Braves sign Evan Phillips to a three-year deal, bolstering their bullpen
Phillips will fortify the backend of the Braves bullpen. He brings with him significant postseason experience.
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All eyes on Tarik Skubal. Plus: Historic, unanimous Cy Young winners
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This Week in Sports Trivia: Nov. 12, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
The November of Tarik Skubal and Scott Boras is here. A decision years ago set it all in motion
Before much of the baseball world knew Skubal existed, Boras recruited a left-hander who would become his prized client.
Card-collecting trifecta ends with Dylan Crews' Debut Patch returning to its rightful owner
After unlocking one of the rarest achievements in collecting, Robbie Olivier gifted Dylan Crews his most meaningful card.
A modest free-agent deal offers a big clue about MLB's next few weeks
At MLB's general managers' meetings, a routine signing offered reassurance in an uncertain winter.
Scouting Japan's next wave of MLB talent: What to know about Teruaki Sato, Kaima Taira, Hiromi Itoh
What MLB scouts and executives see in this year's group of Japan's top free agents — and what gives them pause.
Why Alec Bohm has emerged as a surprisingly intriguing free agent
Plus: Tampa Bay's offseason options, Boston's obstacles with Jarren Duran and more news and notes from the general managers' meetings.
The making of an MVP: How Pete Crow-Armstrong became the best player on the planet
Crow-Armstrong, the electric Cubs star who joined MLB's 40-40 club this summer, is expected to be named the National League MVP on Thursday.
New Astros GM Randy Flores says Ausmus hire was his call: 'I'm making decisions'
A week into the job, Flores says he's comfortable with a unique hierarchy that includes himself, owner Jim Crane and adviser Jeff Bagwell.
Baseball is booming. Scott Boras says that's exactly why MLB doesn't need a salary cap
At the general managers' meetings in Las Vegas, the league's most famous agent decried MLB's stated reasons for the looming lockout.
Jacob Misiorowski unanimously wins NL Cy Young Award to cap scorching season
Misiorowski fired a record 1,115 pitches at 100 mph or faster during his dominant season, then helped Milwaukee win its first World Series.
Mason Miller, Louis Varland win first BBWAA reliever of the year awards
Miller and Varland turned in dominant seasons as the closers for the Padres and Blue Jays, respectively.
Yankees' Cam Schlittler wins AL Cy Young Award after acing his second season
At 25, Schlittler is the youngest of the Yankees' seven Cy Young Award winners. He did it with one of the best seasons in franchise history.
Scott Boras talks on lockout, market for Skubal, Arozarena, other star clients
"It's very clear that there is a dominant, strong, Sku-Bull market," the MLB agent said Wednesday, delivering one of his signature puns.
The Padres are expected to meet with Tarik Skubal. How serious are the team’s new owners?
The Padres’ pursuit of Skubal serves as the first major test of new owners José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones.
Indicted pitcher Emmanuel Clase owed nearly $700K in unpaid taxes, government says
The filing is intended to rebut Clase’s defense that he had no financial motivation to engage in an alleged pitch-rigging scheme.
Astros hire Brad Ausmus to be their next manager
Ausmus, who spent 10 years with the Astros as a player, most recently managed in MLB for the Los Angeles Angels in 2019.
MLB editorial workers form union in what may be a first for major U.S. sports leagues
As MLB prepares for a player lockout, editorial workers at MLB Advanced Media have unionized.
Four intriguing free agent starting pitchers who could be good value signings
There is only one Tarik Skubal, but for teams looking for more of a bargain signing, there are a handful of starters to choose from.
What I'm hearing about the Phillies' early offseason activity and targets
The Phillies have expressed interest in the top outfield targets — Teruaki Sato, Seiya Suzuki and Randy Arozarena — according to sources.
Can Cam Schlittler repeat his Cy Young brilliance? Ron Guidry believes he can
Guidry, who won the Cy Young in 1978, sees parallels between himself at his peak and Schlittler, and he's eager to connect next spring.
Business as usual? MLB executives navigate an offseason unlike any other
MLB teams are preparing to spend without knowing what baseball's next economy will look like. But they believe the market will heat up soon.
Tarik Skubal, Corey Seager and a ticking clock: MLB's offseason takes shape in Las Vegas
On the first day of the general managers' meetings, teams courted the prize of the market, while another star was shopped.
The A's, with a big move to Las Vegas looming, look to be aggressive
Plus, the Rays' interest in keeping Drew Rasmussen, the Marlins' next experiment, the Pirates' search for lefties and more news and notes.
Dodgers still figuring out plan for Shohei Ohtani, and more from GM meetings
Plus, more on a new Dodgers hitting coach and the hype surrounding an 18-year-old Japanese prospect.
Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews emerges as popular name in trade talks: Sources
Washington took James Wood and Cade Cavalli off the table in past trade talks. That’s not the case with Dylan Crews, the former No. 2 pick.
Astros' managerial search includes Pujols, Ausmus and more, GM Randy Flores says
The Astros are seeking a manager to replace Joe Espada, who was let go after an 81-81 season.
Pat Murphy wins NL manager of the year for record third straight season
Murphy has won the award every year since he took over as the Brewers’ manager before the 2024 season.
Will Venable wins AL manager of the year after lifting White Sox from historic depths
Venable guided Chicago to a surprise playoff berth just two years after he took over a team that lost 121 games.
Could the Rangers move Corey Seager? It would be difficult — but not impossible
Corey Seager has struggled to stay healthy, and in 2027 he will be coming off surgery for the third straight season.
Mets have meeting scheduled with prized free agent Tarik Skubal: Sources
Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, is the most coveted free agent on the market this offseason.
In expansive baseball ops search, Angels gather wide range of candidates: Sources
According to a person briefed on the search, the Angels are casting a “very wide net” to find the team's next head of baseball operations.
Bob Boone, sturdy catcher who linked generations of All-Stars, dies at 78
Boone, a seven-time Gold Glove winner, later worked as a manager and front office executive.
What fueled Kevin McGonigle’s rookie of the year season? Ask those who watched his rise
On Monday night, McGonigle was named American League rookie of the year, earning 28 of 30 possible first-place votes.
Pat Murphy was embarrassed by his viral gaffe. But it revealed a powerful idea about culture
“You're going to be a rich f---er," Brewers manager Pat Murphy told one of his players.
Tarik Skubal in the spotlight as MLB's GM meetings begin in Vegas
Skubal, the market’s far-and-away best free agent, will turn 30 later this month.
Padres' free-agent targets include multiple Japanese-born players: Sources
Pitcher Shota Imanaga, outfielder Seiya Suzuki and infielder Teruaki Sato rank highly on the Padres' wish list.
NL Rookie of the Year ballot: Why JJ Wetherholt got my top vote among a strong group
In a crowded NL rookie class, Sal Stewart took home the Rookie of the Year, but finished fourth on Keith Law's ballot.
Sal Stewart, the NL rookie of the year, is a star his manager saw coming
Stewart earned the award after finishing with 32 home runs and 112 RBIs in his first full major-league season.
Kevin McGonigle wins AL rookie of the year to cap a tremendous debut season
McGonigle had an impressive rookie season from start to finish, and now he has some hardware to show for it.
New system, old tactics? Plus: Agent alliance over lockout
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
Rigged pitches or baseball strategy? What to know as Clase-Ortiz trial enters second week
Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz face multiple charges in an alleged pitch-rigging scheme.
How do MLB players feel about the idea of a free agency deadline? We polled 100 to find out
Free-agency windows will be a talking point in the upcoming CBA negotiations. Would players be interested in an official deadline? We asked.
Mariners took unusual step of involving players in managerial search: Sources
The Seattle Mariners’ search for a new manager was far from typical.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cody Bellinger collect first Platinum Gloves
The Cubs also took home the NL's Team Gold Glove, with the Blue Jays earning the honor for the American League.
Five retired MLB umpires, including Joe West, file suit over alleged pension underpayments
The suit alleges that the retired umpires haven't received the appropriate pension payouts as promised under their retirement plan.
SNY hit with major layoffs, show cancellations; website dismantled: Sources
SNY, which broadcasts New York Mets games, has ended its website and canceled "Baseball Night in New York" and "Sportsnite."
MLB's last lockout sparked a free-agent rush. This offseason could follow the same script
Before MLB's last lockout, 21 of our top 30 free agents signed. There's reason to think that could happen again.
The Hall of Fame's Contemporary Era ballot is loaded. Here are 5 things to watch
It’s a ballot of four former managers, three team-building executives and one owner. Each has a legitimate case. Here's what we're watching.
Ty France once wondered 'Why can't I do it anymore?' Now, he's a coveted free agent
While there is mutual interest in a reunion with the Padres, France also plans to explore other possibilities.
As lockout looms, MLB agents set aside rivalries to unite against salary cap
With MLB labor unrest brewing, a number of agents are incensed by the way commissioner Rob Manfred is guiding the negotiating process.
Ranking MLB trade deadline deals post-World Series: Freddy Peralta jumps Tarik Skubal for No. 1
Tarik Skubal was the biggest and best player dealt at the deadline back in August. Over two months later, that's not necessarily the case.
Pitches within scope of Guardians' scouting report, catcher testifies in pitch-rigging trial
Testifying for the defense, former Guardians catcher Bo Naylor called low-and-away offerings "a pretty good pitch to have as a weapon."
Which sports figures won or lost in the midterm elections? Tracking 7 big names
Ex-NFL player Colin Allred returned to the U.S. House, while former broadcaster Michele Tafoya lost a Senate race in Minnesota.
Blue Jays distance themselves from Anthony Santander’s Islamophobic Instagram story
Santander’s Instagram story, which referenced Michigan senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed, was removed Thursday morning.
MLB Silver Slugger finalists: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Yordan Alvarez among nominees
Introduced in 1980, the Silver Slugger honors the best offensive player at each position, as well as the best teams.
Manager who never managed. Plus: Eight players get QOs
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
Everything you need to know about the MLB lockout, plus LIV's second demise
The Pulse Newsletter 📣 | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! Use the heel today. Coming up: 🔒 MLB’s inevitable lockout 🥴 LIV 2.0 unravels 🙏 Campbell injury update This is supposed to be a time of rest for baseball. The long tail of…
Burn the boats! Why a 500-year-old myth became a rallying cry for sports teams
“Motivation isn't just about how much you want something,” a professor wrote. “It's also about whether you believe you have other options.”
Top 40 MLB free agents: Tarik Skubal headlines class light on star power
Consider this your landing page for the 2026-27 MLB offseason.
MLB pitch-rigging trial: Attorneys for Guardians' Clase, Ortiz say players were exploited
Prosecutors called the pitchers "cheaters" who told bettors "exactly what was going to happen."
As MLB heads toward lockout, Braves tout record revenue but sidestep labor questions
Atlanta’s third-quarter revenue in 2026 was a record, up 4 percent from the year prior. But going forward, the lockout makes things murky.
MLB reverses decision, will keep airing long-running 'Intentional Talk' TV show: Sources
Last month, the league announced the popular MLB Network studio show would be ending. After review, the league flipped that decision.
Athletics hiring Brewers' Cam Castro as general manager: Sources
The Athletics are building a new-look front office after recently hiring Taylor Smith as president of baseball operations.
What will Tarik Skubal and other MLB free agents make this offseason?
As free agency begins, let’s take a data-based look at what a reasonable contract looks like for the major names on the market.
Key dates in the MLB offseason, as a potential lockout looms
A month of awards and a lively free agent season could await before the lockout begins.
Jury selected in pitch-rigging trial of Guardians' Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz
Prospective jurors were questioned on sports betting, with several acknowledging they're bettors. More than 100 jurors were excused.
MLB offers to delay salary cap until 2028, shifts cap numbers in bid to win over players
The league proposed postponing introduction of a salary cap — which the union opposes on any timeline — to allow time for implementation.
Mariners hire Jason Kanzler, an outside-the-box choice, as new manager
Kanzler most recently served as the Chicago Cubs' director of player development and has no managerial experience.
After Kimi Antonelli’s record-breaking season, what were other sporting greats achieving at 20?
The young Italian’s rise in Formula 1 has been rapid, but he isn't the only athlete to achieve great things at such a young age.
How the MLB lockout could impact baseball cards: Staff and industry experts weigh in
The looming MLB lockout could have major implications for the baseball card world. Here are nine perspectives on what may come.
A salute to the great 8 on the Hall of Fame's Contemporary Baseball Era ballot
This is a ballot for the leaders: four managers, two GMs, an owner and a league president, all with winning pedigrees. Who will be elected?
Biggest offseason needs for all 30 MLB teams for the 2026-27 offseason
The MLB offseason has officially begun, and these are the biggest needs for each team as free agency opens and trade talks begin.
The Angels are on the cusp of a renaissance. Their first calls could send a message
The best way for the Angels to send a warning shot to MLB would be to lure away the architect of one of the World Series participants.
Giants reduce to 40 players after purging 9 more, including José Buttó and Tristan Beck
There will be more trims coming as San Francisco will need to create roster room to sign free agents.
MLB awards watch: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Yordan Alvarez headline BBWAA ballots
MLB has announced the finalists for each of the 10 awards that are voted on by the BBWAA, including MVP and Cy Young.
Randy Arozarena, David Bednar among 8 MLB players to receive qualifying offer
Players who receive the qualifying offer have until Nov. 17 to accept it and remain with their previous team.
Brian Sabean discusses Hall of Fame ballot, Yankees role ending, Giants return possibility
Would he be open to another advisory stint in San Francisco? "You never know," Sabean said. "I'd certainly answer the call."
Nine (!) Gold Glove newbies. Plus: An 85-year-old's viral card shop
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