Top News:
Jeff Passan / ESPN:
Where MLB free agency, trades stand entering 2024 — Every MLB offseason evolves at its own pace, and this winter, that tempo is slow. It's not just slow for a specific subset of free agents. It's slow for the nine-figure guys, slow for outfield bats, slow for relief pitchers.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Forbes, Bleacher Report, Bleacher Nation, The Good Phight and ClutchPoints
The Athletic:
Lakers coach Darvin Ham's standing in question amid locker room disconnect: Sources — LOS ANGELES - Following their ninth loss in 12 games, the Los Angeles Lakers have hit a new nadir in their season, amplifying concerns about the direction of the season from both inside and outside the organization.
Associated Press:
D.R. prosecutors present Wander Franco case; judge to rule Friday — SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Dominican prosecutors on Wednesday accused Wander Franco of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering following allegations that the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop had a relationship …
Discussion:
New York Post, Larry Brown Sports, Battery Power, Deadspin, Associated Press, ClutchPoints, Cup of Coffee and MLB Trade Rumors
RELATED:
ESPN:
Sources: Rays' Wander Franco arrested for shirking investigators
Sources: Rays' Wander Franco arrested for shirking investigators
Discussion:
The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Deadspin, Associated Press, Sportsnet.ca, masslive.com, Orlando Sentinel, Lone Star Ball and DRaysBay
Kristie Ackert / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays' Wander Franco detained by Dominican Republic authorities: reports
Rays' Wander Franco detained by Dominican Republic authorities: reports
Discussion:
Orlando Sentinel, DraftKings Network, DRaysBay, Yahoo Sports, ClutchPoints, New York Post and Larry Brown Sports
Boston Herald:
The inside story of the Patriots' fall to rock bottom in the Bill Belichick era — In the wake of their 2022 season, the Patriots believed they were rebounding. — The days of dysfunction, an ill-conceived offense, players questioning coaches' tactics and quarterbacks melting down were over.
Discussion:
NESN.com, masslive.com, USA Today, Pats Pulpit, PatsFans.com, Boston.com, Pro Football Rumors and Larry Brown Sports
Jeff Passan / ESPN:
Braves sign newly acquired Chris Sale to 2-year, $38M extension — The Atlanta Braves have signed left-hander Chris Sale to a two-year, $38 million contract extension, the team announced Thursday, restructuring his deal in the wake of his trade from the Boston Red Sox last week.
Discussion:
Boston.com, ClutchPoints, Yahoo Sports, MLB Trade Rumors, DraftKings Network, Battery Power and NESN.com
RELATED:
Evan Petzold / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers re-sign Andrew Vasquez to minor-league contract with spring training invite — Left-handed reliever Andrew Vasquez is returning to the Detroit Tigers for the 2024 season. — The 30-year-old, who threw 81.8% sliders and limited hard contact last season …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and MLB.com
Ronald Blum / Associated Press:
Yamamoto's contract with Dodgers includes 2 opt outs, but timing depends on elbow health — Yoshinobu Yamamoto will have two opportunities to opt out of his record $325 million, 12-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, although the timing is tied to his pitching elbow's health.
Discussion:
MLB.com, New York Post, DraftKings Network, ClutchPoints, True Blue LA, Yahoo Sports, MLB Trade Rumors and Pasadena Star News
Jen Mattioni / Denver Westword:
The Best Places to Sip Booze-Free Mocktails During Dry January — Skip the tonic water with lime. … We've made it through the holidays, and the time known as Dry January is upon us. Whether or not you partake in the month-long reprieve from alcohol, the rise of zero-proof spirits …
Discussion:
Plain Dealer and Mercury News
Ben Badler / Baseball America:
2024 MLB International Prospects: Top 50 Bonus Board — Baseball America's International Bonus Board lines up the players expected to sign for the top 50 bonuses in the 2024 class, with scouting reports and the expected signing team for every player. — Players on the board are sorted in order of their expected signing bonus.
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation, Athletics Nation, Battery Power and Lookout Landing
Matt Gelb / The Athletic:
A stroke took Charlie Manuel's words away. Baseball is giving them back — CLEARWATER, Fla. — When Charlie Manuel began to speak again, he could not talk. It had been five days since his stroke. His heart was better. He'd regain the feeling in his right side with time.
Discussion:
Phillies Nation and Crossing Broad
FriarWire:
Padres Announce 2024 Major League Coaching Staff — SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres today announced the members of Manager Mike Shildt's coaching staff for the 2024 campaign. — Ruben Niebla — Pitching Coach — Ben Fritz — Bullpen Coach — Tim Leiper — Third Base Coach, Infield & Base Running Instructor
Adam Himmelsbach / The Boston Globe:
‘That [expletive] was terrible’: Jayson Tatum agrees with Gordon Hayward that winning was not Celtics' primary focus in 2018-19 — OKLAHOMA CITY — The Celtics entered the 2018-19 season as championship contenders, with a stacked and healthy roster featuring former All-Stars Kyrie Irving …
Discussion:
CelticsBlog, NESN.com, masslive.com, Hoops Rumors and Boston.com