Head coach Sammy is trying to address some of those but he faces an unimaginably difficult task
Karthik Krishnaswamy07-Oct-20255:49
Bishop: Want WI batters to stop being satisfied with 20s and 30s
If West Indies harboured any hopes of causing a ripple on their two-Test tour of India, those hopes must have largely rested on their pace trio of Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph, who had taken 48 wickets at a combined average of 18.52 in their last Test series before this one, at home against Australia.With both Josephs lost to injury before the series even began, it was no surprise that West Indies looked at no stage of the first Test to be on a level footing with India. They simply didn’t have the bowling to compete with a deep, incisive and varied India attack.Even so, should West Indies really have been bowled out for 162 and 146 on that Ahmedabad pitch? It had an unusual amount of grass for an Indian pitch, but it was still one on which West Indies, winning the toss, chose to bat first, reckoning, probably correctly, that it was still enough of an Indian pitch to make batting fourth significantly harder than batting first.The Test match, in the end, didn’t need a fourth innings at all.Related
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For fans of West Indies, there was a familiar ring to how the batting unravelled. Their totals of 162 and 146 were their 12th and 13th sub-200 totals in their last 15 Test innings. Neither of their innings in Ahmedabad lasted 50 overs – it was the ninth time this had happened in that 15-innings stretch, which also includes one innings that lasted exactly 50 overs. Not once in those 15 innings had West Indies batted out 90 overs, or a full day of Test cricket.Even when you throw in the mitigating factor of tricky batting conditions – both at home against Australia and Bangladesh, and in the dustbowls of Multan, where they drew 1-1 with Pakistan – these are alarming numbers.And they point to a deeper issue in West Indies cricket, a long-running struggle to produce batters ready for Test cricket. Collectively, West Indies batters average 21.83 since the start of 2020. No batting team in Test cricket has done worse.And they have only scored 14 hundreds in 43 Tests, during which their batters have played a combined 867 innings. Their batters have scored centuries, in short, at a rate of approximately one every 62 innings. That rate is also, by far, the worst of any Test team in this decade.
How often batters score centuries is a good indicator of a team’s batting health. If a batter scores hundreds frequently over a five-year period, it means they have the technique, the physical and mental endurance, the awareness of their own game, the strengths and weaknesses of the bowlers they are up against, and the adaptability to bat for long periods in different conditions while keeping the scorecard moving.If you have two or three batters like that, your line-up can keep bowling attacks on the field for longer, and test their wicket-taking depth and stamina. Your own bowlers tend to get more rest between innings, as well as the chance to bowl on pitches that have undergone more wear and tear.Some of the attributes that go into making batters frequent scorers of centuries are innate or developed at an early stage. Many others, however, come with experience: this is why so many batters take time to replicate their Under-19 run-scoring feats in first-class cricket, where they find themselves facing bowlers who won’t give them a boundary ball every second over, who suss out their strengths and weaknesses quickly, and who make sure to bowl and set fields accordingly.The batters’ scoring rate might drop, and this might yield errors either from taking risks to manufacture runs or from lacking the physical and mental endurance to bat time and let runs come at their pace.Roston Chase: “The pitches in the Caribbean are not really batsman-friendly. So guys don’t really bat for long periods and score those big scores”•Associated PressOver time, good young batters learn from these experiences, and learn to construct long innings.Good, balanced pitches that reward skilful, hard-working batters and bowlers play an important role in this. They make sure batters have to develop a good defence to score runs, but they also allow batters to trust their defence. And they allow batters to repeat good processes and turn them into habits.West Indies’ alarming lack of Test centuries over recent years points to a lot of issues, and first-class pitches are one of them. Roston Chase, their captain, pointed this out in his post-match press conference in Ahmedabad.”Yeah, that is [one] of the infrastructure problems that we do have,” he said. “The pitches in the Caribbean are not really batsman-friendly. So guys don’t really bat for long periods and score those big scores. And then, too, the outfields in the Caribbean are really slow. When you hit the ball in the gaps, you probably end up struggling to get two.”Those are just some of the problems that we are faced with in the Caribbean. That’s why you see guys averaging so low.”Kevlon Anderson is the only member of the West Indies squad in India who has a 40-plus first-class average•AFP/Getty ImagesOnly one member of West Indies’ squad in India – Kevlon Anderson, who has only played one Test, and did not play in Ahmedabad – has a 40-plus first-class average. And the squad is a reflection of West Indies’ domestic cricket: since its post-pandemic return in 2022, only five of the top ten run-getters in CWI’s Regional Four-Day Tournament average over 40, and only one of them – Kraigg Brathwaite, recently dropped after playing 100 Tests – over 50.Compare that to the Ranji Trophy, India’s main domestic first-class tournament. Since that tournament’s post-pandemic resumption, also in 2022, none of the top ten run-getters average below 40. Only four of them, in fact, average below 50.This doesn’t mean that the best Indian domestic bowlers are struggling to take wickets. The top ten wicket-takers in the Regional Four-Day Tournament in this period average between 18.80 and 25.01, and the top ten Ranji Trophy wicket-takers between 18.22 and 24.06. Barely any difference.This suggests that while there might be a pitches-and-outfields issue in West Indian first-class cricket, there probably is a batting-quality issue too. And why wouldn’t there be, when so much of the best batting talent in the Caribbean has been funnelled away from first-class cricket and into T20s? The names lost to red-ball cricket are far too many to list here, but here’s an idea for an ESPNcricinfo fan poll: an alternative-reality West Indies top seven in Test cricket in 2025, in a universe where the T20 format never existed.Coach Daren Sammy has brought into or back to Test cricket players who’ve enjoyed white-ball success•Getty ImagesIn the universe we inhabit, West Indies have no choice but to make do with what they have available to them, and in his limited time in charge of the Test team, their head coach Daren Sammy has made an effort to broaden this pool. He has brought into or back to Test cricket players who’ve enjoyed white-ball success for West Indies, such as Chase – he returned as captain after more than two years out of the Test side – Shai Hope, John Campbell, Brandon King and Keacy Carty.In a press conference before this India tour, Sammy revealed he had even tried to sound out Sherfane Rutherford – the last of whose 17 first-class matches came all the way back in 2019 – to see if he might make himself available for this Test assignment.These are signs, perhaps, that Sammy is trying to approach Test-match selection like England do, placing attributes above first-class records, and looking for batters with attacking styles of play. It’s a sound idea in theory, given just how much attacking talent West Indies cricket is blessed with.But try translating it into an actual Test-match line-up. Sammy must face an unimaginably difficult task to get anyone with any stake in the T20 circuit to commit to the Test team for any length of time given all the franchise cricket going on all around the world and all through the year.In the end, there’s only so much a coach and a group of players can do when they’re up against the skewed economics of a sport determined to maintain a dangerous status quo. West Indies’ Test-match batting is a problem, but like so much else in West Indies cricket, it’s a symptom of far deeper issues that extend far beyond that region.
واصل فريق مانشستر سيتي تسجيل الأهداف في مباراته الجارية حاليًا في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وذلك ضد خصمه فريق فولهام، على ملعب الأخير.
ويستضيف ملعب “كرافن كوتيج” مباراة فريقي مانشستر سيتي وفولهام، في خضم منافسات الجولة الرابعة عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2025/26.
وتمكن مانشستر سيتي من تسجيل الهدف الرابع في شباك خصمه فولهام، في الدقيقة 48 من عمر المباراة الجارية في الوقت الحالي.
جاء الهدف عن طريق فيل فودين، بعد هجمة بدأت عند جيريمي دوكو، ثم وصلت الكرة إلى إيرلينج هالاند الذي مررها إلى الإنجليزي، ثم سددها الأخير في الشباك.
وفي الدقيقة 54، تمكن مانشستر سيتي من تسجيل الهدف الخامس عن طريق جيريمي دوكو بعد تسديدة قوية للكرة من داخل المنطقة، وتحولت طريقها بعد اصطدامها بأحد لاعبي الخصم.
وبشكل متسارع، سجل فولهام الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 56 عن طريق أليكس إيوبي بعدما سدد كرة قوية هزت شباك دوناروما.
وتشير النتيجة في الوقت الحالي إلى تقدم مانشستر سيتي بخمسة أهداف مقابل هدفين، حيث سجل إيرلينج هالاند هدفًا وكذلك تيجاني ريندرز ودوكو، بينما أحرز فيل فودين هدفين.
O ex-atacante Kleber, apelidado pelos torcedores de “Gladiador”, revelou bastidores de sua passagem pelo Vasco da Gama, em 2014. Em entrevista ao programa “MunDu Meneses”, da ESPN, o ex-jogador falou sobre as condições de treinamento do clube na época em que vestiu a camisa cruz-maltina. Segundo ele, a estrutura “era a maior várzea”.
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– O Vasco não tinha onde treinar na época, treinava na maioria das vezes em São Januário. Cheguei lá, era Copa do Mundo, São Januário estava para a Fifa, era uma sede, então a gente não podia treinar lá. Nosso treino era em Curicica. Era no meio da favela, só os barracos. Os caras viam os treinos do barraco, uns flamenguistas gritavam. A gente treinava ali, mas no meio da favela mesmo – comentou Kleber.
– A gente chegava de manhã e tomava café. A mesa para tomar café era aquelas de plástico, que o cara dobra. Botava o café, geral tomava café junto. O cara cortava o pão em cima do leite do outro, era a maior várzea. A grama de Curicica era cheia de buraco. A gente treinava lá, treinamos algumas vezes no CFZ, do Zico, que era um pouquinho melhor. Mas banho frio, banho gelado – continuou o Gladiador.
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– Aí voltamos para treinar em São Januário, em um dos primeiros treinos, depois que treinamos, fui tomar banho. Energia elétrica desligada. Peguei minha roupa, fui tomar banho, tudo escuro, fui entrar no boxe e tinha um cara lá já, porque você não consegue ver. Não dava, uma bagunça – completou.
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O ex-centroavante ainda complementou, contando história com o ex-meio-campista Douglas. De acordo com Kleber, era comum os jogadores do Vasco treinarem em meio a fedor de fezes de gato, por conta da grande presença de ratos em São Januário.
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– Quando subo, tá o Douglas lá. Perguntei: ‘O que foi, cara?’ Fazendo bobinho e ele assim (com a camisa no rosto). Perguntei: ‘Douglas, que cheiro é esse, cara?’ Ele falou: ‘Não sabe não? Aqui é cheio de m**** de gato, porque aqui tem muito rato, então botaram muito gato para pegar os ratos’. Os gatos andavam no campo à noite, então cagavam o campo todo. Então quando a gente ia treinar de manhã era cheio de m**** de gato. Torcida gigantesca, fanática, dava dó. Por isso que o Vasco sempre teve tantas dificuldades e caiu várias vezes – contou o ex-jogador.
Durante sua passagem pelo Vasco, Kleber Gladiador entrou em campo 28 vezes e marcou oito gols. O ex-atacante fazia parte do elenco que disputou a Série B pelo Cruz-Maltino e conquistou o acesso à elite na terceira colocação da Segundona.
The July 31 trade deadline is almost here, and there are still plenty of teams yet to emerge as buyers or sellers. When we released our initial trade candidate rankings and predictions a month ago, there were only six teams more than seven games outside of a wild-card spot. Now, there are … seven.
Even so, since then there seems to be more teams that have internally admitted they aren’t going to win the World Series in 2025, adding some more players to the rumor mill to boost what had been quite a barren trade market. We’re still waiting for our first game-changing deal of July, however—and it seems more than likely Rafael Devers will be the most talented player traded this season.
Still, there are plenty of intriguing players available. We’ve updated last month’s initial rankings of the 25 best players who seem most likely to be traded, with six new entries making their debut. We’ve identified each player’s most logical landing spots, and offer predictions for where (or if) they’ll be dealt.
1. Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins SP
2025 stats: 10–4, 2.63 ERA, 3.13 FIP, 0.90 WHIP, 132 K, 23 BB, 2.9 fWAR in 116 1/3 IP
Best fits: Cubs, Mets, Dodgers, Blue Jays, Astros
Ryan has put everything together this season, flashing masterful control with a five-pitch mix that keeps hitters guessing. He’s a legitimate ace who just turned 29 and carries two more years of team control beyond 2025. The Twins will rightly demand a massive return for the righthander, but if he’s moved, it’s difficult to foresee a better player changing teams over the next week.
Prediction: Not traded
2. Jarren Duran, Boston Red Sox LF
2025 stats: .257/.323/.433, 9 HR, 10 3B, 25 2B, 54 R, 51 RBI, 1.7 fWAR in 101 games
Best fits: Padres, Braves, Royals, Dodgers, Phillies, Guardians
Duran ranked fourth in the AL in WAR last season—directly above Juan Soto and José Ramirez—while leading the majors in doubles and triples. The 28-year-old has fallen off quite a bit this season, but he’s under team control through 2028 and still profiles as an above-average leadoff hitter for the next several years. The Red Sox would have to be blown away by an offer to consider trading another building block so soon after the Rafael Devers deal, especially after their recent surge that has them right in the thick of the playoff race, though they do possess a surplus of outfielders and Duran has been the name most frequently popping up in rumors.
Prediction: Not traded
3. Eugenio Suárez, Arizona Diamondbacks 3B
2025 stats: .257/.328/.605, 36 HR, 18 2B, 64 R, 86 RBI, 3.4 fWAR in 99 games
Best fits: Yankees, Cubs, Tigers, Mariners, Brewers, Royals, Twins
Suárez is a streaky power hitter who’s had a terrific first half—the 33-year-old leads the majors in RBIs and with 36 home runs is on pace to top his previous career high of 49 homers set during the 2019 juiced-ball season. He also hit the 300th home run of his career last month and will likely be the best bat moved before the deadline. D-Backs GM Mike Hazen has thus far indicated an unwillingness to sell, but top prospect Jordan Lawlar is waiting in the wings, Suárez is a pending free agent and Arizona may not have the pitching to keep up in the playoff race following season-ending injuries to ace Corbin Burnes, starter Jordan Montgomery and closers Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk.
Prediction: Traded to Yankees Update: Suárez was traded to the Mariners.
Best fits: Cubs, Phillies, Tigers, Dodgers, Rangers, Rays
Durán has taken his game to new heights in his fourth big-league season, blowing hitters away with a four-seamer that sits 100.3 mph and a devastating knuckle curve that’s generated a 42.6% whiff rate. He’s posted a staggering 67.8% ground ball rate and has allowed just one home run. Should the Twins decide to capitalize on what is likely to be Durán’s peak value, there should be no shortage of contending teams lining up to add a game-changing closer to the back of their bullpen.
Prediction: Traded to Cubs Update: The Phillies acquired Durán for starting pitcher Mick Abel and catching prospect Eduardo Tait.
Dylan Cease has pitched better this season than his ERA indicates. / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images5. Dylan Cease, San Diego Padres SP
2025 stats: 3–9, 4.64 ERA, 3.49 FIP, 1.30 WHIP, 139 K, 39 BB, 2.2 fWAR in 108 2/3 IP
Best fits: Cubs, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Rays, Mets
Most teams currently in playoff position such as the Padres wouldn’t consider trading a player like Cease, who has two top-four Cy Young finishes in the last three seasons. But most teams aren’t run by A.J. Preller. San Diego is reportedly listening to offers for Cease to potentially augment other parts of their roster. Cease is averaging double-digit strikeouts per nine innings for the fifth consecutive year, though hitters have been doing much more damage against his breaking pitches than usual. Still, the pending free agent has the potential to be a superb rental despite his discouraging 14.85 ERA in three career playoff starts.
Best fits: Cubs, Dodgers, Phillies, Tigers, Diamondbacks, Rangers
Bautista’s stuff hasn’t quite returned to its pre-Tommy John surgery level of dominance—his sinker is a couple ticks slower and doesn’t generate whiffs as frequently. He’s also walking batters at a 16.2% rate—second-highest out of over 350 pitchers with at least 30 innings this season. None of that has stopped him from putting up strong results, with a .158 expected batting average against that ranks as the second-best among qualified pitchers.
Prediction: Not traded
7. Emmanuel Clase, Cleveland Guardians RP
2025 stats: 5–2, 2.86 ERA, 2.34 FIP, 1.23 WHIP, 21 SV, 44 K, 10 BB, 1.2 fWAR in 44 IP
Best fits: Tigers, Cubs, Yankees, Phillies, Dodgers
The typically dominant Clase struggled to begin 2025, posting a 6.75 ERA through the end of April. He’s regained his form since then and would certainly cost quite a bit for a team to acquire sometime in the next week. Clase is owed $6 million in ‘26, followed by $10 million club options for ‘27 and ‘28, so a club that trades for the three-time All-Star would be getting its closer for the next three seasons.
Prediction: Not traded Update: Clase has been put on leave amid a sports betting investigation.
8. Seth Lugo, Kansas City Royals SP
2025 stats: 6–5, 2.94 ERA, 4.37 FIP, 1.09 WHIP, 93 K, 31 BB, 1.0 fWAR in 107 IP
Best fits: Blue Jays, Cubs, Dodgers, Cardinals, Angels, Padres
Lugo doesn’t strike out a ton of hitters, but he hasn’t posted an ERA above 3.60 since 2020 and quietly finished second in AL Cy Young voting last year while winning a Gold Glove to boot. The 35-year-old also fared well in two playoff starts last season. The converted reliever would improve just about any postseason rotation and the Royals may feel obliged to deal Lugo ahead of his looming free agency to either improve the AL’s lowest-scoring offense or retool for next year.
Prediction: Traded to Blue Jays Update: Lugo and the Royals have agreed to a two-year extension.
9. Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates SP
2025 stats: 3–10, 3.48 ERA, 3.34 FIP, 1.14 WHIP, 92 K, 27 BB, 2.6 fWAR in 119 IP
Best fits: Cubs, Blue Jays, Mets
Like his teammate Paul Skenes, Keller too has a lopsided win-loss record despite quality work this season thanks to the Pirates’ woeful offense. Keller doesn’t blow hitters away like Skenes, but his six-pitch mix and pinpoint command make him effective. The 29-year-old has made 112 starts since 2022—ninth-most during that span—and is under contract through 2028, so Pittsburgh ought to get some serious interest from the many pitching-needy teams looking to buy.
Prediction: Traded to Mets
10. Josh Naylor, Arizona Diamondbacks 1B
2025 stats: .293/.362/.452, 11 HR, 11 SB, 49 R, 58 RBI, 1.5 fWAR in 91 games
Best fits: Mariners, Rangers, Reds, Red Sox, Twins, Royals
A 2024 All-Star with the Cleveland Guardians, Naylor is enjoying his fourth straight above-average offensive season following an offseason trade to Arizona and its hitter-friendly confines, where his OPS is more than 100 points higher than on the road. Still, he’s one of just 12 qualified players batting at least .290 with an OPS over .800. Naylor, like Suárez, is set to be a free agent this offseason and a number of teams in need of a bat could sway the D-Backs into selling.
Prediction: Traded to Red Sox Update: Naylor was traded to the Mariners for prospects Brandyn Garcia and Ashton Izzi.
The Braves have indicated they intend to hang onto Sean Murphy, but he could fetch a monster return on a typically thin catching market. / Brett Davis-Imagn Images11. Sean Murphy, Atlanta Braves C
2025 stats: .240/.331/.514, 16 HR, 27 R, 38 RBI, 2.4 fWAR in 64 games
Best fits: Padres, Giants, Guardians, Rangers
Catchers are rarely traded midseason, especially those as talented as Murphy. And the Braves have indicated they won’t deal the 2023 All-Star they have under contract through 2028. But with Drake Baldwin emerging as a Rookie of the Year contender and this season looking like a lost one for Atlanta, Murphy could fetch a monster haul for a team short on organizational depth.
Prediction: Not traded
12. Merrill Kelly, Arizona Diamondbacks SP
2025 stats: 9–5, 3.32 ERA, 3.48 FIP, 1.06 WHIP, 118 K, 37 BB, 2.2 fWAR in 122 IP
Best fits: Cardinals, Cubs, Blue Jays, Twins, Red Sox, Angels
Kelly has never made an All-Star team or garnered Cy Young votes, but he’s been one of the league’s most solid starters since coming over from the KBO in 2019. His 3.76 ERA over that span ranks 16th (min. 800 IP), ahead of hurlers like Dylan Cease and Aaron Nola. He also showed during Arizona’s 2023 World Series run that he can be counted on in the playoffs, recording a 2.25 ERA in four postseason starts. The 36-year-old could make for a sneakily good hired arm amid one of his best seasons before he enters free agency in the winter if the D-Backs elect to move him.
Prediction: Traded to Astros
13. Ryan O’Hearn, Baltimore Orioles 1B
2025 stats: .278/.373/.451, 12 HR, 40 R, 36 RBI, 2.1 fWAR in 86 games
Best fits: Mariners, Royals, Giants, Rangers
O’Hearn has been among the few bright spots in what’s been a dismal season in Baltimore. After posting a respectable 119 wRC+ from 2023 to ‘24, his 134 mark to start the year ranks as the sixth-highest in the American League. O’Hearn can passably play first base and the corner outfield, and has improved against lefties to the point where he’s not automatically relegated to the bench against southpaws. He’s a free agent after this season, so likely wouldn’t cost much to acquire, and could be a middle-of-the-order bat to boost a contending team’s lineup.
Prediction: Traded to Mariners
14. Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins SP
2025 stats: 4–9, 7.14 ERA, 4.66 FIP, 1.49 WHIP, 73 K, 39 BB, 0.5 fWAR in 97 IP
Best fits: Cubs, Blue Jays, Astros, Tigers, Dodgers, Mets
The 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner has been on a winding path to rediscover his form after making his return from Tommy John surgery. Through the first two months of the season, that form seemed a long way off. Alcantara went 2–7 with an 8.47 ERA through his first 11 starts, with 29 walks and just 40 strikeouts in 51 innings. He looked improved throughout June, but July brought more struggles until Wednesday’s stellar outing against the Padres. The righthander clearly still has it in him to dominate, but finding consistency has been a challenge. That he’s under club control through 2027 makes him more attractive.
Prediction: Not traded
15. Edward Cabrera, Miami Marlins SP
2025 stats: 3–4, 3.61 ERA, 3.70 FIP, 1.26 WHIP, 86 K, 30 BB, 1.2 fWAR in 82 1/3 IP
Best fits: Dodgers, Cubs, Orioles, Blue Jays
Cabrera has long been an intriguing yet inconsistent talent, capable of dominating one outing then looking erratic the next. He’s put together an impressively stable stretch here after a rocky April, posting a 2.47 ERA and 2.99 FIP with a 25.7% strikeout rate in 13 starts since the beginning of May. Cabrera is still only 27 and under team control through 2028, so Miami is likely to want to hang onto him—though offers for one of the few impact starters on the market could entice them to part ways.
Prediction: Traded to Dodgers
16. Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta Braves DH
2025 stats: .235/.361/.390, 13 HR, 11 2B, 37 R, 42 RBI, 0.8 fWAR in 92 games
Best fits: Tigers, Mariners, Royals, Yankees, Twins
After mashing 79 homers over the last two seasons and finishing fourth in NL MVP voting last year, Ozuna’s power has significantly fallen off in his age-34 season, though he’s partially compensated by trailing only Juan Soto in walk rate (16.2%). The Braves have just about run out of time to get hot and Ozuna is one of their only two pending free agents along with reliever Raisel Iglesias, who after quietly unleashing a 16-outing scoreless streak allowed four runs to the Yankees to take his sixth loss of the season on Saturday.
Prediction: Traded to Tigers
17. Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks SP
2025 stats: 7–11, 5.58 ERA, 4.86 FIP, 1.37 WHIP, 116 K, 46 BB, 0.0 fWAR in 121 IP
Best fits: Astros, Blue Jays, Angels, Padres, Twins
Gallen has finished in the top 10 of NL Cy Young voting three times this decade, but the 29-year-old has picked an awful time for a down season. With his team desperately needing quality arms and himself months away from free agency, Gallen ranks 294th out of 300 qualified pitchers in run value and leads the NL in home runs allowed (23). None of his five pitches are working for him as practically all of his batted-ball metrics have trended in the wrong direction. He even gave up 12 combined earned runs in back-to-back June starts against the Rockies and White Sox. It all makes for a somber outlook, and while his track record may convince a contender to try and squeeze some quality innings out of him down the stretch, it also will make it hard for two teams to agree on his value.
Prediction: Not traded
Taylor Ward is in the midst of his best season from a power-hitting perspective. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images18. Taylor Ward, Los Angeles Angels OF
2025 stats: .233/.305/.492, 23 HR, 56 R, 76 RBI, 1.9 fWAR in 98 games
Best fits: Dodgers, Padres, Phillies, Guardians, Mariners, Royals
Ward is putting up the best power numbers of his career, on pace to soar past last season’s career-high 25 home runs any day now. That’s come at the expense of his results on balls in play, with his .261 BABIP the product of an extreme fly ball approach. Under team control through 2026, Ward could be of use to teams with corner outfield holes and add some extra thump to the middle of the lineup. The Angels are hovering on the periphery of the wild-card race and have demonstrated a reluctance to sell in years past, so the team could opt to keep him around to better its chances of contending next season.
Prediction: Not traded
19. Cedric Mullins, Baltimore Orioles CF
2025 stats: .216/.297/.401, 13 HR, 14 SB, 38 R, 42 RBI, 0.7 fWAR in 83 games
Best fits: Phillies, Mets, Guardians, Royals
A lack of starting caliber center fielders drives much of Mullins’s trade value. At his peak, he was a legitimate difference maker with speed and power, posting a 30–30 season in 2021 and averaging 16 homers and 28 stolen bases from ‘22 to ‘24. This year, Mullins’s offensive production has dipped to career lows in batting average and on-base percentage, though he’s still tracking for over 20 home runs. A sub-par defensive center fielder (ranking last at the position in defensive runs saved), he’s a free agent after this season, and likely not a part of the Orioles’ long-term plans.
Prediction: Traded to Guardians
20. Griffin Jax, Minnesota Twins RP
2025 stats: 1–4, 3.83 ERA, 2.91 FIP, 1.18 WHIP, 67 K, 10 BB, 1.5 fWAR in 42 1/3 IP
Best fits: Dodgers, Phillies, Yankees, Tigers, Rays
Jax doesn’t have a save this season and his ERA is near 4.00, but don’t let that fool you—he has the stuff to be one of the most dominant late-inning relief pitchers in the league. His K-BB% (32.2%) is the second-highest in the league behind Aroldis Chapman, and no pitcher induces swings at pitches outside the strike zone at a higher rate than Jax does. He’s also under club control through 2027.
Prediction: Traded to Dodgers
21. David Bednar, Pittsburgh Pirates RP
2025 stats: 2–5, 2.38 ERA, 2.03 FIP, 1.09 WHIP, 14 SV, 46 K, 9 BB, 1.1 fWAR in 34 IP
Best fits: Phillies, Cubs, Tigers, Blue Jays
The Pirates actually demoted Bednar to the minors early this season after three rough outings in which the two-time All-Star retired only three of the nine batters he faced. He returned in mid-April and has been dominant since, rescuing his trade value for the last-place Buccos. Bednar is making a reasonable $5.9 million this season and has one year left before reaching free agency, so teams would be getting more than just a rental to fortify the back end of their bullpen.
Prediction: Traded to Phillies Update: Bednar was traded to the Yankees.
22. Ramón Laureano, Baltimore Orioles OF
2025 stats: .280/.343/.511, 12 HR, 4 SB, 36 R, 40 RBI, 1.8 fWAR in 72 games
Best fits: Dodgers, Padres, Phillies, Guardians, Mariners, Royals
After forcing his way into playing time down the stretch in Atlanta last year, Laureano has done the same in a crowded Orioles outfield this season and has in fact been Baltimore’s second-most valuable player, per bWAR, behind only Gunnar Henderson. The 30-year-old still boasts a cannon of an arm and can play either outfield corner, with his reverse splits this season (.926 OPS vs. RHP, .734 OPS vs. LHP) indicating he can continue to start if needed. The O’s do hold a $6.5 million team option on Laureano for 2026, but it may behoove them to sell high on him.
Prediction: Traded to Padres
Harrison Bader is a well-rounded center fielder if not a massive difference maker. / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images23. Harrison Bader, Minnesota Twins CF
2025 stats: .249/.330/.438, 12 HR, 8 SB, 36 RBI, 1.8 fWAR in 88 games
Best fits: Rays, Phillies, Mets
Bader has been a boon for the Twins after signing a one-year, $6.25 million contract this winter. Though he’s spent most of his time in left field, he still provides elite defense in center and is putting up a full-season career-best 113 wRC+. He’ll be a rental for whoever acquires him, but should still command a decent price as a starting-caliber center fielder.
Prediction: Traded to Phillies Update: Bader was traded to the Phillies.
24. Ryan McMahon, Colorado Rockies 3B
2025 stats: .222/.324/.404, 12 HR, 12 2B, 32 R, 25 RBI, 1.3 fWAR in 78 games
Best fits: Brewers, Mariners, Royals, Yankees
McMahon is on pace to hit 20 homers for the sixth straight full season, an impressive accomplishment that’s somewhat lessened by playing half of his games at Coors Field—despite that fact, he’s never registered as an above-average bat by wRC+. His 125 strikeouts are the most in the NL and his OPS this season is nearly 300 points higher in Colorado (.868) compared to road games (.589). The 30-year-old is also set to make $16 million in each of the next two seasons, meaning the Rockies would likely have to pay part of his contract if they want to acquire a meaningful prospect package in a trade. Still, McMahon’s season statistics are about as consistent as they can get, and he could fill multiple spots around the infield for some playoff team.
Prediction: Traded to Brewers Update: McMahon was traded to the Yankees for minor-league pitchers Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz.
25. Luis Robert Jr., Chicago White Sox CF
2025 stats: .206/.292/.344, 10 HR, 25 SB, 35 R, 40 RBI, 0.6 fWAR in 83 games
Best fits: Mets, Guardians, Phillies, Padres, Rangers
Robert’s production at the plate has rapidly diminished since winning a Silver Slugger in 2023 to the point where he’s barely valued as a replacement-level player even with his stellar baserunning and glovework in center field. A pair of $20 million club options for 2026 and ’27 that were once seen as potential bargains are now highly unlikely to be exercised. His walk rate (10.5%) and chase rate (32.7%) have never been better, indicating an improvement in his plate discipline, and he’s suddenly posted a 1.023 OPS in July to partially repair his trade value. Still, his abysmal squared-up rate (18.5%, first percentile in MLB) indicates there’s more work for him to do. The White Sox don’t have much to gain by holding onto Robert, but it’s hard to tell if their valuation on him will come down enough by the deadline for another team to take a swing on the 27-year-old.
Prediction: Traded to Mets
Dropped out: Red Sox RP Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox SP Walker Buehler, Rangers SP Tyler Mahle, Pirates RP Dennis Santana, Marlins OF Jesús Sánchez, Rockies RP Jake Bird, Nationals RP Kyle Finnegan
Every so often, sports fans are reminded of just how entertaining hot mics are during sports games.
Fox's nationally-televised broadcast of the Houston Astros' 5-4 win over the Texas Rangers on Saturday served as one such reminder, as the mics briefly gave fans a fly-on-the-wall experience for an exchange between home-plate umpire Phil Cuzzi and the Astros dugout.
It was the top of the eighth inning with two outs, Astros righthander Bryan Abreu on the mound and Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien at the plate. On the first pitch of the at-bat, Abreu threw a four-seam fastball in on the hands that appeared to catch the inner half of the plate. Semien checked his swing and Astros catcher Yainier Diaz appealed to first-base umpire Clint Vodrak, who ruled that Semien didn't swing, a somewhat controversial call.
The Astros certainly didn't agree and let home-plate umpire Phil Cuzzi know it. But Cuzzi, who was uninvolved with the call, didn't want to hear it.
"What are you yelling at me for?!" Cuzzi loudly asked the Astros dugout. The veteran umpire then appeared to indicate that the Astros should be directing their complaints to Vondrak, who made the call. We're sure Vondrak appreciated that!
In all seriousness though, as the broadcast went on to point out, the Astros' gripe with Cuzzi was that he didn't initially rule the borderline pitch a strike, putting the call in Vondrak's hands. Had Cuzzi ruled the pitch a strike, there would be no need for the check swing appeal.
Semien went on to belt a solo homer two pitches after the controversial first pitch of the at-bat, but the Astros ultimately prevailed in 11 innings.
England have the edge as rematch of 2017 and 2022 knock-outs looms on Wednesday
Vishal Dikshit28-Oct-20252:30
Wolvaardt: ‘Have a really good chance of winning if we stay calm’
The stark similarity between the two captains’ press conferences, before the England versus South Africa semi-final, was what preceded them. Out came a slender, black bottle of spray from a corner and it headed straight for the captain’s chair. The right index finger of the lady holding it came down at the top and sprayed it all over the chair, covered in a black cloth, with a long hissing sound. She did it twice, indiscriminately in the same manner, for the same duration, and with the same dedication.There was a deep sense of faith residing in that mosquito repellent, as it dampened the black cloth only a few minutes before each press conference; that it would do the job as soon as it was asked, not unlike the expectations the captains demand of their players, whether with bat or ball in a pressure situation, especially like a semi-final.Laura Wolvaardt arrived first. The first question thrown at her was about the one-sided rivalry between England and South Africa in ODIs – which stands at 36-10 – and especially England not letting South Africa go past the semi-finals in the last two editions, in 2022 and 2017.”I think if we just keep playing the way that we have, we’ll have a really good shot at winning tomorrow,” Wolvaardt said ever so softly, moving the bare minimum muscles on her face, almost weighed down by the occasion and the expectations. “I think we want to win tomorrow. So do they. It’s a semi-final, anything can happen. So, I think that if we just play our best cricket, it’ll be a really good game of cricket.”Wolvaardt even spoke of the opposition, while being that extra bit careful about not promising anything on her team’s behalf. The possible outcomes she presented were also carefully prefaced by “if”.Related
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Wolvaardt had been in both those semi-final defeats. She witnessed from close quarters the tears of Dane van Niekerk in 2017, as she and her inconsolable team-mates sat around on the field after the two-wicket loss, with the fiery Marizanne Kapp burying her head in her hands. Five years later, Wolvaardt lasted just two balls for a duck after being South Africa’s leading scorer in the league stage, and they crumbled for 156 in a tall chase, admitting later that they didn’t put their best foot forward when it mattered.Last year Wolvaardt took over the captaincy in full-time capacity, led South Africa to the final of the T20 World Cup, even going past the mighty Australians in the semi-final. On that occasion, however, her team floundered at the final frontier, to New Zealand, who were not even among the favourites to win the title. It was perhaps the occasion that got to them again; Kapp in tears at the national anthem even before the match had begun while Wolvaardt tried to keep everyone calm. Again, Wolvaardt saw her team-mates shedding tears and even saw her parents “more sad” than her, in her own words.Wolvaardt didn’t want to get ahead of herself this time.”I think, for me, tomorrow it’ll just be about keeping everyone as calm as possible,” she said on Tuesday. “I think the calmest team out there will most likely win. I think 50 overs is a very long time and it’s very easy to let the pressure of a semi-final get to you. But I think it’s still just a game of cricket and there’ll be ups and downs within the game, and I think the team that rides those waves the best throughout the 100-over game will come out on top. [It’s about] keeping everyone calm. Obviously we’ll have our plans in place, so trying to stick to those as best as we can. I think we’re really well prepared as a group, so just trusting and believing in that preparation that we’ve done as well.”Wolvaardt’s entire press conference was done in under six minutes. About an hour later came her counterpart Nat Sciver-Brunt, who looked as different as she possibly could from Wolvaardt. Sciver-Brunt first peeked into the room while holding the door ajar, quickly checking if things were in order and it was time for her to arrive. Once she sat on the assigned chair on the podium, she joked around with her media manager, expressed surprise at the mic booming her voice around the room as if it was not supposed to, and then looked completely at ease once the questions started.”I’m excited for tomorrow, I guess,” she started off by saying. “I’m massively excited to be in the knockout stages of this World Cup and, yeah, really excited to take on the game tomorrow.”Like Wolvaardt, Sciver-Brunt was also quickly reminded of how these two teams had started against each other in this World Cup when South Africa had imploded for 69.”That was obviously a long time ago in the tournament, and since then we’ve played a lot of games. But, yeah, South Africa obviously have had some brilliant games since then and are a dangerous side.”It was as if England were showing more faith in South Africa than South Africa were in themselves.”See, that game was pretty crazy,” Sciver-Brunt said. “Obviously a brilliant start from our side in this competition. But not what we would have expected from South Africa.”In her 14-minute long press conference – also because there were a lot more questions – Sciver-Brunt looked seemingly unfazed by the pressure or the magnitude of the occasion. She soon joined her team-mates at the nets where the experienced head coach Charlotte Edwards had started the drills, the music was blaring on the team’s Bluetooth speaker on the extreme left, and the mood appeared a bit more cheery than when South Africa trained there.Will they make it three out of three in semi-finals against South Africa or will South Africa see that third time’s the charm?
In an early blow for new manager Wilfried Nancy, Liverpool have now reportedly agreed terms to sign a young Celtic defender.
Nancy outlines "proactive" style as Celtic announce manager
Celtic took their time, but the Bhoys finally have their new manager in the form of Nancy. The Frenchman has arrived fresh from MLS side Columbus Crew and will be looking to pick up where interim boss Martin O’Neill left off. The 73-year-old took the Scottish giants from title despair back into the race with Hearts, but now it’s up to Nancy to complete the job.
Speaking to reporters after arriving, the new manager said: “I don’t consider myself as a boss. I am a leader. And for me the definition of a leader is create a good environment to help people express themselves. For me, that is so important. Because of my background, I was able to connect with people.
“My style of play is about the way I live. I like to be proactive in my life, I like to discover things. I also like to try things because the more you try things, the more you learn and the more you’re going to maximise your chance to have success in your life.
“We want to take care of the ball. The ball is the only tool in our life, without talking, that we can connect people. So can we use the ball to create emotions? Can we use the ball to score goals? Can we use the ball to have messages between us? So that’s why I want proactive football.”
Doak 2.0: Celtic lost "superstar" for £225k, now he's worth more than Engels
Celtic lost a young talent last year who is now valued at more than club-record signing Arne Engels.
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Before the new manager’s even had the chance to look at emerging stars, however, he’s set to lose young defender Dara Jakiemi to Premier League giants Liverpool.
Liverpool agree terms to sign Jakiemi
As reported by The Secret Scout, Liverpool have now agreed terms to sign Jakiemi from Celtic. They described the 15-year-old defender as “aggressive” and there’s no doubt that he would have been one to watch in Scotland. Now, however, Nancy will seemingly never get the chance to work with him.
Whilst Jakiemi is one for the future, it still represents a frustrating blow for Celtic and shows where they’re at right now. Having lost the likes of Ben Doak in previous seasons to Liverpool, the last thing the Bhoys would have wanted is a repeat.
Nancy should be keen to turn towards the academy if given the chance, even if he is to lose one of his young defenders in the early stages of his tenure. An emerging star would, of course, save Celtic the desperate need of adding several January additions.
Celtic star with 'high ceiling' could be biggest winner of Nancy's arrival
Manchester United have now set their sights on signing Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid, according to recent reports, with talks over Casemiro’s contract beginning to drag on.
Ruben Amorim’s side entered the international break off the back of an impressive run rather than a crisis for the first time in the manager’s Old Trafford tenure. Their last-gasp draw at Tottenham Hotspur summed up their recent change in belief and featured yet another impressive display from Casemiro at the heart of their midfield.
Man Utd hold discussions to sign "unique" teen sensation ahead of Real Madrid
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It wasn’t so long ago that Jamie Carragher infamously told the Brazilian to “leave the football” before it leaves him, but it turns out that the former Liverpool defender couldn’t have been more wrong. Casemiro has rediscovered his best form under Amorim and now regularly keeps the likes of Manuel Ugarte out of the side.
Former Man United defender Rio Ferdinand recently hit back at Carragher’s comments following the midfielder’s return to form this season, claiming that he thought the comments were “disrespectful” at the time.
Now, reports are indicating that Amorim wants to keep hold of Casemiro — sparking what are proving to be complicated contract talks as the midfielder suddenly becomes an important player at Old Trafford.
Man Utd now eyeing Tchouameni move
If INEOS fail to agree a new contract with Casemiro at Amorim’s request, which would present a fresh midfield worry, then Man United will target a move for Tchouameni at Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain.
The French midfielder is valued at as much as €100m (£88m) by the Spanish giants and has clearly impressed those at Old Trafford as they aim to strengthen their midfield.
As things stand, however, there’s nothing to suggest that Tchouameni is looking to leave Real Madrid anytime soon and reports have claimed that he’ll only head for the exit door at the request of his club. Of course, if that does change, then the fact that he shares an agent with Bryan Mbeumo could provide United with an instant boost.
Minutes
874
614
Progressive Passes
5.88
4.41
Tackles Won
0.82
1.76
Ball Recoveries
4.23
5.74
The statistics suggest that Amorim is right to have some hesitation about letting Casemiro’s contract run down. The Brazilian has so far outperformed Tchouameni in a number of areas.
It highlights just how impressive he’s been in recent months rather than indicating anything major about Tchouameni’s form. The Real Madrid man is just entering the peak of his powers and has impressed the likes of Carlo Ancelotti, who previously dubbed him “fantastic”.
Amorim can axe Dorgu for one of Europe's "most exciting teens" at Man Utd
Daniel Farke’s reputation as a ropey Premier League manager is back under the spotlight at Leeds United.
The under-fire German has now lost a colossal 40 matches at the intimidating level from the 59 games he’s taken charge of, as the Whites worryingly looked like relegation fodder last time out in a 3-0 loss at Brighton and Hove Albion.
It’s not quite as bad as his Norwich City end days just yet, with Farke’s Canaries falling to an embarrassing 7-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea all the way back in 2021.
But, his dismal record in the division just doesn’t make for pretty reading, as he now attempts to guide Leeds up the table.
Farke’s PL record
Stat
Farke
Games
59
Wins
9
Draws
10
Losses
40
Goals scored
40
Goals conceded
118
Points accumulated
37
Sourced by Transfermarkt
He could have to think outside of the box, soon, if he feels he’s being let down consistently by his senior personnel, as a whole host of exciting U21 talents are coming through currently in West Yorkshire…
The biggest stars in Leeds' academy
Throughout his time in the Elland dug-out to date, Farke has often chucked young talents into the first team mix when he’s deemed them to be ready, having once kick-started Archie Gray’s ascent to stardom.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin misfiring as of late, he might well be tempted to look at another Gray and launch Harry Gray into the senior side, with the 17-year-old already up to 15 goals for the U18s and U21s, despite recent injury setbacks.
Moreover, Alfie Cresswell could soon fancy his own chances, having captained the U21s this season from defensive midfield, with the 18-year-old – who can also play in defence – also collecting three goals for his troubles.
But, it could be down the right wing where Farke is looking to bring in some youthful reinforcements, having had to rely on a hot-and-cold Brenden Aaronson in his spot on the pitch for most of the season so far.
That has resulted in the versatile American only collecting one meagre goal for his efforts, with Farke having to persist with the up-and-down 25-year-old, owing to both Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto being unfortunate with injuries.
Yet, there could be an in-house replacement now staring Farke in the face. Like Cresswell and Gray, he’s a hotly-tipped teenage sensation.
Leeds' surprise Aaronson replacement
All the young starlets over the years who have been generously handed a first-team opportunity at Leeds must dream that they can become the next homegrown ace to make it.
Only a select few do, unfortunately, but Connor Douglas will back himself that he can be a success story in the senior ranks down the line, having already been branded as a “joy to watch” by PureFootball Trent Gaffney for his previous heroics on the youth pitches in West Yorkshire.
Douglas at U18 and U23 level
Stat
Douglas
Games played
66
Minutes played
4,519
Goals scored
12
Assists
9
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Yet, despite receiving such glowing praise and collecting an impressive 12 goals and nine assists from 66 appearances in youth circles to date, the 20-year-old is still without a Leeds first-team chance.
That could soon change, however, particularly if Farke wants to look more left-field for an Aaronson replacement, with the adaptable number 52 collecting ten of his 21 goal contributions for the U21s from the right wing spot, an area of the pitch that isn’t best suited to the ex-Union Berlin man.
With Douglas’ senior contract also only in play until next summer, it does feel as if it’s make-or-break time for the young Englishman, if he wants to make an impression in the senior game.
Even lining up as a right-back and as a striker on occasion for the U21s, it’s clear that Douglas is a jack of all trades.
But, in the here and now, with a goal and an assist next to his name in the Premier League 2 this season when playing predominantly down the right flank, he could be a shock replacement for Aaronson.
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Gabriel Jesus has addressed growing speculation over a possible return to Palmeiras, insisting no contact has been made and stressing that any decision about his future will be taken “with Arsenal.” After nine months out recovering from major knee surgery, the Brazilian has made it clear that a January exit is not an option, reaffirming his commitment to fighting for his place under Mikel Arteta.
Jesus linked with Palmeiras return
Jesus moved to cool talk of an imminent exit after reports in Brazil suggested he was considering a January return to Palmeiras, the club where he first rose to prominence. The Arsenal striker, who has only recently resumed training following a nine-month absence with a serious knee injury, reiterated that there have been no negotiations and that his current focus is solely on regaining his place in the Gunners’ squad. With competition for attacking positions intensifying at the Emirates, his comments arrive at a crucial moment as speculation continues to swirl about his long-term role in Arteta’s plans.
The 28-year-old spent part of his rehabilitation in Brazil during the Premier League off-season, using Palmeiras’ training facilities to complete key stages of his recovery. That time back home fuelled narratives about an early comeback to the Brazilian league, but Jesus has insisted that such interpretations overlook the reality of his long layoff and the need for a stable environment as he rebuilds match fitness. With Arsenal battling on multiple fronts, the striker is determined to re-establish himself before entertaining any thoughts about the next chapter of his career.
AdvertisementAFPBrazilian will 'decide' future 'with Arsenal'
Jesus’ interview with Revista Placar made headlines in both England and Brazil, largely due to his candid tone and firm dismissal of transfer rumours. The forward has long spoken warmly about Palmeiras, and his admiration resurfaced publicly, but he clarified that any future return would be a deliberate joint decision with Arsenal rather than a reactionary move after injury.
Speaking emphatically about recent rumours, Jesus stated: “There was never contact with another club. My wish, as I always say, is to return to Palmeiras. And Palmeiras also want me to come back.”
Reflecting on the timing of a possible return to Brazil, Jesus added: “When I feel it’s the right time to go back to Palmeiras, I’ll decide that with Arsenal.” He also addressed the realities of returning from a serious injury, explaining: “But we’re talking about a player who has been out for nine months and is now fighting to return to the team. Some journalists speak without any basis.”
Jesus then shut down suggestions that he might leave in the upcoming window, saying: “After such a complex surgery, it makes no sense for me to leave the club now.”
Getty Images SportGyokeres' arrival put Jesus further down the Arsenal pecking order
Jesus’ Arsenal journey has been defined by an explosive beginning followed by persistent injuries that derailed his role as the club’s first-choice centre-forward. His early contribution transformed Arteta’s attack during the 2022–23 Premier League title push, but recurring knee issues — including an ACL rupture in January 2025 — repeatedly halted his momentum and forced Arsenal to reassess their long-term planning in the forward department.
The summer arrival of Viktor Gyokeres, alongside competition from Kai Havertz and a strengthened attacking midfield unit, has threatened Jesus’ place in the squad. Arteta still values the Brazilian’s versatility and pressing intelligence, often highlighting the tactical flexibility he provides when deployed wide or centrally. However, with Arsenal competing for major trophies and now boasting greater attacking depth, Jesus’ ability to remain consistent and available will play a defining role in determining his future at the club.
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Jesus certain to stay at Arsenal past winter window
Jesus’ contract situation adds another layer to the discussion. His deal runs until 2027, meaning Arsenal are under no pressure to sell, but his high wages and injury record pose legitimate considerations as the Gunners shape their squad around younger, more durable options. While a future move to Palmeiras is widely expected, both the player and the club understand that his return to Brazil is more a matter of timing than desire — and that time is not January 2026.
For the remainder of the season, Jesus’ priority is crystal clear: regain full fitness, build rhythm and fight for minutes in a competitive Arsenal forward line. With the Gunners pushing toward domestic and European targets, his experience and multifaceted skillset could still play an important role across a long campaign.
As for Palmeiras, the Brazilian giants remain patient yet eager admirers, monitoring Jesus’ condition while respecting his current obligations in North London. A summer move in 2026, or even 2027, appears far more likely than a mid-season switch, particularly given the player’s insistence on stability during his recovery.