Top News:
Ken Rosenthal / The Athletic:
What I'm hearing about the trade market for Dylan Cease — In their search for another starting pitcher, the New York Yankees are not simply exploring the top remaining free agents, left-handers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. They also are pursuing trade possibilities …
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Jon Heyman / New York Post:
Rangers still in play for free agents Jordan Montgomery, Josh Hader — With progress made on the Rangers' local TV situation — word is, they may get a one-time payment of about $90M — they seem likely to be back in play for Jordan Montgomery. A reunion always made sense since Montgomery is their Astros killer.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, ClutchPoints, Lone Star Ball and Jeff Wilson's Texas …
Randy Miller / New Jersey Online:
Yankees in danger of losing Jordan Montgomery, other top rotation upgrades, source predicts — It was only a few weeks ago the Yankees were optimistic about bolstering their rotation with the best starter on the free-agent market. They badly wanted Yoshinobu Yamamoto and felt …
Discussion:
New York Post, Larry Brown Sports, ClutchPoints, DraftKings Network, NESN.com and MLB.com
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.
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:
Forbes, Bleacher Report, Bleacher Nation, The Good Phight, Covering the Corner and ClutchPoints
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 …
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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:
masslive.com, New York Post, USA Today, PatsFans.com, Boston.com, NESN.com, Pats Pulpit, 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, NESN.com, MLB Trade Rumors, Yahoo Sports, DraftKings Network, ClutchPoints, Battery Power and Lookout Landing
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Joel Sherman / New York Post:
MLB sets date for 2024 trade deadline — There are still dozens and dozens (and dozens) of free agents left. — But in case you wanted to set your clock for when the drop dead time will be for, say, the Mets to decide if they are dealing Pete Alonso before his free agency …
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation and MLB Trade Rumors
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
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 Times Herald Online
Patrick Mooney / The Athletic:
Where Cody Bellinger, Shota Imanaga and the Cubs stand during slow-moving offseason — There are too many free agents still out there for Chicago Cubs fans to start wishing for Juan Soto at Wrigley Field next year. The New York Yankees will have a full season to make their recruiting pitch to Soto …
Discussion:
ClutchPoints, Bleacher Nation, audacy.com, Cubs Insider and Bleed Cubbie Blue
