Happy New Year!

I didn’t plan on sending out another newsletter until Monday, but got the itch this morning. The push was probably thanks to last night’s Sixers win in Dallas, specifically the play of one of the bright young stars in Philadelphia entering 2026.

As we embark on a new year, here are 10 figures in Philadelphia sports that I’m bullish on over the next year.

V.J. Edgecombe: I’m more and more impressed every time I watch the rookie from Baylor play. His ability to block shots from the guard position is Wade-ish. His frame has some Jimmy Butler to it. He seems grounded and ready to reach his ceiling. A star.

Cristopher Sanchez: Cy Young votes in 2025 might just be the start for the player under the best contract in the entire city.

Jesus Luzardo: I think we’re sleeping on how good of a year Luzardo had in 2025. Here’s the full list of pitchers that threw at least 180 innings, struck out at least 10.0 batters per nine innings, and posted an ERA under 4.00: Garrett Crochet, Tarik Skubal, Hunter Brown and Luzardo. The Phillies should be trying to get an extension done to keep this guy off next year’s free agent market.

Caleb Cotham: Let’s hope a really smart team doesn’t soon try to pluck Cotham to become an organizational pitching instructor. One of the best things the Phillies have done in recent years has been to hand Cotham a lump of clay (Sanchez, Luzardo, Jeff Hoffman) and have him mold it into something excellent. Brad Keller (who was already good in Chicago) could be even better here.

Jalyx Hunt: I was wrong about Hunt. I didn’t think he’d be this good, this fast. Hunt is the Eagles best edge on a defense that’s allowed the third-fewest points in the NFL entering Week 18.

Cooper DeJean: One of the best tackling corners I’ve ever watched. He’s a star, and a game-changer.

Quinyon Mitchell: We're not far from this title being bestowed on Mitchell: Best cover corner in the NFL.

Vic Fangio: He’s on the short list of the best defensive minds ever. You can make a case that Fangio, not Saquon Barkley, was the best move the Eagles have made in the last few years.

Trevor Zegras: True hockey minds told me he was good and was a steal. He’s even better than that.

Howie Roseman: The next few weeks will be a tell into the offseason, but Howie SZN could be huge this spring. The Eagles will soon have to pay the best young defense in the NFL, have an overpriced (relative to production) offense, have current and future uncertainty at quarterback, questions on the offensive line, and may need a new offensive coordinator. Did I miss anything? Howie SZN 2026 will be must watch television.

The Eagles made the correct decision to rest starters in Week 18.

Look out for my Week 18 NFL picks on the WIP Daily feed.

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