Winners and losers from a pivotal Memorial Day weekend around MLB
As the 2026 season hits a major milestone, some contenders made major statements — while others now have to ask some tough questions.
Contenders
The MLB standings are lying to you with a third of the season gone
Pythagorean win percentage and one-run records reveal which MLB teams are overperforming their true talent level and which contenders are hiding in plain sight with a third of the 2026 season in the books.
This Phillies-Tigers trade for Tarik Skubal would be the ultimate all-in Dombrowski move
By trading for Tarik Skubal, the Philadelphia Phillies would establish themselves as clear World Series contenders.
Marvin Harrison Jr., Christian Kirk and NFC West veterans under pressure in 2026
These NFC West vets are running out of time to justify their roles on teams expecting to contend.
Every AL contender’s biggest trade deadline need
The American League is as wide open as it's been in a very long time — which could make for a very chaotic trade season.
MLB standings reveal AL, NL contenders with the worst luck: Dodgers can't catch a break
The latest MLB standings reveal the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees can't buy luck. Meanwhile, the Rays, Padres and Cardinals are performing well above their weight.
Cardinals are not real contenders for two understandable reasons – sportingnews.com
Cardinals are not real contenders for two understandable reasons sportingnews.com
College football’s 5 most impenetrable defenses going into 2026
These college football contenders will be nearly impossible to score on, from Georgia's returning talent to Miami's reloaded lineup.
Ratings over fairness? NFL execs vent about the league's scheduling process
General managers tend to be myopic about NFL schedules, but some brutal stretches for contenders got attention among rival front offices.
MLB could be gearing up for an epic home run race this season
Nothing beats a good home run chase, and 2026 has a massive field of potential contenders. I love it.
WNBA Standings: Sky, Valkyries and other surprising contenders starting to emerge
One week into the WNBA season, some teams are figuring it out faster than others.
MLB standings expose AL and NL frauds: Yankees and Dodgers have work to do
The latest MLB standings reveal troubling details about the Dodgers, Yankees and more. Plenty of would-be contenders are struggling against teams with a record of .500 or higher.
One top MLB prospect each would-be contender needs to call up sooner rather than later
Every MLB contender has a chance to improve from within by calling up a transformative prospect in the coming months.
These 4 Cubs could hold them back from beating the Dodgers when it counts
Chicago is sure looking like legitimate World Series contenders right now. But when you have to get through the two-time defending champs, there's no margin for error.
Distractions every MLB division leader must avoid: Dalton Rushing is in his villain era
The Dodgers have given the rest of the league just one more reason to wish for their downfall, but what other contenders need to keep their wits about them?
Updated NBA Playoffs MVP rankings: Why Cade Cunningham has the belt right now
Who are the Top 3 contenders in the very-real race for the very-real "Playoff MVP" award?
MLB standings: NL and AL races up for grabs ahead of massive weekend series
With contenders squaring off all over the league, all six divisions could look a whole lot different after the next few days.
How the White Sox went from AL Central basement dwellers to contenders in 5 decisions
The Chicago White Sox are no longer a laughing stock thanks to several smart moves.
One trade every AL contender must make to combat the Yankees
With the way New York is playing right now, the AL pennant race might be wrapped by the All-Star break.
MLB standings reveal a widening gap in both the American and National Leagues
The latest MLB standings showcase some true contenders, and who still has work to do. Teams like the Braves, Dodgers, Reds, Cubs and Yankees have stablished themselves as early favorites.
Jarren Duren and 5 MLB stars on surprising pretenders who should be traded
With the Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros and other expected contenders floundering, these MLB stars could end up on the trade block.
Jose Soriano trade destinations: Cubs, Blue Jays and 6 contenders in the mix
If the Angels are willing to trade Cy Young candidate Jose Soriano, there will be plenty of interest. Teams like the Cubs, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Phillies could make the call.
Buying or selling the most surprising MLB teams a month into the season
These MLB teams are outperforming expectations in the early going, but which surprise contenders are truly built to last?
Predicting every MLB awards race after the season's first month
The early-season highs and lows are already impacting the MLB awards race. Let's take stock of each league's contenders — and predict how each verdict will fall.