Biggest MLB questions right now: Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman drama, trade rumors swirl  —  There has been $2.6 billion spent in these first 69 days of free agency, but with five weeks remaining until spring training, everyone but the powerful Los Angeles Dodgers still have Dunkin' Donut-sized holes left to be filled.

Wildfires burn out of control across Los Angeles area and kill 5 as thousands flee homes  —  Wind-fueled wildfires continued to grow Wednesday as overtaxed fire crews battled at least three major out-of-control blazes that killed at least five people and ravaged some of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area.

Brother of late Padres owner pushes back on widow's lawsuit allegations  —  Matt Seidler has pushed back against the widow of late San Diego Padres chairman Peter Seidler, denying claims that they have acted in bad faith and stating that his brother never expressed interest in her running the franchise.

Justin Verlander signing one-year deal with San Francisco Giants  —  Justin Verlander will celebrate his 42nd birthday in a largely unfamiliar place — in a Cactus League training camp for a club leaning on his veteran chops to galvanize a young and emerging staff.

Cardinals' efforts to trade Nolan Arenado remain stalled: How it's impacting the roster  —  St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak has been candid about the team's intention to trade star third baseman Nolan Arenado and had been hopeful a suitable trade partner would emerge before the start of the new year.

Inside Jerod Mayo's disastrous season with the Patriots: 'I just don't think he was ready'  —  The New England Patriots' coaching staff came out of its Week 14 bye feeling good.  Sure, the team had suffered through a six-game losing streak and had a 3-10 record, but there was optimism that the final stretch of the season would go well.

Red Sox, Garrett Crochet have opened talks on contract extension  —  When the Red Sox acquired starter Garrett Crochet from the White Sox in mid-December, they did so with an eye on extending him past 2026, his last year under team control.  Their efforts to that end have begun.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton accused of assault, no charges filed  —  Sharon Coolidge Cameron Knight Kelsey ConwayCincinnati Enquirer  —  Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton is accused of assaulting a woman he was dating, but she refused to press charges, Cincinnati police reports show.

What's next for the Mets after meeting with top reliever Tanner Scott  —  The New York Mets' pursuit of bullpen reinforcements differs somewhat from how they navigated the starting pitcher market.  With relievers, they're exploring the most expensive options available, and have met …

Sources: Brent Rooker reaches 5-year, $60M extension with A's  —  Designated hitter Brent Rooker and the Athletics are in agreement on a five-year, $60 million contract extension, sources told ESPN late Monday night, continuing a winter of uncharacteristic spending with a long-term deal for the late-blooming slugger.

Details on Pete Alonso alternatives for the Mets … POPULAR IN THE COMMUNITY RECENT STORIES

Cincinnati Reds promote Simon Mathews to complete Tito Francona's MLB coaching staff  —  The Cincinnati Reds announced Monday a change to what was expected to be the most stable part of the coaching staff as they transition to a new manager this season.  —  After losing assistant pitching …