Introducing The Winfield Game

What is it?

Sharing a name with the only player ever to be drafted in the first round of the MLB, NBA, and NFL drafts. The Winfield Game is a daily challenge to name that day’s current or former NBA
All-Star, MLB All-Star, or NFL Pro Bowl player in as few guesses as possible. Each guess will provide clues to that day’s player and will help inform your next guess.

In the example below, the player started their game with Rich Hill. Using the clues provided from Rich Hill – we know the answer: 1) played their most games in the 2000s (green capsule)
and also played in the 2010s, 2) played for the Yankees and Dodgers – though neither was the team for which they played their most games (no green capsule), and the player was not a pitcher as no position match is shown. That led the player to guess Bobby Abreu, which provided several more clues, including a position match and we know the answer won a Gold Glove.

Use hints (optionally) — if the puzzle hasn’t been solved after 5 guesses, users can opt for a hint (at the cost of counting as a guess). Hints might reveal a team, decade, or achievement clue
the user doesn’t yet have.

Results Page — after the user completes the game (or fails), their score is shown along with that day’s average score. In addition, there is a lifetime average score leaderboard. And there is a full
archive of all previous games as well!

Secrets of the game:

Like any puzzle, there is a strategy involved. For baseball lovers here are some fun initial guesses to make based on the categories that will give the best chance to win!

Players to Play in Four or more Decades:

• Jamie Moyer: Pitched from 1986 to 2012 and was an all-star 1x in 2003 (at 40 years old!)
• Omar Vizquel: Played from 1989 to 2012 and was a 3x all-star. He also won 11 gold gloves which is only helpful if the guess for the day is a MLB player
• Rickey Henderson: Played from 1979 to 2003
• Ken Griffey Jr.: Played from 1989 to 2010
• Nolan Ryan: Played from 1966 to 1993

Henderson, Griffey Jr., and Ryan will check additional boxes if the player of the day has won an MVP award (Henderson and Griffey Jr.), as well as in their respective sport’s Hall of Fame.

BONUS: The only all-star MLB player to appear in FIVE decades is Hall of Famer Minnie Minoso (1949-1980).

Players to Play for Multiple Franchises:

Additionally, the game rewards guesses of players who played for many franchises. These players give the best shot at matching a team or metro area with the answer. Here are a few MLB players that could be valuable guesses.

• Edwin Jackson: Pitched from 2003 to 2019 and appeared for an MLB record 14 teams.. The teams are: Dodgers, Rays, Tigers, Diamondbacks, White Sox, Cardinals, Nationals,
  Cubs, Braves, Marlins, Padres, Orioles, A’s, and Blue Jays. So a nice mix of cities represented that have other major sports teams
• Mike Morgan: Pitched from 1978 to 2002 and made 1x All-Star in 1991. Bonus points that he also picks up four decades too! Morgan played for the A’s, Yankees, Blue Jays,
  Mariners, Orioles, Dodgers, Cubs, Cardinals, Reds, Twins, Rangers, and Diamondbacks)
• Fernando Rodney: Pitched from 2002 to 2019 and made 3x All-Star teams. While he played seven years in Detroit he also appeared for Angels, Rays, Mariners, Cubs, Padres,
  Marlins, D-backs, Twins, A’s and Nationals

While the game of course will let player’s guess non-All Stars, unfortunately, Rich Hill would not be recommended here as he never made an All-Star team. He did appear for 14 MLB teams,
a record.

Play Today!

Make sure to check out The Winfield Game daily and share with friends for ultimate bragging rights.

This is a sponsored post from The Winfield Game.

With hockey season in full swing, there’s no better way to experience the thrill of the game than with Prime’s exclusive Monday Night Hockey broadcasts. If you’re a fan of fast-paced action, nail-biting moments, and electrifying goals, you won’t want to miss what Prime has lined up this season.

Sign up here to ensure you don’t miss out.

Premier Matchups (all times EST):

Oct. 20 – Sabres vs. Canadiens (7:30 p.m.)
Two of the league’s youngest rosters clash in an early-season measuring stick. Buffalo’s high-flying offense takes on Montreal’s disciplined rebuild, making this a showcase of future Eastern Conference stars.

Oct. 27 – Bruins vs. Senators (7:30 p.m.)
A fierce Atlantic Division rivalry renewed — Boston’s veteran core against Ottawa’s talented youth. Expect intensity as the Senators try to prove they can finally hang with the perennial
powerhouse Bruins.

Nov. 3 – Penguins vs. Maple Leafs (7:30 p.m.)
Sidney Crosby and Auston Matthews headline a marquee matchup between two elite offenses. It’s a battle of eras — Pittsburgh’s seasoned stars versus Toronto’s prime-age scoring machine.

Nov. 10 – Blue Jackets vs. Oilers (8:30 p.m.)
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl face off against a scrappy Columbus squad eager to upset one of the NHL’s most explosive teams. It’s a true test of whether the Blue Jackets’ youth can
slow down Edmonton’s superstars.

Nov. 17 – Canadiens vs. Blue Jackets (7:30 p.m.)
Two rebuilding teams with promising young cores meet in a game that could be more competitive than the records suggest. Both Montreal and Columbus are hungry to establish momentum before the season’s midpoint.

Nov. 24 – Senators vs. Kings (9 p.m.)
A cross-conference matchup featuring two teams on the rise — Ottawa’s offensive flair versus Los Angeles’ structured, veteran-heavy approach. It’s a showcase of East-West contrasts and
playoff potential.

Dec. 1 – Jets vs. Sabres (7:30 p.m.)
High-paced hockey is guaranteed when Winnipeg’s elite goaltending meets Buffalo’s dynamic attack. Both teams boast game-breaking forwards and could be jockeying for playoff position by
December.

Dec. 8 – Lightning vs. Maple Leafs (7:30 p.m.)
A modern rivalry that always delivers drama — these Atlantic foes have met in multiple playoff thrillers. With both teams loaded with offensive stars, expect end-to-end action and playoff-
caliber intensity.

Dec. 15 – Senators vs. Jets (7:30 p.m.)
The Senators’ young guns face off against Winnipeg’s balanced, veteran-led lineup. Ottawa’s speed and skill will be tested by the Jets’ physicality and goaltending strength.

Dec. 22 – Canucks vs. Flyers (7:30 p.m.)
Vancouver’s West Coast talent collides with Philadelphia’s blue-collar identity. Both teams are unpredictable, which makes this late-December matchup a potential sleeper hit.

Dec. 29 – Oilers vs. Jets (7:30 p.m.)
An all-Canadian showdown featuring some of the league’s biggest names. Edmonton’s offensive firepower goes head-to-head with Winnipeg’s elite goaltending — a possible playoff preview and
a perfect way to close out 2025’s Prime Mondays.

Throughout the remainder of 2025, Prime Video will showcase a lineup of games that are not only crucial for playoff standings but also highlight fierce rivalries and thrilling storylines.

Exclusive Features for Prime Members

In addition to the thrilling matchups, Prime offers features that enhance your viewing experience. Prime members can enjoy:

• Multiple Camera Angles: Choose your perspective with various camera views, giving you control over how you watch the game.
• Real-Time Stats and Insights: Stay informed with up-to-the-minute statistics and expert commentary that bring context to the action on the ice.
• Post-Game Analysis: Dive deeper into the game with post-match breakdowns and highlights that analyze the key moments and decisions.

Join the Community:

Watching hockey through Prime isn’t just about the games; it’s about being part of a community of passionate fans. Engage with fellow viewers through the platform’s social
media channels, where you can share your thoughts, predictions, and reactions during and after games. Join discussions, participate in polls, and celebrate your team’s victories
alongside others who share your enthusiasm.

Sign Up and Tune In:

If you’re not already a Prime member, there’s no better time to join. With a wealth of content beyond hockey—including movies, TV shows, music, and more—you’ll find endless
entertainment options at your fingertips. Plus, with Prime’s fast shipping and exclusive deals, you’ll enjoy numerous perks that make membership worthwhile.

So grab your snacks, settle in on your couch, and get ready to cheer for your team. This hockey season, let Prime be your go-to destination for all the action on the ice. Join
the community, enjoy the games, and make Monday nights the highlight of your week!

Click here to get signed up NOW!

This is a sponsored post from Prime.

What is Immaculate Grid?

A free daily trivia game powered by Baseball Reference, with a new game every day. Guess 9 players who meet each category’s criteria and play for rarity or to complete a full grid.

See here for some of the most difficult grids in Immaculate Grid history:

Rookie of the Year Awards x Toronto Blue Jays

For a franchise that has been around since 1977, it’s surprising that the team has only seen two AL Rookie of the Year award winners. Alfredo Griffin won the award in 1979, and then no Blue Jay won until Eric Hinske beat out Rodrigo Lopez in 2002.

Rookie of the Year Awards x San Diego Padres

Fun fact: The Padres haven’t had a Rookie of the Year award winner for over three decades! Many will be shocked to find out Tony Gwynn isn’t the answer to this trivia question. With homegrown players like Fernando Tatis Jr, Dave Winfield, and Jake Peavy, the lone ROY winner was Benito Santiago in 1987.Butch Metzger was a co-winner in 1976.

200 Hits in a Season x Chicago White Sox

Unless you’re a savant on White Sox history and know their rosters prior to 1954, it might be difficult to come up with an answer here. Hint: there are 9 of them. The only player since 1955 to post 200 hits was Albert Belle in 1998.

20 Wins in a Season x Texas Rangers

In a franchise that employed the likes of Nolan Ryan, Hall of Famer, Bert Blyleven, and more recent aces like Yu Darvish – most fans would assume 20 game winners would be plentiful for a team that has been around since 1961. Wrong! There have only been three players to win 20 games for the Rangers: HoF Fergie Jenkins (1974), Kevin Brown (1992), and Rick Helling (1998).

Some of the more difficult team squares in Immaculate Grid are limited due to the quantity of options as well as few well-known names.

Arizona Diamondbacks x Minnesota Twins

While there are 51 players to choose from in this pairing, only one player accumulated a bWAR greater than 10.0 to appear for both teams: Orlando Hudson. A difficult guess unless you’re a true Twins fan and remember his sole season for the team in Target Field’s inaugural season (2010). Can you name any of the other 50 players?

Colorado Rockies x Seattle Mariners

Slightly more options to choose from than the scenario above with 64 players to appear for both franchises. However, there are a lot of one season warriors in these answers. The most notable is Jamie Moyer who only made 10 total starts for the Rockies in his last season before retiring at 49 years old. Other answers include: All-Star Mike Hampton who made his debut in Seattle and was traded to Houston in 1994, Jeff Cirillo who played the final 28 games of his career in Arizona, and Kevin Milwood who played for Seattle and Arizona in back-to-back seasons (2011 in COL and 2012 in ARI).

Immaculate Grid has launched a new game mode that allows users to continue guessing and complete their grids, even if they got an answer wrong.

This new “Extra Innings” format is guaranteed to be a fan favorite for all baseball fans.

How the new game mode works:

• Users play Immaculate Grid like normal
• After their usual nine guesses, they see their score, and also a prompt asking them if they want to keep guessing
• Clicking it returns them to the Grid, where they can keep guessing until they complete all nine squares
• Extra Innings guesses don’t count towards rarity. Your rarity score is still calculated using your first nine guesses
• You can play Extra Innings on all Grids in the archive. Go back and fill out those grids you didn’t get 9/9 on
• Extra Innings guesses are marked by style differences to differentiate them from normal guesses

Make sure your daily routine includes Immaculate Grid powered by Baseball Reference. This new “Extra Innings” feature lets you and your friends keep on playing even when you run out of guesses. Try it today!

This is a sponsored post from Baseball Reference.

When the brightest stars in the sport consistently choose one brand, it speaks volumes. In the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, Rawlings once again proved why it remains the undisputed leader in glove craftsmanship. An impressive 57% of all All-Star players donned Rawlings gloves on the field, with even higher numbers among AL starters—89% of American League starters and 56% of National League starters.

This dominance isn’t just a matter of branding or tradition. It’s a testament to Rawlings’ commitment to innovation, quality, and a deep understanding of the athlete’s needs.

A History of Excellence

Founded in 1887, Rawlings has been synonymous with baseball for over a century. From its early days in St. Louis to its current place as the glove of choice for professionals and amateurs alike, the company has always prioritized craftsmanship. It introduced groundbreaking technologies like the Trapeze web and the Heart of the Hide leather—materials and designs that transformed how gloves are made and used.

Rawlings has also been the official glove of Major League Baseball for decades. This isn’t just a ceremonial title; it reflects the widespread trust and preference of players across the league. That preference was on full display in Atlanta during the 2025 All-Star Game.

All-Stars Choose Rawlings

To appreciate the magnitude of Rawlings’ presence at this year’s Midsummer Classic, consider the numbers: 57% of all All-Star players—more than half—wore Rawlings gloves. This includes players like Aaron Judge, Pete Alonso, and Vlad Guerrero Jr.

See full list of Rawlings athletes here.

 

 

More striking is the near-complete endorsement from the American League’s elite. 89% of the AL starters were outfitted with Rawlings gloves, underscoring the brand’s dominance among the league’s top-tier defenders. Whether it’s the slick double-play combo up the middle or a diving outfielder making a highlight-reel grab, chances are they’re wearing Rawlings.

On the National League side, 56% of starters also chose Rawlings, further solidifying the company’s cross-league reputation. Even in an age where athletes have more gear choices than ever, Rawlings has held its ground by simply being better—better leather, better design, better performance.

 

 

The Gold Glove Connection

It’s also worth noting that Rawlings sponsors the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, the most prestigious defensive honor in baseball. While the company doesn’t pick the winners, it has become a symbol of defensive excellence. This connection further reinforces Rawlings’ place in the baseball elite—after all, many Gold Glove winners also wear Rawlings gloves.

The Gold Glove reputation is built on players like Nolan Arenado and Francisco Lindor—elite defenders who are known for turning impossible plays into routine outs, all with Rawlings on their hands.

Check out more info on Rawlings and their products HERE!

This is a sponsored post from Rawlings.

This is a sponsored post from Sports Reference.

The upcoming few days are among the most exciting of the year for baseball fans. There’ll be plenty of trades before next Thursday’s evening deadline, shuffling the makeup of the league as stars change teams and top prospects are on the move. Amidst the upcoming flurry of roster movement, all baseball fans should keep an eye on the 2025 season’s daily Immaculate Grid!

What Is Immaculate Grid?

Immaculate Grid is a free daily trivia game powered by Sports Reference that challenges players to fill a 3×3 grid with players who meet specific criteria, like sharing a team or achieving a statistical feat. Each square on the grid requires the player to recall a particular player from the past or present who meet both criteria, such as those who have played for two teams or tallied a certain number of strikeouts. The goal is to complete the grid with as few incorrect guesses as possible.

Immaculate Grid is a great way for baseball fans of any kind to flex their knowledge of the game. Take the opportunity to remember players from years past or impress your friends by staying up to date on all of this year’s deadline movement. Demonstrate your knowledge of the most obscure players who meet each day’s parameters.

Challenge your friends and compete for the lowest “rarity score,” which is calculated as the sum of the percentages for each cell you get correct plus 100 for each empty cell. You can even test yourself against the professionals. If the hosts play, challenge to beat their rarity score or to play/share the day’s grid with them. Think you’re relying too often on Rich Hill, who is on his 14th MLB team after getting called up by the Royals? Create a free account to track your grid history, most used players, most used teams, and more.

How to Play:

• You have nine guesses to fill out the grid.
• Each guess, whether correct or incorrect, counts as a guess.
• There is a new grid every day at 6:00am ET.
• A player cannot be used twice.
• Players may be active or inactive.
• For team and team cell: player must have played at least one game (regular season or playoffs) for each team.

Deadline Transactions and the Challenge of Immaculate Grid

In addition to being one of the most exciting times on the baseball calendar, keeping track of every move this month allows hardcore fans to stay ahead of the rest in Immaculate Grid. We’ve already seen a few trades that opened up new eligibility for players on the Immaculate Grid!

• Rafael Devers to the Giants
• Bryan Baker to the Rays
• Dane Dunning to the Braves

Keep an eye out for plenty more notable players who should be on the move in the next week!

• Sandy Alcantara
• Mitch Keller
• David Bednar
• Ryan O’Hearn
• Eugenio Suárez
• Josh Naylor
• Luis Robert Jr.
• Ryan McMahon

Your new daily routine: Remember some guys with Immaculate Grid, powered by Baseball Reference. It’s a free trivia game with a new game every day. Can you go 9 for 9, or name the most obscure players from baseball past and present? Try it today!

Also be sure to visit ImmaculateGrid.com for puzzles on other sports too like NBA, WNBA, NHL, NFL, and soccer!

This is a sponsored post from Greatness Wins.

When it comes to shopping for new apparel, understandably the market is overwhelming and saturated. One question that keeps popping into the minds of consumers: “What happened to the ‘sport’ in sportswear?”

Quality and durability are questionable with many athletic brands, while the focus of athleisure is more on fashion than fitness.

Greatness Wins saw the need for something better. All athletes deserve something better, and they’ve stepped up to the plate.

Derek Jeter and e-commerce entrepreneur and UNTUCKit Founder Chris Riccobono have joined forces with American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer Misty Copeland, to introduce Greatness Wins: athleticwear for the modern athlete.

Their performance activewear has an ideal combination of weight, fit, and feel. So, no matter the activity you’re doing this summer –  whether running, golf, or pickleball – there is a product for you.

Now through July 21st, Trade Rumors readers can get an exclusive 20% off their first order.

Visit the website here for more info.

Here are some products to choose from:

Core Tech Hoodie

Perfect for lifting, light running, walking, cross training, layering, warm-ups and cool downs. Moisture wicking, quick dry, anti odor, breathable, UPF 40, optimal range of motion, front pouch pockets, cinched drawcord on hood.

Core Tech Quarter Zip

Made from Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified recycled polyester, derived from plastic bottles. Recycled and reduces the need to extract new raw materials.

Great for lifting, light running, walking, cross training, yoga, soccer practice, tennis, cycling.

Golf Shop

Get your golf game fit in check this summer with Greatness Wins’ vast array of golf-related gear. Polos, clubhouse pants/shorts, and even golf accessories like gloves are great options to improve play. And they also make a great gift for the golf fanatic in your life.

Click this link here for an exclusive 20% off your first order!

No matter what kind of athlete you are, Greatness Wins has a solution for you.

Since 1887, Rawlings has set a standard of producing high quality, top of the line sports equipment. Rawlings is trusted by athletes at each level, from Little League to Major League, and is undoubtedly “The Mark of a Pro®”. Throughout generations, Rawlings has built a legacy that revolves around innovation, tradition and authenticity, and the 2025 USSSA Rawlings Icon bat represents exactly what athletes have come to expect from the most well-known brand in baseball.

Designed for elite USSSA athletes, the Rawlings Icon was named as the Bat Bros’ “Youth Bat of the Year” and has a dedicated following given its dominance on the field. Featuring “In/Tense” carbon composite material, “Tuned Balance Performance”, “Zero Loss Collar Technology” and many other high-tech features, the USSSA Rawlings Icon is engineered to give young athletes the perfect combination of balanced power, speed and durability.

Engineered with “In/Tense” carbon composite construction, the Rawlings Icon maximizes barrel size, stiffness and trampoline. Incorporating this highly responsive technology increases the overall size and pop of the sweet spot, creating a forgiving yet consistently powerful hitting surface.

Further, the Icon features “Tuned Balance” performance, yielding the ideal swing weight. Tuned Balance performance optimizes barrel control enabling athletes to have a powerful swing without compromising their bat speed. Additionally, the Icon’s “Zero Loss Collar Technology” strengthens the connection joint and eliminates negative, hand-rattling feedback at contact. The reinforced joint between the handle and barrel allows for the perfect amount of flex, while absorbing vibrations from impact.

Not only is this bat a top pick for performance, but it also ranks high in comfort and style. The 2025 Rawlings Icon is marked by bold, eye-catching graphics featuring a white camo pattern, highlighted with gold and black accents. The bat is equipped with “RevGrip”, a premium handle grip that provides unmatched cushion and tack, which enhances comfort in all elements.

Whether you’re a contact or power hitter, the USSSA Rawlings Icon is engineered to do it all. Designed with the balance of power, innovation, style and comfort, the 2025 Rawlings Icon is built to bring out the best of your swing. “Be Iconic” with the USSSA Icon bat from Rawlings and discover its game-changing power for yourself!

This is a sponsored post from Sports Reference.

Baseball fans are no strangers to the excitement and unpredictability that come with the offseason. Every winter, teams reshuffle their rosters, making trades, signing free agents, and seeking that one player who could put them over the top in the coming season. This MLB offseason has been no exception, with high-profile moves shaking up the landscape of the sport. Amidst this flurry of activity, all baseball fans should start studying now to make sure they’re locked-in for Opening Day and the 2025 season’s daily Immaculate Grid.

What Is Immaculate Grid?

Immaculate Grid is a daily trivia game powered by Sports Reference that challenges players to fill a 3×3 grid with players who meet specific criteria, like sharing a team or achieving a specific statistical feat. Each square on the grid requires the player to recall a particular player from the past or present who fits the parameters, such as players who have played for two teams or hit a certain number of home runs. The game gives players a list of prompts, and they must select the correct player to fill each box. The goal is to complete the grid with as few incorrect guesses as possible.

For baseball fans, Immaculate Grid serves as a great way to flex one’s knowledge of the game, combining fun with an opportunity to refresh one’s memory about past and present MLB players. It’s a game that offers an endless variety of challenges, thanks to the dynamic nature of MLB rosters and the continuous changes that happen each offseason.

Challenge your friends and compete for the lowest “rarity score”.

A “rarity score” is calculated as the sum of the percentages for each cell you get correct plus 100 for each empty cell.

How to Play:

• You have nine guesses to fill out the grid.
• Each guess, whether correct or incorrect, counts as a guess.
• There is a new grid every day at 6:00am ET.
• A player cannot be used twice.
• Players may be active or inactive.
• For team and team cell: player must have played at least one game (in the regular season or postseason) for both teams.

Offseason Moves and the Challenge of Immaculate Grid

Aside from fans challenging their baseball obsessed peers during the winter months, the offseason allows the hardcore fans to get ahead for the 2025 season of Immaculate Grid.

Here are a few of the key moves resulting in player’s changing teams. Once they play one game, they’re eligible to be an answer on the Immaculate Grid!

Key MLB Offseason Moves:

1. Juan Soto to the New York Mets
2. Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks
3. Kyle Tucker traded to the Chicago Cubs
4. Garrett Crochet traded to the Boston Red Sox
5. Blake Snell to the Los Angeles Dodgers
6. Max Fried to the New York Yankees
7. Willy Adames to the San Francisco Giants
8. Christian Walker to the Houston Astros
9. Devin Williams traded to the New York Yankees
10. Cody Bellinger traded to the New York Yankees
11. Clay Holmes to the New York Mets
12. Yusei Kikuchi to the Los Angeles Angels
13. Justin Verlander to the San Francisco Giants
14. Brady Singer traded from the Kansas City Royals for Jonathan India of the Cincinnati Reds
15. Walker Buehler to the Boston Red Sox
16. Jesus Luzardo traded to the Philadelphia Phillies
17. Josh Naylor traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks
18. Paul Goldschmidt to the New York Yankees
19. Anthony Santander to the Toronto Blue Jays
20. Luis Severino signs with the Oakland A’s

Still More Moves to Come:

Opening Day is still over two months away and pitchers and catchers don’t report for several weeks, which means there will still be lots of MLB offseason activity and players potentially signing with a new team.

Will Alex Bregman land in Toronto or reunite with his former manager AJ Hinch in Detroit?

Do the Mets bring back Pete Alonso on a short-term deal?

Does Jack Flaherty’s willingness to sign a short-term contract increase the teams interested?

Immaculate Grid is the perfect game for baseball fans, offering both entertainment and a valuable way to stay up-to-date on player movements. As the MLB offseason continues to evolve, the game remains an engaging and rewarding challenge.

With key offseason trades and signings shaking up team rosters, fans can sharpen their knowledge while having fun. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan who follows every trade or a casual viewer who’s just getting back into the swing of things, Immaculate Grid is the perfect companion for keeping track of the game during the offseason.

Also be sure to visit ImmaculateGrid.com for puzzles on other sports too like NBA, WNBA, NHL, NFL, and soccer!

The following is a sponsored post from Finlete.

For as long as anyone can remember, sports fans have sought to grow closer to the games, teams, and players they so passionately support, investing everything from their time to their emotions to their money. From Duke University students camping out in tents to get prime seats, to baseball fans buying up rookie card stacks, to football fans purchasing real stakes in Real Madrid CF and the Green Bay Packers. Of course the internet and smartphones changed the game, with fantasy sports’ popularity exploding about 20 years ago and sports betting exploding over the last 10 years.

Today, how we spend money on sports continues to rapidly evolve, including the ability to invest in athletes’ careers in exchange for a piece of their future earnings. It’s a corner of the sports world that’s starting to make some serious noise and sports investment platform Finlete is a key player.

In 2024, Finlete bookended the year by giving fans the opportunity to invest in the careers of MLB prospects Echedry Vargas and Leonardo Bernal.

Vargas, ranked #16 in the Miami Marlins system (source MLB.com), is a Dominican middle infielder who boasts an aggressive approach and an impressive power-speed combo that ultimately made him a key piece in Miami’s return for Jake Burger this winter. Bernal, the most recent athlete to join Finlete, plies his trade behind the dish as the #9 prospect in St. Louis’ system (source MLB.com) with a keen eye, strong arm, and lots of loud contact.

For potential investors who may lean more mainstream, 3-time AL All-Star Emmanuel Clase became the first Major Leaguer to sign with Finlete in the middle of his historic season and give his legion of fans a shot to join his journey financially. As far as big name investing goes, it doesn’t get much bigger than a certified Cy Young candidate in the prime of his career.

With a growing slate of professional athletes set to be announced in 2025, Finlete is evolving quickly and building upon the foundation set by some pioneers in the sports investment world.

Fantex, which operated from 2012-2016 and allowed fans to buy and sell securities tied to athletes’ contracts, is a great example of being ahead of your time. Fans were able to invest in the careers of Vernon Davis, Alshon Jeffery, and other NFL players, but this was before the tidal waves of crowdfunding and alternative investments rolled in.

Since then, investing in athletes’ careers has been dominated by private hedge funds such as Big League Advance (BLA) and X10 – the former founded by an ex-MLB player and the latter founded by ex-Fantex execs. Not everyone is eligible to invest in a hedge fund and even those who qualify may not have access. It’s exclusive and restrictive. That’s where new companies like Finlete come in, applying lessons learned from Fantex while democratizing access to the kind of investing BLA and X10 have been doing over the last 5-10 years.

For example, BLA successfully signed several future MLB All-Stars including Elly De La Cruz, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. in the early days of their professional baseball careers, well before they became household names.

The model is simple: Pay prospects an upfront payment in exchange for a percentage of their potential future MLB earnings.

For the athlete, it’s cash now for cash later. It’s giving up a small piece of their potential upside in exchange for more security now. And it’s risk-free in the sense that it’s not a loan, the athlete only owes the investor money if they make it to the big leagues and even then it’s only a small percentage of their MLB salary. The cash up front also helps increase their chances of making it pro.

Elly De La Cruz is a prototypical example. He signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 2018 for $65,000, a fairly small account considering these signing bonuses range from $10,000 to over $9 million. The additional funds from BLA allowed him to supplement that signing bonus and his meager Minor League Baseball (MiLB) salary, which helped him cover basic expenses, finance his training, support his family, and better prepare himself for the grind of the long seasons ahead. The funds often also mean the player can focus on baseball year-round instead of needing to work another job in the offseason.

On the other side of the deal, BLA received a percentage of Elly’s potential future MLB salary. Whereas the player risks losing some upside by having to give up a piece of their earnings if they make it in the big leagues, the investor – BLA in this case – risks loss of capital, as it’s an investment, not a loan, and there’s no guarantee MiLB players will make it to or stick around at the MLB level.

Finlete believes athletes signing these deals with hedge funds is a missed opportunity though. By signing with Finlete instead, athletes can let people from all walks of life be the investors and in so doing build a strong following of extremely dedicated fans. By linking athletes and fans financially, Finlete is taking fan engagement to the next level, as the fans the athletes garner through Finlete will remain fans of theirs for their entire careers, regardless of what team they play for.

While having disposable income always makes investing easier, acquiring a financial stake in a real athlete’s career is exceedingly accessible for the general public. Finlete investors, for example, are able to invest for as little as $300. Bonus shares on the platform are also available for investments of $1,000 or more.

This is a lot like the fractional investment opportunities that have taken shape in other industries. Want to invest in art? Try Masterworks. Real estate? Go with Fundrise or Happy Nest. Tech startups? Look at Wefunder or Republic. The common denominator is that it’s easier than ever to invest in whatever piques your interest. The question now is – what comes next?

For those who choose Finlete, the answer is more. More athletes, more experiences, more perks, more ways to engage with athletes, and ultimately more opportunities to combine a love of the game with real investing. The future of sports investment is here and it’s an exciting outlook for 2025.

The following is a sponsored post from Finlete.

As anyone who watched the Cleveland Guardians this past season can attest to, entrusting the ninth inning to a lights-out closer like Emmanuel Clase is about as good as it gets. For the Guardians, it’s a competitive edge that few other teams can match. For fans, it’s a reason to rise from your seat. For Clase, it further solidifies his surging trajectory as one of the best closers of all-time – a fact that leaves him well-positioned to become one of the highest paid relievers in the game.

Finlete, a new sports investment platform, has partnered with Clase to offer fans the chance to invest in his career and get a piece of his MLB salary in exchange. Investors will receive their first dividend in the middle of the 2025 MLB season.

Clase represents the second athlete and first active Major Leaguer to sign a future earnings contract with Finlete, following Marlins prospect Echedry Vargas earlier this year. The company expects to launch several more athletes in 2025. Fans can currently get in on the ground floor of this exciting, SEC-compliant platform.

You may be asking yourself, what’s in it for Emmanuel? Well, the answers are clear. For starters, Finlete is raising capital for Clase, which he can spend on his family, offseason training, and his own investment goals. He also benefits from Finlete by forging a connection with a rapidly growing community of fan-investors who are first and foremost fans of his, regardless of what team he plays for. Those who invest have every incentive to support his career from both an emotional and financial standpoint every step of the way. Game in, game out. Season in, season out. Through Finlete, Clase is building a devoted fanbase of uniquely invested supporters.

Let’s look back at the major milestones notched by Clase during the 2024 MLB season:

• 3-time AL Reliever of the Month
• 3rd straight All-Star appearance
• 3rd straight year leading AL in Saves
• 2nd All-MLB 1st Team honors
• 2nd Mariano Rivera Reliever of the Year Award
• 1st reliever to finish top 3 in Cy Young voting since 2008
• 5th lowest single-season ERA in MLB history (0.61)
• Became Cleveland’s all-time Saves leader (157)
• Set a Cleveland record for Saves in a season (47)
• Converted 34 Saves in a row

All in all, it was a banner season for the 26-year old, and one of the most dominating ever recorded in MLB history.

Now let’s talk finances. Currently, Clase is locked into a team-friendly contract extension with Cleveland that he signed in 2022. Over the remainder of the contract, he’s set to receive base salaries of:

• 2024: $2.9 million
• 2025: $4.9 million
• 2026: $6.4 million
• 2027: $10 million (club option)
• 2028: $10 million (club option)

The contract also includes the following clauses:

• 2027 club option includes a $2M buyout
• 2028 club option includes a $1M buyout
• Cy Young Award Bonus Structure
  • 1st Place: $250K
  • 2nd or 3rd Place: $150K
  • 4th or 5th Place: $75K
• Mariano Rivera or Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year Award: $100K
• All-Star: $100K
• ALCS MVP: $50K
• World Series MVP: $100K
• $500,000 for 200 innings pitched or 200 appearances from 2022-2026
• Trade Assignment Bonus: $1M

Thanks to his excellence at the back end of the Cleveland bullpen, it should come as no surprise that Clase has earned nearly every major possible incentive in his contract.

Given that he’s now entering the prime of his career age-wise, barring health issues or a sudden drop in effectiveness, he should be in a strong position to become one of the highest-paid relief pitchers when he reaches free agency in 2029 (assuming his 2027 and 2028 club options are picked up).

Those who invest in Clase’s career through Finlete will get a piece of his earnings for the rest of his career. That starts with the $30+ million he currently has left on his contract and gets even more exciting once he reaches free agency. The greater his success on the field between now and then, the greater the size of his next contract will likely be, and the greater the potential return for investors.

The minimum investment is under $400 and Finlete is currently offering up to 25% bonus shares when you invest today. Additionally, investors are eligible to receive exclusive bonus perks such as a baseball or baseball card signed by Clase and a special baseball trip package during the upcoming MLB season.

The world of sports investing is changing rapidly, that much is clear. The line between fan and investor is blurring, and Finlete is at the forefront of it all. This is your chance to join a superstar athlete on their journey in a meaningful and potentially lucrative way. See the game from a totally new perspective and own a tangible piece of the action.

Welcome to the future. Welcome to Finlete. To learn more about this new sports investment platform, visit finlete.com today.