Emilien Pitre | (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)The Mets finally found a package they liked for Freddy Peralta, moving him to Tampa Bay for three prospects most fans have likely never heard of. Indeed, none of these prospects ranked in the Rays top-10 per MLB pipeline. Theres more to like to this return than you might think, however.milien Pitre is the headliner (insofar as there is a headliner) of this deal. Taken in the second round of the 2024 draft out of Kentucky, Pitre is an undersized second baseman originally from Canada. He returned to High-A to start this season after an unremarkable 2025 and has basically done nothing but hit since then; 128 wRC+ at A+, 155 wRC+ in Double-A, and a .308/.438/.447 slash line across two levels with more walks than strikeouts. The knock here is the lack of power, as Pitre has only average-ish EVs and a propensity for ground balls. The realistic projection is a table-setting, OBP-heavy 2B with solid defense who could be ready by the middle of 2027, with upside for a bit more if the Mets can coax out improvements to his vertical spray.Aidan Smith is almost a mirror image of Pitre. Hes got plus exits, run times, and overall athleticism, but hes managed to strike out more than 30% of the time in the low minors while posting a combined line 30% worse than league average. He probably just cant hit, but occasionally these guys do put it together. Hell have the rest of 2026 and all of 27 to figure it out in the Mets system before theyll need to make a call on adding him to the 40-man roster. Overall its high-risk, high-reward swing on a prep that was at one point very highly regarded (was part of the return for Randy Arozarena in 2024).Finally, we have Gary Gill Hill, a local product (born in New Rochelle, attended high school in Somers) who was selected as a prep arm in 2022. Like Smith, his surface level stats are unimpressive; K% under 20% and a mid-4s ERA in Double-A this season. Unlike Smith, the path to improvement is a bit more clear. Gill Hill has a diverse arsenal and feel for multiple pitch shapes. Refining those shapes and/or adjusting his mix could lead to quick gains, and theres mid-rotation upside here on a fairly reasonable time horizon.Back to the view of the return as a whole. First, the Rays have (as usual) one of the deepest systems in baseball; getting three players outside their top-10 for Freddy Peralta and his high-4s ERA is by no means a bad return in a vacuum. Second, raw system ranks are not the most useful of measurement tools, particularly at this point in the season (maintaining list quality on a running basis in-season is hard, and Pipeline is not the best source in the first place). There is a lot to like here, combining both floor and upside, proximity and long-term value.Finally, we should make the point that this return is likely more valuable than the present value of the players the Mets gave up for Peralta in the first place. Yes, both Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat were top-100 names at the time of the deal, but both have seen their stock decline significantly this season to the point where its not longer clear that either will be meaningful contributors. Given how poor Peralta was as a Met, recouping this much value should be regarded quite positively.Well have full grades for every deadline deal the Mets make once all the moves for the deadline have been made. Check back in for those next week.

Celtic Told That 4.3m Bid Will Be Accepted: How Can ONeill Use The Midfielder?Celtic now know the figure required to prise Mika Baur away from SC Paderborn before the new Scottish Premiership season gets underway. According to an exclusive report from Pete ORourke for Football Insider, the German side expect a fee of around 4.3 million (5 million) before sanctioning the midfielders departure.Celtic discover latest stance over Mika Baur dealNegotiations have already produced two rejected bids. Paderborn sporting director Sebastian Lange confirmed that a 4 million offer was received but fell short of the clubs valuation. Even though Baur has entered the final year of his contract, Paderborn remain unwilling to reduce their demands after watching his stock rise throughout an outstanding campaign.Interest from Celtic has gathered momentum because Martin ONeill could lose several midfielders before the transfer window closes. Arne Engels continues to attract attention from West Ham, while Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren have drawn interest elsewhere. Baur wants the move and reportedly agreed personal terms, while his absence from Paderborns recent friendly against Southampton added another layer to the ongoing negotiations. Lange admitted the transfer would happen once the asking price is met.Celtic see more than promising numbers in BaurSPIESEN-ELVERSBERG, GERMANY MAY 03: Mika Baur of SC Paderborn reacts during the 2. Bundesliga match between SV 07 Elversberg and SC Paderborn 07 at Ursapharm-Arena on May 03, 2026 in Spiesen-Elversberg, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)There is substance behind the growing interest. During the 2025/26 2. Bundesliga campaign, Baur scored four goals, supplied five assists and completed 85 per cent of his passes across 32 league appearances. He spent 2,535 minutes on the pitch, earned Paderborns Player of the Season award and completed 99 minutes in the clubs 2-1 promotion play-off victory over VfL Wolfsburg. Those performances earned him recognition with Germanys Under-21 side.His game revolves around sharp movement rather than flashy moments. He constantly receives possession in tight spaces, turns with purpose and shifts play before defenders can reset. Celtic have lacked that kind of natural link between midfield and attack since Daizen Maedas exit, making Baur a logical target instead of a luxury addition.T4Os opinion: Celtic could gain a tactically flexible midfielderBaur looks at his best as an attacking number eight with licence to roam. He isnt the midfielder who sits in front of the defence breaking up attacks. Instead, he shines higher up the pitch, where quick passing combinations and clever positioning pull opponents out of shape. He can drift into wide areas without losing his influence, giving Martin ONeill another option against packed Scottish Premiership defences.For 4.3 million, Celtic wouldnt simply buy potential. They would secure a 22-year-old coming off a promotion-winning season, backed by strong production, excellent passing accuracy and growing international recognition. Players arriving with that blend of confidence, versatility and upward momentum rarely stay available at this level for very long.

Falling five wins shy of their back-to-back ambitions, the Oklahoma City Thunder went back to the drawing board. They said goodbye to a handful of longtime role players this summer. While the cost-cutting moves juxtapose a championship window, there's some basketball sense behind it.The Thunder traded Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins. The three moves netted them seven future second-round picks. All went to the East, too Dort and Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks; Joe to the Detroit Pistons. With the moves, OKC's payroll was slashed by one-third and is now below the dreadful second apron.Of course, Thunder fans have zero interest in how much money OKC ownership saves and deservingly so, too. But you can also justify all three salary dumps from a basketball point of view. All three were basically on the outside of their playoff rotation by the end of the year.If you can't help out deep in the NBA playoffs, it makes little sense to ignore that takeaway. Especially with replacements waiting in the wings. Expect Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain to receive a boost in minutes and importance. That trio will likely absorb most of the vacant minutes and shot attempts.One person who has full faith in the Thunder staying in their championship window is Chet Holmgren. He recently commented on OKC's cost-cutting moves at a USA Basketball Foundation charity event. The All-NBA talent understands the business side of things and believes Sam Presti can walk the delicate dance of multitasking ownership's calls."I have complete trust in our team and the moves they make," Holmgren said. "I trust what they're doing is to get it right. It's my job to be in the gym all summer to get my stuff right."We'll see how things look for the Thunder. For the first time in a couple of years, we're seeing some fresh faces make OKC's rotation. Heck, the back end of their bench is filled with question marks. Nikola Topic, Thomas Sorber, Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz have played a combined 10 career regular-season games. So a lot of room for growth and your imagination in what they could turn out to be.If you've followed OKC's payroll situation for years, the Thunder moving on from a handful of role players this summer shouldn't be a shocker. Can't have the same group of guys for several years. Roster changes are inevitable. Now, it's about whether the fresh crop of talent can make up the difference.This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Chet Holmgren has 'complete trust' in OKC Thunder amid roster changes

Sam Ehlinger took the Broncos second-team snaps on Saturday, Mike Klis of 9News reports.Jarrett Stidham, the team's backup to Bo Nix the past two seasons, was with the third team.There was nothing remarkable or anything that we discussed in a meeting, so maybe they just unfolded where . . . I wouldnt make anything into it, Broncos head coach Sean Payton said, via Klis.It was the first time Ehlinger has run the No. 2 offense, though, when Nix is healthy. (Ehlinger was the backup to Stidham in the AFC Championship Game when Nix was out with an ankle injury.)Ehlinger had a chance to leave for Washington and Indianapolis last season and perhaps a better chance at the No. 2 job but remained on the Broncos' practice squad. Now, it appears he will push Stidham for the backup job.I think we just sold our program and the offense, Payton said of keeping Ehlinger. We could never promise anything other than [a chance to develop]. I would say this, we saw immediate growth, and I think youd have to ask him, but I think he felt like, I want to continue with this offense and continue where Im going. I think he felt good about it to make that decision.

The Indiana Fever scored in triple-digits for the sixth straight game, but they couldn't extend their winning streak as they fell to the Minnesota Lynx, 108-100, on Sunday to finish out a three-game road trip.Kelsey Mitchell led all scorers with 37 points, while Caitlin Clark added on 19 points and 10 assists and Aliyah Boston had 15 points and seven rebounds.Here's what I liked and disliked about the Fever's performance:What I liked about Indiana Fever's loss vs Minnesota LynxOffensive firepower: When two of the best offenses in the league meet, it's going to be explosive. On Sunday, it was exactly that. The Fever and Lynx combined for a league-record 69 points in the first quarter, per ESPN insights, and the Fever shot 65% from the field for 33 points. Kelsey Mitchell went a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc in the first quarter, accounting for 17 of the Fever's 33 points. Indiana's potent offense, however, had met its match with Minnesota scoring 36 points in that same quarter.Kelsey Mitchell's scoring: By far, the most consistent scorer on the Indiana Fever this season has been Kelsey Mitchell. She showed that on Sunday with her 14th straight 20-point game, breaking a tie with Diana Taurasi for the longest streak by a guard in the WNBA. She started out hot with 17 points in the first quarter and finished with 37 on 14-of-21 shooting.Fourth quarter (almost) comeback: Indiana trailed by 14 points with seven minutes left in the game, but they weren't going to let that stop them. They put a strong defensive front, including a potent block from Makayla Timpson on former Fever player and league veteran Natasha Howard that led to a 3-pointer from Aliyah Boston to get the Fever within seven points. The Fever continued their push after that, using a 14-2 run to get within two points with two minutes left in the game. That comeback fell short with a series of mistakes, though, including a travel from Boston, a missed defensive rebound that led to a putback for Minnesota, and a couple crucial missed 3-pointers from Clark and Mitchell. All of that ultimately allowed Minnesota to pull away.What I disliked about Indiana Fever's loss vs Minnesota LynxAllowing extra possessions: The Fever struggled to rebound effectively in the first half, picking up just 12 boards to the Lynx's 19. A lot of that can be attributed to each team shooting better than 58% from the field, but Minnesota took advantage of the Fever's rebounding woes, too. The Lynx capitalized on all four of their offensive rebounds in the first half, picking up nine second-chance points on those extra possessions.The inability to guard Olivia Miles: 2026 No. 2 pick Olivia Miles is on a warpath to the Rookie of the Year award, and her campaign continued in a big way against the Fever. Miles sliced and diced through Indiana's defense easily, working through double-teams to find holes and blowing by her defenders. She had 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting by halftime alone.What Indiana Fever's loss vs Minnesota Lynx meansThe Indiana Fever's offense is completely fine. Most nights, they can shoot their opponent out of the gym, minimal defense required. But that didn't work for them Sunday afternoon, as they met a Minnesota team that is easily one of the top contenders for the league championship. The fourth-quarter comeback showed fight, even playing just 36 hours before on the other side of the country, and it shows how the Fever can improve. But Indiana's defense has been a sticking point all season, and they'll need to find a way to fix it to become true contenders this year.Get IndyStar's Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark coverage sent directly to your inbox with ourCaitlin Clark Fever newsletter.Subscribe toIndyStar TV: Feverfor in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes coverage and more.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Fever, Kelsey Mitchell can't out-score Lynx: Likes, dislikes from 108-100 loss

Shiho Kuwaki missed the cut at the Women's Open 12 months ago [Getty Images]AIG Women's Open - fourth round-5 *S Kuwaki (Jap), E Henseleit (Ger); -4 Y Noh (US); -2 N Korda (US), J Thitikul (Tha)Selected others: -1 C Hull (Eng), L Woad, (Eng), H Ryu (Kor), R Takeda (Jap); E C Boutier (Fra), S Kouskova (Cze); +1 L Li (US), L Coughlin (US)Full leaderboardShiho Kuwaki held her nerve to beat Esther Henseleit in a two-hole play-off to become the second consecutive Japanese player to win the Women's Open. A gripping finale at Royal Lytham & St Annes was brimming with drama, magic and misfortune - particularly on the crucial 18th hole. Henseleit initially forced an extension to play by sinking a 45-foot birdie putt to draw level at five under par with Kuwaki, who sat nervously inside the clubhouse watching on.However, after both made pars in distinctly different fashion on the first sudden-death play-off hole, Henseleit was left in difficulty when her drive hit a course marshal and was redirected into a gorse bush. When she was unable to save her par, that effectively allowed Kuwaki two putts to secure the top prize of 1.11m just 12 months after failing to make the cut at Royal Porthcawl."I just can't believe it," said Kuwaki, whose previous five wins as a professional had all arrived on her home tour."To be on a stage like this is an honour and every hole I was just focused on shot by shot. I just tried to enjoy it as much as I could."It's an amazing feeling to win again as a Japanese player. I hope as team Japan we can continue to light up the golf world."For most of Sunday afternoon the most pertinent question appeared to be if anyone could catch the unfancied Yealimi Noh.And if so, just who, on a day when the vagaries of links golf on the blustery Lancashire coast propelled several players into realistic contention and just as quickly swept their aspirations aside. Unfortunately for world number 69 Noh, that included her hopes of claiming just her second ever win on the professional circuit as she finished a stroke back.Instead, Kuwaki - the only player in the final eight groups to go under par on the day along with Henseleit - provided the answer and in the end was a deserved winner despite her play-off opponent's misfortune.Henseleit had been aiming to follow in Sophia Popov's footsteps by becoming only the second German female to win a major, and her heroics on the 18th green as she concluded her round with Noh postponed Kuwaki's celebrations for almost an hour. Prior to that Kuwaki's one-under 70 had put her in prime position to become the fourth Japanese to win the tournament.The English challenge of Lottie Woad and Charley Hull had failed to spark while Haeran Ryu's ability to contend had been hampered by her frequent trips into the bunkers festooned around Royal Lytham & St Annes.And world number one Nelly Korda was left rueing her double-bogey finish in Saturday's third round, that frustratingly put her just out of reach of a career grand slam 24 hours later, despite carding a three-under 68 to end the championship at two under.More to follow

In a new court filing on Sunday, U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney clarified her class-wide injunction against the NCAA. In her initial ruling Friday, Sweeney ruled that all high school class of 2022 athletes who exhausted their fourth season of college eligibility this spring would be eligible for a fifth season in 2026-27.In an order Sunday clarifying her decision, Sweeney wrote the injunction only grants athletes in the class a fifth year, per court documents. It does not enjoin transfer rules, roster caps or rev-share caps, part of the House settlement agreement. Boise State associate professorSam Ehrlich first reported the news. The injunction is not intended and does not enjoin any provisions of the House settlement. The court is not enjoining operation of the transfer rules. The court also clarifies that it is not enjoining the age-based portion of the new eligibility rule, meaning athletes who were 20 or older at the start of their five years are not eligible per the injunction.

Chelsea has stunned the football world by announcing the signing of veteran striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton & Hove Albion. The 35-year-old former England international arrives at Stamford Bridge on a deal that runs until 2028, adding significant experience to Xabi Alonso's evolving squad. A surprise move for the veteran In a transfer that few saw coming, Chelsea have confirmed that Welbeck is officially a Blue. The seasoned forward, who has enjoyed a distinguished career across some of the Premier League's biggest clubs, makes the move from the South Coast to West London. Speaking to the clubs official website, the striker expressed his delight at completing the move, stating: 'When you hear of the interest from Chelsea, it's something that fills you with such immense pride. Knowing the history of Chelsea, it's a club that wants to win trophies and is pushing to do that every single season. Im really honoured to come to a club of this stature at what feels like a really exciting time.' From Old Trafford to the Bridge Welbecks journey to Stamford Bridge is one paved with silverware and high-pressure moments. He famously began his professional career at Manchester United, where he became a trusted lieutenant under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. During his time at Old Trafford, he lifted the Premier League title, two League Cups, the Community Shield, and was part of the squad that claimed the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup. Following his successful stint in Manchester, Welbeck moved to Arsenal in 2014, where he spent five productive seasons. He scored 32 goals for the Gunners, helping them secure the FA Cup and another Community Shield. After subsequent spells with Watford and Brighton, he proved he still has the clinical touch required at the highest level. Proving age is just a number While some may question the decision to sign a 35-year-old, Welbeck's recent statistics suggest he has plenty left to offer after netting 26 Premier League goals over his past two seasons at Brighton a level of consistency that many younger strikers struggle to match. Speaking after completing the move, the veteran forward expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter, stating: 'I know a few of the boys already and Ive had fantastic conversations with the manager and already feel that connection. Ive got that fire in my belly and I'm ready to give it everything for this club to make everyone at Chelsea, and the supporters, proud.' Welbeck's arrival coincides with a period of transition at Cobham, as the club continues to refine its squad under new manager Alonso, who is tasked with reviving the Blues following a disappointing tenth-place finish last season. The 35-year-old brings a wealth of top-level experience, having made 400 Premier League appearances, featured in the UEFA Champions League, and represented England at two FIFA World Cups. This vast background, combined with his existing relationships with several current squad members, should facilitate a smooth transition as Alonso aims to push Chelsea back to the summit. Building for the 2026 campaign The signing of Welbeck forms part of a broader summer recruitment strategy, with the veteran striker becoming the clubs sixth arrival of the window. He follows in the footsteps of high-profile additions including defender Maxence Lacroix, Morgan Rogers, Geovany Quenda, Marco Palestra, and fellow forward Emmanuel Emegha.

Star Tribune staffers, from left, Jim Souhan, Rachel Blount, Jay Weiner, and Jeff Wheeler. GENERAL INFORMATION JERRY HOLT jgholt@startribune.com MINNEAPOLIS - 1/31/06 - A studio portrait of the Star Tribune staffers covering the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. (Photo by JERRY HOLT/Star Tribune via Getty Images) (Photo by JERRY HOLT/Star Tribune via Getty Images) | Star Tribune via Getty ImagesFirst Chuck: 3:10 PM (new anthem each week!)The Tube: Twins.TVThe Dial: Treasure Island Baseball NetworkSpies R Us: Lookout LandingEarlier this month, news came from the Star Tribune that longtime columnist Jim Souhan would be sharpening his last pencilclacking his last typewriterpecking his final keyboardtapping his final device. Whatever metaphor youd like to envision for sportswriter retires.I wont render any sort of positive or negative verdict on Souhan the person (of which I dont know enough) or Souhan the successful writer (every scribe will compose some columns we agree with and others we disagree withthat is the nature of the business). But Souhans retirement does make me reflect upon the ways in which I receive my baseball news have changed in just the 30 years Ive been intensely following the sport.There was a time in which newsprint truly was the gold standard of baseball info. For me, this took two forms:The Baseball Weekly subscription my parents would get me for my birthday every yearMy grandfather reliablysome might say metronomicallygetting me the daily Star Tribune while I spent the summer months at his cabin lake homeThis was of course supplemented by nightly baseball news on cable TV programs like SportsCenter or Baseball Tonight. But beyond reading a timed publication or watching a timed TV show, there was no instant baseball news at my fingertips.With all that in mind, columnists like Souhan told me what to think about the Minnesota Twins. On one hand: a helpful narrowing of the information portal (like a TV news anchor or a Blockbuster Video section with X number of titles). On the other hand: An un-democratic narrowing of the information portal in the sense that all opinions were being put through the Souhan filter (of which most professional journalists will try to avoid, but cannot of course do so entirely).This is where I might usually make some sort of value-judgement statement on the sports journalism situation, but I have no proclamation here. While the capital-I Internet gives everyone (including yours truly) a chance to pontificate on the National Pastime, it also makes it that much more difficult for the true professionals/experts to make a career of it.So, while the accuracy or personal enjoyment of Souhans scribbles will ultimately fade into the background with time, his retirement makes me contemplate the nature of sports journalism and how well likely never see an era like his again. When Patrick Reusse either absconds or goes gentle into that good night, it will really hit home.Of course, it wont take you until Monday morning to get the recap of this Minnesota Twins versus Seattle Mariners clash. Ill have the particularsfor better or worseto you by the time you are back from your own lake cabin or other late-afternoon Sunday activities.Click here for Lineups!Join the conversation!Sign up for a user accountand get:Fewer adsCreatecommunity postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community postsNew, improved notifications system!

Chelsea complete signing of Valentn BarcoChelsea have announced the signing of Argentinian defender Valentn Barco.The Argentina international has signed a seven-year contract, running until 2033, and, according to the international press, the Blues have paid 40 million to secure the player's services.At 22, the left-back/winger is preparing to return to England, the country where he began his European journey. A product of Boca Juniors' academy, the youngster joined Brighton & Hove Albion in early 2024. Following a loan spell at Sevilla, he settled at Strasbourg, for whom he scored three goals in 43 matches in 2025/26.Barco now moves on to Chelsea, the French club's 'sister club' in another deal that would have been difficult work for the respective negotiators.With this signing, the side now led by Xabi Alonso has almost reached 400 million in transfer spending this window.Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Marco Palestra (Atalanta), Geovany Quenda (Sporting), Emmanuel Emegha (Strasbourg), Denner (Corinthians), Danny Welbeck (Brighton), Dastan Satpaev (Kairat Almaty) have already been unveiled.