Bud Harrelson, scrappy Mets SS who fought Pete Rose, dies at 79  —  NEW YORK — Bud Harrelson, the scrappy and sure-handed shortstop who fought Pete Rose on the field during a playoff game and helped the New York Mets win an astonishing championship, died early Thursday morning.  He was 79.

Why Titans fired Mike Vrabel, a story of festering slights and a lack of communication  —  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Poor communication, misinterpreted statements and misunderstandings all helped bring Mike Vrabel's six-year Tennessee Titans tenure to a surprising end this week.  —  A culmination of events led to his firing.

Marlins hire trailblazer Balkovec as director of player development (sources)  —  MIAMI — Rachel Balkovec has agreed to become the Marlins' director of player development, sources told MLB.com.  The club did not confirm the news.  —  Balkovec, 36, is no stranger to the Minor League landscape …

Fruit Stripe gum to be discontinued  —  It's the end of an era for Fruit Stripe, the decades-old gum brand that was known for its fruit-inspired flavors and zebra-print product: The brand's owner is discontinuing the striped treat.  —  “The decision to sunset this product was not taken lightly …

MLB free agency: Latest on Dylan Cease trade rumors, fits  —  From the first day of the offseason, right-handed starter Dylan Cease has been among baseball's most talked-about trade candidates.  Executives around the league expected the Chicago White Sox ace would be on the move …

Soto, Guerrero among 194 still with uncertain salaries ahead of Thursday's abitration swap deadline  —  Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Pete Alonso are among 194 players across Major League Baseball still with uncertain salaries for 2024 heading into Thursday's deadline to exchange proposed figures in arbitration.

Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers picked for first ‘Sunday Night Baseball’  —  BRISTOL, Conn. — ESPN's early-season baseball schedule will be the Sho Show, as Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers will be featured on two of ESPN's first three “Sunday Night Baseball” telecasts this season.

Sources: Cubs, lefty Shota Imanaga finalizing 4-year, $53M deal  —  CHICAGO — The Cubs finalized a deal with Japanese lefty Shota Imanaga on Wednesday, agreeing to a four-year, $53 million contract, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN.  —  The deal has several provisions …

The Mets' free-agent approach and Pete Alonso plan is exactly what David Stearns said it would be  —  Whether you like the plan or not, David Stearns has stuck to his word on what strategy he was following this offseason.  —  Namely, that unless it was to sign 25-year-old Yoshinobu Yamamoto …

Trevor Zegras injured as Ducks beat Predators to snap 5-game skid  —  Troy Terry has a goal and an assist, Lukas Dostal makes 39 saves and the Ducks score the first five goals on their way to a 5-3 win, but Zegras is helped from the ice with a lower-body injury

Yankees brass in Tampa for summit that may lead to Blake Snell signing, Dylan Cease trade  —  Five weeks before spring training starts, the Yankees' front office and coaching staff were together in Tampa on Monday strategizing.  General manager Brian Cashman and his top aides were there.