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

<p>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.</p><p>"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."</p><p>Wolfe's comments come in response to executives around baseball speculating Sasaki already has an agreement in place with the Dodgers, per Drellich.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>"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."</p><p>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.</p><p>"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."</p><p>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.</p>

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 ...

<p>The Houston Astros' home ballpark will be renamed Daikin Park starting in January 2025, the club announced Monday.</p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"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>.</p><p>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.</p>

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...

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>"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."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>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."</p><p>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.</p>

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, ...

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>However, the 31-year-old slashed .257/.345/.412 with 24 long balls and a 113 wRC+ over 343 contests between 2021-23.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>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.</p>

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...

<p>Formula 1 and Canadian Grand Prix organizers agreed to move the event to late May starting in 2026.</p><p>The race, which previously took place in either early or mid-June, is set for the third or fourth weekend of May.</p><p>"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."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>

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...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays hired David Bell as the new vice president of baseball operations and assistant general manager, the club announced Friday.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>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>.</p>

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...

<p><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.</p><p>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>.</p><p>The New York Yankees, Houston Astros, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers also make sense for Adames from a fit perspective, Morosi notes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>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>.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>

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

Major League Baseball announced the fifth annual All-MLB teams Thursday in Las Vegas, with 16 pla...

<p>Major League Baseball announced the fifth annual All-MLB teams Thursday in Las Vegas, with 16 players each making up the first and second teams.</p><p>Here's a look at the full selections:</p><h3>1st-team position players</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750708/cropped_GettyImages-2179680750.jpg?ts=1729711616" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750708/w220xh124_GettyImages-2179680750.jpg?ts=1729711616 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750708/w320xh180_GettyImages-2179680750.jpg?ts=1729711616 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750708/w640xh360_GettyImages-2179680750.jpg?ts=1729711616 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750708/w768xh432_GettyImages-2179680750.jpg?ts=1729711616 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750708/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2179680750.jpg?ts=1729711616 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Maddie Meyer / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>William Contreras</td>
<td>Brewers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</td>
<td>Blue Jays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Ketel Marte</td>
<td>D-Backs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Bobby Witt Jr.</td>
<td>Royals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B</td>
<td>José Ramírez</td>
<td>Guardians</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Mookie Betts</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Aaron Judge</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Juan Soto</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DH</td>
<td>Shohei Ohtani</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>1st-team pitchers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754140/cropped_GettyImages-2177360486.jpg?ts=1731019967" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754140/w220xh124_GettyImages-2177360486.jpg?ts=1731019967 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754140/w320xh180_GettyImages-2177360486.jpg?ts=1731019967 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754140/w640xh360_GettyImages-2177360486.jpg?ts=1731019967 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754140/w768xh432_GettyImages-2177360486.jpg?ts=1731019967 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754140/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2177360486.jpg?ts=1731019967 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ben Jackson / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Chris Sale</td>
<td>Braves</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Tarik Skubal</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Paul Skenes</td>
<td>Pirates</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Zack Wheeler</td>
<td>Phillies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Corbin Burnes</td>
<td>Orioles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Emmanuel Clase</td>
<td>Guardians</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Ryan Helsley</td>
<td>Cardinals</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>2nd-team position players</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/623048/cropped_GettyImages-2126137627.jpg?ts=1712107080" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/623048/w220xh124_GettyImages-2126137627.jpg?ts=1712107080 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/623048/w320xh180_GettyImages-2126137627.jpg?ts=1712107080 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/623048/w640xh360_GettyImages-2126137627.jpg?ts=1712107080 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/623048/w768xh432_GettyImages-2126137627.jpg?ts=1712107080 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/623048/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2126137627.jpg?ts=1712107080 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>Salvador Perez</td>
<td>Royals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Bryce Harper</td>
<td>Phillies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Jose Altuve</td>
<td>Astros</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Francisco Lindor</td>
<td>Mets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Manny Machado</td>
<td>Padres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Jarren Duran</td>
<td>Red Sox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Jackson Merrill</td>
<td>Padres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Teoscar Hernández</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DH</td>
<td>Yordan Alvarez</td>
<td>Astros</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>2nd-team pitchers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738282/cropped_GettyImages-2155192349.jpg?ts=1721935179" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738282/w220xh124_GettyImages-2155192349.jpg?ts=1721935179 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738282/w320xh180_GettyImages-2155192349.jpg?ts=1721935179 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738282/w640xh360_GettyImages-2155192349.jpg?ts=1721935179 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738282/w768xh432_GettyImages-2155192349.jpg?ts=1721935179 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738282/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2155192349.jpg?ts=1721935179 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Seth Lugo</td>
<td>Royals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Dylan Cease</td>
<td>Padres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Shota Imanaga</td>
<td>Cubs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Framber Valdez</td>
<td>Astros</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Michael King</td>
<td>Padres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Mason Miller</td>
<td>Athletics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Kirby Yates</td>
<td>Rangers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>MLB also announced some of its major individual awards Thursday. Here are the winners:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Hank Aaron Award</h3><p><strong>AL: Aaron Judge, Yankees</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745044/cropped_GettyImages-2171830918.jpg?ts=1726278934" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745044/w220xh124_GettyImages-2171830918.jpg?ts=1726278934 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745044/w320xh180_GettyImages-2171830918.jpg?ts=1726278934 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745044/w640xh360_GettyImages-2171830918.jpg?ts=1726278934 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745044/w768xh432_GettyImages-2171830918.jpg?ts=1726278934 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745044/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2171830918.jpg?ts=1726278934 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Luke Hales / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Judge takes home the honor for a second time in three years after hitting an MLB-best 58 home runs with 144 RBIs and a staggering 1.159 OPS. The AL MVP favorite also led the majors in on-base percentage (.458), slugging percentage (.701), wRC+ (218), and fWAR (11.2).</p><p><strong>NL: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers</strong></p><p>Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to record at least 50 round-trippers and 50 stolen bases in a single season, finishing with a dazzling 54-homer, 59-steal campaign. The NL MVP favorite is also the first major leaguer to win the Hank Aaron Award in both leagues after earning the AL honor in 2023.</p><h3>Edgar Martínez Outstanding DH Award</h3><p><strong>Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750237/cropped_GettyImages-2178106280.jpg?ts=1729620276" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750237/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178106280.jpg?ts=1729620276 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750237/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178106280.jpg?ts=1729620276 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750237/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178106280.jpg?ts=1729620276 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750237/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178106280.jpg?ts=1729620276 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750237/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178106280.jpg?ts=1729620276 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ohtani added to his trophy case by picking up his fourth consecutive designated hitter award. Hall of Famer David Ortiz is the last player to accomplish the feat, taking the honor five straight years from 2003-07. Ohtani led all qualified players at his position in homers, RBIs, runs, batting average, slugging percentage, OPS, and fWAR.</p><h3>Reliever of the Year Awards</h3><p><strong>AL: Emmanuel Clase, Guardians</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743217/cropped_GettyImages-2167573369.jpg?ts=1727986106" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743217/w220xh124_GettyImages-2167573369.jpg?ts=1727986106 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743217/w320xh180_GettyImages-2167573369.jpg?ts=1727986106 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743217/w640xh360_GettyImages-2167573369.jpg?ts=1727986106 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743217/w768xh432_GettyImages-2167573369.jpg?ts=1727986106 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743217/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2167573369.jpg?ts=1727986106 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Diamond Images / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Clase is the recipient of the Mariano Rivera Award for a second time in three years. The 2024 AL Cy Young finalist posted a sublime 0.61 ERA and 0.66 WHIP with an AL-high 47 saves.</p><p><strong>NL: Ryan Helsley, Cardinals</strong></p><p>Helsley is a first-time winner of the Trevor Hoffman Award following an outstanding year that saw him author a 2.04 ERA with an MLB-high 49 saves and 10.7 K/9. The two-time All-Star surrendered a combined four home runs over the last two seasons.</p><h3>Comeback Player of the Year Awards</h3><p><strong>AL: Garrett Crochet, White Sox</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739047/cropped_GettyImages-2162827062.jpg?ts=1722389864" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739047/w220xh124_GettyImages-2162827062.jpg?ts=1722389864 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739047/w320xh180_GettyImages-2162827062.jpg?ts=1722389864 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739047/w640xh360_GettyImages-2162827062.jpg?ts=1722389864 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739047/w768xh432_GettyImages-2162827062.jpg?ts=1722389864 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739047/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2162827062.jpg?ts=1722389864 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Crochet posted a 3.58 ERA with 209 strikeouts over 146 innings en route to becoming an All-Star for the first time. He logged just 12 2/3 innings in 2023 while recovering from Tommy John surgery.</p><p><strong>NL: Chris Sale, Braves</strong></p><p>Sale, the NL Cy Young favorite, recorded a 2.38 ERA with 225 strikeouts over 177 2/3 innings after being limited to 20 starts in 2023 due to injuries.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 25: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after hitting a double in the eighth inning against the New York Yankees during Game One of the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 25, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Warning: Videos contain coarse language  Jake Paul and Mike Tyson had their final press conferenc...

<p><em>Warning: Videos contain coarse language</em></p><p>Jake Paul and Mike Tyson had their final press conference Wednesday before Friday's highly anticipated fight at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which will be streamed live on Netflix.</p><p>A hilarious moment took place when host Ariel Helwani polled other boxers on stage about who would win the main event, with the vast majority picking Tyson.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">All fighters on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PaulTyson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PaulTyson</a> card give their pick for the main event.<br><br>Tyson with a decisive 9 to 3 win 👀 <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Netflix</a> <a href="https://t.co/q2qLd22b3H">pic.twitter.com/q2qLd22b3H</a></p>— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) <a href="https://twitter.com/arielhelwani/status/1856864828167716971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>After Paul (10-1, 7 KOs) confronted all the fighters who picked Tyson, he seemed to shake hands on three different $1-million wagers as well as other bets involving $20, a ring, and one for the entire purse with Katie Taylor.</p><p>"I'm sending out contracts, too," Paul shouted before sitting back down.</p><p>Paul and Tyson didn't exchange any words during an intense faceoff.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">NO WORDS EXCHANGED DURING THE FACEOFF 😤 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAULTYSON?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAULTYSON</a><br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/MostVpromotions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MostVpromotions</a>) <a href="https://t.co/IurLrUok7l">pic.twitter.com/IurLrUok7l</a></p>— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNRingside/status/1856866540903186705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Paul, 27, wore a blinged-out ear cover, as Tyson is famous for biting off a piece of Evander Holyfield's ear during a 1997 fight.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jake Paul is wearing a "diamond spiked ear cover" at the press conference to protect him from Mike Tyson's bites: "I'm not getting my s*** bit off."<br><br>[🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/MostVpromotions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MostVPromotions</a>] <a href="https://t.co/llt2zu08jc">pic.twitter.com/llt2zu08jc</a></p>— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonn/status/1856856206671057312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 58-year-old Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) is determined to win the sanctioned fight.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">‼️ Mike Tyson shouts an angry answer to a question about potentially losing to Jake Paul at their final press conference ahead of Friday night: "I'm not gonna lose, did you hear what I said?"<br><br>[🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/MostVpromotions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MostVPromotions</a>] <a href="https://t.co/vIC2PbVaRE">pic.twitter.com/vIC2PbVaRE</a></p>— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonn/status/1856859962036695229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Lastly, Paul ripped a reporter for questioning the legitimacy of the bout.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jake Paul calls a reporter a "dumbass" after being asked: "When can we expect you to start fighting legitimate contending fighters in your weight class?"<br><br>[🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/MostVpromotions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MostVPromotions</a>] <a href="https://t.co/CwTaRmknX4">pic.twitter.com/CwTaRmknX4</a></p>— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonn/status/1856863638411161867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

IRVING, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 13: Mike Tyson and Jake Paul pose at a press conference at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas on November 13, 2024 for their heavyweight world titles of the Premiere Boxing Championship which will be on November 15 Friday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, United States.

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Best moments from Paul-Tyson presser: Intense faceoff, fighters pick 'Iron Mike' 

The Los Angeles Angels agreed to a two-year contract with catcher Travis d'Arnaud on Tuesday.  D'...

<p>The Los Angeles Angels agreed to a two-year contract with catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2068" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2068">Travis d'Arnaud</a> on Tuesday.</p><p>D'Arnaud's deal is worth $12 million, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1856440605590634974">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>. </p><p>Angels general manager Perry Minasian believes the addition of d'Arnaud will help with the development of 24-year-old catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12411" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12411">Logan O'Hoppe</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I think it's gonna be great for a guy like Logan, who's coming into his own, to have somebody with him as part of that tandem," Minasian said, according to <a href="https://x.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1856445858474275184">Alden González of ESPN</a>. "To have somebody with him like a Travis d'Arnaud, that will really help his career moving forward."</p><p>The 35-year-old backstop became a free agent last week after the Atlanta Braves declined an $8-million option on his contract for 2025. He hit .238/.302/.436 in 2024 in 99 games, with 15 home runs and 48 RBIs. </p>

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 14: Travis d'Arnaud #16 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after hitting a three-run home run in the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 14, 2022 in Washington, DC.

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Angels, d'Arnaud agree to 2-year deal reportedly worth $12M

The Baseball Writers' Association of America revealed the American League and National League fin...

<p>The Baseball Writers' Association of America revealed the American League and National League finalists for Major League Baseball's four major awards Monday.</p><p>Winners and full voting results for each league will be announced next week (Rookie of the Year on Nov. 18, Manager of the Year on Nov. 19, Cy Young on Nov. 20, and MVP on Nov. 21).</p><h3>AL MVP</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Aaron Judge</td>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Juan Soto</td>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bobby Witt Jr.</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Royals</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Judge hit an MLB-best 58 homers with 144 RBIs and a staggering 1.159 OPS for the AL pennant-winning Yankees, He's vying for his second MVP award in three years after leading the majors with 11.2 fWAR. Meanwhile, Witt recorded his second straight 30-homer, 30-steal season and posted 10.4 fWAR to help the Royals make the playoffs following 106 losses in 2023. Soto, who's free agency will be the story of the offseason, went deep a career-high 41 times while scoring an AL-high 128 runs to go along with a .419 on-base percentage.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>NL MVP</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Shohei Ohtani</td>
<td>DH</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Francisco Lindor</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Mets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ketel Marte</td>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Diamondbacks</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Ohtani once again left the baseball world in awe with an unprecedented 54-homer, 59-steal campaign en route to winning a World Series. He did this while taking a year off from pitching to recover from elbow surgery. Ohtani could become the second player in MLB history to win an MVP in each league. Lindor, who only trailed Ohtani in fWAR in the NL, led the surprising Mets to a postseason berth thanks to his 33 long balls, 91 RBIs, 29 stolen bases, and outstanding defense at short. Marte rounds out the group. The star second baseman recorded 36 round-trippers with 151 wRC+ for the D-Backs.</p><h3>AL Cy Young</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pitcher</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Tarik Skubal</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Seth Lugo</td>
<td>Royals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Emmanuel Clase</td>
<td>Guardians</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Skubal is the favorite to win his first Cy Young after capturing the AL Triple Crown. The 27-year-old left-hander led the league in wins (18), ERA (2.39), and strikeouts (228). Lugo is up for the award just two years after transitioning to a starter from a reliever. He finished with the third-highest fWAR among AL hurlers due to a 3.00 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. Finally, Clase is the first reliever to be a Cy Young finalist since Francisco Rodríguez in 2008. The Guardians' star closer authored a microscopic 0.61 ERA with an AL-high 47 saves.</p><h3>NL Cy Young</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pitcher</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Chris Sale</td>
<td>Braves</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zack Wheeler</td>
<td>Phillies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paul Skenes</td>
<td>Pirates</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Sale is positioned to take home the honor for the first time in his stellar 14-year career after capturing the NL Triple Crown by leading the league in wins (18), ERA (2.38), and strikeouts (225). His 6.4 fWAR was also the best in baseball for pitchers. Wheeler amassed a career-best 2.57 ERA with 0.96 WHIP, the top mark for qualified NL hurlers. Skenes, who's also up for Rookie of the Year, is the fifth freshman ever to finish top three for Cy Young after bursting onto the scene with a 1.96 ERA and 11.5 K/9 in his age-22 season.</p><h3>AL Rookie of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Colton Cowser</td>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Orioles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luis Gil</td>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Austin Wells</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Cowser can make the Orioles the first MLB team since 2016-17 to have consecutive Rookie of the Year winners. The 24-year-old led first-year players in his league with 24 homers and 4.0 fWAR. The emergence of Gil stabilized New York's rotation thanks to 15 wins, a 3.50 ERA, and 10.2 K/9. Lastly, Wells went deep 13 times with 55 RBIs and 3.4 fWAR as the Yankees' No. 1 catcher.</p><h3>NL Rookie of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Paul Skenes</td>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Pirates</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jackson Merrill</td>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Padres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jackson Chourio</td>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Brewers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Skenes exceeded sky-high expectations in Year 1 after he was taken with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft. He started the All-Star Game and flirted with multiple no-hitters. However, the pitching phenom finished behind Merrill in fWAR, as the 21-year-old Padres outfielder gained a reputation for being a clutch player with the game on the line. Chourio posted a 20-homer, 20-steal season at age 20 for the NL Central-winning Brewers.</p><h3>AL Manager of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Manager</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Stephen Vogt</td>
<td>Guardians</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A.J. Hinch</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Quatraro</td>
<td>Royals</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Vogt led the Guardians to the ALCS in his first year after taking over for longtime manager Terry Francona. Cleveland won 92 games, which was the second-highest total in the AL, en route to securing a division crown. Hinch got the Tigers into the postseason for the first time since 2014. Detroit's memorable second-half run saw the club come within one victory of the ALCS. Quatraro helped the Royals shock many by reaching the ALDS following a combined 203 defeats between 2022-23.</p><h3>NL Manager of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Manager</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Carlos Mendoza</td>
<td>Mets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pat Murphy</td>
<td>Brewers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Shildt</td>
<td>Padres</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Mendoza guided the Mets to 89 wins and their first NLCS appearance since 2015 in his rookie season. Meanwhile, Murphy overcame the loss of ace Corbin Burnes and All-Star closer Josh Harder to secure Milwaukee's third division title in four years. Finally, Shildt was responsible for the Padres earning 93 victories, which was the second-highest amount in franchise history. San Diego also came within a game of knocking out the Dodgers in the NLDS.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees celebrates his sixth inning two run home run against the Kansas City Royals with teammate Aaron Judge #99 at Yankee Stadium on September 11, 2024 in New York City.

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The Juan Soto market is starting to become clearer.  The New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Ang...

<p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> market is starting to become clearer.</p><p>The New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, and Tampa Bay Rays have inquired about the free-agent superstar, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/11/06/sports/rays-join-list-of-juan-soto-suitors-as-two-other-mystery-teams-emerge/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.</p><p>There are reportedly four more unknown teams that have shown early interest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, many around the industry believe the Yankees and Mets are the favorites to sign the 26-year-old outfielder.</p><p>Soto's agent, Scott Boras, said Wednesday during the GM meetings that his client is prioritizing any team owner who is committed to "winning," per <a href="https://x.com/eboland11/status/1854204651467624700">Erik Boland of Newsday</a>.</p><p>The four-time All-Star could sign the biggest contract in MLB history, and his deal is reportedly expected to have no deferrals. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> inked a record 10-year, $700-million pact with the Dodgers last offseason that's almost entirely deferred.</p><p>Soto recorded a career-high 41 homers with 109 RBIs and a .989 OPS over 157 games during the regular season before helping the Yankees reach the World Series for the first time in 15 years. He's accrued a combined 36.3 fWAR, including 8.1 fWAR in 2024, over seven years in the majors with the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and Yankees.</p>

BRONX, NY - JULY 24: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after he hits a home run during the game against the New York Mets on July 24, 2024 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.

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The Houston Astros have had internal conversations about moving reliever Ryan Pressly, sources to...

<p>The Houston Astros have had internal conversations about moving reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3675" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3675">Ryan Pressly</a>, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5904202/2024/11/06/astros-gm-meetings-ryan-pressly-trade/?source=emp_shared_article">Chandler Rome of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The discussions indicate the Astros could be looking to clear payroll to stay under the first luxury-tax threshold, notes Rome, who adds the team is around $10 million below that line after projected arbitration salaries</p><p>Pressly, who's set to make $14 million in 2025, has a no-trade clause.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 35-year-old right-hander posted a 3.49 ERA with 1.34 WHIP and 58 strikeouts over 59 appearances in 2024. He owns a 2.81 ERA with 111 saves and 11.1 K/9 over the last seven years with the Astros, which includes two All-Star nods and a 2022 World Series ring.</p><p>Pressly could be the latest high-leverage reliever to join a trade market that already <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3117605" href="https://thescore.com/news/3117605">reportedly</a> includes St. Louis Cardinals' All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9598" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9598">Ryan Helsley</a> and Milwaukee Brewers closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11736">Devin Williams</a>.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 2: Ryan Pressly #55 of the Houston Astros reacts after inducing an inning ending ground out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning at Minute Maid Park on August 2, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers aren't anticipating Shohei Ohtani will be able to make a return to the mo...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers aren't anticipating <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> will be able to make a return to the mound to begin next season after the superstar underwent shoulder surgery Tuesday on his non-throwing arm.</p><p>The Dodgers will monitor his recovery throughout the offseason and spring training, which means he won't likely pitch during the club's two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19.</p><p>"We're going to take it piece by piece and get through this, and then take it in one-, two-week chunks and make sure that we're in a really good place on each of those benchmarks, and then go from there and not try to say, 'Hey, we need to be ready by this day,"' general manager Brandon Gomes said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohtani-betts-roberts-dodgers-ff8ba13a761ec4e56381dfa7906ebfcc">Ronald Blum of The Associated Press</a>. "We're going to let the rehab process play out."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ohtani, who's the NL MVP favorite after an unprecedented 54-homer, 59-steal campaign, underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a labrum tear that was sustained when he dislocated his left shoulder on a stolen-base attempt in Game 2 of the World Series on Oct. 26.</p><p>"I think it's safe that he will not steal 50 bases next year," Gomes added. "I have a hunch. I don't want to count it out because I don't ever bet against Shohei."</p><p>Ohtani hasn't pitched in the majors since September 2023 following elbow surgery. The 30-year-old two-way sensation did take part in a throwing program in August and September of this season.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms up pitching in the outfield prior to facing the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 14, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Ohtani likely won't be ready to pitch to start 2025 after shoulder surgery

Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said the team is assuming superstar Mookie Bett...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said the team is assuming superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4184" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4184">Mookie Betts</a> will be back in the infield to play second base or shortstop next season, according to <a href="https://x.com/ByJackHarris/status/1854294873907806326">Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times</a>.</p><p>Gomes added that the plan isn't "set in stone," but the club talked to Betts about the idea after the eight-time All-Star said in recent weeks how much he enjoyed being in the infield over the last two years.</p><p>"I know the toll on the body is less in the infield for him," Gomes <a href="https://x.com/ByJackHarris/status/1854294875086131508">said</a> Wednesday at the GM meetings. "So, you can make arguments on both sides of it. But the beauty of Mookie is (he's) the most selfless superstar we've ever been around. And that permeates through the team."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 32-year-old was the club's starting shortstop in 2024 before he fractured his hand in mid-June. He returned to right field in August - a position where he's made 958 starts over his 11-year career.</p><p>Betts has logged 99 starts at second and 73 at short while playing in the majors.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 05: Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) throws a runner out during an MLB game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 05, 2024 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Dodgers plan to have Betts playing infield in 2025

The St. Louis Cardinals are moving star catcher Willson Contreras to a first base/designated hitt...

<p>The St. Louis Cardinals are moving star catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3571" href="/mlb/players/3571">Willson Contreras</a> to a first base/designated hitter role in 2025, president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5904568/2024/11/06/cardinals-mlb-willson-contreras-first-base/">Katie Woo of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The Cardinals and Contreras decided the move would be best for the player's health and longevity. </p><p>Mozeliak added it's "unlikely" the 32-year-old will catch at all next year. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12466" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12466">Iván Herrera</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12467" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12467">Pedro Pagés</a> are now projected to be St. Louis' catching tandem for next season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Our medical team recommended (the move) in terms of if he really wants to extend his career, they think this would be best for him," Mozeliak said. "Having (Contreras) play first base, more DH, allowing then Herrera and Pagés more opportunity behind the plate, we think from an offensive standpoint it strengthens us. From a defensive standpoint, it creates an opportunity for those two different players."</p><p>The executive had talks with players under no-trade clauses and <a href="https://x.com/katiejwoo/status/1854278055604486538">said</a> Contreras wants to stay in St. Louis.</p><p>The three-time All-Star has only started four games at first over his nine-year career. He will take over the position from free agent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/1851" href="/wbc/players/1851">Paul Goldschmidt</a>.</p><p>Contreras ranked in the 35th percentile for framing and 38th percentile for pop time in 2024, according to <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/willson-contreras-575929?stats=statcast-r-hitting-mlb">Baseball Savant</a>.</p><p>St. Louis signed Contreras to a five-year, $87.5-million deal in December 2022. </p>

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 14: St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras (40) gets ready to toss the ball to a fan after the end of an inning during a game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals on Apr 14, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis MO

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Cardinals moving Contreras to 1B/DH role next season

The Cleveland Guardians and catcher Austin Hedges agreed to a one-year contract, the club announc...

<p>The Cleveland Guardians and catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3638" href="/mlb/players/3638">Austin Hedges</a> agreed to a one-year contract, the club announced Wednesday.</p><p>Hedges' deal is worth $4 million, according to <a href="https://x.com/Buster_ESPN/status/1854270520906395706">Buster Olney of ESPN</a>.</p><p>The 32-year-old will return to the Guardians to back up starting catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12315" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12315">Bo Naylor</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hedges hit two homers with 15 RBIs and a .422 OPS across 66 games in 2024 for the AL Central-winning Guardians. However, he still provides value defensively, ranking in the 75th percentile in blocks above average and 82nd percentile in framing, according <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/austin-hedges-595978?stats=statcast-r-hitting-mlb">Baseball Savant</a>.</p>

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 12: Austin Hedges #27 of the Cleveland Guardians looks on during Game 5 of the Division Series presented by Booking.com between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Saturday, October 12, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Guardians bring back Hedges on 1-year deal reportedly worth $4M

With the offseason underway, we rank the top 20 free-agent position players (ages at start of 202...

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Top 20 MLB free-agent position players

The San Diego Padres and manager Mike Shildt agreed to a two-year contract extension through the ...

<p>The San Diego Padres and manager Mike Shildt agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2027 season, the team announced Wednesday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our Skipper’s staying!<br><br>We have agreed upon a two-year contract extension through the 2027 season with Manager Mike Shildt: <a href="https://t.co/z7EnFi9Wkx">https://t.co/z7EnFi9Wkx</a> <a href="https://t.co/Uu67JvWx5I">pic.twitter.com/Uu67JvWx5I</a></p>— San Diego Padres (@Padres) <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres/status/1854207271938740384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Shildt, who had one more season left on a two-year deal he signed in November 2023.</p><p>"As Mike demonstrated this year, he has an unwavering commitment to winning and a unique set of skills that got our group to perform at a high level," president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller. "He possesses a true love for this team and the game of baseball, and I am thrilled to continue to work together with Mike to bring a championship to the City of San Diego."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 56-year-old will reportedly get a substantial raise. His 2024 salary was in the bottom third for MLB managers.</p><p>"I am honored to continue leading this team toward Peter Seidler's vision of bringing a World Series championship to San Diego," Shildt added.</p><p>Shildt led the Padres to 93 wins in 2024, the second-highest total in franchise history. San Diego was bounced in the NLDS in five games to the eventual World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Jurickson Profar #10, Manager Mike Shildt #8 and Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres celebrate after the 4-2 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers to clinch a playoff spot at Dodger Stadium on September 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Padres, Shildt agree to extension through 2027

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown acknowledged he's had good conversations with agent Sco...

<p>Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown acknowledged he's had good conversations with agent Scott Boras about <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a>.</p><p>"They have been productive, and we hope that some good things happen," Brown said Tuesday at the GM meetings, according to <a href="https://fansided.com/mlb-rumors-what-im-hearing-alex-bregman-garrett-crochet-angels-mariners">Robert Murray of FanSided</a>. "I think we have a really good chance (at re-signing him)."</p><p>Brown didn't disclose if the Astros made an offer to the free-agent third baseman but said bringing back Bregman is atop the club's to-do list, according to <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1853929134986039309">Chandler Rome of The Athletic</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Our biggest priority is third base, without a doubt," Brown added. "We'd love to have Alex Bregman back."</p><p>The 30-year-old Bregman said he'd like to return to Houston after the team was eliminated in the wild-card series in early October. The two-time All-Star has played his whole nine-year career with the Astros, winning a pair of World Series titles.</p>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 09: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros bats against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 09, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Astros GM: We've had 'productive' talks with 'biggest priority' Bregman

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Tom Ruminski

News Editor

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