Okay now, just hear me out...

Sunday Morning Slants · Episode

When Rob Thomson was let go, the Phillies needed a miracle to chase down Atlanta.

7th Inning Stretch is a Philadelphia Phillies-centric show hosted by Metro Philadelphia beat writer, Matt Watson. In addition to his coverage on the Phillies beat, Matt is also the lead editor and co...

In 2026, the Boston Red Sox are struggling, sitting 13 games behind in the AL East after firing manager Alex Cora. While playoff prospects are slim, the team could influence the market, particularly with star closer Aroldis Chapman, who has a remarkable 0.51 ERA. Trade interest is rising, especially from the Padres.

A quarter into the season, the Tampa Bay Rays lead the American League East with a strong home record and effective pitching staff. Their success hinges on smart fundamentals and the resurgence of key pitchers, under the guidance of underrated coach Kyle Snyder. They aim to sustain this momentum against formidable rivals.

Mickey Moniak, Colorado Rockies outfielder, is thriving in 2026 with a remarkable 1.067 OPS and 11 home runs, showcasing his potential as a valuable asset amid the Rockies' rebuild. As he enters his prime, Moniak could be traded at the deadline, attracting interest due to his strong performance and contract.

Cristopher Sanchez delivered an outstanding performance for the Phillies, achieving an eight-inning shutout with 10 strikeouts against the Athletics, lowering his ERA to 2.42. As a top contender for the Cy Young Award in 2026, he ranks highly among National League pitchers, facing competition from Shohei Ohtani and Chris Sale.

Buster Posey's tenure as President of Baseball Operations for the San Francisco Giants began with optimism but now faces challenges as the team struggles. Despite high-profile acquisitions like Rafael Devers, the Giants are performing poorly, ranking last in key offensive categories. Posey's first major decision, hiring manager Tony Vitello, is under scrutiny as the team's playoff hopes fade.

YouTube video by 7th Inning Stretch

YouTube video by 7th Inning Stretch

Carlos Mendoza, in his third season as manager of the New York Mets, faces pressure as his team endures a six-game losing streak, dropping their record to 7-10. With high expectations following last year’s success, the Mets must quickly recover to stay in playoff contention amidst a competitive NL East.

The Philadelphia Phillies face high expectations for 2026 after a disappointing playoff exit in 2025. Struggling stars like Jesús Luzardo, Trea Turner, and Alec Bohm hinder the team, while rookies Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford show promise. Despite early challenges, a recent win puts them back above .500, aiming for momentum in upcoming series.

On December 19, 2014, the Philadelphia Phillies sent all-time great Jimmy Rollins to the Los Angeles Dodgers. This move was one of the many that saw legends from the 2008 World Series champions …

The Los Angeles Dodgers are emerging as a potential dynasty, with three championships in six seasons and an impressive 8-2 start to the 2026 season. Featuring a strong offensive and pitching lineup, they are on pace for a historic win total. With ample resources, the Dodgers could surpass Yankees' legacies if they maintain success.

7th Inning Stretch is a Philadelphia Phillies-centric show hosted by Metro Philadelphia beat writer, Matt Watson. In addition to his coverage on the Phillies beat, Matt is also the lead editor and co...

The Miami Marlins, currently 5-1, are raising hopes for a competitive 2026 season, bolstered by ace Sandy Alcantara's strong return from injury. They’ve faced weaker opponents so far but will soon test their mettle against stronger teams like the New York Yankees. Success in upcoming games may solidify their playoff contention.

Major League Baseball has returned, with the regular season underway. Predictions for major awards include Bobby Witt Jr. and Ronald Acuna Jr. as MVP favorites, Tarik Skubal and Cristopher Sanchez for Cy Young, and Kevin McGonigle and JJ Wetherholt as Rookie of the Year contenders. The Detroit Tigers are projected to win the World Series against the New York Mets.

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

This article predicts the 2026 MLB season, forecasting the Philadelphia Phillies as NL East champions once more, with strong competition from the New York Mets. The Milwaukee Brewers are favored to win the NL Central, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to dominate the NL West, potentially claiming another title.

Over the past several seasons, I have made predictions for the Philadelphia Phillies on Metro Philadelphia. In this piece, I will be predicting all of Major League Baseball in what is shaping up to be a tremendous 2026 season. Will the Seattle Mariners finally reach the mountaintop? Which teams will miss the postseason? Who wins AL Manager of the Year? I have all of that and more.

The Denver Broncos faced a challenging offseason following Bo Nix's injury, which hindered their chances in the AFC Championship Game. As they prepare for the upcoming season, they need to bolster their wide receiver and tight end positions. Competing in the AFC West, they aim to maintain momentum against the Chiefs and Chargers.

The Baltimore Ravens, known for their stability under head coach John Harbaugh, have entered a turbulent phase following his departure. New head coach Jessie Minter's first significant move involved trading EDGE rusher Maxx Crosby to the Las Vegas Raiders, which was quickly rescinded due to a failed physical, complicating the Raiders' cap situation.

YouTube video by 7th Inning Stretch

Veteran first baseman Rhys Hoskins is still a free agent as Spring Training approaches, following an injury that cost him his spot with the Brewers. Likely to sign a one-year deal, the Miami Marlin…

YouTube video by 7th Inning Stretch

Veteran first baseman Rhys Hoskins is still a free agent as Spring Training approaches, following an injury that cost him his spot with the Brewers. Likely to sign a one-year deal, the Miami Marlins and Colorado Rockies are strong potential fits due to their projected low production at first base. Expect Hoskins to make a team roster soon.

Spotify video

The Phillies enter 2026 with an elite starting rotation but very little depth behind it, making Spring Training critical for identifying reliable Triple-A options. One such candidate is Bryse Wilson.

The San Francisco Giants, once dominant with three World Series titles, have struggled in recent years. After a promising start in 2025 and the acquisition of All-Star Rafael Devers, they faltered, finishing at .500. Despite recent roster upgrades, strong competition in the NL West leads to expectations that they will miss the playoffs in 2026.

The Philadelphia Phillies acquired pitcher Jesus Luzardo from the Miami Marlins during the 2024-25 offseason, trading notable prospects. Luzardo excelled in his first season, becoming a key rotation player. With potential Cy Young candidacy, the Phillies should prioritize extending his contract early, ensuring focus on performance in the upcoming 2026 season.