The Texas Rangers and catcher Kyle Higashioka agreed to two-year contract with a 2027 mutual opti...

The Texas Rangers and catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/1887" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/1887">Kyle Higashioka</a> agreed to two-year contract with a 2027 mutual option, the club announced Monday.More to come.

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 06: San Diego Padres catcher Kyle Higashioka (20) appeals a ball call during game two of the National League Division Series game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 6, 2024 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.

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Rangers add Higashioka on 2-year deal

The bidding war for Juan Soto in free agency is ramping up.  The Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, a...

The bidding war for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> in free agency is ramping up.The Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays made offers north of $600 million to Soto, while the New York Yankees are in the $550-million range, a source told <a href="https://www.nj.com/yankees/2024/12/yankees-juan-soto-worry-is-growing-over-emerging-threat-and-its-not-the-mets.html&amp;subscribed=apple%7C001756.f87c1a152da74aa4b61fdbec6a126676.2240">Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media</a>.Soto, 26, is reportedly looking for a higher contract than the 10-year, $700-million pact three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers last offseason.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The four-time All-Star would like a deal without deferrals, a source told Miller. In comparison, Ohtani deferred $680 million of his record-setting contract.Soto is expected to exceed Ohtani's $46-million average annual value, a source told <a href="https://x.com/YESNetwork/status/1863729676029420007">Jack Curry of YES Network</a>.There's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3147511" href="https://thescore.com/news/3147511">reportedly</a> a widespread belief among bidders that the Blue Jays will come in with the highest offer.The 2024 AL MVP finalist will likely make a decision on where he wants to play in the next 10 days, sources told <a href="https://x.com/MLBNetwork/status/1863596987331105237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1863596987331105237%7Ctwgr%5E9394f2ba13c20c2303ff55ed44331f5f7e1cc14c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcmsadmin.thescore.com%2Fadmin%2Fnewsroom%2F%2Farticles%2F3147511">MLB Network's Jon Morosi</a>. The winter meetings - the site of many big free-agent splashes over the years - start next Monday.Soto recorded a career-high 41 homers with 109 RBIs and a .989 OPS over 157 games last season. He also slashed .327/.469/.633 with four long balls and nine RBIs in the playoffs, helping the Yankees reach the World Series for the first time in 15 years.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 25: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees celebrates his seventh inning home run against the Colorado Rockies at Yankee Stadium on August 25, 2024 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Rockies 10-3.

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Report: Red Sox, Mets, Blue Jays offer Soto upward of $600M

Artur Beterbiev will put his undisputed light heavyweight championship on the line against Dmitry...

Artur Beterbiev will put his undisputed light heavyweight championship on the line against Dmitry Bivol on Feb. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh announced Monday.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
One of the greatest cards ever on February 22 in Riyadh 🥊🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigTime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BigTime</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RiyadhSeason?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RiyadhSeason</a> <a href="https://t.co/4jQEowMXvD">pic.twitter.com/4jQEowMXvD</a>— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Turki_alalshikh/status/1863711207565255006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) captured Bivol's WBC title in October via majority decision to become the first undisputed 175-pound champion of the four-belt era.Meanwhile, Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) suffered the first loss of his career at the hands of Beterbiev.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Beterbiev-Bivol rematch is one of several big fights on a stacked card that also features Daniel Dubois defending his IBF heavyweight championship against Joseph Parker and WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson taking on Floyd Schofield.Dubois' (22-2, 21 KOs) last bout came in September when he knocked out former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, while Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) is on a five-fight win streak that includes victories over Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder.Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) is coming off a win by unanimous decision versus Artem Harutyunyan in July. Schofield (18-0, 12 KOs) last fought Rene Tellez Giron in November and also won by unanimous decision.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - OCTOBER 12: Artur Beterbiev punches Dmitrii Bivol during the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles' fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season - IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh.

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Beterbiev-Bivol rematch headlines historic Feb. 22 card in Riyadh

The New York Mets are among a few clubs intrigued about bringing in reliever Clay Holmes as a sta...

The New York Mets are among a few clubs intrigued about bringing in reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8239" href="/mlb/players/8239">Clay Holmes</a> as a starting pitcher, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/12/02/sports/mlb-teams-interested-in-clay-holmes-as-starter-including-mets/">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a>.Holmes, who was selected to two All-Star Games (2022, 2024) while serving as the New York Yankees closer over the last three years, hasn't started in the majors since his 2018 rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, he did make 114 starts in the minors.The 31-year-old right-hander authored a 3.14 ERA with 30 saves and a 9.7 K/9 over 67 appearances last season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Holmes' potential transition from the bullpen to a rotation comes as former relievers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5533" href="/mlb/players/5533">Seth Lugo</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9842" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9842">Michael King</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5352" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5352">Reynaldo López</a> all finished with Cy Young votes in 2024.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 30: Clay Holmes #35 of the New York Yankees pitches during the seventh inning of Game Five of the 2024 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium on October 30, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City.

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Report: Mets among teams eyeing All-Star closer Holmes as starter

The New York Yankees recently connected with All-Star pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, accor...

The New York Yankees recently connected with All-Star pitchers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9580" href="/mlb/players/9580">Corbin Burnes</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4259" href="/mlb/players/4259">Max Fried</a>, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/11/27/sports/yankees-up-juan-soto-bid-as-sweepstakes-reaches-new-phase/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.However, the Yankees reportedly haven't made contract offers to Burnes or Fried as the club is putting all its efforts into re-signing prized free agent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>.The two hurlers, along with other top free agents available on the open market, could be part of a Plan B if Soto signs elsewhere, notes Heyman.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox are also pursuing Burnes and Fried, reports <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2024/11/25/mlb-rumors-juan-soto-latest-news-trade-market/76556552007/">USA Today's Bob Nightengale</a>.The San Francisco Giants are rumored to be eyeing Burnes after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5351" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3141561" href="https://thescore.com/news/3141561">joined</a> the rival Los Angeles Dodgers, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/blake-snell-dodgers-deal-impact-free-agent-pitching">Mark Feinsand of MLB.com</a>.Lastly, the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly keen on signing Fried to bolster their rotations.Burnes posted a 2.92 ERA with 1.10 WHIP and 181 strikeouts over 194 1/3 innings (32 starts) for the Orioles in 2024, while Fried authored a 3.25 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 8.6 K/9 across 174 1/3 innings (29 starts) with the Atlanta Braves.

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 20: Corbin Burnes #39 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the second inning during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Friday, September 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Report: Yankees reached out to Burnes, Fried

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes believes his team is destined for success because the front of...

Pittsburgh Pirates ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> believes his team is destined for success because the front office listens to what the players want."Obviously, being drafted No. 1 overall was a huge honor, and since then, I've had a fair amount of visibility and conversations with (chairman) Bob Nutting, (general manager) Ben Cherington, and other team officials," Skenes told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/pirates/news/paul-skenes-q-a-on-being-rookie-of-the-year-cy-young-finalist">Jim Lachimia of MLB.com</a>. "And they listen. I was the No. 1 pick, who cares? Whatever. I was still a rookie last year, but they were listening. And they're listening to guys like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8236" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8236">Mitch Keller</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8245" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8245">Bryan Reynolds</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8237" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8237">Ke'Bryan Hayes</a>, too."They're receptive. They listen to what we think we need to do to win. Mr. Nutting is very approachable. He's willing to listen because he wants to win, which is good because that's not the picture that a lot of people paint of him."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He added: "The only difference is we're going to win in a little bit (of a) different way than the (Los Angeles) Dodgers and the (New York) Yankees. But we're going to win."The Pirates finished the 2024 season with baseball's second-lowest payroll at over $84 million. The Yankees had the second-highest total with over $308 million, while the Dodgers finished sixth at over $240 million thanks to several deferrals by star players. Los Angeles defeated New York in the World Series.Pittsburgh finished last in the NL Central with 76 wins en route to missing the playoffs for a ninth straight year. The club was in the NL wild-card hunt before going 8-19 in August, which included a 10-game losing streak."Yeah, the last couple months of the season - especially that stretch in August - left a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths," the 22-year-old right-hander said. "We were in it up until then and then had a bunch of things not go our way."My hope is, we got that out of our system, and we're going to have more self-awareness in terms of how we're going to be able to win moving forward. I know the talent here is going to get better."Skenes won NL Rookie of the Year and finished third in NL Cy Young voting after posting a 1.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 170 strikeouts over 133 innings (23 starts) after making his MLB debut in mid-May.

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 16: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on September 16, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri.

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Skenes: Pirates going to win 'different way' than Dodgers, Yankees

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado is open to playing first base if he's traded to a...

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2381" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2381">Nolan Arenado</a> is open to playing first base if he's traded to a team looking for roster flexibility, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5947221/2024/11/26/cardinals-nolan-arenado-trade-talks-position-change/">Katie Woo of The Athletic</a>.The Cardinals have reportedly been assessing Arenado's trade market over the last few weeks by having preliminary talks with other clubs.A few teams have also expressed initial interest, a source told Woo, who adds there's a growing sense around baseball that St. Louis will trade the eight-time All-Star this winter.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak and Arenado are both open to a deal, sources told Woo. Mozeliak approached the 33-year-old in late September to discuss the team's directional change, which will focus on player development and allocating money from the major-league roster to improve the minor-league system in 2025.Arenado will reportedly only waive his no-trade clause for a proven contender.The 10-time Gold Glover is still owed $52 million over three years after inking an eight-year, $260-million contract with the Colorado Rockies in 2019.Arenado, who finished as a 2022 NL MVP finalist, is coming off the worst offensive season of his 12-year career since his 2013 rookie campaign. He hit 16 homers with 71 RBIs and a .719 OPS over 152 games. However, his defense at the hot corner was still stellar, finishing in the 95th percentile in Baseball Savant's outs above average.

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MAY 22: Nolan Arenado #28 of the St. Louis Cardinals in the dugout in the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Busch Stadium on May 22, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri.

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Report: Arenado willing to play 1B if traded

The Phillies and White Sox talked this offseason about a trade that would see Philadelphia send A...

The Phillies and White Sox talked this offseason about a trade that would see Philadelphia send All-Star third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10702" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10702">Alec Bohm</a> and top outfield prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17816" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17816">Justin Crawford</a> to Chicago for young ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12246" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12246">Garrett Crochet</a>, according to <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2024/11/25/mlb-rumors-juan-soto-latest-news-trade-market/76556552007/">USA Today's Bob Nightengale</a>.However, the White Sox are reportedly concerned about Bohm's lack of production in the second half after he slashed .251/.299/.283 with four homers over 66 games to end the 2024 regular season.The Phillies are expected to make a run at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> in free agency or could sign <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/4784" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/4784">Willy Adames</a> to play third base if they deal Bohm, according to Nightengale.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The competition for Crochet is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3136099" href="https://thescore.com/news/3136099">reportedly</a> stiff, as the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers are among the other clubs attempting to land the All-Star left-hander.Bohm, 28, went deep 15 times with 97 RBIs and a .779 OPS over 143 contests this year, while the 25-year-old Crochet posted a 3.68 ERA, 2.69 FIP, 1.07 WHIP, and 203 strikeouts across 146 innings (32 starts). Both players are arbitration-eligible through the 2026 campaign.Crawford, the son of former MLB star Carl Crawford, is the No. 3-ranked prospect in the Phillies' minor-league system, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/prospects/phillies/">MLB Pipeline</a>. The 20-year-old hit nine homers with 42 stolen bases and an .805 OPS over 110 games between Single-A and Double-A in 2024.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 21: Alec Bohm #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 21, 2024 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Phillies 6-3.

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Report: Phillies, White Sox discussed Bohm-Crochet trade

The Juan Soto sweepstakes are progressing.  Teams pursuing the superstar outfielder in free agenc...

The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> sweepstakes are progressing.Teams pursuing the superstar outfielder in free agency are expected to start presenting contract offers this week, sources told <a href="https://x.com/Buster_ESPN/status/1860766247312613714">Buster Olney of ESPN</a>.Clubs that already met with Soto reportedly used the time to get to know the 2024 AL MVP finalist, who in turn got to connect with different executives.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Soto's next pact is expected to end up in the range of $550 million to $650 million, sources from the teams involved in the negotiations told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5935858/2024/11/21/mlb-juan-soto-free-agency-teams-suitors/?source=emp_shared_article">Jim Bowden of The Athletic</a>.The New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly met with the 26-year-old this offseason.Executives believe the Mets are the clear-cut favorite to sign Soto, according to <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2024/11/25/mlb-rumors-juan-soto-latest-news-trade-market/76556552007/">USA Today's Bob Nightengale</a>.Soto recorded a career-high 41 homers with 109 RBIs and a .989 OPS over 157 games last season. He also slashed .327/.469/.633 with four long balls and nine RBIs in the playoffs, helping the Yankees reach the World Series for the first time in 15 years.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 17: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees gestures after hitting a double during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on September 17, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

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Report: Soto will start receiving contract offers this week

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed veteran reliever Giovanny Gallegos to a minor-league contract, a s...

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed veteran reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8296" href="/wbc/players/8296">Giovanny Gallegos</a> to a minor-league contract, a source told <a href="https://x.com/FabianArdaya/status/1860403577925042348">Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic</a>.Gallegos spent the last seven years of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, authoring a 3.36 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 44 saves, and 10.6 K/9 over 305 1/3 innings. He was released in August after posting a 6.53 ERA with 1.65 WHIP over 21 appearances this year in what was his worst campaign in the majors.The 33-year-old dealt with a shoulder injury that cost him six weeks between May and June.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Gallegos could crack the Opening Day roster with a solid spring after the club non-tendered relievers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5388" href="/mlb/players/5388">Brent Honeywell</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13640" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13640">Zach Logue</a>.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 2: Giovanny Gallegos #65 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on April 2, 2024 in San Diego, California.

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Report: Dodgers add Gallegos on minor-league deal

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge isn't discussing free agency with former teammate Juan So...

New York Yankees outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> isn't discussing free agency with former teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>."I think the best thing is to really give those guys space," Judge said Friday when asked if he had spoken to Soto about his future, according to <a href="https://x.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1860052472494195189">Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News</a>. "I talked to him all season, and he knows how we feel about him. I think the most important thing is to now let him do his thing with his family, pray about it, talk with people, and come to the right decision for him and his family."So, I haven't talked to him at all. I thought I'd talk to him maybe yesterday during the announcement or interviews, but he wasn't there. I'll see him down the road."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Judge, who won his second AL MVP in three years Thursday, also said he doesn't care about whether Soto surpasses the nine-year, $360-million contract the Yankees captain signed in December 2022 after testing the open market."Honestly, it ain't my money," Judge <a href="https://x.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1860053981025959984">added</a>. "I really don't care as long as we get the best players. … That's never been something on my mind, who gets paid the most. Whatever we can do to get the best players, I'll take it."The 32-year-old acknowledged that he did talk to Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner about Soto and other topics that could benefit the team moving forward, according to <a href="https://x.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1860046197844770932">Phillips</a>.New York's front office had a "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3134171" href="https://thescore.com/news/3134171">good meeting</a>" with Soto on Monday, and club executives were "encouraged" about the possibility of bringing back the 26-year-old superstar.The 2024 AL MVP finalist has also met with the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 25: Juan Soto #22 (R) of the New York Yankees looks on in the dugout with teammate Aaron Judge #99 during the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Yankee Stadium on August 25, 2024 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Rockies 10-3.

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Judge giving Soto space in free agency: 'I haven't talked to him'

Garrett Crochet trade talks are starting to heat up.  The Chicago White Sox All-Star left-hander ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12246" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12246">Garrett Crochet</a> trade talks are starting to heat up.The Chicago White Sox All-Star left-hander is generating a lot of interest from several teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/11/21/sports/top-names-the-orioles-have-eyes-on-in-trade-market/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.The Orioles and Red Sox reportedly match up well as the White Sox are looking for young position players.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Baltimore is searching for a new ace with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9580" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9580">Corbin Burnes</a> testing free agency. Crochet makes sense for the team as Burnes' price tag could be too rich, notes Heyman.Meanwhile, Boston is looking to improve on a rotation that's currently projected to feature <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9530" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9530">Tanner Houck</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13634">Brayan Bello</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10752" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10752">Kutter Crawford</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15514" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15514">Richard Fitts</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13601" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13601">Cooper Criswell</a>. Club president and CEO Sam Kennedy <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3134765" href="https://thescore.com/news/3134765">said</a> he expects 90-95 wins and an AL East title in 2025, which means plenty of heavy lifting during this offseason.Los Angeles and Philadelphia reportedly already tried to acquire Crochet before the 2024 trade deadline in late July. The addition of the 25-year-old could give both teams arguably the top rotation in baseball.Crochet is under club control for two more seasons. He posted a 3.68 ERA, 2.69 FIP, 1.07 WHIP, and 203 strikeouts across 146 innings (32 starts) in his first year as a starter.

SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Garrett Crochet #45 of the Chicago White Sox pitches during the second inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres on September 20, 2024 at Petco Park in San Diego, California.

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Report: O's, Red Sox, Dodgers, Phillies pushing for Crochet

Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale doesn't believe he belongs in Cooperstown despite winning an elusiv...

Atlanta Braves ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1577" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1577">Chris Sale</a> doesn't believe he belongs in Cooperstown despite winning an elusive first Cy Young Award."No, not as it sits right now," Sale told "<a href="https://x.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/1859664870494568574">Foul Territory</a>" on Thursday when asked if he has a Hall of Fame resume.Sale <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3126616" href="https://thescore.com/news/3126616">won</a> the NL Cy Young on Wednesday after leading the league in wins (18), ERA (2.38), and strikeouts (225) in 2024. The left-hander's bounce-back season came after he logged a combined 151 innings (29 starts) between 2021 and 2023 due to an array of injuries.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I would say I wasn't expecting to do this ... to win a Cy Young Award," Sale added. "I had confidence in myself, (and) I just knew I needed to be healthy. I know what I can do when I'm healthy and on a baseball field."Sale's 52.3 fWAR since 2012 only trails future Hall of Famers Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw. The former also sits 90th in JAWS (47.5) among starting pitchers, ahead of notable Hall of Famers such as Sandy Koufax and Jack Morris.Sale, 35, owns a career 3.04 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP and 2,414 strikeouts over 14 years with the Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, and Braves. The eight-time All-Star finished top six or better in AL Cy Young voting for seven straight years from 2012-18. He also won the 2018 World Series with the Red Sox.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 08: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Truist Park on May 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Sale: I'm not a Hall of Famer 'as it sits right now'

Wasserman's Joel Wolfe, who represents highly coveted Japanese star Roki Sasaki, said his client ...

Wasserman's Joel Wolfe, who represents highly coveted Japanese star Roki Sasaki, said his client doesn't have a handshake deal in place to join the Los Angeles Dodgers when the right-hander is posted this winter."A bunch of executives who should know me better and do a lot of business with me insult my integrity by insinuating that I would be a part of some type of nefarious agreement," Wolfe said Wednesday, according <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5936992/2024/11/21/roki-sasaki-dodgers-agent-rumors/">Evan Drellich of The Athletic</a>. "In reality, this is just poor sportsmanship."Wolfe's comments come in response to executives around baseball speculating Sasaki already has an agreement in place with the Dodgers, per Drellich.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Club officials raised concerns about the rumors to the commissioner's office, sources told Drellich, who adds Dodgers executives are aware of the gossip as well.MLB commissioner Rob Manfred already <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3134600" href="https://thescore.com/news/3134600">said</a> he expects Sasaki to sign in January as part of 2025 international signing class and acknowledged the league would look into any deal consummated before the 23-year-old is officially posted."We're going to see what happens there," Manfred said. "If there's any reason to believe that there was a violation of one of our rules, you can rest assured that we will thoroughly investigate and try to get to the bottom of it."Veteran left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3603" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3603">Dallas Keuchel</a>, who was Sasaki's teammate with Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines for a few months in 2024, turned heads when he suggested an agreement with Los Angeles could already be in place."I heard some, some rumblings about a done deal with the Dodgers - you know, having a plan for him," Keuchel said, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/11/10/sports/roki-sasaki-is-coveted-by-mets-yankees-dodgers-dallas-keuchel-reveals-why/">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a>. "And if I was Vegas, I would definitely put them as the favorite, but I don't know. We never really talked about that."Sasaki can't sign with an MLB team before before Jan. 15 if he's part of the 2025 class. He's only eligible to ink a minor-league contract with a signing bonus because he will be posted under the age of 25. The pitcher will also have a 45-day window to negotiate with all 30 clubs.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 20: Roki Sasaki #14 of Team Japan walks off the mound at the end of the first inning against Team Me during the World Baseball Classic Semifinals at loanDepot park on March 20, 2023 in Miami, Florida.

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Sasaki's agent shuts down rumors about Dodgers agreement

The Houston Astros' home ballpark will be renamed Daikin Park starting in January 2025, the club ...

The Houston Astros' home ballpark will be renamed Daikin Park starting in January 2025, the club announced Monday.The Astros and Daikin, which is a Japanese-based air conditioning company, entered a 15-year agreement that will see Minute Maid Park change its name for the first time since 2002. Owner Jim Crane acknowledged there will be modifications to the train carrying oranges that runs when the team hits a home run or wins. The cargo fruit served as part of the Minute Maid branding.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We do have something we're working on, and we'll show it on Opening Day," Crane said, according to <a href="https://x.com/brianmctaggart/status/1858538592450011277">Brian McTaggart of MLB.com</a>.Minute Maid Park hosted five World Series over 22 years and the 2004 All-Star Game. The company will still serve as a team partner through 2029.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 28: A general view of the stadium during the National Anthem before the Opening Day game between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on March 28, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Astros change naming rights of stadium to Daikin Park

Right-hander Nick Martinez said Monday that he accepted the one-year, $21.05-million qualifying o...

Right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/13693" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/13693">Nick Martinez</a> said Monday that he accepted the one-year, $21.05-million qualifying offer from the Cincinnati Reds.Martinez had until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to decide if he wanted to take the qualifying offer. He would've been attached to draft-pick compensation in free agency if he rejected it."We were definitely hearing calls, taking them, and seeing what was out there," Martinez said, according to <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/msheldon.bsky.social/post/3lbaletqjn22r">Mark Sheldon of MLB.com</a>. "We're still able to talk (with the Reds) about a multi-year deal. To my understanding, that's still on the table. We're continuing to talk and see what we can do."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 34-year-old <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/msheldon.bsky.social/post/3lbalfhmtws2r">added</a>: "This was just because of deadlines and stuff to accept the qualifying offer. Being in Cincy, to run it back with these guys, was a better option for me. I'm comfortable with these guys. I'm excited to run it back with them."Martinez is coming of a career season, authoring a 3.10 ERA with 1.03 WHIP and 116 strikeouts over 142 1/3 innings (16 starts) in 2024. His 3.5 fWAR was easily the best total he's amassed across seven years in the majors.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 20: Nick Martinez #28 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on September 20, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Martinez accepts Reds' 1-year, $21.05M qualifying offer

The Chicago White Sox and outfielder Austin Slater agreed to a one-year, $1.75-million contract, ...

The Chicago White Sox and outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5662" href="/mlb/players/5662">Austin Slater</a> agreed to a one-year, $1.75-million contract, the team announced Wednesday.Slater is coming off the worst season of his eight-year career, hitting two homers with 18 RBIs and a .586 OPS over a combined 84 games between the San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, and Cincinnati Reds.However, the 31-year-old slashed .257/.345/.412 with 24 long balls and a 113 wRC+ over 343 contests between 2021-23.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Slater is currently projected to start in right field for the White Sox with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9624" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9624">Luis Robert</a> in center field and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5354" href="/mlb/players/5354">Andrew Benintendi</a> in left field.

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 02: Baltimore Orioles outfielder Austin Slater (15) at the plate during a MLB game between the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox on September 2, 2024, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD.

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White Sox sign Slater to 1-year, $1.75M deal

Formula 1 and Canadian Grand Prix organizers agreed to move the event to late May starting in 202...

Formula 1 and Canadian Grand Prix organizers agreed to move the event to late May starting in 2026.The race, which previously took place in either early or mid-June, is set for the third or fourth weekend of May."We applaud the tremendous effort from all involved to accelerate the temporary build of the event to be ready to host the Formula 1 community earlier than in the past," F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said in a statement Monday. "The change will make the future flow of our calendar not only more sustainable but, logistically, more sensible for our teams and personnel."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The shift keeps all the European races together in one period during the summer, which eliminates an additional transatlantic crossing. The Canadian GP will now be the next event after the Miami GP.F1 also moved the dates for the Japanese GP, Azerbaijan GP, and Qatar GP in recent years, as well as the 2026 Monaco GP, to optimize its schedule.

George Russell of the UK is driving the (63) Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team F1 W15 E Performance Mercedes during the Formula 1 AWS Grand Prix Du Canada in Montreal, Canada, on June 9, 2024.

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F1 moves Canadian GP to May starting in 2026

The Toronto Blue Jays hired David Bell as the new vice president of baseball operations and assis...

The Toronto Blue Jays hired David Bell as the new vice president of baseball operations and assistant general manager, the club announced Friday.Bell, who recently served as the Cincinnati Reds manager, will be in charge of Toronto's player development and report to general manager Ross Atkins.The 52-year-old Bell was fired in late September after spending six seasons as the Reds skipper. He posted a 409-456 record with the team, which included a wild-card appearance in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bell interviewed for the Blue Jays' managerial opening in 2018 before landing with Cincinnati, according to <a href="https://x.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1857563328161148932">Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet</a>.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 02: David Bell the manager of the Cincinnati Reds against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on April 02, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Blue Jays add David Bell to front office

Willy Adames is a popular name in free agency.  The star shortstop is garnering plenty of interes...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/4784" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/4784">Willy Adames</a> is a popular name in free agency.The star shortstop is garnering plenty of interest from teams on the open market, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Atlanta Braves, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/j-p-morosi-with-latest-free-agency-stories?t=mlb-network">Jon Morosi of MLB Network</a>.The New York Yankees, Houston Astros, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers also make sense for Adames from a fit perspective, Morosi notes.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Adames is willing to play a different position if he gets a good offer from a contender, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5902015/2024/11/05/mlb-gm-meetings-bobby-witt-willy-adames/">Will Sammon and Katie Woo of The Athletic</a>.The 29-year-old has made 843 career starts at short. He's started eight games at second base and has never logged any time at third base in the majors.Adames is expected to find a new home this offseason, as the Milwaukee Brewers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3125280" href="https://thescore.com/news/3125280">acknowledged</a> Monday that his return is unlikely due to the high asking price.The seven-year veteran is coming off a career year in which he recorded 32 homers, 112 RBIs, 21 stolen bases, and a .794 OPS over 161 games.

MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 01: Willy Adames #27 of the Milwaukee Brewers looks on prior to Game 1 of the Wild Card Series presented by T-Mobile 5G Home Internet between the New York Mets and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Report: Blue Jays, Braves, Red Sox eyeing Adames

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