David Schoenfield

The struggles of three of MLB's richest premier franchises over the opening five weeks of the 2026 season are reminiscent of a scene from "Bull Durham," when manager Joe "Skip" Riggins asks coach Larry Hockett, "What's our record?" Larry says 8-16, adding "it's a miracle" when Skip asks "how'd we ever win eight?"

Consider Mason Miller the latest evolution of the flame-throwing, fire-breathing relief pitcher, from Dick Radatz to Goose Gossage to Rob Dibble to Billy Wagner to Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman. Pitching in one-inning bursts of thrilling 101 mph fastballs, Miller had a streak of 37 scoreless innings going back to last season until he allowed two runs last week while closing out a win for the San Diego Padres over the Chicago Cubs.

The back-to-back World Series titles for the Los Angeles Dodgers helped cement the sentiment that baseball is too predictable.

Kyle Schwarber is once again lighting up the scoreboard with a barrage of home runs. One year after totaling 56 home runs, the Philadelphia Phillies

From 2015 to 2025, the Houston Astros made the playoffs nine times, captured seven American League West titles, won two World Series, reached two additional World Series, lost twice in Game 7 of the ALCS and won more games than any team except the Los Angeles Dodgers.

With the MLB batting average sitting at.239, the lowest since 1968, and home runs falling to their lowest per-game rate since 2015, managers across baseball are facing this question: How bad can an excellent defensive player hit and remain in the lineup?

Jacob Misiorowski has been in the major leagues less than a year -- he debuted last season, on June 12 -- yet already his legend seems to be growing, thanks to a fastball of voracious velocity.

Players like Corbin Carroll, Paul Skenes, Nick Kurtz and now Kevin McGonigle have spoiled it for all hyped Major League Baseball prospects in recent years: We expect instant stardom from them, forgetting that baseball, as the great Jimmy Dugan once said, is "supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it."

Players like Corbin Carroll Paul Skenes Nick Kurtz and now Kevin McGonigle have spoiled it for all hyped Major League Baseball prospects in recent

Is it time to panic in the Bronx? The New York Yankees will be without three-time MVP Aaron Judge for an extended period of time after the team announced he is headed to the injured list with a right rib injury.