MLB, ESPN opt out of TV deal for 2026-28; MLB cites ‘minimal coverage’  —  Major League Baseball and ESPN have “mutually agreed” to end their national television deal after the upcoming 2025 season, according to a memo baseball commissioner Rob Manfred sent to his owners Thursday afternoon that was obtained by The Athletic.

Nine teams, two close calls, one blocked trade: Inside the Cardinals' failed effort to move Nolan Arenado  —  During their annual holiday party at Busch Stadium, the St. Louis Cardinals looked poised to get the only item on their wish list.  —  It was the Friday after the Winter Meetings …

Detroit Tigers' A.J. Hinch to miss first spring training game for funeral of former coach  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch glanced over his shoulder, watching his players stretch while his coaches stood together on the field at Joker Marchant Stadium.

Yanks amend longstanding facial hair policy, to allow ‘well-groomed beards’  —  TAMPA, Fla. — This Yankees team is about to look different than any other in a generation.  —  Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner announced on Friday that the organization has amended …

Billionaire Justin Ishbia abandons bid for Twins to boost his stake in White Sox: Sources  —  CHICAGO — Chicago-area billionaire Justin Ishbia has dropped his pursuit of the Minnesota Twins, The Athletic has learned, and will instead buy more shares from other limited partners to increase …

Yankees, Aaron Boone agree to two-year contract extension  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The New York Yankees and manager Aaron Boone have agreed on a two-year contract extension that will run through the 2027 season, the team announced Thursday, on the eve of the club's Grapefruit League opener.

Auburn's Tim Locastro signs minor league deal with San Diego Padres  —  Auburn native Tim Locastro has re-signed with the San Diego Padres, he told The Citizen Wednesday.  —  Locastro inked a minor league contract and will likely start his season with the El Paso Chihuahuas, the Padres' Triple-A affiliate.

Justin Verlander wants 300 wins and some MLB rule changes so he won't be the last  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The San Francisco Giants clubhouse is nearly empty Wednesday afternoon when Justin Verlander plops down in front of his corner locker covered in sweat, and emotions seeping from his soul.

Alex Bregman dispels Rafael Devers-3B drama: 'I'll play wherever'  —  Rafael Devers turned the hot corner into hot-topic material before Alex Bregman had time to back out of a perceived territorial dispute with the Boston Red Sox.  —  Devers emphatically stated Monday he believes third base …

Lawrence Butler and A's talking long-term contract extension: Sources  —  MESA, Ariz. — Fresh off a breakout performance last year, right fielder Lawrence Butler is engaged in talks about a contract extension with the A's, people briefed on the discussions who were not authorized to speak publicly told The Athletic.

Spring games to feature automated ball-strike challenge system  —  PHOENIX — Thirteen spring stadiums and over 60% of Cactus and Grapefruit League games will feature an automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system as MLB continues to inch closer to using it during the regular season — though that won't occur any earlier than 2026.

Seth Jones talking with Blackhawks about trade possibility: ‘I would like to give myself a chance to win’  —  The 30-year-old defenseman knows his $9.5 million salary-cap hit will not be “an easy thing to move,” but if the Hawks can make a trade happen, it sounds like he might welcome it.

Pirates' Spencer Horwitz Inching Closer To Return  —  Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz has taken a positive step forward in his injury recovery.  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates were hit hard out of the gate when it was revealed that first baseman Spencer Horwitz had surgery …

LIVE: Dodgers, Cubs jump-start Cactus League action  —  Given their looming trip to Japan, the Dodgers and Cubs are working under a different Spring Training schedule than the rest of baseball.  That is why the clubs are taking the field at Camelback Ranch right now, marking the first baseball game of the 2025 preseason.

Chiefs' offseason to-do list: Protect Patrick Mahomes, retain Trey Smith and more  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Well before they left the field at the Caesars Superdome, several Chiefs players shared season-ending hugs.  Those hugs continued in the visitors' locker room, too.