MLB rumor mill: What we're hearing from GMs with Juan Soto contract looming large  —  The hot-stove season has been frigid once again, unless you're fascinated by minor-league signings, the non-tender deadline and reports about free agent Juan Soto's favorite dining spots in Southern California.

Rays will play 47 of first 59 at home, then 69 of last 103 on road  —  NEW YORK — Major League Baseball switched a pair of series involving the Tampa Bay Rays to the first two months of the season in an attempt to avoid summer rain at open-air Steinbrenner Field, their temporary home following damage to Tropicana Field.

Sources: Yusei Kikuchi agrees to 3-year, $63M deal with Angels  —  Left-handed starter Yusei Kikuchi is in agreement with the Los Angeles Angels on a three-year, $63 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday.  —  Kikuchi, 33, had a great second half to his season last year …

How the New York Football Scene Has Turned Into Competing Tragedies  —  The New York football scene has turned into competing tragedies, with the Giants' Daniel Jones saga going up against the Jets' all-encompassing disaster.  Earlier this week, my colleague Zack Rosenblatt and I delved …

Reds land Brady Singer from Royals for Jonathan India, Joey Wiemer  —  The Kansas City Royals traded right-handed pitcher Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds for infielder Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer, the teams announced Friday.  —  Singer, 28, went 9-13 with a 3.71 ERA last season …

Zion Williamson, CAA parting ways: Sources  —  New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson and Creative Arts Agency are parting ways, multiple league and industry sources tell The Athletic, with the oft-injured forward's contract situation in doubt because of his history of health issues.

MLB offseason 2024-25: Teams to watch as free agency picks up  —  The seemingly annual wait between the opening of Major League Baseball free agency and the time when players of consequence start signing is upon us, and it shows little sign of breaking.  For all of those dreaming of an imminent Juan Soto deal, feel free to wake up.

Phillies non-tender Austin Hays; how they'll remake the outfield remains an unknown  —  As the Phillies attempt to remake their outfield, the decision not to tender Austin Hays a contract before Friday night's deadline came with little surprise.  Even if they thought he could fill a role …