MLB.com experts pick 2026 division winners, World Series champ  —  The 2026 MLB regular season is actually here!  It all starts with the MLB Opening Night game between the Yankees and Giants on Netflix at 8:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday.  That leads directly into Opening Day on Thursday.

Jason Benetti steps into the spotlight as NBC's lead voice for ‘Sunday Night Baseball’  —  When NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood learned in November that his network would be back doing baseball, he immediately knew who he wanted as his play-by-play voice and the format for it.

Sources: Padres' Yu Darvish to restricted list amid surgery recovery  —  Star pitcher Yu Darvish is expected to go on the restricted list as he spends the 2026 season recovering from elbow surgery, a decision that could free up significant payroll space for the San Diego Padres, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.

Most Likely Diamondbacks Prospects To Be Called Up This Year Ranked  —  These players could easily debut in 2026 for Arizona. … The Arizona Diamondbacks may have finalized their major league roster, but that doesn't mean there aren't prospects eagerly awaiting their turn in MLB.

Yankees' Netflix debut is latest example of sports' complicated TV landscape  —  Share full article  —  Just a decade ago, if you were a Yankees fan in New York, you just needed a cable subscription to watch every regular-season game and the playoffs.  —  Now, in 2026, it could require …

Tom Brady says he's asked NFL about potential comeback: 'They don't like that idea very much' … Tom Brady may not be returning to the NFL — but he has explored if it's possible.  —  The legendary New England Patriots quarterback, a frequent subject of un-retirement rumors …

Is MLB's Challenge System Already Doomed?  —  The league's new technology for reviewing ball/strike calls appears primed to be a hit—but its success could bring about its own replacement  —  On Wednesday evening in San Francisco, a computer will call balls and strikes in a Major League Baseball game.

Ohtani leads way for most popular jersey.  How does rest of list shake out?  —  After helping lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a second consecutive World Series championship and electrifying crowds in the Tokyo Dome at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Shohei Ohtani's global superstar status continues …

Mets, Tommy Pham Agree To Minor League Deal  —  The Mets and veteran outfielder Tommy Pham are in agreement on a minor league contract, reports ESPN's Jorge Castillo.  It'll be the Vayner Sports client's second stint with the organization.  He'd earn a prorated $2.25MM upon being selected …

Brewers Place Jackson Chourio On IL Due To Fractured Hand  —  Opening Day arrives on a sour note for the Brewers, who announced this morning that star outfielder Jackson Chourio has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a fracture in his left hand.  Outfielder Blake Perkins …

Sources: Pete Crow-Armstrong's Cubs deal for 6 years, $115M  —  Pete Crow-Armstrong's new contract extension with the Chicago Cubs is for six years and $115 million, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Tuesday.  —  The deal, sources said, begins in 2027 and, in a rarity, does not include a club option …

'He's ready to go': Ohtani K's 11 in electric Spring Training finale  —  LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani didn't just provide a highlight reel on Tuesday night; he provided a blueprint for a Dodgers rotation in need of stability.  With Blake Snell and Gavin Stone sidelined …

Cincinnati Reds open without 2 top starters as Nick Lodolo lands on IL  —  MILWAUKEE - The Cincinnati Reds are wasting no time testing their once-vaunted starting pitching depth.  —  With Nick Lodolo's latest blister battle forcing him to the injured list, the Reds are down two starters to open the season …