What I'm Hearing: John Harbaugh's bold Simmons pursuit, Jonathan Taylor's uncertain future, Caleb Williams' costly stand  —  On Monday night, Jeffery Simmons will make his debut with the Chicago Bears after the blockbuster deal that sent the star Tennessee Titans defensive tackle to Chicago in exchange for two first-round picks.

The Brewers' World Series success was no fluke, and they did their part to help save baseball  —  Did the Brewers save baseball by winning the World Series?  —  We're a month away from baseball's collective bargaining agreement expiring and commissioner Rob Manfred locking out the players.

Astros hire Cardinals exec Randy Flores as next general manager  —  HOUSTON — In a surprising last-minute pivot, the Houston Astros hired Randy Flores as their general manager Friday night, capping a whirlwind two-month search that initially focused on another candidate.

Diamondbacks to hire Padres bullpen coach Ben Fritz as lead pitching coach: Sources  —  The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to hire San Diego Padres bullpen coach Ben Fritz as their pitching coach, league sources with knowledge of the decision told The Athletic on the condition of anonymity …

Orioles Re-Sign Rece Hinds  —  The Orioles announced that outfielder Rece Hinds has been re-signed to a one-year Major League contract.  The Baltimore Banner's Andy Kostka reports that Hinds' salary will be $4700 more than the next MLB minimum salary, which will be established when the next collective bargaining agreement is settled.

Mariners, still searching for a manager, add CJ Gillman as hitting coach: Sources  —  As the Seattle Mariners' managerial search nears its conclusion, the team is already putting together its next coaching staff.  —  The Mariners are bringing back CJ Gillman, their minor-league hitting coordinator …

Bo Bichette to exercise $42 million player option to stay with Mets: Sources  —  Bo Bichette is exercising his $42 million player option to stay with the New York Mets, league sources said Thursday, giving the Mets' lineup continuity as another pivotal offseason for the expensive yet underachieving club gets underway.

Yankees dump Omar Minaya, Brian Sabean in front office shakeup after 2026 flop  —  Brian Cashman will be back on a new deal, but the front office around him will look different next season.  —  The Yankees are not renewing the contracts of grizzled top advisers Brian Sabean and Omar Minaya, as The Post's Jon Heyman first reported.

Mutual option for Texas Rangers' designated hitter Joc Pederson won't be exercised  —  Plus, two other Rangers will not have their mutual option exercised ahead of the 2026-27 season.  —  The first major transactions of the Rangers' offseason are upon us.  —  The mutual options …

Garrett Stubbs will be designated for assignment by the Phillies  —  Garrett Stubbs' run with the Phillies is over.  —  A popular backup catcher and one of the most dynamic personalities during the Phillies' five-year run as a postseason team, Stubbs learned Thursday he will be designated for assignment.

Top 40 Trade Candidates Of The 2026-27 MLB Offseason  —  The celebration is on in Milwaukee and the offseason has arrived!  Free agency won't officially open for five days, as teams have until then to resolve any option decisions and have an exclusive negotiating window with their own free agents.