Athlete of the Year … SEE FULL LIST  —  When Aaron Judge stood in the Yankee Stadium batter's box in late September, he couldn't quite shake the silence.  Some 45,000 voices hushed, as if they were at a basilica, not a ball field.  As fans anticipated a landmark moment in sports …

How the Phillies landed Trea Turner: Inside their months-long quest that ended in a $300M deal  —  SAN DIEGO — John Middleton spent Sunday afternoon where he spends many Sunday afternoons in the fall.  He sat with his wife, Leigh, alongside Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie in the executive suite at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LATEST SHOW  —  Dolphins Deep Dive: How will Miami fare in meaningful December games that kickoff vs. 49ers?  —  Dolphins Deep Dive: How will Miami protect Tua after Armstead and Jackson's injuries?  —  Dolphins Deep Dive: What should we expect as Mike McDaniel returns …

What I'm hearing at MLB Winter Meetings on Sean Murphy, Carlos Rodón and more  —  The Athletics are seeking major leaguers rather than prospects for Sean Murphy, and telling interested clubs they will keep the catcher if they do not receive a satisfactory trade offer.

Ben Simmons targeting return Friday vs. Hawks: ‘I feel good, really good’  —  After missing three straight games with a left lateral calf strain, Nets star Ben Simmons will sit his fourth straight in Wednesday's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets but is targeting Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks for his return.

Sources: Free agent Andrew Heaney reaches deal with Rangers  —  SAN DIEGO — The Texas Rangers agreed to terms on a two-year deal with free agent starting pitcher Andrew Heaney on Tuesday, further bolstering a rotation that previously added Jacob deGrom, a source told ESPN.

Sources: Japanese star Masataka Yoshida will be MLB free agent  —  Japanese star Masataka Yoshida will post on Wednesday, sources told ESPN, adding an outfielder to a baseball free agent market with scant depth at the position.  —  Yoshida, 29, will be eligible to sign with a major league …

Mets agree to two-year, $86 million deal with Justin Verlander  —  SAN DIEGO — The Mets have their ace.  —  Just one day into the winter meetings the Mets are reportedly in agreement on a two-year contract with right-hander Justin Verlander.  According to ESPN's Jeff Passan …

Yankees' interest in Brandon Nimmo may go beyond Aaron Judge insurance  —  SAN DIEGO — The Yankees are expected to meet with Brandon Nimmo here in San Diego.  They are seeking two outfielders, so theoretically, they could sign both Judge and Nimmo — though that could possibly bloat their budget.

Red Sox in advanced talks with pitcher Tommy Kahnle, who could choose his team Tuesday  —  SAN DIEGO - The Red Sox are among the teams involved in advanced talks with free-agent reliever Tommy Kahnle, who is expected to make a decision about a team as soon as Tuesday, according to multiple major league sources.

Sources say Cubs going big in push for Correa, Swanson … SAN DIEGO — An already big, hot shortstop market just got bigger and hotter Monday with Trea Turner's $300 million deal to play for the National League-champion Phillies.  —  Cue the sad-Cubs emojis?  —  Not so fast.

Grizzlies sit starters and still roll 101-93, as Heat fail to reach .500  —  The takeaway from these first two months of the Miami Heat's season has been the lament of being less than whole.  —  The lesson Monday night from the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum is that doesn't always matter.

San Francisco Giants' confidence is quietly growing in Aaron Judge sweepstakes  —  SAN DIEGO — The San Francisco Giants' confidence is growing in their hopes of signing American League MVP Aaron Judge, with team officials divulging Monday that they have become ultra-aggressive in their talks to land the New York Yankees star.