All articles tagged with #franchise player
With a star-studded top of the 2026 class and new anti-tanking odds, the draft lottery is crucial; Sacramento Kings are labeled the most desperate for the No. 1 pick, while other teams like Brooklyn, Milwaukee, and Washington face varying stakes in the chase for top-four positioning.
Bryce Young showcased his potential as a franchise quarterback for the Carolina Panthers despite their overtime loss to the Buccaneers. Young's performance, marked by 298 passing yards and two touchdowns, highlighted his ability to read defenses and make crucial plays under pressure. This game solidified his status as the Panthers' future leader, dispelling doubts about his capabilities. Meanwhile, the Patriots' Drake Maye also impressed, while the Falcons' struggles with Kirk Cousins continued.
The Cincinnati Bengals have designated wide receiver Tee Higgins as the team's franchise player, securing his position for the upcoming season. Since being drafted in 2020, Higgins has been a key player for the Bengals, with impressive regular-season and postseason performances, making him a valuable asset to the team's offense.
Jose Altuve, the face of the Houston Astros, has agreed to a five-year, $125 million contract extension that will likely keep him with the team for the rest of his career. The deal, which takes effect in 2025, includes a $15 million signing bonus and ensures Altuve's place as a franchise player. Standing at 5-foot-6, Altuve has defied expectations and become a superstar, boasting the highest batting average in Astros history and a career worth 49.7 wins above replacement. With this extension, Altuve is set to challenge franchise legends like Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio, and pursue milestones like 3,000 hits, all while maintaining his playoff prowess with the Astros.
Bryce Harper's agent, Scott Boras, revealed that the outfielder wants to work out a contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies to ensure he remains with the team for the rest of his career. Harper, who is currently signed through his age-38 season, also expressed his desire to play into his 40s. Boras emphasized that Harper has been instrumental in attracting free agents to Philadelphia and has been a strong advocate for the team. In his five seasons with the Phillies, Harper has been a productive player, batting .284 with 122 home runs, and he has shown his commitment by lobbying for the re-signing of J.T. Realmuto and the acquisition of other free agents.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, after a string of bad luck and losing the NHL draft lottery, finally caught a break by selecting center Adam Fantilli with the third overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft. Fantilli, projected to be a top player in the draft, is considered a franchise-altering player and the team's best prospect since Rick Nash in 2002. This selection brings hope and excitement to the organization and its fans.