Mangum, drafted by the Mets in 2019, didn’t exactly have an easy start. He was already 23 by the time he was drafted, and the pandemic year in 2020 didn’t help him catch up. Still, he worked his way up from High-A to Double-A by 2021. Known as a solid contact hitter with speed, Mangum was seen as a good fit for a role as a utility outfielder, not exactly a star. The Mets traded him to the Miami Marlins before the 2023 season, and while they got Jeff Brigham and Elieser Hernandez in return, neither of them really panned out (Brigham had a rough time, and Hernandez never even played for the Mets due to injury).

Now, Mangum’s showing everyone what he’s made of. After being called up by the Tampa...

Alabama’s been making moves to reload for next season after their Elite Eight exit in the NCAA Tournament this year. They’re making a strong push to grab UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg, who’s a standout in the transfer portal. Alabama, along with Auburn, Kentucky, and Michigan, is in the mix for Lendeborg, who was UAB’s top scorer this season, averaging 17.7 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. He’s considered the top player in the portal right now.

Alabama’s head coach Nate Oats has been doing a great job building up the team,...