NY Mets-Mike Trout trade speculation shut down by insider for a specific reason

While some New York Mets fans have pondered the idea of ​​a Mike Trout trade, a notable team insider explained on Friday why it’s extremely unlikely.

The Mets have played better last week. They have won four of their last six and back-to-back series before their game on Friday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Still, they enter the weekend with a very disappointing 14-23 record.

A variety of issues can be raised for a team’s poor results. However, the performance of the extremely expensive batting order has surprised many people. Yes, injuries to players like Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor and Jorge Polanco have been debilitating. But his hitting should be better than ever. The injuries have nothing to do with poor play from Bo Bichette, Francisco Alvarez and Marcus Semien.

mike trout
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagen Images

Mike Trout Stats: .260 AVG, .429 OBP, .550 SLG, .979 OPS, 11 HR, 23 RBI, 32 R, 5 SB

That’s why fans and analysts have speculated that the team could make a trade to boost their struggling offense. One name that has come up in recent weeks is that of future Hall of Famer Mike Trout. After battling injuries for six consecutive seasons, the Los Angeles Angels ace is looking like his old self in 2026. He hit 11 homers and drove in 32 runs in the team’s first 37 games.

The idea of ​​a Mike Trout trade was brought up by a fan in a new Mailbag article by The Athletic’s Mets insider Tim Britton. Interestingly, he admitted that he would love to cover the three-time MVP and could “imagine a scenario, no matter how narrow, in which it would make even an iota of sense for the Mets.” However, he also explained why team president David Stearns would never consider it.

“Trout is owed approximately $142 million over the next four seasons. He has played in less than half the Angels’ games over the last five years. The Mets landed a more reliably productive player in Brandon Nimmo, who was making significantly less due to concerns about his long-term fit. They’re not going to bring in Trout to replace that lost offense.”

-Tim Britton

The 11-time All-Star is making more than $37 million per year through his 38 seasons through 2030. If he were signed for another season, Stearns might consider it. But four more is too many for an executive who doesn’t like long-term investments in players over 30.

In addition to seeing a great player in New York, local fans have always been thrilled with the idea of ​​Trout playing in Gotham since he is a New Jersey native. However, there has been speculation over the years about him suiting up for his boyhood team, the New York Yankees.

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After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

#MetsMike #Trout #trade #speculation #shut #insider #specific #reason

Devils shut down goalie Markstrom for the rest of the season

The New Jersey Devils announced Friday that they are sidelining goaltender Jacob Markstrom for the remainder of the season due to a serious injury.

Markstrom last played Tuesday in the Devils’ 5-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, stopping just 15 of 19 shots. That loss eliminated New Jersey from contention for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Markstrom is 23-19-1 with an .883 save% and 3.07 goals-against average and one shutout in 44 games for the Devils this season. He became the second Devils player to be ruled out, as defenseman Luke Hughes was also placed on injured reserve on Thursday.

The Devils have three games remaining. They will play against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, then play their final home game of the season on Sunday against the Ottawa Senators, before closing out the year on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins.

The Devils are closing in on Jacob Markstrom

NHL: New Jersey Devils at Montreal Canadiens
David Kirouac-Imagen Images

Markstrom and Jake Allen have teamed up for the No. 1/1A goalie duo this year. For the most part, Allen has been the better option, as he is 16-17-2 despite better numbers with a .903 save% and 2.73 GAA.

But Markstrom’s struggles, especially recently, may be injury related. Coach Sheldon Keefe said Markstrom was being shut down with multiple nagging injuries.

Those injuries didn’t stop Markstrom from fighting Igor Shesterkin against the New York Rangers last week.

Markstrom, who signed a two-year contract extension on Halloween, was the primary starter for the Devils and Sweden at both the Milan/Cortina Olympics. Sweden had the better defense in front of him, as he went 2-0-1 with a .933 save%.

But in New Jersey, Markstrom was one of the NHL’s worst statistical goaltenders this season. He had a minus-13.71 goals-against average in all situations and a .892 save percentage at 5-on-5 this season.

Nevertheless, Markstrom was shut out with his only shutout of the season in just two starts. He stopped 18 of 18 shots in a 3-0 win against the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday. But it was their only appearance to allow fewer than four goals in their final four appearances in 2025–26.

Nico Dodge will start Sunday against the Senators

NHL: Minnesota Wild and New Jersey Devils
John Jones-Imagen Images

Allen is expected to start Saturday night in Detroit, but the Devils’ goaltender’s move was to call up Nico Dawes from Utica of the American Hockey League.

Dodge made his only start this season on October 22 against the Minnesota Wild. He made 30 saves on 31 shots in New Jersey’s 4–1 win at the Prudential Center.

Dodge has been the primary starter for the Comets this season and went 15-16-8 with an .891 save% and 2.84 GAA in 42 games. Dodge’s numbers are far better in the NHL, as he is 23-23-1 with a save% of .899 in 53 games with the Devils.

Look for the Dodgers to open Sunday at home against Ottawa on fan-appreciation night at the Rock.

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Pat Pickens is an award-winning sports writer and author who has covered the NHL since 2013. He reveals more about Pat Pickens.

#Devils #shut #goalie #Markstrom #rest #season

Devils GM search updated; d-man shut down

Obviously, the New Jersey Devils need a general manager. However, could they split the position and name a president of hockey operations first?

The noise around Brendan Shanahan has intensified, with the latest coming yesterday.

In the link, the Devils’ first name is linked to their GM position, a defenseman for the season and more.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: That’s why the Devils are shutting down Luke Hughes for the remainder of the season as he prepares to undergo surgery.

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, and again, and again. The Devils definitely need to get their next general manager right. Here are the five interview essentials for GM candidates.

And speaking of those candidates, the Devils have already received permission to speak with one of them as their GM search is firmly underway.

Last night in Newark, the Devils looked like a team with nothing to play for, while the Pittsburgh Penguins—who scored five—definitely handed New Jersey another loss.

📺 devil’s rink report:X A hot topic that was discussed on the last Devils Rink Report was, is Jack Hughes a Top 10 NHLer?

Full episode here 👇🏼

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NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

Forever Blueshirts: The New York Rangers will not be playing for the Stanley Cup in the near future. So, here are the players they should be training. Maybe, as soon as this summer.

Boston hockey now: So, James Hagens has been signed with the Boston Bruins. However, in his next game, Marco Sturm says there is no guarantee he will play. here’s why.

Toronto Hockey Now: Rumors have begun to swirl about Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. One insider adds one team would be a “big player” for the former 60-goal scorer, while naming the other as a fit that “makes sense.”

Montreal hockey now: Cole Coffield is a 50 goal scorer. The Montreal Canadiens forward achieved the milestone for the first time in his career last night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. See the highlights inside.

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James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls


#Devils #search #updated #dman #shut

Josh Hart tells Stephen A. Told Smith to ‘shut up’

The New York Knicks have been playing some better basketball lately, dominating the Boston Celtics for the number two seed in the Eastern Conference. However, what no one might know is that they got the news from ESPN’s “First Take,” where Stephen A. Smith routinely lambasts the Knicks, the team he claims to be a fan of, in a dramatic attempt to drum up an audience.

One person who is not involved in the gimmick is none other than Knicks forward Josh Hart.

“For me, I think as a part-time Knicks fan, Stephen A. needs to shut up. He barely knows the people that are on the team,” Hart said, according to Steve Popper of Newsday Sports, formerly of Newsday Sports, on Twitter.

In fact, there have been several occasions in which Smith falsely claimed that certain players were on the Knicks who moved on to different teams, and there were other situations where fans had ample reason to question how much of a fan he really was.

Over the past few weeks, the target of Smith’s criticism on ESPN has primarily been Mikal Bridges, who, to be fair, has had a disappointing season at times for New York, especially considering the hefty price the Knicks paid the Brooklyn Nets to land him last offseason.

Still, at the current juncture, New York has as good a chance as any to make it out of the Eastern Conference this year and make its first NBA Finals in two decades.

In any case, the Knicks will have a chance to silence some of their haters when they next take the field on Thursday evening for a tough road game against the aggressive Charlotte Hornets.


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Jordi Fernandez explains Brooklyn’s decision to shut down Igor Demin for the season

Igor Demin’s rookie campaign has come to an end. The Brooklyn Nets announced that the No. 8 pick will miss the remainder of the season due to aggravation of plantar fasciitis in his left foot. Damien missed most of the offseason due to a torn plantar fascia.

The BYU product has missed Brooklyn’s last four games due to worsening left foot pain. While his season will be cut short, the Nets said Demin is expected to return to basketball activity at the beginning of the offseason and become a full participant in the summer development program. According to head coach Jordi Fernandez, he will not require surgery to resolve the problem.

“[Egor’s] Always been a child who wanted to play, to be outside, to grow; And nothing beats playing the actual game to get better at this level. But obviously, when you have discomfort, and it doesn’t allow you to play at that level, we have to find solutions,” Fernandez said. “At the end of the day, the good thing is that it’s a non-surgical procedure, which is good. And see what is the time table. But obviously getting him to work over the summer and getting better throughout the process and having a summer is important. So, the fact that he won’t be able to play these 20-something games is not for the best, because he wants to and we value real reps. But, at the same time, his health is the number 1 priority. And we are very optimistic and positive about it.

Demin missed several months during the offseason while rehabilitating his plantar fascia injury. After a promising start to the season, the 19-year-old’s production dipped after the All-Star break.

Egor Demin’s promising rookie season cut short due to plantar fascia injury

Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) dribbles the ball against the Utah Jazz during the first quarter at Barclays Center.
Tom Horak-Imagen Images

He averaged 6.6 points on 32.6 percent shooting from the field and 27.6 percent from three in his last six appearances. After not playing in one for over two months, Demin appeared in two back-to-backs during that period.

Fernandez said of Brooklyn’s decision to shut down Demin, “He was dealing with some discomfort, and it got worse and worse. And then we decided to look at it and make sure we could sort it out a little bit. We asked for different opinions and that’s what was recommended to us.”

The Nets’ selection of Demin with their first lottery pick in 15 years drew criticism. However, the Brooklyn guard was one of the NBA’s most productive rookies this season.

Demin averaged 10.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists on .399/.385/.831 shooting splits in 52 appearances. He ranks second in three-point percentage among the 15 newcomers with more than 150 attempts, trailing only Con Knuppel (44.0 percent).

His +3.6 net rating swing (a player’s on vs. off score minus team points allowed per 100 possessions) ranks third among the 15 players under the age of 21 who have played more than 900 minutes this season, according to CleaningTheGlass. Only Con Knuppel (+5.3) and Trey Johnson (+3.9) have posted higher marks.

Demin will now have a full offseason to heal his foot and fine-tune his skill set ahead of Brooklyn’s crucial 2026-27 campaign.

“He’s gotten better at everything we ask him to do. The superpowers he has, he’s shown he can do it at this level, which is really cool. The shooting, not only how real it is, but how fast it goes,” said Fernandez when asked about his assessment of Demin’s rookie season. “His shots in clutch time, all those things, passing on the perimeter. And now defensively and offensively, the physicality that comes with the job and his body getting used to it. He’s taking steps. He’s able to get into the paint more often. Also defensively, he’s more physical and working on that technique. It’s going to come with his player development plan. The sooner we can get him in the summer and continue to work on these things so you can take steps forward.” can, [the better]. But he’s gotten better at everything we’ve asked him to do.”


#Jordi #Fernandez #explains #Brooklyns #decision #shut #Igor #Demin #season

Draymond Green addresses calls to shut down Stephen Curry and tank

Golden State Warriors forward and podcaster Draymond Green chimed in on the conversation about shutting down Steph Curry for the remainder of the season so the Warriors can tank. On January 30, Curry suffered a right knee injury in a game against the red-hot Detroit Pistons; It did not appear to be serious, and as the All-Star break approached, the Warriors listed him day-to-day.

But Curry has been out for more than a month, as the Warriors said they are ready to reevaluate him soon. Now, the Warriors face a tough challenge without Curry and Jimmy Butler, who were sidelined midway through the season with ACL injuries. With the eighth-seeded Warriors having lost seven of their last 11 games, there is speculation that the season is over.

In an interview with Tim Kawakami tk showMike Dunleavy Jr. did not completely rule out Curry sitting out the remainder of the season, but said it would be surprising if that happened.

“It would be very, very surprising. But, you know, I’m not ruling anything out; I’m not a doctor, and things could go a certain way. So, I don’t want the headline to be that Steph could be done for the year because I’m not ruling it out, but just because he’s not playing right now, I just have to admit that I’m sure there’s a chance, but we don’t expect it.”

Following the conversation, Green discussed the possibility of the Warriors making this decision on his eponymous podcast.

“I’ve seen a lot of people say, ‘Hey man, they should just tank and not bring Steph back the rest of the year’ and all this stuff. One thing I will tell you is this: Shutting Steph down for the rest of the year is not something that’s just going to happen, except so he can play. I can also assure you, Joe Lacob is not going to tank. I saw Matt Ishbia say it, tanking is in my DNA. Never will. You get better and if we end up being bad and get a good draft pick, we get a good draft pick, but we’re definitely not going to tank Joe Lacob.”

Of note, senior NBA insider Brett Sigel of ClutchPoints reported that sources indicate Curry will receive around-the-clock treatment to put himself in position to compete in the playoffs. The Warriors are getting a break of sorts, with no games on Tuesday and Wednesday as they prepare for Thursday’s game against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets that will air nationally on Prime Video.

With the Warriors having interesting games against tough teams like the Thunder on Saturday, the Timberwolves on March 13 and the Knicks on March 15, a decision will certainly have to be made regarding Steph’s immediate playing future in order to keep the Warriors at least in the play-in picture.


#Draymond #Green #addresses #calls #shut #Stephen #Curry #tank

Chris Jericho tells impatient wrestling fans to ‘shut the fuck up’

Chris Jericho has responded to fans who criticize the pace of long-term storytelling. Speaking on the Untapped podcast with Spencer Matthews, the former AEW World Champion defended the “slow-burn” approach that has defined much of his career.

Jericho argued that the most impressive rivalries – such as his year-long program with MJF or his historic 2008 feud with Shawn Michaels – require patience to reach their full potential. He believes that today’s fans often demand an immediate payoff rather than progressing the story.

Jericho used the film Saving Private Ryan as a metaphor for his creative approach, and emphasized that a story should only be evaluated after the final chapter has been written. He shared his frustration with viewers who dismiss a rivalry midway through its execution, comparing it to leaving a movie theater before the climax.

Jericho said, “I like long-term stories. My favorite stories are always the ones that last for months, you have to be creative. You don’t have to be on the show every week, both guys don’t have to be on the show every week.” “I always love wrestling fans, especially modern ones, who want to know the answer right now, give us the answer right now!

“If I’m watching Saving Private Ryan, it’s 3 hours long… If I say, ‘This movie, they haven’t got Ryan yet. This movie sucks! It’s stupid! It’s too long!’ I hear it every day from wrestling fans,” he said. “My point is to shut the fuck up and let me tell my story when it’s over.”

“The Learning Tree” has not appeared on AEW programming since April 2025, when he disbanded his faction and informed partners Big Bill and Brian Keith that he would be taking an extended hiatus. The report from Fightful Select reveals that while his contract was originally set to expire in December 2025, AEW management has “paused” the deal in consideration of his time away.

This interruption typically occurs when an artist takes significant time off for outside ventures, such as Jericho’s recent United Kingdom tour with his band, Fozzie. Despite heavy speculation about a possible WrestleMania 42 return to WWE, Jericho is listed on the official AEW roster page. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter stated that Triple H has reportedly expressed interest in a retirement tour for the veteran, but that no formal negotiations can occur until his current obligations to Tony Khan are completed.

#Chris #Jericho #tells #impatient #wrestling #fans #shut #fuck

Deni Avdija needs to be shut down by the Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers have seen Deni Avdija quickly rise to stardom in just less than two years in their program. Now is the time to treat him right and save him from himself.

Avdija has had a stellar season for the Blazers, earning his first All-Star selection while posting career-highs across the board. In those first 40 games, Deni Avdija averaged 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from three.

But on January 11, the Trail Blazers forward suffered a back injury in the team’s home loss to the New York Knicks. It was a game in which he played a little over 38 minutes but after the game he admitted that he might have to miss some time.

Avdija missed three games before returning and playing well in a win against the Sacramento Kings, scoring 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in the win. But the back injury resurfaced in the team’s next game four days later against the Miami Heat. Avdija played only 17 minutes before departing and not returning.

This started an 18-game streak in which Avdija played only eight games, and if so, no more than two consecutive complete games.

Coming off the All-Star break, Deni Avdija played 30 minutes in a 54-point loss against the Nuggets and looked fine despite the blowout nature of the game. But just 59 seconds into Portland’s contest against the Phoenix Suns, Avdija went to the bench to ask to cool off after a post-up attempt and did not return with another back injury.

Acting head coach Tiago Splitter spoke about Avdija’s injury after the game and how the team rallied to defeat the Suns despite playing without their key ball-handler and playmaker.

“Denny, like I said, he was questionable, he was feeling good before the game,” Splitter said. “His back just…felt it again, we lost him and it’s not easy. The team had to figure it out offensively, but I think defensively, everyone stepped up and did an amazing job.”

Splitter also mentioned that the Trail Blazers could explore the possibility of keeping Avdija sitting longer as they delve deeper into the root of his recurring back injuries.

When asked about the possibility of shutting down Deni Avdija, Splitter responded, “Well, I’m not a doctor, but yes.” “I might have to look at what’s going on and dig deeper to see what’s really going on.”

At this stage, the Portland Trail Blazers need Avdija to perform right and sit him out until his back is as close to 100 percent as possible. He is already scheduled to miss Tuesday night’s game against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he should be kept on the bench for much longer to allow his back to properly heal.

The problem is that the Trail Blazers desperately need their All-Star forward as they continue to battle with the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and LA Clippers for position in the play-in tournament.

Entering Tuesday night, the seventh-seeded Suns have a game lead over the Blazers and the Warriors have a 2.5 game lead. Meanwhile, the Clippers are just a half-game behind Portland in the standings.

Additionally, Deni Avdija’s Trail Blazers have lost the season series against the Suns 2–1, swept the season series against the Warriors 3–1, and trailed the season series against the Clippers 2–0 with the final two games remaining in the final three weeks of the season.


#Deni #Avdija #shut #Trail #Blazers

Kendrick Perkins urges Warriors to shut down Stephen Curry

Kendrick Perkins made a bold move on what the Golden State Warriors should do with Stephen Curry for the rest of the 2025-26 NBA season.

Curry is halfway through the 17th season of his remarkable career. Having won four titles in that span, Curry is expected to compete for a fifth ring as he moves into the latter stages of his time in the league.

Golden State has struggled to reach the top of the mountain since their last title in 2022. Even though the franchise has taken steps to keep the roster in the playoff race this season, former player and current NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins has made a pointed request to the organization regarding Curry’s availability this season.

“Shut up Steph. Let those guys play it out. See if guys fit in. Right now I would let the rest of the Warriors team outside of Steph play this season and audition to see if they want to be here. How do you want to be here? By performing at a high level,” Perkins said at the 12:21 mark of the Road Trippin’ Podcast.

“This offseason is probably one of the most important offseasons this franchise has had since Steph has been a part of the franchise. Because he needs to go out. Mike Dunleavy has to do his job and make sure he goes and gets the pieces so that Steph has a legitimate shot to compete for an NBA title next year.”

Stephen Curry, what’s next for the Warriors

Golden State Warriors guard Will Richard (3) and guard Stephen Curry (30) watch from the bench next to assistant coaches Chris Weems and Jerry Stackhouse during the first quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center.
David Gonzales-Imagen Images

Stephen Curry still has plenty of potential to do big in his career. The Warriors need to make the most of his remaining years before making this a career.

Curry continues to excel as Golden State’s top star in year 17. Across 39 games, he averaged 27.2 points, 4.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game.

Golden State has a 30–27 record on the season, finishing in eighth place in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers, while trailing the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers.

After an upset win over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, the Warriors will be eager for their next matchup. They are on the road when they face the New Orleans Pelicans on February 24th at 8 PM ET.


#Kendrick #Perkins #urges #Warriors #shut #Stephen #Curry

Jaylen Brown ‘trashes’ Beverly Hills after police shut down panel

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown is in Los Angeles this weekend to participate in All-Star Game festivities, which will take place at the Intuit Dome on Sunday evening. Brown was named an All-Star starter for his efforts so far this year, leading the Celtics to play well above expectations in the 2025-26 season.

On Saturday evening, Brown was hosting a panel in the Beverly Hills neighborhood, but things ended earlier than expected when the local police department came and shut down the event.

Brown then posted a strong message to police on X, formerly known as Twitter.

He wrote, “Beverly Hills is so trash I’m offended, here was a great panel with a great guest about the future of the culture, people worked hard for this, how dare you guys.”

“For a little more context, police came to shut down Jaylen Brown’s panel in Beverly Hills around 7 p.m., claiming he didn’t file the proper permits,” Daniel Donabedian of ClutchPoints reported on X.

“I know I play for the Celtics, and I know we’re in L.A. But hey, I didn’t think y’all would do this to me,” Brown posted on social media via a video of him interacting with police who were dispatched to the event.

Brown has long been known for his work in the community and willingness to speak out on certain issues, and he certainly didn’t appreciate his show being shut down early over the weekend.

On Sunday, the star will have a chance to put his talents on full display as part of the NBA All-Star Game. Fans have long complained about the lack of effort from the players at this event, so it will be interesting to see how much intensity is in play this time.

The big game is scheduled to begin on Sunday at 5:00 PM ET from Los Angeles.


#Jaylen #Brown #trashes #Beverly #Hills #police #shut #panel