Running back Miles Sanders intends to sign a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys, sources told ...

<p>Running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/109486" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/109486">Miles Sanders</a> intends to sign a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1900396691305422965">ESPN's Jeremy Fowler</a>.</p><p>The former Pro Bowler spent the past two seasons with the Carolina Panthers where he rushed for 637 yards and four touchdowns over 27 games.</p><p>Sanders, 27, is a six-year veteran, playing his first four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. For his career, he's averaged 4.7 yards per carry while racking up 23 rushing touchdowns and four additional receiving scores.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The move comes after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/110092" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/110092">Rico Dowdle</a> departed via free agency, reportedly landing a one-year deal with the Panthers. Dowdle ran for 1,079 yards with the Cowboys last season.</p><p>Sanders joins a Dallas backfield that includes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161816" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161816">Javonte Williams</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188341" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188341">Deuce Vaughn</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174768" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174768">Malik Davis</a>.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 05: Miles Sanders #6 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Report: Miles Sanders plans to sign 1-year deal with Cowboys

The four major top 100 prospect lists from MLB Pipeline, Baseball America, ESPN, and FanGraphs ar...

<p>The four major top 100 prospect lists from <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects">MLB Pipeline</a>, <a href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/2025-top-100-prospects/">Baseball America</a>, <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/story/_/id/43549082/top-100-mlb-prospects-2025-kiley-mcdaniel-roki-sasaki-roman-anthony">ESPN</a>, and <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/prospects/the-board">FanGraphs</a> are live ahead of the 2025 campaign with 152 unique players named across them.</p><p>How do we reconcile all these discrepancies? Well, we combine them, assign equal weights to each, and tada: We have our annual composite rankings.</p><p>Based on the rankings, the Los Angeles Dodgers have the best farm system in baseball, led by consensus No. 1 prospect Roki Sasaki topping every list. The Detroit Tigers', Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox systems are just behind the Dodgers. The Tampa Bay Rays have the most players named across all lists with 11 (though only six made the consensus top 100).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Every organization carries a player in the consensus top 100 this year. The Toronto Blue Jays debut furthest down the list, with Arjun Nimmala as their sole representative at No. 84. As a result, the Jays' system is also the worst according to these rankings, narrowly behind the Houston Astros.</p><p>Without further ado, here's the composite top 100, which also notes the highest and lowest rankings each player received on a major list.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Top 100 MLB Prospects" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-J30E2" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/J30E2/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="4821" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure>

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MLB composite top 100 prospect rankings

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk got emotional after teammate and friend Josh Norris was sen...

<p>Ottawa Senators captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> got emotional after teammate and friend <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9904" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9904">Josh Norris</a> was sent to the Buffalo Sabres in a blockbuster deal ahead of the NHL trade deadline Friday.</p><p>"Yeah, it's pretty tough," Tkachuk said, fighting back tears, when asked about the deal. "It sucks. Losing a guy like that. Obviously everyone knows how much he means to me."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG6HKIFxVun/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG6HKIFxVun/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Norris was sent to the Sabres on Friday along with defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10497" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10497">Jacob Bernard-Docker</a> in exchange for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10037">Dylan Cozens</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9933" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9933">Dennis Gilbert</a>, and a 2026 second-round pick.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Just spent the last little bit with him and trying to take advantage of every minute the rest of the day," Tkachuk said when asked if he had spoken with Norris shortly after the trade broke.</p><p>While Tkachuk was visibly upset by losing Norris, he also noted it's a "business" and was excited about the deadline additions.</p><p>"We're getting back important pieces that are really going to help us," he said. "It sucks. It's part of it. But with (Cozens) and Gilbert, we're going to welcome them with open arms and I feel bad a little bit that this is the initial reaction. I think they're going to understand why it's a little bit of a whirlwind for me personally. But with that being said, it's all about being a good captain, being a good teammate, and making sure they have everything that they need and have the support right from day one."</p><p>Norris and Tkachuk are longtime friends and notably lived together, along with Tim Stutzle, back in 2021.</p>

OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 13: Ottawa Senators Left Wing Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates his goal with Center Shane Pinto (57) and Center Josh Norris (9) during first period National Hockey League action between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators on February 13, 2024, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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Brady Tkachuk emotional after Norris traded to Sabres

The Charlotte Hornets are exploring ways to dispute Mark Williams' failed physical that rescinded...

<p>The Charlotte Hornets are exploring ways to dispute <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102765" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102765">Mark Williams</a>' failed physical that rescinded their trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1889152126665773314">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The Hornets have contacted the NBA regarding the issue, Charania adds.</p><p>The Hornets traded Williams to the Lakers for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121679" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121679">Dalton Knecht</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69535" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69535">Cam Reddish</a>, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2031 unprotected first-rounder ahead of the league's trade deadline Thursday. Deals can't be amended following the deadline.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Williams' physical with the Lakers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3213882" href="https://thescore.com/news/3213882">reportedly</a> showed multiple issues unrelated to the 23-year-old's back ailments, leading L.A. to nix the deal.</p><p>The Hornets issued a statement after the trade was undone, <a href="https://x.com/hornets/status/1888435234036695091">saying</a>: "We are excited to welcome Mark back to our Hornets organization. After the other team aggressively pursued Mark, we made the difficult decision to move him."</p>

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 03: Mark Williams #5 of the Charlotte Hornets plays against the Washington Wizards during their game at Spectrum Center on February 03, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30203530/related

Report: Hornets considering options to dispute nixed trade with Lakers

The Dallas Mavericks organization is reportedly worried about the safety of president of basketba...

<p>The Dallas Mavericks organization is reportedly worried about the safety of president of basketball operations and general manager Nico Harrison after the team traded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> to the Los Angeles Lakers, <a href="https://x.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1887973854460379257">ESPN's Tim MacMahon</a> reports.</p><p>As a result of Harrison being "subjected to death threats," with some including "racial epithets," the executive won't be sitting in his normal seat in the stands and security will be increased to deal with protests outside Saturday's home game against the Houston Rockets.</p><p>Saturday marks the Mavericks' first game in Dallas since trading Doncic away in a Feb. 2 blockbuster deal that brought in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102775" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102775">Max Christie</a>, and a 2029 first-round pick. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The report comes one day after Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd told <a href="https://x.com/NBA_NewYork/status/1887659318301921535">TNT's Allie LaForce</a> that Davis has "the shoulders to carry this load," alluding to the blowback the organization expects.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5334" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5334">Klay Thompson</a> said Thursday that he expects "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3212362" href="https://thescore.com/news/3212362">probably some boos</a>" from Saturday's home crowd.</p><p>Since the deal, discourse about the trade has barely slowed, with many <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3207400" href="https://thescore.com/news/3207400">online reactions from players in disbelief</a> going viral.</p>

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 24: Nico Harrison of the Dallas Mavericks arrives to the arena before the game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 24, 2024 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Report: Mavs GM receiving death threats after Doncic trade

One member of the Ball family will get to attend the NBA All-Star festivities.  LiAngelo Ball wil...

<p>One member of the Ball family will get to attend the NBA All-Star festivities.</p><p>LiAngelo Ball will perform Feb. 15 as part of All-Star Saturday Night at Chase Center in his first televised performance, the league announced, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1887969084739895643">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Ball spent time with the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets organizations but never made an NBA appearance. He last played professionally in Mexico.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In January, he signed a multimillion-dollar record deal with Universal under the stage name GELO. His latest single, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gajxasUoSc&amp;ab_channel=GELO">Tweaker</a>, features a verse from four-time Grammy winner Lil Wayne.</p><p>All-Star Saturday Night events include the Three-Point Contest, Skills Challenge, and Dunk Contest. The NBA All-Star Game will take place Sunday.</p><p>His older brother Lonzo plays for the Chicago Bulls and is averaging 7.2 points and 3.4 boards while playing 21.6 minutes over 30 games. The 27-year-old has missed the previous two seasons due to injury.</p><p>His younger brother, LaMelo, plays for the Hornets. Over 31 appearances, LaMelo has averaged 28.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in 33.3 minutes.</p>

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 17: LiAngelo Ball attends game between the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls on January 17, 2025 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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LiAngelo Ball to perform at NBA All-Star Saturday Night

The Dallas Stars and forward Oskar Back agreed to a two-year extension through the 2026-27 season...

<p>The Dallas Stars and forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11021" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11021">Oskar Back</a> agreed to a two-year extension through the 2026-27 season that carries an annual average value of $825,000, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>The 24-year-old rookie has tallied one goal and eight assists over 31 games this season.</p><p>Back was originally selected in the third round of the 2018 NHL Draft.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Swede scored 19 goals and added 69 assists over three seasons in the AHL.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - DECEMBER 02: Oskar Back #10 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Utah Hockey Club on December 2, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Stars, Oskar Back agree to 2-year extension

The Arizona Diamondbacks and former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes agreed to a six-year, $210-mill...

<p>The Arizona Diamondbacks and former Cy Young winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9580" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9580">Corbin Burnes</a> agreed to a six-year, $210-million contract that includes an opt-out after two seasons, <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/1872890526766383374">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a> reports.</p><p>Burnes, 30, was the top free-agent pitcher available. The right-hander is coming off a strong season with the Baltimore Orioles, authoring a 2.92 ERA and 3.55 FIP over 194 1/3 innings to place fifth in AL Cy Young voting. </p><p>The San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays offered Burnes more money, but Arizona's lower tax rates evened the monetary playing field, according to <a href="https://x.com/BNightengale/status/1872891913520726260">USA Today's Bob Nightengale</a>, who <a href="https://x.com/BNightengale/status/1873053996518433104">adds</a> the deal includes a full no-trade clause through 2026 prior to his opt-out. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Family also influenced Burnes' decision, as he and his wife wanted to stay where they currently live in Arizona after she recently gave birth to twins, per <a href="https://x.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1872893323666702691">ESPN's Alden Gonzalez</a>.</p><p>The contract is the most lucrative in Diamondbacks franchise history, eclipsing the six-year, $206.5-million deal the club gave starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/230" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/230">Zack Greinke</a> during the 2015 offseason.</p><p>Despite his K/9 dropping for the fourth straight season, Burnes remained effective at generating swings and misses in 2024. He ranked in the 89th percentile for chase rate and 74th for whiff rate. </p><p>Prior to last year, the four-time All-Star spent six seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, winning the 2021 NL Cy Young award.</p><p>Burnes has a 3.19 ERA and 3.21 FIP over his seven-year career, making 138 starts and 61 relief appearances. </p><p>He strengthens an Arizona rotation anchored by incumbent ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9755" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9755">Zac Gallen</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4059" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4059">Merrill Kelly</a>, and lefty <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4216" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4216">Eduardo Rodriguez</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13779" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13779">Ryne Nelson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14055" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14055">Brandon Pfaadt</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8295" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8295">Jordan Montgomery</a> will likely compete for the final starting spot.</p><p>The Diamondbacks failed to make the 2024 postseason despite winning five more regular-season games than the 2023 club that won the NL pennant.</p>

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 20: Corbin Burnes #39 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Friday, September 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Report: Diamondbacks, Burnes agree to 6-year, $210M pact

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James took aim at the NFL's schedule-makers Wednesday immedia...

<p>Los Angeles Lakers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> took aim at the NFL's schedule-makers Wednesday immediately following an epic Christmas Day bout against the Golden State Warriors.</p><p>"I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day," James said after the Lakers eked out a narrow 115-113 win in San Francisco in an instant classic that saw the future Hall of Famer drop 31 points.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">LeBron to the NFL: <a href="https://t.co/6rvo5OncTt">pic.twitter.com/6rvo5OncTt</a></p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1872124706675105823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Wednesday was the fourth consecutive year the NFL scheduled at least two games on Christmas Day, with the Kansas City Chiefs trouncing the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens dominating the Houston Texans.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Meanwhile, scheduling games on Christmas Day has been an NBA tradition since the league's second season in 1947. Wednesday marked the Lakers' 51st game on Dec. 25.</p><p>Lakers-Warriors was part of a five-game slate Wednesday in the Association. The first four games were decided by two possessions or fewer, with the Phoenix Suns' 110-100 win over the Denver Nuggets being the most decisive of the day.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 25, 2024 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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LeBron takes jab at NFL: 'Christmas is our day'

The New York Mets are bringing back left-handed starter Sean Manaea on a three-year, $75-million ...

<p>The New York Mets are bringing back left-handed starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4239" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4239">Sean Manaea</a> on a three-year, $75-million contract, <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1871084494184460421">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a> reports.</p><p>Manaea's deal contains $23.25 million in deferred money, a source told <a href="https://x.com/WillSammon/status/1871220042945150993">Will Sammon of The Athletic</a>. The deferrals will be paid out annually in equal amounts over 10 years beginning in 2035.</p><p>The 32-year-old authored a 3.47 ERA and 3.83 FIP over 181 2/3 innings last year while making 32 starts and garnering down-ballot Cy Young consideration.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Manaea originally joined the Mets on a two-year, $28-million contract last winter. He exercised an opt-out at the beginning of this offseason that cut the deal short.</p><p>New York then tendered him a $21.05-million qualifying offer, which was also declined. As a result, if Manaea signed elsewhere, the Mets would've recouped draft-pick compensation.</p><p>Manaea owns a 4.00 ERA and 4.01 FIP over his nine-year career, making 198 starts and 30 relief appearances. He broke into MLB with the Oakland Athletics and has also had one-year stints with the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 20: Sean Manaea #59 of the New York Mets pitches during Game 6 of the NLCS presented by loanDepot between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 20, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Report: Mets re-sign Manaea to 3-year, $75M deal

Who's the best pitcher in baseball right now?   The pitcher you'd trust above all in a must-win g...

<p>Who's the best pitcher in baseball right now? </p><p>The pitcher you'd trust above all in a must-win game.</p><p>Zack Wheeler? He finished second in NL Cy Young voting for the second time in his career Wednesday, and leads the league in fWAR over the past four seasons. Chris Sale's an option after finally winning his first Cy Young, capping his incredible late-career resurgence. Tarik Skubal? He won pitching's Triple Crown and is now a Cy winner, too. Or maybe you're a Paul Skenes person.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>What's not up for debate: none of today's active top hurlers are surefire Hall of Famers, which is both surprising and largely unprecedented in baseball history. Baseball's aces are going extinct.</p><p>So, what's happening?</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756199/cropped_GettyImages-2178623418.jpg?ts=1732029363" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756199/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178623418.jpg?ts=1732029363 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756199/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178623418.jpg?ts=1732029363 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756199/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178623418.jpg?ts=1732029363 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756199/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178623418.jpg?ts=1732029363 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756199/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178623418.jpg?ts=1732029363 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Heather Barry / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>In short: Teams are simultaneously asking less and more of starting pitchers than ever.</p><p>Less in terms of workload. Cleveland pulled Tanner Bibee from Game 2 of the ALCS after he recorded only four outs, and he was essentially the Guardians' only effective starting pitcher at the time. The move wasn't even that controversial when it was made.</p><p>But teams are asking more in terms of pitchers needing to optimize each offering every time they wind up, thinking of spin rate, vertical and horizontal break, tunnelling, and whatever other buzzwords are going around that we don't even know about yet. All while working against an actual pitch timer that wasn't part of any phase of their development. Oh, and if you can throw 100 mph while doing all of that, even better.</p><p>The average innings thrown by a starter in any given game has been trending down for years:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Average IP per start" aria-label="Interactive line chart" id="datawrapper-chart-GzvtM" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GzvtM/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="414" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>There's been some variance the last few seasons - perhaps related to pitchers still recovering from the shortened 2020 COVID campaign - but a starter's now recording two fewer outs on average every time he takes the mound compared to a decade ago.</p><p>This means two things for the future: The definition of true "ace" will have to change, and the bar for Hall of Fame acceptance for a starting pitcher will need to be lowered. (Sale's remarkable career <em>maybe</em> puts him into HOF contention; he'll be a fascinating test case for a contemporary starter when he becomes Cooperstown-eligible.)</p><p>Here's a list of baseball's top starters going back to 1990, in rolling four-year fWAR windows, featuring four HOFers and one who has the numbers but is being kept out (Roger Clemens): </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="SP WAR leader in 4-year windows" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-N1J0F" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/N1J0F/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1012" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>We have to account for Johan Santana, who I'd argue should be in the Hall, and who I believe will eventually get there. That's not truly fair, though, as he's unequivocally an outlier in this group as one of five pitchers listed at least three times who either isn't enshrined or isn't currently considered a first-ballot guarantee once eligible. That's staggering and shows how far Santana fell after his world-beating crescendo.</p><p>The list could keep going, but you get the idea. Once you get past Greg Maddux's run in the 1990s, you get a few years of Clemens, whose steroid use is keeping him from enshrinement. There were a couple of interesting cases in the early 1980s in Dwight Gooden and Fernando Valenzuela, who had unbelievable early peaks but couldn't manage the longevity required of their era. Since them, though, it's been a consistent truth: if you were in the conversation for best pitcher in baseball at any point during the 30 years between 1990 and 2019, you were bound for Cooperstown.</p><p>That no longer appears to be the case, and it's one of the consequences of the post-ace era. While we enjoy whatever's left of the magical HOF careers of Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, and Justin Verlander, we simultaneously acknowledge that bullpen games are the new normal. Even in the World Series, and even when baseball's two richest teams play in the Fall Classic.</p><p>Now, Cooperstown isn't going to stop admitting starting pitchers because of any of this. A HOF resume isn't a static idea; it evolves. Fans will have to adjust their sights, too. Gerrit Cole's likely heading to the Hall, for one. Beyond him, the squinting turns more into closing your eyes entirely in order to imagine what Aaron Nola, Corbin Burnes, Logan Webb, or Walker Buehler (to name a few) would have to accomplish in order for them to get there. And then there's Shane McClanahan and Spencer Strider, too, at the beginning of their promising careers and scheduled to return to the mound next season after Tommy John surgeries.</p><p>The goalposts will need to be adjusted moving forward. Once Wheeler's career ends and we wait the requisite five years for him to be on the ballot, the bar <em>will</em> be lower and his case will likely appear much more solid. We'll likely look back and laugh at the implication he wasn't headed to Cooperstown.</p><p>Baseball's changed monumentally from a generation ago. There was always a chance the golden era of starting pitching fans recently witnessed - prime Kershaw, Scherzer, and Verlander, all dominating at the same time - would be fleeting. But its actual end feels more dire than what could've been imagined.</p>

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Where did all the aces go?

Lando Norris clinched pole position in a rainy, chaotic qualifying session Sunday morning in Sao ...

<p>Lando Norris clinched pole position in a rainy, chaotic qualifying session Sunday morning in Sao Paulo ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix.</p><p>The session was delayed by one day due to heavy rain following Saturday's sprint race, which Norris also won.</p><p>"There was a lot going on," Norris said after qualifying, according to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/clyg165v3nxo">Andrew Benson of BBC Sport</a>. "I was struggling a lot at the start of the session, I worked on it a lot in the session. A little surprised to be on pole but a good result for us."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Championship leader Max Verstappen was controversially unable to complete a final lap during the second qualifying session due to a red flag caused by a Lance Stroll crash. As a result, Verstappen will start Sunday's race from P17 after qualifying 12th and serving a five-place grid penalty.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Brazilian GP Qualifying 🇧🇷" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-X8FPh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/X8FPh/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1091" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>After Stroll crashed during Q2, a yellow flag indicator began at approximately 1:37. It wasn't upgraded to a red flag until there was 0:47 remaining in the session, effectively ending Q2. Numerous cars were able to complete their final laps in the time between the yellow and red. Verstappen was not among them.</p><p>"I find it unbelievable," Verstappen said. "The car goes into the wall, broken. It's clearly destroyed, but they wait 30, 40 seconds, and the others can complete their lap times, and of course the ones behind cannot. ... It's so stupid to talk about. It's ridiculous."</p><p>Red Bull team principal Christian Horner <a href="https://x.com/F1GuyDan/status/1853051184182952153">added</a>: "We don't understand why it took so long for the red flag to come out. It's the second day in a row that we've had very late calls whether it was the virtual safety car yesterday or the red flag today. The other red flags were all instantaneous."</p><p>Meanwhile, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, who won the last F1 race in Mexico, will start from the pit lane after changing a power unit and gearbox due to a crash, per <a href="https://x.com/andrewbensonf1/status/1853079779261501937">Benson</a>.</p><p>Williams driver Alex Albon won't take part in the race after finishing seventh during the session because his car sustained too much damage when he hit a wall, according to <a href="https://x.com/andrewbensonf1/status/1853082019107856541">Benson</a>. Teammate Franco Colapinto, who was also involved in a wreck, will take part in Sunday's main event.</p><p>The race is slated to start at 10:30 a.m. ET.</p>

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 3: Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren waves to the fans in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 3, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

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Norris claims pole in chaotic Sao Paulo qualifying; Verstappen starts 17th

Ha-Seong Kim will become a free agent after declining his mutual option with the San Diego Padres...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12593" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12593">Ha-Seong Kim</a> will become a free agent after declining his mutual option with the San Diego Padres, according to <a href="https://x.com/dennistlin/status/1852745905969184825">Dennis Lin of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The 2025 option was reportedly worth $7 million.</p><p>Kim, 29, originally signed a four-year, $28-million contract before the 2021 campaign coming out of Korea. The mutual option would've pushed the deal to a five-year, $35-million pact.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kim hit .242/.326/.380 with 47 homers and 78 stolen bases in 540 career games over four years with San Diego. He won a Gold Glove as a utility man in 2023 and earned down-ballot MVP consideration.</p><p>He posted a .700 OPS (96 OPS+) with 11 home runs and 22 steals in 121 games this past campaign before requiring season-ending shoulder surgery in late September. He played only shortstop in 2024 after moving around the diamond in previous seasons.</p><p>He'll become one of the most sought-after shortstops on the open market this winter alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/4784" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/4784">Willy Adames</a>.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 16: Ha-Seong Kim #7 of the San Diego Padres throws to first base for an out in the seventh inning during a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 16, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Report: Ha-Seong Kim declines option with Padres, elects free agency

Cody Bellinger exercised his $27.5-million player option to remain with the Chicago Cubs, sources...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4899" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4899">Cody Bellinger</a> exercised his $27.5-million player option to remain with the Chicago Cubs, sources told <a href="https://x.com/kileymcd/status/1852749623636439048">ESPN's Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>Bellinger, 29, signed a three-year, $80-million deal with the Cubs last offseason and can opt out next winter as well. His option for 2026 is reportedly worth $25 million.</p><p>The 2019 NL MVP hit .266/.325/.426 over 130 games this season with 18 homers and nine stolen bases.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He's heading into his third season with the Cubs after originally joining the club on a one-year, $17.5-million deal in 2023. He earned a Silver Slugger award and down-ballot MVP votes that season.</p><p>The two-time All-Star possesses a 120 OPS+ over his eight-year career, hitting 196 homers and stealing 91 bases over 1,005 contests.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 15: Cody Bellinger #24 of the Chicago Cubs runs before scoring a run in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 15, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Report: Cubs' Bellinger exercises $27.5M option

Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Jack Flaherty experienced a drop in velocity during his last sta...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5646" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5646">Jack Flaherty</a> experienced a drop in velocity during his last start, and his team noticed.</p><p>"Obviously everybody knows - the more velocity the better, usually - unless you're going way below hitting speed," pitching coach Mark Prior said Thursday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/41989757/dodgers-jack-flaherty-attributes-velocity-dip-timing-issue">ESPN's Alden Gonzalez</a>. "Concern, yeah, because obviously he was pitching on regular rest and it was a little bit down. Can he pitch with it? Yeah. ... I feel pretty confident that he can get back to where he was the other time."</p><p>While Prior acknowledged he's "moderately concerned" by the dip in pitch speed, he also stated the issue is not injury-related.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Flaherty attributed the issue to a timing problem in his delivery that he's working on correcting. In Game 5 of the NLCS, his average velocity plummeted to 91.4 mph.</p><p>Flaherty, 29, has been the Dodgers de facto ace since he was acquired from the Detroit Tigers ahead of the trade deadline. He posted a 3.58 ERA and 4.16 FIP over 55 1/3 innings while making 10 starts down the stretch. But he was hit around a bit in three postseason starts, allowing 12 earned runs on 15 hits and seven walks while striking out eight over 15 1/3 innings.</p><p>Flaherty is slated to start Game 1 of the World Series against the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium on Friday. He'll go up against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2913" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2913">Gerrit Cole</a>.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Jack Flaherty #0 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms up during batting practice on workout day ahead of Game 1 of the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Dodgers 'moderately concerned' by Flaherty's velocity drop

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray is out indefinitely after sustaining a fractured left ...

<p>New Orleans Pelicans guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46143" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46143">Dejounte Murray</a> is out indefinitely after sustaining a fractured left hand during Wednesday's season-opening win over the Chicago Bulls, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>Murray tallied 14 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds during his 29 minutes of action against the Bulls.</p><p>The 28-year-old made his Pelicans debut after arriving in a trade from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11516" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11516">Larry Nance Jr.</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102785" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102785">Dyson Daniels</a>, and two first-round picks.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Washington product spent the last two seasons with the Hawks. He averaged 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds for Atlanta during the 2023-24 campaign.</p><p>The Pelicans were also missing star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69536" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69536">Zion Williamson</a> on Wednesday due to illness.</p><p>New Orleans is scheduled to play two consecutive games in Portland against the Trail Blazers on Friday and Sunday.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 13: Dejounte Murray #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on against the Miami Heat during a preseason game at Kaseya Center on October 13, 2024 in Miami, Florida.

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Pelicans' Murray out indefinitely after fracturing hand

The New York Mets named Kodai Senga as their Game 1 starter against the Los Angeles Dodgers in th...

<p>The New York Mets named <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15438" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15438">Kodai Senga</a> as their Game 1 starter against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.</p><p>Senga, 31, missed most of the campaign due to right triceps tightness. His only appearance during the regular season came in late July. After allowing two runs on two hits and one walk while striking out nine over 5 1/3 innings, he exited the game with a calf strain and missed the remainder of the season.</p><p>The former All-Star returned to start Game 1 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies. He allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out three over two frames in the win.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4239" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4239">Sean Manaea</a> is scheduled to pitch Game 2.</p><p>The Dodgers announced Jack Flaherty will start Game 1 but have not yet revealed a Game 2 starter.</p><p>Games 1 and 2 will be played at Dodger Stadium, with the series kicking off on Sunday.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 05: Kodai Senga #34 of the New York Mets throws against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of Game One of the Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 05, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Mets tab Senga for Game 1 of NLCS vs. Dodgers

San Diego Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove will miss the National League Division Series against ...

<p>San Diego Padres right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5369" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5369">Joe Musgrove</a> will miss the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, manager Mike Shildt said Friday.</p><p>Musgrove, 31, exited Wednesday's Game 2 of the wild-card series against the Atlanta Braves with elbow tightness. At the time of his exit, the former All-Star had allowed one run on one hit while striking out four over 3 2/3 innings.</p><p>The righty posted a 3.88 ERA and 3.96 FIP over 99 2/3 innings during the regular season and made 19 starts.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He will still be eligible to return for the NLCS if the Padres advance.</p><p>The Padres already tabbed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8145" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8145">Dylan Cease</a> as their Game 1 starter against the division rival, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2901" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2901">Yu Darvish</a> scheduled to take the ball for Game 2.</p>

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 02: Joe Musgrove #44 of the San Diego Padres leaves the game against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning in Game Two of the Wild Card Series at Petco Park on October 02, 2024 in San Diego, California.

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Padres' Musgrove out for NLDS

The Miami Marlins announced Sunday that Skip Schumaker won't return as manager in 2025.  "After s...

<p>The Miami Marlins announced Sunday that Skip Schumaker won't return as manager in 2025.</p><p>"After several constructive conversations with Skip, (president of baseball operations Peter Bendix), and ownership, we have mutually agreed to part ways, and Skip will not be returning to manage the club next year," Marlins chairman and principal owner Bruce Sherman <a href="https://twitter.com/Marlins/status/1840542115706638633">said</a>. "The Marlins will immediately begin the process of searching for the next leader to serve as our field manager."</p><p>Schumaker told Marlins players Friday that he wouldn't be returning next year, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/41484762/sources-marlins-skip-schumaker-return-manager-25">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>. The 2023 NL Manager of the Year missed the final two games of the season due to a family issue.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It has been a tremendous honor serving as manager of the Miami Marlins. ... I am grateful to Bruce Sherman, as well as the entire Marlins organization and the fans for their support during my time in Miami, and I'll always cherish our 2023 playoff season," Schumaker said.</p><p>Schumaker will be highly sought after as a free agent and continues to be well regarded despite the Marlins' 62-100 record amid another rebuilding season, according to Passan.</p><p>The Marlins originally had a team option on Schumaker's contract for 2025. However, the 44-year-old had his deal restructured and the option removed when Kim Ng resigned from her post as general manager after Miami wanted to hire a president of baseball operations above her.</p><p>Schumaker collected a 146-178 record over his two years with the Marlins. He won Manager of the Year as a rookie after guiding the club to a surprise playoff berth last season. However, they were swept in the wild-card round.</p><p>The Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox are the only teams heading into the offseason without full-time managers.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 03: Skip Schumaker #45 of the Miami Marlins looks on during the second inning of the game against the Washington Nationals at loanDepot park on September 03, 2024 in Miami, Florida.

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Marlins announce Schumaker won't return as manager

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is active for Sunday's game against the New Englan...

<p>San Francisco 49ers wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87611" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87611">Deebo Samuel</a> is active for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots, the team announced.</p><p>After the team's Week 2 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, head coach Kyle Shanahan said that Samuel would miss "a couple weeks" with a calf strain. However, the injury will only sideline the 28-year-old for one contest. </p><p>Before he got hurt, the former All-Pro racked up 177 yards from scrimmage with one touchdown in the first two games of the campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Samuel didn't play in the 49ers' 27-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3.</p><p>The six-year veteran impressed last season, playing 15 games with 892 receiving yards, 225 rushing yards, and 12 touchdowns.</p><p>The Niners are 1-2 heading into Week 4 and are still missing three-time Pro Bowler <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/85079" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/85079">Christian McCaffrey</a>.</p>

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 20: Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates as he runs onto the field during player introductions before an NFC divisional round playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.

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