ASTROS RUMOR: Astros Could Make a Move for Sandy Alcantara — Here’s What We Know

As the MLB season heats up, front offices across the league are beginning to assess what pieces might be missing for a deep playoff run — and for the Houston Astros, the answer may lie on the mound.

Despite the team’s strong reputation, Houston’s starting rotation has shown signs of vulnerability. So far, their starters have combined for a 3.78 ERA, placing them 14th in the league — respectable, but not quite up to the championship standard Astros fans are used to. With expectations always sky-high in Houston, it’s no surprise that trade chatter is starting to pick up early.

Enter Sandy Alcantara.

According to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, the Miami Marlins’ right-handed ace could be a name to watch in trade talks — and the Astros are one of the potential suitors. Alcantara is currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the entirety of the 2024 season. However, in the small sample size of his return, he’s already showing flashes of his former dominance.

Through two starts this season, Alcantara has posted a solid 3.72 ERA over 9 2/3 innings. While it’s unlikely he’ll return to the full form of his 2022 Cy Young season — where he logged 228 2/3 innings, six complete games, and 207 strikeouts — the version of Alcantara we’re seeing now could still be a game-changer for a team like Houston.

The fit makes sense. The Astros are eyeing another deep postseason run, and adding a reliable arm like Alcantara to pair with Framber Valdez at the top of the rotation could make Houston’s pitching staff one of the most formidable in the league. With the first round of the playoffs now being a best-of-three series, having a dominant 1-2 punch is more important than ever — and Alcantara could be the missing piece.

Of course, any potential trade would hinge on Miami’s willingness to move their ace and what Houston is willing to part with in return. But if the Marlins struggle in the standings and the Astros continue to search for rotation reinforcements, don’t be surprised if Alcantara-to-Houston rumors start to gain steam.

One thing is certain: the Astros are never shy about going all-in when it counts — and Alcantara could be their next big swing.

New ACC Transfer Rankings Drop — See Where the Hokies Land After Big Addition

Hokies Make a Splash in the Transfer Portal: Where Virginia Tech Stands After Landing Amani Hansberry

After a relatively quiet start to the transfer portal season, Virginia Tech men’s basketball just sent a clear message: they’re not staying on the sidelines anymore.

Over the weekend, head coach Mike Young and the Hokies secured a major commitment from one of the top forwards in the portal — Amani Hansberry, a former West Virginia standout. The 6’8″, 240-pound forward is set to bring his physical presence and scoring ability to the ACC after averaging 9.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game for the Mountaineers last season. He appeared in 31 games, starting 23, and shot 43% from the field.

Hansberry is no stranger to movement — Virginia Tech will be his third stop after beginning his college career at Illinois. But his arrival in Blacksburg may be as much about who’s coaching as where he’s playing. Earlier this week, Virginia Tech also announced the hiring of former West Virginia assistant Chester Frazier, and it’s no coincidence that one of Frazier’s former players is now headed to join him.

Rated as the No. 72 overall player in the transfer portal and a four-star transfer prospect by 247Sports, Hansberry was once ranked as the No. 61 overall high school recruit in the nation. Now, he’s expected to play a key role for a Hokies team looking to climb the ACC ladder next season.

But how does this big addition impact Virginia Tech’s standing in the ACC transfer portal rankings?

Despite the splash, the Hokies currently sit tied for 11th in the updated rankings (as of April 9), alongside SMU and Wake Forest. Still, it’s worth noting that only three teams ahead of them boast a higher average player rating, signaling the quality-over-quantity approach Virginia Tech is taking.

Louisville leads the pack after a transfer portal haul that could make them a preseason ACC favorite, with Clemson, Syracuse, Miami, and North Carolina rounding out the top five. Meanwhile, Florida State has the most commitments (five), but a slightly lower average rating per player.

With several ACC programs still without a single portal addition — including Duke, Georgia Tech, and Notre Dame — there’s still plenty of movement left this offseason.

As for the Hokies, if Hansberry is any indication, Mike Young isn’t done yet.

“Total Reset”: Bryce Young Reflects on Turning Point After 2024 Surge

Panthers’ Bryce Young Discusses Mental Shift After Late-Season Success

Total Reset: Bryce Young Embraces Fresh Start After Late-Season Breakthrough

For Bryce Young, the 2024 NFL season was anything but predictable. From early struggles to a late-season surge, the young Carolina Panthers quarterback experienced the highs and lows that come with growing pains in the league. But as the offseason gets underway, Young isn’t resting on past momentum — he’s hitting the reset button.

“This is a total reset,” Young recently shared while reflecting on his second year in the NFL. “We were able to finish strong, which was great. But next year, we’re 0-0. That doesn’t carry over. We have to earn it all over again.”

It’s a mature perspective from a quarterback who had to fight through adversity early in the season. After a rough start, including back-to-back tough outings in the first two weeks, Young was benched in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. Many questioned if the 2023 No. 1 overall pick would regain his rhythm — or even his starting spot. But when he returned to the field in Week 8, something clicked.

Young’s poise, decision-making, and confidence steadily improved with each game. While the Panthers’ overall season remained challenging, the glimpses of potential in Young’s late-season performances gave fans and coaches alike a reason to believe.

Now, as the 2025 season approaches, Young is focused on more than just building off that strong finish — he’s working on reinventing himself entirely. His offseason is centered around refining his fundamentals, strengthening his connection with his receivers, and fully absorbing a system that continues to evolve around him.

“I’m not entitled to anything,” Young added. “That’s the approach I’m taking — every rep, every meeting, every practice matters. We’ve got to start from scratch and earn it again.”

For the Panthers, who are looking to establish a stronger offensive identity in 2025, Young’s renewed mindset could be the catalyst they need. A confident, disciplined Bryce Young — one who’s experienced the NFL’s learning curve firsthand — could be a difference-maker for a team searching for its breakthrough moment.

One thing is certain: Young isn’t dwelling on the past. He’s looking straight ahead, with a fresh slate and something to prove.

Virginia Tech Baseball Emerges Victorious Against Troy in Key Ranked Game

Hokies Make a Statement: Virginia Tech Takes Down No. 20 Troy in Ranked Showdown

The Virginia Tech Hokies are on a mission — and they just added another marquee win to their growing résumé. Fresh off cracking the top 25 rankings, the No. 25 Hokies took the field with something to prove and walked away with a hard-earned 3-1 victory over the No. 20 Troy Trojans in a clash of two ranked contenders.

From the very first pitch, it was clear Virginia Tech came ready.

On the mound for Troy, left-handed junior Drew Nelson struggled out of the gate. The Hokies wasted no time attacking his pitches, tagging him for six hits and three earned runs in just two innings of work. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech’s freshman lefty Chase Swift was nothing short of electric in his start, striking out the side in a flawless first inning.

In the bottom of that opening frame, the Hokies struck first blood. Catcher Henry Cooke drove in centerfielder Jared Davis with a sharp single to center, setting the tone early for the home crowd.

The second inning brought more firepower from the Hokies. Shortstop Clay Grady doubled to left field before Ben Watson’s RBI single brought him home, pushing the lead to 3-0. On the other side, Swift stayed locked in, adding two more strikeouts in the second and wrapping up his night with three scoreless innings, six punchouts, and just one hit allowed.

Troy finally got on the board in the fourth, when right fielder Gavin Schrader roped an RBI double to cut the lead to 3-1. But that was all the Trojans would get.

From there, Virginia Tech’s bullpen took over — and they didn’t miss a beat. A collective effort from Josh Berzonski, Preston Crowl, Brendan Yagesh, Mathieu Curtis, and Grant Manning slammed the door shut, combining for six scoreless innings, just two hits, one walk, and 10 strikeouts.

Troy’s bullpen put up a strong fight of their own, but the early deficit was too much to overcome.

With the win, Virginia Tech improves to 6-1 against ranked opponents and continues to turn heads across the college baseball landscape. Next up? A high-stakes three-game series against No. 9 Florida State — and the Hokies are heating up at just the right time.

Jonathan Allen Felt ‘Cheated’ After Seeing the Vikings’ Locker Room — Here’s Why

Jonathan Allen Shocked by Vikings’ Locker Room: “I Felt Cheated

Jonathan Allen Says Vikings Locker Room Made Him Feel “Cheated” — And He’s Only Half Joking

Jonathan Allen may be one of the NFL’s most respected defensive tackles, but even seasoned pros can be surprised when they see how the other half lives. After spending the first eight seasons of his career with the Washington Commanders, Allen signed with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason — and what he walked into in Minnesota had him doing a double take.

In a recent appearance on Chris Long’s Green Light podcast, Allen got candid about just how different life is in Minnesota, especially when it comes to the team’s facilities. And he didn’t hold back.

“When I came here and saw they have kombucha and all the drinks in the fridge and the facility, I feel like I’ve been cheated my last eight years,” Allen said, laughing — but also clearly not joking. “These guys over here are living like this? It’s incredible.”

Allen’s surprise isn’t unfounded. The Vikings’ facilities were awarded an A+ grade in the NFLPA’s annual team report card, while the Commanders’ locker room scored a dismal F. That’s not just a small difference — it’s night and day.

But for Allen, the perks go beyond fancy drinks and a state-of-the-art locker room. What’s really impressed him is the Vikings’ focus on player performance and overall culture.

“Talking to these guys here and how they focus on getting you to perform at your best when your best is needed — I love that,” Allen said. “I can’t say enough how great the culture has been, from how they treat the families to how they treat the players. It’s just incredible.”

For a player who’s seen both ends of the NFL facility spectrum, Allen’s comments shine a light on just how much environment matters — not just for performance, but for morale. His move to Minnesota wasn’t just about football; it was a full-on lifestyle upgrade.

If the early signs are any indication, Allen’s new chapter with the Vikings is off to a dream start — and he’s not looking back.

Recruiting Update: CJ Gamble Draws Serious Interest from Virginia Tech

All Eyes on CJ Gamble as Virginia Tech Surges Ahead in Recruitment Battle

Virginia Tech Makes a Strong Impression on Rising LB Prospect CJ Gamble

Recruiting season is in full swing, and across the country, elite high school athletes are hitting the road — checking out campuses, sitting in on spring practices, and getting a firsthand look at the programs that could shape their futures. For Virginia Tech, the spring camp period has been a flurry of activity, with dozens of top-tier recruits making their way to Blacksburg each week to see what the Hokies have to offer.

One name that stood out this week? Linebacker CJ Gamble out of Carrollton, Georgia.

Gamble, a fast-rising prospect in the 2025 class, made the trip to Virginia Tech on Thursday to take in a spring practice and connect with the coaching staff. And from all accounts, the visit went exceptionally well.

The Hokies have been steadily building momentum with Gamble, and this latest visit only strengthened their position. Sources close to the program noted that Gamble had a chance to sit down with position coaches, watch the team in action up close, and get a real feel for the energy surrounding the Virginia Tech defense — something that clearly resonated with him.

While no decisions are imminent, the visit could prove to be a key turning point in the Hokies’ pursuit of the Georgia standout. Gamble’s mix of athleticism, instinct, and physicality has already drawn the attention of several major programs, but Virginia Tech’s personal approach and high-intensity culture may give them an edge as his recruitment heats up.

It’s visits like this that often shift the landscape. As Gamble continues his tour of top programs, Virginia Tech has now positioned itself as a serious contender in his recruitment. For a program focused on reloading its defense and returning to national prominence, landing a player like CJ Gamble would be a major statement.

Stay tuned — the Hokies just made a bold move, and the race for Gamble is far from over.

Mariners’ Once-Infamous Bust Leaves AL West Behind for Braves’ New Chapter

Rafael Montero Leaves AL West Behind for New Chapter with Braves

After years of underwhelming performances in the American League West, Rafael Montero is finally getting a fresh start—this time in the National League with the Atlanta Braves. The veteran right-handed reliever, who has spent the last seven seasons in the AL West, was traded from the Houston Astros to Atlanta in exchange for a player to be named later, with Houston also sending cash considerations to offset some of Montero’s hefty $11.5 million salary.

For Montero, this move marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in his career, especially during his brief and rocky tenure with the Seattle Mariners. Acquired by the Mariners in a trade with the Texas Rangers in December 2020, Montero was a once-promising prospect with the New York Mets but had long since fallen from grace. Despite his live arm, evidenced by a 95.4 mph average fastball in 2020, his major league numbers left much to be desired, and his stint with Seattle proved disastrous.

In 2021, Montero made 40 appearances for the Mariners, posting an abysmal 7.27 ERA and a -1.8 WAR. His time with Seattle reached its low point when the Mariners, in a baffling move, traded him—along with closer Kendall Graveman—to the Astros in the midst of a playoff push. The backlash from Mariners fans and players alike was swift and harsh, as the trade felt like a clear signal that Seattle wasn’t prioritizing a postseason run. To add insult to injury, Graveman thrived with the Astros, posting a 1.64 ERA in the playoffs, while Montero found success in Houston too, putting up a 2.37 ERA in 2022 and excelling during the Astros’ World Series run.

Montero’s time with the Astros wasn’t without its struggles, however. Despite signing a lucrative three-year, $34.5 million contract after the 2022 season, Montero’s performance never quite lived up to expectations. Over the past three seasons, he posted a 4.92 ERA with a troubling tendency to walk batters. His average fastball speed had dropped, and the consistency he showed in Houston was now a distant memory.

The Braves are hoping a change of scenery will reinvigorate the 34-year-old reliever, but whether Montero can rediscover his old form remains uncertain. For Mariners fans, however, this move is unlikely to stir up any nostalgia. After all, Montero’s legacy in Seattle is one they’d rather forget.

Brent Pry Breaks Silence on Kyron Drones’ Injury Status and It’s Severe Nature

Brent Pry Breaks Silence on Kyron Drones’ Injury Status Ahead of Spring Game

As the Virginia Tech football team prepares for its annual Spring Game on Saturday, all eyes are on the program’s offseason changes, including transfers, NFL Draft decisions, and player injuries. Among the most talked-about storylines is the health of quarterback Kyron Drones, who missed four of the last five games of the 2024 season due to injury.

Drones had been present for most of the Hokies’ spring practices, but just before Saturday’s Spring Game, the team announced that the Baylor transfer would be sitting out for the remainder of the spring due to a medical procedure. Following a Tuesday practice, head coach Brent Pry took the opportunity to provide a rare update on Drones’ condition, offering some insight into his quarterback’s recovery.

While Pry kept the details of Drones’ injury under wraps, he did share encouraging news about the timetable for his return. “Possibly early June, but by mid-June, he should be rocking and rolling and 100 percent,” Pry stated, signaling that the quarterback could be fully healthy by the time summer training kicks into full gear.

If Pry’s timeline holds, this would be a major boost for the Hokies, who are hoping to make a significant leap in 2025. However, when pressed about whether Drones’ current injury was related to any lingering issues from last season—such as an MCL injury, turf toe, or a stress fracture—Pry chose not to comment. What is clear, though, is that Drones has been dealing with a condition severe enough to warrant a second opinion and a proactive course of treatment.

The goal is to ensure that Drones is fully recovered and ready to lead the Hokies into their season opener against South Carolina on August 31 in Atlanta. As Pry explained, “I said let’s reach out, let’s ask the experts what could we do to get this guy where he could be 100% for a whole season.”

While backup quarterback Pop Watson has shown he can step in and manage the offense, Drones remains a critical piece of Virginia Tech’s success. His health is paramount for the Hokies, who will need him firing on all cylinders if they hope to make a strong push in 2025. With Pry’s focused effort to get Drones back to full strength, the Hokies are gearing up for a more promising season—if their QB1 can return to form.

History Made: Penn State Men’s Hockey Reaches First Frozen Four

History Made: Penn State Men’s Hockey Punches Ticket to First-Ever Frozen Four

For the first time in program history, the Penn State Nittany Lions men’s ice hockey team is heading to the Frozen Four — the college hockey equivalent of the Final Four — and they’re doing it in dramatic, underdog fashion.

On Sunday night, the Nittany Lions etched their names into the history books with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the UConn Huskies. The hero of the night? Pittsburgh native Matt DiMarsico, who buried a highlight-reel game-winner off a slick behind-the-back feed from Charlie Cerrato, sending Penn State to the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament for the first time ever.

This milestone moment comes just over a decade after Penn State joined the Division I ranks in 2012-13. Since then, the Nittany Lions have had flashes of success—four NCAA Tournament appearances (2017, 2018, 2023, and now 2025), a Big Ten Tournament title in 2018, and a regular-season conference crown in 2020—but the elusive Frozen Four spot had remained just out of reach.

They nearly broke through in 2023, falling to powerhouse Michigan in overtime, but this year’s squad wasn’t going to be denied.

Coming into the tournament as a No. 4 seed—the lowest in their regional bracket—Penn State was largely overlooked. But the Nittany Lions embraced the underdog role, kicking things off with a statement win over top-seeded Maine. Despite falling behind 1-0 early, Penn State roared back with four unanswered goals, eventually cruising to a 5-1 upset.

Their regional final matchup against UConn was a back-and-forth battle. The Huskies struck first, but the Lions quickly equalized. After trading goals again in the second period, both teams locked down defensively in the third. That set the stage for DiMarsico’s overtime heroics—and a moment no Penn State hockey fan will forget.

Now, the Lions are headed to St. Louis, where they’ll take on Boston University in the Frozen Four semifinals on April 10 at 8:30 p.m. at the Enterprise Center. A win there would send them to the 2025 NCAA Division I National Championship—something that once felt like a distant dream, but now is just one win away.

From underdog to Frozen Four contender, this Penn State team is making history—and they’re not done yet.

Virginia Tech Making Moves: Three Transfer Guards on the Radar

Virginia Tech Eyes Key Backcourt Reinforcements in Transfer Portal Pursuit

After a relatively quiet start to the offseason, Virginia Tech men’s basketball is beginning to show signs of movement in the transfer portal—and the Hokies are setting their sights on a trio of talented guards to bolster their backcourt for the 2025 season.

So far, the most notable roster addition has been Amani Hansberry, a dynamic forward transferring in from West Virginia. His athleticism and versatility promise to bring a spark to Tech’s lineup. However, the Hokies have also taken some hits, losing six players to the portal themselves—a tough blow that leaves plenty of holes for head coach Mike Young to fill as he reshapes the roster.

The good news? Not all is lost. Virginia Tech has managed to retain a solid core, with starting point guard Ban Hammond and fellow guards Jaden Schutt and Tyler Johnson confirming their return. The trio played significant roles throughout the season and will be crucial to any success the Hokies aim for next year. Pairing that returning experience with new, impact players from the portal could be the key to a much-needed bounce-back season.

Now, all eyes are on the guards Virginia Tech is reportedly pursuing. While no commitments have been made yet, several names have emerged as serious targets, and the Hokies seem ready to make a push. These potential additions are not just filler—they represent strategic moves to address glaring depth issues, improve offensive production, and give the team more flexibility on both ends of the court.

With scoring, ball-handling, and perimeter defense being areas in need of reinforcement, finding the right guard talent is a top priority. The players linked to Tech thus far suggest the staff is targeting high-upside, experienced options who can make an immediate impact—exactly what the program needs after a season marked by inconsistency and a lack of depth.

As the transfer portal heats up in the coming weeks, expect Virginia Tech to get more aggressive in its pursuit. The Hokies aren’t looking to rebuild—they’re looking to reload. And if Mike Young can land even two of the three guards on his radar, Tech fans could be looking at a much more dangerous and well-rounded team come next season.