Yankees make contract offer to Blake Snell as pitching pursuit heats up  —  The Yankees made an opening offer to top free-agent starter Blake Snell, The Post has learned.  —  However, with little to no evidence of significant progress on Snell or two other top rotation targets …

Jordan Hicks to start for Giants after $44M deal, sources say  —  Right-hander Jordan Hicks and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a four-year, $44 million contract, sources told ESPN, with the plan to convert him from the bullpen into a full-time starter.

Ducks lose Trevor Zegras for 6-8 weeks with broken ankle, Pavel Mintyukov out 6 weeks  —  Both were injured Tuesday in Nashville, with Zegras breaking his left ankle in the first period and Mintyukov sustaining a separated shoulder in the third  —  Even in a week otherwise defined by their trade …

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.

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.

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 …

Dejounte Murray emerging as perhaps the most likely All-Star-caliber talent to be moved  —  Less than one month from the NBA's annual trade deadline, there remain few marquee players' names involved in active discussions between front offices.  Yes, credit the play-in tournament and a majority …

Brian Daboll vs. Wink Martindale: Inside the Giants coaches' messy divorce  —  The relationship between New York Giants coach Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale came to an explosive end Monday, less than 24 hours after the team finished a disappointing 6-11 season.

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …