Sports
10 MLB Prospects Who Caught Our Attention In June
Image credit: Jared Sundstrom (Photo by Bill Mitchell) Each month during the season, Baseball America publishes one organization report for all 30 clubs. These reports by our major league correspondents contain a trove of player development updates and spotlight traditional reporting. Here are 10 updates I found to be especially enlightening from our June reports. […]
Image credit:
Jared Sundstrom (Photo by Bill Mitchell)
Each month during the season, Baseball America publishes one organization report for all 30 clubs.
These reports by our major league correspondents contain a trove of player development updates and spotlight traditional reporting. Here are 10 updates I found to be especially enlightening from our June reports.
Top June Prospect Takeaways
1. Mariners prospects moving from High-Everett to Double-A Arkansas are bound to get whiplash. The former is a hitter’s haven, while the latter is one of the most brutal hitting environments in the minor leagues. Arkansas right fielder Jared Sundstrom is making the best of the situation, with an .842 OPS in road games and a .568 mark at home. But a closer look at the 23-year-old Sundstrom reveals an interesting tool set. “He’s a threat to steal and he’s a threat to hit the ball out of the park,” Mariners farm director Justin Toole said. “Any time you’re able to do both of those things, it’s a fun combination from a development standpoint.”
2. Six-foot-three Angels prospect Hayden Alvarez is growing into his body in the Arizona Complex League. The 18-year-old Dominican center fielder has already set a new bar for exit velocity while maintaining a strong hit tool. Alvarez is hitting .381/.475/.495 with 15 stolen bases through 31 games. “He’s always had a foundation for plate discipline and contact,” Angels assistant GM Joey Prebynski said, “and as he’s continued to get stronger and mature, we’re seeing the power and exit velocity tick up.”
3. Kyle DeBarge was a first-team All-American shortstop last year at Louisiana-Lafayette. This year, he is an intriguing prospect playing second base for High-A Cedar Rapids in the Twins’ system. The 21-year-old has unlocked his baserunning potential as a pro, stealing 37 bases in his first 38 tries, and now the Twins will focus on developing his bat. “We think he’ll have some sneaky pop along the way,” Twins GM Jeremy Zoll said. “He does a nice job controlling the zone, talking his walks. But with his bat speed, there’s definitely some sneaky pop in there.”
4. The Diamondbacks promoted 2024 first-rounder Slade Caldwell to High-A Hillsboro on June 10 after he batted .294/.460/.454 in 48 games for Low-A Visalia. What’s most notable about the rapid promotion is that Caldwell, the 29th overall pick, is one of just two 2024 first-round high school picks to reach High-A. The other is shortstop Konnor Griffin, drafted ninth overall by the Pirates. As to Caldwell, he said: “I like getting on base a lot. I like seeing a lot of pitches, seeing what the pitcher has and not being uncomfortable in those two-strike counts.”
5. The Mets signed Division II Tampa righthander Anthony Nunez as an undrafted free agent about a year ago. The 23-year-old reliever quickly pitched his way to Double-A, but that’s not the most remarkable part. Until last year, Nunez was a switch-hitting third baseman. But once he got on the mound for the 2024 D-II champions, the die was cast. “He is an unbelievable mover, and his arm works,” said Brett Campbell, the Florida area scout who signed Nunez.
6. Low-A San Jose right fielder Carlos Gutierrez leads the California League with a .352 batting average as he leans into his strong bat-to-ball skills. The 5-foot-10 lefthanded batter signed out of Mexico in 2023 and complements his barrel skills with a discerning batting eye and above-average speed. “You could picture him playing on AstroTurf fields in the ’80s, hitting doubles and triples and stealing bases,” Giants farm director Kyle Haines said.
7. “He has a low pulse rate—doesn’t get rattled. He just needed to work on his coordination because he’s a big guy.” That’s how high school travel team coach Skip Allen described Marlins righthander Josh Ekness. The 23-year-old has the tools to succeed in the role, namely high velocity on his fastball and slider. Ekness didn’t throw enough strikes as a college starter, but now he is making it work as a Double-A reliever.
8. Red Sox outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia entered 2024 at a crossroads as he repeated Low-A. Little more than a year later, the 22-year-old Venezuelan is raking at Triple-A. What changed? The Red Sox praise Garcia’s dedication to sharpening his swing decisions, remaking his body and grinding in the cage. “I think we can use him as a model for really buying into training,” Red Sox assistant GM Eddie Romero said.
9. The Astros have a knack for venturing off the beaten path to find pitchers. Former Missouri righthander Bryce Mayer may be the latest example after Houston drafted him in the 16th round in 2024. The 23-year-old proved to be too much for Low-A hitters to handle, and he earned a quick ticket to High-A in May. “He’s got a good vertical break on his fastball and good extension,” Astros farm director Jacob Buffa said. “He’s in the zone a lot.”
10. Rays 2024 first-rounder Theo Gillen learned in a brief pro debut last summer what he needed to do to succeed in the minor leagues in 2025. Now, he’s more comfortable in his plate approach and in his move from high school shortstop to pro center fielder as he thrives at Low-A Charleston. “He’s taking his walks, not forcing anything. The swing decisions, contact ability and quality are top of the scale,” Rays minor league operations director George Pappas said.
Sports
Lane Kiffin’s daughter Presley flexes USC-gold bikini for beach volleyball tradition
Lane Kiffin’s youngest daughter Presley Kiffin just flexed her official USC Trojans volleyball uniform. Now, she flexed a USC gold bikini for a big Manhattan Beach, California tradition. The Ole Miss Rebels coach’s 18-year-old daughter Presley just graduated high school in Southern California after playing in the powder puff girls football game. Dad even came […]
Lane Kiffin’s youngest daughter Presley Kiffin just flexed her official USC Trojans volleyball uniform. Now, she flexed a USC gold bikini for a big Manhattan Beach, California tradition.
The Ole Miss Rebels coach’s 18-year-old daughter Presley just graduated high school in Southern California after playing in the powder puff girls football game. Dad even came to graduation in his favorite Ole Miss blazer.
Presley just had a beach hang with mom Layla Kiffin on Fourth of July before the two part ways when she goes to college and the reconciled wife of Lane Kiffin heads to be with dad and Presley’s sister Landry, 20, and Knox, 16, in Oxford Mississippi.
RELATED: Lane Kiffin shares sweet moment with reconciled wife Layla before Ole Miss season
On Friday, Presley was mom again for the big annual Charlie Saikley 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament in Manhattan beach where it’s quite the scene. Presley and friends hit the “Sixer” in USC gold colored bikinis.
RELATED: USC-bound Lane Kiffin daughter Presley and volleyball co-eds rock pickleball fits
Mom Layla posted video of her playing as well.
Presley will soon be trading in the sand for the hardwood as a Trojans freshman volleyball player in the class of 2025.
There are now two Kiffins to root for in college athletics.
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Sports
Rosters Announced For USA Water Polo Futures Cadet & Youth Training Trips
Story Links Irvine, CA – August 1 – A host of rosters have been announced for current and upcoming USA Water Polo Futures training trips for athletes at the Youth and Cadet level. Congratulations to all the athletes and coaching staff selected. Futures Youth Boys – Athens, Greece Adam Afar Ryder […]
Irvine, CA – August 1 – A host of rosters have been announced for current and upcoming USA Water Polo Futures training trips for athletes at the Youth and Cadet level. Congratulations to all the athletes and coaching staff selected.
Futures Youth Boys – Athens, Greece
Adam Afar
Ryder Bjork
Jasper Feldman
Tanner Gorman
Caden Keene
Caleb Kulak
Jack Lansing
Calvin Lubsen
Cade O’Hare
Lucas Pearce
Salvatore Recca V
Mason Tunney
Neveh Yechiely
Cutter Leach
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Staff
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Staurt Sokil
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Lesly Brown
Bryan Lynton
Futures Cadet Boys – Athens, Greece
Lincoln Bott
Asher Chemerinski
Arda DeMiryurek
Dane Fishback
Ren Fujikake
Zane Kieckhafer
Austin Miller
William Mills
Walter Mundt
Jack Wieman
Henry Gorsche
Wyatt Warkentin
Mark Stoneham
Baron Ounjian
Mattias Purcell
Staff
James Staresinic
Luke Chandler
Caleb Terzich
Futures Youth Girls – Budapest, Hungary
Ellison Brush
Isabella Jurgensen
Margaret Ryan
Natalie Whitfield
Delaney Hook
Mia Fabros
Julia Gustafsson
Quinn Arroyo
Eden Coughran
Kiernan Hogan
Eve Webb
Bethany King
Christina Flynn
Sydney-Anne Kring
Lily Holloway
Staff
Melissa Seidemann
Douglas Eichstaedt
James Collie iii
Lyric Soto
Jacob Melger
Futures Cadet Girls – Budapest, Hungary
Juliana Horton
Gia Jacob
Siena Doble
Natalie Arata
Catherine Bambury
Abigail Billish
Blake Hofley
Isabella Masdiaz
Amaya Dresevic
Louise Walls
Eva Johnson
Paige Segesman
Taytum Banda
Teodora Diaconu
Gianna Adams
Joslyn Cox
Staff
Brenda Villa
Gina Castagnola
Christopher Vidale
Alyssa Diacono
Regional Youth Boys – Belgrade, Serbia
Pierce Bateman
Brendan Bogansky
Asher Brunner
Dane Fox
Oliver Geheb
Landon Heuer
Julius Hoxaj
Jack Lindberg
Dylan McManus
Daniel Mirejovsky
Thomas Singleton
Nicholas Zimmerman
Samuel Eastaugh
Robert Norell
Staff
Petar Momolovich
Benjamin Hoffschneider
Regional Cadet Boys – Belgrade, Serbia
Anthony Albus
Ethan Allen
Colton Coney
Koanui Keaulana
Lucas Levy
Filip Malezanov
James McRae
Tabari Morgan
Atirau Morton
Mason Nordquist
Joan Prats
Martin Robredo
Cole Sharp
Luke Welton
Staff
Joseph Molina
Trevor Campbell
Marko Dzigurski
Regional Youth Girls – Belgrade, Serbia
Ruth Garcia
Kaileilani Harvey
Kaylani Zhang
Courtney Smith
Katherine McCullough
Kamryn Sallas
Isabella Recker
Ellyssa Brandt
Cecilia Elena Caligiuri
Maile Farden
Staff
Nicholas Alexander-Frosig
Farrah Kunkel
La’akea Dedrick Gum
Emily Blackwell
Regional Cadet Girls – Belgrade, Serbia
Logan Davidson
Skylar Flowers
Emily Jensen
Hana Kulasic
Leihiwa McElheny
Margaux Purcell
Harper Rich
Amanda Myott
Samantha Maldonado
Leonna Castro
Emma Daniel
Matilda Ogle
Eleanor Kriplen
Kathleen McCarthy
Staff
Kirby Kaptur
Courtney Johnson
Emily Blackwell
Robert Juhas
Sports
Ukrainian Duo Reaches Quarterfinals at 2025 European Beach Volleyball Championship | Ukraine news
A landmark event took place in the history of Ukrainian beach volleyball: the pair Tetiana Lazarenko and Maryna Hladun reached the quarterfinals of the Women’s European Championship for the first time, defeating the German duo Linda Bock and Louisa Lippmann in the round of 16 match. At this tournament, Ukraine was represented by three pairs: […]
A landmark event took place in the history of Ukrainian beach volleyball: the pair Tetiana Lazarenko and Maryna Hladun reached the quarterfinals of the Women’s European Championship for the first time, defeating the German duo Linda Bock and Louisa Lippmann in the round of 16 match.
At this tournament, Ukraine was represented by three pairs: Lazarenko/Hladun, Yeva Serdiuk/Daria Romaniuk, and Valentyna Davydova/Angelina Khmil. After the group stage, two Ukrainian duos advanced to the playoffs – Lazarenko with Hladun and Davydova with Khmil.
In the round of 16, Lazarenko and Hladun were the first to take the court, facing the German athletes Linda Bock and Louisa Lippmann, who are ranked 54th in the world. The Ukrainians lost the first set 16-21, despite having an early lead. However, in the second set, they managed to turn the game around, winning 21-19.
In the deciding set, trailing 2-5, the Ukrainians made an impressive comeback and finished the match with a score of 15-10, which allowed them to advance to the quarterfinals of the Women’s Euro 2025.
This result is the best ever for Ukraine in the history of women’s beach volleyball at the European Championships. Previously, the highest achievement was reaching the round of 16, which Lazarenko and Hladun also accomplished in 2024. At the previous championship, the Ukrainians won their group but were eliminated in the first playoff round.
Among men, the best result is the bronze medals won in 2023 by the duo of Serhii Popov and Eduard Reznik.
UPDATED: In the round of 16, the pair Valentyna Davydova/Angelina Khmil also competed, facing the two-time European champions from Latvia, Tina Graudina and Anastasija Samoilova. The first set ended with a loss for the Ukrainians 25-27, they won the second 21-16, but in the deciding set they failed to convert five match points and lost 18-20.
Thus, only one Ukrainian pair – Hladun and Lazarenko – will compete in the quarterfinals of Euro 2025 in beach volleyball. Their opponents will be the Dutch Mila Kenink and Raisa Schoon. The match is scheduled for Friday, August 1, at 16:00 Kyiv time.
Sports
Catch up with Shamrock volleyball, Brice Sheets and Allen Roberson
AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – If you missed today’s interviews with Teri Self, Brice Sheets and Allen Roberson on the Sports Drive, you can watch it all here. Maya Kitchens shares an extended interviews with the Shamrock volleyball team as they prepare for the upcoming season! Maya Kitchens shares an extended interviews with the Shamrock volleyball […]
AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – If you missed today’s interviews with Teri Self, Brice Sheets and Allen Roberson on the Sports Drive, you can watch it all here.
Maya Kitchens shares an extended interviews with the Shamrock volleyball team as they prepare for the upcoming season!
Broadcaster Brice Sheets talks with us about excitement for the start of sports this fall, highlights area athletes and more!
60-Minute Drill host Allen Roberson chats with us about his high school football experience with Friday Night Lights, what schools stand out to him and more!
Catch Sports Drive on weekdays at 3 p.m.
Copyright 2025 KFDA. All rights reserved.
Sports
Stephen F Austin ruling could have impact
A 2019 lawsuit filed by former UK students alleging the school violated Title IX by not providing equal opportunities for women to participate in sports is in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. UK student speaks about lawsuit against college for violating Title IX University of Kentucky student Elizabeth Niblock is one of two students […]
A 2019 lawsuit filed by former UK students alleging the school violated Title IX by not providing equal opportunities for women to participate in sports is in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
UK student speaks about lawsuit against college for violating Title IX
University of Kentucky student Elizabeth Niblock is one of two students suing UK for violating Title IV rules.
Morgan Watkins/Courier Journal, Louisville Courier Journal
- Six Stephen F. Austin State University athletes filed a lawsuit against the school alleging Title IX discrimination after SFA announced it was axing women’s bowling, beach volleyball and golf.
- A 2019 lawsuit filed by former UK students alleging the school violated Title IX by not providing equal opportunities for women to participate in sports is in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
- SFA used the same argument UK is using in its appeal and won. While a case decided in Texas doesn’t have any direct impact on a case in the Sixth Circuit, UK could use the ruling to help its case.
A ruling made in the Eastern District of Texas could have an impact on a yearslong Title IX lawsuit against the University of Kentucky.
Six Stephen F. Austin State University athletes from the women’s bowling and beach volleyball teams filed a class-action lawsuit against their school this summer alleging Title IX discrimination after the university announced it would cut those two programs and men’s and women’s golf. “The decision was based on sustained departmental budget deficits and the anticipated financial impact of upcoming revenue-sharing requirements with Division I athletes,” SFA athletics said in a statement. The plaintiffs sought to keep the school from axing these programs.
SFA argued that the plaintiffs’ case was based on a policy interpretation of Title IX handed down by the Department of Education in 1979, better known as the three-part test, rather than the statute itself. Defendant lawyers urged the court to disregard the policy interpretation but also stressed the school was in compliance with Title IX either way. This is the same argument the University of Kentucky is using in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals against former students Ala Hassan and Lisa Niblock.
Judge Michael J. Truncale issued a written ruling Friday evening in favor of the plaintiffs. SFA has been ordered to reinstate all three women’s teams. Truncale affirmed that the Loper Bright case cannot be applied to Title IX in what plaintiff attorney John Clune called an “incredibly important” win for gender equity in sports.
A case decided in the Eastern District of Texas doesn’t have any direct impact on a case in the Sixth Circuit. But Iowa-based attorney Lori Bullock could take Truncale’s ruling and file it as non-binding supplemental authority for the Sixth Circuit to consider when ruling on Kentucky’s cross appeal. A quick appeal of Truncale’s decision to the Fifth Circuit is possible, Clune said, in which case either UK or Bullock could submit the SFA decision for the Sixth Circuit to consider.
In 2019, Hassan and Niblock filed a federal lawsuit alleging the school violated Title IX by not providing equal opportunities for women to participate in varsity sports. Last fall, U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell ruled in the Eastern District of Kentucky that the university was not in violation of the gender-equity law. Bullock filed a notice of appeal to the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in February.
Under the Department of Education’s three-part test, a school can be in compliance with the participation aspects of Title IX in any one of the following ways:
— The number of male and female athletes is substantially proportionate to their respective enrollments; or
— The institution has a history and continuing practice of expanding participation opportunities responsive to the developing interests and abilities of the underrepresented sex; or
— The institution is fully and effectively accommodating the interests and abilities of the underrepresented sex.
UK’s legal counsel tried multiple times during the lower court proceedings to have the three-part test thrown out. Lawyers most recently cited a Supreme Court ruling from June between Loper Bright Enterprises and Raimondo, which they also cited in an April briefing. The decision made in favor of Loper Bright overturned a 40-year precedent known as “the Chevron doctrine” directing courts to defer to government agency interpretations of “ambiguous” laws.
However, Truncale ruled that Loper Bright applies to an agency’s interpretation of statute, not its own regulation. He also ruled that Loper Bright does not overturn previous case law that previously interpreted policy. Thus, Loper Bright does not apply to Title IX’s 1979 interpretation.
“It’s a hard ask for the schools to make the finding that SFA was trying to make,” Clune told USA TODAY. “The case law, it seems reasonably clear to us, but you know, you never know what a Court of Appeals is going to do. We’re really happy about the ruling, but we’re not surprised by the ruling. If you follow the law, this is what the outcome should be.”
Reach college sports enterprise reporter Payton Titus at ptitus@gannett.com, and follow her on X @petitus25.
Sports
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