Bob Simpson played 62 Tests and would then go on to shape one of the great eras of Australian cricket
Alex Malcolm16-Aug-2025
Bob Simpson was a huge figure in Australian cricket•Fairfax Media/Getty Images
Australian cricket has lost a giant after former Test captain and the first full-time coach Bob Simpson died in Sydney at the age of 89.Simpson is one of the most influential figures in the history of Australian cricket. He played 62 Test matches between 1957 and 1978, averaging 46.81, and claimed 71 wickets while being known as one of the greatest slip fielders of his time. Simpson had made his first-class debut for New South Wales aged 16 and would go on to amass 21,029 runs and picked up 349 wickets with his legspin.He had initially retired from the game in 1968 after an 11-year career as one of Australia’s finest openers, having played 50 Tests and captained in 29 of them. But he then made an extraordinary return as Test captain in Australia cricket’s hour of need after the World Series Cricket schism in 1977. Simpson, at the age of 41, led in five home Tests against India and five away Tests against a full-strength West Indies side then.He finished with ten Test centuries, all of them made as captain, including 311 against England in Manchester in 1964, which was his first hundred in his 30th Test, and two more double-centuries. He averaged 54.07 as captain after not making a century and only averaging 33.67 before he assumed the role from Richie Benaud during the home summer of 1963-64.Simpson formed what remains one of Australia’s most successful Test opening pairings with Bill Lawry with 382 they added against West Indies in 1965 still the record for the first wicket.Bob Simpson had initially retired from the game in 1968 but then made an extraordinary return as Test captain during the World Series Cricket schism•PA Photos/Getty Images
Simpson was again called upon by the then Australian Cricket Broad (now Cricket Australia) in 1986 during the nadir of Australia’s on-field performance as a Test nation, having not won a series for over two years.Alongside captain Allan Border, Simpson was instrumental in instilling a culture of discipline and hard work into a younger group of players that were selected to regenerate Australian cricket, including David Boon, Dean Jones, Steve Waugh, Craig McDermott and Merv Hughes.In 1987, he was added to the selection panel that was chaired by Laurie Sawle and oversaw the start of Australia’s next golden generation with Mark Taylor, Ian Healy, Mark Waugh, Shane Warne, Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath and Ricky Ponting among a host players selected and coached by Simpson until he stood down in 1996.Australia won the World Cup in 1987 and regained the Ashes in 1989, which they would hold until 2005. Australia regained the Frank Worrell Trophy in 1995, a trophy they had not held since 1976, having not beaten West Indies in a series anywhere during that time. That win in the Caribbean gave them the unofficial mantle of world No. 1 Test side.”Bob Simpson was one of the greats of Australian cricket and this is a sad day for anyone fortunate to have watched him play or who benefited from his wisdom,” Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird said. “Bob’s decision to come out of retirement to successfully lead the Australian team during the advent of World Series Cricket in 1977 was a wonderful service to the game, and his coaching set the foundation for a golden era for Australian cricket.”Dean Jones chats to Bob Simpson during the latter’s hugely successful stint as Australia coach•Elizabeth Dobbie/Fairfax Media/Getty Images
Many of the players, including Warne, regarded Simpson as the best coach they ever had and pivotal to their develop as international players after also coming through the Australian Cricket Academy under former wicketkeeper Rod Marsh, which had been established as a breeding ground during Simpson’s early years as Australia coach. Warne credited Simpson for convincing him to bowl around the wicket more often in certain conditions.Simpson was known as a disciplinarian and famously made fitness and fielding a major priority as coach.He was succeeded as Australian coach by one of his former players, Geoff Marsh, as the more senior team shifted their approach to preparation under the captaincy of Taylor after Border had retired in 1994.Simpson went on to coach Leicestershire and Lancashire for short periods in English county cricket. He also worked as a coaching advisor for Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy in India and as a consultant for India’s men’s team during the late 1990s.He coached into his 70s, including with Netherlands through a successful qualification campaign to reach the 2007 World Cup.He was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in 1978, which was upgraded to Officer (AO) in 2007 for services to the game as a coach, consultant and administrator.He was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1965. He is a member of the ICC Hall of fame and the Australian Cricket Hall of fame.
Tottenham have given the green-light for Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange to hold talks over signing a ‘top talent’ from Man City, but it isn’t Savinho, who was heavily linked in the summer.
Tottenham making transfer plans amid Thomas Frank pressure
Cristian Romero delivered a captain’s performance to salvage a dramatic 2-2 draw for Spurs at Newcastle on Tuesday evening, scoring twice, including a stoppage-time overhead kick that temporarily eased mounting pressure on manager Thomas Frank.
The Argentine’s heroics prevented what would have been Spurs’ fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions, with his diving header cancelling out Bruno Guimaraes’ opener before his acrobatic finish in the 95th minute rescued a point.
Tottenham struggled throughout at St James’ Park, managing just two shots on target from eight attempts while Newcastle dominated possession and created significantly better opportunities.
It was a stark reminder that Spurs need more creativity in their side if they’re to challenge for major silverware this season or seal a top four Premier League finish.
Behind the scenes, Tottenham’s hierarchy are actively preparing significant January reinforcements as Frank desperately seeks attacking solutions.
Premier League home form table
Team
Wins
Draws
Losses
Points
GD
16. Burnley
2
1
3
7
-1
17. Nottingham Forest
2
1
4
7
-5
18. West Ham
2
0
5
6
-9
19. Tottenham
1
2
4
5
-1
20. Wolves
0
1
5
1
10
Media sources are convinced that a new forward will arrive during the winter window, with Spurs identifying multiple targets, including FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.
The Lilywhites are said to be huge admirers of Aghehowa, who’s free scored in Portugal since the start of last season and was once on the verge of joining Chelsea before he rejected the move.
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Meanwhile, despite stiff competition, Spurs are also intensifying their interest in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, with the 25-year-old available for £65 million during the early stages of January thanks to a release clause in his contract.
There have also been murmurs of Tottenham re-opening discussions over a potential Savinho deal after his move to N17 was blocked in the summer, but amid the uncertainty surrounding Guglielmo Vicario, it is actually another City starlet that Spurs are taking interest in.
Tottenham green-light January talks for Man City keeper James Trafford
That is according to TEAMtalk, who state that Tottenham have green-lit exploratory talks over a January deal for City goalkeeper James Trafford.
The Englishman would come as a potential replacement for Vicario, who has attracted interest from Inter Milan, and Spurs are apparently entertaining the possibility of selling him for £30 million.
Sources say that Spurs view Trafford as an ideal long-term solution between the sticks, offering Premier League experience combined with significant potential.
Trafford’s situation at the Etihad has become increasingly frustrating following City’s signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG for £26 million, relegating the young stopper to backup duty.
The goalkeeper is eager for regular first-team football, making Tottenham’s project an attractive proposition, with a TT City insider quoted saying the Spurs project would be ‘perfect’ for the ‘top talent’.
Vicario arrived from Empoli eighteen months ago for £17 million as Hugo Lloris’ successor, initially impressing with performances that even earned him leadership responsibilities within Frank’s squad.
However, recent performances have declined, with errors costing Tottenham and supporters notably jeering him when Spurs lost 2-1 to Fulham last weekend.
Vicario being caught in no mans land for Harry Wilson’s goal ultimately cost Spurs precious points at home, and Fabrizio Romano has actually confirmed Inter’s interest already, so this could have some legs to it.
Arsenal are believed to be preparing a January bid for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with sporting director Andrea Berta given some real encouragement that it can be done.
Rodrygo poised for January exit after Real Madrid snubs
Rodrygo is a very familiar name to Gunners supporters.
Berta and co held some talks about signing the Brazil international last summer, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, before opting for Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze instead.
While that door ultimately slammed shut in the last transfer window, Arsenal could yet be given another chance to land the versatile £282,000-per-week forward, who’s steadily falling out of favour under Xabi Alonso.
Rodrygo has started just three out of his last 12 La Liga matches, playing 330 minutes in total, and this is a far cry from how pivotal he was for Carlo Ancelotti.
Scoring 14 goals and registering a further 11 assists over 54 appearances in all competitions last term, Jude Bellingham is also on record calling Rodrygo their most ‘gifted’ and ‘underrated’ player.
Rodrygo’s career at Real Madrid since joining from Santos
Appearances
285
Goals
68
Assists
53
Bookings
12
Red cards
0
Minutes played
16,587
However, Alonso clearly doesn’t see it that way, and credible reports now suggest that a January exit is very much on the cards for Rodrygo as he vies for consistent playing time.
Chelsea and Tottenham have also been linked with the 24-year-old, and it is believed by some that he is ‘on the brink’ of leaving the Bernabeu with England a very viable potential destination.
Arsenal preparing January bid for Rodrygo with Real Madrid stance clear
CaughtOffside now have an update on his future, and it partly concerns Arsenal.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo
According to their information, Arsenal are preparing a January bid for Rodrygo, and sporting director Andrea Berta, alongside other interested parties like Liverpool, have been informed about Real’s stance.
Los Blancos will consider selling the ex-Santos sensation next month, provided they get a suitable offer, with Real demanding around £75-80 million.
Arsenal and Liverpool are also named as the lead contenders to strike a winter deal, and it could make sense considering the uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
As things stand, both men are out of contract in 2027. There’s also been little in the way of talks over extensions, despite both of their impressive contributions this season.
Rodrygo would be an absolutely stellar replacement for either or both, but given Arsenal are never usually active in January when it comes to big-name, marquee deals, it would also be a very surprise coup midway through the campaign.
Voices have been raised from within the Liverpool dressing room during the club's alarming ongoing slump, according to a report on Saturday morning. The Red have lost nine of their last 12 games, and a handful of players have seemingly had enough. Pressure is continuing to mount on head coach Arne Slot as Liverpool struggle in the Dutchman's second season.
Pressure really starting to mount on Slot
Liverpool followed up their 3-0 loss to Forest last weekend with a disappointing Champions League showing in midweek as goals from Ivan Perisic, Guus Til and Couhaib Driouech – twice – compounded the Reds to a 4-1 home defeat to PSV, a performance that was slammed by former Reds striker Peter Crouch. The result means Liverpool have lost their last three matches, conceding 10 times in that run, and have fallen to defeat in nine of their last 12.
The shambolic start to their title defence means Liverpool head into Sunday's game at West Ham 11 points off league leaders Arsenal and have since slipped to 12th in the Premier League table. Combined with Everton's 1-0 win over Manchester United on Monday night, even the Toffees now sit above their local rivals in the table, albeit on goal difference.
And a report from the Daily Mail on Saturday morning has pinpointed the moment that things truly begn to unravel for Slot as pressure mounts on the Dutchman. Defeat to a rejuvenated West Ham this weekend will only heighten growing calls from fans for the club to relieve Slot of his duties.
AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Voices were raised' following Forest loss
The Mail report from the suggests that "voices were raised" behind closed doors following the humbling loss to Forest. Goals from Murillo, Nicolo Savona and Morgan Gibbs-White saw Sean Dyche's side claim an impressive victory at Anfield last time out, a result that means the Premier League champions have lost six of their 12 league matches this season.
However, captain Virgil van Dijk took to social media following the defeat to PSV to insist that Liverpool "won't give up" as the club look to turn their dire form around. "We're facing one of the toughest moments of our journey, but we refuse to let this define us," the Reds captain posted on his Instagram.
"We will rise from this. I believe in this team with everything I have. Nothing has ever been handed to us – we’ve fought everything, and this moment is no different. We won’t give in. Won't give up. Every challenge is an opportunity. We must grow together, lift each other up, and show the strength that lies within us.
"To the fans, keep supporting us. We all need each other more than ever."
Liverpool are feeling a different type of pressure, says Slot
Under-fire Slot, meanwhile, insists that he is used to feeling the pressure while working for a top-level club, and has suggested that he is under pressure regardless, but that this season's struggles differ to last season's push for the Premier League title.
"There is a lot of pressure if you work or play at a top club," Slot said in his pre-West Ham press conference on Thursday. "And then there is even more when you start losing more games than this club, players or the manager are used to. But there was pressure last season as well for us to win the league.
"But now it’s a different kind of pressure because we have lost so many games. In the end, it's about doing what this club is about. Keep fighting no matter how difficult it is. It would also be nice if we reward ourselves in the moments we play well."
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Getty Images SportWest Ham hoping to pile further misery on Liverpool
Liverpool's game at West Ham on Sunday comes at a bad time for the Reds as they look to get their season back on track. The Hammers look to have found their groove following a disappointing start to life under Nuno Espirito Santo.
The east London side are unbeaten in three after their 2-2 draw at Bournemouth last weekend, a result that means they have collected seven points from the last nine available. The turnaround in fortunes means West Ham head into the weekend's action outside of the relegation zone, and they'll hope to pile further misery upon this downtrodden Liverpool side and pull away from danger in the process in Sunday's game at the London Stadium.
Middlesbrough’s search for their new manager looks set to be over, with a significant update emerging regarding the club’s process to replace Rob Edwards.
The exit of Edwards to Wolves has hurt Boro at a key point in the season where they are sitting second in the Championship table and pushing for promotion. He sent a message to the supporters upon leaving for Molineux, wishing the club well.
“This has been one of the toughest decisions of my career. In truth, I wouldn’t have considered leaving Middlesbrough for any other club. Wolves is a special club for me. It’s where I grew as both a player and a coach, it’s still where my family calls home. It has always been my dream to come back and these opportunities do not come around too often.
“Middlesbrough is an incredible club, with a fantastic owner, staff and passionate supporters. I want to thank everyone at the club for the opportunity to lead this squad, it is a great group of players that I genuinely hope and believe will deliver success this season. I could not be prouder of the environment we built together and how it all gelled together so quickly – the players, the staff, and the fans, who drive it all. I sincerely wish everyone at Middlesbrough all the very best for the rest of the season and beyond. Rob.”
It’s now a case of Boro nailing Edwards’ successor at the Riverside Stadium, and it looks as though their new boss may have been found, following a big new claim.
Middlesbrough reach verbal agreement with Kim Hellberg
According to Fotboll Skanalen, Middlesbrough have now reached a verbal agreement with Kim Hellberg over a move to the club, seeing him as the right man to come in for Edwards.
Boro look set to swoop in from under the noses of Championship rivals Swansea City, with the club having a meeting with Hellberg’s representatives in London.
Hellberg may be something of an unknown to some Boro supporters, considering he is only 37 and hasn’t managed in Europe’s top leagues yet, but he looks like an exciting young choice.
IFK Varnamo sporting director Enes Ahmetovic, who worked with the Swede in the past, has said of him: “An incredibly skilled football coach. He spends a huge amount of time on every detail. I’m completely convinced that Hellberg will coach much bigger clubs than IFK Varnamo.”
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The 4-2-3-1-playing Hellberg is something of a gamble, at a time when promotion has to be the aim for Boro, but assuming he is the choice to come in, it will be fascinating to see how he fares.
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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 Images
5. 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 Images
11. 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 Images
18. 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 Images
23. 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
Tottenham Hotspur did more than just end their interminable trophy drought when defeating Manchester United in the Europa League final last season; Ange Postecoglou opened up a road to the Champions League.
Given that Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, this was quite the saving grace at the end of a campaign that left so much to be desired, and it ensured the Londoners could make a compelling case to potential signings like Xavi Simons.
While Tottenham supporters were overjoyed when signing the Dutch playmaker from RB Leipzig for £51m, after intense interest from Chelsea earlier in the summer, there’s no denying that the 21-year-old has yet to perform on English shores.
Given his big-money profile and the expectation upon his arrival, there’s a concern that Simons is echoing the likes of Tanguy Ndombele before him.
Simons' start to life at Spurs
Thomas Frank hasn’t yet established his vision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with his side struggling for form in the final third. Simons has been a part of the problem, but it’s important to remember this is a young talent who has entered a team lacking offensive coherence.
In just two years in Germany, Simons scored 22 goals and supplied 24 assists across 78 matches. He was the difference-maker, and many Premier League clubs were keen.
Spurs won the race, and credit to them, but Simons has yet to prove he has what it takes to raise his game to the next level, thus prompting concerns that he might mimic Frenchman Ndombele, who became the Londoners’ club-record signing when joining from Lyon in a £54m deal in 2019.
Ndombele’s temperament and commitment were among the cruxes of his demise in English football, and Simons cannot be blamed for a lack of effort, but it’s a concern all the same, and one Frank will need to rectify quickly to get his side operating at full creative capacity.
The jury is still out for the Netherlands international, who is young and talented and settling into an outfit that lacks creative direction right now.
There’s actually another Lilywhites man with far more experience who might be deteriorating into Ndombele 2.0.
Spurs' new version of Ndombele
Frank has spoken of his players’ frustrations following their recent run of form, and this was clear to see last weekend when Fulham condemned Tottenham to yet another home defeat.
Pedro Porro was incensed, but the Portugal international might want to direct that anger inwards, given his spate of shambolic displays this year.
The 26-year-old has been in the English capital for almost three years now, and while he is among the most technically gifted players in the ranks, his awareness and accuracy in defensive phases could see him become a disappointment in a similar way to Ndombele, especially when considering he had such a furore about his signature in 2023 that Manchester City came sniffing around last year.
Porro is rudderless. Sofascore record that he has made five errors already in the Premier League this season, and he is among the most dribbled-past defenders in the division thus far.
#
Player
Stat
1.
Mats Wieffer
19
2.
Neco Williams
18
3.
Pedro Porro
17
4.
Hugo Bueno
16
5.
Matty Cash
16
In fairness, Porro sits among the top 16% of Premier League full-backs this season for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, but his defensive work has been well below the desired standard.
But his lack of focus and misuse of his own athleticism led one Tottenham podcast host to brand him “an absolute liability” last season, and that’s only been underscored since then, with Frank now facing his own Ndombele-like conundrum in working out what to do with this talented but toiling star.
Porro has enjoyed some high points across his Tottenham career, but he’s been culpable for too many poor performances over the past couple of years, and in this, it is he and not the young Simons who is shaping into the London side’s new version of Ndombele.
Just like Romero: Spurs prepare £40m bid for "crazy" Van de Ven upgrade
Tottenham are in the market for more defensive depth ahead of the January transfer window.
Manchester City have now moved into pole position in the race for a “superstar”, and they are now ready to make a bid of over £65m.
Pep eyeing long-term additions to his defence
Pep Guardiola has made it clear he is a huge admirer of Matheus Nunes this season, saying: “He can be an incredible right-back,”
“Matheus is a holding midfielder with incredible physicality and as much as he is focused, he can become one of the best [right-backs].
“He has special attributions to play in the sides, and in the last two or three games he has played unbelievable.”
Nunes has remained a key player for Man City in recent weeks, starting the last three games, with Abdukhodir Khusanov also capable of slotting in at right-back, doing so in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen back in November, while also impressing against Arsenal.
Despite Pep being blessed with a number of options in defence, the City boss remains keen on making long-term additions to his backline, according to a new report from TEAMtalk, which states he views Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento as the complete package.
The Blues have now moved into pole position in the race for Livramento’s signature, despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs, and they are ready to make a bid of more than £65m, which could include add-ons, while summer signing James Trafford may also be used as part of a swap deal.
"Superstar" Livramento may find it difficult to dislodge Nunes
Lauded as a “superstar” by Newcastle content creator Kendall Rowan, there are signs the right-back could be a good fit in a Guardiola system, with his passing ability particularly impressive over the course of the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90 (past year)
Pass completion %
85.9% (90th percentile)
Progressive passes
5.17 (87th percentile)
Pep has been keen on signing the full-back for quite some time, and he is now vastly experienced in the Premier League, having made 103 appearances in the competition, while he has also tested himself in the Champions League for the second time this season.
The 23-year-old could be able to push for Nunes’ place in the starting XI before too long, but it will be difficult to dislodge the Portugal international, given that the City star is arguably a more well-rounded right-back at the moment.
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The 27-year-old has displayed a keen eye for creating chances this season, chipping in with one goal and three assists in the Premier League, while Livramento has just four goal contributions in 93 games for Newcastle.
As such, the Engand international may have to improve the attacking side of his game if he is going to take Nunes’ shirt.
Jack Leach has signed a contract extension with Somerset after revealing that he has been released from his England central contract.Leach has played 39 Tests for England, most recently on their tour to Pakistan a year ago, and was the only spinner to take 50 County Championship wickets this season. But he has slipped down the pecking order to the extent that England have opted to take the allrounder Will Jacks to Australia as their back-up spin option ahead of him.He has been centrally contracted since the start of the 2021-22 winter but will fall back onto his county deal with Somerset next year. Leach was already under contract with his hometown club until the end of next season, but the county announced on Monday that he has now signed a two-year extension until the end of 2028.Related
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England have not yet announced their central contracts for 2025-26, but Leach told the BBC last week that he had been informed by managing director Rob Key that his deal would not be renewed. “My contract was up, so he obviously told me that and at the same time, said about the Ashes squad and that I wasn’t going to be in it,” Leach said.”I was gutted about that. That was really my aim for the summer, and it wasn’t to be, so [now] it’s time to reflect and try to keep getting better and get myself back in there… I don’t know from their point of view whether they have completely moved past me, but I believe I’m still getting better and I need to keep showing that in county cricket.”Shoaib Bashir, who has leapfrogged Leach to become England’s first-choice spinner, is widely expected to leave Somerset after he did not feature for them in any format this season. He is likely to retain his central contract for 2025-26, meaning that the ECB – rather than whichever county he joins – will pay his salary.Elsewhere, Sussex have announced the signing of batting allrounder Jack Leaning from Kent on a three-year contract, while legspinning allrounder Calvin Harrison has signed a permanent deal with Northamptonshire after impressing on loan from Nottinghamshire earlier this year.
Newcastle United have been dealt some bad luck recently under Eddie Howe, though that could all be about to change as they eye January reinforcements.
With the international break now here, it is fair to say that the Magpies have endured an underwhelming start to the Premier League campaign despite a £249 million transfer spend.
Compounding matters, Newcastle suffered a frustrating defeat to Brentford last Sunday, seeing Dan Burn sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity before an Igor Thiago double put the seal on back-to-back top-flight defeats.
Now, they sit 14th in the Premier League standings and look to be in a bit of a malaise, something that Howe put down to lapses of concentration in the second-half.
He said: “Really difficult second half for us. Whatever could go wrong did go wrong. We didn’t respond to the first goal well enough and then the second goal and the red card, which cost us the game.
“We showed a good mentality to our defending in the first half and we stood up to that task. Just that one throw-in and it cost us, and it was a big turning point in the match.”
Sven Botman and Kieran Tripper didn’t cover themselves in glory alongside Burn and contributed to a poor defensive display.
Still, once the dust settles, the Geordies will dust themselves down before planning for a busy festive period, starting with a home clash against Manchester City before a trip to face Marseille in the Champions League.
Come January, arrivals will be on their radar, and it appears that Howe is now plotting a solution to his defensive problems that could be cost-efficient.
Newcastle look to beat Premier League competition to Oscar Mingueza
According to AS, Newcastle are eyeing a cut-price deal to sign Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza, who is also being targeted by Premier League pair West Ham United and Aston Villa.
Barcelona hold a 50% sell-on clause on his next move due to his time with their famous La Masia academy, which could prompt the La Liga club to push for a considerable fee to ensure all bases are covered from their end.
Oscar Mingueza in La Liga – 2025/26 (Fotmob)
Chances created
15
Successful passes
356
Duels won
30
Recoveries
30
Successful crosses
8
However, Mingueza is out of contract in the summer of 2026, potentially offering up a scenario where a cut-price deal may be conducted as Celta Vigo seize advantage of their last chance to cash in on the versatile central defender.
Making 14 appearances this season, the Spain star has registered one goal and three assists and would be a useful addition, given he can also operate on the right-hand side either in wing-back or advanced midfield role.
Newcastle have held internal talks to sign a defensive midfielder
Set to become a free agent next summer, he is inclined to pay attention to offers before coming to a final conclusion on his future, and Newcastle are racing against the clock to tempt him away from Celta Vigo.