Warning: Videos contain coarse language  Jake Paul and Mike Tyson had their final press conferenc...

<p><em>Warning: Videos contain coarse language</em></p><p>Jake Paul and Mike Tyson had their final press conference Wednesday before Friday's highly anticipated fight at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which will be streamed live on Netflix.</p><p>A hilarious moment took place when host Ariel Helwani polled other boxers on stage about who would win the main event, with the vast majority picking Tyson.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">All fighters on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PaulTyson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PaulTyson</a> card give their pick for the main event.<br><br>Tyson with a decisive 9 to 3 win 👀 <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Netflix</a> <a href="https://t.co/q2qLd22b3H">pic.twitter.com/q2qLd22b3H</a></p>— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) <a href="https://twitter.com/arielhelwani/status/1856864828167716971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>After Paul (10-1, 7 KOs) confronted all the fighters who picked Tyson, he seemed to shake hands on three different $1-million wagers as well as other bets involving $20, a ring, and one for the entire purse with Katie Taylor.</p><p>"I'm sending out contracts, too" Paul shouted before sitting back down.</p><p>Paul and Tyson didn't exchange any words during an intense faceoff.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">NO WORDS EXCHANGED DURING THE FACEOFF 😤 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAULTYSON?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAULTYSON</a><br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/MostVpromotions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MostVpromotions</a>) <a href="https://t.co/IurLrUok7l">pic.twitter.com/IurLrUok7l</a></p>— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNRingside/status/1856866540903186705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Paul, 27, wore a blinged-out ear cover, as Tyson is famous for biting off a piece of Evander Holyfield's ear during a 1997 fight.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jake Paul is wearing a "diamond spiked ear cover" at the press conference to protect him from Mike Tyson's bites: "I'm not getting my s*** bit off."<br><br>[🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/MostVpromotions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MostVPromotions</a>] <a href="https://t.co/llt2zu08jc">pic.twitter.com/llt2zu08jc</a></p>— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonn/status/1856856206671057312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 58-year-old Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) is determined to win the sanctioned fight.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">‼️ Mike Tyson shouts an angry answer to a question about potentially losing to Jake Paul at their final press conference ahead of Friday night: "I'm not gonna lose, did you hear what I said?"<br><br>[🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/MostVpromotions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MostVPromotions</a>] <a href="https://t.co/vIC2PbVaRE">pic.twitter.com/vIC2PbVaRE</a></p>— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonn/status/1856859962036695229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Lastly, Paul ripped a reporter for questioning the legitimacy of the bout.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jake Paul calls a reporter a "dumbass" after being asked: "When can we expect you to start fighting legitimate contending fighters in your weight class?"<br><br>[🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/MostVpromotions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MostVPromotions</a>] <a href="https://t.co/CwTaRmknX4">pic.twitter.com/CwTaRmknX4</a></p>— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonn/status/1856863638411161867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

Texas , United States - 13 November 2024; Mike Tyson, left, and Jake Paul during a press conference, held at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas, USA, ahead of their heavyweight bout, on November 15th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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The Los Angeles Angels agreed to a two-year contract with catcher Travis d'Arnaud on Tuesday.  D'...

<p>The Los Angeles Angels agreed to a two-year contract with catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2068" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2068">Travis d'Arnaud</a> on Tuesday.</p><p>D'Arnaud's deal is worth $12 million, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1856440605590634974">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>. </p><p>Angels general manager Perry Minasian believes the addition of d'Arnaud will help with the development of 24-year-old catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12411" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12411">Logan O'Hoppe</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I think it's gonna be great for a guy like Logan, who's coming into his own, to have somebody with him as part of that tandem," Minasian said, according to <a href="https://x.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1856445858474275184">Alden González of ESPN</a>. "To have somebody with him like a Travis d'Arnaud, that will really help his career moving forward."</p><p>The 35-year-old backstop became a free agent last week after the Atlanta Braves declined an $8-million option on his contract for 2025. He hit .238/.302/.436 in 2024 in 99 games, with 15 home runs and 48 RBIs. </p>

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 14: Travis d'Arnaud #16 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after hitting a three-run home run in the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 14, 2022 in Washington, DC.

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Angels, d'Arnaud agree to 2-year deal reportedly worth $12M

The Baseball Writers' Association of America revealed the American League and National League fin...

<p>The Baseball Writers' Association of America revealed the American League and National League finalists for Major League Baseball's four major awards Monday.</p><p>Winners and full voting results for each league will be announced next week (Rookie of the Year on Nov. 18, Manager of the Year on Nov. 19, Cy Young on Nov. 20, and MVP on Nov. 21).</p><h3>AL MVP</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Aaron Judge</td>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Juan Soto</td>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bobby Witt Jr.</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Royals</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Judge hit an MLB-best 58 homers with 144 RBIs and a staggering 1.159 OPS for the AL pennant-winning Yankees, He's vying for his second MVP award in three years after leading the majors with 11.2 fWAR. Meanwhile, Witt recorded his second straight 30-homer, 30-steal season and posted 10.4 fWAR to help the Royals make the playoffs following 106 losses in 2023. Soto, who's free agency will be the story of the offseason, went deep a career-high 41 times while scoring an AL-high 128 runs to go along with a .419 on-base percentage.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>NL MVP</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Shohei Ohtani</td>
<td>DH</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Francisco Lindor</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Mets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ketel Marte</td>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Diamondbacks</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Ohtani once again left the baseball world in awe with an unprecedented 54-homer, 59-steal campaign en route to winning a World Series. He did this while taking a year off from pitching to recover from elbow surgery. Ohtani could become the second player in MLB history to win an MVP in each league. Lindor, who only trailed Ohtani in fWAR in the NL, led the surprising Mets to a postseason berth thanks to his 33 long balls, 91 RBIs, 29 stolen bases, and outstanding defense at short. Marte rounds out the group. The star second baseman recorded 36 round-trippers with 151 wRC+ for the D-Backs.</p><h3>AL Cy Young</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pitcher</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Tarik Skubal</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Seth Lugo</td>
<td>Royals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Emmanuel Clase</td>
<td>Guardians</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Skubal is the favorite to win his first Cy Young after capturing the AL Triple Crown. The 27-year-old left-hander led the league in wins (18), ERA (2.39), and strikeouts (228). Lugo is up for the award just two years after transitioning to a starter from a reliever. He finished with the third-highest fWAR among AL hurlers due to a 3.00 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. Finally, Clase is the first reliever to be a Cy Young finalist since Francisco Rodríguez in 2008. The Guardians' star closer authored a microscopic 0.61 ERA with an AL-high 47 saves.</p><h3>NL Cy Young</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pitcher</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Chris Sale</td>
<td>Braves</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zack Wheeler</td>
<td>Phillies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paul Skenes</td>
<td>Pirates</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Sale is positioned to take home the honor for the first time in his stellar 14-year career after capturing the NL Triple Crown by leading the league in wins (18), ERA (2.38), and strikeouts (225). His 6.4 fWAR was also the best in baseball for pitchers. Wheeler amassed a career-best 2.57 ERA with 0.96 WHIP, the top mark for qualified NL hurlers. Skenes, who's also up for Rookie of the Year, is the fifth freshman ever to finish top three for Cy Young after bursting onto the scene with a 1.96 ERA and 11.5 K/9 in his age-22 season.</p><h3>AL Rookie of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Colton Cowser</td>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Orioles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luis Gil</td>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Austin Wells</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Cowser can make the Orioles the first MLB team since 2016-17 to have consecutive Rookie of the Year winners. The 24-year-old led first-year players in his league with 24 homers and 4.0 fWAR. The emergence of Gil stabilized New York's rotation thanks to 15 wins, a 3.50 ERA, and 10.2 K/9. Lastly, Wells went deep 13 times with 55 RBIs and 3.4 fWAR as the Yankees' No. 1 catcher.</p><h3>NL Rookie of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Paul Skenes</td>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Pirates</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jackson Merrill</td>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Padres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jackson Chourio</td>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Brewers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Skenes exceeded sky-high expectations in Year 1 after he was taken with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft. He started the All-Star Game and flirted with multiple no-hitters. However, the pitching phenom finished behind Merrill in fWAR, as the 21-year-old Padres outfielder gained a reputation for being a clutch player with the game on the line. Chourio posted a 20-homer, 20-steal season at age 20 for the NL Central-winning Brewers.</p><h3>AL Manager of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Manager</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Stephen Vogt</td>
<td>Guardians</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A.J. Hinch</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Quatraro</td>
<td>Royals</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Vogt led the Guardians to the ALCS in his first year after taking over for longtime manager Terry Francona. Cleveland won 92 games, which was the second-highest total in the AL, en route to securing a division crown. Hinch got the Tigers into the postseason for the first time since 2014. Detroit's memorable second-half run saw the club come within one victory of the ALCS. Quatraro helped the Royals shock many by reaching the ALDS following a combined 203 defeats between 2022-23.</p><h3>NL Manager of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Manager</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Carlos Mendoza</td>
<td>Mets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pat Murphy</td>
<td>Brewers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Shildt</td>
<td>Padres</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Mendoza guided the Mets to 89 wins and their first NLCS appearance since 2015 in his rookie season. Meanwhile, Murphy overcame the loss of ace Corbin Burnes and All-Star closer Josh Harder to secure Milwaukee's third division title in four years. Finally, Shildt was responsible for the Padres earning 93 victories, which was the second-highest amount in franchise history. San Diego also came within a game of knocking out the Dodgers in the NLDS.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees celebrates his sixth inning two run home run against the Kansas City Royals with teammate Aaron Judge #99 at Yankee Stadium on September 11, 2024 in New York City.

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The Juan Soto market is starting to become clearer.  The New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Ang...

<p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> market is starting to become clearer.</p><p>The New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, and Tampa Bay Rays have inquired about the free-agent superstar, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/11/06/sports/rays-join-list-of-juan-soto-suitors-as-two-other-mystery-teams-emerge/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.</p><p>There are reportedly four more unknown teams that have shown early interest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, many around the industry believe the Yankees and Mets are the favorites to sign the 26-year-old outfielder.</p><p>Soto's agent, Scott Boras, said Wednesday during the GM meetings that his client is prioritizing any team owner who is committed to "winning," per <a href="https://x.com/eboland11/status/1854204651467624700">Erik Boland of Newsday</a>.</p><p>The four-time All-Star could sign the biggest contract in MLB history, and his deal is reportedly expected to have no deferrals. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> inked a record 10-year, $700-million pact with the Dodgers last offseason that's almost entirely deferred.</p><p>Soto recorded a career-high 41 homers with 109 RBIs and a .989 OPS over 157 games during the regular season before helping the Yankees reach the World Series for the first time in 15 years. He's accrued a combined 36.3 fWAR, including 8.1 fWAR in 2024, over seven years in the majors with the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and Yankees.</p>

BRONX, NY - JULY 24: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after he hits a home run during the game against the New York Mets on July 24, 2024 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.

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<p>The Houston Astros have had internal conversations about moving reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3675" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3675">Ryan Pressly</a>, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5904202/2024/11/06/astros-gm-meetings-ryan-pressly-trade/?source=emp_shared_article">Chandler Rome of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The discussions indicate the Astros could be looking to clear payroll to stay under the first luxury-tax threshold, notes Rome, who adds the team is around $10 million below that line after projected arbitration salaries</p><p>Pressly, who's set to make $14 million in 2025, has a no-trade clause.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 35-year-old right-hander posted a 3.49 ERA with 1.34 WHIP and 58 strikeouts over 59 appearances in 2024. He owns a 2.81 ERA with 111 saves and 11.1 K/9 over the last seven years with the Astros, which includes two All-Star nods and a 2022 World Series ring.</p><p>Pressly could be the latest high-leverage reliever to join a trade market that already <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3117605" href="https://thescore.com/news/3117605">reportedly</a> includes St. Louis Cardinals' All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9598" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9598">Ryan Helsley</a> and Milwaukee Brewers closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11736">Devin Williams</a>.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 2: Ryan Pressly #55 of the Houston Astros reacts after inducing an inning ending ground out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning at Minute Maid Park on August 2, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers aren't anticipating <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> will be able to make a return to the mound to begin next season after the superstar underwent shoulder surgery Tuesday on his non-throwing arm.</p><p>The Dodgers will monitor his recovery throughout the offseason and spring training, which means he won't likely pitch during the club's two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19.</p><p>"We're going to take it piece by piece and get through this, and then take it in one-, two-week chunks and make sure that we're in a really good place on each of those benchmarks, and then go from there and not try to say, 'Hey, we need to be ready by this day,"' general manager Brandon Gomes said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohtani-betts-roberts-dodgers-ff8ba13a761ec4e56381dfa7906ebfcc">Ronald Blum of The Associated Press</a>. "We're going to let the rehab process play out."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ohtani, who's the NL MVP favorite after an unprecedented 54-homer, 59-steal campaign, underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a labrum tear that was sustained when he dislocated his left shoulder on a stolen-base attempt in Game 2 of the World Series on Oct. 26.</p><p>"I think it's safe that he will not steal 50 bases next year," Gomes added. "I have a hunch. I don't want to count it out because I don't ever bet against Shohei."</p><p>Ohtani hasn't pitched in the majors since September 2023 following elbow surgery. The 30-year-old two-way sensation did take part in a throwing program in August and September of this season.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms up pitching in the outfield prior to facing the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 14, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said the team is assuming superstar Mookie Bett...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said the team is assuming superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4184" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4184">Mookie Betts</a> will be back in the infield to play second base or shortstop next season, according to <a href="https://x.com/ByJackHarris/status/1854294873907806326">Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times</a>.</p><p>Gomes added that the plan isn't "set in stone," but the club talked to Betts about the idea after the eight-time All-Star said in recent weeks how much he enjoyed being in the infield over the last two years.</p><p>"I know the toll on the body is less in the infield for him," Gomes <a href="https://x.com/ByJackHarris/status/1854294875086131508">said</a> Wednesday at the GM meetings. "So, you can make arguments on both sides of it. But the beauty of Mookie is (he's) the most selfless superstar we've ever been around. And that permeates through the team."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 32-year-old was the club's starting shortstop in 2024 before he fractured his hand in mid-June. He returned to right field in August - a position where he's made 958 starts over his 11-year career.</p><p>Betts has logged 99 starts at second and 73 at short while playing in the majors.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 05: Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) throws a runner out during an MLB game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 05, 2024 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Dodgers plan to have Betts playing infield in 2025

The St. Louis Cardinals are moving star catcher Willson Contreras to a first base/designated hitt...

<p>The St. Louis Cardinals are moving star catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3571" href="/mlb/players/3571">Willson Contreras</a> to a first base/designated hitter role in 2025, president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5904568/2024/11/06/cardinals-mlb-willson-contreras-first-base/">Katie Woo of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The Cardinals and Contreras decided the move would be best for the player's health and longevity. </p><p>Mozeliak added it's "unlikely" the 32-year-old will catch at all next year. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12466" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12466">Iván Herrera</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12467" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12467">Pedro Pagés</a> are now projected to be St. Louis' catching tandem for next season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Our medical team recommended (the move) in terms of if he really wants to extend his career, they think this would be best for him," Mozeliak said. "Having (Contreras) play first base, more DH, allowing then Herrera and Pagés more opportunity behind the plate, we think from an offensive standpoint it strengthens us. From a defensive standpoint, it creates an opportunity for those two different players."</p><p>The executive had talks with players under no-trade clauses and <a href="https://x.com/katiejwoo/status/1854278055604486538">said</a> Contreras wants to stay in St. Louis.</p><p>The three-time All-Star has only started four games at first over his nine-year career. He will take over the position from free agent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/1851" href="/wbc/players/1851">Paul Goldschmidt</a>.</p><p>Contreras ranked in the 35th percentile for framing and 38th percentile for pop time in 2024, according to <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/willson-contreras-575929?stats=statcast-r-hitting-mlb">Baseball Savant</a>.</p><p>St. Louis signed Contreras to a five-year, $87.5-million deal in December 2022. </p>

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 14: St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras (40) gets ready to toss the ball to a fan after the end of an inning during a game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals on Apr 14, 2022, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis MO

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Cardinals moving Contreras to 1B/DH role next season

The Cleveland Guardians and catcher Austin Hedges agreed to a one-year contract, the club announc...

<p>The Cleveland Guardians and catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3638" href="/mlb/players/3638">Austin Hedges</a> agreed to a one-year contract, the club announced Wednesday.</p><p>Hedges' deal is worth $4 million, according to <a href="https://x.com/Buster_ESPN/status/1854270520906395706">Buster Olney of ESPN</a>.</p><p>The 32-year-old will return to the Guardians to back up starting catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12315" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12315">Bo Naylor</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hedges hit two homers with 15 RBIs and a .422 OPS across 66 games in 2024 for the AL Central-winning Guardians. However, he still provides value defensively, ranking in the 75th percentile in blocks above average and 82nd percentile in framing, according <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/austin-hedges-595978?stats=statcast-r-hitting-mlb">Baseball Savant</a>.</p>

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 12: Austin Hedges #27 of the Cleveland Guardians looks on during Game 5 of the Division Series presented by Booking.com between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Saturday, October 12, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Guardians bring back Hedges on 1-year deal reportedly worth $4M

With the offseason underway, we rank the top 20 free-agent position players (ages at start of 202...

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Top 20 MLB free-agent position players

The San Diego Padres and manager Mike Shildt agreed to a two-year contract extension through the ...

<p>The San Diego Padres and manager Mike Shildt agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2027 season, the team announced Wednesday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our Skipper’s staying!<br><br>We have agreed upon a two-year contract extension through the 2027 season with Manager Mike Shildt: <a href="https://t.co/z7EnFi9Wkx">https://t.co/z7EnFi9Wkx</a> <a href="https://t.co/Uu67JvWx5I">pic.twitter.com/Uu67JvWx5I</a></p>— San Diego Padres (@Padres) <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres/status/1854207271938740384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Shildt, who had one more season left on a two-year deal he signed in November 2023.</p><p>"As Mike demonstrated this year, he has an unwavering commitment to winning and a unique set of skills that got our group to perform at a high level," president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller. "He possesses a true love for this team and the game of baseball, and I am thrilled to continue to work together with Mike to bring a championship to the City of San Diego."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 56-year-old will reportedly get a substantial raise. His 2024 salary was in the bottom third for MLB managers.</p><p>"I am honored to continue leading this team toward Peter Seidler's vision of bringing a World Series championship to San Diego," Shildt added.</p><p>Shildt led the Padres to 93 wins in 2024, the second-highest total in franchise history. San Diego was bounced in the NLDS in five games to the eventual World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Jurickson Profar #10, Manager Mike Shildt #8 and Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres celebrate after the 4-2 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers to clinch a playoff spot at Dodger Stadium on September 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Padres, Shildt agree to extension through 2027

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown acknowledged he's had good conversations with agent Sco...

<p>Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown acknowledged he's had good conversations with agent Scott Boras about <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a>.</p><p>"They have been productive, and we hope that some good things happen," Brown said Tuesday at the GM meetings, according to <a href="https://fansided.com/mlb-rumors-what-im-hearing-alex-bregman-garrett-crochet-angels-mariners">Robert Murray of FanSided</a>. "I think we have a really good chance (at re-signing him)."</p><p>Brown didn't disclose if the Astros made an offer to the free-agent third baseman but said bringing back Bregman is atop the club's to-do list, according to <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1853929134986039309">Chandler Rome of The Athletic</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Our biggest priority is third base, without a doubt," Brown added. "We'd love to have Alex Bregman back."</p><p>The 30-year-old Bregman said he'd like to return to Houston after the team was eliminated in the wild-card series in early October. The two-time All-Star has played his whole nine-year career with the Astros, winning a pair of World Series titles.</p>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 09: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros bats against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 09, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Astros GM: We've had 'productive' talks with 'biggest priority' Bregman

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a labrum tea...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a labrum tear that was sustained when he dislocated his left shoulder in Game 2 of the World Series, the club announced Tuesday.</p><p>Ohtani, the NL MVP favorite, is expected to be ready for spring training.</p><p>The procedure was performed in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 30-year-old suffered what was originally diagnosed as a slight dislocation on a stolen-base attempt during the Oct. 26 contest against the New York Yankees. He played the rest of the series, which lasted three more games before the Dodgers won the World Series.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 26, 2024: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, left, interpreter and trainer, right, attend to Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) who partially dislocated his left shoulder while attempted to steal second base in the seventh inning against the Yankees in Game 2 of the World Series at Dodgers Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Ohtani undergoes shoulder surgery, expected to be ready for spring

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins is not entertaining the idea of trading star shorts...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins is not entertaining the idea of trading star shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a> this offseason.</p><p>"An easy no," Atkins said Tuesday at the GM meetings when asked about teams calling in regards to Bichette, according to <a href="https://x.com/jonmorosi/status/1853918830088908878">Jon Morosi of MLB Network</a>.</p><p>Bichette, who will make over $17.5 million next season, can become a free agent after the 2025 campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 26-year-old is coming off the worst season of his six-year career in which he slashed .225/.277/.322 with four homers and 31 RBIs over 81 games while dealing with multiple injuries.</p><p>Bichette said in September that his ultimate goal is to play with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> forever and win a championship with the Blue Jays. However, rumors have swirled Bichette has no interest in signing a long-term extension with Toronto.</p><p>Guerrero, the franchise's other homegrown star, can also test free agency next offseason.</p><p>Toronto finished last in the AL East in 2024 with a disappointing 74-88 record.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - AUGUST 10: Currently on the IL, Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays sits in the dugout during their MLB game against the Oakland Athletics at Rogers Centre on August 10, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Blue Jays' Atkins: 'Easy no' to Bichette trade inquiries

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said he chatted with agent Scott Boras about his f...

<p>New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said he chatted with agent Scott Boras about his free-agent client, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a>.</p><p>"Yea, sure he did," Cashman said Tuesday at the GM meetings when asked if Alonso's name came up during a phone call with Boras, according to <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1853916057347502284">SNY</a>. "There's a lot of high-quality players in this marketplace and certainly Pete did an amazing job with the (New York) Mets. So, I had a brief conversation with Scott about a lot of his free agents and Pete is one of them."</p><p>The Yankees have a hole at first base after declining <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1681" href="/mlb/players/1681">Anthony Rizzo</a>'s option for next season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Meanwhile, Alonso is the top first baseman available on the open market after hitting 226 homers over six years with the Mets, during which time he also registered 586 RBIs, an .854 OPS, and made four All-Star appearances.</p><p>The 29-year-old has expressed in the past that he loves playing in Queens.</p><p>The Yankees and Mets are also expected to have a fierce competition over prized free agent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 14: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets reacts after hitting a two-run scoring double during the seventh inning against the Oakland Athletics at Citi Field on August 14, 2024 in New York City. The Mets won 9-1.

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Yankees' Cashman: I spoke with Boras about Alonso

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is remaining with the team on the four-year, $144-million deal h...

<p>New York Yankees ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2913" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2913">Gerrit Cole</a> is remaining with the team on the four-year, $144-million deal he opted out of Saturday, general manager Brian Cashman confirmed Monday.</p><p>If New York voided his opt-out, Cole's deal would have become a five-year, $180-million pact. He signed his original nine-year, $324-million contract in December 2019.</p><p>"During our conversations we were having, it was something, at the moment, we weren't necessarily comfortable doing, but we wanted our player and our ace back, and he certainly didn't want to go, either," Cashman said, per <a href="https://sny.tv/articles/yankees-brian-cashman-gerrit-cole-contract-decision-opt-out-1112024">SNY's Andy Martino</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Cashman confirmed that Cole originally exercised his opt-out but reversed course after negotiations involving owner Hal Steinbrenner and team president Randy Levine. The GM said that all parties wanted the right-hander to stay.</p><p>"Maybe the grass isn't always greener," Cashman said. "I think he's happy where he's at. I think he likes our setup. I think he likes playing for who he's playing for and working for, and I think he likes his teammates. They give him a chance to win, and sometimes the grass isn't always greener. And so that goes for us, too. I know we'd prefer not to be trying to look at how we're going to replace our ace."</p><p>Cashman added there are no ongoing extension talks.</p><p>"Ultimately, we currently have in place ... the contract that we signed him to that takes him through, I think, what, 37? His Yankee career hopefully will finish with the Yankees," Cashman said. "Whether that's at the end of this contract or anything in the future, we can still talk through that. But the most important thing is, the biggest first step is, we have our ace back, and we're excited about that."</p><p>The 34-year-old recorded a 3.41 ERA with 1.13 WHIP and 9.4 K/9 over 95 innings (17 starts) this year after making his season debut in mid-June due to an elbow injury.</p><p>Cole owns a 3.12 ERA with 1.03 WHIP and 915 strikeouts over 759 innings (125 starts) since joining the Yankees. The 2023 AL Cy Young winner has made three of his six All-Star appearances in pinstripes. </p><p> </p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees reacts in the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians during Game Two of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2024 in New York City.

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Cole stays with Yankees on original 4-year deal

The Atlanta Braves announced Monday they picked up designated hitter Marcell Ozuna's $16-million ...

<p>The Atlanta Braves announced Monday they picked up designated hitter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3034" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3034">Marcell Ozuna</a>'s $16-million club option for next season.</p><p>However, the Braves declined catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2068" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2068">Travis d'Arnaud</a>'s $8-million option and reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4266" href="/mlb/players/4266">Luke Jackson</a>'s $7-million option.</p><p>Ozuna was a pivotal piece of Atlanta's lineup in 2024, going deep 39 times with 104 RBIs and a .925 OPS over a career-high 162 games en route to a third All-Star nod.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 33-year-old's bat helped the Braves reach the postseason as a wild-card team after dealing with significant injuries to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8292" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8292">Ronald Acuña Jr.</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8131" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8131">Austin Riley</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4916" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4916">Ozzie Albies</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13620" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13620">Spencer Strider</a>.</p><p>Meanwhile, d'Arnaud is now a free agent after spending the last five years with Atlanta. The 35-year-old former All-Star recorded 15 homers with 48 RBIs and a .739 OPS across 99 games in 2024.</p><p>The Braves made the move for payroll flexibility but aren't closing the door on re-signing d'Arnaud, according to <a href="https://x.com/DOBrienATL/status/1853514630536056997">David O'Brien of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>Lastly, Jackson amassed a combined 5.09 ERA with 59 strikeouts over 52 appearances between Atlanta and the San Francisco Giants this year.</p>

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 20: Marcell Ozuna #20 of Atlanta Braves hits a home run during the fourth inning of game two of a doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals at Truist Park on July 20, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. "

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Braves exercise Ozuna's $16M option, decline d'Arnaud

Texas Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi will test free agency.  Rangers general manager Chris Y...

<p>Texas Rangers right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2345" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2345">Nathan Eovaldi</a> will test free agency.</p><p>Rangers general manager Chris Young announced Monday that Eovaldi declined his $20-million player option for 2025, according to <a href="https://x.com/Evan_P_Grant/status/1853486318057046200">Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News</a>.</p><p>Young added the team has "great interest" in bringing back the two-time All-Star.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 34-year-old played an instrumental role in helping Texas win the 2023 World Series, authoring a 3.63 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP and 132 strikeouts over 144 innings (25 starts) during the regular season before surrendering just 11 earned runs with 41 strikeouts across 36 2/3 postseason frames.</p><p>In 2024, Eovaldi posted a 3.80 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP and 8.8 K/9 over 170 2/3 innings (29 starts) - the third-highest total of his 13-year career.</p><p>The Rangers also announced Monday that they declined to exercise a club option on reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3898" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3898">Andrew Chafin</a>, making the veteran left-hander a free agent. Chafin, 34, put up a 4.19 ERA in 21 appearances with Texas after being acquired from Detroit at the trade deadline.</p>

ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 2: Nathan Eovaldi #17 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Globe Life Field on May 2, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

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Rangers' Eovaldi becomes free agent after declining $20M option

The Milwaukee Brewers declined right-hander Devin Williams' $10.5-million club option for 2025, t...

<p>The Milwaukee Brewers declined right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11736">Devin Williams</a>' $10.5-million club option for 2025, the team announced.</p><p>The star closer will remain with the Brewers but is now expected to make between $8 million and $9 million next season in his final year of arbitration.</p><p>Williams collected $7 million in 2024 after he avoided arbitration.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The two-time All-Star posted a 1.25 ERA, a 0.97 WHIP, 14 saves, and 38 strikeouts over 21 2/3 innings after missing the first four months of the season due to stress fractures in his back.</p><p>Williams owns a sparkling 1.83 ERA with 68 saves and a 14.3 K/9 across 241 appearances over six years with Milwaukee.</p><p>Brewers general manager Matt Arnold acknowledged in mid-October that his team must be "open-minded" about the possibility of trading the 30-year-old reliever.</p><p>MLB will produce and distribute local broadcasts for Milwaukee next year, which could lead to the club seeing less revenue after its deal with Diamond Sports Group ended. The team finished the 2024 campaign in the bottom third of the majors in payroll at $115 million.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 03: Devin Williams #38 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts in the ninth inning against the New York Mets during Game Three of the Wild Card Series at American Family Field on October 03, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Brewers, Williams head for arb after club declines $10.5M option

Red Bull star Max Verstappen won a rain-soaked Brazilian Grand Prix after starting from P17 at Sa...

<p>Red Bull star Max Verstappen won a rain-soaked Brazilian Grand Prix after starting from P17 at Sao Paulo's Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on Sunday.</p><p>Verstappen's victory marks only the fifth time a driver starting 17th or lower has won a Formula 1 race out of 1,121 attempts.</p><p>The three-time defending world champion has won from 10 different grid positions, breaking Fernando Alonso's record.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Verstappen started 17th after placing 12th during qualifying. However, he was also slapped with a five-place grid penalty for changing his car's engine.</p><p>"My emotions today were a roller coaster," Verstappen said following the race, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/f1-brazil-norris-piastri-verstappen-qualifying-ae6ffa26bfb1eb7b032bcb6723459e8c">Mauricio Savarese of The Associated Press</a>. "We stayed out of trouble, we made the right calls, and we were flying."</p><p>Meanwhile, Alpine's Esteban Ocon finished second. His teammate, Pierre Gasly, rounded out the podium in Sao Paulo for the F1 team's best showing of the season.</p><p>Pole-sitter Lando Norris, who's Verstappen's biggest threat for the championship this season, faltered to place sixth. The latter now has a cushy 62-point lead in the drivers' standings with three races left in Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Drivers' standings" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-n60hN" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/n60hN/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1092" 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>Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, Williams' Franco Colapinto, Hass' Nico Hulkenberg, and Aston Martin's Lance Stroll all crashed and didn't finish the race. Colapinto's teammate, Alex Albon, never made it out of qualifying due to a wreck.</p>

Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen celebrates at the podium of the Formula One Sao Paulo Grand Prix, at the Jose Carlos Pace racetrack, aka Interlagos, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on November 3, 2024.

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Verstappen mounts huge comeback to win Brazilian GP

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Tom Ruminski

News Editor

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