We are now witnessing the full impact of the NBA’s historic $77 billion media rights expansion, and the dividends are visible in the staggering billions of views accumulated by the league’s elite stars. This season was more than just the box scores. It was about the highlights that dominated our feeds.

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The landscape shifted significantly this past year following the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, creating a purple-and-gold digital juggernaut that successfully claimed a top spot. Meanwhile, the arrival of Cooper Flagg in Dallas as the 2025 number one overall pick injected a fresh dose of rookie hype that nearly cracked the billion-view mark in his debut campaign. 

From the veteran dominance of Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant to the established stardom of Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2025-26 campaign has proven that the NBA’s star power is its greatest global currency. Here is the definitive countdown of the most-viewed players who defined the season on our screens, according to the NBA.

10. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers (696M Views)

Reaves remains the ultimate fan favorite whose highlights benefit immensely from the massive global reach of the Lakers’ digital ecosystem. His clutch playmaking and steady chemistry with LeBron and Luka have made him a staple on most social media “Best of” reels this season.

9. Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks (963M Views)

The 2025 #1 overall pick lived up to the massive hype, nearly hitting a billion views thanks to his record-setting 51-point game against Orlando. Despite a late-season ankle injury, Flagg’s defensive versatility and high-flying dunks made him the most-watched rookie since the Wembanyama era began.

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8. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves (982M Views)

“Ant-Man” continues his ascent into the league’s top tier, fueled by his charismatic personality and a collection of gravity-defying posters that instantly went viral. His dominance in the Western Conference playoff race has solidified him as the primary face of the next generation for the Timberwolves’ faithful.

7. Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets (1.03B Views)

Durant’s move to the Rockets in the 2025 offseason breathed new life into his digital presence, as fans flocked to see the 16-time All-Star revitalize the franchise. Even as a veteran, his effortless scoring highlights remain among the most-shared clips among basketball purists and casual fans alike.

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6. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (1.14B Views)

SGA’s combination of elite footwork and cool-under-pressure highlights has turned the Thunder into a must-watch digital product. Crossing the billion-view threshold this year, he has proven that small-market stars can command a global audience through consistent MVP-level play.

5. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets (1.23B Views)

The “Joker” remains a viral sensation not just for his “Sombor Shuffle,” but for his mind-bending passes that frequently break the basketball internet. His status as the league’s most efficient engine continues to draw massive international viewership, particularly across European digital markets.

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4. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (1.87B Views)

Curry’s “look-away” threes and deep-range bombs still command a massive share of the NBA’s digital attention, regardless of the Warriors’ record. He remains the league’s gold standard for jersey sales and social engagement, proving his gravity extends far beyond the three-point line.

3. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers (2.11B Views)

Luka’s transition to the Lakers in the blockbuster Davis trade sent his viewership into the stratosphere, pairing his magic with the world’s most famous jersey. Leading the league in scoring once again, his triple-double highlights are now the cornerstone of the Lakers’ dominant social media strategy.

MORE: Longest active playoffs drought in the NBA

2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs (2.43B Views)

“Wemby” has become a literal human highlight reel, with his 8-foot wingspan allowing him to pull off blocks and dunks that look like they belong in a video game. His viewership surged by nearly a billion this season as he began to master the offensive side of the ball, making every Spurs game a global event.

1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers (2.85B Views)

Even in his 23rd season, LeBron James remains the undisputed King of the internet, leading the league in views for the 2025-26 campaign. By breaking the all-time games played record this year, LeBron proved that his longevity is just as captivating as the highlight-reel dunks of his youth

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The center of the world’s conversation

The final numbers for the 2025-26 season tell a story of a league in a fascinating state of transition. While the old guard—led by LeBron James and Steph Curry—still commands the lion’s share of the global gaze, the iconic influence of Victor Wembanyama and the immediate impact of Cooper Flagg suggest that the future is already here. With billions of views serving as the new metric for stardom, the NBA has successfully turned its players into icons that transcend the court, ensuring that the game is always just one scroll away from becoming the center of the world’s conversation.

That’s what makes this group of players so interesting. Each of them has proven they can compete at the highest level, lead their teams deep into the playoffs, and win consistently in high-stakes games. Players like James Harden and Jimmy Butler have carried heavy expectations for years, while others like Paul George and Russell Westbrook have had multiple chances to contend but haven’t been able to finish the job. Meanwhile, Marcus Smart represents the kind of player whose impact goes beyond the box score, contributing to winning in less obvious ways.

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In this list, we take a look at the active players with the most playoff wins who are still chasing their first NBA title—a reminder of just how difficult it is to reach the top, even for the game’s best.

5. Paul George — 53 wins

George has been a steady presence in the playoffs throughout his career. A strong two-way player, he’s had several deep runs but is still looking for his first championship.

4. Marcus Smart — 54 wins

Smart’s impact goes beyond scoring. His defense, toughness, and leadership have been key in many playoff games, including a trip to the Finals. He’s still chasing that final step.

3. Jimmy Butler — 63 wins

Butler has built a reputation for stepping up in the playoffs. He’s led his team to the Finals more than once, showing he can compete at the highest level—just without the ring to show for it yet.

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2. Russell Westbrook — 64 wins

Westbrook’s energy and intensity have helped him rack up playoff victories over the years. He reached the Finals early in his career, but hasn’t been able to get back to that stage since.

1. James Harden — 90 wins

Harden leads the group by a wide margin. He’s been part of multiple deep playoff runs and has consistently been one of the league’s top offensive players. Still, a championship has slipped through his hands so far.

MORE: Erik Spoelstra rips LaMelo Ball for tripping Heat star Bam Adebayo

Conclusion

In the NBA, success isn’t just about talent—it’s about timing, team fit, and a bit of luck. Players like James Harden, Jimmy Butler, and Russell Westbrook have already built impressive playoff legacies, even without a championship. Their win totals show just how often they’ve been in the mix. Still, the absence of a ring is a reminder of how hard it is to finish the job. As their careers continue, the question remains—will any of them finally break through and add that missing piece?

Russini is the biggest sports media topic in recent days after her scandal with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel reached new levels. On Tuesday, Russini resigned from The Athletic despite continuing her narrative that she’s done nothing wrong.

MORE: Michelle Beadle rips Dianna Russini critics after resignation announcement

However, Simms’ latest appearance on NBC Sports indicates a very different story, according to the former NFL quarterback. Simms started to tell Mike Florio and their audience about what he’s hearing about Russini.

There’s clearly something behind the scenes that the general public doesn’t know.

I’ve never seen a story get shut down this hard, or public media in general avoid the biggest news of the offseason for no apparent reason.#releasetherussinifiles pic.twitter.com/TgZhnUn2wA

— That Hurts (@That_Hurts) April 15, 2026

That led to Florio immediately shutting down Simms from discussing the alleged scandal between Russini and Vrabel. The longtime NFL analyst hinted at speaking with several current players, coaches and even wives about Russini’s situation prior to Simms being silenced.

Simms tries to share Dianna Russini information on-air

“It’s the biggest story in the NFL,” Simms said on Pro Football Talk. “I’d shoot you straight. These are things that I’ve been texting with my friends in the coaching world. Even their wives are involved in the conversation.”

However, Florio immediately started to speak over Simms during an awkward situation. That led to the NBC insider ranting about Star Wars to diffuse the conversation, but many questions are still unanswered.

MORE: Dianna Russini announces resignation amid Mike Vrabel photo scandal

Russini’s current situation is still looming considering she’s now a free agent. Many are speculating about if she will be able to continue her career as a journalist.

Meanwhile, Vrabel’s situation is also murky as the Patriots head coach isn’t seemingly being subjected to the same scrutiny as Russini.

The NFL coach and Russini are accused of carrying out an improper relationship. The event in question stems from a recent trip to a luxury Sedona, Arizona resort. Both parties claim that they spent the weekend with respective friend groups.

However, neither Russini nor Vrabel have been able to share any proof that was actually the case. Page Six revealed several compromising photos showing the duo holding hands, hugging and spending time by the pool.

The Disney-backed streaming platform is making a run at the 13 NBA teams left scrambling after their split from Main Street Sports Group, according to the Sports Business Journal.

MORE: Full Lakers vs. Rockets first-round schedule for 2026 NBA Playoffs

The company is exploring a hybrid regional sports network model that could change how local games get delivered to fans. If the plan works, it might reshape the viewing experience as soon as next season.

The platform reached out to a long list of franchises. That group includes the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, and San Antonio Spurs.

If enough teams sign on, Fubo could launch a short-term RSN similar to what Main Street offered. From there, the company wants to become the NBA’s centralized streaming hub, possibly by the 2027-28 season when the league rolls out its aggregated platform.

Until recently, most teams weighed their options between DAZN and Victory+, or considered going with over-the-air local channels paired with direct-to-consumer launches through ViewLift or Kiswe.

MORE: LaMelo Ball apologizes for Bam Adebayo trip that led to injury

Fubo’s arrival shifted that conversation. Multiple teams are now taking the proposal seriously, and momentum is building. Decisions could start coming together as early as Friday.

At the same time, league officials are pushing for answers. They want to know by the end of the week whether Amazon and YouTube TV are ready to move forward on a national streaming RSN for the 2026-27 season.

Fubo’s three-part proposal to NBA teams hinges on major buy-in

Fubo’s proposal is complicated, and there are multiple moving parts. Sources say the plan starts with Fubo trying to get a majority of the 13 teams to bundle their media rights, though the exact number needed remains unclear.

That would let Fubo negotiate direct-to-distributor linear deals with providers like Comcast and Charter Communications. Local over-the-air agreements in each market are also possible, but Fubo is not pushing that route.

MORE: Erik Spoelstra rips LaMelo Ball for tripping Heat star Bam Adebayo

If enough teams don’t participate, sources say the whole thing could fall apart. From there, Fubo would stream games on its own platform and position itself as a candidate for a national RSN role in 2027-28.

Teams would also get an opt-out clause after next season, or later if the NBA launches a national platform. That flexibility comes with a catch though. Teams that leave early would have to repay part of their rights fees.

The league already told teams to include one-year opt-outs in local deals with that broader plan in mind.

The PGA Tour is still riding the high of massive success at Augusta National last week. However, LIV could be reeling after reports surfaced this week indicating that the league’s future is extremely shaky.

MORE: 2026 Masters final round TV ratings, total viewership revealed

Several golf insiders, including Ryan French of Monday Q Info, revealed information that suggests LIV Golf could be ending soon. French stated that a “bombshell announcement” is coming April 15, which could have a major impact on LIV’s stars.

Ryan French from Monday Q Info reports that LIV Golf is about to shut down.

Speaking on X Spaces last night, Ryan said:

“I think everybody should probably stay near their phones…

“I have some pretty good sources and I’ve heard that some other people have sources that LIV is… https://t.co/2Lx9fHPMhS pic.twitter.com/pkIFT2yBeg

— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) April 15, 2026

The Saudi-backed league suffered a major setback in recent months when top players Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed left LIV. Koepka entered into an unprecedented program that aided his return to the PGA Tour, which included forfeiting a large sum of his winnings.

Major LIV announcement incoming?

Meanwhile, the future of Bryson DeChambeau is being closely watched as the American star still hasn’t signed a new contract with LIV. The YouTube standout has also built a major social media following, and that’s why the league is extremely focused on keeping DeChambeau.

However, if LIV’s future truly is in doubt then there could be an influx of former PGA Tour stars looking for a professional league. Speculation suggests that the PGA would have a very intriguing decision to make regarding those players.

MORE: Sergio Garcia pens apology for Masters tirade at Augusta

Former major champions like Jon Rahm, DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia are names that would be massive additions. However, the circumstances in which many of them left to go to LIV might not sit too well with the organization.

It’s still unclear if the reports French and others believe to be true will confirm that LIV is disbanding. However, poor television ratings and stars leaving the Saudi league certainly show that there are issues present.

Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee continues to trash LIV’s product and recently called it an “ill-conceived” product. Chamblee took to X to call out the PGA Tour’s competitor for its failed mission and “laughable” team concept.

Regardless, the PGA Tour versus LIV war lives on for at least the time being. Meanwhile, LIV Mexico City is set to tee off this weekend to follow up the Masters.

MORE: Top 10 running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft

1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Sadiq is next in the line of the David Njoku/Brock Bowers type of tight end that is essentially just a fast, big WR that gets to matchup against linebackers and safeties. This athletic freak runs the 40 at 4.4 and has a 43-inch vertical. He showed the ability to run the full route tree and create separation against most matchups, and when he didn’t, he had the ability to make contested catches. I would be shocked if he is not a good NFL tight end for a decade.

2. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

This converted quarterback has no interest in blocking, but he can be an offensive weapon at all levels. Stowers possesses the speed to win vertically against most matchups and is incredibly dynamic after the catch. He also has a very fluid movement style, moving with grace and agility, much more typical of a smaller player.

3. Justin Joly, NC State

The immediate success of Harold Fannin in the NFL gives me higher hopes for Justin Joly. He’s not super big, or super fast, but is incredibly agile for the position and is great at accelerating and decelerating in and out of cuts. He’s a precise route-runner who is always open in the short and intermediate areas of the field. 

4. Michael Trigg, Baylor

In terms of ceiling, the only tight end in this class whose ceiling is higher than Michael Trigg is Kenyon Sadiq. Trigg is a supreme athlete who makes highlight catches all over the field. But he also has some very frustrating drops and could disappear at times in the crowded Baylor offense. In the right system, he could be an all-pro. In the wrong system, he could be out of the league after his rookie contract. 

5. Max Klare, Ohio State

Klare very much fits in the Colston Loveland archetype of tight ends that can do it all. He’s big enough to be an effective blocker, yet still remains an above-average athlete who can stretch the field vertically. But where Klare truly excelled at both Purdue and Ohio State was in finding the holes in zone coverage. This football IQ should help him become an instant contributor in the league.

6. Eli Raridon, Notre Dame

“Tight End University” has another good one coming up with Eli Raridon. He’s one of the best blockers at the position in this year’s tight end class, and he’s really savvy at finding the soft spots in zone coverage. He’s not a supreme athlete, but he will get the job done.

7. Jack Endries, Texas

Endries showed a great ability in college to make catches in the short and intermediate areas of the field, and did a great job of hauling in catches through contact. He gets docked because he was not a great option against man coverage and is not an asset as a blocker.

8. Sam Roush, Stanford

You don’t need me to tell you that a guy who played at Stanford is smart. But it shows up on tape with Roush, who runs great routes and is a blocker who plays with leverage. His massive 6’6”, 267-pound frame makes him a great TE2 on a team that likes to run the ball out of 12 personnel.

9. Oscar Delp, Georgia

I’ve been critical of the Georgia offense in recent years in not knowing how to best utilize their personnel. One player that they used correctly (but didn’t have the passing volume to showcase) is Oscar Delp, who is a jack-of-all-trades tight end who can line up in any alignment and be successful at it.

10. John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming

If you want a tight end deep down the board that could be a sleeper, look no further than John Michael Gyllenborg. His athleticism really flashed in the Mountain West, and, while he is a bit of a project, he possesses all of the raw tools to be a Pro Bowl player at the position for a long time to come.

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1. Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche will enter the playoffs as winners of this year’s Presidents Trophy. Colorado was the league’s best team throughout the season. They end the season 1^st in goals scored and goals allowed per game. In round one, they will face the Western Conference’s second wild-card team.

2. Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina’s season was overshadowed by Colorado. The Hurricanes were the top Eastern Conference team and ranked 2^nd overall during the regular season. They ranked 2^nd in goals scored per game, 8^th in goals allowed per game, and 4^th on the power play. In the first round of the playoffs, they will face the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card team.

3. Dallas Stars

Dallas was consistent throughout the regular season, finishing as runners-up to Colorado in the Central Division. The Stars’ defense and goaltending ranked 2^nd in goals allowed per game, anchoring the team throughout the season. The Edmonton Oilers were the only team ranked above the Stars in power play percentage.

4. Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres were the best story of the season. They conquered the adversity they faced early in the season and propelled themselves to the top of the Atlantic Division. The young Buffalo team finished 5^th in goals scored per game.

5. Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning had the league’s best hot streak from December 20^th to February 25^th. They catapulted to the top of the Atlantic Division and fell below 2^nd place once. They ended the regular season ranked 4^th in goals scored and 3^rd in goals allowed per game.

6. Montreal Canadiens

Montreal hit a rough stretch but ended the regular season on a high note. The Canadiens’ offense was electric throughout the season, finishing 6^th in goals scored per game. As the team enters the playoffs, they must increase production in the defensive zone.

7. Minnesota Wild

Minnesota is another team whose great season was overshadowed by foes not only in the same conference, but in the same division. The Wild were outstanding this season and were one of the league’s most consistent performers. They ranked 4^th in defensive efficiency.

8. Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh is ready to head into the playoffs with its veteran squad. The roster is full of playoff experience and will be a tough matchup for any opponent. The Penguins were top 10 in goals scored per game, power play percentage, and penalty kill percentage.

9. Boston Bruins

Boston limps into the playoffs after struggling in April. Its defense gave the team a chance to win, but its offense was stagnant. The Bruins offense must be rejuvenated quickly, or an early playoff exit can occur.

10. Ottawa Senators

Ottawa’s second half was a complete 180 from its first half of the season. The team looked down and out by All-Star Weekend, but found life as play resumed. The team will use its grit to push any playoff series to the final game.

11. Philadelphia Flyers

Philadelphia’s defense and goaltending carried the team throughout the regular season. However, the offense received an immediate boost when the team called up top prospect Porter Martone. He has barely 10 games of experience under his belt, but the team will rely heavily on the rookie winger.

12. Vegas Golden Knights

The Golden Knights underachieved this season, but the regular season goes out the window when the first puck drops in the playoffs. Vegas’ roster is highly talented and is ready to put its talent on display. The Golden Knights must be taken seriously in the playoffs.

13. Edmonton Oilers

It will be tough for Edmonton to reach the Stanley Cup Finals for a third consecutive season. Defensively, the Oilers are one of the league’s worst defensive teams. The team’s glaring issue is playing this postseason without superstar Leon Draisaitl.

14. Utah Mammoth

Utah is a dark horse in the year’s playoffs. The team is talented and will be a tough matchup in the opening round. The Mammoth’s offense didn’t rank as high as other playoff teams, but their defense and goaltending are as good as any team in the playoffs.

15. Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim is young and added crucial points to the standings. The Ducks’ defense and goaltending finished the regular season ranked the lowest of any playoff-bound team, but their offense kept them in games. The Ducks finished the season ranked 18^th in goals scored per game.

16. Los Angeles Kings

Los Angeles isn’t in the postseason because of its offense. The Kings’ offense ranks the lowest in efficiency of all 16 playoff teams. However, standout defense and goaltending lead teams to the postseason, and this is why they clinched a playoff berth.

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MORE: MLB catcher power rankings in week 4

1. CJ Abrams, Washington Nationals

Abrams is having the best start of his young career. He’s getting on base, hitting for power, and stealing bases. Entering the week, he’s leading all MLB shortstops in OPS.

2. Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles

Henderson’s putting last season in the rearview mirror. The team is rejuvenated this season and competing. Gunnar Henderson is off to one of the best starts in his young career.

3. Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati shortstop continues to improve each season. He’s on pace for another 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases. He’s aiming for his first 30/30 campaign.

4. Mauricio Dubon, Atlanta Braves

A journeyman for most of his career, Dubon is earning his playing time. Entering the week, he’s leading Atlanta in hits. He’s turning into one of the best early-season stories.

5. Zach Neto, Los Angeles Angels

Neto has reached 20 home runs and 60 RBI in back-to-back seasons. He started 2026 showcasing his power and the ability to reach base. This can be the year he reaches 30 home runs.

6. Corey Seager, Texas Rangers

The veteran is hitting for power early. Texas changed their lineup this season, and Seager is reaping the benefits of having runners on base. He’s positioning himself to lead the team in every offensive category.

7. Otto Lopez, Miami Marlins

Lopez is tapping into his power potential. He finished last season with 15 home runs. His fast start in 2026 will have him set career highs across the board.

8. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals

Witt Jr. is still searching for his first home run, but he’s getting on base. He continues to be the catalyst to Kansas City’s offense. Entering the week, Witt Jr. leads the Majors in stolen bases.

9. Willy Adames, San Francisco Giants

Adames is off to a better start this season. He’s a streaky hitter, but when he’s on, he is as good as any Major League shortstop. He has two straight seasons of hitting 30 home runs.

10. Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres

The San Diego shortstop has back-to-back forgettable seasons. Previously, he wasn’t getting on base. This season, he’s off to a better start, so let’s see if it continues.

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MORE: MLB insider Buster Olney ranks the top 5 free agent signings ever

Diamondbacks vs. Orioles

• Pitching Matchup: Rodriguez vs. Bradish
• Score Prediction: 6-4
• Winner: Diamondbacks

Nationals vs. Pirates

• Pitching Matchup: Irvin vs. Mlodzinski
• Score Prediction: 4-3
• Winner: Pirates

Giants vs. Reds

• Pitching Matchup: Mahle vs. Lowder
• Score Prediction: 7-3
• Winner: Reds

Royals vs. Tigers

• Pitching Matchup: Lugo vs. Flaherty
• Score Prediction: 3-1
• Winner: Royals

Cubs vs. Phillies

• Pitching Matchup: Imanaga vs. Luzardo
• Score Prediction: 5-4
• Winner: Phillies

Angels vs. Yankees

• Pitching Matchup: Kochanowicz vs. Gil
• Score Prediction: 8-4
• Winner: Yankees

Marlins vs. Braves

• Pitching Matchup: Paddack vs. Elder
• Score Prediction: 7-5
• Winner: Braves

Red Sox vs. Twins

• Pitching Matchup: Early vs. Woods-Richardson
• Score Prediction: 6-3
• Winner: Red Sox

MORE: MLB catcher power rankings in week 4

Rays vs. White Sox

• Pitching Matchup: Scholtens vs. Burke
• Score Prediction: 7-6
• Winner: White Sox

Blue Jays vs. Brewers

• Pitching Matchup: Cease vs. Patrick
• Score Prediction: 4-3
• Winner: Brewers

Guardians vs. Cardinals

• Pitching Matchup: Cecconi vs. May
• Score Prediction: 6-5
• Winner: Guardians

Rockies vs. Astros

• Pitching Matchup: TBD vs. TBD
• Score Prediction: 8-6
• Winner: Rockies

Rangers vs. Athletics

• Pitching Matchup: Rocker vs. Ginn
• Score Prediction: 5-3
• Winner: Rangers

Mariners vs. Padres

• Pitching Matchup: Hancock vs. Vasquez
• Score Prediction: 7-4
• Winner: Padres

Mets vs. Dodgers

• Pitching Matchup: Holmes vs. Ohtani
• Score Prediction: 5-2
• Winner: Dodgers

Conclusion:

At the end of the day, picking winners in Major League Baseball is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be bad beats, unexpected blowups, and nights where nothing goes according to plan; that’s the nature of baseball.

The key is staying disciplined, trusting the process, and finding edges over time. Stick with the matchups, follow the trends, and don’t overreact to one slate. We’ll be back with another breakdown, but for now, let’s see how today plays out.

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MORE: MLB catcher power rankings in week 4

1. Jordan Walker, St. Louis Cardinals

In 2023, as a 20-year-old, Walker felt the pressure. He showed signs but stumbled in his first year and the following two seasons. This year, the pressure is off, and Walker is on fire.

2. Andy Pages, Los Angeles Dodgers

Pages is following up on his 2025 campaign. His name may be overshadowed by others in the lineup, but Andy Pages produces at a high rate. He can be counted on for another big season, hitting in the league’s most potent lineup.

3. Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates

Cruz is continuing his hot start. He’s gone back-to-back seasons with 20 home runs, 60 RBI, and 20 stolen bases. Entering the week, he has five home runs and is second in the Majors in stolen bases.

4. Chase DeLauter, Cleveland Guardians

The rookie continues to be the power source in Cleveland’s batting order. Entering the week, he’s second among MLB outfielders in home runs. Through three weeks, he has an OPS over 1.000.

5. Brandon Nimmo, Texas Rangers

Nimmo’s new scenery, in Texas, is just what the doctor ordered. He continues to get on base as well as drive in runs. He’s off to the best start of his career.

6. James Wood, Washington Nationals

Wood is off to a great start. He’s putting his power on display and is the cornerstone of Washington’s young team. He’s on pace to reach 30 home runs and 100 RBI for the first time in his young career.

7. Mickey Moniak, Colorado Rockies

It’s amazing what a chance of scenery can do for a player. Moniak struggled for consistency when he first came up in 2020. Last season, after being released, he found himself in Colorado and put together a great second half, and it has carried into this season.

8. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

It’s only a matter of time before Judge catches fire. He’s coming around and always hits tons of home runs. He will be chasing a third consecutive AL MVP award.

9. Wilyer Abreu, Boston Red Sox

Abreu is underrated and entering his breakout season. Last season, he quietly hit 22 home runs and drove in 69 runs. He’s on pace to reach 30 home runs and be a leader in Boston’s offense.

10. Teoscar Hernandez, Los Angeles Dodgers

Teoscar has his “forever” home in Los Angeles. He’s produced in each of his first two seasons with the Dodgers. This season, he’s off to another hot start.

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