Top News:
Dan Wiederer / Chicago Tribune:
Chicago Bears say they will not sign Larry Ogunjobi — their top offseason acquisition — because of a failed physical — Friday was supposed to be a festive day at Halas Hall, a chance for the Chicago Bears to formally introduce three new additions to their roster.
Discussion:
ProFootballTalk, Windy City Gridiron, New York Post, FanSided and Boston Herald
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Dan Wiederer / Chicago Tribune:
‘Everything we are looking for:’ How DT Larry Ogunjobi became the 1st big-splash signing for Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles — Chip Smith keeps the videos in his smartphone with a sense of fulfillment. Every so often he'll pull one up and watch Larry Ogunjobi, a 305-pound package of eagerness …
Discussion:
Da Windy City and Orange County Register
ESPN:
Atlanta Braves sign closer Kenley Jansen to 1-year, $16 million deal — MLB, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers — The Atlanta Braves signed longtime Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen to a one-year, $16 million contract, the team announced Friday.
Discussion:
Battery Power, Daily News, MLB Daily Dish and baseballmusings.com
RELATED:
Buster Olney / ESPN:
Inside the yearlong contract saga that split up Freddie Freeman and the Atlanta Braves — THE SPLIT OF Freddie Freeman and the Atlanta Braves sent shock waves through the industry: It felt like the divorce of a seemingly happy couple, bringing to an end more than a decade of apparent joy and contentment.
Discussion:
Associated Press, Battery Power, Los Angeles Times, FanSided, MLB Baseball News … and Sports Illustrated
Julia Poe / Chicago Tribune:
Patrick Williams (wrist) is cleared for full contact — and the Chicago Bulls forward could return in the next 2 weeks — SALT LAKE CITY — After five months waiting on the sidelines, Patrick Williams is poised to make his return for the Chicago Bulls in the next two weeks.
Discussion:
Boston Herald
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Julia Poe / Chicago Tribune:
Lonzo Ball — 7 weeks after undergoing knee surgery — is at a standstill for a return to the Chicago Bulls — PHOENIX — Seven weeks after undergoing meniscus surgery on his left knee, Lonzo Ball is still stuck in limbo. — The Chicago Bulls were hopeful the guard would be back on the court …
Discussion:
Chicago Sun-Times
Jonas Shaffer / Baltimore Sun:
Ravens' deal for OLB Za'Darius Smith falls through, complicating search for pass rush — When the Ravens introduced new safety Marcus Williams and offensive tackle Morgan Moses at the team's facility late Thursday morning, outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith's contract still hadn't been finalized.
Discussion:
Denver Post and Baltimore Beatdown
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Jonas Shaffer / Baltimore Sun:
Ravens reunite with OLB Za'Darius Smith, bolster pass rush with reported 4-year, $35 million deal — ExpandAutoplay — 1 of 13 — The Ravens have reportedly agreed to a four-year, $35 million deal with outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith, bolstering their pass rush with a widely hoped-for reunion.
Discussion:
Baltimore Beatdown, Packers Wire, Boston Herald, Blogging The Boys, CBS Baltimore, The Athletic and Sports Illustrated
Chris Cotillo / Union-News:
Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran looking to have more fun, bring more energy after disappointing MLB debut: ‘I made it way bigger than it needed to be’ — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Jarren Duran didn't just change his batting stance during the winter. He worked to change his outlook on baseball as a whole.
Discussion:
Boston.com
Ken Rosenthal / MLB - The Athletic:
Why the Yankees were willing to take on all $50 million owed to Josh Donaldson — Talk about a head-scratcher. The Yankees didn't land first baseman Freddie Freeman, who seemingly preferred the Dodgers, and don't appear interested in Carlos Correa, who would be far more expensive than their two highly regarded shortstop prospects.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Camden Chat, Bleacher Nation and The Athletic
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals starter Flaherty has ‘small tear,’ inflammation in shoulder, will miss opening day — JUPITER, Fla. — Cardinals starter Jack Flaherty, almost a year removed from his opening day start for the club, will miss the start of this regular season after having treatment Friday for a small tear in his right shoulder.
Discussion:
MLB.com, Bleacher Nation and MLB Trade Rumors
ESPN:
Colorado Rockies, Kris Bryant reach seven-year, $182 million deal, sources say — Third baseman Kris Bryant and the Colorado Rockies are in agreement on a seven-year, $182 million contract, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Wednesday. — Bryant got off to a hot start in 2021 after a down and injured season in 2020.
Discussion:
Purple Row, The Good Phight, Da Windy City, Lone Star Ball, Denver Post and DraftKings Nation
RELATED:
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Colorado Rockies continue to be perplexing with puzzling move to sign Kris Bryant
Colorado Rockies continue to be perplexing with puzzling move to sign Kris Bryant
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Sports Illustrated
Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com:
NEW: 2022 Top 100 Prospects list unveiled — At long last, we are ready to unveil MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospects list. And with a full Minor League season in 2021, there are sure to be plenty of changes in this year's list compared to a year ago. — With graduations …
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation, Camden Chat, Kansas City Star, Pinstripe Alley, True Blue LA, Giants News and Cubs News
ESPN:
1B Anthony Rizzo agrees to two-year, $32 million contract with New York Yankees, source says — First baseman Anthony Rizzo, who finished last season with the Yankees after a trade from the Chicago Cubs, agreed to a multiyear contract Tuesday night to return to New York, pending a physical, a source told ESPN's Jesse Rogers.
Discussion:
Boston.com, Pinstripe Alley, Sportsnet.ca, MLB Daily Dish and Cubs Insider
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Bradford Doolittle / ESPN:
MLB free-agency grades: New York Yankees bring familiar face back with Anthony Rizzo signing
MLB free-agency grades: New York Yankees bring familiar face back with Anthony Rizzo signing
Discussion:
Elite Sports NY and baseballmusings.com