Philly Fans Stunned as Harper Admits He Wanted to Play for the Cubs

Philadelphia, brace yourselves — this one stings.

In a surprisingly honest revelation that’s sure to rattle some cages, Phillies superstar Bryce Harper confessed that before signing his record-breaking deal in 2019, the team at the top of his wish list wasn’t Philadelphia. It was the Chicago Cubs.

Yes, you read that right.

In an exclusive with The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney, the two-time NL MVP didn’t hold back: “Going into that offseason, they were the No. 1 team on my list — without a doubt,” Harper admitted, referring to the Cubs.

At the time, it made sense. The Phillies were in a slump, having missed the playoffs for seven straight seasons. Meanwhile, the Cubs were still riding high from their 2016 World Series win, and Harper had a close bond with their third baseman Kris Bryant — a fellow Las Vegas native and long-time friend.

“Fans will have fun with this,” Harper said, acknowledging the buzz his comments would create. “But it was real. I really thought about playing in Wrigley. I talked about it seriously.”

Even more surprising? He had a strong meeting with the Chicago White Sox too. But ultimately, those options fizzled — and fate brought him to Philly.

And what a blessing that turned out to be.

Despite the initial hesitation, Harper signed a historic 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies. Fast forward to now, and it’s clear the move changed everything. He’s racked up a 2021 NL MVP award, earned NLCS MVP honors in 2022, helped deliver three straight postseason runs — including a World Series appearance — and become the heart and soul of the Phillies’ resurgence.

Harper was quick to set the record straight about where he stands today.

“Obviously, I’m extremely happy in Philly,” he emphasized. “I love the city, the fans, the passion — I wouldn’t trade it for anything. But back then, before all of this, the Cubs were where I thought I’d land.”

It’s a reminder that behind every big signing is a story — and sometimes, it’s not the one fans expect.

Tras Una Conmoción, Luis Arráez Regresa con Todo: ¡Los Padres Lo Necesitan Más Que Nunca!

¡Regreso de Alto Impacto! Luis Arráez Vuelve al Diamante y Podría Ser la Clave Para Revivir a los Padres

Después de una semana fuera de acción, los San Diego Padres por fin reciben una noticia que podría cambiar el rumbo de su temporada: ¡Luis Arráez está de vuelta! El estelar infielder venezolano regresa a la alineación justo a tiempo para una serie crucial ante los San Francisco Giants, luego de recuperarse de una conmoción cerebral que lo mantuvo alejado tras un fuerte choque con Mauricio Dubón de los Houston Astros.

El oriundo de San Felipe, Venezuela, fue colocado en la lista de lesionados de siete días tras el incidente, y su ausencia fue más que evidente. Sin Arráez, el motor ofensivo de los Padres se apagó: el equipo perdió cinco de sus últimos seis partidos, cayendo en una preocupante racha negativa que borró el impulso que habían conseguido en semanas anteriores.

Pero la espera terminó. Arráez no solo regresa, sino que lo hará con un papel protagónico: bateará segundo en el orden, justo detrás de Fernando Tatis Jr., en el primer juego frente a los Giants. Un verdadero dúo dinamita que podría sacudir la ofensiva de San Diego y devolverle la chispa al equipo californiano. Enfrente tendrán al lanzador Logan Webb, por lo que cada swing de Arráez será clave.

Y las buenas noticias no terminan ahí. Jason Heyward también ha sido activado, reforzando aún más el roster. Para dar espacio a estos movimientos, los Padres designaron para asignación al veterano Yuli Gurriel y colocaron en la lista de lesionados de diez días a Mason McCoy, debido a un dedo dislocado.

Los números no mienten: cuando Arráez está en el campo, los Padres ganan. Su promedio de bateo, su visión en el plato y su capacidad para generar carreras lo convierten en una pieza fundamental en la maquinaria del equipo. Su regreso no es solo una novedad médica; es una esperanza para revivir una ofensiva que ha perdido su ritmo.

¿Podrá Luis Arráez ser el héroe que los Padres necesitan? Todo comienza esta noche, y los fanáticos ya sienten que algo grande está por pasar.

Diamondbacks Hit with Bullpen Blow: Flamethrower Justin Martinez Sidelined with Shoulder Injury

Diamondbacks Lose Key Reliever Justin Martinez to Shoulder Injury, Raise Questions About Bullpen Depth

The Arizona Diamondbacks have taken a tough blow to their bullpen, placing hard-throwing right-hander Justin Martinez on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his throwing shoulder. The move comes after a concerning outing against the New York Mets, where Martinez’s velocity dipped significantly and he failed to record a single out.

Martinez entered the ninth inning with a three-run cushion but quickly lost command. He gave up a solo homer to Tyrone Taylor and then walked Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, forcing manager Torey Lovullo to pull the plug. Ryan Thompson stepped in to close the door, securing a 4–3 win — but the damage to Martinez’s health was already evident.

The righty’s fastball, normally clocking in the upper 90s, was down to 95–96 mph — a notable drop compared to his previous outing against the Braves and nearly five mph slower than his peak last season. Following the game, Martinez flew back to Arizona for an MRI after experiencing shoulder fatigue throughout late April.

To fill the roster spot, the Diamondbacks recalled lefty José Castillo from Triple-A Reno. They also shifted A.J. Puk to the 60-day IL, extending his recovery from elbow inflammation. The absence of Martinez and Puk — who have tallied seven of Arizona’s nine saves — leaves a major question mark around the closer role.

“We were all watching the same thing — his stuff was clearly down,” Lovullo said prior to the series finale in New York. “He feels like it’s nothing serious, but we want to be cautious. Our priority is getting him healthy and back at full speed.”

Lovullo has not yet named a replacement for the closer’s job, instead emphasizing a team-wide effort to weather the storm. “We’ll miss A.J. and ‘J-Mart,’ but they’ll recover and return ready to contribute. For now, everyone needs to step up, keep the ship steady, and find ways to win.”

As Arizona continues its push through a competitive National League, all eyes will be on how the bullpen adapts — and whether Martinez’s MRI brings good news or more uncertainty.

Shockwaves Hit Hokie Nation: Major Injury Blow, Transfer Shake-Ups & More Virginia Tech Drama Unfolds!

Virginia Tech Hokies Shake Up Headlines with Star Injury, Key Transfer Additions & More Roster Moves

The Virginia Tech Hokies are making major waves across both the hardwood and the gridiron this offseason—though not all of it is good news.

In women’s basketball, new head coach Megan Duffy continues assembling a competitive squad for the 2025–26 season, and her work in the transfer portal is already showing promising returns. Duffy has now landed three notable commitments from high-level programs. The most recent addition? Melannie Daley, a dynamic guard from Northwestern who chose the Hokies over SEC contender Vanderbilt. Daley brings scoring punch and versatility, having averaged 11.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game last season. While her numbers dipped slightly from the year before, her athleticism and experience should provide a much-needed boost to Virginia Tech’s backcourt.

Daley joins Sophie Swanson (Purdue) and Kilah Freelon (Texas Tech) as Duffy’s transfer class so far, rounding out a roster that now features 12 scholarship players—with room to add three more. It’s clear that the Hokies are reloading, not rebuilding, and aiming to return to national prominence sooner rather than later.

On the football front, head coach Brent Pry continues to reinforce his special teams unit with strategic transfer additions. The latest pickup is Drew Doyle, a 6-foot-1, 255-pound long snapper from Iowa State. A redshirt freshman with four years of eligibility remaining, Doyle brings a unique story to Blacksburg. After graduating high school in 2019, he served in the U.S. Navy for four years before turning to college football. Ranked the No. 7 long snapper in the country by Rubio Long Snapping, Doyle could provide long-term consistency for a crucial position often overlooked until it’s needed most.

Unfortunately, the week’s news hasn’t been all celebration for Hokie Nation.

Georgia Amoore, the beloved former Virginia Tech guard who transferred to Kentucky alongside coach Kenny Brooks, has suffered a devastating ACL tear. The injury comes shortly after her selection by the Washington Mystics in the WNBA Draft. With the pro season just around the corner, this setback is especially heartbreaking. Amoore now joins fellow Hokie legend Elizabeth Kitley on the injury list, after Kitley also tore her ACL earlier this year. She is expected to make her WNBA debut with the Las Vegas Aces when fully recovered.

As the Hokies chart new territory with fresh faces and navigate difficult injuries, one thing’s certain: Virginia Tech is staying in the spotlight.

From Underdogs to Unstoppable: Auburn Destroys the Competition on Road to Final Four

The Auburn Tigers are lighting up college basketball—and they’re not done yet. With a red-hot 32–6 record and a trip to the Final Four locked in, Auburn has stormed through the 2024–25 season like a team on a mission. Guided by veteran head coach Bruce Pearl, now in his 11th year at the helm, the Tigers have not only dominated their opponents but also etched their place in school history.

Pearl hit a historic milestone this season, becoming Auburn’s all-time winningest coach with his 214th victory—a thrilling road win over Texas on January 7. That victory was just one highlight in a season filled with them. Auburn took home the SEC regular-season crown and captured the prestigious Maui Invitational title, making a bold statement to the rest of the nation.

This incredible run comes on the heels of last season’s promising but ultimately disappointing finish. Despite a strong 27–8 record and a championship win in the SEC Tournament, the Tigers’ NCAA tournament hopes were cut short in a shocking first-round upset by Yale. This year, they’ve come back with vengeance, grit, and purpose.

One of the driving forces behind this resurgence is star forward Johni Broome, who has played a pivotal role on both ends of the court. Broome, who recently recovered from a minor elbow injury, is expected to be back at full strength just in time for the Tigers’ high-stakes Final Four clash against Florida.

Auburn’s depth, defense, and discipline have made them one of the most feared teams in the country. Whether it’s knocking down clutch threes or locking up opponents in the paint, the Tigers have shown they can win in multiple ways. Their journey from heartbreak to heroics has energized fans and silenced doubters.

Now, with a championship in sight and momentum fully on their side, the Auburn Tigers are just two wins away from college basketball glory. If they keep up this level of dominance, don’t be surprised if they’re cutting down the nets in April. Auburn is not just Final Four bound—they’re chasing history.

PACKERS UPDATE: Blockbuster Trade Idea Sends 2-Time Pro Bowler to Rams in Stunning Move to Secure Their Future

Rams Eye Bold Trade for 2-Time Pro Bowl CB Amid Cornerback Concerns

As the Los Angeles Rams look to reload their defense for a serious playoff push, a potential trade target is beginning to generate real buzz: Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander. With offseason upgrades in the secondary largely absent, speculation is heating up that the Rams could make a move — and Alexander might be the perfect solution to their defensive backfield dilemma.

Alexander, the 18th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, is a two-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro selection known for his lockdown coverage when healthy. Despite recent struggles with injuries, his talent remains undeniable. When he’s on the field, he’s one of the most respected corners in the league. In fact, Alexander has only allowed quarterbacks to complete over 60% of their passes in his direction twice in his career (2018 and 2023), a testament to his elite coverage skills.

While some eyes have turned toward a potential reunion with All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, currently with the Miami Dolphins, Alexander presents a more affordable and youth-driven option. At 28 years old, he carries a smaller financial burden than Ramsey, who is locked into a massive five-year, $100 million deal. Alexander’s contract, by comparison, offers much-needed financial flexibility for a team still navigating the salary cap.

A recent trade pitch from Heavy Sports outlines a proposal that mirrors the 2024 deal in which the Chiefs sent L’Jarius Sneed to the Titans. The Rams would receive Alexander and a 2027 seventh-round pick, while sending Green Bay a 2026 third-rounder and their own seventh-round pick in 2027. The structure is simple, but the impact could be massive — especially for a Rams defense seeking a true shutdown presence on the perimeter.

NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated recently listed the Rams among teams that could seriously pursue Alexander, citing their quiet offseason in the secondary. Given the cornerback market and the Rams’ current depth, this kind of move could position them to compete more aggressively in a loaded NFC.

Ultimately, Alexander could offer the Rams a perfect blend of value, youth, and proven production — all while helping to stabilize a defensive unit in transition. If this deal happens, don’t be surprised if it turns out to be one of the savviest moves of the 2025 offseason.

Mariners Trade Rumors: These 3 Prospects Might Be Gone Before the Deadline

The Seattle Mariners have stormed into the 2025 season with grit and determination, despite battling early injuries to key arms like Logan Gilbert and George Kirby. Still, the team has embraced a resilient “next man up” mindset, clawing out clutch wins and staying atop the AL West standings. With the postseason in sight, Seattle is once again poised to be a buyer at the trade deadline — and big moves could be coming.

This is a front office known for making bold midseason splashes. Just recall the blockbuster trade for Luis Castillo in 2022 or last year’s deal for Randy Arozarena. If history repeats itself, expect another aggressive push. But to land impact talent, the Mariners may need to part with top-tier prospects — and these three stand out as prime trade chips.

1. Harry Ford (Catcher/Outfield)
Seattle’s 2021 first-round pick, Harry Ford, has elite athleticism and offensive upside — rare for a catcher. His versatility has even seen him taking reps in the outfield. But with Cal Raleigh cemented as the franchise backstop, Ford’s path to the majors is clogged. At Triple-A Tacoma, he’s boosting his value daily. For a contender needing future star power, Ford could be the centerpiece of a high-impact deal.

2. Felnin Celesten (Shortstop)
Only 19, Celesten is already making noise at Single-A Modesto, hitting over .340 with electric tools on both sides of the ball. But the Mariners are flush with shortstop prospects, including Colt Emerson and Cole Young, plus J.P. Crawford in the bigs. Celesten’s future is bright — just not necessarily in Seattle. Trading him now, while his stock is soaring, could return a proven MLB asset.

3. Tai Peete (Center Field)
Originally drafted as a shortstop, Peete has transitioned to center field and shows blazing speed and elite defense. But with Julio Rodríguez locked into that spot for the long haul, Peete faces the same fate as Jonatan Clase, who was dealt despite his upside. If Seattle wants to go all-in, Peete may be a logical piece to move.

As the Mariners push for October glory, tough calls lie ahead. Turning prospect depth into playoff firepower could be the move that finally breaks Seattle’s World Series drought.

Caitlin Clark Breaks the Internet with Bold ‘Year 2’ Reveal!

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark didn’t need a buzzer-beater to dominate headlines this week. Instead, the sophomore sensation set social media ablaze with just one electrifying Instagram post — and fans can’t stop talking about it.

Draped in the Fever’s signature red and navy uniform, Clark struck a confident pose and dropped a bold message to her 3.1 million followers: “We are so back… YEAR 2❤️‍.” The post, part of a behind-the-scenes photo carousel from the Fever’s 2025 Media Day, instantly went viral — racking up hundreds of thousands of likes and a flood of comments from fans, WNBA players, and sports icons alike.

After a jaw-dropping rookie season, Clark’s declaration felt like more than just preseason hype. It was a warning shot to the rest of the league.

In 2024, Clark rewrote the record books. She averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. She led the WNBA in total assists (337) and drilled 122 three-pointers — the second-most ever by a rookie. Her electric play transformed the Indiana Fever from bottom-dwellers into legitimate contenders, helping the franchise break a seven-year playoff drought with a 20-20 finish.

Off the court, Clark became the face of a new era in women’s basketball. On it, she proved she’s not just hype — she’s history in the making.

Now, with “Year 2” officially underway, Clark is more focused and physically prepared than ever. “I feel a lot stronger,” she shared, citing a productive offseason filled with training and recovery. The Fever organization backed her up by making key offseason moves, including the signings of WNBA veterans DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard — proven winners expected to bolster Indiana’s playoff push and mentor their rising star.

As excitement builds and tip-off nears, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark is ready to raise the bar again — and her fans are more than ready to watch her do it.

“Year 2” isn’t just a hashtag — it’s a mission. And Caitlin Clark is leading the charge.

Virginia Tech Loses Key Target to MAC, Shifts Focus to ACC Guard in Transfer Race

Hokies Portal Shake-Up: Linebacker Loss to MAC School, but ACC Guard Target Still in Play

The transfer portal continues to bring a wave of twists for Virginia Tech athletics, and this week is no different. Head football coach Brent Pry has already made some notable moves to bolster the defense this spring, adding depth to the line and secondary. But the linebacker position still needs urgent attention—especially after Jayden McDonald’s unexpected decision to enter the portal left a gap in the middle of the defense.

One promising solution was Purdue transfer Hudson Miller. The Hokies were reportedly in the mix and had even scheduled a visit with the two-year-eligible linebacker. But in a sudden shift, Virginia Tech canceled Miller’s visit last week, according to Tim Thomas of The Tech Lunch Pail. On Tuesday, Miller committed to Toledo, choosing the MAC program over the Hokies and others. With Miller off the board, Pry and his staff will need to refocus their portal strategy to find a linebacker who can contribute immediately.

Meanwhile, on the basketball court, the Hokies are staying active in the portal as well—and this time with a chance to make a key addition. Virginia Tech is reportedly in the mix for former Miami guard Divine Ugochukwu, who recently entered the portal after just one season with the Hurricanes. The Texas native has drawn interest from multiple programs, and Virginia Tech is believed to be one of the schools in pursuit.

Ugochukwu averaged 5.3 points and 2.3 assists per game last season, showing flashes of potential—especially in a memorable performance in Blacksburg where he tallied seven points and seven rebounds in a tight 86-85 Hokies win. That kind of poise in a hostile ACC environment hasn’t gone unnoticed. With the Hokies actively looking to strengthen their backcourt depth through the portal, Ugochukwu’s skill set and experience could make him a valuable addition.

While the linebacker situation remains unsettled, the basketball team’s pursuit of Ugochukwu offers hope that Virginia Tech can still come out of this portal cycle stronger on both sides of the athletic spectrum. Expect more movement in the coming weeks as both programs continue to reload.

Shock Pick? Raiders Stun Fans by Drafting Boise State Star RB Ashton Jeanty at No. 6!

A week ago, the Las Vegas Raiders made a move that has fans buzzing—selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick in the NFL Draft. The Raider Nation didn’t waste any time showing their excitement, with social media absolutely lighting up after the announcement.

In fact, according to a study by The Sports Geek, Raiders fans ranked fifth in the league for the most positive social media reaction following their first-round pick. This level of enthusiasm isn’t always easy to come by when it comes to the demanding Raider fanbase. So, the excitement surrounding Jeanty’s selection is a clear indication of the positive buzz surrounding the pick.

The pick of Jeanty, a dynamic and versatile talent, has undoubtedly struck a chord with Raider fans who are hoping he can make an immediate impact. With his incredible vision, quick feet, and ability to break tackles, Jeanty’s fit with the Raiders offense is something fans are eagerly anticipating. His addition to the team adds another weapon to a backfield that has already seen some great success in recent seasons, making it clear that the Raiders are serious about building a potent offensive lineup.

While the Raiders’ pick sparked celebration, they weren’t the only team who saw positive reactions. The New York Giants, who picked Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3 and traded back in to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, had the most ecstatic fanbase on social media. But the Raiders’ pick was certainly no slouch, with fans expressing their joy over Jeanty’s potential to be a star in the Silver and Black.

The excitement surrounding Jeanty won’t fade anytime soon. As he prepares to don the Raiders uniform, fans are eagerly awaiting the moment he takes the field, and the anticipation of what he can bring to the team is growing by the day. With Jeanty in the fold, the future of the Raiders’ offense just got a lot brighter.

Stay tuned for more updates as Jeanty begins his journey with the Raiders!