Tottenham Hotspur are back in action in the Premier League this evening as they prepare to welcome rivals Chelsea to North London.

The Lilywhites are looking to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the League Cup at St. James’ Park on Wednesday night.

Thomas Frank may look to make several changes to the starting line-up from that loss to the Mapgies, which should include dropping Brennan Johnson.

Why Brennan Johnson should be dropped

The Wales international kept his place in the starting line-up after the 3-0 win over Everton in the Premier League, but he failed to justify his inclusion in the side.

Per Sofascore, Johnson produced no shots on target and no key passes in 65 minutes on the pitch against Newcastle, whilst he also failed to complete any of his four attempted crosses.

This shows that he had no impact at the top end of the pitch for the Lilywhites from a right wing position, as he failed to cause any problems for the Magpies in the final third.

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That dismal showing came after he also played 89 minutes without registering a single shot or key pass against Everton in the previous game, per Sofascore, which means that the forward has failed to deliver much in the way of quality in his last two starts.

This is why Frank should ruthlessly drop him from the XI, after two ineffective showings, and unleash Mohammed Kudus in his place this evening.

Why Mohammed Kudus should replace Brennan Johnson

Unlike Johnson, the summer signing from West Ham United has provided plenty of quality and proven himself to be a consistent threat in the Premier League this season.

The £150k-per-week star, who Erik ten Hag claimed has “incredible potential”, came off the bench to replace the Welshman for the last 25 minutes against Newcastle, and should now come back into the XI to face Chelsea tonight.

Kudus scored his first goal for the club in a 2-1 win over Leeds United at the start of last month, but it has been his creativity on the ball that has made him a standout star for the Lilywhites in the Premier League.

The left-footed star has provided four assists in nine appearances in the top-flight, per Sofascore, and ranks highly at the club in a host of metrics as a creative force at the top end of the pitch.

xG

1.39

3rd

xA

1.26

1st

Assists

4

1st

Big chances created

2

1st

Key passes per game

1.9

1st

Dribbles completed per game

3.6

1st

As you can see in the table above, the former Hammers star has been the most influential attacking player in the Tottenham squad in the Premier League this season, leading the way for xG and in every key creative statistic.

Kudus, who was dubbed a “dribbling demon” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has averaged at least 2.3 more completed dribbles per game than any other player in the squad, which speaks to how integral he is to how Spurs bring the ball up the pitch.

Meanwhile, Johnson, who struggled against Newcastle and Everton, has no assists and no ‘big chances’ created in 14 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham this season, per Sofascore.

Kudus provides a level of creativity that means that Frank can rely on him to create something out of nothing with a moment of pure quality, which he cannot rely on Johnson to do, based on his form this season.

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Therefore, the manager should ruthlessly ditch the former Nottingham Forest star from the starting line-up in order to bring the left-footed winger back into the XI.

Leeds United would sanction the exit of striker Joel Piroe in January on the condition they can make a “difference making” forward signing.

The Dutchman was a key figure for the Whites last season, helping them seal promotion to the Premier League from the Championship, scoring 19 league goals and producing some big moments along the way.

Piroe has found it harder to play a pivotal role back in the top flight, however, with the jump up in quality of defences significant, and only three starts coming his way in all competitions.

The 28-year-old is also still searching for his first goal or assist of the 2025/26 campaign, highlighting the difficulties he has faced in terms of making an impact.

Daniel Farke is finding it difficult to give Piroe the playing time that he craves so much, which could potentially pave the way for an exit in the January window, whether that be on loan or permanently.

Leeds could look to seal "difference-making" signing

Writing for The Athletic, Beren Cross admitted that Piroe is unlikely to leave Leeds in January, but that they would be more open to an exit if they seal a “difference-making” replacement.

Leeds are sure to be conflicted about Piroe’s future, considering he isn’t an important player currently, but does provide good squad depth in attacking, should injuries arise as the season goes on.

The former Netherlands Under-20 international is also a player who Farke has spoken so glowingly about in the past, too, even describing him as a “world-class” footballer.

Netherlands Under-21s

4

1

Netherlands Under-20s

13

8

Netherlands Under-18s

4

0

Netherlands Under-16s

2

1

Netherlands Under-15s

3

0

It feels as though Piroe is far more likely to still be a Leeds player after January than move on, but if the latter does happen, it will be intriguing to see who the Whites move for.

Update now shared from Leeds on move to re-sign former Elland Road loanee

Could a January move be on the cards?

ByHenry Jackson Nov 1, 2025

It would need to be an upgrade on their current attacker, in order to justify his exit, enhancing their hopes of remaining in the Premier League for another season.

How many players earn more money than Piroe at Leeds?

David Moyes has been reluctant to rotate at Everton this season. The Merseysiders are 14th in the Premier League after a summer of sweeping change, yet signings such as Tyler Dibling and Merlin Rohl remain on the fringe.

In fairness, Moyes did say at the start of the season that Everton’s deep-rooted issues would take more than one summer to eradicate and remould into something progressive, but some are questioning why more is not being made of the resources at hand.

Premier League 25/26 – Fewest Players Used

Club

Position

Players Used

Everton

14th

19

Man United

8th

20

Tottenham

6th

20

Brentford

12th

21

Data via Transfermarkt

However, there is one change the Scotsman would love to make that hasn’t been possible. Indeed, Jarrad Branthwaite continues to languish on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, and his return would do the Toffees the world of good.

Moyes needs Branthwaite back at Everton

Branthwaite is arguably Everton’s best player. Certainly, he would be the most profitable, with Manchester United billed £70m for the potential signing of the England international last year. No move came to fruition.

But he has yet to grace the Hill Dickinson pitch, having sustained an injury in pre-season. Several weeks ago, a complication in the defender’s muscular recovery led to surgery, and now he is set for an extended spell on the sidelines, with some sources suggesting he will not be ready until after the new year.

This is a powerful and front-footed centre-half whose 6 foot 5 presence demands respect. Much has been made of Everton’s struggles in the final third this season, but we must also acknowledge the ramifications of not having your best defender fit for the opening months of the campaign (this was also true for Sean Dyche last year, when the Blues started off on a four-match skid).

Michael Keane has done a fine job in stepping in for the younger man this season, arguably outplaying the vice-captain James Tarkowski beside him, but there’s no question that Branthwaite, described as an “absolute monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, would walk back into the line-up when fit enough to do so.

Everton have made headway this season, but further improvements are needed if Moyes’ side are to break the surface of expectations and find a space among the heavyweights in the Premier League.

Moyes, to be sure, must be more open to unleashing those bit-part members of the squad. Perhaps they could make a marked difference. There’s one youngster who is considered an elite talent, and yet he has not featured this term. Moyes must now unleash him.

Moyes must unleash "generational" youngster

This summer, Everton completed a wave of signings. The most notable addition was Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City, while big buys included Dibling and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry.

But the arrival of Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich, for around £8m, has fallen under the radar. The 19-year-old is an attack-minded left-back, though his versatility permits moonlit roles further up the field and even in an alternative right-back placement.

It is his dribbling that stands out most. Last season, while out on loan in La Liga with Real Valladolid, Aznou averaged two dribbles per game, which stood as the second-highest success rate of any defender in the Spanish top flight (data via BBC).

The Moroccan has even been described as a “generational talent” by the aforementioned Kulig, and it’s curious to note he is alongside Branthwaite in having yet to make his first-team debut for Moyes’ side.

The difference is that he has not been injured, but rather, kept from the action by his manager. Seven times in succession, he has sat on the bench in the Premier League, and seven times in succession, he has remained unused.

There are concerns about the player’s physicality, but there is undoubtedly a reluctance on Moyes’ part to unleash youngsters. Last month, Dibling started against Crystal Palace and ended the 63-year-old’s 185-match streak of not naming a teenager in the starting line-up. Dibling was hooked at half-time.

It has been said that Everton are open to loaning the teenager out this winter, sending him somewhere for a short stay and with the view toward providing him with a suitable environment for growth.

There is reason to this possible route, but whether it is truly the best course of action for an Everton side in need of more dynamism down the flanks is another question. However, Branthwaite before him went out on loan with PSV Eindhoven and returned to the Premier League a better player for it.

Perhaps Aznou could emulate his fellow defender in this regard, heading out for the second half of the campaign before returning next summer and shining thereafter.

Vitalii Mykolenko is limited in his attacking output, with data platform FBref ranking the Ukrainian among the bottom 9% of full-backs in the Premier League this season for shot-creating actions per 90 (0.86). Likewise, Jake O’Brien has been dependable in his makeshift right-back role, but he is naturally a centre-back and his game reflects this.

The left-footed Branthwaite’s return and the robustness he adds could actually be perfect for Aznou as the Morocco international looks to establish himself on Merseyside. It’s a debate with substance on both sides: Aznou could help Everton with his progressiveness this year, and yet a slow, gradual integration might be better for his long-term development.

Patience was always going to be required for a young and talented full-back whose experience on the major stage is shallow. In this, Moyes’ decision to keep him on the sidelines is understandable.

However, many would not agree. There have been opportunities to unleash Aznou, and instead, he plies his trade under Paul Tait’s wing in the development squad.

There’s a sense that Everton are going to attack the January transfer window and target a new centre-forward and fresh full-backs besides. Might it be that Aznou is the answer to the club’s issues down the wings?

In La Liga last season, he won an average of 2.2 tackles and 5.8 duels per game (as per Sofascore), triumphing in 51% of that latter metric.

Work is needed, of course it is, but surely this wonderful and exciting prospect deserves a chance to shine after Everton won the summer tussle for his signature.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Nov 7, 2025

Raza scored 151 runs and took a wicket in two ODIs against Sri Lanka

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Sep-2025Zimbabwe allrounder Sikandar Raza is the new No. 1 allrounder in the ICC’s ODI rankings, achieving the feat for the first time. He had scored 92 and an unbeaten 59 in the two-match series against Sri Lanka in Harare, and also picked up a wicket. He went past Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, who are now second and third, respectively.There’s a new No. 1 among ODI bowlers too. South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj has broken the deadlock at the top with Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana, claiming the No. 1 position outright. Maharaj moved up after taking 4 for 22 in a big win in the first ODI against England in Leeds.Full rankings tables

Click here for the team rankings

Click here for the player rankings

Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka, named Player of the Series against Zimbabwe after topping the charts with 198 runs, has climbed seven places to 13th among ODI batters. Janith Liyanage is up 13 places to 29th, while Zimbabwe’s Sean Williams has risen three places to 47th.In the T20I rankings, Afghanistan batters Ibrahim Zadran (up 12 spots to 20th) and Sediqullah Atal (up a remarkable 346 places to 127th) have risen following back-to-back wins against UAE and Pakistan in the ongoing tri-series.Others to improve in the T20I rankings are Pakistan’s Hasan Nawaz (joint-31st) among batters, while Sufiyan Muqeem (22nd), Shaheen Shah Afridi (26th) and Mohammad Nawaz (43rd) made strides among bowlers.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos não poderá contar com peça importante do ataque contra o Flamengo. Marcos Leonardo, artilheiro do Peixe e titular absoluto, recebeu o terceiro amarelo e está fora do confronto do Campeonato Brasileiro.

+ Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro-2023 clicando aqui

O jogador recebeu a suspensão contra o Corinthians por fazer provocação no banco de reservas após o empate do Peixe nos acréscimos.

+ Tudo sobre o Peixe agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Santos

O atleta, porém, saiu do clássico com dores e poderá se recuperar para estar disponível na reta final do Brasileirão.

O Santos tem uma dependência muito grande do atacante. Ele influenciou de forma direta em 15 dos 34 pontos conquistados pelo clube na competição nacional.

NÃO É O ÚNICO DESFALQUE PARA A PARTIDA

Além dele, João Basso não atua contra o Rubro-Negro. Aliás, o zagueiro pode ficar o restante da temporada longe dos gramados por conta de uma séria lesão.

QUEM DEVE SUBSTITUIR ELES?

Para o lugar de Marcos Leonardo, Julio Furch é tido como reserva imediato, mas Silvera pode ser opção e formar dupla com Soteldo. Na defesa, Messias e Jair são os zagueiros que podem compor a vaga, se Marcelo Fernandes não optar por rearranjar a escalação.

Eni Aluko has spoken out in support of Mary Earps after seeing the former England goalkeeper attract criticism for some of the comments made in her new book. Hannah Hampton, who helped the Lionesses to Euro 2025 glory, was among those to feature in Earps’ tales. Aluko claims the legendary shot-stopper has every right to share her side of a professional story and should not be “demonised” for doing so.

Earps' new book: How Lionesses legend caused controversy

Questions have been asked about why Earps, who announced her international retirement prior to the latest European Championship, felt the need to deliver a tell-all autobiography while still being a player herself. Many in that position wait until retirement before putting their story down on paper.

Two-time Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Earps claims in her publication – All In: Football, Life and Learning to be Unapologetically Me – that England boss Sarina Wiegman could be considered to have been “rewarding bad behaviour” when recalling Hampton, who had previously been dropped, to the Lionesses camp. Hampton went on to become a penalty shootout hero at the Euros.

Earps also accused Wiegman of displaying a “clear lack of care for me and my welfare” prior to losing her No.1 spot, with bridges seemingly being burned by a 32-year-old shot-stopper who has never been afraid to speak her mind.

AdvertisementGetty Images/GOALAluko defends Earps from 'mob culture' criticism

Ex-Lionesses star Aluko has told of Earps’ decision to go public at this stage of her career: “I do have some empathy for Mary because I have been in that situation before, where you come out and you say: ‘I didn’t like what happened there in this England environment’. And when you do that, sometimes you get demonised just for giving your perspective and saying I think that’s wrong.

“So Mary has written a book, she has given her perspective, and she is entitled to that perspective. I don’t really like this sense of sort of mob culture where you try to silence someone for just giving their perspective.

“I think the problem is that Hannah Hampton was absolutely brilliant in the summer. Sarina Wiegman, I’m a huge fan – she is one of, if not the best coach we have ever seen in England. I think the timing is the problem for Mary and maybe that is where she has been ill advised. A book is something that is evergreen and I’m not sure he had to come out now. But I do sympathise with Mary because I don’t want her to feel like there is a mob of people attacking her, because I have been there and it’s not nice.”

Bronze leaps to the defence of former team-mate

Earps’ former team-mate, Lucy Bronze, is another to have defended the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year from the criticism that has come her way on the back of releasing an explosive book.

The experienced Chelsea defender, who is a close friend of Earps, has told : “Female players are constantly under a magnifying glass. In a football team you have a group of 20-30 players – there’s no way everyone will think the same things. There are different personalities – and there is high pressure.

“Men are solely judged on their ability and their lifestyle to a certain extent, but only if it's a huge headline. Generally, for most of the popular female footballers, there’s a constant lens on what we’re doing – on and off the pitch.”

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Getty/GOALNo apologies: Earps has never been afraid to speak her mind

Earps has made no apologies for her statements and hopes that she can “draw a line” under any supposed tension with Wiegman at some point in the near future – with talks between the pair being planned.

She acknowledges that there will always be differences in opinion when it comes to elite sport, especially when it comes to those filling playing and coaching posts, and will happily explain herself to anyone that wants to ask questions – with Earps, who won Euro 2022 and finished on 53 caps for her country, currently plying her club trade in France for Paris Saint-Germain.

كشفت تقارير صحفية إسبانية أن ريال مدريد يستعد لتلقي عرض لخوض مباراة ودية استعدادًا لمنافسات الموسم المقبل 2026-2027.

وبحسب “ديفنسا سنترال” الإسبانية فإنه من المقرر أن يتلقى ريال مدريد عرضاً لخوض مباراة ودية في البرازيل، في أول زيارة من النادي إلى البلاد منذ عام 2000.

ويجري ريال مدريد حالياً استعداداته لجولة ما قبل موسم 2026، ورغم أن موعد الرحلة لا يزال بعيداً إلا أن الفريق عادة ما يخطط مسبقاً لذلك وقد تلقى بالفعل العديد من المقترحات التي لفتت الأنظار.

أقرأ أيضاً.. داني أولمو يتحدث عن موقف لامين يامال من منتخب إسبانيا.. وإشادة للاعب ريال مدريد

وتردد في وقت سابق أن العملاق الإسباني يدرس بدائل أخرى غير الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية للجولة التحضيرية ما قبل الموسم الصيف المقبل، وقد تصبح البرازيل خياراً محتملاً.

وقد تواصل المنظمون البرازيليين مع ريال مدريد لفكرة استضافة مباراة ودية قبل الصيف المقبل، وينتظر ريال مدريد حالياً عرضاً رسمياً.

ولم يحسم أي شئ بعد، لكن المنظمين في البرازيل يحرصون جداً على استضافة مباراة ودية مع ريال مدريد ولا يبدو أن الدعم المالي يمثل عائقاً ومن المتوقع ضخ استثمارات كبيرة.

وتعود آخر زيارة لريال مدريد إلى البرازيل في عام 2000 عندما شارك النادي في النسخة الأولى من بطولة كأس العالم للأندية، ولم يلعب النادي الاسباني سوى مرة واحدة عندما واجه فاسكو دي جاما في 8 فبراير 1961.

Dilara Akter, Jannatul Ferdus and Ishma Tanjim have been left out

Mohammad Isam23-Aug-2025

Bangladesh are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign against Pakistan on October 2 in Colombo•CWI

Bangladesh have brought two teenagers into their squad for the Women’s World Cup, which the BCB announced on Saturday. They are Nishita Akter, the 17-year-old offspinner, and the 19-year-old batter Sumaiya Akter. Both were part of Bangladesh’s team at the Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia in February.Bangladesh have also picked the 28-year-old keeper-batter Rubya Haider, who has played six T20Is but is yet to make her ODI debut.Between them, these three relative new faces have played three ODIs and seven T20Is, and none of them has played for the senior Bangladesh side in 2025.Related

WI's historic chase ends in heartbreak as Bangladesh seal World Cup spot

The selectors have offloaded Dilara Akter, Jannatul Ferdus and Ishma Tanjim from Bangladesh’s most recent squad, which played in the World Cup Qualifier in April. Bangladesh qualified from that tournament ahead of West Indies by a net-run-rate margin of just 0.013, but they haven’t played any international matches since then.Recently, the squad has played a number of matches against Bangladesh’s Under-15 boys side as preparation for the World Cup.Women’s chief selector Sajjad Ahmed was excited by the addition of the three young players. He said Rubya, who has played six T20Is, will be the squad’s back-up opener and wicketkeeper behind captain Nigar Sultana.”Rubya has earned her place through sheer hard work,” he said. “Her development over the last six months has been outstanding. We see her as a valuable option both as a reserve keeper and a back-up opener.”Nishita is still young, but she bowls with great maturity. She is consistent, calm under pressure and her ability to contain left-handers gave her an edge. We believe this experience will serve her well and add depth to our spin attack.”Sajjad added that Sumaiya’s patience would be an asset to the side, and her fielding a bonus. “Sumaiya has been knocking on the door for some time. She brings the ability to occupy the crease and accelerate when needed. With her skillset and fielding standards, she gives us an all-round option in the top order.”Apart from these three, the squad wears a familiar look with Nahida Akter as vice-captain to Nigar, and the likes of Fargana Hoque, Fahima Khatun and Marufa Akter bringing the experience that Bangladesh hope will cover for their recent lack of match practice.Bangladesh are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign against Pakistan in Colombo on October 2. India are the hosts of the tournament, with Colombo hosting all of Pakistan’s matches.Bangladesh squad for Women’s World Cup 2025Nigar Sultana (capt), Nahida Akter, Fargana Hoque, Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Trisna, Sanjida Akter, Nishita Akter, Sumaiya Akter.
IN: Rubya Haider, Nishita Akter, Sumaiya Akter
OUT: Dilara Akter (wk), Jannatul Ferdus, Ishma Tanjim

Stephanie Apstein: At first glance, this feels like a lot of money! Incredibly, Luis Severino's three-year, $67 million deal marks the largest contract in franchise history, narrowly outpacing the six years and $66 million extension Eric Chavez signed in 2004 and more than doubling the previous high for a free agent, Billy Butler's three years for $30 million from ’15. It well outpaces the three years, $51 million MLB Trade Rumors, which tends to be good at this sort of thing, predicted Severino would get.

But if you look closely, you can see the logic. The Oakland A’s believe their young position player core, headlined by catcher Shea Langeliers and right fielder Lawrence Butler, is rounding into form. The AL West is likely to be softer than ever before, as the Houston Astros almost certainly lose star third baseman Alex Bregman. You have to squint to see it, but there's a window.

And if you're going to ask a major leaguer to play in a minor league stadium, you're going to have to overpay. I can't believe I'm saying this, but good on owner John Fisher for shelling out some money here to try to improve his roster.

VERDUCCI: Luis Severino Signing Reflects Sudden Pressure Surrounding A’s

Emma Baccellieri: First: Severino was clearly right to decline the qualifying offer from the New York Mets. He ended up with a contract here that beat nearly all of the public mainstream projections. Second: The … A’s? The putatively-soon-to-be Las Vegas A’s formerly of Oakland and currently of Sacramento? Those A’s? This is the largest guaranteed contract in the history of the franchise. (It just beats out a four-year, $66-million extension with Chavez from 2004. Yes, that’s right, it’s been two decades since the club spent this kind of money.)

There was just one player on the A’s roster last season to earn more than $3 million. (That was Ross Stripling, acquired in a trade with the San Francisco Giants, and even he did not earn more than $10 million.) Severino’s deal has an average yearly value of just over $22 million. That’s how drastic a shift this signing is for the A’s. 

This does fill a clear need here. The A’s could badly use some competent starting pitching, and they should get that from the soon-to-be 31-year-old Severino, who is fresh off a solid rebound campaign. (This was his first season pitching more than 110 innings since 2018.) At the very least, Severino can offer stability and a veteran presence on a club that has very little of either.

But the A’s have lots of needs to fill—as they have for years!—and suddenly paying up to address this specific one in such a big way is puzzling. And that’s putting it lightly.

Will Laws: Signing Severino (our No. 27-ranked free agent) makes the A’s MLB’s third-highest spending team thus far this offseason, behind the Los Angeles Dodgers and … the Los Angeles Angels? It looks like the AL West’s bottom feeders are gearing up to return to respectability in light of disappointing campaigns from the three teams above them, as 88 wins proved enough to win the division this year.

More cynically, however, this also seems like Fisher needed to show sign of upward mobility to key stakeholders in Las Vegas, where ground has yet to be broken on the team’s proposed stadium on the Strip. In related news, a major hurdle was cleared Thursday to allow progress on that front.

It’s encouraging that Fisher appears primed to spend more money to improve what’s been an embarrassing on-field product for the last three seasons. But it also must feel like a slap in the face to the team’s Oakland fan base that he was only willing to do so after leaving them scrapping for literal dirt.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred created a firestorm when he claimed that there was "buzz" around the Golden At-Bat idea at the recent owners meetings during an appearance on podcast with Puck's John Ourand.

Basically, if the Golden At-Bat rule were in place, one team could choose one at-bat in every game to use its best hitter, even if it wasn't that hitter's turn in the batting order.

The idea was met with widespread skepticism from players, fans and pundits. During a Thursday interview at the Italian American Baseball Federation annual gala, where Manfred was honored, the commissioner clarified his own stance on the rule while attempting to ease the concerns of those who were displeased with the idea.

"For people who are concerned about that kind of change, I'd make a couple of points," Manfred told the Yes Network, according to MLB.com. "No. 1: It has come out that I have spoken publicly about this kind of change a few years ago, that I was not particularly in favor of it, and that remains the case."

"But more importantly: To go from the conversation stage to this actually showing up in Major League Baseball is a very, very long road. If you don't like the idea, I wouldn't be that concerned about it right now."

Manfred confirmed that conversations about the Golden At-Bat did indeed take place, but that they were "very preliminary" in nature and were privy to the owners on the league's Competition Committee, and not the full ownership group.

Eight-time All Star and 2024 World Series MVP Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers and three-time All Star Liam Hendriks of the Boston Red Sox were among the players to speak out against the rule.

"No, no, no," Freeman said. "I'm old school, you know, even as a young guy. I like baseball. I'm a baseball purist. So I'll go no."

Hendriks was more blunt, saying that it's a "horrible idea."

Luckily for these players and uneasy fans, it sounds like the idea is very far from being implemented.