Dodgers' Alex Vesia announces death of newborn daughter after missing World Series
The Vesias wrote: 'We have seen ALL your messages, comments and posts. It’s brought us so much comfort.'.
Baseball
8th November 2025
Who is Munetaka Murakami? MLB's next big Japanese free agent comes with big power — and big red flags
It's officially time for MLB fans to become familiar with the name Munetaka Murakami. The Yakult Swallows' third baseman is set to be posted for all 30 MLB clubs at 8 a.
Dodgers' Vesia says baby daughter died Oct. 26
Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia, who missed the World Series because of what the team said at the time was a "deeply personal family matter," said Friday his daughter, Sterling, died Oct. 26.
Mansolino joins Braves as new third base coach
Former Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino was hired Friday as third base coach of the Braves under new manager Walt Weiss.
2025 AL Silver Slugger: Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, George Springer among winners for MLB hitting honor
The second half of the Silver Slugger award winners have been announced, with 10 players and one team awarded the honor Friday in a FanSided stream. After the National League Silver Slugger awards were announced Thursday, it was time for the American League.
Dodgers' Alex Vesia announces death of infant daughter after sitting out World Series
Megan Briggs via Getty ImagesLos Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia announced the death of his infant daughter on Friday, after he sat out the entire 2025 World Series.
Trump Pardons Darryl Strawberry, Former Mets and Yankees Slugger
The eight-time All-Star baseball player pleaded guilty in 1995 to one count of tax evasion. He was sentenced to six months of home confinement.
MLB awards: Previewing all 8 pieces of MLB hardware, from Nick Kurtz's ROY slam-dunk to an all-time AL MVP debate
MLB awards week is just around the corner, with four awards up for grab in both leagues. Some of these eight races are foregone conclusions, their winners decided long ago in the warmth of summer. Others remain mysteries, toss-ups that likely came down to the wire.
Miller among 34 Super 2s eligible for arbitration
San Diego reliever Mason Miller, Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto and Kansas City third baseman Maikel Garcia are among 34 players with two to three years of service time who are eligible for salary arbitration.
Former MLB star Strawberry pardoned by Trump
President Donald Trump has pardoned former MLB great Darryl Strawberry, the 1983 NL Rookie of the Year and an eight-time All-Star, of tax evasion and drug charges dating back to the latter part of his playing career.
Prince Harry apologizes to Canada for Dodgers cap
Prince Harry went to Toronto for events marking the end of World War I and found himself on an apology tour for offending Canadians over his wearing of a Dodgers hat.
The future of the Blue Jays after their World Series run, Rockies make a shocking hire + Good Bad Uggla returns
Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-CastApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeWhen the Toronto Blue Jays went on their miracle postseason run that landed them just two outs shy of winning the World Series, very few believed they’d be in that position during the regular season.
Munetaka Murakami to be posted for MLB signing, can negotiate deal for 45 days: Source
Murakami seems poised to land a lucrative deal.
Munetaka Murakami, Japanese power-hitting infielder, reportedly will be posted
Tokyo Yakult Swallows infielder Munetaka Murakami will enter the posting system on Friday, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Beginning at 8 a.m. ET Saturday, MLB teams will have until 5.
Sources: Japanese home run king Murakami posts
Japanese star third baseman Munetaka Murakami, who owns the single-season home run record for a Japanese player in Nippon Professional Baseball, is entering the posting system for MLB teams, sources told ESPN.
MLB wild-card era awards: Best October players, greatest games, bonkers moments and more
We celebrate the past 30 years of playoff baseball with a look back at some of the most memorable moments since the wild-card era began.
7th November 2025
In a MLB offseason with some outside-the-box hires, there’s risk in getting too cute
New Padres manager Craig Stammen is one of the handful of unconventional candidates MLB teams have hired recently.
Which big Japanese and KBO free agents will make their mark in MLB this season?
There is no Yoshinobu Yamamoto or Roki Sasaki in this year's crop of players from Korea or Japan. But there are powerful bats and live arms.
Looming lockout, pitcher injuries, and deferrals: Answering your free-agency questions
What big free agent will linger? What will Shota Imanaga get on the open market? Can the Guardians hope? Our contracts expert answers all.
Prince Harry apologizes for wearing Dodgers cap during World Series vs. Blue Jays: 'I was under duress'
The 2025 World Series had everything, including an 18-inning game, a brawl and a pinch-hit grand slam. Plus, there was a faux pas involving the British royal family.
LaTroy Hawkins to serve as Twins bullpen coach, more changes expected: Sources
Hawkins, who's been with the Twins as a special assistant since 2017, will be involved more as a bullpen coach under manager Derek Shelton.
Judge expresses concern over slow pace of Tyler Skaggs trial
Judge told attorneys for both sides that they were taking too long with each witness and would need to pare down their lists.
Red Sox do not extend qualifying offer to starter Lucas Giolito
He enters free agency without a qualifying offer, perhaps helping his market as clubs are often hesitant to lose draft picks for such deals.
Dodgers drop OF Justin Dean 1 week after his heads-up play helps save Game 6 of World Series
The MLB offseason can arrive very quickly, as the Los Angeles Dodgers just showed with Justin Dean. The Dodgers announced Thursday they had outrighted the young outfielder, one week after he made a heads-up play that helped save Game 6 of the World Series.
Dodgers drop OF Justin Dean 1 week after his heads-up play helped save Game 6 of World Series
The MLB offseason can arrive very quickly, as the Los Angeles Dodgers just showed with Justin Dean. The Dodgers announced Thursday they had outrighted the young outfielder, one week after he made a heads-up play that helped save Game 6 of the World Series.
2025 NL Silver Slugger: Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Kyle Tucker among winners for MLB hitting honor
The MLB offseason continues with awards honoring the best players of the 2025 season. The latest honor to be handed out is the Silver Slugger, with the National League winners announced in a FanSided stream on Thursday.
Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette headline 13 MLB players tendered qualifying offer
Here's a breakdown of everyone who received a qualifying offer, which if accepted would mean a one-year, $22.025 million contract.
DePodesta to run Rockies' baseball operations
The Rockies have hired Paul DePodesta to run their baseball operations department, turning to the longtime executive to overhaul a stagnant organization coming off a 119-loss season.
Sources: OF Tucker among 13 to get $22M offer
Kyle Tucker (Cubs) and Kyle Schwarber (Phillies) headline the 13 players who were tendered the $22.025 million qualifying offer, sources told ESPN.
Mattingly leaves Jays; Schneider to return in '26
Don Mattingly is leaving his role as bench coach of the Blue Jays, while manager John Schneider will return in 2026 after the team exercised his contract option.
Sources: Dodgers pick up $10M option on Muncy
The Dodgers have picked up Max Muncy's $10 million club option and left-handed reliever Alex Vesia's $3.55 million option for next season, sources tell ESPN.
Rays decline Fairbanks option as closer now FA
The Rays have declined their $11 million option on closer Pete Fairbanks.
Mets extend qualifying offer to closer Edwin Díaz
Edwin Diaz is expected to test the market but he has said he would "love to" return to the Mets.
Mets extend qualifying offer to closer Edwin Díaz
The 31-year-old closer is expected to test the market, but Díaz has said he would "love to come back" to the Mets.
Don Mattingly leaving role as Blue Jays' bench coach on John Schneider's staff
John Schneider's bench in Toronto will look a little different in 2026. Don Mattingly is leaving the team following the expiration of his contract. The 64-year-old Mattingly served as a bench coach and offensive coordinator with Toronto after being hired ahead of the 2023 MLB season.
Browns' Paul DePodesta reportedly returning to MLB as Rockies' head of baseball operations
The Colorado Rockies are close to a deal to hire Paul DePodesta from the Cleveland Browns, per multiple reports.
Browns' Paul DePodesta returning to MLB as Rockies' head of baseball operations
The Colorado Rockies have hired Paul DePodesta from the Cleveland Browns, the team announced on Friday.
The biggest names in MLB free agency. Plus: Another Barry Bonds HOF debate
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
Rockies to hire Browns' Paul DePodesta as head of baseball operations: Sources
DePodesta will return to a baseball front office after nearly a decade of working in the NFL.
How the Dodgers' World Series win could impact future MLB labor negotiations and the possibility of a salary cap
Amid the NLCS trophy presentation, surrounded by his victorious ballclub, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the quiet part out loud. Very loud. “They said the Dodgers are ruining baseball,” the future Hall of Fame skipper hollered to the home crowd.
Dodgers reportedly pick up Max Muncy's $10 million option after playoff heroics lifted team in World Series
The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly bringing back third baseman Max Muncy for another year. The team took action Thursday, picking up Muncy's $10 million option for 2026, according to The Athletic.
Dodgers pick up Max Muncy's $10 million club option for 2026: Source
Muncy is the Dodgers' all-time playoff home run leader and trails only Duke Snider in franchise history for homers by a left-handed hitter.
Stammen to manage Padres after vetting hopefuls
Former reliever Craig Stammen, who was involved with interviewing managerial candidates for the Padres, was himself hired to the position, replacing Mike Shildt.
M's Polanco a free agent after declining option
Mariners infielder Jorge Polanco is a free agent after declining a $6 million player option for 2026. He will receive a $750,000 buyout.
Cubs decline Turner mutual option, re-sign Rea
Infielder Justin Turner is a free agent after the Cubs declined a $10 million mutual option. Chicago also agreed to terms with right-hander Colin Rea.
Dodgers-Jays World Series G7 draws 51M viewers
The Dodgers' 5-4, Game 7 win over the Blue Jays was the most-watched game since Game 7 of the 1991 World Series between the Twins and Braves. 51 million viewers from the U.S., Canada and Japan tuned in to watch the 11-inning finale.
MLB manager search tracker: Latest news about openings, candidates as Padres hire former relief pitcher Craig Stammen, Braves promote Walt Weiss
Last year, three MLB teams made managerial changes: the Cincinnati Reds, Miami Marlins and Chicago White Sox. This offseason, there has been a tripling of movement at the skipper position as nine positions opened up.
Padres choose Craig Stammen as next manager in unexpected twist
Stammen is now the sixth full-time manager under general manager A.J. Preller.
Padres hire former reliever Craig Stammen as next manager
The San Diego Padres have their next manager, and it's a name the team knows quite well. Former Padres reliever Craig Stammen was announced as the team's new manager on Thursday. Stammed reportedly signed a three-year contract to manage the team, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Don Mattingly leaving Blue Jays' post as bench coach after reaching first World Series
Mattingly's departure comes while one managerial vacancy remains in the majors and other staffs have yet to be finalized.
6th November 2025
Rankings, contract projections for top 50 MLB free agents
Kiley McDaniel breaks down the 2025-26 free agent class (MLB free agency starts at 5 p.m. ET).
This Week in Sports Trivia: November 6, 2025
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
Five things to watch on Hall of Fame Contemporary Era ballot: Bonds, Clemens and so much more
Bonds and Clemens are back. So are Mattingly and Murphy, along with four other greats. And a new rule could have major implications.
How Clayton Kershaw's legacy will live on with Dodgers
The future Hall of Famer has hung up his spikes, but as L.A.'s dynasty continues, so will his influence.
Top 50 MLB Free Agents: Tucker, Bichette top 2025-26 class defined by depth
Analysis, best fits, and contract projections for a free agent class that features Kyle Schwarber, Framber Valdez and other impact players.
MLB free agency is here: The names to know, the teams with the most urgency
How good is this free-agent class? Who might take longer to sign? Who are the unfamiliar names that can alter the market?.
Angels doctor testifies he 'had no idea' how addictive opiates he prescribed Eric Kay were
Dr. Craig Milhouse, who has worked for the Angels for 31 years, prescribed Kay 600 pills over a three-plus-year period.
Bruce Bochy hangs up his uniform, poised for advisory role with Giants
Bochy, who won three of his four World Series titles managing the Giants, will be back in San Francisco, where he managed for 13 seasons.
Why the Phillies are bringing back José Alvarado by exercising $9M club option
The decision reflects the club's confidence that Alvarado can return to form after a season interrupted by an 80-game PED suspension.
Mookie Betts reflects on winning his fourth World Series, his struggles in 2025 and what's ahead for Dodgers
As the Dodgers’ clubhouse began to clear three hours after the team clinched back-to-back World Series titles, one of the last people remaining in the room was the man who has popped more champagne than any other active player in baseball. Mookie Betts.
MLB sets opening date for spring training slate
MLB's spring training schedule will open Feb. 20 with seven games, including the Yankees against the Orioles in Florida, and the Cubs vs. the White Sox in Arizona.
Ex-Mets coaches join Weiss' new Braves staff
Pitching coach Jeremy Hefner and and first base coach Antoan Richardson were added by the Braves to new manager Walt Weiss' staff.
Dodgers celebrate their title, the lingering effects of LA winning another World Series & players opting in
Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-CastApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeThe Los Angeles Dodgers clinched their ninth franchise championship this past Saturday and by Monday afternoon, they were celebrating their title back home with a victory parade.
How nachos and a polygraph test led Shohei Ohtani's NLCS home run ball to auction
Ohtani's 469-foot NLCS home run ball took a unique journey to the auction block.
Source: Braves keep Sale in fold with $18M option
The Braves have exercised their club option on Chris Sale, who had 165 strikeouts in 125 2/3 innings last season and will make $18 million in 2026, a source told ESPN.
Yankees pick up Hill's option, decline Loaisiga's
The Yankees have exercised left-hander Tim Hill's $3 million club option for next season and declined right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga's $5 million club option, the team announced Wednesday.
2025 World Series Game 7 TV broadcast delivers more than 27 million U.S. viewers
The combined North American TV audience for Game 7? An incredible 38.2 million viewers.
How the Blue Jays nearly took down a baseball superpower -- and how it could change MLB
Toronto almost dethroned the mighty Dodgers by prioritizing contact. Will other teams follow the model?.
5th November 2025
Offseason rumors and buzz: What we're hearing as free agency begins
Will Skubal be dealt? Here's what we're hearing as the 2025-26 hot stove ignites.
My case for why Dale Murphy deserves to be in the Hall of Fame
Murphy's peak didn't last as long as some players in the Hall of Fame, but even so, his overall resume matches up with several already in.
Flanked by his family, new Orioles manager Craig Albernaz preaches preparation
Bigger, better and newer things are coming to Baltimore baseball, and the Orioles believe Albernaz is one of them.
From splitter usage to base-running trends: Lessons learned from the MLB postseason
The playoffs are a small sample size, but there were still lessons to be gleaned from this year's remarkable MLB postseason.
Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens should be sitting in the Hall of Fame right next to Bud Selig
Much was accomplished during Selig's reign as commissioner. But baseball enjoyed unprecedented success in the steroids era under his watch.
Needs and goals for all 30 MLB teams as the 2025-2026 offseason begins
All 30 teams will be active in the trade, free agency and waiver wire markets this offseason. Which areas are each team focused on?.
How did Mike Trout, the best baseball player of his generation, fade away?
He was a baseball god before his body betrayed him. Did he harm his legacy by staying loyal to the Angels?.
Shane Bieber reportedly opts in with Blue Jays for $16M instead of testing free agency
Shane Bieber is running it back with the Blue Jays. Faced with the chance to test free agency, the former Cy Young winner is returning to Toronto on his $16 million player option, according to multiple reports.
Shane Bieber reportedly opts in with Blue Jays for $16 million instead of testing free agency
Shane Bieber is running it back with the Blue Jays. Given the chance to test free agency, the former Cy Young winner is instead returning to Toronto on his $16 million player option, according to multiple reports.
Ex-Angels clubbie testifies in Skaggs trial that Eric Kay's drug use was known within organization
“If I knew, they knew,” a former Angels employee testified in court on Tuesday.
Blue Jays' Shane Bieber to return after exercising player option: Source
Bieber, a pivotal player in the Blue Jays' push to the World Series, will remain in Toronto.
RHP Bieber stays with Blue Jays on $16M option
Pitcher Shane Bieber has opted into his $16 million player option with the Blue Jays for the 2026 season, choosing to forgo free agency.
Salvador Perez, Royals agree to 2-year extension through 2027
Perez's expiring contract included a 2026 team option, but his extension will keep him in Kansas City through 2027.
Perez agrees to 2-year deal to remain with Royals
Catcher Salvador Perez will remain with the Kansas City Royals rather than become a free agent, agreeing Tuesday to a two-year contact.
Auction house collects WS HR balls from dad, son
SCP Auctions has collected two World Series home run baseballs that a father and son say they caught during Game 7 of the World Series.
Shelton: Reflection time post-firing aided Twins hire
Derek Shelton used his sudden free time in the wake of his firing by the Pirates to take the notes that helped him land the manager job in Minnesota.
What to make of Chicago Cubs', Shota Imanaga's decisions to part ways
The Chicago Cubs entered this offseason with a need for starting pitching, and now they’ll likely need to find even more arms. The Cubs declined their three-year, $57 million club option for left-hander Shota Imanaga on Tuesday, according to reports.
Sources: Tigers' Flaherty stays put, to make $20M
Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty is not opting out of his $20M contract for 2026, sources told ESPN, and will return to Detroit, where he has played the past two seasons.
Padres vet Darvish out for 2026 after UCL surgery
Padres veteran pitcher Yu Darvish underwent UCL repair surgery on his right elbow and is expected to miss all of the 2026 season.
Sources: Story opts to stay with Red Sox in '26
Veteran shortstop Trevor Story will not opt out of his contract and instead will return to the Boston Red Sox in 2026, sources told ESPN.
Brewers decline '26 options on Hoskins, Quintana
Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins and left-hander Jose Quintana are headed for free agency after Milwaukee declined their 2026 mutual options on Tuesday.
O's introduce Albernaz, push big rebound in '26
New Orioles manager Craig Albernaz is hoping the potential of his roster is still very much there after the team fell to 75 wins and the AL East cellar this season.
Jack Flaherty won't opt out, returns to Tigers on $20 million deal
Flaherty could have tested the free agent market but his experience last offseason coming off a stronger year wasn't a positive one.
Tigers close to hiring Anthony Sanders, Cody Asche amid staff shakeup: Sources
Sanders, 51, is expected to become the Tigers' first-base coach. Asche, 35, will join the Tigers as an assistant hitting coach.
Padres' Yu Darvish undergoes UCL repair with internal brace, will miss 2026 season
Darvish missed the start of the 2025 season with elbow discomfort and pitched through pain all season.
Atlanta Braves choose cultural continuity in selecting Walt Weiss to be next manager
The Atlanta Braves have a new skipper, and it's a very familiar face. Walt Weiss, the club’s bench coach since 2018, was named the 49th manager in franchise history on Monday.
Padres starter Yu Darvish to miss 2026 season after undergoing UCL surgery on pitching elbow
ASSOCIATED PRESSSan Diego Padres starter Yu Darvish will miss the 2026 season after undergoing UCL surgery on his pitching elbow. Darvish announced the news on social media Tuesday. The Padres followed with a statement confirming that Darvish underwent surgery on Oct.
Red Sox, OF Duran agree to 1-year, $7.75M deal
The Boston Red Sox have agreed to a one-year, $7.75 million contract with outfielder Jarren Duran to avoid arbitration for a second straight year.
Cubs trade Kittredge back to Orioles for cash
The Cubs have traded reliever Andrew Kittredge back to the Orioles for cash considerations.
Report: M's pick up $7M option on closer Munoz
The Mariners are picking up the $7 million club option on closer Andres Munoz for the 2026 season, according to a report. He has 60 saves over the past two seasons.
Braves focused outside before promoting Weiss
The Braves went league-wide in new manager search before promoting longtime bench coach Walt Weiss.
Red Sox, Jarren Duran agree to $7.7 million deal, avoid arbitration: Source
The contract includes $75,000 in performance bonuses, per a source, with $25,000 each for 450, 500 and 550 plate appearances.
