
NHL Power Rankings: One word to describe each team’s season
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2 years agoon
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Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporterNov 3, 2023, 06:20 AM ET
Close- Kristen Shilton is a national NHL reporter for ESPN.
Another week into the NHL season, and the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights continue to roll. That’s not a major surprise, though the hot starts for the Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens do qualify as at least mild shocks.
For this week’s Power Rankings, we tried to distill each team’s season thus far into a single word — whether good, bad or somewhere in between.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors each send in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list here.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the preseason edition, published Oct. 26. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 95.45%
Next seven days: vs. COL (Nov. 4), @ ANA (Nov. 5), vs. LA (Nov. 8)
In a word: Commanding. Vegas earned at least a point in each of its first 10 games (the only blemish an overtime loss to Chicago) while looking poised to not only repeat as Cup champions but get back to that pinnacle with gusto. The Golden Knights are the team to beat right now.
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 95.00%
Next seven days: @ DET (Nov. 4), @ DAL (Nov. 6), vs. NYI (Nov. 9)
In a word: Striking. Boston does love correcting its doubters. The Bruins once again silenced their critics with an impressive 6-0 start that has carried them back to the top of the standings — where they’ll likely remain if the team’s suffocating defense and capable scorers have anything to say.
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 83.33%
Next seven days: @ VAN (Nov. 4), vs. BOS (Nov. 6), @ CBJ (Nov. 9)
In a word: Sublime. The Stars are fun. They’re fast. They’re competitive. Even when teetering on the edge — the Stars have often played past regulation — there’s a spark to them that makes this a wonderfully watchable team. We’ll see how far that pep can take it.
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 77.78%
Next seven days: @ VGK (Nov. 4), vs. NJ (Nov. 7), vs. SEA (Nov. 9)
In a word: Engaging. Colorado smashed its way to a 6-0 start (while outscoring opponents 28-12) that put the league on notice about the recent Stanley Cup champions’ continued ability to dominate. Then a pair of shutout losses to Pittsburgh and Buffalo? Didn’t see that coming. The Avalanche will clearly be keeping us on our toes.
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 80.00%
Next seven days: @ MIN (Nov. 4), vs. DET (Nov. 7), vs. MIN (Nov. 9)
In a word: Entertaining. New York has been winning in all sorts of ways, with contributions from an impressive depth of talent. The Rangers have also shown their resiliency in tight matchups, the ability to win battles at 5-on-5 or on special teams, and benefited from electric performances via top skaters like Artemi Panarin. New York can seriously steal a spotlight.
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 75.00%
Next seven days: vs. DAL (Nov. 4), vs. EDM (Nov. 6), @ OTT (Nov. 9)
In a word: Surprising. Vancouver has turned heads — in a good way! The Canucks reeled off solid wins to start the season and have continued to mesh in a way we haven’t seen in years out of Vancouver’s group. And Elias Pettersson‘s excellent start is leading the charge. This is a more stable, evolved and mature Canucks team.
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 72.22%
Next seven days: @ STL (Nov. 3), @ CHI (Nov. 5), @ COL (Nov. 7)
In a word: Compelling. New Jersey was an easy pick to go far this season. And Jack Hughes? He looks better than ever. The devil for these Devils is in the details — mostly their defensive ones. If New Jersey can lock in consistently from the blue line and reap the reward of excellent goaltending too, then we’ll know with increased certainty whether this is a legit Cup contender.
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 59.09%
Next seven days: vs. BOS (Nov. 4), @ NYR (Nov. 7), vs. MTL (Nov. 9)
In a word: Impressive. Detroit is a darling of the early season for good reason. The Red Wings have a dynamic forward group bolstered by the addition of Alex DeBrincat, their defensive play is showing improvement and the whole roster looks confident. As well the Wings should, given the success they’ve been earning.
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 70.00%
Next seven days: @ PHI (Nov. 4), @ VGK (Nov. 8), vs. PIT (Nov. 9)
In a word: Consistent. Los Angeles has kept an even keel. The Kings win when they should (mostly), stay in the fight up against the league’s best, are terrific road warriors and play to a sound structure. They’ve got an unflappable, California cool.
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 60.00%
Next seven days: vs. BUF (Nov. 4), vs. TB (Nov. 6), vs. OTT (Nov. 8)
In a word: Dramatic. Toronto is never dull. In less than a month there has been a goal song controversy, a goalie conundrum, baffling losses, chaotic wins, spectacular star showings (hello, William Nylander and Auston Matthews) and struggling newbies (see: Tyler Bertuzzi). It’s a lot. But that’s all in a month’s work for the (solidly good) Leafs.
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 60.00%
Next seven days: @ STL (Nov. 4), vs. TB (Nov. 7), @ DET (Nov. 9)
In a word: Progressing. Montreal has consistently improved throughout the early slate. The Canadiens aren’t bothered by a hiccup here or there; if anything, they seem to take actual lessons from their mistakes. Montreal’s recent shootout loss to Vegas is a great example of how, when the Canadiens put together a full-team effort, they can stay close with anyone.
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 55.00%
Next seven days: @ OTT (Nov. 4), @ TOR (Nov. 6), @ MTL (Nov. 7), vs. CHI (Nov. 9)
In a word: Predictable. Tampa Bay is what we thought it would be: a middle-of-the-pack team leaning on its veterans while obviously missing its top-end goaltender. The Lightning have kept themselves in the mix with enough wins that when Andrei Vasilevskiy is able to return it’s likely — given recent history — they’ll start trending further upward.
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 66.67%
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Nov. 4), vs. MIN (Nov. 7), @ BOS (Nov. 9)
In a word: Passable. New York is a one-man band many nights, and the star of the show is Ilya Sorokin. The Islanders’ netminder can steal his team a point or two it likely didn’t deserve. But that can’t last forever. New York should be doing more to aid Sorokin in keeping the team on track.
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 54.55%
Next seven days: @ NYI (Nov. 4), vs. BUF (Nov. 7)
In a word: Perplexing. Carolina is a Cup favorite that hasn’t exuded consistent championship form. The Hurricanes have been scattered defensively — giving up six-plus goals in three of their first six games — and the pendulum just keeps swinging between compelling wins and head-scratching losses. Who knows what’s coming next?
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 60.00%
Next seven days: vs. VGK (Nov. 5), vs. PIT (Nov. 7)
In a word: Dogged. Anaheim might not be in the playoff hunt all season, but that hasn’t stopped it from keeping up with its toughest opponents so far. The Ducks have beaten veteran teams (namely Boston and Carolina) and are pushing for two points most nights. It’s a great experience for their young core to see some wins stacking up.
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: vs. CBJ (Nov. 4), vs. FLA (Nov. 8)
In a word: Developing. Washington started poorly but has recently begun turning a corner. Where before the Caps couldn’t buy a goal, they’ve begun finding the back of the net with regularity, and the wins are stacking up along with the Capitals’ seemingly renewed confidence in their own system. The only question now is, how will Nicklas Backstrom‘s absence affect Washington’s future prospects?
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 55.00%
Next seven days: @ CHI (Nov. 4), vs. CBJ (Nov. 6), @ WSH (Nov. 8)
In a word: Persistent. Florida started behind the eight ball with Aaron Ekblad, Brandon Montour and Sam Bennett sidelined by injuries. The Panthers managed those setbacks and after a couple of bad losses have pulled themselves together (mostly) to make the most of who is available. Florida’s strength of character carried it far last season; that could be the case again in this one.
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: @ ARI (Nov. 4), @ STL (Nov. 7), vs. NSH (Nov. 9)
In a word: Developing. Winnipeg is like a Polaroid mid-shake. We’re still waiting to see the final product, the foundation that makes this team tick. The Jets have good personnel in place, but the results have been too streaky to say what their identity might ultimately be.
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 55.00%
Next seven days: vs. WPG (Nov. 4), vs. SEA (Nov. 7), @ STL (Nov. 9)
In a word: Underrated. Arizona might not be a playoff hopeful, but it has some rising talents who can put the Coyotes back in that conversation sooner than later. Whether it’s waiver-wire pickup Juuso Valimaki, breakout performer Michael Carcone or the bruising Liam O’Brien, these Coyotes get contributions from all corners (and types of skaters) across the board.
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: vs. PHI (Nov. 3), @ TOR (Nov. 4), @ CAR (Nov. 7)
In a word: Mystifying. Buffalo has been scattered from the start. Are the Sabres contenders? Pretenders? Ready to launch or still figuring it out? That narrative continues playing out nightly without a clear answer. Buffalo has undeniable potential. Can the Sabres reach it this season and get back into the playoffs?
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 45.00%
Next seven days: @ BUF (Nov. 3), vs. LA (Nov. 4), @ SJ (Nov. 7)
In a word: Purposeful. Philadelphia is better than expected — while also staying true to its rebuilding principles. The Flyers have collected solid wins and aren’t an easy out for any team. Maintaining a balanced mindset about present and future needs should allow the Flyers to have a little more fun this season, too, without upsetting their long-term aspirations.
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 44.44%
Next seven days: vs. TB (Nov. 4), @ TOR (Nov. 8), vs. VAN (Nov. 9)
In a word: Distressing. Ottawa has cooled off after a hot start. The Senators have had their share of distractions — GM Pierre Dorion’s exit, Shane Pinto’s gambling suspension, the Evgenii Dadonov trade punishment — and it will be a true showing of the club’s tenacity if it can tune out the noise and eventually live up to those preseason playoff projections.
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 40.00%
Next seven days: @ EDM (Nov. 4), @ CGY (Nov. 7), @ WPG (Nov. 9)
In a word: Determined. The team has had its ups and downs, but credit to the Predators — they’ve pressed forward to tackle some of their earlier deficiencies. When Nashville is dialed in on defense and Juuse Saros is on his game, there is a lot to like about the direction this team could be headed.
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 40.00%
Next seven days: vs. NYR (Nov. 4), @ NYI (Nov. 7), @ NYR (Nov. 9)
In a word: Inauspicious. The Wild have had terrible injury luck, and it’s hurt them in the standings. Jared Spurgeon, Matt Boldy, Alex Goligoski and Frederick Gaudreau have all missed time already, and the Wild are scrambling most nights to fill the various voids. Those subsequent results haven’t been strong.
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 43.75%
Next seven days: vs. NJ (Nov. 3), vs. MTL (Nov. 4), vs. WPG (Nov. 7), vs. ARI (Nov. 9)
In a word: Rough. St. Louis hasn’t found its mojo. The Blues can’t seem to strike a balance between good defensive habits (which they’ve shown) and scoring goals (which they haven’t done enough). It’s little wonder they oscillate so easily from winning to losing. St. Louis remains a work in progress.
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 45.45%
Next seven days: vs. CGY (Nov. 4), @ ARI (Nov. 7), @ COL (Nov. 9)
In a word: Baffling. Seattle earned one regulation victory in its first 10 games. Ouch. The Kraken were well-prepared to feed off last season’s success but struggled to score goals and have lost too many tight games to not be feeling the frustration set in. Seattle simply can’t let that become overwhelming.
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: @ WSH (Nov. 4), @ FLA (Nov. 6), vs. DAL (Nov. 9)
In a word: Frustrating. Columbus can’t afford to be dispassionate. The Blue Jackets have experienced injury troubles (with Patrik Laine, again) and that’s all the more reason for everyone else to infuse more energy into every shift. It’s not happening enough. The Blue Jackets’ habits are at least within their control, and good ones could lead to more good outcomes.
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 33.33%
Next seven days: vs. FLA (Nov. 4), vs. NJ (Nov. 5), @ TB (Nov. 9)
In a word: Star-powered. Chicago has one station and it’s tuned in to the Connor Bedard Show. He has made the Blackhawks a must-watch team, even if they’re trailing overall in the win-loss columns. The win totals aren’t really the point yet, anyway. Chicago is all about riding toward the future.
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 33.33%
Next seven days: @ SJ (Nov. 4), @ ANA (Nov. 7), @ LA (Nov. 9)
In a word: Dissatisfying. Pittsburgh made its mark with that Erik Karlsson blockbuster last summer — and that’s about where the excitement ended. The Penguins have come out flat too often already in a slow start unbecoming of the veteran talent they possess. It’s not too late for Pittsburgh to try living up to the (previous; now waning) hype.
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 27.78%
Next seven days: vs. NSH (Nov. 4), @ VAN (Nov. 6), @ SJ (Nov. 9)
In a word: Unfathomable. Edmonton entered this season as a Cup favorite. And then the puck dropped. The Oilers haven’t just been losing; they have been beat up by a wide margin multiple times and look increasingly out of sorts. They need to pivot back into the fast lane of contention before it’s too late.
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 25.00%
Next seven days: @ SEA (Nov. 4), vs. NSH (Nov. 7)
In a word: Discouraging. Calgary should be better than this. But even with Darryl Sutter gone, and a fresh voice from new coach Ryan Huska, the Flames have shown little to no improvement over last season. The team’s stars — namely Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri — are struggling offensively, and the Flames gathering just two wins in their first 10 games doesn’t bode well for reaching their ultimate goal this season.
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 5.00%
Next seven days: vs. PIT (Nov. 4), vs. PHI (Nov. 7), vs. EDM (Nov. 9)
In a word: Awful. San Jose is … not good. Nine straight losses to start the season (through which the entire team scored just nine goals) might be only the appetizer in a long, slow downturn the Sharks endure all season long.
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Sports
Olney: Potential MLB managerial and front office changes on the horizon
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2 hours agoon
September 10, 2025By
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Buster OlneySep 10, 2025, 07:00 AM ET
Close- Senior writer ESPN Magazine/ESPN.com
- Analyst/reporter ESPN television
- Author of “The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty”
There is sincere regret in the words of Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker when he mentions what life in baseball has cost him. His son Troy, now a hitting coach for the Houston Astros, played baseball growing up, and Snitker recalls seeing only three innings of Troy’s high school career, due to the natural scheduling conflict for someone working in Major League Baseball.
Snitker will turn 70 next month, and, by all accounts, it’s his call as to whether he will return as Atlanta’s skipper next season. While he told ESPN, prior to this past “Sunday Night Baseball,” that he hasn’t made a decision on that yet, he mentioned spending time with his grandkids and places where he’d like to travel. Friends of Snitker in the game believe that this will be his last year as manager, after 10 years at Atlanta. If that’s the case, he’ll move into a role with the team’s front office, continuing a working relationship with the Braves that began when they signed him to a free agent contract as a player in 1977.
Snitker’s job is one of a number of managerial or general manager positions that will be watched within the industry as the 2025 regular season comes to a close and teams begin to prepare for 2026.
Below are all the teams that could see changes at the top — from clubs who have execs or managers nearing the ends of their careers to those whose performances this season have led to questions — as well as some potential candidates who could step in to fill those positions.
Managers
Atlanta Braves
Current manager: Snitker
If Snitker steps down, the Braves job will be highly coveted, despite the incredibly disappointing 2025 showing, due to the core talent — Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson, Chris Sale, dynamic rookie pitcher Hurston Waldrep, etc. — and the long-standing stability of the franchise. Alex Anthopoulos, the head of baseball operations, is under contract through 2031.
Some of the names that rival execs speculated could step into the skipper role include: Walt Weiss, currently the Braves’ bench coach; former Cubs manager David Ross and MLB Network analyst Mark DeRosa, who both have history with the organization; and Skip Schumaker, the 2022 NL Manager of the Year who is currently working in the Rangers’ front office.
Texas Rangers
Current manager: Bruce Bochy
When Schumaker was hired by Texas in the winter, there was an assumption in the industry that Chris Young, the Rangers’ head of baseball operations, was setting up a plan of succession for whenever Bochy stepped down as manager. This belief was reinforced when Luis Urueta, the bench coach for Schumaker with the Marlins in 2024, was hired by the Rangers.
To date, however, there have been no conversations with the Rangers’ organization about Bochy’s intentions for 2026, according to sources, and with Texas making a late push for a playoff spot, that discussion is likely to be deferred. It’s possible that Bochy’s situation is identical to that of Snitker — in the end, it could be his call on whether to return. Bochy has told friends he feels good and likes what he does, and he has enjoyed having his grandchildren at Rangers games. Like Snitker, he will be 70 at year’s end.
Whenever Bochy decides to retire, he will be quickly inducted into the Hall of Fame. His teams have won four championships with him as manager, and he ranks sixth all time in career victories, less than 100 wins away from passing Joe Torre.
Minnesota Twins
Current manager: Rocco Baldelli
Baldelli just had his 2026 option picked up in June, timing that might suggest he’s safe for next season, as Twins ownership could simply plow ahead with him at the helm. But a lot has changed with the Twins since that decision was made: The team unloaded veterans and salary at the trade deadline, angering fans.
Baldelli is concluding his seventh year with the team and could face the same reality that every manager does: If an organization wants to signal change — and the Twins might want to do that after a messy 2025 season — one of the cheapest ways to do that is to fire the manager. Sometime in the next few weeks, Minnesota’s ownership will make that choice.
If the Twins do switch managers, then Derek Shelton — a former Twins coach who was the Pirates’ skipper before he was fired earlier this season — could be among those considered, along with former Twins hitting coach James Rowson (now with the Yankees) and others.
Los Angeles Angels
Current manager: Ron Washington (on medical leave)
Washington stepped away from the Angels to have quadruple bypass surgery before the All-Star break, and in theory, he could return to manage the team next year. In the end, owner Arte Moreno, who is not inclined to defer to his general manager on the biggest decisions, will determine whether the 73-year-old Washington returns to his position. Ray Montgomery has filled in as manager since Washington went on medical leave, and the Angels have continued to improve. They have already won more games so far this season than they did in all of 2024, when they finished 63-99.
But Moreno’s history of hiring managers suggests that if he doesn’t pick Washington, he’ll want a bigger name. “He might be more apt to pick [former Angels manager] Mike Scioscia than some unknown,” said one rival evaluator.
Albert Pujols is a big name, but his tenure with the Angels didn’t end well. Would Moreno look past that if he needs a new manager? We’ll see.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Current manager: Torey Lovullo
It seems almost silly to include Lovullo on this list, given the devastating injuries incurred by the D-backs’ pitching staff this year and the fact that they played in the World Series just two years ago. But Arizona owner Ken Kendrick is known to be a challenging boss, someone who demands answers from those who work for him, leaving the door open for change.
However, Lovullo is very close with head of baseball operations Mike Hazen — to the degree that if you ranked the symbiosis of GMs and their managers among the 30 teams, a rival exec agreed that Hazen and Lovullo would be No. 1. Presumably, the desire for a change at manager would have to come from Kendrick.
Philadelphia Phillies
Current manager: Rob Thomson
Phillies owner John Middleton has spent heavily to help build a great team — as he once mused, he knows the fans don’t care about his bottom line — and he will push for change when he sees a need. Thomson, under contract through 2026, is nearing the conclusion of his fourth year as the Phillies’ manager. While the team has a .577 winning percentage in regular-season games under Thomson and reached the World Series in 2022, it has been knocked out of the playoffs the past two years, including an incredibly disappointing loss to the D-backs in the 2023 National League Championship Series.
The Phillies have an older group of players, and if they fall short again, could Middleton look for a change? That’s always his prerogative. Prior to the 2022 season, Thomson intended to retire at that year’s end — but then Joe Girardi was fired and Thomson was asked to step in. He knows how this works.
If president of baseball operations David Dombrowski looks for another manager, it’s worth remembering that he hired Brad Ausmus in Detroit and, by all accounts, had a strong working relationship with him. Ausmus is the bench coach with the Yankees now.
San Francisco Giants
Current manager: Bob Melvin
Melvin is working under head of baseball operations Buster Posey for the first time this year, and when the team collapsed before the trade deadline, rival officials wondered if San Francisco was on a trajectory toward change. But the Giants have surged, putting themselves back into the race and perhaps quelling that possibility. Next year is the last on the deal that Melvin signed in 2023.
Baltimore Orioles
Current manager: Tony Mansolino (interim)
On the first day he was introduced as the replacement for Brandon Hyde, who was fired on May 17, Mansolino made it clear that he was on the job in an interim capacity. But following a disastrous start and a desperate organizational need for pitching, the Orioles have played over .500 under Mansolino, and he has strong support among some current players.
It’s unclear whether that sentiment will be decisive as general manager Mike Elias picks the next manager. On a related note: What is clear is that Hall of Famer and Baltimore legend Cal Ripken Jr. is happy in his current life and not interested in the O’s managerial job, according to sources.
St. Louis Cardinals
Current manager: Oliver Marmol
Any change at general manager makes for a climate of change, and Marmol has one year left on his contract at a time when Chaim Bloom is about to take over the Cardinals’ front office. But the team has played better than expected this year, and Marmol has had regular communication with Bloom. Given Bloom’s deliberate style and the fact that the Cardinals are not expected to spend aggressively this winter, some rival executives believe Bloom will want to work in concert with Marmol before making a decision for 2027 and beyond.
Front office executives
Washington Nationals
Current GM: Mike DeBartolo (interim)
Washington fired general manager Mike Rizzo just before the All-Star break, with DeBartolo serving as the interim GM since then.
Nationals ownership has started the process of talking to candidates to find a replacement — Guardians assistant GM Matt Forman, Cubs GM Carter Hawkins and Diamondbacks assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye are among those being considered. DeBartolo could be in play, but the fact that the Nationals’ leadership is talking to others outside the organization suggests the team is prepared to hire someone else.
Mark Lerner is the most prominent member of the Nationals’ ownership group, but a large group will collaborate on this decision. The expectation is that the new head of baseball operations will lead the search for the next manager. (Bench coach Miguel Cairo was named interim manager after Dave Martinez was fired alongside Rizzo in July.)
Colorado Rockies
Current head of baseball operations: Bill Schmidt
This might well be Schmidt’s last season leading the baseball operations department for Colorado, according to sources, and rival executives expect that the Rockies, who have been largely disinclined in the past to hire staffers from outside the organization, will be more open to doing that than they have been in the past. Thad Levine, who worked for the Rockies two decades ago before moving on to assistant GM and GM jobs with the Rangers and Twins, respectively, is often mentioned as a possibility.
Toronto Blue Jays
Current president: Mark Shapiro
This is the last year of Shapiro’s deal, and the Jays have had a summer of successes: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed an extension; the Jays surged into first place in the American League East; and more fans turned out to enjoy the renovations to Rogers Centre that Shapiro oversaw. An announcement that Shapiro has signed an extension is expected at some point. If Rogers Communications, the sole owner of the Blue Jays, holds to form, that might not happen until the offseason.
Athletics
Current GM: David Forst
No team has had a stranger road in recent decades than the A’s, who left the city of Oakland after last season to play in a minor league park to buy time for a new home to be constructed in Las Vegas. And throughout that process, owner John Fisher has been heavily criticized.
Along the way, Forst — one of the team’s figures of stability and a protégé of Billy Beane — has constructed a roster deep in young position player talent. But his future with the organization is unsettled, with more conversations to come.
Seattle Mariners
Current head of baseball operations: Jerry Dipoto
Seattle is fighting for a playoff spot, and following the trade deadline acquisitions of Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor, Mariners fans will be incredibly disappointed if their team doesn’t reach the postseason. But Dipoto has built a consistent contender in recent years with a strong farm system, and he seems to have a very functional relationship with Seattle ownership. It would be a surprise if there were changes at the top of the Mariners’ hierarchy even if they fail to reach the postseason.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Current GM: Ben Cherington
Manager Don Kelly, a Pennsylvania native, is well-liked and well-respected, and his stock is rising after taking over in early May following the firing of Shelton. Cherington, who oversees Pittsburgh’s operations, has drawn fan scrutiny, on the other hand. But as one rival official said: “When is the owner [Bob Nutting] going to spend more money? He’s probably too cheap to fire Ben, if he wanted to make a change.”
Sports
Rangers’ Semien (foot) hopes to play this season
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3 hours agoon
September 10, 2025By
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Associated Press
Sep 10, 2025, 03:45 PM ET
ARLINGTON, Texas — Marcus Semien is still hopeful of playing again this season for the playoff-chasing Texas Rangers, even though the second baseman is only three weeks removed from fouling off a pitch that left him with a broken bone and sprained ligament in his left foot.
Semien is no longer wearing a protective boot on his foot, and he said Wednesday that he has been walking on an in-pool treadmill. The 34-year-old said he has been able to move around without limping while doing lower-body work to get his legs back in shape after his extended time of inactivity.
“Preparing to just get moving again. Talking to the doctors, in a perfect world, I think six weeks is what you probably need. But right now with where we’re at, just trying to push it,” Semien said. “I think once we get to this road trip and get through some checkpoints, come back home and see how we see how running looks, and go from there.”
Texas played the finale of a three-game series at home Wednesday against Milwaukee, which has the best record in the majors. The Rangers, who started the day 2 1/2 games behind AL West-leading Houston and 1 1/2 games behind the final wild-card spot, open a three-game series at the New York Mets on Friday before three games at the Astros next week.
The Rangers then return for their final homestand, starting Sept. 19 against Miami. At that point, four weeks after Semien got hurt, there will be only nine games left in the regular season.
“At four weeks, there’s still some risk. But, you know, I’m willing to see what I can do and see if there’s a realistic chance of me getting back on the field,” he said. “Regardless, I will work as hard as I can to get back as quick as I can. But the team’s playing great, it’s been fun to watch. A lot of energy out there and I want to be a part of that.”
Semien fouled a pitch off his foot on Aug. 20 at Kansas City and went on the 10-day injured list two days later. It is only the second time in his 13 big league seasons to go on the IL.
Before the injury, Semien had missed only six of the Rangers’ 615 games since joining them before the 2022 season on a $175 million, seven-year contract. He has hit .230 with 15 homers, 62 RBI and 62 runs in 127 games this year.
Sports
Report: Tigers employees accused of misconduct
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3 hours agoon
September 10, 2025By
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Associated Press
Sep 10, 2025, 02:02 PM ET
DETROIT — The Tigers have had at least eight employees accused of misconduct toward women over the past two years, according to a report by The Athletic.
The report published Wednesday followed an investigation that started last April and included interviews with 45 current and former employees along with access to emails, human resources documents, text messages and court records.
Women employees of Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Tigers, Red Wings and other businesses, were subjected to misconduct by seven of the eight men named by The Athletic.
“We are committed to a culture of respect, safety, and inclusion,” the organization said in a statement Wednesday in response to the report. “We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment, and when concerns are raised, we investigate promptly and take decisive action, which has included terminating employees for misconduct, regardless of seniority or tenure.”
Six of the eight men alleged to have harassed and abused women were fired or did not have their contracts renewed. One was suspended after The Athletic requested comment about allegations against him last week.
Former Tigers assistant general manager Sam Menzin resigned in April after he sent unsolicited lewd photos to multiple women who worked for the team, according to The Athletic. The report includes details about former sales vice president Michael Lienert resigning in 2023 after allegedly pushing a female co-worker, with whom he had an undisclosed relationship, down a flight of stairs. Menzin and Lienert did not respond to The Athletic’s efforts seeking comment.
Director of communications and broadcasting Ben Fidelman was investigated by human resources last spring after a woman employee alleged he subjected her to retaliation and gender discrimination, according to the report.
“It is inaccurate and unfair to group Mr. Fidelman within a story about accusations of sexual harassment or related misconduct,” the organization said. “A concern unrelated to either was raised, and consistent with our process, it was investigated thoroughly, and no wrongdoing was found.”
The AL Central-leading Tigers, with fewer than three weeks left in the regular season, are nearing their first division title since 2014.
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