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2025 World Series: Meet Blue Jays’ under-the-radar mashers

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    Jorge CastilloOct 27, 2025, 07:00 AM ET

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      ESPN baseball reporter. Covered the Washington Wizards from 2014 to 2016 and the Washington Nationals from 2016 to 2018 for The Washington Post before covering the Los Angeles Dodgers and MLB for the Los Angeles Times from 2018 to 2024.

Four years ago, Toronto Blue Jays hitting coach David Popkins received a call from Los Angeles Dodgers vice president of player development, Will Rhymes, his boss at the time, with good news: The organization wanted to promote him to a minor league hitting coordinator role. It was an encouraging step forward after one season as hitting coach for the High-A Great Lakes Loons. And it never happened because the Minnesota Twins called him the next day asking to interview him for their hitting coach vacancy with the big league club — three rungs above the Midwest League. He was 31 years old at the time. He got the job.

“I was pretty shocked,” Popkins said.

Popkins, hired in Nov. 2021, oversaw Twins hitters for three years, helping guide an offense that ranked 11th in wRC+ and 13th in runs scored over the stretch despite major injuries to key players. Then he was made a scapegoat for the team’s collapse out of postseason contention and fired after the 2024 season. His unemployment lasted less than three weeks before the Blue Jays plucked him in October.

A year later, the Blue Jays advanced to the World Series as heavy underdogs against the organization that gave him his first coaching opportunity.He has molded the Toronto offense into an unlikely juggernaut — it finished fourth in the majors in runs scored during the regular season and has been the best group this postseason. The Blue Jays make the most contact in the majors and strike out the least. They frustrate pitchers by driving up pitch counts with keen discipline and an annoying knack for fouling off pitches.

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Popkins, working with assistant hitting coaches Hunter Mense and Lou Iannotti, has guided the group with one overarching message: Every hitter has different strengths and weaknesses, so let’s play to those. Players say an identity isn’t forced on them.

“I think overall our lineup’s won in different ways every single day this year,” Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho said. “There’s not one way to kind of describe us. We grind out pitchers. We do everything we can to kind of help our team win. Doesn’t matter if it’s a long ball or single you to death.”

Popkins asked players to apply different approaches to attack different pitch mixes and make themselves unpredictable. He told them to continue making contact, as the last-place 2024 Blue Jays did, but to avoid making contact just to make contact in advantage counts. He emphasized sprinkling in some slug into their at-bats when they’ve earned a good count.

“I just think our one through nine is tough to get through,” Popkins said. “There’s not a lot of breathing room there. You know, a lot of lineups, you can usually find about three hitters in there you can just really attack, go after. There’s not a lot of battery that’s expended when that happens. And here you have to grind through one through nine.”

That one through nine this season has featured three stars — Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer and Bo Bichette (when healthy) — and a cast of under-the-radar players who embody the 2025 Blue Jays.

Here are five who have supplemented the big names with invaluable contributions.

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What you need to know: Barger, the Opening Day shortstop for Triple-A Buffalo this season, was called up to the majors in mid-April and stuck. Splitting time between third base and right field, the 25-year-old former sixth-round pick batted .243 with 21 home runs and a .756 OPS in 135 games. He has been even better in the postseason with a .300 batting average, three home runs and a .953 OPS in 45 plate appearances — mostly against right-handed pitchers. It’s the kind of production he dreamed about growing up playing on the baseball field his father built for him in the family’s backyard near Tampa, Florida.

Signature October moment (so far): If the Blue Jays dethrone the Dodgers, Barger’s pinch-hit grand slam in Game 1 — and the story behind his sleeping accommodations — will be remembered in Canada for a long time.

The blast — the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history — was the gut punch in Toronto’s nine-run sixth inning en route to a blowout win. Barger had rushed home to Florida after the American League Championship Series to join his wife as she gave birth to their third child — and didn’t have a place to stay when he returned for the World Series. After Game 1, Blue Jays outfielder Davis Schneider revealed that Barger had crashed the night before on a pullout couch in the living room of his hotel suite overlooking the field at Rogers Centre. It wasn’t the best night’s sleep, and it didn’t matter.

Popkins’ take: “He’s explosive, man. Everything, he does it 100%. Swinging, running, throwing. At any point he can completely flip the game upside down with just his ability. He’s aggressive. He plays the game a lot more than you would think with that profile.”

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What you need to know:Clement has found a home in Toronto after struggling through his first two big league seasons with the Cleveland Guardians and Athletics. The infielder had his best season in 2025, batting .277 with a career-high 3.2 fWAR in 157 games and was named a Gold Glove finalist as both a third baseman and utilityman. He has used the approach to rocket his production to a star level in October with a .429/.442/.592 slash line, starting in each of Toronto’s 13 playoff games. Clement has a hit in 11 of the 13 games, and multiple hits in seven games.

“He’s probably my favorite player,” Blue Jays reliever Tommy Nance said. “He’s old school. He grinds. He’s gritty. I love the way he plays defense and the way that he takes at-bats.”

An ultra-aggressive hitter, Clement had the eighth-lowest strikeout rate and the 203rd lowest walk rate among 215 players with at least 400 plate appearances during the regular season. He leads all hitters in the postseason with a 57.7% first-pitch swing percentage. His 63.5% overall swing percentage is the highest among the two remaining teams and third in the playoffs.

Signature October moment (so far): Before Barger clubbed the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history, Clement gave the Blue Jays their first lead in the Fall Classic with a go-ahead single off Emmet Sheehan to ignite the nine-run barrage in the sixth inning. The Blue Jays never looked back.

Popkins’ take: “Clement is a dog in every essence of the word. He could have one hand — a broken hand, broken knee, It doesn’t matter. He’ll get up there and he’ll find a way to put the barrel on the ball. He’s been tremendous. It is a pleasure to watch him play the game every day. He plays it the exact way I would expect everyone to play this game. He’s beyond special in that regard.”

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What you need to know:Kirk, a two-time All-Star, is the most accomplished of this group, but he was never projected for such heights. Generously listed at 5-foot-8, 245 pounds, Kirk signed for just $7,500 out of Mexico. He wasn’t widely considered a top-100 prospect until after making his major league debut in 2020. By 2022, he was an All-Star and an integral part of the team’s young core with Guerrero and Bichette. He was rewarded for his ascension with a five-year, $58 million contract in March that will keep him under team control through 2030.

Kirk was a staple in the middle of the Blue Jays’ lineup during the regular season, slashing .282/.438/.421 with 15 home runs and embodying the Blue Jays grind-it-out, contact-first mindset.

“He’s unbelievable,” outfielder Myles Straw said. “The contact skills, the ability to hit the ball hard. His knowledge behind the plate. His ability behind the plate. He does it on both sides of the ball. Whenever you got a guy at third, less than one out, you know that, I would say 98% of the time, that run’s going to score. So you always feel good with Kirky at the plate.”

Signature October moment (so far): The Blue Jays won 94 games and the AL East this season, but they entered the division series against the New York Yankees as underdogs. That changed with a 10-1 rout in Game 1. Kirk helped set the tone: After hitting home runs in Game 161 and Game 162 to help seal the AL East title, Kirk continued where he left off with two solo shots.

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What you need to know:Lukes didn’t make his major league debut until his age-28 season in 2023. It took 10 seasons in the minors, but he finally became a big league regular this year. He forced his way into the Blue Jays’ plans — and helped the club overcome Anthony Santander’s long absence — by posting a .730 OPS with 12 home runs in 135 games.

Signature October moment (so far): Lukes delivered a two-run double with the bases loaded in a four-run seventh inning in Game 1 of the ALDS. Lukes also made a diving catch in right field to rob Jazz Chisholm Jr. of extra bases in the win. The all-around performance helped set the tone for Toronto in October.

Popkins’ take:“Battle tested. He’s an older guy. I like to say those guys simply have to do twice as much to have the credit. And he finally got an opportunity here to prove that he’s been a good hitter his whole life. And he’s shown that.”

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Daulton Varsho

What you need to know: A former catcher, Varsho not only converted to the outfield full time when the Blue Jays acquired him from the Arizona Diamondbacks before the 2023 season, he has become one of the best defensive center fielders in baseball. At the plate, the 5-8 left-handed hitter cracked 20 home runs with an .833 OPS despite injuries limiting him to 71 games this season.

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“I just think with Daulton, he’s learned to kind of slow the moment down,” Springer said. “He develops a plan before the game with Pop and Lou and Hunter and he likes to stick with it. And I think as a hitter, any time you can have some confidence in what you’re doing. You trust your pregame prep. It’s obviously starting to show.”

Varsho said he goes to the plate looking to hit a groundball back to the pitcher every time. Springer joked it’s not the approach, but it typifies the diverse approaches Blue Jays hitters present to opponents.

Signature October moment (so far): Before Barger hit that pinch-hit grand slam and before Clement supplied that go-ahead single in Game 1, Varsho drew first blood with a tying two-run home run off the previously dominant Blake Snell. It was the first home run Snell had given up in seven starts, the first home run he had given up to a left-handed hitter this season and the first home run he had given up to a left-handed hitter on a four-seam fastball since June 2, 2024. The blast was also the Blue Jays’ first in a World Series since Joe Carter’s iconic walk-off, championship-winning shot 32 years earlier.

Popkins’ take: “He’s electric. Twitchy. He’s a little Sonic the Hedgehog out there in center field. You’ll see a ball about 100 feet and you’ll see him kind of crouch down and close that gap. Another guy who’s just extremely dangerous in the box. You just never know when he’s going to pop one off.”

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15 Under-The-Radar MLB Draft Prospects Who Caught Scouts’ Attention At Perfect Gameâ€s WWBA World Championship

The WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Fla. once again lived up to its reputation as the ultimate proving ground for prep talent. While the weekend featured plenty of familiar, headline draft names, it also served as a launching pad for a group of under-the-radar players who either showed off exciting tools or delivered true breakout performances.

This list focuses on that second group—the prospects who may not yet be household names in the draft community but left lasting impressions with evaluators.

All but one player on our list is already committed to a college program, and most project as legitimate candidates to reach campus. Together, they represent the next wave of impact talent—players whose performances in Jupiter hinted at much bigger things ahead, be it in college or as a young pro starting next summer.

Cody Boshell, 1B/OF, Florida

  • Draft Class: 2026
  • College Commitment: Tennessee

A physically imposing 6-foot-3, 220-pound lefthanded hitter, Boshell looked every bit the part of a power bat thanks to real strength through his frame and a barrel chest that suggested durability. Though primarily a first baseman, he moved well enough to project as a viable corner outfielder if needed.

At the plate, Boshell worked from a simple load with above-average hand speed and plenty of bat strength. His swing could get a touch long at times, but the bat path stayed direct enough to allow his natural power to play. The ball jumped off his barrel with carry to all fields, and he showed the ability to drive it out of the park, as evidenced by a home run he launched during a 4-for-12 showing in Jupiter.

Boshellâ€s hands worked fast through the zone, and his overall approach was aggressive. Continued emphasis on staying compact will be key as he faces better velocity, but the ingredients for middle-of-the-order power were already clear. He also pitched, though his future almost certainly lies with the bat, where his combination of physicality, athleticism and strength gives him impact potential.

Jorhan Castro, C, Puerto Rico

  • Draft Class: 2026
  • College Commitment: Western Kentucky

Though undersized at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, Castro impressed as arguably the most polished defensive catcher at the showcase. Multiple evaluators singled him out as the premier receiver in Jupiter, citing his advanced feel, quiet movements and leadership behind the plate against opposing lineups loaded with high-end players.

Castro showed a natural ability to present and steal strikes, particularly at the bottom of the zone, where his fluid hands and soft glove action consistently worked in his pitchers†favor. He blocked with ease, anticipated well and displayed a calm command of the game that stood out for his age. His throwing mechanics were compact and efficient, producing accurate throws with carry and pop times in the low 1.9s. The arm strength and quick release both played, and his overall defensive polish was ahead of his peers.

While the bat remains a work in progress and may be light long term, Castroâ€s defensive profile gives him a significant carrying tool. With plus upside behind the dish and an advanced understanding of the position, he projected as a high-floor catching prospect capable of anchoring a staff at the next level. He should make it to campus at Western Kentucky this fall.

Wyatt Clatur, RHP, Tennessee

  • Draft Class: 2026
  • College Commitment: Virginia

Clatur delivered one of the weekendâ€s most dominant outings, striking out nine over four shutout innings while generating 18 total whiffs—12 on his fastball and six on his slider. The performance underscored both his stuff and competitive demeanor, as he worked quickly, attacked hitters and never appeared fazed by the stage.

An athletic righthander with evident arm speed, Clatur operated from a slightly-crossfire delivery that added deception and angle to his arsenal. His fastball sat 91-93 mph, touched 94 and showed lively finish through the top of the zone. The pitch consistently missed bats, playing up thanks to his tempo and ability to locate it with intent.

His slider, thrown in the low 80s, featured sweep and late movement across the plate. He showed confidence landing it for strikes and used it effectively to finish at-bats against both lefties and righties.

Claturâ€s combination of athleticism, pitchability and competitive edge stood out as much as his raw stuff. With a lively fastball-slider mix, clean arm action and mound presence beyond his years, Clatur looked like a rising name to follow closely moving forward.

Colin Driffill, RHP, Nebraska

  • Draft Class: 2026
  • College Commitment: Kansas State

A lean, athletic 6-foot-1, 200-pound righthander, Driffill emerged as one of the more intriguing breakout arms at WWBA. Flashing loud arm strength and an operation built on athleticism, he struck out two across two innings without allowing an earned run.

Driffill sat 92-94 mph and reached 97 twice in his first inning, generating five whiffs on 26 fastballs that showed late life and explosive carry at the top of the zone. His primary secondary was a curveball in the low-to-mid 70s with solid depth. Its shape varied at times, however, hinting at a still-developing feel for spin.

Working from a delivery with some drop-and-drive elements, Driffill showed evident power and arm speed through a deep arm path. His movement patterns were athletic, his lower half strong and his overall projection enticing. With refinement, he had the raw ingredients to make significant strides as he matures.

Driffill entered the event largely under the radar, but that changed quickly. Multiple evaluators told Baseball America he wasnâ€t someone they had heavily followed—or, in some cases, had on their lists at all—before Jupiter. By the time he left, he was firmly among the names who made a strong impression.

Soren Etheridge, RHP, Arizona

  • Draft Class: 2027
  • College Commitment: Uncommitted

The lone uncommitted prospect on this list, Etheridgeâ€s performance in Jupiter was simply too loud to overlook. The young righthander struck out eight across 3.1 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and one walk while generating an eye-popping 16 total whiffs, 13 of which came on his fastball.

Etheridgeâ€s heater sat 90-92 mph and touched 94 with late carry, overpowering hitters at the letters. Though his velocity dipped slightly as the outing went on, the pitchâ€s shape and effectiveness held steady throughout. His best secondary was a low-80s changeup with late tumble and fading action—a pitch one evaluator projected could develop into a future plus offering.

Etheridge also mixed a curveball and slider—both in the mid-to-high 70s—that occasionally bled together. He appeared to call for two distinct breaking balls in warmups but threw more of a hybrid shape during game action. A handful of firmer sliders stood out, hinting at the potential to better differentiate a fourth pitch as he matures.

An athletic, projectable arm with a lean frame and multi-sport background—heâ€s also a competitive swimmer—Etheridge showed raw but exciting ingredients. His delivery contained plenty of low-hanging fruit to refine, but with physical growth and mechanical polish, he looked like a highly moldable, high-upside talent whose recruitment should accelerate in short order.

Julian Garcia, RHP, California

  • Draft Class: 2026
  • College Commitment: Long Beach State

A physical 6-foot-3, 210-pound righthander, Garcia possessed one of the cleaner arm strokes at the event. He worked from a high three-quarters slot with above-average arm speed and a fastball that sat in the low 90s, touched 93 mph and showed carry through the zone. The pitch got on hitters quickly and played best at the letters. There was some effort when he reached back for more, but it never disrupted his tempo. Further velocity gains appeared well within reach as he continues to mature physically.

Garciaâ€s best offspeed offering was a sharp, high-spin breaking ball in the low-to-mid 70s that eclipsed 2,800 rpm. It came out of his hand clean with pronounced depth and late, biting action when he stayed on top of it. The pitch already induced swings and misses and figures to become a legitimate out pitch with added power. He also mixed a developing changeup that he threw just once in Jupiter.

Over two hitless, scoreless innings with four strikeouts, Garcia displayed two pitches with above-average upside, consistent strike-throwing feel and the type of size and arm speed that suggested more to come.

Will Holden, C, North Carolina

  • Draft Class: 2026
  • College Commitment: Wake Forest

A physical 6-foot-3, 205-pound catcher from North Carolina, Holden showed the kind of strength, athleticism and versatility that make him a valuable piece at multiple positions. He moved well for his size and showed the ability to handle both catching and corner infield duties.

Behind the plate, Holden worked from a one-knee setup with decent lower-half quickness and a compact arm action. His throws carried with accuracy, and he showed above-average arm strength. He occasionally struggled with glove-to-hand transfers, but that’s an area that should smooth out with continued reps.

At the plate, Holden hit from a wide stance and generated leverage and loft through the zone. His swing could get steep at times, but the barrel was heavy and produced above-average raw power. Two of his three hits in Jupiter left the yard, and his loose hands and developing approach hinted at more consistency ahead.

Committed to Wake Forest, Holden profiled as a strong, righthanded power bat with defensive versatility and plenty of physical maturity still to come.

Bryant James, SS, Virginia

  • Draft Class: 2026
  • College Commitment: Virginia

A lean, wiry 6-foot-1, 175-pound shortstop, James stood out as one of the best athletes in the tournament. His frame offered ample room to add strength, and with natural twitch already present, there was clear upside remaining as he continues to fill out physically.

A double-plus runner with verified 60-yard times in the 6.2-6.3 range, James used his speed as both a weapon and tone-setter. He consistently pressured defenses by getting out of the box quickly to turn routine contact into close plays and extra-base opportunities. His speed was on full display when he coasted in for a triple on a ball to the gap.

At the plate, James hit from a shoulder-high handset with a fairly narrow, upright stance. In lieu of a leg kick, he instead used a controlled stride to get into his swing. His hands worked fast, and his barrel stayed through the hitting zone for a long stretch, giving him a strong contact foundation. Right now, he profiles as a table-setter with gap-to-gap line drive ability, though added strength could unlock more lift and carry in his profile over time.

Defensively, James showed the actions and arm strength to stick at shortstop. His quick first step, lateral range and overall athleticism helped him make plays to both sides. Should he eventually need to move off the position, his elite speed and twitch would translate naturally to the grass.

Taden Krogsgaard, RHP, California

  • Draft Class: 2026
  • College Commitment: Cal State Fullerton

A lean and athletic 6-foot-3, 180-pound righthander, Krogsgaard impressed in Jupiter with his projection, polish and feel for spin. Though he also plays third base, his future clearly lies on the mound, where his athleticism and arm speed stand out.

Krogsgaard worked with a low three-quarters release and a bit of crossfire in his delivery, creating natural deception and angle on his pitches. His fastball sat 90-92 mph and touched 93, showing late life through the zone. The heater played up thanks to his ability to locate to both sides, and evaluators noted thereâ€s still velocity left in the tank as his frame continues to fill out.

His best secondary offering was a high-70s sweeper with late horizontal break that he consistently landed for strikes. Several evaluators already viewed the pitch as a fringe-plus weapon that should only improve as he adds strength and velocity.

Across two Jupiter outings, Krogsgaard allowed just one run over six innings, showing advanced pitchability and confidence. With a fastball-slider foundation, physical projection and an athletic delivery, he profiles as a high-upside arm.

Trent Lutz, RHP, Pennsylvania

  • Draft Class: 2027
  • College Commitment: Penn State

A long-limbed 6-foot-4, 170-pound righthander, Lutz combined present stuff with significant physical projection. His high-waisted, lean frame left plenty of room for added strength, and the delivery already hinted at future power once he grows into it. He worked with a deep, high three-quarters arm stroke and occasionally landed open in his stride, leading to some inconsistency in his release point.

Lutzâ€s fastball sat 90-93 mph and touched 94, showing solid life through the zone. His best velocity and shape came early in the outing, but the pitch still held enough life to miss bats late. He paired it with both a curveball and slider that sometimes bled together. When he stayed on top, the curveball showed depth, but he occasionally got around it and lost finish. He also mixed in a few changeups that flashed promise with late fade.

Still early in his development, Lutzâ€s projection stood out most. His wiry frame, loose arm action and flashes of a true three-pitch mix made him a highly intriguing long-term follow in the 2027 class.

Jace Mataczynski, SS, Wisconsin

  • Draft Class: 2026
  • College Commitment: Auburn

One of the most toolsy players in Jupiter, Mataczynski drew a sizable scouting crowd each time he took the field and quickly became one of the weekendâ€s buzziest names. Several evaluators told Baseball America they were zeroing in on the Auburn commit after his standout showing, and his stock appeared to be rising fast.

At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Mataczynski combines promising size, twitch and fluidity. He moved easily at shortstop, showing light feet and impressive body control with an above-average arm that carried across the diamond. His wide, effortless gait translated into plus running ability, allowing him to cover ground both in the field and on the bases.

Offensively, Mataczynski remains raw but dangerous. His two-handed swing occasionally lagged behind better velocity, though his physical strength and bat speed still showed through as he collected six hits, including a home run and two doubles. With added mechanical polish and physical maturity, his offensive game could take a major leap.

Mataczynskiâ€s blend of athleticism, tools and projection has him positioned as a potential early-round follow if his upward trajectory continues.

Lukas McDowell, RHP, Canada

  • Draft Class: 2026
  • College Commitment: North Florida

A towering 6-foot-8, 245-pound righthander and native of Canada, McDowell looked every bit the part of a workhorse starter thanks to his broad shoulders and powerful lower half. His size alone turned heads, but it was the combination of athleticism and stuff that made his outing one of the more memorable performances among the unheralded prospects in Jupiter. Over three scoreless innings, he struck out three without issuing a walk while showing poise and command.

McDowell attacked from a long, whippy low three-quarters slot that created difficult angles and deception. His fastball sat 91-93 mph and touched 95 with carry through the zone and late life that helped it miss five bats. He paired it with a low-80s sweeping slider and a high-70s curveball that featured two-plane depth—both capable of missing barrels when executed. A developing changeup rounded out his four-pitch mix.

At 18, few pitchers combine this kind of physicality, arm speed and athletic operation. McDowellâ€s blend of size and raw stuff gives him a rare ceiling, and continued refinement could make him one of the more fascinating Canadian arms in the 2026 class.

Ethan Offing, OF, South Carolina

  • Draft Class: 2026
  • College Commitment: Clemson

An ultra-athletic 6-foot-1, 190-pound center fielder, Offing turned in one of the more complete performances in Jupiter and drew legitimate scouting attention. His combination of speed, defense and emerging impact at the plate made him one of the eventâ€s more intriguing all-around position players.

Offing covered ground easily in center field, showing smooth actions, confident reads and the type of closing speed that allowed him to make more difficult plays look routine. His running ability also translated offensively, where his quickness out of the box and aggressive baserunning kept pressure on defenses.

At the plate, Offingâ€s short, fast swing and advanced bat control stood out. He went 7-for-13 with a double, triple and home run, consistently finding the barrel and flashing surprising strength for his lean frame. The bat speed was real, and his swing path suggested room to grow into more power without sacrificing contact.

With plus speed, reliable defense in center and the potential to both set the table and impact the baseball with authority, Offing looked like a high-upside athlete who would fit perfectly in Clemsonâ€s up-tempo, offensive-minded program if he reaches campus.

Chandler Taylor, OF, Ohio

  • Draft Class: 2026
  • College Commitment: Alabama

The younger brother of former Indiana All-American Devin Taylor, Taylor impressed as a lean, athletic 6-foot-3, 185-pound outfielder with real center field potential. He moved with above-average speed, read the ball off the bat well and showed the instincts and reaction time to hold down the middle of the diamond.

At the plate, he shared traits similar to his brother, as his swing stayed on plane and his hands were quick. That ability already allows him to drive the ball all over the field, but as he adds strength, heâ€ll need to learn to lift the ball more consistently to unlock additional power.

Taylorâ€s biggest area for growth is in plate discipline. He needs to sharpen his approach against spin and remain engaged in two-strike counts, rather than expanding too early.

Though still relatively young, Taylor is already committed to Alabama and appears likely to land on campus. His tools, pedigree, and athletic profile make him an interesting name to follow going forward.

Ty Van Valkenburg, RHP, New York

  • Draft Class: 2026
  • College Commitment: Miami

Built with a strong, durable 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame, Van Valkenburg looked every bit the part of a physical righthander with starter traits. His delivery was compact and repeatable while his arm worked with looseness and whip from a three-quarters release. He occasionally dropped the slot a bit when throwing his slider but maintained a consistent tempo and direction throughout.

Van Valkenburgâ€s fastball sat in the low 90s and reached 94 mph while showing both run and ride that allowed it to miss bats. He commanded the pitch well, especially to his arm side, and collected four whiffs on it in this outing. Over two innings, he punched out four, didnâ€t issue a walk and allowed two hits—one an infield single—without surrendering an earned run.

His primary secondary was an upper-70s slider that flashed above-average potential. The pitch varied in shape, showing tighter, two-plane bite against lefthanded hitters and a sweepier look with more lateral movement to righties. It already profiled as his best swing-and-miss weapon and was responsible for two of his six total whiffs on the day. He also flashed a changeup in warmups but didnâ€t use it in-game.

With physical strength, repeatability and a fastball-slider combination that both played, Van Valkenburg fit the mold of a strike-throwing starter to watch closely this spring.

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Basketball

‘Under’ under-the-radar NBA players: 4 lesser-known names who could contribute for the 2025-26 season

A new NBA season is looming, and we all know what that means: Some players will explode onto the scene, while others will see their star stock drop.

That is how the NBA has worked since the dawn of professional basketball, and that’s not going to change now.

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However, in between the rising stars and the players nearing retirement, another group hides in plain sight: the “under” under-the-radar players.

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Yes, these players are obscure and simply don’t fit into the classic under-the-radar description, so they aren’t likely to receive a lot of attention.

That hardly seems fair, so let’s talk about them.

Here are four players who could spend the 2025-26 season proving their worth:

Sandro Mamukelashvili, Toronto Raptors

The 6-foo-11 big man has always been a per-minute production monster, yet he’s rarely been given the opportunity to play consistent minutes to see if he could convert said production into a steady role.

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Last season in San Antonio, the 26-year-old averaged 6.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in 11.2 minutes. In 681 total minutes, Mamukelashvili hit 60 3-point shots (37.3% accuracy) and turned into one of the league’s highest-volume long-range-shooting big men.

Now in Toronto, Mamukelashvili is hoping for a role that offers him more stability. With a roster that is certainly in need of complementary spacing, the big man could see a lot of minutes alongside Scottie Barnes, a player who is by no means a natural shooter and who needs optimized floor spacing to get to the rim.

Will this be the year Mamukelashvili finally earns a full-fledged rotation role? Given his age, 3-point prowess, new team and ability to hit the glass, it would make a lot of sense for the Georgian to become a bigger name.

Brice Sensabaugh, Utah Jazz

It’s almost unfair to include a guy who averaged almost 11 points last season, but given that very few people actually watched the Jazz, we think his name is a worthy inclusion.

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Sensabaugh appears primed to take another step forward, particularly due to his high 3-point rate (9.4 attempts per 36 minutes) and overall scoring capabilities. The 21-year-old played 20 minutes per game last season, making his presence felt consistently.

While Sensabaugh isn’t projected to become some all-around star, there is value in being supremely good at one thing, which in his case is the ability to flat-out get buckets.

For a team in drastic need of, well, everything, having a guy who could sleepwalk his way to a solid scoring average is nothing to sneeze at.

Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks

Bucks fans will rightfully scoff at his inclusion, as they’re already painfully aware of his value.

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For the rest of the league, though, it’s about to realize how crucial of a role he’s going to play for Milwaukee this season.

While not a traditional point guard, Rollins is capable of locating his own shot, playing off the ball and functioning as a proper spacing fit around Giannis Antetokounmpo. His 40.8% accuracy from long range last season is highly encouraging, as the Bucks are going to need as much floor spacing as possible after the loss of Damian Lillard to an Achilles injury.

The big question for Rollins will be playmaking and whether he can prevent the Bucks from drowning when Antetokounmpo isn’t on the floor. If he solves that conundrum, he should be a household name by April.

Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand a depleted Celtics frontcourt will offer opportunities to those ready to seize them.

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The 26-year-old Queta isn’t going to break the mold and offer unicorn production. He’s not a shooter, and is in fact far more of a traditional center as we knew them from the ’80s and ’90s. But that doesn’t mean he won’t get every opportunity to soak up center minutes and provide the Celtics with an interior presence.

Queta is likely to see a significant minutes bump, and should he be able to replicate his per-minute production, odds are good he’ll find himself in a situation where his statistical output is going to be noteworthy.

Of course, Boston will likely maintain its focus on the 3-point shot, meaning we aren’t locked in to see more touches go Queta’s way. In any event, his rebounding and shot-blocking are bound to make some noise.

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