Only a handful of players are guaranteed to keep their spots in the lineup next season, and decisions must be made about many of them, including catcher Austin Wells, who will become arbitration-eligible in the offseason.

There may not be much of a debate to be had about Wells’ future in The Bronx, though. At least that’s what reports coming out of Yankee Stadium suggest.

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees are planning to keep Wells at the starting catcher position. Whether they invest in a backup catcher who could push Wells for the starting job at some point during the 2027 MLB season is another discussion.

Austin Wells’ stats in 2026

Coming off a strong 2025 MLB season, Wells didn’t have the 2026 campaign many in The Bronx had hoped for. As a result, the arbitration-eligible catcher presents the Bronx Bombers’ front office with a question about which direction to take heading into the offseason.

Through 122 appearances in 2026, Wells recorded 334 at-bats, putting up 39 runs, 62 hits, 32 RBIs (all career lows), and 14 home runs. Moreover, Wells’ .186 batting average and .624 OPS were also the worst marks of his professional career.

Contract projection

According to SNY, Wells is projected to earn a $2.6 million contract if he reaches arbitration. Whether he actually reaches that stage or the Yankees avoid it, only time will tell.

Key takeaways

• New York Yankees planning to keep Austin Wells as starting catcher for 2027 season.
• Austin Wells recorded career-low 39 runs, 62 hits, and 32 RBIs.
• New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells projected to earn $2.6 million contract in arbitration.

The Brewers’ bullpen tossed five perfect innings against the Dodgers in Game 2, setting a Major League record for the most perfect relief innings in a single postseason game. That lights-out relief effort propelled Milwaukee to a 7–4 victory, giving them a 2–0 series cushion.

Four Milwaukee relievers combined to retire all 15 batters faced with seven strikeouts to lock down the victory: Dustin May (1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K), JoJo Romero (Win: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K), Abner Uribe (1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K), and Aaron Ashby (Save: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K).

Those dominant numbers make Dodgers manager Dave Roberts look foolish for dismissing the Brewers after dropping Game 1. Staring at an 0–2 hole following Milwaukee’s bullpen masterclass, Los Angeles now faces urgent questions regarding its pitching strategy as the NLCS shifts locations.

Brewers’ rotation creating waves since regular season

Anchored at the top by Jacob Misiorowski’s breakout campaign, the unit set a high standard of power pitching early on. Misiorowski made a team-leading 30 starts and established himself as a legitimate frontline ace, pairing elite velocity with late movement to consistently neutralize power-packed lineups and anchor the rotation through the dog days of summer.

Beyond its top-tier starter, Milwaukee relied heavily on exceptional youth and depth to maintain its relentless pace atop the NL Central. Acquired starter Kyle Harrison provided essential durability across 28 starts, delivering several high-strikeout gems along the way.

Even more impressive was how seamlessly the front office integrated top prospects into the mix. Rookie starters Chad Patrick, Logan Henderson, and Brandon Sproat combined for an astounding 77 starts throughout the campaign without missing a beat.

Key takeaways

• Milwaukee’s bullpen pitched five perfect innings during a 7–4 Game 2 victory.
• Dustin May, JoJo Romero, Abner Uribe, and Aaron Ashby combined to retire 15 straight batters.
• Frontline ace Jacob Misiorowski anchored Milwaukee’s rotation with a team-leading 30 starts.

“Don Mattingly appears to have a decent or better chance to be retained as Phillies manager. Went 79-55 to get into playoffs after taking over 9-19 team and has the respect of players and front office, as I said on @MLBNetwork,” Heyman revealed on X.

As the MLB season continues through its decisive stages, many are already beginning to wonder what the future holds. Will Don Mattingly remain at the helm of the Phillies next season?

Mattingly’s big year

Despite an early exit in the Wild Card Series—losing 2-1 to the Atlanta Braves—Don Mattingly enjoyed a remarkably successful campaign after stepping in as the Phillies’ interim manager. Taking over a struggling team that opened the season at 9-19 under Rob Thomson, Mattingly completely turned Philadelphia’s fortunes around.

He led the team to a stellar 79-55 regular-season record (24 games over .500), guiding them to an 88-74 overall finish and securing a postseason berth. Though the October heartbreak remains, Mattingly’s midseason turnaround stabilized the clubhouse and proved crucial in salvaging what initially appeared to be a lost season for Philadelphia.

What is Don Mattingly’s contract situation?

Having originally signed as the bench coach prior to the 2026 season, Don Mattingly remains under contract with the Philadelphia Phillies through 2027. Following Rob Thomson’s early-season firing, Mattingly assumed duties under an “interim manager” tag.

Although his managerial title officially expired at the end of the 2026 season, his guaranteed contract ensures he will stay in the Phillies organization through 2027—either by having his interim tag removed to become the permanent manager or by transitioning back into a front-office/coaching role.

Key takeaways

• Jon Heyman reported that Don Mattingly has a strong chance of remaining Phillies manager.
• Don Mattingly led the Philadelphia Phillies to a 79-55 regular-season record after taking over.
• Don Mattingly is under contract with the Philadelphia Phillies through the 2027 season.

“That’s Cleveland baseball. We don’t rely on guys who are going to hit 30 or 40 homers,” Ramirez said after the victory. “We play a fast-paced game, put pressure on the defense, and make things happen.”

Despite entering the postseason as underdogs behind a Rays team that captured the American League East ahead of the New York Yankees, Cleveland continues to prove it possesses the exact type of relentless style built for October baseball.

By delivering the kind of offensive output in a single night that took the Yankees three games to muster in the ALDS, the Guardians started the ALCS on the right foot, leaving Tampa Bay scrambling for answers heading into Game 2.

Ramirez sets the tone in Game 1 victory

Ramirez set the tone early in the opener, anchoring Cleveland’s 7–3 victory over Tampa Bay with a stellar multi-hit night at the plate and elite defense at the hot corner.

Finishing 3-for-5 with an RBI, Ramirez showed he is locked in for the postseason, determined to propel Cleveland to its first World Series appearance since 2016. He kept constant pressure on the Tampa Bay pitching staff throughout the night, delivering a clutch ninth-inning RBI single to cap off Cleveland’s 14-hit performance.

Beyond his offensive spark, Ramirez was equally dominant in the field, robbing the Rays of extra bases with a leaping snag at third to extinguish a potential Tampa Bay rally.

Key takeaways

• Cleveland third baseman Jose Ramirez praised his team’s fast-paced style following ALCS Game 1.
• Cleveland defeated Tampa Bay 7–3 while amassing a 14-hit performance in Game 1.
• Ramirez finished 3-for-5 with an RBI while adding strong defensive plays at third base.

According to a poll conducted by The New York Post of 11,000 Yankees fans, 85% voted for Boone to be relieved of his duties ahead of the 2027 season, while 73% want to see Cashman replaced in the front office.

Despite Cashman publicly backing Boone for 2027, questions persist as both figures enter the final year of their contracts, with reports beginning to surface regarding their long-term security in the Bronx.

With Cashman’s contract extension reportedly meeting internal resistance, the Yankees face critical roster and managerial questions to resolve if they hope to bounce back and end their postseason championship drought in 2027.

Boone and Cashman by the numbers

Boone has maintained a high level of regular-season success, compiling a 603–435 record (.581 winning percentage) while leading the franchise to six postseason appearances, three AL East division titles, and an American League Pennant in 2024.

Under Cashman’s leadership, the franchise has sustained an unprecedented 28 consecutive winning seasons while capturing four World Series championships (1998, 1999, 2000, 2009), seven American League Pennants, and 14 AL East division titles.

Though his early tenure was defined by the late-1990s dynasty, his decade-plus title drought and reliance on heavy spending have drawn heavy criticism, even after returning the Yankees to the World Series in 2024.

Potential replacements already emerging?

Despite internal continuity, reports indicate the Yankees may already be considering external options to turn the franchise around, with interim Philadelphia Phillies manager Don Mattingly emerging among the potential candidates.

Brad Ausmus, Shelley Duncan, Don Mattingly, Jorge Posada, Rocco Baldelli, Omar Lopez, and Joe Espada are among the names that could be evaluated if owner Hal Steinbrenner decides to move on from Boone.

Meanwhile, potential internal and external front-office successors have also surfaced if Cashman departs, with Damon Oppenheimer, Michael Fishman, and Jean Afterman mentioned in early reports.

Key takeaways

• New York Post poll revealed 85% of Yankee fans want Aaron Boone fired and 73% want Brian Cashman replaced.
• Aaron Boone holds a 603–435 record, while Brian Cashman has won four World Series titles.
• Potential managerial replacements include Don Mattingly, Brad Ausmus, Shelley Duncan, Jorge Posada, and Rocco Baldelli.

The Yankees managed just 12 hits across three full games against the Rays in the Division Series. By contrast, the Guardians matched that total of 12 hits before recording an out in the ninth inning of ALCS Game 1.

Those contrasting numbers highlight the offensive rut that doomed New York during the ALDS. They also underscore a surging Cleveland squad now four wins away from a World Series matchup against the winner of the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Among the Yankees, Jazz Chisholm Jr. drew significant critique for his postseason performance, with former teammate Anthony Rizzo even weighing in on the slugger’s struggles. Now, with Cleveland’s offense firing on all cylinders, high expectations surround how the remainder of the ALCS will play out.

Yankees’ key contributors against the Rays

Plagued by key absences—most notably team captain Aaron Judge, who missed the postseason due to a calf strain—New York struggled to generate consistent run support against Tampa Bay’s dominant pitching staff, scoring just five runs across the entire series.

The few bright spots were led by first baseman Ben Rice and shortstop Anthony Volpe, who produced three hits apiece. Rice provided a rare power surge with two solo home runs in Game 2, while Volpe picked up an RBI double in Game 3 following a dramatic fan-interference ruling on a potential game-tying homer.

Rookie Spencer Jones added two hits, including an RBI double, while Cody Bellinger, Luis Garcia Jr., George Lombard Jr., and Austin Wells each managed a single hit throughout the series.

Guardians’ key power surge in Game 1

In stark contrast to New York’s series-long struggles against Tampa Bay, Cleveland needed just three key hitters to dictate the narrative in Game 1 of the ALCS.

Steven Kwan (1-for-3, walk-off HR, RBI, run), Jose Ramirez (1-for-3, 2-run HR, 2 RBIs, run, walk), and Lane Thomas (2-for-4, 2 singles) spearheaded the offensive spark, leading the Guardians to an emphatic series-opening victory over the Rays.

Key takeaways

• The Yankees managed only 12 total hits across three full ALDS games against Tampa Bay.
• Cleveland matched New York’s 12 hits before recording an out in the ninth inning.
• Steven Kwan, Jose Ramirez, and Lane Thomas fueled Cleveland’s Game 1 ALCS win.

“You can’t go into a long series against a team that has the best record in baseball and expect to just win 4. It’s going to be a long series, we knew it coming in,” Dave Roberts revealed, via MLB Network on X.

The series is far from over, and the Dodgers still have plenty of room for improvement. However, Roberts knows he cannot afford to underestimate a team that won 103 games during the regular season, the most of any team in MLB.

A narrow final score for Los Angeles

It was a tough night at the plate for the Dodgers, as they dropped Game 1 of the NLCS to the Brewers in a tight 2-1 pitcher’s duel. Despite forcing Milwaukee starter Jacob Misiorowski to throw nearly 100 pitches early on, L.A.’s high-powered lineup went ice-cold when it mattered most, going just 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and stranding 10 total baserunners.

Starter Tarik Skubal turned in a solid outing, allowing just 2 earned runs with 7 strikeouts over 5.0 innings, but Milwaukee’s shutdown bullpen completely neutralized the Dodgers over the final 4.2 frames.

What’s next for the Dodgers vs Brewers series?

With Milwaukee holding a 1-0 series lead, the Dodgers will look to bounce back immediately in Game 2 on Monday, October 12, staying put at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

Following a travel day on Tuesday, the series shifts west to California, where Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles will host Game 3 on Wednesday, October 14, Game 4 on Thursday, October 15, and an if-necessary Game 5 on Friday, October 16. If the series goes the distance, it heads back to Milwaukee for Games 6 and 7 over the weekend.

Key takeaways

• Dave Roberts stressed the Dodgers knew beating the 103-win Brewers would be a long series.
• Los Angeles dropped Game 1 of the NLCS 2-1 after going 1-for-6 with RISP.
• The series continues with Game 2 on Monday at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

Jacob Misiorowski will take the mound for Game 1 as the Brewers look to set the tone early. Milwaukee also announced that Logan Henderson will start Game 2, while Robert Gasser is slated to take the ball in Game 3, according to MLB insider Adam McAlbi.

While the rest of the Senior Circuit shifts focus to the offseason—such as the Philadelphia Phillies, whose managerial search features candidates like Donnie Ecker—the Dodgers and Brewers are set to clash with a World Series berth on the line.

As the MLB postseason draws toward its climax, the hot stove is already warming up elsewhere: Sonny Gray has addressed his future with the Boston Red Sox, while the New York Yankees face ongoing scrutiny over their recent play, particularly regarding Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Brewers injury report ahead of Game 1

On the pitching front, Milwaukee remains without right-handed starter Brandon Woodruff as he continues to rehabilitate from major shoulder surgery. Meanwhile, left-hander DL Hall is being closely monitored following forearm and shoulder tightness, with plans to utilize him in a managed, multi-inning relief role.

Offensively, all eyes are on star outfielder Christian Yelich, who continues to manage lingering back discomfort that limited his workload late in the regular season. While Yelich is expected to be available at designated hitter or in the outfield, his availability will remain a day-to-day proposition.

Brewers’ projected lineup for Game 1

As the Brewers roll out their top active roster, the offense is expected to be anchored by Jackson Chourio and William Contreras. Here is Milwaukee’s projected starting lineup:

1. Jackson Chourio, LF
2. Brice Turang, 2B
3. William Contreras, C
4. Jake Bauers, 1B
5. Christian Yelich, DH
6. Cooper Pratt, SS
7. Luis Lara, RF
8. Garrett Mitchell, CF
9. Joey Ortiz, 3B

Key takeaways

• Jacob Misiorowski will start Game 1 of the NLCS for Milwaukee.
• Brandon Woodruff remains out for the Brewers while recovering from major shoulder surgery.
• Christian Yelich is expected to be available while managing lingering back discomfort.

“My family and I have talked about it and it’s an easy decision… I still want to win a World Series, whether that is [with] Boston or with whoever wants me,” the talented pitcher said via Alex Speier.

Gray made a strong impression at Fenway Park this past season, and the BoSox will need to make some roster adjustments to build a competitive team. Will he stay and give it another shot in Boston next year?

What is Sonny Gray’s contract situation?

Sonny Gray’s future with the Red Sox is officially up in the air as he enters the offseason following a monster 2026 campaign. Gray just wrapped up the final guaranteed year of his three-year, $75 million contract, and while his deal includes a $30 million mutual option for 2027 (with a $10 million buyout), both sides are widely expected to decline it—sending the 36-year-old right-hander into free agency.

After shutting down early retirement rumors by declaring he’s fully committed to pitching in 2027 and chasing a World Series ring, Gray confirmed he’s completely open to a reunion with Boston; now, the ball is in the Red Sox’s court to see if they’re willing to pay up for their 2026 rotation ace on the open market.

Gray’s 2026 stats

Sonny Gray delivered a true Cy Young-caliber performance, anchoring the Boston Red Sox rotation as their undeniable ace. Over 29 regular-season starts, he posted a brilliant 18-5 record with a career-best 2.72 ERA, racking up 149 strikeouts and a 1.15 WHIP across 169.0 innings pitched.

His incredible consistency—highlighted by tying for the MLB lead in wins and holding opposing hitters completely in check—was the primary reason Boston rebounded to lock down a postseason spot.

Key takeaways

• Sonny Gray expressed his desire to win a World Series following Boston’s playoff elimination.
• Sonny Gray completed the final guaranteed year of his three-year, $75 million contract.
• Sonny Gray posted an 18-5 record with a 2.72 ERA during the 2026 season.

However, reports have surfaced linking Baltimore Orioles bench coach Donnie Ecker to the role. According to Phillies Tailgate, rumors regarding Ecker’s managerial potential date back to 2025 during his tenure with the Texas Rangers.

Ecker remains a strong candidate to take the helm in Philadelphia, though he isn’t alone on the board. The rumor mill has also connected the club to several high-profile names, including former Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora.

Meanwhile, the front office is evaluating its current roster construction—starting with key contracts like Christopher Sanchez’s. Sanchez headlines a group of core players who are out of minor-league options and fully locked into the big-league roster for next season.

Other names on the list for the Phillies’ managerial job

Front-office executives and league insiders have consistently pointed toward proven dugout commanders who blend modern analytical backgrounds with established track records of clubhouse success.

Established leaders like former Manager of the Year Skip Schumaker and veteran manager Craig Counsell head the discussion, bringing deep experience guiding National League squads through grueling pennant races and deep October runs.

Former player and fan favorite Raul Ibanez, alongside respected baseball figures like Mark DeRosa and veteran bench coach Clayton McCullough, offer strong communication skills and a firm grasp of player development structures.

Challenges for the new Phillies’ manager

While the candidate pool is deep, the incoming manager must address recurring postseason stumbles. Over the last five seasons, the Phillies have consistently fallen short of expectations, suffering early playoff exits with the sole exception of their 2022 World Series run.

Since then, Philadelphia suffered early exits in the NLDS in 2024 and 2025, dropped the NLCS in 2023, and fell in the Wild Card round in 2026. These postseason failures stem from a pattern of late-October swoons following dominant regular seasons, a problem the next manager must solve immediately.

Key takeaways

• Donnie Ecker reportedly remains a candidate for the Philadelphia Phillies’ managerial vacancy.
• Alex Cora was among several high-profile names linked to Philadelphia’s manager search.
• The Phillies suffered early playoff exits in four of the last five seasons.

Top priority for Philadelphia: evaluating players who are out of minor-league options heading into next season. Left-hander Cristopher Sanchez highlights the group of players who cannot be sent down to the minors in 2027 without clearing waivers:

• Cristopher Sanchez
• Jonathan Bowlan
• Caleb Kilian
• Chase Shugart
• Alan Rangel
• Rafael Marchán
• Garrett Stubbs
• Derek Hill
• Kameron Misner

Meanwhile, the Phillies continue their search for a manager for next season. Despite initial speculation surrounding high-profile candidates like Alex Cora, Philadelphia will need to broaden its search and interview other candidates in the coming weeks.

Phillies players with no-trade protection

Several core pillars of the roster hold trade protection for next season, a key variable for the front office as it maps out future lineups. Anchoring that list are franchise cornerstones Bryce Harper and Trea Turner:

• Bryce Harper: Full No-Trade Clause
• Trea Turner: Full No-Trade Clause
• Kyle Schwarber: 10-and-5 Rights
• Zack Wheeler: 10-and-5 Rights
• Aaron Nola: 10-and-5 Rights
• J.T. Realmuto: 10-and-5 Rights

With these roster parameters locked in, the Phillies enter the offseason facing a crucial winter as they look to bolster key areas for another postseason push, after a struggling season.

Key takeaways

• Cristopher Sanchez highlights Philadelphia players who have no minor-league options left for 2027.
• Alex Cora was mentioned among initial managerial candidates for the Phillies’ vacancy.
• Bryce Harper and Trea Turner hold full no-trade protection for next season.