The Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox wrapped up a three-game series on Sunday which pitted MLB's two lowliest teams against one another.

Thus far this year, the teams have combined for 51 wins, which is less than seven teams have produced individually. Needless to say, there wasn't a lot of intrigue in the White Sox-Rockies clash at Coors Field, something that wasn't lost upon those playing in the game.

After the series, Colorado infielder Kyle Farmer joked about the nature of the series, comically suggesting it deserved a segment on ESPN's .

"It should be a highlight on ," said Farmer, via . "This is the World Series for the two worst teams."

Last year, Chicago lost a staggering 121 games, enduring one of the worst seasons in recent memory. This year, the Rockies got off to an even more historically woeful start and currently have a winning percentage of .233. As their struggles mount throughout the year, it's good that players are able to poke fun at the general lowliness of a Rockies-White Sox clash.

The three-game series was the last time these teams will meet in 2025, and it was Chicago who got the series win, taking two of the three games.

Under Roman Abramovich and now Todd Boehly, Chelsea have spent big over the last 20 years on a number of new signings, but how have the Blues fared when it comes to departures?

Those at Stamford Bridge have cashed in on a number of stars, with a plethora of players moving to the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Here’s a look at Chelsea’s most expensive sales in their history, as per news reports and Transfermarkt, with a detailed look at the top 10.

Here’s a detailed look at Chelsea’s 10 most expensive sales…

10

Juan Mata

£37.1m to Man Utd, 2014

Like Nemanja Matic, attacking midfielder Juan Mata also swapped Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford, but did so three years prior in 2014.

The Spaniard joined Chelsea from Valencia in 2011 and starred in the Premier League, but Jose Mourinho who had recently returned for a second stint at the club, was happy to cash in midway through the 2013/14 campaign, bringing in just over £37m.

9

Nemanja Matic

£40m to Man Utd, 2017

Matic had two spells at Chelsea, returning to Stamford Bridge in 2014 from Benfica in a deal worth £21m.

The Serbian was a regular over the next three years and the Blues went on to make a tidy profit when selling him to Manchester United and Jose Mourinho in 2017, with their former boss shelling out £40m to prise him from the champions.

8

Noni Madueke

£48.5m to Arsenal, 2025

Noni Madueke spent two-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge after arriving from PSV Eindhoven in 2023, with the Blues making a profit when selling him to rivals Arsenal in 2025.

It looked to be a reasonable decision from Chelsea chiefs, however, Madueke’s start to life at the Emirates shows it could actually prove to be a call the club live to regret.

7

David Luiz

£50m to PSG, 2014

Brazilian centre-back David Luiz made an immediate impact after joining Chelsea from Benfica for £21.3m in 2011 and was a regular for the next two and a half years.

Luiz was then sold to Paris Saint-Germain for big money in 2014 as the French giants swooped for a mind-boggling £50m, but two years on, Chelsea would buy the defender back, with Luiz picking up Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League titles during his second stint.

6

Mason Mount

£55m to Man Utd, 2023

Chelsea chiefs did brilliantly to bring in an initial £55m for Mason Mount back in 2023, as the midfielder was heading into the final 12 months of his Stamford Bridge contract.

Manchester United were happy to splash the cash on the Englishman, but his first year at Old Trafford was hampered by injury, making the cash brought in for his services a shrewd decision by the Blues.

5

Diego Costa

£57m to Atletico Madrid, 2017

Arguably Chelsea’s best striker since Didier Drogba, Diego Costa was signed from and sold to Atletico Madrid in 2014 and 2017 respectively.

During his time in west London, Costa shone with his power and finishing ability, scoring 59 goals in 120 appearances and winning two Premier League titles.

Upon his departure following a reported falling-out with manager Antonio Conte, Chelsea managed to recoup some £57m as Atleti came calling for their former forward.

4

Alvaro Morata

£58.3m to Atletico Madrid, 2020

Chelsea received the extremely handsome sum of £58.3m when selling Alvaro Morata to Atletico Madrid back in 2020. The Blues sold him on loan at the start of the 2019/20 season, with the La Liga giants obligated to buy the Spaniard in the following summer.

It meant that Chelsea almost broke even having bought the striker in the summer of 2017 for around £60m from Atleti’s city rivals, Real Madrid.

Considering things didn’t quite work out for Morata at Stamford Bridge, it was a pretty impressive deal from a financial point of view.

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2

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Stephan Georgiou

Aug 23, 2024

3

Oscar

£60m to Shanghai SIPG

Oscar was one of several Brazilians sold for big money by Chelsea, with the midfielder spending five years at Stamford Bridge from 2012 before a £60m switch at the height of the Chinese Super League boom.

He won four major honours with the Blues and made more than 200 appearances before moving to China with Shanghai SIPG. Oscar recently sealed a move back to his native Brazil with a January switch to former club Sao Paulo.

2

Kai Havertz

£65m to Arsenal, 2023

Scorer of the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City, Kai Havertz was sold to London rivals Arsenal in 2023.

Three years prior, the German forward was signed from Bayer Leverkusen, but struggled to find a starring role at Chelsea, resulting in him joining Mikel Arteta’s side, where he has impressed since his £65m move.

1

Eden Hazard

£89m to Real Madrid, 2019

Top of the charts is winger Eden Hazard, who starred for Chelsea between 2012 and 2019, resulting in Real Madrid swooping in a record deal.

The Belgian made more than 350 appearances for the Blues, scoring 110 times, providing 85 assists and winning six major honours. Those at the Bernabeu made Hazard a Galactico, but things didn’t go to plan for him in Madrid, with injuries limiting him to just seven goals in 76 appearances.

Reports stated that his transfer fee could have topped £150m, but Chelsea had to settle for a €100m (£89m) windfall following his departure.

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By
Freddie Taylor

Oct 13, 2023

One of the best players in the world over the last 12 months has been former Leeds United star Raphinha. The Brazilian has shone for Barcelona, and scored 34 goals and assisted 26 in just 57 games under Hansi Flick last term.

His exceptional performances were certainly seen by people across the world. The culmination of Raphinha’s success last season saw him finish fifth in the Ballon d’Or race, with Lamine Yamal the only Barca player ahead of him.

Injury has slowed his season down in 2025/26, but he has five goals and assists in six La Liga games.

Leeds fans will never forget his contribution in his final season at the club.

Raphinha’s importance during the 2021/22 season

Brazil international Raphinha only spent two campaigns at Elland Road. The first season was behind closed doors due to COVID, but he had already established himself as a fan favourite.

The second campaign was excellent too, and incredibly important.

The Whites avoided relegation by the skin of the teeth on the final day of the 2021/22 season.

It would turn out to be Raphinha’s last appearance for the West Yorkshire side, and he scored a crucial penalty in their 2-1 win away to Brentford, which helped keep them in the Premier League.

It was more than just that spot kick at the Gtech Community Stadium that signified Raphinha’s importance. He bagged 11 goals and assisted three across the season, including a run of seven goal involvements in ten games between October and January.

His pivotal contributions did not go unnoticed by fans and ex-players alike. One man who could not praise Raphinha enough was Noel Whelan, their former striker. He said the Brazilian “gave everything to keep Leeds United in the Premier League,” showing just how much it meant to the club.

In their promotion campaign last season, Leeds had a player vital to their success, although he has rapidly fallen out of favour at Elland Road.

The Leeds star now out of favour

A few players under Daniel Farke this season have fallen down the pecking order after a busy summer transfer window. Illan Meslier and Joel Piroe are two examples of players who were crucial to earning promotion but have had little or no involvement this term.

Well, someone else who fits that category is Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka. He is a player who Farke clearly rates, and called him an “outstanding” player last season. Summer signings have meant he is struggling to get into the team this term, though.

Last season, the 34-cap Japanese international was a key man in the centre of the park for the West Yorkshire side.

He played 43 Championship games, chipping in with five goals and two assists, including a late strike against promotion rivals Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

It was that sort of form which has led to Tanaka being hailed as the club’s best signing since Raphinha. It is easy to see why, too, with the contributions from midfield helping the Whites to return to the Premier League.

After starting the first couple of top-flight games this season, Tanaka picked up an injury and has since been out of the team. Farke has built momentum in the midfield with Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, meaning Tanaka can’t get into the lineup.

Ethan Ampadu

6

519 (5.7)

Anton Stach

8

680 (7.5)

Sean Longstaff

8

566 (6.2)

Ao Tanaka

6

190 (2.1)

Ilia Gruev

4

193 (2.1)

Perhaps Tanaka is on borrowed time at Elland Road. Once someone so important to the club, he now can’t get a game under Farke, and with the continuity we are seeing in the middle of the park, it is hard to see where his next start comes from.

Given his crucial role last term, the 27-year-old might well decide to consider his future if the situation doesn’t improve.

After showing his importance, just like Raphinha did a few years ago, his career has certainly gone the other way than how things panned out for the Brazilian.

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2 ByDan Emery Oct 21, 2025

The Mets struck first in their critical Thursday night matchup against the Cubs, thanks to a rather unusual play in the top of the opening frame. Mark Vientos hit a pop up into foul territory, which was pursued by Dansby Swanson.

Swanson made an incredible play on the ball, securing it in his mitt as he crashed into the stands. Unfortunately for Chicago, because Swanson ended up fully in the first row, all of New York's baserunners were awarded a free base. Thus, the runner on third, Francisco Lindor, scored.

Per MLB rules, if a player makes a catch in the stands, the play is ruled dead and all active baserunners are awarded one base. So, despite Swanson's incredible effort, his catch enabled the Mets to take an early 1–0 lead.

New York would tack on another run to end the first inning up 2–0.

The Cubs, of course, have clinched a playoff berth already, though the Mets are still fighting for the final wild-card spot in the National League. The Reds won against the Pirates earlier Thursday, so the onus is on the Mets to make sure they get the job done at Wrigley Field.

Mike Shildt was absolutely furious with umpires and MLB replay officials Monday night.

The San Diego Padres manager ripped a decision from the league's replay hub that overturned a home run by Xander Bogaerts due to fan interference. It was a shocking call that cost the Padres a run in a game they eventually lost 4-3 to the San Francisco Giants.

The incident came in the bottom of the second inning when Bogaerts took a Robbie Ray fastball deep to left center. Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos drifted back to the wall and reached up to catch the ball, but it bounced out of his glove and over the fence. As he had reached up, two fans reached out to catch the ball as well.

Initially ruled a home run, it was overturned after a lengthy review. It was stunning that the league was able to find clear evidence of interference, as it certainly wasn't obvious on replay.

Video is below.

Shildt left the dugout to talk to the umpires after the call was overturned and was immediately ejected as rules prohibit arguing after a replay ruling.

After the game, he was still fuming.

"With the angle of the ball coming, where it went and where it landed, there was not anybody who was impeding with him," Shildt said. "And if it's so clear, how come it takes two minutes and 40 seconds to figure it out, if it's that clear? Why are we sitting there for two minutes and 40 seconds? We have 15 seconds to review a call in the first place. We got two minutes and 40 seconds to sit there.

"What are you looking for? If it's that clear, then overturn it early. If it's not, then it's a home run," he continued. "That's just really disappointing that we go that long and have to come up with a conclusion that's not conclusive to overturn a home run that ends up costing us an opportunity to win a baseball game."

Yeah, I'd say he's still pretty hot. That call is going to sting for a while.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a derrota por 2 a 0 para o Flamengo, a torcida do Fluminense deixou o Maracanã irritada com a equipe e, principalmente, com o técnico Fernando Diniz.

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Um dos líderes da equipe, Felipe Melo falou ao fim da partida e relembrou a decisão do ano passado, em que o Fluminense saiu perdendo, mas conseguiu se recuperar.

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

“O jogo se desenhava para um possível empate e depois da expulsão foi correr e marcar. Já demonstramos no Carioca do ano passado que podemos. É muito difícil, mas o trabalho em silêncio é a melhor coisa nesse momento”, contou.

continua após a publicidade

Ácido como sempre, o volante ainda cutucou o Flamengo após as vitórias na Libertadores e Recopa: “Quando não é o time do sistema que ganha (…) quando são eles é tudo mais bonito, tudo melhor”.

⚽ COMO FOI A PARTIDA?

Na etapa inicial, Flamengo e Fluminense fizeram um clássico movimentado. O Flamengo começou a partida dominando. No início, o destaque foi para Everton Cebolinha, que teve velocidade e inteligência para encontrar espaços na defesa. Sem espaços, o Tricolor só assustou o Flamengo aos 12, mas levou um contra-ataque que quase terminou em gol de Pedro.

continua após a publicidade

A partir dos 30, o Flamengo voltou a controlar a partida e, aos 46, abriu o placar. Após transição rápida, Pulgar cruzou na cabeça de Cebolinha, que cabeceou para o fundo das redes.

No segundo tempo, o Flamengo seguiu dominando. Mesmo com a melhora Tricolor após a entrada de Lima, o Rubro-negro continuou com a posse de bola e a iniciativa. Após a lesão de Ayrton Lucas, a equipe de Tite começou a jogar mais pelo meio.

Sem Thiago Santos, expulso após falta duríssima em Cebolinha, o Fluminense passou a administrar a derrota por pouco, já visando o segundo jogo, que acontece no próximo sábado. No fim, após um cruzamento incrível de Arrascaeta, Pedro deu números finais à partida.

✅ O QUE VEM POR AÍ?

O próximo jogo das duas equipes é no próximo sábado (16), às 21h, no Maracanã, pelo segundo jogo da semifinal.

Tudo sobre

Campeonato CariocaFlamengoFluminense

أعلن سامي الطرابلسي المدير الفني لـ منتخب تونس، عن قائمة اللاعبين المنضمين إلى صفوف نسور قرطاج للمشاركة في بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا.

تفصلنا أيام قليلة عن انطلاق بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا المقرر إقامتها في دولة المغرب آواخر شهر ديسمبر الجاري.

ويتواجد منتخب تونس في المجموعة الثالثة ببطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا، مع منتخبات نيجيريا وأوغندا وتنزانيا.

وخرج منتخب تونس من منافسات مرحلة المجموعات لـ كأس العرب بعد الفوز بـ مباراة وحيدة والتعادل في أخرى وتلقى هزيمة واحدة.

طالع | محمد بن رمضان وعلي معلول يعلقان على خروج تونس من كأس العرب

وشهدت قائمة تونس تواجد محمد علي بن رمضان لاعب الأهلي وكذلك سيف الجزيري مهاجم الزمالك، بجانب انضمام الثنائي علي معلول وفرجاني ساسي. قائمة منتخب تونس لـ كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025

حراسة المرمى: أيمن ححمان – بشير بن سعيد نور الدين فرحاتي – صبري بن حسن.

خط الدفاع: ياسين مرياح – منتصر الطالبي – ديلان برون آدم عروس – نادر الغندري – محمد بن علي- يان فاليري – على العابدي مرتضى بن وناس – على معلول.

خط الوسط: إلياس السخيري – حسام تقا – فرجاني ساسي-إسماعيل الغربي – محمد الحاج محمود – حنبعل المجبري- نعيم السليتي – محمد علي بن رمضان.

وفي الهجوم: إلياس سعد – إلياس العاشوري- سبستيان تونكتي – فراس شواط- حازم المستورى – سيف الدين الجزيري.

The Houston Astros sit at 48-44 on the season, two games behind the Seattle Mariners in the AL West. As such, Houston is looking to add potential missing pieces to their roster ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.

One of those players is Mets slugger Pete Alonso, who Astros general manager Dana Brown has inquired about, according to a report from Jim Bowden of The Astros would love to add a first baseman, and Alonso is among several who could be moved at the right price, especially if the Mets fall deeper from contention after the All-Star break. The Astros have also reached out to the Diamondbacks about Christian Walker, and have kicked the tires on Cody Bellinger of the Cubs (who may be heading to the injured list) and Andrew Vaughn of the White Sox.

The Astros are also reportedly seeking starting pitching help. In addition to reaching out to the Mets about Alonso, Houston has also checked in on availability of starter Luis Severino. They've also inquired about Garret Crochet and Erick Fedde of the White Sox, among others.

Houston has consistently been in contention in the American League over the better part of the last decade, so expect the Astros to be aggressive once again as they make their playoff push.

Over the last couple of years, Tottenham Hotspur have splashed the cash in the attacking department to try and soften the blow of Harry Kane’s departure in 2023.

The Lilywhites spent £55m on the services of Mohammed Kudus this summer, with the Ghanaian occupying a starting role under Thomas Frank off the right-hand side of the frontline.

He’s already made an immediate impact in North London, as seen by his tally of one goal and four assists in the Premier League – with the latter the joint-highest of any player in the division.

However, club-record signing Dominic Solanke has struggled for fitness this campaign, with the £65m addition currently being restricted to just 31 minutes of league action due to an ongoing ankle issue.

Despite the struggles of the Englishman, one first-team member who’s been injury-free has often struggled to meet the high expectations he’s set for himself at the club.

How Johnson compares to Premier League wingers in 2025/26

Last season was arguably the best of Brennan Johnson’s professional career, with the winger ending the campaign on a total of 18 goals across all competitions.

Such a tally was the highest in the first-team squad, which undoubtedly helped catapult the Lilywhites to Europa League glory under Ange Postecoglou’s guidance.

However, many expected the Welshman to kick on after scoring the winner in the final, but Kudus and Frank’s arrival has seen a huge decline in his numbers during the first few months of 2025/26.

The 24-year-old has only registered a total of 0.9 shots per 90 in the league this season, with such a tally ranking him in the 12% percentile – meaning 88% of wingers have managed more in the Premier League.

He’s also created just 0.7 chances per 90 to date, placing him in the 18th percentile, which has restricted him to registering zero assists for his teammates at present.

Johnson has massively struggled to get past the opposition, with his tally of 0.5 dribbles completed per 90 showcasing his lack of impact – subsequently placing him in the 23rd percentile compared to other wingers.

As a result of his dismal form in North London, the club have been constantly on the lookout for other talents, which has resulted in one player appearing on their radar.

Frank's answer to Semenyo

In recent weeks, Spurs have been just one side touted with a potential winter move for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo after his incredible start to the current campaign.

The Ghanaian has been Andoni Iraola’s shining light to date, as reflected in his remarkable tally of six goals and three assists in just his first 11 matches of 2025/26.

Such form has captured the attention of numerous Premier League outfits, with Arsenal, Liverpool and the Lilywhites just three clubs on red alert for his signature.

It was reported this week that the 25-year-old has a £65m release clause that becomes active from January 1st, which could see one of the aforementioned sides grab themselves a bargain.

However, with competition being fierce for his services, it’s unclear how much of a chance Frank’s men will have in completing a deal for one of the country’s hottest prospects.

Should the Lilywhites miss out on a deal, the fans shouldn’t worry, with the club already having their answer to Semenyo in the form of winger Wilson Odobert, a player described as “a mixture of [Bradley] Barcola and Aaron Lennon” by one Sky Sports analyst.

The Frenchman joined the club in a £25m deal from Burnley last summer, but has had to bide his time in North London, often resorting to minutes off the substitutes bench.

However, in recent weeks, he’s made a major impact on Frank’s side, registering an assist against Manchester United and subsequently securing a point in the 2-2 draw.

Despite his lack of action, Odobert has been labelled a “super talent” by former boss Postecoglou, with Frank needing to hand him a more consistent starting role.

When comparing his stats to those of Semenyo, the 20-year-old has managed to outperform the in-form star in numerous key areas – subsequently showcasing the talent he possesses.

Odobert has managed to achieve an average of 4.5 progressive carries and 4.3 progressive passes per 90 – with both of the aforementioned tallies higher than the Cherries star.

Games played

10

11

Goals & assists

1

9

Progressive carries

4.5

3.1

Progressive passes

4.3

3.5

Pass accuracy

84%

69%

Key passes made

1.4

0.9

Passes into final third

26

1.1

Take-ons completed

54%

42%

Carries into final third

1.9

1.8

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, with more of his efforts being key passes per 90 – subsequently offering a more creative threat in attacking areas.

The Frenchman’s dominance is further reflected in his higher take-on success rate, with Frank desperately needing to place more faith in the youngster.

£65m for Semenyo would still be an excellent deal in the current climate, but ultimately, the Lilywhites should look to avoid a move for the winger in the near future.

Such a transfer would only halt Odobert’s progress in North London, with the youngster still having bags of potential to fulfil during his period under Frank’s guidance.

Spurs have their new Parrott in academy star who's been "compared to Kane"

This Tottenham Hotspur youngster could be a future star in North London despite his struggles this season.

ByDan Emery Nov 20, 2025

Happy Hump Day!

Let’s have some fun rooting for a pitcher’s duel in Chicago. Two pitchers with swing and miss stuff get the start today. Can they reward us with plus-money payouts? 

MLB Best Bets Today

Hunter Brown over 6.5 strikeouts (+125) at DraftKings

Yes, this K prop is high, but the Chicago White Sox have been striking out at a 26% clip vs. right-handed pitching since the first of June.

That’s the third-highest rate in MLB.

Even Framber Valdez, a lefty ground ball pitcher, fanned five last night.  Hunter Brown has been on fire lately, striking out seven or more in each of his last four starts. I’ll take the chance he makes it five in a row for this nice payout. 

Garrett Crochet over 6.5 strikeouts (+115) at DraftKings

I’m taking the over for Garrett Crochet on the other side of this game, too.

I’m expecting a low-scoring affair today. Crochet has been dominant all season, leading all of MLB with 12.67 strikeouts per nine innings.

The Astros are a very low K-rate team with a league-best 15.5% K-rate vs. left-handed pitching this season. However, this lineup is down Kyle Tucker and possibly Yordan Alvarez for the second day in a row. 

Jon Singleton, Yainer Diaz and Trey Cabbage will definitely whiff a few times, and Crochet has pitched through the sixth inning or longer in each of his last five starts. He also exceeded this prop in four of them.