Celtics sold to William Chisholm, California private-equity director, for $6.1 billion  —  The Celtics ownership group has agreed to sell the team to William Chisholm, managing director and co-founder of Symphony Technology Group, for a record $6.1 billion, a league source told the Globe on Thursday.

Thanks to Shohei Ohtani, MLB enjoys huge success in Japan and has momentum heading into 2025 season  —  TOKYO — There was the crack of Shohei Ohtani's bat, the roars from the Tokyo Dome crowd and the beeps from the credit card machines at the massive merchandise center selling boatloads of Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs gear.

36 Veteran Players With Looming Opt-Out Dates  —  The 2022-26 collective bargaining agreement implemented a new series of uniform opt-out dates for players who qualified as free agents under Article XX(b) of said agreement and sign a minor league deal in free agency.

Former Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy returns to Padres as special assistant to CEO  —  SAN DIEGO — Jake Peavy, the 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner and member of the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame, has joined the team as special assistant to CEO Erik Greupner.

How Bronny James Has Navigated Criticism to Take a Huge Step Forward  —  LOS ANGELES — I chatted with Bronny James this week.  —  An interview was scheduled, but before it, he told Lakers public-relations staff he couldn't quite place a face with my name.

Marlins pitcher Ryan Weathers sidelined with forearm strain  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Miami Marlins pitcher Ryan Weathers will begin the season on the injured list with a left forearm strain, another setback for the team's starting rotation.  —  Weathers reported discomfort after his most recent outing …

Reds, newly acquired catcher Jose Trevino agree to three-year contract worth $14,925,000  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Catcher Jose Trevino and the Cincinnati Reds agreed Thursday to a three-year contract worth $14,925,000, a deal that adds $11.5 million in newly guaranteed money.

Braves add to outfield depth by signing veteran Alex Verdugo to one-year, $1.5 million deal  —  ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves bolstered their outfield depth on Thursday by signing Alex Verdugo to a one-year, $1.5 million contract and optioning him to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Defense Dept. restores story on Jackie Robinson military service  —  The Department of Defense restored a story on its website highlighting Jackie Robinson's military service Wednesday after deleting it as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to purge references to diversity, equity and inclusion through a “digital content refresh.”

Braves sign nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel to minor league deal  —  ATLANTA — Nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel is attempting to revive his career with the Atlanta Braves, his original team.  —  Kimbrel and catcher James McCann have agreed to minor league contracts, the team confirmed on Wednesday.

Free-agent WR Stefon Diggs visiting with Patriots: Source  —  The New England Patriots could soon be landing some much-needed wide receiver help — and it's a big name.  —  Stefon Diggs, a 10-year veteran and former All-Pro with six 1,000-yard seasons, is in Foxboro, Mass., visiting with the team, according to a league source.