Sports
9 Under-the-Radar MLB Trade Candidates to Watch Before the Deadline
May 24, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King (34) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Athletics at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images Everybody knows the big names in Major League Baseball circulating in trade rumors, including Tarik Skubal, Aroldis Chapman, Sonny Gray, and Joe Ryan. Looking beyond the obvious, let’s check some under-the-radar possibilities who could be traded before the deadline on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. ET.
Adrián Morejón, San Diego Padres
The Padres are postseason contenders as usual, but they’re also hovering round .500, and seem suited for a reshuffling. They have several players to trade who could help general manager A.J. Preller reset quickly. The best available relief pitcher not named Chapman is probably another left-hander born in Cuba. One of the league’s hardest throwers, Morejon has 58 strikeouts, 12 walks and three home runs allowed in 50 innings heading into second-half action. A free agent in the offseason, he turns 28 in February.
Michael King, Padres
King isn’t frequently mentioned as likely to be traded, but he’s been one of the 25-30 most effective starters in the league since 2024. Not as good as Ryan, but about as effective as Freddy Peralta. King figures to opt into free agency in 2027, but if he doesn’t, he is owed $28 million. The Padres ought to consider moving him, regardless of his contract decision.
Ty France, Padres
A number of contenders could use a strong defensive first baseman who hits well vs. left-handed pitching (.344/.406/.574). The Diamondbacks, Mariners, Rangers, and Marlins are among them. France recently turned 32 and will be a free agent in the offseason.
Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets
May 12, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) leaves the game with an injury during the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images It has been written that everyone on the Mets but Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing, Christian Scott, Nolan McLean and Juan Soto are available. Alvarez hits for more power than most catchers, doesn’t turn 25 until November and won’t reach free agency until 2030. He also hasn’t stayed healthy and his overall defense seems to be regressing, but he’s got a solid history of pitch framing. With Shea Langeliers, Hunter Goodman and Adley Rutschman seemingly less likely to be traded, Alvarez could help any number of contenders.
Antonio Senzatela, Colorado Rockies
It’s funny, but Senzatela actually has (slightly) better career numbers at Coors Field than on the road. This season, he’s pitching well everywhere, allowing a .240/.303/.344 slash line over 49 innings after converting to the bullpen at age 31. About three years removed from Tommy John surgery, he still throws hard (87th percentile) but he’s not a big strikeout pitcher compared to some late-inning relievers. He’ll be a free agent after the season.
Jeffrey Springs, Athletics
We talk about the effect Coors has on pitchers, but somebody needs to rescue this guy from Sutter Health Park. Springs, 33, had a career 3.64 ERA with 497 strikeouts in 484 2/3 innings coming into this season, which includes mediocre results with the A’s a year ago. This season, he has allowed a league-worst 26 home runs, including 16 homers in 10 starts in West Sacramento, yielding a 6.08 ERA overall. His 4.59 expected ERA isn’t great, but better results seem possible. He has a $10.5 million team option for 2027.
Spencer Steer, Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds central fielder Spencer Steer (7) catches a fly ball in the ninth inning between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Sunday, July 12, 2026. With a .333/.436/.603 slash line against lefties, Steer figures to be one of the most sought-after right-handed hitters at the deadline. He hasn’t been effective against righties this season, but he has performed well there previously. He plays multiple positions, but first base is the only one where he’s a plus defender. At 28 years old, he’s not a free agent until 2029.
Jo Adell, Los Angeles Angels
He’s great against left-handed pitching, and is capable of performing better against righties, like he did in 2025. His defensive metrics are poor in right field, but he’s also capable of robbing multiple home runs in a single game. He’s still just 27 years old and not a free agent until 2028.
Matt Shaw, Chicago Cubs
Shaw would be a strong addition for a team focusing on the future. The Cubs have deep needs in the starting rotation, and Shaw should be one of the better MLB-ready chips available to deal. A onetime top 20-30 overall prospect who’s still just 24 years old, Shaw has shown improved hitting (.415 slugging) this season and the ability to play right field — though his future could still be at second base or third.
Sports
Legends return for WNBA Shooting Stars showcase
May 19, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne (11) drives to the basket as New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones (35) defends in the third quarter at Entertainment & Sports Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Hall of Fame members Lauren Jackson and Elena Delle Donne headline a quartet of WNBA legends participating in Friday night’s Shooting Stars showcase in Chicago, part of the league’s All-Star weekend festivities.
Three-time MVP Jackson and two-time MVP Delle Donne will be joined by five-time WNBA champion Rebekkah Brunson and three-time champion Deanna “Tweety” Nolan, the league announced Thursday. The contest begins at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, Disney+ and the ESPN App.
Each of the retired stars will lead a three-person team alongside a current WNBA player and a standout high school player from Nike EYBL, bringing together three generations in one competition.
Jackson leads a Seattle team along with Storm rookie Flau’jae Johnson and Delle Donne’s Washington team includes Mystics center Shakira Austin. Brunson’s Minnesota squad features Lynx guard Courtney Williams, while Nolan will partner on the Detroit/Dallas team with Wings forward Jessica Shepard.
The high school players — Jezelle “GG” Banks, Ryan Carter, Tatianna Griffin and Morghan Reckley — have not yet been assigned to teams.
Shooting Stars is a timed, two-round shooting competition in which teams have 70 seconds to score as many points as possible from seven locations around the court, ranging from layups to long 3-pointers. The two teams with the most points in the first round advance to the championship round.
Also Thursday, guard-forward Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury was named as an injury replacement for Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum for Saturday’s WNBA All-Star Game.
This marks the fifth All-Star selection for Copper, 31, who ranks seventh in the league in scoring with a team-leading 20.5 points per game.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Patrick Kane rejoins Blackhawks on 2-year, $16M deal
Feb 22, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) waits for the face-off in the Dallas Stars zone during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane rejoined the Chicago Blackhawks on a two-year, $16 million contract on Thursday.
The 37-year-old forward starred in Chicago for 16 seasons before being traded to the New York Rangers in February of 2023. He spent the past three campaigns with the Detroit Red Wings.
“Day in and day out for 16 seasons, Patrick captivated the city of Chicago with his dazzling skill, creating some of the most memorable moments in Blackhawks history as he helped bring our storied franchise back to the pinnacle of our sport,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said. “He’s shown on countless occasions that he knows what it takes to win at the highest levels, and we couldn’t be prouder for Patrick to once again call the United Center home and continue to shine in Chicago’s brightest lights.”
Drafted No. 1 overall by Chicago in 2007, Kane has collected 1,400 points (508 goals, 892 assists) in 1,369 regular-season games. He ranks second in Blackhawks history in assists (779) and points (1,225) ands is third in goals (446) and games played (1,161).
He won the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie in 2007-08 and added the Hart Memorial Trophy, Art Ross Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award to his collection in 2015-16.
Kane contributed 57 points (16 goals, 41 assists) in 67 games with the Red Wings in 2025-26.
Kane is a nine-time All-Star and the NHL’s all-time leader in points by an American-born player. He and Alex Ovechkin are the only players with at least 40 points in each of the past 19 seasons.
Kane captured Stanley Cups with Chicago in 2010, 2013 and 2015 and has posted 138 points (53 goals, 85 assists) in 143 career postseason games. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP in 2013.
–Field Level Media
Sports
WR Tyreek Hill: 'No power' in left leg after surgeries
Sep 29, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) is tended to by medical staff after injuring his leg against the New York Jets during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images Free agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill still has “no power” in his surgically repaired left leg, 10 months after undergoing two operations.
The eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro selection posted a workout video on YouTube on Wednesday night, updating his recovery from a dislocated left knee and torn ACL sustained in late September last season.
“My left leg is the one that I injured,” said Hill, 32. “I have no power in my left leg, so I’m trying to regain all the power back in my left leg. But it’s one day at a time.”
Hill, who said doctors told him he “might not be able to walk again” after the injury, is seen running and performing a variety of exercises in the video.
With NFL teams starting to report to training camp this week, Hill did not say when he will be ready to get back on the field.
“I ain’t going to tell you what my timeline is, but timeline looking real good right now, man,” Hill said.
The Miami Dolphins released Hill on Feb. 16 in a cost-cutting move after four seasons with the team, making him a free agent for the first time in his career.
Hill caught 21 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown in four games in 2025 before the injury. He has 819 catches for 11,363 yards and 83 TDs in 145 career games for the Kansas City Chiefs (2016-21) and Dolphins (2022-25).
–Field Level Media
Legends return for WNBA Shooting Stars showcase
Patrick Kane rejoins Blackhawks on 2-year, $16M deal
