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 …

Anthony Rizzo remains without a team after battling injuries: ‘I want to play’  —  Anthony Rizzo is only 35.  But with spring training games underway, he continues to linger on the free-agent market.  —  Rizzo wants to play.  He's healthy enough to play.  Yet he knows the end of his career might be near.

Juan Soto slams 426-foot HR in 1st at-bat as Mets top Astros  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Juan Soto wasted little time in showing off his power for his new team.  Again.  —  Soto homered in his first spring training at-bat for the New York Mets, hitting a solo shot to left-center field in the first inning against Houston on Saturday.

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 …

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 …

Eddie Fisher, All-Star reliever and World Series champ, dies at 88  —  ALTUS, Okla. — Eddie Fisher, the right-hander whose 15-year major league career included an All-Star selection for the Chicago White Sox and a World Series title with Baltimore, has died.  He was 88.

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.

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 …