hurley trying to get one step closer to another Final Four. UConn has been inconsistent throughout the year and has struggled from the outside, despite winning its first two Tournament games. I expect a half-court game, with two good rebounding teams limiting second-chance opportunities. Izzo and Hurley are two of the most intense coaches there are. I expect their teams to mirror their personalities in what should be a close, low-scoring game.

PICK: Under 136.5 points scored by both teams combined

No. 6 Tennessee vs No. 2 Iowa State (-4.5, 138.5)

I’m surprised this line is as high as it is. Iowa State stud forward Joshua Jefferson appears unlikely to play once again, and Tennessee is an elite rebounding squad that possesses a ton of athleticism. In what could be a close game, it’s important to keep in mind that Iowa State is a poor free-throw shooting team (67.1%), a statistic that could doom the Cyclones. 

PICK: Tennessee (+4.5) to lose by fewer than 4.5 points or win outright

On the heels of a thrilling World Baseball Classic that captivated the nation, FOX Sports returns to the 2026 Major League Baseball season with a deep and dynamic roster of broadcasters — bringing its signature presentation of championship-level insight and industry-leading production to one of the most anticipated seasons in the sport.

FOX Sports has assembled top-tier talent both in the booth and studio, to provide compelling pre-game, in-game and post-game coverage. 

Entering their fifth season together, first-ballot Hall of Famer John Smoltz and Emmy Award-winning play-by-play announcer Joe Davis will call FOX Sports’ top regular season and playoff games. Veteran field reporters Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci will provide key information and additional reporting in the heat of the action. Together, FOX MLB’s lead team is comprised entirely of Emmy Award winners recognized for excellence in each of their respective roles.

Throughout the regular season, announcers Adam Amin, Eric Collins, Davis, Kevin Kugler and Connor Onion will team up with analysts Eric Karros, AJ Pierzynski, Smoltz, Verducci, Dontrelle Willis and Adam Wainwright in the booth.

FOX Sports’ coverage leads off Saturday, March 28, with a day-night doubleheader as action starts at 4:00 p.m. ET on FS1, with the Minnesota Twins facing the Baltimore Orioles (Onion, Verducci), followed by primetime regionalized matchups at 7:00 p.m. ET on FOX, featuring the New York Yankees at San Francisco Giants (Davis, Smoltz, Rosenthal); and Kansas City Royals at Atlanta Braves (Amin, Wainwright, Pierzynski).

Away from the field, FOX Sports will bring captivating studio coverage. 

A-Rod, Big Papi and The Captain – FOX MLB’s Emmy Award-winning desk features names that are synonymous with some of baseball’s biggest moments. Hall of Famers Derek Jeter and David Ortiz and World Series champion Alex Rodriguez, alongside host Kevin Burkhardt, bring credentialed analysis and seamless chemistry to the network’s studio coverage of marquee events.

Over the course of the season, Burkhardt, Chris Myers and Mike Hill host pregame and postgame coverage from the FOX Sports studio alongside a rotation of high-caliber analysts including former big-league stars Dontrelle Willis and Karros.

FOX Sports will also bring MLB coverage on FOX Deportes.

The leader in Spanish-language MLB coverage for more than two decades, FOX Deportes’ roster is led by veteran play-by-play announcer Adrian Garcia-Marquez, analyst and former MLB infielder Edgar Gonzalez, announcer/reporter Carlos Alvarez and veteran reporter, analyst Jaime Motta. Also joining the team are reporter Michelle Liendo and play-by-play announcer Rolando Nichols.

In addition to live broadcasts of each game, the network’s new daily program, TOTAL SPORTS 360, offers highlights, interviews and live reports throughout the postseason.
 

Shohei Ohtani admitted in a recent interview with NBC that he doesn’t think about being compared to the likes of Tom Brady and Michael Jordan, but FOX Sports’ Chris Broussard thinks that the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ superstar might join that echelon of great athletes soon.

Broussard proclaimed that it’s “indisputable” that Ohtani is the best baseball player of all time on Wednesday’s episode of “First Things First.” However, Broussard said that you can’t call Ohtani the greatest of all time quite yet. 

“He’s the best we’ve ever seen,” Broussard said of Ohtani. “Babe Ruth was obviously a great pitcher, as well as a hitter. But he didn’t do them at the same time at that level. The most home runs he ever hit when he pitched full-time was 29. But when he was hinting 40, 50, 60 [home runs], he wasn’t pitching. He only pitched four games in the rest of his career during that time. Barry Bonds was the best I’ve seen prior to Ohtani. … Bonds only had, for all his greatness, one season where he hit 50 or more homers. Ohtani’s already had two 50-plus home run seasons.

“Not to mention the pitching. He has the all-time high in strikeouts per nine innings at 11.4. He just isn’t eligible yet. I think he’s clearly the BOAT (Best of All Time).”

As Broussard mentioned, Ohtani has certainly accomplished enough to put himself on a trajectory to become the greatest of all time. His four MVPs are already the second-most ever, trailing only Bonds’ seven. In 2024, he became the first player in MLB history to log 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season. He’s also the only player to win multiple MVPs in a unanimous fashion, and last season, he became the first player to ever win multiple MVPs in both the American and National Leagues. 

However, Broussard believes that Ohtani doesn’t have the longevity yet to be considered baseball’s greatest player ever. 

“I’ve got to be honest, as much as I think he’ll get there, this will only be his eighth complete season,” Broussard said. “I don’t think that’s enough to say ‘GOAT.’ Even though he has four MVPs, which is second-most to Bonds already, baseball is a sport about magic numbers — 3,000 hits, 500 homers, 300 wins — and he can’t hit any of those in eight seasons.”

To Broussard’s point, Ohtani’s volume stats would pale in comparison to many all-time greats. Even though he already has four seasons with at least 40 home runs, Ohtani has only hit 280 home runs in his career. That’s tied for 202nd all-time as he still needs 73 homers to crack the top 100 list.

This season presents a unique opportunity for Ohtani to add to his greatness, though. This will mark the first time since 2023 that Ohtani will begin a season as a hitter and a starting pitcher. If all goes well, it’ll be the first time since 2022 that Ohtani has spent a full season playing both sides. In the last season that Ohtani was a dual star, he hit 34 home runs and had a 2.33 ERA on the mound. He finished second in AL MVP voting and fourth in AL Cy Young voting that season. 

Normally, Broussard said he would use “10 or 11 years as a threshold” before considering someone as an all-time great. But he thinks Ohtani could be considered the greatest of all-time this year if he helps the Dodgers three-peat and has some pretty high individual success. 

“If they win the World Series, and he’s World Series MVP, regular season MVP and Cy Young winner, or if they win the World Series and he’s Cy Young or MVP, [he’s the GOAT,]” Broussard said. 

Mohamed Salah is reportedly unlikely to move to Major League Soccer at the end of the 2025-26 season, despite repeated links to various clubs. Both Chicago Fire and San Diego FC had been floated as destinations for the Egyptian, but both seem unlikely at this point, according to the Athletic. Salah announced he will depart Liverpool at the end of the season on Tuesday.

Leaving Liverpool after becoming an icon

Salah revealed in a video Tuesday afternoon that he will depart Liverpool at the end of the season. That came as something of a surprise, given the Egyptian had penned a two-year contract at the end of the 2024-25 campaign – his most successful individual season to date with the Reds. Since then, a number of clubs around the world have been linked with bringing in the winger at the end of the year.

Why MLS clubs have been ruled out

MLS clubs, though, are not among them. According to

Still, there could be other clubs in the mix. New York City FC reportedly ‘won’t rule out’ an attempt.

Meanwhile, MLS Commissioner vouched for his signature at the SBJ Business of Soccer event in Atlanta:

“I couldn’t say that until he announced that he was leaving Liverpool,” Garber said. “But what a great player he would be in MLS. And I think we would provide him with a great platform.”

Saudi Pro League more likely

The Saudi Pro League, however, seems a more likely destination. Al-Ittihad offered nearly $200 million for Salah in 2023, but Liverpool turned down the bid. They are said to be in the hunt for a new star man after losing Karim Benzema last month. Al Qadsiah, who have moved to a 47,000 seater stadium, are supposedly also in contention. Many have pointed out that Salah, as the world’s most prominent Muslim athlete, would be an ideal fit for the league.

His agent’s words

Yet Salah’s agent has publicly urged caution. Ramy Abbas, Salah’s representative, took to X to say he didn’t know where Salah would be playing next season – and urged fans to be wary of rumors linking him to other clubs.

The opening weekend of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament started and ended with a thud for the Big Ten. 

In an instant, No. 8 Ohio State lost to No. 9 TCU in the very first game that tipped on Thursday afternoon. It wasn’t much later when No. 5 Wisconsin got upended by No. 12 High Point in one of the most exciting games we’ve seen so far. And come Sunday evening, with only two Sweet 16 spots still up for grabs, No. 7 UCLA unraveled against No. 2 UConn. 

But in between? Oh, man, seemingly everything went the conference’s way in an event that has largely befuddled the league since its last national champion, Michigan State, cut down the nets in 2000. When the dust finally settled, six Big Ten teams had reached the Sweet 16 in Michigan, Illinois, Purdue, Michigan State, Nebraska and Iowa. That’s one shy of an NCAA Tournament record set by the SEC last year. 

“We’ve been cheering like crazy for the Big Ten, and everyone’s done well,” Michigan head coach Dusty May said at a news conference earlier this week. “It’s important for recruiting, for the future, the television rights and packages, everything that goes with the enterprise of college basketball. How we do in the NCAA Tournament is incredibly important.”

So how do the Super Six stack up? Aside from Michigan, which everyone knows was the best team in the Big Ten all season, how does the hierarchy shake itself out? Here’s a breakdown based on what we’ve seen so far:

6. Iowa Hawkeyes (No. 9 seed)

Round of 64: defeated No. 8 Clemson, 67-61

Round of 32: defeated No. 1 Florida, 73-72

Sweet 16: vs. No. 4 Nebraska (Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET)

What a run for first-year head coach Ben McCollum, who has now guided the Hawkeyes to their first Sweet 16 berth since 1999 and just the ninth such appearance in school history thanks to a stunning upset of No. 1 Florida. Power forward Alvaro Folgueiras swished a 3-pointer from the right corner with 4.5 seconds remaining to officially dethrone the Gators, winners of last year’s national title. Now, Iowa will challenge conference rival Nebraska for an opportunity to reach the Elite Eight, something the Hawkeyes haven’t done since 1987.

McCollum’s team has advanced this far by leaning on the NCAA Tournament’s best offense based on advanced metrics. An offensive efficiency mark of 142 points per 100 possessions since March Madness began is nearly two points clear of any other team in the field, according to Torvik. Much of that success can be traced back to offensive rebounding and free throws. Iowa has snagged 35 offensive rebounds across its first two tournament games and used those extra possessions to rack up 53 free-throw attempts (38 makes).

The Hawkeyes will face a stiffer test against Nebraska, whose defense ranks fourth since the Big Dance began. 

5. Nebraska Cornhuskers (No. 4 seed)

Round of 64: defeated No. 13 Troy, 76-47

Round of 32: defeated No. 5 Vanderbilt, 74-72

Sweet 16: vs. No. 9 Iowa (Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET)

Last weekend’s triumph in Oklahoma City, where the Paycom Center was flooded with red, is one Nebraska’s proud fans won’t soon forget. It began with the Cornhuskers earning their first-ever NCAA Tournament win by pummeling Troy in the opening round, ending its drought as the last power-conference team without a victory in this event. Then, on Saturday, the Nebraska faithful were treated to one of the best games of the opening weekend, narrowly surviving a three-quarter court heave at the buzzer. Hearts thumped, mouths were agape.

Though Nebraska is known for running an aesthetically pleasing offense under head coach Fred Hoiberg, who received another contract extension earlier this month, the Cornhuskers are playing ferocious defense in the tournament. They rank fourth in defensive efficiency, ninth in effective field goal percentage defense and 11th in forced turnover rate. 

The challenge on Thursday will be facing a conference foe against whom Nebraska split its two regular season meetings: a 57-52 road loss on Feb. 17 and an 84-75 home win in overtime on March 8. 

[MEN’S TOURNEY: Ranking Sweet 16 Matchups]

4. Michigan State Spartans (No. 3 seed)

Round of 64: defeated No. 14 North Dakota State, 92-67

Round of 32: defeated No. 6 Louisville, 77-69

Sweet 16: vs. No. 2 UConn (Friday, 9:45 p.m. ET)

While it’s true that Michigan State played well during both games of the opening weekend, the Spartans were also fortunate to receive a relatively favorable draw. They were never likely to be challenged by a North Dakota State team that ranks 125th or worse in both offensive and defensive efficiency, according to KenPom. Nor were they ever likely to face Louisville at full strength given the lingering back issue for freshman sensation Mikel Brown Jr. (18.2 points per game), who missed both of his team’s games and is now likely to enter the NBA Draft as a potential lottery pick. 

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things for head coach Tom Izzo to be excited about entering the Sweet 16 matchup with UConn. In terms of perimeter shooting, the Spartans have already made 21 3-pointers in this year’s tournament — 10 against North Dakota State, 11 against Louisville — despite only averaging 7.8 made 3s per game, which is tied for 176th nationally.

Junior forward Coen Carr, whose offensive contributions are often inconsistent, is averaging 19 points per game through the opening weekend. Tremendous production from role players like freshman forward Cam Ward (15 total points) and senior guard Trey Fort (19 combined points) has taken some of the pressure off the Spartans’ core four. 

3. Purdue Boilermakers (No. 2 seed)

Round of 64: defeated No. 15 Queens, 101-74

Round of 32: defeated No. 7 Miami, 79-69

Sweet 16: vs. No. 11 Texas (Thursday, 7:10 p.m. ET)

Is there any team in the country hotter than Purdue right now? Beginning with a victory over Northwestern in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament, the Boilermakers have won six in a row by an average margin of 16.2 points per game. And during that span, according to Torvik, head coach Matt Painter’s team has the most efficient offense in the country at 140.2 points per 100 possessions. On a larger scale, more than six weeks have passed since Purdue was last held to fewer than 70 points (Feb. 7 vs. Oregon).  

The biggest question facing the Boilermakers against Texas and, potentially beyond, is whether the leading trio can continue to produce at such a high level. Point guard Braden Smith, now the record holder for most assists in Division I history, has 38 points and 16 assists in two games. Shooting guard Fletcher Loyer has made four 3-pointers in each round. Power forward Trey Kaufman-Renn has owned the paint by scoring 44 points and grabbing 18 rebounds thus far, albeit against undersized front courts. Can they perform that well against the Longhorns’ length and athleticism? What about a potential matchup with No. 1 Arizona in the Elite Eight?

2. Illinois Fighting Illini (No. 3 seed)

Round of 64: defeated No. 14 Penn, 105-70

Round of 32: defeated No. 11 VCU, 76-55

Sweet 16: vs. No. 2 Houston (Thursday, 10:05 p.m. ET)

Illinois is another team whose first weekend in the NCAA Tournament was rather fortuitous. The Illini opened by hammering an undermanned Penn team, which only qualified for the Big Dance by upsetting a far more dangerous Yale team in the Ivy League Tournament title game. And then, when facing the possibility of a second-round matchup against No. 6 North Carolina, whose head coach, Hubert Davis, has subsequently been fired, the Illini benefited from the Tar Heels’ stunning second-half collapse against VCU. They reached the Sweet 16 without facing an opponent ranked among the top 40 in KenPom. 

But there is no doubt that Illinois, which is chasing the program’s first Final Four appearance since 2005, has the high-end talent, positional size and roster depth to be considered among the best teams in the country. Brad Underwood’s team boasts a handful of future pros in point guard Keaton Wagler, small forward David Mirkovic and the Ivisic brothers on the interior — a quartet that is difficult for most opposing teams to match. 

Illinois finished plus-16 on the glass against VCU and plus-23 on the glass against Penn, which shows how dangerous and dominant this team can be, even when the initial shots aren’t falling. 

[MEN’S TOURNEY: Top 16 Players In The Sweet 16]

1. Michigan Wolverines (No. 1 seed) 

Round of 64: defeated No. 16 Howard, 101-80

Round of 32: defeated No. 9 St. Louis, 95-72

Sweet 16: vs. No. 4 Alabama (Friday, 7:35 p.m. ET)

Fans could be forgiven for thinking there was an element of Michigan playing with its food during the opening two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines sat back and played lax defense as Howard buried 10 3-pointers in the first half of a game that only had a four-point margin at the break. They also only led St. Louis by a point with under seven minutes remaining in the first half before finally kicking into gear and pulling away. Legitimate causes for concern? Perhaps. But the more likely explanation is that Michigan, one of the most talented teams in the country, always knew it was going to win those games and just arrived fashionably late. 

Alabama might not test the Wolverines too much, either — especially without second-leading scorer Aden Holloway, who was arrested earlier this month and hasn’t played in the NCAA Tournament. The bigger question is whether No. 2 Iowa State can advance on the bottom half of the Midwest bracket and potentially challenge Michigan in the Elite Eight. Much of that depends on the health of Cyclones star Joshua Jefferson (sprained ankle), a first-team All-American who missed the Round of 32 victory over Kentucky. If Jefferson’s health remains an issue, the Wolverines could breeze to the Final Four. 

The Yankees‘ Jose Caballero lost the first challenge taken to Major League Baseball’s so-called robot umpire, unsuccessfully appealing a strike by San Francisco Giants right-hander Logan Webb in Wednesday night’s season opener won 7-0 by New York.

Webb started the fourth inning with a 90.7 mph sinker on the upper, inner corner that was called a strike by Bill Miller, a major league umpire since 1997. Caballero tapped his helmet, and the 12 Hawk-Eye cameras of the Automated Ball-Strike System upheld Miller’s decision in a graphic shown on the Oracle Park scoreboard.

New York was ahead 5-0 at the time. Caballero drove in the first run with an RBI single in a five-run second inning against Webb, who recorded his 1,000th career strikeout in the fourth.

The automated system had been tested in the minor leagues since 2019 and was used during major league spring training in 2025 and ’26. Some managers have said they will still find ways to argue and get ejected.

Before Wednesday’s game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone spoke in support of the new system and the importance of discussing decisions on challenges with his team ahead of time.

“I hope so,” Boone said when asked if he was excited. “We’ve had a lot of dialogue at it, it’s something that we’ve poured a lot into, I’ve certainly. It’s become one of the things I’ve kind of tried to lead the charge on a little bit. Another kind of end-of-spring meeting with all the position players and catchers at the end just kind of running through different ones that came up and give my feedback on it. I’ve been very direct with them during spring as far as after the fact if I thought one was really good or conversely if one was terrible.”

Boone stressed this will be a learning process for everybody involved.

“I’ve tried to be real direct with them and why,” he said. “I feel like we’re going to be good at it, that’s the expectation. I’m sure we’ll continue to evolve with it.”

New San Francisco skipper Tony Vitello, who came to the Giants from the University of Tennessee with no professional experience as a player or coach, said he had to remind himself earlier Wednesday that the robots might take over at times.

“‘I’ve got to be honest with you, one thing I was looking at is who are the umpires tonight?” he said. “You get on google the first thing you see is there’s going to be a robot umpire. And it was only for a millisecond but I kind of freaked out.”

Kylian Mbappe has moved to silence the storm surrounding his fitness, categorically denying sensational claims that Real Madrid medical staff examined the wrong knee. 

The France captain addressed the media ahead of Les Bleus’ friendly against Brazil, insisting that his relationship with the Spanish giants remains transparent despite a wave of reports alleging a “monumental mistake” in his diagnosis.

Mbappe shuts down medical blunder claims

Mbappe has hit back at reports suggesting Real Madrid’s medical department committed a catastrophic error by scanning his right knee instead of his injured left one. The

“The information saying that they examined the wrong knee is not true,” Mbappe told reporters. “I might be indirectly responsible for this situation because when you don’t communicate about what you have, it leaves the door open to all sorts of interpretations; everyone jumps into the breach, and that’s the game.

“With Real Madrid, we have always had fairly clear communication, whether it was when I started my rehabilitation in Madrid or when I was in Paris, where I was accompanied by the doctor, a physio, and the club’s fitness trainer. There is no problem with that.”

No regrets over injury management

Despite the media frenzy, Mbappe maintains his personal care was professional. However, reports of medical mismanagement led to a major overhaul of Real Madrid’s medical department in January. Journalist Daniel Riolo linked the mass sackings directly to this incident.

“I have never been a player who has regrets,” the attacker explained when asked about the timeline of his recovery. “The only thing I see is the present and the near future. I am happy to be able to feel both of my knees are doing well. In a way, I also owe that to my club. I am very happy to be here, being fit and in good health.”

National team focus turns to Brazil

With the medical drama over, the focus shifts to France’s clash with Brazil on Thursday. Mbappe’s return to full fitness is a major boost for Didier Deschamps, though the manager remains cautious about his star’s playing time. For his part, the forward declared he is ready to start if called upon.

“I am ready to play, to start. The coach will make his choices,” Mbappe asserted. Deschamps, however, provided a slightly more guarded outlook on his captain’s participation in the upcoming friendly: “He could start, but not play the entire match; he could come on as a substitute… just like the other 24 players over the two matches.”

Recovery and the final stretch

Mbappe admitted that seeking a second opinion in Paris was the turning point in his recovery, noting that identifying the source of his pain was the “first step to healing.” Now back at 100%, the former PSG star is focused on finishing the season strongly with Real Madrid before the World Cup.

“The knee? It’s going very well,” Mbappe concluded. “I had the chance to find the right diagnosis in Paris, and we found the best plan to return to the best level. I’ve grown used to the speculation; it’s part of the life of a high-level athlete.”

Up-and-coming youngsters, players reaching their potential, or on-the-cusp stars who are about to hit their stride. 

Who is poised to make some headlines in MLB this season? Our picks for one breakout player for all 30 teams.

JUMP TO: AL East | AL Central | AL West | NL East | NL Central | NL West

Baltimore Orioles: Shane Baz, RHP

One of the many former first-round picks in this list, Baz has yet to reach his full, true-ace potential after being limited by injuries. Finally, last year the right-hander stayed healthy and delivered a career-best 31 starts for the Rays, who traded him to Baltimore in December. Now entering his age-27 season, Baz looks primed to use his excellent stuff and control to emerge as a breakout candidate this year.  – Deesha Thosar

Boston Red Sox: Wilyer Abreu, RF

With Alex Cora saying a 30-plus homer season is incoming, this is the year Abreu is expected to make the jump into an All-Star caliber everyday outfielder. He turned heads in the World Baseball Classic for Venezuela, slugging a pair of clutch home runs against Japan and USA. Abreu only played in 115 games last year, but he hit 22 home runs and drove in 69. His offensive metrics indicate he’ll show off additional power this season. – Thosar

New York Yankees: Cam Schlittler, RHP

Schlittler is a fast-rising top-20 pitcher with grit and elite fastball velocity. This will be his second season in the majors after recording a 2.96 ERA in 14 starts for the Yankees last year. His breakout moment came against the Red Sox, the Walpole, Massachusetts native’s favorite childhood team, in the Wild Card series. Schlitter, in his first career postseason start, held Boston to eight shutout innings with 12 strikeouts, sending the Yankees to the Division Series. The Yankees are counting on Schlittler to be a key arm of the rotation, and his elite stuff points to a bright future in the league. – Thosar

Tampa Bay Rays: Chandler Simpson, OF

Simpson stole 44 bases and in 109 games in his first major-league stint, while slashing .295/.326/.345. He’s projected to steal 50-60 bags this season while leading off for the Rays. Simpson’s 2025 batting average is for real; the 25-year-old has elite contact ability and is considered the fastest player in baseball. He’s poised for a major breakout year in what should be his first full-season in the bigs. – Thosar

Toronto Blue Jays: Cody Ponce, RHP

Ponce returns to MLB for the first time since 2021 after pitching the best season ever in the KBO. He went 17-1, recorded a 1.89 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 252 strikeouts in 29 starts and 180.2 starts. Sure, a lot of pitchers come back from overseas and struggle in the big leagues, but the Blue Jays felt so strongly about Ponce’s redefined arsenal and uptick in velocity that they gave him a three-year contract worth $30 million, which will be an enormous value if all goes as expected. – Thosar

Chicago White Sox: Miguel Vargas, 3B

The 26-year-old third baseman produced his best season yet last year, hitting 16 home runs while slashing .234/.316/.401 in 138 games. He hovered around league average, and this year Vargas is expected to take a big step forward in a White Sox lineup that will give him every opportunity to start at the hot corner everyday. – Thosar

Cleveland Guardians: Chase DeLauter, OF

DeLauter is a former first-round pick who’s been held back by injuries since his 2022 draft. The 24-year-old outfielder is finally fully healthy and projected to spend the entire year in the big leagues. Though his injury history is concerning, there’s also a lot to like. DeLauter is considered a candidate to have a high average and 20-homer potential. – Thosar

Detroit Tigers: Kevin McGonigle, SS

McGonigle is ranked by MLB Pipeline as Detroit’s top prospect and No. 2 overall. He improved his defense in spring training and the Tigers can deploy him on the left side of the infield, opening up playing time and allowing him to show off his high-contact rate and lengthen the Tigers lineup. McGonigle’s patient plate approach and impressive power is a boon in Detroit. – Thosar

Kansas City Royals: Jac Caglianone, RF

Caglianone mightily struggled to adjust to major-league pitching in his 62-game debut last year. But the power that led to him being a first-round pick and a highly-touted prospect is all still there. He’s projected for 20-plus home runs this season and his droolworthy hard-hit rate has made Caglianone everyone’s top breakout candidate of the year. – Thosar

Minnesota Twins: Mick Abel, RHP

Abel joined the Twins last summer as part of the trade that sent closer Jhoan Duran to the Phillies. He recorded a 2.00 ERA, 23 strikeouts and only three walks in five starts and 18 innings in spring training. The right-hander not only earned a spot in Minnesota’s rotation, but he could ascend to become a top-of-the-rotation arm. Abel refined his repertoire over the winter and looks primed to be the Twins’ second-best starter behind Joe Ryan. – Thosar

Athletics: Denzel Clarke, CF 

Clarke is one of the best defenders in the major leagues, if not the best. He put on a show last season with multiple defensive gems in center field, but his bat wasn’t good enough for the starting lineup. This year, he’s projected to improve his offense to at least league-average, or close to it. If he can put more balls in play, Clarke’s speed will be a lethal asset, and he could end up having a three-win season. – Thosar

Houston Astros: Tatsuya Imai, RHP

The Astros have a ton of confidence in Imai’s ability to succeed after giving him a three-year, $54 million contract with opt-outs. His mid-90s velocity and four-pitch mix will play in Houston, even if the team will have to accommodate his routine with five days rest. If Imai can work on his control issues and develop more movement on his fastball, he could make the jump from a mid-rotation arm to a front-end starter. – Thosar

Los Angeles Angels: Jose Soriano, RHP

The Angels’ 2026 Opening Day starter, Soriano is the best in baseball at inducing ground balls thanks to a heavy sinker and potent knuckle curve. The 27-year-old right-hander showed flashes of dominance last season, allowing one run or fewer in 14 of his 31 starts. If he can limit his meltdowns, Soriano’s triple-digit velocity, five-pitch mix and still-increasing strikeout rate points to his future as a true front-end starter. – Thosar

Seattle Mariners: Colt Emerson, INF

It might take a little longer for Emerson to make his major-league debut, but he’ll likely join the Mariners at some point this year, and when he does, he’s expected to make a lot of noise. Emerson, a top-10 overall prospect, crushed 16 home runs across three minor-league levels last year. He should be a significant factor in the M’s postseason push in the second half. – Thosar

Texas Rangers: MacKenzie Gore, LHP

Gore showed elite swing-and-miss stuff for the Nationals last year, putting up a career-best three-win season before Texas traded for him in January. The Nats received five players from the Rangers for Gore, indicating how high the expectations are for him in Arlington. Gore, 27, will pitch behind Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom and is expected to excel under the guidance of the pitching staff. – Thosar

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Atlanta Braves: Michael Harris II, OF 

Four years ago, Harris looked like the game’s next star when he won Rookie of the Year honors with a 5.1-WAR season while producing an .853 OPS as a 21-year-old. Instead, every year since then, he has seen his OPS trend the wrong direction. The first half of last season — he had a .551 OPS at the break — might have been rock bottom. Harris still finished the year as a below league-average hitter, but he had an .845 OPS in the second half and wrapped up 2025 with his first 20-20 season. That could provide a jumping-off point for Harris to realize his 30-30 potential. – Rowan Kavner

Miami Marlins: Eury Perez, SP 

Two years ago at just 20 years old, the top pitching prospect started his big-league career with a 3.15 ERA and a 28.9% strikeout rate in 91.1 innings, but then he needed Tommy John surgery. Pérez returned last season with the same high velocity and swing-and-miss stuff, and now he enters 2026 ready to pick up where he left off. If he can limit hard contact and keep the ball in the park, the 6-foot-8 righty has the upside to be one of the best pitchers in the sport. – Kavner

New York Mets: Francisco Alvarez, C 

Alvarez has yet to fully take off since his first call up four years ago, and injuries have limited him to 176 games the last two seasons, but it’s worth remembering that he’s still just 24 years old. And after a hamate fracture early last season, Alvarez starred in the second half — he had an OPS over 1.000 in July and August — before a thumb sprain halted his progress. With a healthy season, the breakout we expected to already happen could finally be ahead. – Kavner

Philadelphia Phillies: Justin Crawford, OF 

The opportunity is there for Crawford, as the Phillies have demonstrated their faith in the 2022 first-round pick by handing him the keys in center field following Harrison Bader’s departure. Crawford won the International League batting title last year with a .334 batting average and posted a .411 on-base percentage with 46 steals. He has stolen at least 40 bases in all three of his minor-league seasons. His tendency to put the ball on the ground limits his ceiling, but his bat-to-ball skills and elite speed could make him one of the game’s top base-stealers in 2026. – Kavner

Washington Nationals: Cade Cavalli, SP 

Six years after the Nationals took him in the first round, after a long Tommy John recovery and setbacks that followed, Cavalli is about to be the Nationals’ Opening Day starter. Cavalli pitched one game in the big leagues in August 2022 and then waited three years before his next appearance in August 2025. Cavalli had a pedestrian 4.25 ERA in 10 starts last year, but the hard-throwing righty averaged a 97 mph fastball, got a lot of chase and missed barrels. This spring, he didn’t allow an earned run in four starts. – Kavner

Chicago Cubs: Daniel Palencia, RP 

Palencia’s sensational start to the 2025 season was followed by an uneven second half that ultimately saw him lose his ninth-inning role. Now, Palencia is back as the Cubs’ primary closer coming off an electric World Baseball Classic that ended with him firing a 99.7 mph fastball by Roman Anthony to win the tournament for Venezuela. He struck out nine of the 17 batters he faced in the competition and didn’t allow a hit or a run, and he didn’t allow a run in four spring outings, either. Last year provided a taste of what Palencia could bring, but this year could be the star breakout as one of the sport’s top closers. – Kavner

Cincinnati Reds: Sal Stewart, 1B

The 2022 first-round pick has hit at every level, including in the big leagues after his September call-up last season, when Stewart hit 21% above league average in 18 games before knocking in four runs in two games as a middle-of-the-order bat against the Dodgers in the National League wild-card series. Stewart can knock the cover off the ball, and he does it while maintaining strong bat-to-ball skills. He could quickly put up big numbers in his first full season, especially while playing his home games at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. – Kavner

Milwaukee Brewers: Jackson Chourio, OF 

Chourio’s second season in the big leagues looked almost identical to his first, as he followed up a 21-homer, 22-steal rookie season in 2024 with 21 homers and 21 steals in 2025. It was a productive year, though not the superstar jump many expected. His slash-line numbers dipped slightly as his chase rate increased and walk rate decreased, and a nagging hamstring injury in the second half didn’t help his cause. In 2026, the full breakout could be ahead for the talented 22-year-old. – Kavner

Pittsburgh Pirates: Bubba Chandler, SP

Konnor Griffin will be the flashy pick here, and his arrival is on the horizon. But he’s starting the year in the minor leagues and, as this spring demonstrated, might need some time before he’s the superstar he is capable of being. In terms of 2026, give me Chandler, another top MLB prospect on the Pirates who made seven appearances last year (and should have made more) with a fastball that sat in the high-90s and a whiff rate over 30%. His 98.4 mph four-seamer this spring was the hardest on average of any Pirates pitcher, starter or reliever. – Kavner

St. Louis Cardinals: JJ Wetherholt, 2B 

One of the top prospects in baseball, Wetherholt is set to break camp with the Cardinals and will be among the favorites to contend for Rookie of the Year. Wetherholt, the No. 7 overall pick in 2024, slashed .306/.421/.510 with 17 homers and 23 steals and nearly an equal number of walks and steals between Double-A and Triple-A last year. His keen eye and advanced approach at the plate could allow him to handle the jump to the majors better than most 23-year-old rookies. – Kavner

Arizona Diamondbacks: Jordan Lawlar, OF 

The former top shortstop prospect’s first couple tastes of the majors didn’t go to plan, but now Lawlar is healthy and has a clearer path to regular playing time after moving to the outfield. When he’s on the field, Lawlar has consistently produced at the plate in the minor leagues, amassing a .990 OPS over the past three seasons. Those results haven’t translated to his 42 career big-league games (.478 OPS), but he has excelled at the plate this spring, and this could be the year it all comes together for the 23-year-old former first-round pick. – Kavner

Colorado Rockies: Ezequiel Tovar, SS 

Tovar has established himself as one of the most important young building blocks in Colorado primarily for his defense, but the Gold Glove Award winner starred for champion Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic (.471/.500/.647) and hit two home runs for the Rockies this spring. He was limited by multiple injuries last year, and his underlying numbers were better than his .694 OPS demonstrated. A below league average hitter to this point of his career, don’t be surprised if his best offensive season is ahead. – Kavner

Los Angeles Dodgers: River Ryan, SP 

If it were only based on merit this spring, Ryan would already be in the Dodgers’ rotation. His four-seamer averaged over 97 mph. His slider generated 13 whiffs on 24 swings. He looks all the way back from Tommy John surgery, which cut a promising rookie season short in 2024 after he excelled in four big-league appearances. There are questions about opportunity and workload here — he’s starting the season at Triple-A, and the Dodgers will want to be careful with his innings coming back from injury — but his arm is too talented to stay in the minors for long, especially if Roki Sasaki struggles. – Kavner

San Diego Padres: Jackson Merrill, OF 

After finishing as the runner-up to Paul Skenes for NL Rookie of the Year in 2024, last season represented a step back for Merrill. His strikeout and whiff rates jumped, he only stole one base, and he ended the year hitting just 12% better than league average. But injuries were a significant part of his 2025 story and help explain the regression. He started heating up again late in the year, registering a .946 OPS in September before recording three extra-base hits in the Padres’ wild-card series. For the Padres to do anything of note in 2026, they need Merrill to be a star. And as long as he’s healthy, I expect that jump to happen. – Kavner

San Francisco Giants: Jung Hoo Lee, OF 

Lee looked like he was transforming into a star for the Giants early last year, producing an OPS over .900 through April before crashing back down to earth. He had a .612 OPS in June and a .551 OPS in July before settling back in late in the year, producing a .306/.351/.439 slash line from the start of August through season’s end. He finished the year hitting 10% better than league-average hitter, but his tremendous bat-to-ball skills could make him much more than that. He’ll just need to avoid another prolonged summer slump. – Kavner