Rec Sports

It Really Does Take A Village

Published

5 months ago

August 16, 2025

It Really Does Take A Village School is back in session, and the calm(ish) days of summer are officially over. The morning alarms are set again, the group texts about practice times are rolling in, and the calendar is starting to look like a color-coded game of chaos. If you’ve got multiple kids in multiple sports and activities — whether you’re working full-time or not — you know this is when life starts moving at double speed.

I’ve learned something over the years, and I’m learning it all over again this month, and that is we are not meant to do this alone. The old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” isn’t just a sweet sentiment. It’s a lifeline.

Sometimes, my “village” looks like the mom who swoops in to take my child to practice because my meeting ran late. Sometimes, it’s the coach who stays an extra ten minutes because traffic was awful. Sometimes, it’s a relative stepping in for school pick-up or friends texting, “Want me to take your kid to the game with us?”

The truth is, our children benefit when we lean on our village. They learn that community matters. They see generosity in action. They witness how people show up for each other. And as moms, we get to let go of the guilt that makes us feel like we should somehow be everywhere at once because, spoiler alert!, no one can be everywhere at once.

Back-to-school season is busy, yes, but it’s also the perfect reminder to look around and appreciate the people who help make this life possible. And it’s a gentle nudge to be part of someone else’s village too, to offer that carpool, pick up that extra snack, or send that encouraging text.

So here’s to the moms swapping rides in the parking lot, the neighbor who grabs your kid from practice and brings them home fed, the ones who keep an extra lawn chair in their trunk “just in case” you make it to the game at the last minute, and the friends who say, “I’ve got you.”

So here’s to the village — the one we build, the one we rely on, and the one that carries us through the beautiful chaos of raising kids.

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Rec Sports

Marcus Johnson’s 40 points lead Garfield Heights win; Lutheran East avenges loss to Warrensville at NEO Youth Elite Christmas showcase

Published

47 minutes ago

December 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — Marcus Johnson grew up coming to his father’s holiday basketball showcases at Garfield Heights.

He led the Bulldogs each of the last three seasons at the NEO Youth Elite Christmas Classic and had one more to play Sunday as a senior at the school. Johnson, the state’s reigning Mr. Basketball winner and a South Carolina recruit, put a bow on his holiday performances by scoring 40 points and leading his team to a 74-70 win against Glenville.

“I wanted to go out with a bang,” Johnson said. “I knew it was my last time playing my dad’s event like this. I wanted to give it my all.”

His father, Garfield Heights coach Sonny Johnson played a smaller lineup against Glenville. With it, the Bulldogs matched the speed of the Tarblooders’ quick guards.

They gave the hosts all they could handle early in a back-and-forth game.

The Bulldogs (4-4), who are ranked sixth in the cleveland.com Top 25, pulled away in the fourth quarter to take a 15-point lead. Johnson led much of it with three of his seven 3-pointers in the final period. Sophomore guard C.J. Williams added 10 points and found Johnson on three of his 3s.

Williams finished with four assists and three steals in what he called a “must-win game” after the Bulldogs lost three games at the highly decorated City of Palms Invitational in Florida.

“After coming down from Florida after all those games, it was pretty tough for us,” Williams said.

The three teams they played had multiple Division I college recruits, headed to schools such as Duke and Indiana.

Against Glenville (2-4), which reached last season’s Division IV state semifinals, the Bulldogs overcame a strong effort by the Tarblooders’ starting five. Jahi Hobson led them with 16 points before fouling out. Arvell Nelson Jr. added 15 points, including a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the final score. Gio Ramos added 14 points and 16 rebounds, while Garry Pritchett Jr. had 14 points before leaving with a leg injury in the fourth.

Their game was one of five played Sunday at Garfield Heights. Here is what else happened:

No. 2 Lutheran East 60, No. 10 Warrensville Heights 38: Sophomore guard Dylan Zeigler scored the first and last points of the Falcons’ convincing win, avenging last year’s loss to Warrensville at this event.

Zeigler, who finished with 20 points, didn’t forget that.

“They were talking a lot of trash, and we took it disrespectfully,” Zeigler said, “and we took it to them.”

Zeigler knocked down one of his two 3s early to get the Falcons (6-0) going, and he capped off the night with a slam dunk before time expired.

The Tigers (3-3) hung around through the first half. They trailed by only two points after one quarter and six at the break. Their aggressive defense, filled with presses and traps, is what Zeigler and his teammates said they expected.

They adjusted accordingly with quick passes to break that defense. Junior point guard Chris Hill served as the maestro with seven assists, including a behind-the-back pass to freshman Bryce Irby for a slam dunk in transition.

Hill scored 11 points and had three steals. Ocho Davis scored 13 points, while Warrensville got eight points off the bench from Camden Hill.

No. 7 Hawken 87, Rhodes 80: Sophomore guard Ice Taylor scored a game-high 25 points, while senior Greg Price took home MVP honors for his 24 points, which included nine in a strong start for the Hawks (8-1).

They needed it, as Rhodes (4-2) rallied within five points in the fourth quarter. Senior guard Jahavi Dye led the Rams with 20 points. He scored 15 in the fourth with three of his four 3s in that final stretch.

Hawken had a 21-point lead in the third quarter, but turnovers fueled Rhodes’ comeback attempt.

No. 15 Akron Garfield 73, No. 12 Euclid 71 (2OT): Monty Thompson Jr.’s jump shot from the baseline beat the buzzer in the second overtime and lifted the Rams (8-1), who needed more heroics just to reach that point.

Senior guard Rayshawn Hamilton, who scored a game-high 27 points, forced the second overtime with a buzzer beater on an over-the-head pass with 1.9 seconds left from Avanti Caldwell under the opposite-end hoop. Thompson, who scored 17 points off the bench, also beat the third-quarter buzzer with a 3-pointer. Thompson hit three 3s, while Terion Chapman added 14 points and Reggie Edwards pulled down 11 rebounds.

Sophomore guard Mekhi Asberry led the Panthers (5-3) with 19 points, including five 3s. Kye Owens scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds with his 6-foot-8 frame.

Richmond Heights 74, Orange 56: The Spartans (5-5) scored the first 14 points and maintained a lead of at least eight points for the rest of their opener at Garfield Heights. Sophomore point guard Dereon Barber paced Richmond Heights with 21 points, while senior guard Khyell Moreland added 20 points, including four 3-pointers.

Freshman guard Aaron Lewis, nephew of former Northeast Ohio standout Trey Lewis, scored 22 points to lead the Lions (2-6) off the bench. He connected on four 3s.

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Rec Sports

PERFECT GAME EXPANDS PRESENCE IN PACIFIC RIM, STRENGTHENING YOUTH BASEBALL DEVELOPMENT |

Published

57 minutes ago

December 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

SANFORD, Fla., Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced a significant expansion of its presence across the Asia-Pacific Zone, with a strategic focus on the 10-15 year-old age group. The initiative will be led in partnership with longtime Japanese youth baseball executive and coach Takaharu Nasu, as Perfect Game continues to grow its global footprint and strengthen pathways for elite youth development.

As part of this expansion, Perfect Game will increase its operational and developmental presence in key baseball markets including Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines and additional countries throughout the region. The effort reflects Perfect Game’s long-term commitment to supporting the global growth of the game while maintaining its standards for competition, scouting and player development.

Among the enhancements planned for the Asia-Pacific Zone expansion is the introduction of Perfect Game’s DiamondKast® technology, the company’s industry-leading digital scoring and data platform. DiamondKast will provide teams, players, families and coaches in the region with real-time game data, advanced statistics and expanded visibility aligning the Pacific Rim experience with Perfect Game events worldwide. Additionally, showcases in various locations will be held to measure individual player data while discovering talented youth baseball players throughout the region.

“This expansion represents a major step forward in Perfect Game’s international vision,” said Perfect Game Chairman Rick Thurman. “With Takaharu Nasu’s leadership and deep understanding of the baseball culture throughout the Pacific Rim, we are positioned to create meaningful opportunities for young athletes while connecting global baseball communities.”

The continued growth in the Pacific Rim will also lead to Asian youth baseball teams competing in Perfect Game events in the United States beginning in 2026, offering players a unique opportunity to measure themselves against top domestic competition and experience elite-level events firsthand.

Nasu brings over a decade of experience in international baseball development and administration, with strong relationships across Asia’s most established and emerging baseball markets. For the past eight years, he has served as the representative director of the Japan Pony Baseball Association, where he has also spent the last decade coaching the Ichihara Pony team. His role will focus on building sustainable programs, aligning local organizations with Perfect Game standards, and creating long-term pathways for international participation.

“By bringing Perfect Game and its technology to the Asia-Pacific Zone, we will be able to discover promising players from the region that otherwise may have gotten overlooked for various reasons,” said Nasu. “We strongly believe that Perfect Game is a league that is in line with the times and a baseball organization that can help produce many future top players.”

Perfect Game’s Asia-Pacific Zone initiative underscores the company’s broader mission to grow the game globally, foster competitive excellence and provide young athletes with unmatched exposure and development opportunities no matter where they play.

Media contact:

Greg Casterioto / Gcasterioto@perfectgame.org / (267) 246-5709

About Perfect Game

Perfect Game is the world’s largest elite youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, producing nearly 10,000 events, hundreds of thousands of games and showcases each year across the country. Perfect Game is dedicated to giving amateur players exposure to take their game to the next level, whether that be in college or in the professional ranks. At Perfect Game events, players perform with top-level competition in front of college recruiters and professional scouts from all over the country. Because of this, these events prove to be invaluable to college coaches as well as Major League Baseball, as they can scout a large population of talented ballplayers in one location. To date, more than 2,383 players that have played in a Perfect Game event have also played in Major League Baseball. Since 2003, 15,797 Perfect Game alumni have been selected in the MLB First-Year Amateur Player Draft. In the 2025 Draft, for example, 92 percent of all players selected had played in Perfect Game events, and every player selected on the Draft’s first day had previously attended Perfect Game events.

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/perfect-game-expands-presence-in-pacific-rim-strengthening-youth-baseball-development-302650173.html

SOURCE Perfect Game USA

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Rec Sports

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Published

1 hour ago

December 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Nevada youth rank last in sports participation. Will rising costs make it worse?

Parents and experts told The Indy that heat is just one reason that Nevada consistently ranks last nationwide for participation in youth sports. High costs and complicated scheduling issues also play a big part. Nevada has had the lowest or second-lowest rate of children on sports teams every year since 2017 except 2019, according to data collected through the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), a project of the Census Bureau, and analyzed by researchers at Johns Hopkins University.

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Rec Sports

Youth Soccer Coach’s Trademark Claim Against Nike Heads to 2026 Hearing

Published

1 hour ago

December 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Key Takeaways

Nike allowed its “Total 90” trademark registration to lapse in 2019, opening the door for a third-party registration
Hugh Bartlett, a New Orleans-based engineer and youth soccer coach, registered “TOTAL90” in February 2022 and later filed an infringement lawsuit against Nike
A federal judge denied Bartlett’s motion to temporarily restrain Nike from selling Total 90 products, citing lack of evidence of consumer confusion
The case illustrates “trademark arbitrage,” where parties acquire undervalued marks and leverage them strategically
The preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for January 8, 2026, with Nike’s World Cup marketing plans in the balance

The Trademark Gap That Started It All

Nike’s Total 90 line launched in 2000 and became one of the most recognizable names in soccer footwear for nearly a decade. The brand was worn by players including Wayne Rooney, Roberto Carlos, and Fernando Torres.

Nike formally abandoned its trademark registration for “Total 90” in 2019. Hugh Bartlett, a Louisiana-based engineer and youth soccer coach, registered “TOTAL90” in February 2022. Bartlett’s company, Total90 LLC, developed a fantasy soccer app in 2019 and began selling apparel and footwear in 2022.

According to court filings, Bartlett contacted Nike in December 2024 about a potential collaboration. When that didn’t materialize, Nike claims Total90 LLC demanded $2.5 million for the trademark rights before filing suit.

Nike Wins Early Round, But Case Continues

U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter ruled in Nike’s favor on the temporary restraining order motion. The judge emphasized that under U.S. trademark law, ownership is established by use, not registration.

Total90 LLC failed to demonstrate evidence of actual consumer confusion or that both companies use similar retail outlets. The court also noted that Total90’s 11-month delay between first contacting Nike and filing suit undermined claims of urgent, irreparable harm.

Nike argues its Total 90 products have been available for more than 25 years, giving it priority of use regardless of the lapsed registration.

A Case Study in Trademark Arbitrage

Trademark experts point to this dispute as an example of “trademark arbitrage,” where parties acquire marks that others have undervalued and then leverage them strategically.

As the lawful trademark owner, Total90 LLC now holds multiple options: sell the trademark back to Nike at a premium, pursue legal claims if Nike uses the mark without permission, or continue developing the brand while benefiting from renewed attention generated by the dispute.

“Nike didn’t ‘make a mistake.’ They simply stopped using the mark. They formally abandoned it,” said Andrey Mincov, Founder and CEO of Trademark Factory®. “No responsible trademark attorney would tell a client to manufacture fake use just to keep a registration alive. At that time, Nike had no interest in TOTAL 90. Now they do, and that change comes with consequences.”

What’s at Stake for Nike’s World Cup Plans

Nike has significant plans to revive the T90 aesthetic ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America, including a collaboration with Palace that features T90 imagery. The ongoing litigation creates uncertainty around these marketing efforts.

The January 2026 hearing will determine whether Total90 LLC can secure a preliminary injunction. A ruling against Nike could complicate product launches timed to the tournament.

This case offers a lesson for youth sports operators and brands managing intellectual property. As Mincov noted: “The TOTAL 90 story is a powerful reminder that in today’s fast-moving market, maintaining trademarks is not just a bureaucratic formality. It’s a strategic business decision.”

For organizations with legacy marks or dormant product lines, the minimal investment in trademark maintenance may prove far less costly than the alternative.

YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.

Appendix: Sources

Benzinga (December 25, 2025) – “Soccer Coach Beats Nike To ‘Total 90’ Trademark, Sparks Legal Fight Ahead Of World Cup” – https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/12/49590587/soccer-coach-beats-nike-to-total-90-trademark-sparks-legal-fight-ahead-of-world-cup
Sportico (November 2025) – “Nike Defeats Motion to Restrain Sale of Total 90 Soccer Shoe Line” – https://www.sportico.com/law/analysis/2025/nike-total90-trademark-decision-1234878043/
Footy Headlines (November 18, 2025) – “Nike Loses Total 90 Trademark – Sued for Alleged Copyright Infringement” – https://www.footyheadlines.com/2025/11/nike-loses-total-90-trademark.html
The Fashion Law (November 20, 2025) – “Nike’s TOTAL 90 Trademark Clash Shows Risks of Brand Revivals” – https://www.thefashionlaw.com/nikes-total-90-trademark-dispute-highlights-risks-in-brand-revivals/
The Fashion Law (December 2025) – “Nike Beats TRO Bid in ‘Total 90’ Trademark Clash” – https://www.thefashionlaw.com/nike-beats-tro-bid-in-total-90-trademark-clash-with-smaller-brand/
Trademark Factory (December 26, 2025) – “Trademark Review: Nike’s TOTAL 90 Trademark Battle Shows Hidden Risks of Brand Revivals” – https://trademarkfactory.com/blog/trademark-review-nikes-total-90-trademark-battle-shows-hidden-risks-of-brand-revivals/
Wall Street Journal
Sports Business Journal
Image – Nike

About Youth Sports Business Report

Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.

Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.

Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:

Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
Youth Sports events and tournament management
NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
Sports technology and data analytics innovation
Youth sports facilities development and management
Sports content creation and digital media monetization

Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.

Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.

Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.

Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry

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Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn

Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?

Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.

About Play Up Partners

Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.

Why Sponsor Youth Sports?

Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.

What Does Play Up Partners Do?

We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.

Our Approach

Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:

Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
Elevate the youth sports ecosystem

Our Vision

We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.

Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing

Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?

We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.

Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.

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Rec Sports

Global TV guide: CA Osasuna vs Athletic Club (LaLiga 2025/26 MD18)

Published

3 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 18 fixture kicks off at 16:15 CET on Saturday afternoon. Below you have a guide to help you follow the match from wherever you are in the world.

You can also follow the fixture, and keep up to date with everything Athletic related, through the official Athletic Club app, as well as on our website and social media accounts:

Twitter

Spanish: @AthleticClub

Basque: @Athletic_eus

English: @Athletic_en

Facebook

www.facebook.com/ATHLETICCLUB/ (Spanish + Basque)

Instagram

@athleticclub (Spanish + Basque)

Website

Spanish: www.athletic-club.eus/

Basque: www.athletic-club.eus/eu/

English: www.athletic-club.eus/en/

In addition to the kick-off times in different countries, we have compiled a list of broadcasters around the world with the rights to show LaLiga matches.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee this particular fixture will be broadcast in your region, so please check with the relevant LaLiga TV operator as well.

If you want to join or set up an official Athletic Club fan club in your region, this is how to do it:

Global TV Guide

(SATURDAY, JANUARY 3)

The Americas

United States and Puerto Rico: San Francisco (07:15), Boise (08:15), Miami (10:15), San Juan (11:15)

ESPN

Canada: Vancouver (07:15), Toronto (10:15)

TSN or RDS

Mexico: Mexico City (09:15)

Canal 5, Izzi or Sky

Central America + Dominican Republic: San José (09:15), Panama City (10:15)

Sky

In Belize, also on: ESPN, Sports Max / Dominican Republic: Sports Max

Caribbean: Kingston, Havana (10:15), Bridgetown (11:15)

Sports Max

Also on ESPN in:

Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Bahamas

Available on beIN in French-speaking islands.

South America: Bogotá (10:15), Caracas (11:15), Buenos Aires (12:15)

ESPN, Disney+, DirecTV or Star +

Suriname: Sports Max, ATV / Venezuela: IVC Networks / Bolivia: Tigo Sports / Guyana: Sports Max

Brazil: Brasilia (12:15)

Disney+ or ESPN

Africa

North Africa: Casablanca, Algiers (16:15), Cairo (17:15)

beIN

In Sudan & Mauritania, also on: Super Sports or Canal +

Sub-Sahara: Accra (15:15), Lagos (16:15), Cape Town (17:15), Nairobi (18:15)

Super Sports or Canal +

In Angola and Mozambique, also on: ZAP

Europe

Iceland 15:15

Livey

United Kingdom & Ireland 15:15

Premier Sports

Portugal 15:15

DAZN-Eleven

Norway 16:15

TV2 Sport

Denmark 16:15

TV2 Sport

Sweden 16:15

TV4

Netherlands 16:15

Ziggo Sports

Belgium 16:15

DAZN-Eleven

France 16:15

beIN

Spain 16:15

Movistar or DAZN

Austria, Germany & Italy 16:15

DAZN

Switzerland 16:15

Blue

Poland 16:15

Eleven Sports or Canal +

Czech Republic & Slovakia 16:15

NovaSport

Hungary 16:15

Spiler 2 TV

Albania 16:15

Supersport

Kosovo 16:15

ArtSport

Balkan Nations 16:15

Arena Sport

Malta 16:15

TSN

Finland 16:15

C-More Sport

Baltic States 17:15 & Belarus 18:15

Setanta Sports

Ukraine 17:15

Megogo

Romania 17:15

Prima TV or DigiSport

Bulgaria 17:15

Max Sport

Greece 17:15

Nova Sport

Cyprus 17:15

Cytavision

Israel 17:15

One Sport

Turkey 18:15

Sporsmart or S-Plus

Russia (Moscow, 18:15)

Match TV

Asia

Arab Countries & Iran: Amman, Mecca (18:15), Tehran (18:45), Dubai (19:15)

beIN

Caucasus Region: Tbilisi, Baku, Yerevan (19:15)

Setanta Sports

In Azerbaijan also on TV Net & Real TV

Central Asia: Tashkent, Astana (20:15)

Setanta Sports

Pakistan 20:15

Begin

India 20:45

Fancode

Southeast Asia: Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta (22:15), Singapore, Manila (23:15)

beIN

Also on: Cambodia (CTN), Thailand (PPTV & LaLiga +), Vietnam (SCTV), Myanmar (Canal +), Indonesia (LaLiga +), Philippines (Setanta Sports)

China 23:15

CCTV, Migu, iQiyi, Leisu, Qiukedao

Hong Kong 23:15

Now Sports

Macau 23:15

TDM Sports Channel

Taiwan 23:15

DAZN-Eleven

Mongolia 23:15

SPS

(SUNDAY, JANUARY 4)

Japan 00:15

U-Next, DAZN

South Korea 00:15

Coupang

Oceania

Papua New Guinea: Port Moresby (01:15)

TV Sports

Australia & New Zealand: Sydney (02:15), Wellington (04:15)

beIN

Pacific Islands: Suva (03:15), Apia (04:15)

Digicel

Also on: Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu (Sky Pacific), New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna (beIN Sports).

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Brandon Pfaadt aiming to bounce back in 2026 for D-backs

Published

3 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Over the past two springs, the Diamondbacks have locked up some young players they feel are key for their future.

There was Corbin Carroll in the spring of 2024, and this past spring shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, closer Justin Martinez, and when it came to starting pitchers, they landed on Brandon Pfaadt.

The Diamondbacks gave the right-hander a five-year deal worth $45 million, which also includes a $21 million club option for 2031 and a $25 million mutual option for 2032, with a no-trade clause for 2030-32.

“Brandon falls very much in the group of players that we have that we feel like getting some certainty around what the future is going to look like. That is very important for us, in terms of building a roster and keeping this team together for as long as we can,” Arizona general manager Mike Hazen said at the time.

The Diamondbacks have loved Pfaadt’s work ethic since he was drafted in 2020 and have long believed in his character as well as his pitching ability.

And while he had a down season in 2025, the Diamondbacks have no regrets about the deal and little doubt that he will return to form in 2026.

“There’s ups and downs to young stages of Major League careers, especially as a starting pitcher,” Hazen said. “He’ll work with the coaches and figure out some of the inconsistencies that happened this year, and I think he’s going to be well situated to turn the page and move in a different direction.”

After his final start of the season, Pfaadt was already looking ahead to what he could do differently in 2026.

“Not exactly what I was looking for,” Pfaadt said of the season. “A lot of ups and down, but a lot to learn from and a lot to build off and come back stronger for next year.”

Pitching coaches Brian Kaplan and Owen Drew will return in 2026, the Diamondbacks are making an effort to beef up their pitching development program, as evidenced by the recent hiring of Jeremy Bleich, who had been the Pirates’ director of pitching development.

Bleich joins the Diamondbacks as an assistant general manager and will oversee Arizona’s pitching processes, acquisition and development.

The Diamondbacks’ confidence in Pfaadt bouncing back comes back to the reason they were so high on him while he was coming up through their system and why they signed him to an extension.

“He’s got good stuff,” Hazen said. “But it’s the makeup, work ethic and the dedication he brings to what he does that really makes you believe in what he’s going to be able to do.”

Part of the focus for Pfaadt this offseason and into the spring will be refining his sweeper as well as continuing to develop the cut fastball that he began throwing in 2025.

“I think the [sweeper] has kind of been hit or miss all year,” Pfaadt said after his final start. “I think tightening that up first will go a long way. That’s my best pitch and I felt like I didn’t have it for at least half of the year. So locking in on that, building off that and just executing more pitches.”

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