MLB GM Meetings buzz: Future of Skenes and Skubal, Orioles getting calls for Rutschman and more  —  We are now just 23 days from the start of MLB's annual winter meetings, and it's during this window that trade talks and free agent negotiations will be held in meaningful ways via texts and phone calls.

Laney College athletic director, former football coach John Beam severely injured in campus shooting  —  The shooting in an athletic building left Oakland leaders reeling  —  Bay Area News Group, SHOMIK MUKHERJEE |  OAKLAND — John Beam, the legendary football coach and Laney College athletic director …

Unanimous again, Shohei Ohtani wins 4th MVP  —  Dodgers' two-way player Shohei Ohtani won his second straight NL MVP award after winning twice in the American League.  —  Ohtani, who was honored in the American League in 2021 and 2023, is only the second player to be named MVP at least four times.

Padres to explore options, including sale of franchise  —  The family of the late Peter Seidler is exploring a potential sale of the San Diego Padres, the team announced Thursday.  —  In a statement, Padres chairman John Seidler, the franchise's control person and Peter's older brother …

Jeff McNeil among candidates with trade interest — and Mets are fielding offers  —  Access the Mets beat like never before  —  Don't miss Mike Puma's text messages from Queens and beyond — he's giving Sports+ subscribers the inside buzz on the Mets.  —  While McNeil recently …

With Edwin Díaz on the market, a perfect storm is brewing for the Mets to lose him  —  A perfect storm for the New York Mets to lose free-agent closer Edwin Díaz might be developing.  —  Díaz, testing free agency for the first time, is eager to cash in on his last chance for a monster payday.

Jackie Bradley Jr. becomes first ex-MLB star to commit full time to Banana Ball  —  The Indianapolis Clowns selected former 11-year major leaguer and 2018 World Series champion Jackie Bradley Jr. with the first pick in the inaugural Banana Ball player draft Thursday night …

‘New integrity crisis’: Congress seeks MLB answers on betting  —  Members of Congress sent a letter to Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred on Friday, expressing concern over a “new integrity crisis” facing American sports and asking for answers about the alleged betting scheme …

Tarik Skubal  —  Pirates ace Paul Skenes wins first Cy Young Award and Tigers star Tarik Skubal goes back-to-back  —  Paul Skenes has won the National League Cy Young Award in a unanimous vote, becoming the first pitcher in 40 years to win Rookie of the Year one season and a Cy Young Award the next.