Buster Olney
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Articles by Buster Olney
MLB trade deadline 2026: Early intel from Olney, Passan Original
Jul 22, 2026, 07:00 AM ET The MLB trade deadline is a little later than usual this summer (6 p.m. ET on Aug. 3) and there is a logjam of teams at the edge of contention in both leagues, leaving the forecast for this trade season a bit hazy.
MLB trade deadline 2026: Early intel from Olney, Passan
6 hours ago The Philadelphia Phillies entered the second half of the season firmly in the National League playoff race, while arguably their biggest division rival, the New York Mets, are virtually out of contention. But even though the two rivals are already on different trajectories toward the playoffs, that …
Tigers Trending To Keep Tarik Skubal Past MLB Trade Deadline
The Detroit Tigers are unlikely to commit to trading ace Tarik Skubal ahead of the deadline given their favorable upcoming schedule. Detroit faces the Los Angeles Angels, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Athletics and the Baltimore Orioles, a slate that gives the Tigers little incentive to sell. Should Detroit reconsider, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays all represent teams worth monitoring in a potential Skubal market.
Skubal to the Dodgers? What will Mets, Red Sox do?…
Which teams will go all-in at the deadline? Which stars could be dealt? Here’s everything our MLB insiders heard in Philly.
MLB All-Star Week buzz: Latest intel on trade rumo…
Which teams will go all-in at the deadline? Which stars could be dealt? Here’s everything our MLB insiders heard in Philly.
MLB All-Star Week buzz: Latest intel, trade rumors, Skubal, more Original
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Jul 17, 2026, 07:00 AM ET The baseball world ascended upon Philadelphia for the 2026 MLB draft, Home Run Derby and All-Star Game this week, and our MLB reporters were there talking to execs, coaches, agents, scouts, players and other sources. While fans can see the action on the field, behind the scenes it's a perfect time to collect intel on what teams are planning with the MLB trade deadline just around the corner and to get the leaguewide pulse on topics dominating the season.
By Jorge Castillo Verified, Buster Olney Verified, Jeff Passan Verified, Jesse Rogers Verified, David Schoenfield Verified
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ESPN
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Cómo llega Universitario al Clausura de la Liga 1: fichajes y puestos a reforzar
Universitario afrontará el segundo semestre del año con un único objetivo: ganar el Clausura de la Liga 1 para así forzar una final nacional con Alianza Lima y mantener la chance de lograr su anhelado tetracampeonato nacional.
La mayor virtud de Argentina en el Mundial 2026: el gol
Argentina se prepara para enfrentar a Inglaterra por las semifinales del Mundial 2026, en un clásico que promete mucho para definir al segundo finalista del torneo. El equipo de Lionel Scaloni, vigente campeón del mundo, llegó a esta instancia sin convencer desde el juego, pero con una virtud en la que apoya sus resultados: el gol.
Olney: Breaking down the Home Run Derby contestant…
What you need to know about this year’s hitters — and the coaches and fathers they chose for their big moment.
Olney: Breaking down the Home Run Derby contestant…
What you need to know about this year’s hitters — and the coaches and fathers they chose for their big moment.
Breaking down the contestants
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Copy of Olney: Breaking down the Home Run Derby contestant…
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HR Derby de MLB 2026: Análisis de los participantes
Todo lo que necesitas saber sobre los participantes de este año, además de los entrenadores y padres que eligieron para su gran momento. La primera vez que Dino Ebel vio a Bryce Harper, este era un joven prodigio con un swing increíblemente potente que pronto lo llevaría a la portada de Sports Illustrated. "Se notaba que era especial", dijo Ebel, ahora entrenador de tercera base de los Dodgers. "Había mucha expectación a su alrededor".
HR Derby de MLB 2026: Análisis de los participantes
Todo lo que necesitas saber sobre los participantes de este año, además de los entrenadores y padres que eligieron para su gran momento. La primera vez que Dino Ebel vio a Bryce Harper, este era un joven prodigio con un swing increíblemente potente que pronto lo llevaría a la portada de Sports Illustrated. "Se notaba que era especial", dijo Ebel, ahora entrenador de tercera base de los Dodgers. "Había mucha expectación a su alrededor".
2026 MLB Home Run Derby: Breaking down the contestants Original
The first time Dino Ebel ever saw Bryce Harper, the latter was a teenage prodigy with a ridiculously powerful swing that would soon land him on the cover of Sports Illustrated. "You could see he was special," said Ebel, now the third base coach for the Dodgers. "There was big hype around him." With all of the attention focused on Harper, Ebel gave him plenty of space that day and didn't introduce himself.
HR Derby MLB 2026: Lecciones para Schwarber y Harper
Estrellas que han triunfado -y fracasado- bajo los focos del HR Derby local comparten sus historias y consejos para Bryce Harper y Kyle Schwarber. Dondequiera que juegue fuera de casa, Bryce Harper comentó en una conversación en Cincinnati la semana pasada, recibe abucheos. "Los abucheos son muy fuertes dondequiera que voy", dijo con una sonrisa irónica. "Y luego, en casa, te ovacionan. Y sabes, es increíble".
HR Derby MLB 2026: Lecciones para Schwarber y Harper
Estrellas que han triunfado -y fracasado- bajo los focos del HR Derby local comparten sus historias y consejos para Bryce Harper y Kyle Schwarber. Dondequiera que juegue fuera de casa, Bryce Harper comentó en una conversación en Cincinnati la semana pasada, recibe abucheos. "Los abucheos son muy fuertes dondequiera que voy", dijo con una sonrisa irónica. "Y luego, en casa, te ovacionan. Y sabes, es increíble".
‘The last thing you want to do is lay an egg’: Wha…
Stars who have thrived — and failed — under the hometown Derby spotlight share their stories and advice for Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.
MLB All-Star Home Run Derby 2026: Lessons for Schwarber, Harper Original
Wherever Bryce Harper plays away from home, he noted in a conversation in Cincinnati last week, he gets booed. "The boos are very loud where I go," he said, through a wry smile. "And then, at home, you get cheered. And you know, it's awesome." He knows from experience that the cheers that he and Kyle Schwarber will get Monday night, as the hometown guys in the 2026 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park, will be thunderous.
Olney: How ABS has helped propel a left-handed-hit…
Left-handers are crushing the ball in 2026 — and MLB’s new automated ball-strike challenge system might be part of the reason why.
Olney: How ABS has helped propel a left-handed-hit…
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How ABS has helped propel MLB's left-handed-hitting resurgence
Baseball has historically leaned left in its design. Left-handed hitters have a slightly shorter distance to cover on their journey to first base, and with right-handed pitchers generally outnumbering left-handed ones, lefty batters have had more platoon opportunities than their right-handed peers. Yankee Stadium was designed for left-handed hitters -- initially for slugger Babe Ruth.
Cubs' Edward Cabrera exits with left hamstring/adductor strain
NEW YORK -- Chicago Cubs pitcher Edward Cabrera was carted off the field Tuesday night after injuring his left leg stretching for a throw at first base against the New York Mets. With two runners aboard in the fifth inning, Cabrera ran to cover the bag when Jared Young hit a two-out grounder wide of first. Second baseman Nico Hoerner made a sliding stop on the outfield grass and threw to Cabrera, who went into a split as he caught the toss for the final out of the inning.
Cubs' Counsell perplexed by rainout vs. Mets in New York
NEW YORK -- After his team got rained out two days in a row, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell sounded a little miffed about the second one. Chicago's series opener Monday night against the Mets in New York was postponed because of poor weather and rescheduled as part of a day-night doubleheader Wednesday at Citi Field. Counsell and the Cubs also got washed out back home at Wrigley Field on Sunday, when they were supposed to wrap up a series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Royals' Cole Ragans likely to have surgery on left elbow
Cole Ragans is expected to undergo surgery to fix a left elbow impingement that has sidelined him since early May, Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro told reporters Tuesday. Quatraro said Ragans is set to see another doctor this week, at which point it will be determined what type of surgery the two-time All-Star needs and how long he will be out. "It's awful," the manager said, according to MLB.com.
Nationals' CJ Abrams late scratch with left side tightness
WASHINGTON -- Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams was a late scratch for Tuesday night's game against Philadelphia due to left side tightness. Abrams was scratched about 20 minutes before the scheduled first pitch. The 25-year-old Abrams played in the Nationals' 4-1 win over the Phillies on Monday night, going 1 for 4 and extending his hitting streak to six games.
Yankees manager bothered by Jazz Chisholm's in-game lollipop Original
The baseball season has gotten off to a pretty sweet start for the first-place New York Yankees, but manager Aaron Boone would rather his second baseman not take that so literally. Jazz Chisholm took the field in the fifth inning of Monday's game against the Detroit Tigers with a green lollipop in his mouth. While he didn't factor into any defensive plays in the inning, Boone still felt Jazz hit a sour note. "That pisses me off," Boone said Tuesday on the "Talkin' Yanks" podcast from Jomboy Media.
Brewers release former starting third baseman Luis Rengifo
MILWAUKEE -- Luis Rengifo has been released by the Milwaukee Brewers after opening the season as their primary third baseman. The Brewers announced the release Tuesday, a week after designating him for assignment. The Brewers designated Rengifo for assignment when they called up shortstop Cooper Pratt from Triple-A Nashville.
Brewers' Brandon Woodruff gets 900th K in return from IL
CINCINNATI -- Brandon Woodruff's 900th career strikeout wasn't the most important accomplishment for the Milwaukee Brewers right-hander on Monday night. Neither was taking a perfect game into the sixth inning. The most important thing for Woodruff and the Brewers is that he's finally healthy and looking like the best version of himself.
Manfred: Giants' communication to players over Pride caps 'not clear'
NEW YORK -- MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a letter to Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley that the San Francisco Giants failed to properly explain to players that they were allowed to decline to wear rainbow-themed caps during the club's annual Pride Night earlier this month. Several members of the Giants, including starting pitcher Landen Roupp, added Bible verses to the themed cap, prompting a warning from the league that writing on the caps is a violation of league policy.
Mets' Francisco Lindor to play at least 1 more rehab game
NEW YORK -- Francisco Lindor will play at least one more minor league rehab game before the New York Mets decide to activate their shortstop from the injured list after a two-month absence because of a strained left calf. Lindor will play his third rehab game Tuesday when he's in the lineup for Triple-A Syracuse. He split this weekend playing for Double-A Binghamton and Syracuse and was 1-for-8 while playing shortstop.
Reds expect shortstop Elly De La Cruz to return Tuesday
CINCINNATI -- Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is expected to be reinstated from the injured list Tuesday after missing 19 games with a strained right hamstring, manager Terry Francona said Monday. De La Cruz -- who has been sidelined since June 1 -- took batting practice prior to Monday night's series opener against the first-place Brewers.
Phillies recall RHP Alan Rangel, reinstate LHP Kyle Backhus
WASHINGTON -- The Philadelphia Phillies recalled right-hander Alan Rangel from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and reinstated left-hander Kyle Backhus from the 15-day injured list Monday ahead of their series opener against the Washington Nationals. Philadelphia optioned right-hander Max Lazar to Lehigh Valley and designated right-hander Bryse Wilson for assignment, the team announced.
White Sox C Kyle Teel off 60-day IL, will debut vs. Guardians
CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox activated Kyle Teel from the 60-day injured list on Monday and optioned fellow catcher Edgar Quero to Triple-A Charlotte. Teel is expected to make his season debut in the opener of a three-game series against AL Central-leading Cleveland. The 24-year-old Teel strained his right hamstring while playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic. Then he hurt his right knee while playing for Charlotte on a rehab assignment.
Rangers' Leiter to IL as ankle injury lingers; Seager out again
ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Rangers placed Jack Leiter on the 15-day injured list Sunday with an ankle issue the right-hander has been battling most of the season, while star shortstop Corey Seager still isn't ready to return from a concussion. The Rangers recalled right-hander Jose Corniell from Triple-A Round Rock but didn't say how they would fill Leiter's spot in the rotation Tuesday at Miami. Six of Corniell's seven minor league appearances were starts.
Yankees activate Austin Wells from IL after 2-week absence
NEW YORK -- The New York Yankees activated Austin Wells from the 10-day injured list Sunday after the catcher missed two weeks because of cervical headaches. Wells missed 12 games and had three minor league rehab games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. He went 2 for 12 in those game but also spent time working on some things with coaches.
Olney: The 12 MLB execs under the most pressure at…
With the deadline Aug. 3, here are which front offices could make — or break — their future this trade season.
Fecha límite de cambios MLB 2026: directivos bajo mayor presión
La fecha límite de cambios en MLB es el 3 de agosto y hay directivas que podrían asegurar o arruinar en este lapso Es un buen momento para Andrew Friedman, director de operaciones de beisbol de Los Angeles Dodgers.
MLB 2026 trade deadline: Front office execs under most pressure Original
It's a good time to be Andrew Friedman, the head of baseball operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He's probably having a hard time fitting all of his championship rings onto one hand, and L.A. is loaded again for a run at a third consecutive World Series title, especially considering Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and others are working their way back from injury and are expected to return before October. As the Major League Baseball trade deadline nears, there's no real pressure on Friedman.
Cómo la venta de Padres completa el legado de Peter Seidler
Mientras se oficializa la venta de los Padres por 3.900 millones de dólares, un repaso a la gestión que transformó la franquicia. Durante su etapa como propietario de los San Diego Padres, el difunto Peter Seidler conversaba con frecuencia con su gerente general, A.J. Preller, acerca del ciclo recurrente de frustración que habían vivido los aficionados al deporte de la ciudad. "Todo el tiempo", comentó Preller recientemente.
‘It’s a tribute to him’: How the Padres’ sale comp…
As the Padres’ sale for $3.9 billion becomes official, a look back at the tenure that transformed the franchise.
Olney: How Padres' sale completes Peter Seidler's legacy Original
In his time as owner of the San Diego Padres, the late Peter Seidler spoke frequently with his general manager, A.J. Preller, about the repeated cycle of frustration the city's sports fans had experienced. "All the time," Preller said recently. Often, the Padres developed or collected stars, and with the notable exception of eight-time batting champion Tony Gwynn, they would trade players when they became more expensive or stand down as they departed as free agents.
Dodgers' Kiké Hernández strains oblique 2 days into season debut
LOS ANGELES -- Kiké Hernández is probably headed to the injured list because of a strained left oblique only two days into his season debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 34-year-old utility man homered in his first at-bat Tuesday night, then doubled in his second before leaving a 15-6 win over the Colorado Rockies after his at-bat in the fourth inning. "It's not a season-ending thing, so that's something to be hopeful with," manager Dave Roberts said after the game.
Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado exits win with groin tightness
SAN FRANCISCO -- Arizona third baseman Nolan Arenado left the Diamondbacks' 7-5 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night in the seventh inning because of groin tightness. Arenado was replaced at third base by Jose Fernandez to start the bottom of the seventh after going 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored. The Diamondbacks announced Arenado was removed with tightness in his right groin. "I told (Arenado) let's be smart about this," manager Torey Lovullo said after the win.
Yankees get at least 2 hits from every starter in romp vs. Royals
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Yankees manager Aaron Boone watched the hits begin to pile up on the massive, crown-shaped scoreboard beyond the centerfield wall at Kauffman Stadium, and he knew that his team was doing something impressive against the Kansas City Royals. He didn't know until afterward that it was something historic. Yes, there were six home runs, including two from Amed Rosario. And the Yankees put up 24 hits in the 15-1 romp, their most since a game against Baltimore in July 2011.
Soto, Minter, Young back for Mets; Taylor (hip flexor) to IL
NEW YORK -- Juan Soto, A.J. Minter and Jared Young returned to the New York Mets on Tuesday, when the last-place club's depth was challenged again by the loss of outfielder Tyrone Taylor to the 10-day injured list because of a right hip flexor strain. Soto, who missed two games because of an illness, was in the lineup as the designated hitter, batting third, in the middle game of a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds.
Former Braves slugger Bob Horner, who had 4-HR game, dies at 68
ATLANTA -- Bob Horner, the power-hitting third baseman who was the No. 1 draft pick in 1978 and hit a home run in his debut with the Atlanta Braves after skipping the minor leagues, has died. He was 68. The Braves, who said Tuesday they were informed of Horner's death in Texas by his wife, Chris, announced the news on their X account. The team did not report Horner's cause of death. Horner hit 218 homers in a 10-year career, including nine seasons with the Braves.
Yomiuri Giants manager resigns after allegedly assaulting daughter
TOKYO -- Shinnosuke Abe has resigned as manager of Japan's storied baseball team Yomiuri Giants after being arrested for the alleged assault of his teenage daughter. The 47-year-old Abe, who was later released, apologized "for causing trouble because of my family matters" at a news conference Tuesday where he announced he was stepping down as manager.
Sources: Athletics calling up lefty pitching prospect Gage Jump Original
The Athletics are calling up Gage Jump, one of the best left-handed pitching prospects in baseball, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Monday. The No. 2 prospect in the A's system, Jump, 23, runs his fastball up to 97 mph and has struck out 56 in 38 innings at Triple-A Las Vegas. The Athletics (27-27) are atop the American League West standings, but their pitching staff ranks in the bottom third in the majors in strikeout rate.
Kike Hernandez makes season debut in Dodgers' 5-3 victory
LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Dodgers have their self-described "clown in the clubhouse" back. Cue the levity, energy and intensity. Utilityman Kike Hernandez made his season debut in a 5-3 win against the Colorado Rockies on Monday night. He went 2 for 2 with an RBI double down the third base line while batting ninth and starting at third base in place of injured Max Muncy in the series opener.
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