Nothing gets by Jo Adell.  The Los Angeles Angels outfielder had a defensive night for the ages, ...

Nothing gets by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9561" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9561">Jo Adell</a>.The Los Angeles Angels outfielder had a defensive night for the ages, saving the Halos' 1-0 win over the Seattle Mariners by stealing three home runs.Adell's first robbery came in the first inning, when he made a leaping grab to steal what would have been <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10827">Cal Raleigh</a>'s first homer of the season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
JO SAID NO 🙅 <a href="https://t.co/bRflz01SXd">pic.twitter.com/bRflz01SXd</a>— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) <a href="https://twitter.com/Angels/status/2040606415442895286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>In the top of the eighth, Adell made a similar catch in nearly the exact same spot to take a round-tripper away from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8240" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8240">Josh Naylor</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
JO ADELL ROBS HIS SECOND HOMER OF THE NIGHT 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/oKaccCP6xh">pic.twitter.com/oKaccCP6xh</a>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/2040637506866086275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>But Adell saved his best for last. Mariners shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4253" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4253">J.P. Crawford</a> ripped a long fly ball towards the foul pole leading off the ninth, only for Adell to fly over the wall and hang on for the catch while falling into the stands. Seattle challenged the ruling, but replay upheld the out call.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
WELCOME TO THE JO ADELL GAME!!!! <a href="https://t.co/PpWzTXxi6C">pic.twitter.com/PpWzTXxi6C</a>— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) <a href="https://twitter.com/Angels/status/2040642017840230418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8362" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8362">Jordan Romano</a> then retired the next two batters to secure L.A.'s 1-0 win.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jo Adell…WOW! <a href="https://t.co/DUAO2HniBT">pic.twitter.com/DUAO2HniBT</a>— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTrout/status/2040648532483621192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Raleigh couldn't believe the night Adell had and offered his respect to the Angels outfielder following Saturday's game."You just tip the cap," the Mariners catcher said, according to <a href="https://x.com/DKramer_/status/2040654215887130683">MLB.com's Daniel Kramer</a>. "I don't think I've ever seen a guy rob two homers in a game, much less three. So it's just one of those things where baseball can amaze you night in and and night out. You can see something you've never seen before."

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Jo Adell #7 of the Los Angeles Angels catches a fly out in foul territory by J.P. Crawford #3 of the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 04, 2026 in Anaheim, California.

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Angels' Adell robs 3 HRs in 1-0 win over Mariners

New York Mets superstar Juan Soto left Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants in the bott...

New York Mets superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> left Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the first inning with right calf tightness.Soto appeared to grimace while rounding second base in the top of the first. He briefly remained in the game and ran home on the next play, but was then replaced in left field by Tyrone Taylor to start the bottom half.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Juan Soto left the game after running the bases in the first inning <a href="https://t.co/R2JJ3uE7Lh">pic.twitter.com/R2JJ3uE7Lh</a>— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNY_Mets/status/2040256541060665370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Mets did not provide any further updates on his status beyond the diagnosis.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Soto has been a very durable player over his career. His most recent stint on the injured list was in May 2021, when he was still with the Washington Nationals. Soto's played at least 150 games in each of his six full seasons, missing the mark only during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign and his rookie year of 2018 because he was called up in mid-May.The 27-year-old has been off to a flying start in 2026, hitting .355/.412/.516 with one homer and five RBIs over 34 plate appearances.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 2: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets grounds out at Oracle Park on April 2, 2026 in San Francisco, California.

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Mets' Soto removed in 1st inning with calf tightness

The Toronto Blue Jays signed veteran left-hander Patrick Corbin to a one-year, $1-million contrac...

The Toronto Blue Jays signed veteran left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2301" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2301">Patrick Corbin</a> to a one-year, $1-million contract Friday.Corbin was immediately optioned to Single-A Dunedin.The 36-year-old spent last season with the Texas Rangers. He put up a 4.40 ERA, 4.25 FIP, and 1.36 WHIP along with 131 strikeouts and one complete game over 31 appearances (30 starts). Those statistics were a marked improvement from those recorded in his previous four seasons with the Washington Nationals, as he was consistently among the worst pitchers in baseball.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Despite his struggles, Corbin brings plenty of pedigree to Toronto as a two-time All-Star and a key member of the Nationals' World Series-winning staff in 2019. He's also a workhorse, averaging over 157 innings a season during his 13-year career. Excluding the shortened 2020 campaign, he's made at least 30 starts every year since 2017.Once he's built up, Corbin will provide some much-needed depth for a Blue Jays rotation that's been hit hard by injuries of late. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4769" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4769">José Berríos</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9542" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9542">Shane Bieber</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20109" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20109">Trey Yesavage</a> all started their seasons on the injured list with either elbow or shoulder injuries, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12435" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12435">Bowden Francis</a> underwent Tommy John surgery in February.Toronto's need for pitching depth became even more urgent after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8204" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8204">Cody Ponce</a> sprained his ACL on Monday, an injury that's put his season in jeopardy.In addition to Corbin joining their battered rotation at some point, the Blue Jays may also get Yesavage back soon. The rookie, who's been battling a shoulder impingement, is beginning a rehab assignment at Dunedin on Friday, manager John Schneider told <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/blue-jays-yesavage-closest-to-return-lauers-start-bumped-to-sunday/">Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a>. The skipper didn't offer a potential timeline for when Yesavage might make his season debut.Reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16294" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16294">Mason Fluharty</a> will make his first career start - presumably as an opener - Saturday against the White Sox, per <a href="https://x.com/thehazelmae/status/2040191129078190303">Sportsnet's Hazel Mae</a>. That will give <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8244" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8244">Eric Lauer</a>, who's dealing with an illness, an extra day of rest before starting Sunday's series finale at Rate Field.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - APRIL 16: Patrick Corbin #46 of the Texas Rangers pitches during the first inning \L at Globe Life Field on April 16, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.

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Blue Jays sign Corbin to 1-year deal

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk is undergoing X-rays on his left thumb after being hurt ...

Toronto Blue Jays catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11875" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11875">Alejandro Kirk</a> is undergoing X-rays on his left thumb after being hurt late in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox.Kirk suffered the apparent injury when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8511" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8511">Austin Hays</a>' foul tip struck the thumb on his glove hand in the 10th inning. He quickly motioned to the dugout and then left the game. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4412" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4412">Tyler Heineman</a> took over behind the plate.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Alejandro Kirk was removed from the game after taking a foul tip off his glove hand <a href="https://t.co/jnBelzsjXa">pic.twitter.com/jnBelzsjXa</a>— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/2040174408447214005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"When he says that (he needs to come out), let's get it checked out. ... Especially with a guy like him and how important he is to us, I'm going to be ultra cautious there," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/2040178729431847100">Keegan Matheson of MLB.com</a><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Blue Jays don't have much catching depth behind the two-time All-Star. If Kirk is forced to miss an extended period of time, Heineman would presumably become the team's primary catcher.Brandon Valenzuela, who's currently at Triple-A Buffalo and has never played in the majors, is the only other catcher currently on the Blue Jays' 40-man roster. Toronto also has minor-league veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/15566" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/15566">C.J. Stubbs</a>, who played one game with the Washington Nationals last year, in Triple-A.Kirk has been one of baseball's most durable catchers during his seven-year career, having been placed on the injured list just three times since debuting in 2020.The 27-year-old owns a .577 OPS with one homer and two RBIs through his first five games of 2026.

Baseball: World Series: Toronto Blue Jays Alejandro Kirk (30) looks on from behind the plate vs Los Angeles Dodgers at Rogers Centre. Game 1. Toronto, Canada 10/24/2025CREDIT: Erick W. Rasco

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You can't stop Joey Wiemer. You can only hope to contain him.  The Washington Nationals outfielde...

You can't stop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14181" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14181">Joey Wiemer</a>. You can only hope to contain him.The Washington Nationals outfielder tied a major-league record by reaching base in 10 consecutive plate appearances to start his season. Wiemer extended the streak with an infield single in the first inning of Monday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies and then tied Carlos Delgado's mark with a third-inning single.The streak finally ended in the top of the fifth when Wiemer grounded out to pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3163" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3163">Taijuan Walker</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Joey Wiemer has reached base safely in each of his first TEN plate appearances in 2026! He ties Carlos Delgado (2002) for the all-time record to start a season! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/zLj66IUPut">pic.twitter.com/zLj66IUPut</a>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/2038761163954024636?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Wiemer joins Delgado and Hall of Famer Yogi Berra (in 1956) as one of just three players to reach base in at least nine straight PAs to begin a season since data became available in 1951, according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/2038760744402002109">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>.During his run, Weimer tallied eight hits, two homers, a triple, and two walks. He also scored four runs and added four RBIs.The red-hot start to 2026 follows what was a turbulent offseason for Wiemer, who was designated for assignment twice before being claimed off waivers by Washington in January. He spent the majority of last season in Triple-A and played just 27 big-league games in 2025 with the Miami Marlins.Although his record-tying streak is now over, the 27-year-old is still hitting a cool .889/.909/1.778 through 11 PAs this year.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 29: Joey Wiemer #21 of the Washington Nationals runs towards third base for a triple in the fourth inning of a game between the Washington Nationals and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Nats' Wiemer ties record by reaching base in 10 straight PAs to start season

Opening weekend has come and gone, but not before leaving us with some fun statistical oddities t...

Opening weekend has come and gone, but not before leaving us with some fun statistical oddities that only baseball can provide. Here's a look at some of the wildest stats from the first games of 2026.1: Runs scored by the San Francisco Giants through 91 at-bats. They rank last in average (.143), OBP (.212), slugging (.176), and OPS (.388).3: Games in which Cleveland Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter and Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami have homered to start their MLB careers. They're the fourth and fifth players, respectively, to go deep in their first three regular-season contests (DeLauter debuted during last year's postseason). DeLauter's streak ended Sunday night, but Murakami can tie Trevor Story's MLB record in his next game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>5: RBIs for new New York Mets star Luis Robert Jr. through three contests. He needed 18 games to record his fifth RBI in 2025.6: Calls by veteran umpire C.B. Bucknor overturned by ABS during Saturday's Cincinnati Reds-Boston Red Sox game. This included back-to-back strike-three calls that Cincinnati's Eugenio Suárez successfully challenged in his sixth-inning at-bat.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828221/cropped_GettyImages-2268545543.jpg?ts=1774582998" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828221/w220xh124_GettyImages-2268545543.jpg?ts=1774582998 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828221/w320xh180_GettyImages-2268545543.jpg?ts=1774582998 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828221/w640xh360_GettyImages-2268545543.jpg?ts=1774582998 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828221/w768xh432_GettyImages-2268545543.jpg?ts=1774582998 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828221/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2268545543.jpg?ts=1774582998 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>7: Number of teams since 1901 that have started 3-0 after trailing by multiple runs in each of their first three games. The Los Angeles Dodgers joined the exclusive list by accomplishing the feat against the Arizona Diamondbacks three times, becoming the first team to do so since the 1999 Giants.8: Plate appearances Joey Wiemer has made in a Washington Nationals uniform - and also the number of times he's reached base in 2026. Wiemer's streak ties the expansion-era record (since 1961) for consecutive PAs reaching base with a new team.9: Home runs hit by the Los Angeles Angels, currently tops in the majors. The Halos hit just two in their first four games last year en route to a 90-loss campaign.18: Number of plate appearances it took Houston Astros star Jose Altuve to draw his first five walks of the year. For comparison, it took him 92 PAs to reach that same mark one year ago.20: Innings it took for the Giants to score their first run of the season, tying a franchise record set in 1909.22: Age of Reds first baseman Sal Stewart, who reached base 10 times during Cincinnati's first three games. At 22 years and 112 days old, he's the third-youngest player to do that in MLB history.23: Combined strikeouts notched by Toronto Blue Jays starters Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease. Gausman and Cease are the first teammates in the modern era to each strike out at least 11 batters in their team's first two games of a season.50: Strikeouts recorded by the Blue Jays' pitchers during their sweep of the A's. That's a new MLB record for Ks by a pitching staff through its first three games of a campaign, four more than the 2020 Reds.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828267/cropped_GettyImages-2268490785.jpg?ts=1774619808" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828267/w220xh124_GettyImages-2268490785.jpg?ts=1774619808 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828267/w320xh180_GettyImages-2268490785.jpg?ts=1774619808 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828267/w640xh360_GettyImages-2268490785.jpg?ts=1774619808 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828267/w768xh432_GettyImages-2268490785.jpg?ts=1774619808 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828267/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2268490785.jpg?ts=1774619808 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ishika Samant / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>67.50: Paul Skenes' ERA after one start in 2026, the highest among starting pitchers through Sunday. The reigning NL Cy Young winner didn't make it out of the first inning on Opening Day against the Mets.2009: The last time the Miami Marlins - then known as the Florida Marlins - got off to a 3-0 start before this weekend's season-opening sweep of the Rockies.

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By the numbers: Wildest stats from MLB's opening weekend

Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton made some bizarre MLB history late in his team's 8-6 loss t...

Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton made some bizarre MLB history late in his team's 8-6 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.With one out in the top of the ninth, Twins designated hitter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4609" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4609">Josh Bell</a> appeared to draw a walk off Orioles closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9598" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9598">Ryan Helsley</a>. But Helsley pointed to his hat and challenged the pitch, which was quickly overturned by ABS, changing Bell's walk to a strikeout.That didn't sit well with Shelton, who came storming out of the dugout to argue that Helsley took too long to signal for a challenge. Shelton was quickly ejected, making him the first individual to be tossed for arguing an ABS call.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Twins manager Derek Shelton was LIVID as he argued that Ryan Helsley didn't challenge this call fast enough <a href="https://t.co/NnsgUb3iap">pic.twitter.com/NnsgUb3iap</a>— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/status/2038358447087906913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"I didn't think Helsley tapped his hat quick enough," Shelton said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/jcalvinmeyer/status/2038372246486479281">Jacob Calvin Meyer of the Baltimore Sun</a>. "Maybe he did, maybe he didn't. But I didn't feel he did. I feel it's gotta be something that's in the three-second (range), and I didn't think it was there. But the umpiring crew thought it was."The <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/abs-challenge-system-mlb-2026">ABS rules</a> state that players who want to challenge ball-strike calls have to tap their head within about two seconds of the umpire's call. Some players have also started saying "challenge" to ensure that the umps recognize the request.Helsley admitted postgame that he understood Shelton's frustration but still believes he signaled correctly."I understood where he was coming from because I felt like the (home plate) umpire didn't see me right away, and so I was kind of confused," Helsley said, per <a href="http://x.com/ByMattWeyrich/status/2038386081406574730">the Baltimore Sun's Matt Weyrich</a>. "(Second base ump) Laz (Díaz) behind me kind of took up for him. He was like, 'He did it right away,' which I know we're probably going to go through some growing pains with this since (it's) so new, and I think we saw that today."And I can respect Shelton for trying to not get him to do it there because it did seem like it was a little long in that moment."Helsley's successful challenge is the first ever by an Orioles pitcher.For Shelton, whom the Twins hired in October to replace Rocco Baldelli, the ejection was the 17th of his seven-year managerial career.

BALTIMORE, MD - MARCH 29: Manager Derek Shelton #8 of the Minnesota Twins discusses a call with umpires Laz Diaz #63 and Chris Segal in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 29, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Bo Bichette's New York Mets tenure is off to a rough start, and he knows it.  The Mets' marquee o...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a>'s New York Mets tenure is off to a rough start, and he knows it.The Mets' marquee offseason addition went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts in Sunday's 4-3 extra-inning loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bichette even heard boos for the first time at Citi Field after striking out to end the seventh inning, leaving two runners in scoring position.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bo Bichette gets loudly booed after he struck out to end the seventh <a href="https://t.co/l2937k60Eo">pic.twitter.com/l2937k60Eo</a>— Mets'd Up Podcast (@MetsdUp) <a href="https://twitter.com/MetsdUp/status/2038343314156470297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Bichette admitted postgame that he wasn't surprised to hear the jeers from Mets fans.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"If anything, I thought it took too long (to hear boos)," he told reporters, per <a href="https://x.com/SNY_Mets/status/2038363971959325138">SNY</a>. "I get it. I thought my at-bats were terrible, too."Bichette, who signed a three-year, $126-million contract with New York in January following a seven-year run with the Toronto Blue Jays, hasn't looked like the player who twice led the AL in hits thus far. Through his first three games as a Met, he's gone just 1-for-14 with eight strikeouts, no walks, and one RBI. He's also left 14 total runners on base."Sometimes in-between, sometimes trying to do too much," Bichette <a href="https://x.com/SNY_Mets/status/2038363449952989424">said</a> about the struggles. "I mean, that's pretty much what happens when you don't feel good."The 28-year-old also admitted to perhaps pressing in order to try and make a big impression in his new home."I didn't anticipate it, but I definitely felt that wanting to have, like I said, a moment, not only for my teammates but for the fans and everything," Bichette <a href="https://x.com/SNY_Mets/status/2038365572044300758">said</a>. "So that's just something I have to manage."Despite his struggles and Sunday's loss, the Mets won the opening series. They'll now embark on a seven-game road trip to St. Louis and San Francisco, something that could help Bichette find a groove offensively."Maybe (it'll help), but I gotta figure out how to hit here anyway," he <a href="https://x.com/SNY_Mets/status/2038364280873980174">said</a>.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 26: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets looks on during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day at Citi Field on March 26, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City.

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Bichette understands Mets fans' boos: 'My at-bats were terrible'

The WNBA's Connecticut Sun are being sold to the Fertitta family, owners of the NBA's Houston Roc...

The WNBA's Connecticut Sun are being sold to the Fertitta family, owners of the NBA's Houston Rockets, for $300 million and will relocate to Texas in 2027, sources told <a href="https://x.com/alexaphilippou/status/2037646278755045612">ESPN's Alexa Philippou</a>.The $300-million sale is a record for a WNBA franchise, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7152749/2026/03/27/rockets-owners-connecticut-sun-relocate-houston-comets/?unlocked_article_code=1.WVA.WTOr.nCg0JaupA3Kb&amp;source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&amp;smid=url-share-ta">Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic</a>.The league's board of governors will have to approve both the sale and the relocation, Vorkunov reports.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The reported transaction marks the WNBA's return to Houston, where the Comets were one of the the league's original franchises in 1997. The Comets remain one of the most successful WNBA franchises on the court, having won the league's first four championships. They're one of only three teams to win four titles. However, the Comets couldn't sustain that success and folded in 2008.The relocation, which will reportedly take place following the upcoming season, will end the franchise's 23-year run in Uncasville, Connecticut. Although they've never won a championship, the Sun have only missed the playoffs six times since 2003 and made four WNBA Finals appearances.The Mohegan Tribe, which has owned the franchise since 2003, has attempted to sell previously. A reported deal with Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca, who would have moved the Sun to Boston, wasn't approved by the WNBA in 2025. Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry then tried to buy the team and relocate it within Connecticut to Hartford, which the league also blocked, according to Vorkunov.This would be the second time that the franchise has been relocated. It was founded as the Orlando Miracle in 1999 but spent just four seasons in central Florida before moving to Connecticut.If the pending deal is approved, it would be the sixth franchise relocation in WNBA history.

UNCASVILLE, CT - SEPTEMBER 10: A close up view of the Connecticut Sun logo on shorts during a WNBA game between the Atlanta Dream and the Connecticut Sun on September 10, 2025, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.

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Report: WNBA's Sun moving to Houston in 2027

Opening night between the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees featured an appearance from G...

Opening night between the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees featured an appearance from Giants icon Barry Bonds. As baseball's home run king tells it, he easily could have worn pinstripes instead.During Netflix's telecast of Wednesday's game, Bonds revealed a fascinating story about his free agency in the winter of 1992. The Yankees were heavily involved in the bidding for Bonds and had an offer on the table that the 1992 NL MVP says he rejected after being insulted by an ultimatum from team owner George Steinbrenner."George isn't here anymore, so I can tell the truth," Bonds told broadcasters Matt Vasgersian, Hunter Pence, and CC Sabathia. "Well, I would've been (with) the Yankees, but Steinbrenner got on the phone. ... They told me, 'Barry, we're gonna give you the money to (make you) the highest-paid player at the time, but you have to sign the contract by two o'clock this afternoon.' And I said, 'Excuse me?' And I just hung the phone up."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Within a few hours of hanging up on "the Boss," the Giants, Bonds said, came in with their offer, which he accepted. At the time, his six-year, $43-million deal with San Francisco was the largest in baseball history.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Barry Bonds tells the story of how he nearly became a Yankees player. WILD 😳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OpeningNight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OpeningNight</a> <a href="https://t.co/UDQHnbVuNQ">pic.twitter.com/UDQHnbVuNQ</a>— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflixsports/status/2036990987437040007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Bonds, who grew up in the San Francisco area while his father, Bobby, played for the Giants, spent the next 15 years in black and orange. He repeated as NL MVP in the first year of his contract and would win the award four more times from 2001-04. All told, Bonds hit 586 of his 762 career homers in a Giants uniform, produced a 40-40 season in 1996, and set the single-season home run mark with 73 in 2001.Despite Bonds' individual accolades, the Giants made just four playoff appearances and won one pennant during his run with the team. The Yankees, meanwhile, became a dynasty without him, claiming four World Series titles in five years from 1996-2000.The Giants retired his No. 25 in 2018.

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (left) and Giants slugger Barry Bonds (right) share a laugh after Bonds stole second base during the San Francisco Giants 7-2 defeat of the New York Yankees at AT&T Park June 24, 2007 in San Francisco, California.

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Bonds shares story of how he nearly joined Yankees

The San Diego Padres placed veteran right-hander Yu Darvish on the restricted list, they announce...

The San Diego Padres placed veteran right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2901" href="/mlb/players/2901">Yu Darvish</a> on the restricted list, they announced Wednesday.Darvish had already been ruled out for the entirety of 2026 after he underwent reconstructive elbow surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament. The surgery was performed shortly after the Padres were eliminated from the playoffs.However, placing Darvish on the restricted list instead of the 60-day injured list could have a dramatic impact on the Padres' 2026 roster. The move frees up a 40-man roster spot, and players on the restricted list aren't paid, meaning Darvish would essentially forfeit his $15-million salary if he remained there for the entire season. The Padres could then spend that money elsewhere.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Several established rotation arms, including former All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4272" href="/mlb/players/4272">Lucas Giolito</a>, remain available in free agency.Including Darvish's salary, San Diego is projected to enter the season with a payroll of slightly over $218 million, per <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ld1ftYB715JAX9qYdQrqwq5hEQ8aW9mfue_6okXUYEI/edit?gid=1520401900#gid=1520401900">Cot's Contracts</a>. The team's competitive balance tax payroll sits north of $262 million, ranking sixth in baseball, according to <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/tax">Spotrac</a>.In January, the five-time All-Star publicly denied <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3463503" href="https://thescore.com/news/3463503">reports</a> that he was retiring and voiding the $43 million remaining on his contract. At the time, his agent Joel Wolfe called his possible retirement "a complicated matter we are still working through."Darvish is entering the fourth season of a six-year, $108-million extension with San Diego. The 39-year-old finished eighth in NL Cy Young voting in 2022, the year before he signed the extension, but hasn't made more than 24 starts in a season since then. Last year, he didn't debut until July because of injuries and then put up a 5.38 ERA with a career-low 8.5 K/9 rate over 72 innings down the stretch.San Diego signed veterans <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5650" href="/mlb/players/5650">Germán Márquez</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8193" href="/mlb/players/8193">Walker Buehler</a> this winter to fill out its rotation with Darvish, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5369" href="/mlb/players/5369">Joe Musgrove</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9562" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9562">Griffin Canning</a> all sidelined. Canning and Musgrove were among eight players whom the team placed on the IL ahead of its season opener Thursday against the Detroit Tigers.The Padres also selected Buehler and first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5766" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5766">Ty France</a> to their active roster Wednesday.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 02: Yu Darvish #11 of the San Diego Padres reacts after allowing a Double to Seiya Suzuki #27 of the Chicago Cubs (not pictured) in the second inning in game three of the National League Wild Card Series at Wrigley Field on October 02, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Padres place injured Darvish on restricted list

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Grayson Rodriguez, who missed the 2025 season due to injury, will...

Los Angeles Angels right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12265" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12265">Grayson Rodriguez</a>, who missed the 2025 season due to injury, will start his 2026 season on the injured list, according to <a href="https://x.com/EricaLWeston/status/2035826869116064002">Angels host and reporter Erica Weston</a>.Rodriguez, acquired by the Angels from the Baltimore Orioles for outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5431" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5431">Taylor Ward</a> in November, had been shut down earlier this week after experiencing arm soreness. Manager Kurt Suzuki referred to his issues as "dead arm" while speaking to reporters Thursday in Arizona, per <a href="https://x.com/RhettBollinger/status/2034742348006269432">Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com</a>.Suzuki said Sunday that the team is going to "slow play" Rodriguez for now, and did not provide a firm timetable for his return, according to <a href="https://x.com/mikehuntley63/status/2035831193409847731">Michael Huntley of the Sporting Tribune</a>. The 26-year-old played some light catch at Angel Stadium on Sunday, but did not throw a full bullpen.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Rodriguez, a first-round pick of the Orioles in 2018, last appeared in a major-league game on July 31, 2024. He missed the final two months of 2024 because of a lat issue, and didn't pitch at all last year while battling elbow inflammation and a lat strain.Before his injury troubles, the Houston native appeared to be on the verge of a breakout in Baltimore. Rodriguez made a playoff start for the Orioles as a rookie in 2023, then posted a 3.86 ERA, 3.66 FIP, and 1.24 WHIP along with 130 strikeouts over 116 2/3 innings in 2024 prior to getting hurt.With Rodriguez out, Suzuki said the Angels will open the season with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17202" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17202">Jack Kochanowicz</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18880" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18880">Ryan Johnson</a> as their No. 4 and 5 starters, according to <a href="https://x.com/JackJanes_/status/2035827759323484467">Jack Janes of the Sporting Tribune</a>. Right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17442" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17442">Walbert Urena</a> also made the team as a long reliever.What this all means for former All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12291" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12291">Alek Manoah</a>'s status with the Halos is unclear. Manoah, who signed a guaranteed deal with the Halos after missing 2025 and was expected to win a rotation spot, struggled during spring training before dealing with a fingernail issue this week, per <a href="https://x.com/RhettBollinger/status/2035054481138991261">Bollinger</a>. Manoah could either be placed on the IL because of the fingernail problem or sent to Triple-A, as he has two minor-league options remaining.The Angels open their regular season Thursday in Houston.

TEMPE, ARIZONA - MARCH 13: Grayson Rodriguez #21 of the Los Angeles Angels stands on the field during the Spring Training game against the Cleveland Guardians at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 13, 2026 in Tempe, Arizona.

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Angels' Rodriguez to open season on IL

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams made his first appearance in over five weeks Monday ...

Oklahoma City Thunder forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102799" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102799">Jalen Williams</a> made his first appearance in over five weeks Monday when the Oklahoma City Thunder visited the Philadelphia 76ers.The 24-year-old had missed Oklahoma City's last 16 contests because of a lingering hamstring strain. He started Monday's matchup and showed little rust two minutes in when he beat 76ers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121698" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121698">Justin Edwards</a> with a left-handed layup off glass for his first bucket of the game.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Welcome back, JDub 👏 The <a href="https://twitter.com/okcthunder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@okcthunder</a> star gets on the board early after missing 16 games! <a href="https://t.co/R0mjm5fKsn">pic.twitter.com/R0mjm5fKsn</a>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2036221699130315100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>He initially suffered the injury on Jan. 17 and sat out the Thunder's next 10 contests. Williams made his first return Feb. 9 and scored 23 points in 24 minutes, but he re-aggravated the strain two nights later and had not played since.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>His return should give the defending NBA champions a boost heading into the postseason. Oklahoma City entered Monday sitting first in the Western Conference with a three-game lead on the San Antonio Spurs. The Thunder have 10 games left in the regular season after facing the 76ers.Williams, now in his fourth NBA season, played just 26 games prior to Monday due to both the hamstring strain and his recovery from offseason wrist surgery.The 24-year-old has been effective when healthy, averaging 17.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.3 steals this season.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 23: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball during the gameagainst the Philadelphia 76ers on March 23, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Jalen Williams returns vs. 76ers after missing 16 games with hamstring strain

The Philadelphia Phillies restructured star left-hander Cristopher Sánchez's contract, ripping up...

The Philadelphia Phillies restructured star left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11757" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11757">Cristopher Sánchez</a>'s contract, ripping up his original deal to give him a new extension in an unusual move.Sánchez, who had been under contract through 2028, signed a new six-year extension with the Phillies that kicks in next season. His revised deal, which also includes a club option in 2033, is worth $107 million in guaranteed money, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7138033/2026/03/22/cristopher-sanchez-phillies-contract-extension/?source=emp_shared_article">Matt Gelb of The Athletic</a>.It also includes more than $13 million in performance incentives, sources told MLB reporter <a href="https://x.com/francysromeroFR/status/2035719037557080356">Francys Romero</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Sánchez's salaries in the first three seasons of the new deal will be unchanged from his old contract, aside from guaranteeing the $1-million buyouts of old club options in 2028 and '29. He'll then earn $30 million in both 2031 and '32, <a href="https://x.com/ScottLauber/status/2035797388183421415">Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer</a> reports.The 2033 club option is worth a base salary of $32.5 million, but could increase to as much as $44.5 million through the incentives, a source told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/cristopher-sanchez-extension-with-phillies-through-2032">Todd Zolecki of MLB.com</a>. Alternatively, Philadelphia can buy out the club option for $1 million, according to Lauber.Sánchez's $3-million salary in 2026 will remain unchanged."I'm absolutely so proud of being here, and it shows the commitment that this thing happened," Sánchez said via an interpreter, according to Gelb. "They rewarded my work and the way I've been doing the last few years of my work. It's just a great commitment. And I appreciate the team doing this for me."The 29-year-old, who will start for the Phillies on Opening Day, was the 2025 NL Cy Young runner-up after posting a 2.50 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 212 strikeouts over 32 starts. That dominance followed his breakout 2024 campaign that saw him named to the NL All-Star team and earn down-ballot Cy Young support for the first time.Philadelphia originally acquired Sánchez from the Tampa Bay Rays for Curtis Mead in November 2019. He made his MLB debut two years later.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 22: Cristopher Sánchez #61 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates the third out of the eighth inning during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park on July 22, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Phillies give Sánchez new 6-year deal after ripping up original contract

The Pittsburgh Pirates are talking to top prospect Konnor Griffin about a potential historic long...

The Pittsburgh Pirates are talking to top prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18811" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18811">Konnor Griffin</a> about a potential historic long-term extension, a source told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/news/konnor-griffin-pirates-discuss-contract-extension?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage">Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com</a>.Discussions have centered on a contract worth over $100 million and spanning up to nine years, Mayo reports. However, a deal doesn't appear imminent.Should a nine-figure agreement be reached before Opening Day, it would represent the largest deal ever given to a player with zero days of major-league service time. It would also mark just the eighth time a player has signed an extension before ever appearing in a big-league game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Griffin, 19, is the consensus top prospect in MLB. The shortstop was drafted ninth overall by Pittsburgh in 2024 and made his professional debut last year, finishing his season at Double-A Altoona. He hit a combined .333/.415/.527 with 21 homers, 94 RBIs, and 65 stolen bases over 563 plate appearances across Low-A, High-A, and Double-A.The Mississippi native is competing for the Pirates' Opening Day shortstop job. Griffin has hit four home runs this spring but has slashed just .184/.279/.526 over 43 Grapefruit League PAs as a non-roster invitee to big-league camp.If Griffin doesn't make the team or sign an extension, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12456" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12456">Nick Gonzales</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5046" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5046">Nick Yorke</a> would likely be the Pirates' Opening Day shortstop.

BRADENTON, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 12: Konnor Griffin #75 of the Pittsburgh Pirates at bat during a spring training workout at Pirate City on February 12, 2026 in Bradenton, Florida.

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Report: Pirates discussing 9-figure extension with top prospect Griffin

The New York Yankees optioned outfielder Jasson Domínguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to be...

The New York Yankees optioned outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15477" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15477">Jasson Domínguez</a> to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to begin the season.Domínguez started in left field for the Yankees on Opening Day last year and spent all of 2025 in the majors. He hit .257/.331/.388 with 10 homers, 47 RBIs, and 23 steals over 429 plate appearances in 2025, his first full season in the majors. However, the switch-hitter's second-half struggles eventually led New York to primarily use him as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement down the stretch. Domínguez made just one appearance in the 2025 playoffs, serving as a pinch-hitter late in Game 4 of the ALDS.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Despite a strong spring in which the 23-year-old hit .325/.378/.600 with three homers and 10 RBIs over 14 Grapefruit League games, Domínguez - who had two minor-league options remaining - couldn't secure a spot in a crowded Yankees' outfield. The returns of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4899" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4899">Cody Bellinger</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8203" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8203">Trent Grisham</a> helped squeeze him out of an everyday spot.New York will presumably roll with Bellinger in left field every day and Grisham manning center to open the season. The left-handed hitting Grisham could also form part of a center-field platoon, potentially with veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2561" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2561">Randal Grichuk</a>, who's in camp as a non-roster invitee.Domínguez will presumably get everyday at-bats in Scranton, where he'll play alongside fellow young outfielder Spencer Jones and stay ready for a call-up.Originally signed by New York out of the Dominican Republic in 2019, Domínguez was once considered the jewel of the Yankees' farm system and a potential future cornerstone in the outfield. The switch-hitter owns a lifetime .724 OPS across 149 big-league games since 2023.The Yankees also optioned right-handers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12576" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12576">Kervin Castro</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12827">Yerry de los Santos</a> to Triple-A on Friday. Catchers Payton Henry and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8678" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8678">Ali Sánchez</a>, as well as outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14034" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14034">Kenedy Corona</a>, were reassigned to minor-league camp.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 9: Jasson Dominguez #24 of the Yankees hits a home run in the top of the 3rd inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on May 9, 2025 in Sacramento, California.

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Yankees option Domínguez to Triple-A

A long-term agreement between the New York Mets and Freddy Peralta doesn't appear imminent.  Alth...

A long-term agreement between the New York Mets and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9771" href="/mlb/players/9771">Freddy Peralta</a> doesn't appear imminent.Although talks between the sides have occurred, the chances of the Mets locking up their new ace before Opening Day are highly unlikely, sources told <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/03/19/sports/12-mlb-stars-who-are-prime-extension-candidates/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.Contract length is reportedly one of the main sticking points, with significant differences between the parties. Peralta, an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season, told <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/03/06/sports/freddy-peralta-is-the-ideal-mets-fit-for-2026-but-the-future-is-more-murky/">Heyman</a> earlier in March that he's seeking a deal of "seven or eight years."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, that apparently isn't sitting well with the Mets, who typically aren't comfortable giving pitchers such lengthy pacts. New York would prefer to get Peralta's signature on a four- or five-year deal, according to Heyman.Neither side has set a deadline for negotiations, so they could continue into the season. Peralta also indicated that he'd leave all contract discussions to his agents.Peralta is in the final season of a five-year, $15.5-million deal he signed with the Milwaukee Brewers in February 2020. Milwaukee exercised an $8-million club option on the right-hander in November, two months before trading him to the Mets for top-100 prospects <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16155" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16155">Jett Williams</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18990" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18990">Brandon Sproat</a>.Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is familiar with Peralta, having signed him to his current contract while running the Brewers.After being acquired by New York, the 29-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3465669" href="https://thescore.com/news/3465669">said</a> he'd be open to discussing an extension once he was fully settled in with his new team.Peralta will take the mound for the Mets on Opening Day following a career-best 2025 season, during which he won an NL-best 17 games while finishing fifth in NL Cy Young voting.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 14: Freddy Peralta (51) of the New York Mets delivers a pitch during a spring training game against the Houston Astros on March 14, 2026 at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida.

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Report: Mets, Peralta unlikely to reach extension before Opening Day

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is complete, so it's time to break down the performances of all 2...

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Grading each team's 2026 WBC performance

For the first time ever, Venezuela is the World Baseball Classic champion.  Venezuela survived a ...

For the first time ever, Venezuela is the World Baseball Classic champion.Venezuela survived a U.S. comeback to win 3-2 in Tuesday's WBC final at loanDepot Park. Bryce Harper tied the game with a home run in the eighth inning, but Eugenio Suárez answered with a <a href="https://www.x.com/MLBONFOX/status/2034096924148834497">go-ahead RBI double</a> in the top of the ninth that plated the tournament-winning run."I got that changeup right there, put my best swing on it, and thank God I got the double," Suárez told MLB Network. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Closer Daniel Palencia then set the Americans down in order, striking out Roman Anthony to start the celebration in Caracas and beyond.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
TEAM VENEZUELA 🇻🇪 CHAMPS 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC</a> <a href="https://t.co/1hDTJWcI5V">pic.twitter.com/1hDTJWcI5V</a>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2034101615397937441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>This win marks Venezuela's first major international baseball tournament victory since claiming gold at the 1959 Pan-Am Games.Six Venezuelan pitchers limited the vaunted American offense to just three hits and six baserunners while striking out 10. Team USA didn't get a runner past second base until Harper's tying homer off Andrés Machado in the eighth.Maikel Garcia opened the scoring for Venezuela with an RBI sacrifice fly in the top of the third. Wilyer Abreu continued his monster tournament by crushing a solo homer off USA starter Nolan McLean, who struck out four and allowed the two runs in 4 2/3 innings."We were not supposed to be here, people don't believe in us," Garcia said. "But we believe in each other and we did a job."He added: "We showed the people who Venezuela is. Next time they make a ranking, Venezuela is the No. 1."Venezuelan starter Eduardo Rodriguez was brilliant, surrendering one hit while tallying four strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings before yielding to the bullpen."This is the greatest moment I've ever got on the mound pitching," Rodriguez said. "Pitching like that in front of almost our home crowd, the whole of Venezuela was here. ... I can't even tell you how I feel right now."For Team USA, the result is another crushing loss in the WBC final. The Americans dropped the 2023 championship to Japan in the same ballpark by the same 3-2 score. Team USA has won the tournament only once, in 2017."I'd love to get over the finish line," Mark DeRosa said when asked if he'd like to return as U.S. manager. "Not only is it two times but 3-2 both times."If you saw how hurting the guys are in that locker room, you'd know why. For some reason, this WBC has become a tidal wave of emotion for a lot of guys. You get them in the room representing their country, coming together for two-and-a-half weeks, the buy-in. It's infectious in there."

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 17: Salvador Perez #13 and manager Omar López #22 of Team Venezuela lift the championship trophy after defeating Team United States 3-2 at loanDepot park on March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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Venezuela third baseman Maikel Garcia was named the 2026 World Baseball Classic Most Valuable Pla...

Venezuela third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/13651" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/13651">Maikel Garcia</a> was named the 2026 World Baseball Classic Most Valuable Player after helping his team to a 3-2 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3502322" href="https://thescore.com/news/3502322">win</a> in Tuesday's final over the U.S.Garcia hit .385/.393/.577 across the tournament, posting a team-high 10 hits along with one homer, seven RBIs, and three stolen bases while striking out just three times in 26 at-bats. He led the entire WBC in hits and recorded the game-winning RBI single in Venezuela's comeback semifinal win over Italy. Garcia also homered in his country's quarterfinal victory over Japan and had an RBI in the final.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"MVP! MVP! MVP!" 🗣️ Maikel Garcia is your 2026 WBC MVP 🇻🇪 <a href="https://t.co/FBWQkC3Yz8">pic.twitter.com/FBWQkC3Yz8</a>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2034110754652340242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The 26-year-old, who hails from the village of La Sabana in the Venezuelan state of Vargas, joins the Dominican Republic's Robinson Canó (2013) as the only true position players to win WBC MVP. Starting pitchers won the award in three of the five previous editions, with two-way superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> taking home the honor three years ago.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Garcia made his first All-Star team with the Kansas City Royals in 2025. The Royals signed him to a five-year, $57.5-million extension over the winter.As the MVP, Garcia also headlined the All-WBC Team as the third baseman. He was one of three Venezuelans named to the squad, while Team USA had the most selections with four. Ohtani, meanwhile, joined Daisuke Matsuzaka, Yadier Molina, and Javier Báez as just the fourth player to be named to multiple All-WBC teams.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="WBC All-Tournament Team" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Js4rG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Js4rG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="577" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 17: Maikel Garcia #11 of Team Venezuela poses with the MVP trophy after the 3-2 victory against Team United States at loanDepot park on March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

News Editor

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