The Athletics offered a long-term extension to first baseman Nick Kurtz, sources told the New Yor...

The Athletics offered a long-term extension to first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18799">Nick Kurtz</a>, sources told the <a href="https://x.com/Joelsherman1/status/2027082679670239604">New York Post's Joel Sherman</a>.However, it's unknown whether the sides will get "to the finish line" on a deal, adds Sherman."Definitely open and interested," Kurtz said Tuesday when asked about a potential extension, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7073633/2026/02/26/nick-kurtz-athletics-extension-las-vegas/">The Athletic's Tyler Kepner</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 22-year-old Kurtz took home AL Rookie of the Year and Silver Slugger honors in 2025 after slashing .290/.383/.619 with 36 home runs and 86 RBIs in 117 games. The No. 4 pick from the 2024 draft also ranked first in wRC+ and second in fWAR among major-league first basemen with at least 450 plate appearances and played above-average defense at his position.If Kurtz inks an extension, he'd be the latest player to sign a long-term deal with the Athletics.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9582" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9582">Brent Rooker</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14243" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14243">Lawrence Butler</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12358" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12358">Tyler Soderstrom</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17378" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17378">Jacob Wilson</a> have all received contract extensions prior to the franchise's move to Las Vegas for the 2028 season.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 25: Nick Kurtz #16 of the Athletics reacts after hitting a two run home run in the second inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on July 25, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34634537/related

Report: A's make long-term extension offer to Kurtz

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge says he's feeling motivated to captain Team USA to World ...

New York Yankees outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> says he's feeling motivated to captain Team USA to World Baseball Classic gold after watching his country dominate the podium in Olympic hockey."We were all kind of talking in our group text together," Judge told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7071285/2026/02/26/aaron-judge-wbc-team-usa-captain-yankees/?redirected=1">The Athletic's Brendan Kuty</a>. "Everybody was (talking) about how fired up we are and how special it's going to be. I look at it the same, just proud of our country. Those boys put on a good show, put on a good fight, and handled business."Now it's our turn."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Judge was named captain of a stacked U.S. roster by manager Mark DeRosa, who led the 2023 squad that lost in the gold-medal game to Japan.Judge's teammate, NL Cy Young Award winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a>, said the Americans are determined not to fall again in the final."Winning gold is the biggest thing," the Pittsburgh Pirates ace told reporters Wednesday, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/skenes-abs-robot-umpires-46d010f38b48aecc486b10cde9ccabd9">The Associated Press</a>. "Yeah, men's hockey, women's hockey, all the other golds that we won in the Olympics. We're America, we've got to assert our dominance over everybody else. That's what we do. It's going to be fun."The U.S. haven't won gold at the WBC since 2017.

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 14: 2026 WBC Team USA Captain Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees speaks to the media before the game against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium on April 14, 2025 in New York, New York.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34634379/related

Judge motivated to win WBC after Olympic hockey gold: 'It's our turn' 

Cleveland Cavaliers star James Harden suffered a non-displaced fracture to his right thumb and mi...

Cleveland Cavaliers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/351" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/351">James Harden</a> suffered a non-displaced fracture to his right thumb and missed Wednesday's 118-116 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.Harden suffered the injury to his non-shooting hand during Tuesday's 109-94 win over the New York Knicks. He's still undergoing treatment and evaluation. The Cavaliers said his status would be updated "as appropriate."Harden doesn't require surgery and was initially planning to play through the injury, reports ESPN's Shams Charania.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Just in on NBA Today -- after hand specialist evaluation, Cavaliers star James Harden plans to play through his fractured right thumb: <a href="https://t.co/xQz87Swecp">pic.twitter.com/xQz87Swecp</a>— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/2026764972424917484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The 36-year-old guard has averaged 18.9 points and eight assists in seven games since the Cavaliers acquired him from the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 4.Cleveland has won six of its seven games with Harden in the lineup. The team remained fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 37-23 record following Wednesday's defeat.

CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 19: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on February 19, 2026 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. 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

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34621149/related

Harden misses loss to Bucks after being diagnosed with thumb fracture

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto hasn't won an MVP, and he understands that in order to accompl...

New York Mets outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> hasn't won an MVP, and he understands that in order to accomplish the feat anytime soon, he must beat Los Angeles Dodgers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a>."I'm going to be there every year too," Soto said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/juan-soto-wants-to-beat-shohei-ohtani-for-2026-mvp">MLB.com's Anthony DiComo</a>. "So, he better keep doing what he's doing because I'm coming."Ohtani has won an MVP in four out of the last five seasons and finished second for the AL award in 2022. Meanwhile, Soto ranked third in NL MVP voting last season. He came in second in 2021, his best finish to date.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The two superstars are bound to compete for the honor several times during the coming years, with Soto under contract with the Mets until 2039 and Ohtani committed to the Dodgers until 2033.Soto believes he's capable of outperforming Ohtani, even if the two-way star's ability to hit and pitch helps garner more votes for the award. He says his hitting (43 homers, .921 OPS, 127 walks in 2025), improved base-stealing, and quest to become a better defender can help him do so."He's really good. He's really good," Soto said. "I've just got to beat him. Definitely, it's not going to be easy, but I've got to find a way to beat him."

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 21: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets hits a solo home run in the top of the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Mets defeated the Phillies 11-4.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34599644/related

Soto determined to beat Ohtani for NL MVP: 'I'm coming' 

Tarik Skubal's time at the World Baseball Classic will be short-lived.  The reigning AL Cy Young ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a>'s time at the World Baseball Classic will be short-lived.The reigning AL Cy Young winner said Monday that he'll make just one start for Team USA at the WBC before returning to spring camp with the Detroit Tigers, according to <a href="https://x.com/CodyStavenhagen/status/2026008388769902923">The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen</a>."I'm trying to do both things, trying to pitch for Team USA, but I understand the need to be here with these guys and get ready for the season," he <a href="https://x.com/CodyStavenhagen/status/2026008890945495121">said</a>. "I think it's kind of the best of both worlds in that aspect, and I'm grateful they took me in that capacity."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Skubal's outing is expected to occur during pool play, according to <a href="https://x.com/evanwoodbery/status/2026009305153954209">MLive's Evan Woodbery</a>, meaning he'll pitch either March 6 vs. Brazil, March 7 vs. Great Britain, or March 9 vs. Mexico. Pitchers can't throw more than 65 pitches in an outing during pool play. "If they go to the finals, I think I'm going to try and lobby to just go watch and be with the guys," Skubal added, per Stavenhagen.The southpaw is one of the top pitchers on a stacked American roster, which includes arms such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10606" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10606">Logan Webb</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12305" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12305">Joe Ryan</a>.Skubal, who's a pending free agent, posted a 2.21 ERA and 11.1 K/9 in 195 innings last season en route to his second consecutive Cy Young win.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 05: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers prepares to pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning in game two of the Division Series at T-Mobile Park on October 05, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34598495/related

Skubal to make only 1 start for Team USA at WBC

With spring training underway, we look at the biggest question facing each National League club a...

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34595790/related

Each NL team's biggest question during spring training

The Chicago Cubs agreed to a minor-league deal with outfielder Michael Conforto, reports ESPN's J...

The Chicago Cubs agreed to a minor-league deal with outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4772">Michael Conforto</a>, reports <a href="https://x.com/JesseRogersESPN/status/2025936674627231890">ESPN's Jesse Rogers</a>.Conforto spent last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and struggled immensely. The 32-year-old hit .199/.305/.333 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs in 138 games while providing minus-five defensive runs saved in left field.The Dodgers left him off every one of their postseason rosters.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Michael had a down year last year but has been a good player in this league for quite a while," Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Monday, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/conforto-cubs-contract-818f454a7f131aaa0768b31ac9b6ee38">Jay Cohen of The Associated Press</a>. "Sometimes when you sign guys, it's like, where is the opportunity here? And then we show up in five days and there's a big opportunity. So, that's how you look at this."Before last season, Conforto had never recorded an OPS+ below 100. His best campaigns came with the New York Mets, as he posted an .824 OPS with 132 homers between 2015-2021."He's a player that's had a lot of success in this league, and if he can recapture some of that, we're going to have a useful player," Counsell said.If Conforto makes the team, he should give the Cubs an additional outfield option alongside starters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5607" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5607">Ian Happ</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13692" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13692">Seiya Suzuki</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12736">Pete Crow-Armstrong</a>. He could also provide them with reps at designated hitter, where youngster <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13755" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13755">Moisés Ballesteros</a> is expected to start.

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 27: Michael Conforto #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers an at-bat in a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on September 27, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. The Dodgers won 5-3.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34595614/related

Report: Cubs agree to minor-league deal with Conforto

A T206 Honus Wagner baseball card discovered in a family collection sold for $5.124 million throu...

A T206 Honus Wagner baseball card discovered in a family collection sold for $5.124 million through Goldin Auctions, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48007225/newly-discovered-t206-honus-wagner-card-auctioned-5m">ESPN's Dan Hajducky</a>.The card belonged to Douglas and Dennis Shields, whose grandfather collected trading cards in the early 1900s. The card, which received a grade of one from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), became the third-most expensive copy of a T206 Honus Wagner ever sold. Other copies of the card sold for $6.606 million in 2021 and $7.25 million in 2022.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We are honored that the Shields family chose us to represent this historic card that has been in their family for 116 years," Goldin Auctions CEO and founder Ken Goldin said in a statement.T206 Honus Wagner cards are considered among the rarest in the sports trading card business. They were originally distributed in American Tobacco Company products but were pulled from production in 1909.

370565 02: The famous T206 Honus Wagner baseball card, is shown June 6, 2000 in New York City. The legendary baseball card will be auctioned on eBay beginning on July 5, 2000.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34588160/related

T206 Honus Wagner card discovered in family collection sells for over $5M

The Cleveland Guardians agreed to a minor-league deal with first baseman Rhys Hoskins, according ...

The Cleveland Guardians agreed to a minor-league deal with first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8228" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8228">Rhys Hoskins</a>, according to <a href="https://www.cleveland.com/guardians/2026/02/guardians-bring-rhys-hoskins-to-camp-on-minor-league-deal-pending-physical.html">Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com</a>.Hoskins will earn a base salary of $1.5 million if he makes the big-league club."We've signed Rhys Hoskins to a minor-league deal, so he'll be in camp," manager Stephen Vogt said Sunday. "We're very excited. Rhys Hoskins has had a great career to this point. We're going to acclimate him to camp.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"He's got a chance to come into camp, make an impact, and possibly make the team. He's a right-handed bat who can play first base and DH. Obviously, we don't have a lot of right-handed bats in camp."The 32-year-old spent the past two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, hitting .223/.314/.418 with 38 home runs and 125 RBIs in 221 games.He posted a .749 OPS (108 OPS+) last season and owns a .882 career OPS against left-handed pitching.Hoskins grades as a below-average defender at first base, where <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14506" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14506">Kyle Manzardo</a> is expected to start for the Guardians. Hoskins has accrued minus-6 defensive runs saved at first throughout his career.Cleveland is attempting to win its third straight AL Central crown.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 25, 2024: Rhys Hoskins #12 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates hitting an RBI single during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34585041/related

Report: Guardians agree to minor-league deal with Hoskins

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is returning to the professional boxing ranks.  The soon-to-be 49-year-old a...

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is returning to the professional boxing ranks.The soon-to-be 49-year-old announced that he'll come out of retirement following his spring 2026 exhibition fight with Mike Tyson. Mayweather signed an exclusive deal with CSI Sports/Fight Sports as his promoter."I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing," he said in a statement provided to <a href="https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/47989767/mayweather-jr-unretire-resume-boxing-tyson-exhibition">ESPN's Andreas Hale</a> on Friday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Mayweather retired from professional boxing following his 2017 victory over MMA fighter Conor McGregor, finishing his career with a perfect 50-0 record. He won 15 world titles in five different weight classes throughout his career.Since retiring from professional boxing, Mayweather has fought during a number of exhibition events, including against YouTuber-turned-WWE wrestler Logan Paul, MMA fighter Mikuru Asakura, and boxer John Gotti III.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Floyd Mayweather Jr. greets people at halftime of the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Knicks defeated the Spurs 124-113.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34558775/related

Mayweather to come out of retirement after Tyson exhibition

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman doesn't think the Los Angeles Dodgers are ruinin...

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman doesn't think the Los Angeles Dodgers are ruining baseball and called out people who agree with the narrative."I am obviously biased, but I think it is an incredibly lazy narrative," Friedman said Friday on "Foul Territory.""If you look back 13 years ago, the Dodgers filed for bankruptcy. This is just a really, really strong organization right now where our fan support is incredible, and so the feeling that our ownership group has is we have to fulfill our side of this and reward our incredible fans."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Andrew Friedman says the narrative that the Dodgers are ruining baseball is incredibly lazy. <a href="https://t.co/v7UuYDlGCv">pic.twitter.com/v7UuYDlGCv</a>— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/2024947163881496845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Dodgers have won back-to-back World Series titles while carrying a massive payroll that has not only <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3460444" target="_blank">infuriated MLB owners</a> but also sparked debate over whether MLB should have a salary cap to curb excessive spending.Los Angeles is projected to carry a 2026 payroll north of $317 million, which increases to over $410 million with competitive balance tax payments, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts. The club will pay six players more than $22 million next season, including winter acquisition <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8173" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a>, who's set to earn $33 million.Friedman added that the Dodgers wouldn't spend the way they do if they didn't have 50,000 fans watching them play every game."The counter of this to the people who are saying, oh, you want (owner) Mark (Walter) to just pocket more money," Friedman said."Fans come out because they like watching the best players in the world playing this game. That's incredibly difficult to do, and for us to reward our fans and have the best players we can have, we feel like it's more common sense than anything."

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 01: Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hoists the 2025 Willie Mays World Series Most Valuable Player trophy after the Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in Game Seven of the 2025 World Series presented by Capital One between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Saturday, November 1, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34557423/related

Friedman: Dodgers ruining baseball is 'incredibly lazy narrative'

The Toronto Blue Jays remain interested in re-signing veteran right-hander Max Scherzer, and talk...

The Toronto Blue Jays remain interested in re-signing veteran right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/633" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/633">Max Scherzer</a>, and talks between the two sides have intensified over the past week, sources told <a href="https://x.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/2024934508705767686">Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a>.Other clubs remain in the mix for Scherzer, but the Blue Jays appear to be the most serious about signing him on a potential one-year deal, Nicholson-Smith adds.Scherzer has been connected to the Blue Jays since the beginning of February, despite the club not having a clear role for him in the starting rotation.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Toronto's rotation is projected to include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3634">Kevin Gausman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8145" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8145">Dylan Cease</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20109" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20109">Trey Yesavage</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4769" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4769">José Berríos</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8204" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8204">Cody Ponce</a>. Meanwhile, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9542" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9542">Shane Bieber</a> is being brought along slowly this spring due to forearm fatigue, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12435" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12435">Bowden Francis</a> will miss the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Scherzer posted a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts for the Blue Jays last season, but he showed flashes of his old, dominant self in August when he authored a 3.34 ERA in six starts.The 41-year-old was also effective during the Blue Jays' postseason run, allowing six earned runs across three outings against the Seattle Mariners (ALCS) and Los Angeles Dodgers (World Series).

SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 16: Max Scherzer #31 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on during Game Four of the American League Championship Series presented by loanDepot between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Thursday, October 16, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34556218/related

Report: Blue Jays in talks with Scherzer

Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo López will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery, the team ...

Minnesota Twins right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9757" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9757">Pablo López</a> will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery, the team announced Friday.López ended a bullpen session early Monday after feeling soreness. An MRI later revealed a UCL tear in his right elbow."Talk about going from 100 to a zero on the scale of being excited, being pumped, being just ultimately happy to be here, and then you get to hear news like that," López told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7052711/2026/02/17/twins-pablo-lopez-ucl-tear-surgery/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Dan Hayes</a> after Monday's bullpen session.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 29-year-old was set to play a significant role in Minnesota's rotation alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12305" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12305">Joe Ryan</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12553" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12553">Bailey Ober</a>.Twins' projected rotation without López<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PITCHER</th>
<th>2025 ERA</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Joe Ryan</td>
<td>3.42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bailey Ober</td>
<td>5.10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Simeon Woods Richardson</td>
<td>4.04</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Taj Bradley</td>
<td>6.61</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zebby Matthews</td>
<td>5.56</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>López made 14 starts for the Twins last season, authoring a 2.74 ERA and 3.19 FIP in 75 2/3 innings.The eight-year veteran was named an All-Star in 2023 and finished seventh in American League Cy Young voting.

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 08: Pablo Lopez #49 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during Game 2 of the Division Series between the Minnesota Twins and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on Sunday, October 8, 2023 in Houston, Texas.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34555003/related

Twins' López to undergo Tommy John surgery

New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole faced live hitters Friday for the first time since unde...

New York Yankees right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2913" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2913">Gerrit Cole</a> faced live hitters Friday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery and left team captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> impressed."His stuff is still electric," Judge said, according to <a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/02/20/yankees-gerrit-cole-faces-hitters-first-time-tommy-john-surgery/">Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News</a>. "That's the amazing thing after a grueling, long rehab. To see 97 (mph) already, so early in the process, means nothing but good things for us down the road, that's for sure."Cole threw about 20 pitches during the session, which included him striking out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8203" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8203">Trent Grisham</a> with a 95-mph fastball before Judge hit a grounder to second base.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Gerrit Cole fans Trent Grisham, his first batter of the day. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yankees?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yankees</a> <a href="https://t.co/OZhLDyJo4E">pic.twitter.com/OZhLDyJo4E</a>— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryHPhillips/status/2024880137884270937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Cole hasn't pitched in a big-league game since September 2024. Judge said the 35-year-old didn't show any signs of rust despite the long layoff."To me, it looked just like any other year where he's pumping 97 mph, he's working the corners, he's attacking the strike zone," Judge said. "It looked like the old (No.) 45 that I've seen for years."If you would have told me he just got off of Tommy John and this was his first time facing live hitters - you would have never known."Cole, a six-time All-Star and 2023 AL Cy Young winner, is expected to rejoin the Yankees' rotation before the end of May.

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 12: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees works out during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 12, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34555677/related

Judge impressed with Cole after he faced live hitters: 'Stuff is still electric'

The Baltimore Orioles will be without starting third baseman Jordan Westburg to begin the 2026 ca...

The Baltimore Orioles will be without starting third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12662" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12662">Jordan Westburg</a> to begin the 2026 campaign.Westburg will be out through the end of April because of a partial UCL tear in his right elbow as well as a right oblique injury, Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias announced Friday."I feel terrible for him," Elias said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/jordan-westburg-partial-ucl-tear-right-elbow">MLB.com's Jake Rill</a>. "He's one of our hardest workers and one of our best teammates. I know everybody's feeling for him, and he's had a lot of terrible luck.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"But the good news is that our doctors and Dr. (Neal) ElAttrache are optimistic this is something where we can avoid surgery. It's just going to be some time and some work. We're pretty confident that we're going to get him back pretty soon."Westburg is expected to receive a platelet-rich plasma injection Friday, and there's no timetable for the 27-year-old's return.The Orioles will also start the year without second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15504" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15504">Jackson Holliday</a>, who's sidelined with a broken hamate bone in his right hand.Westburg hit 17 home runs and posted a .770 OPS last season after having an All-Star campaign in 2024.

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 21: Jordan Westburg #11 of the Baltimore Orioles runs to first base during a baseball game against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 21, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34554038/related

Orioles' Westburg to miss all of April due to elbow, oblique injuries

The Milwaukee Brewers signed manager Pat Murphy to a new three-year deal with a club option for 2...

The Milwaukee Brewers signed manager Pat Murphy to a new three-year deal with a club option for 2029, sources told <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/2024623507133370642">The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal</a>.Murphy's reported deal reworks the final year of the manager's previous contract and adds two more years, Rosenthal <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/2024627591270093177">adds</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pat Murphy's new deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, which adds two years onto his contract and includes a club option for 2029, guarantees $8.95 million in new money and makes him one of the highest-paid managers in MLB, sources tell ESPN. First on the agreement: <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ken_Rosenthal</a>.— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/2024647263792841189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"I'm sincerely grateful I have a locker. Getting to be part of the Brewers organization for the last 10 years has been a great journey. Getting to continue in this position is an honor," Murphy told <a href="https://x.com/AdamMcCalvy/status/2024631988960055766">MLB.com's Adam McCalvy</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Murphy led the Brewers to the NL Central crown with the most wins in the majors (97) last season. Milwaukee also won its division two seasons ago with Murphy in charge.The 67-year-old took the job after Craig Counsell departed for the Chicago Cubs ahead of the 2024 campaign. Murphy's been named NL Manager of the Year two seasons in a row.He previously served as the Brewers' bench coach under Counsell.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 16: Pat Murphy #49 of the Milwaukee Brewers walks to the mound in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34546400/related

Brewers sign manager Murphy to reported 3-year deal

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry underwent another MRI on his injured right knee and the ...

Golden State Warriors star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> underwent another MRI on his injured right knee and the results came back clean, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47978702/mri-stephen-curry-knee-comes-back-clean-sources-say">ESPN's Anthony Slater</a>.He will be re-evaluated in 10 days and will miss at least five more games, the team announced Thursday.Curry was diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome or "runner's knee." He reportedly continues to deal with persistent pain and swelling, according to Slater.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 37-year-old was ruled out for Thursday's game against the Boston Celtics after he told training staff he didn't feel ready to participate in a scrimmage following the All-Star break, Slater added."We've got to be certain," Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said. "He's got to be certain. ... It is a little nebulous, but that's the nature of the injury."Curry has been inactive for the Warriors' past five games and hasn't played since Jan. 30 against the Detroit Pistons. The 11-time All-Star is averaging 27.2 points in 31.3 minutes per game this season. He will now be ineligible for end-of-season awards due to the 65-game threshold.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 25: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 25, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34545948/related

Curry will miss at least 5 more games following MRI

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. believes he is capable of reaching some lofty g...

New York Yankees second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> believes he is capable of reaching some lofty goals in 2026.The 28-year-old is not only aiming to win an MVP, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glove, but he also believes he has the tools to become the second player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single campaign. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani </a>was the first to accomplish the feat in 2024."Ask Cap (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a>)," Chisholm told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7053183/2026/02/19/jazz-chisholm-yankees-2026-goals/">The Athletic's Chris Kirschner</a>. "Real life. Let's just be realistic. I got all the tools for it. I have the speed, the power, the plate discipline, the eye at the plate, defense. I got everything to accumulate a 10-WAR season."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Chisholm, who has never posted more than 4.4 fWAR in a season, believes cleaning up his defense will help his total skyrocket. Last season, the infielder led all second basemen in errors."Think about it like this, if I didn't throw away any of those nine balls (at second base), my defensive rating doesn't drop," Chisholm said. "It goes up because the errors cause it to drop. I'm getting to most balls better than any other guy at second base. It's just really focusing more."Chisholm, who is a pending free agent, slashed .242/.332/.481 with 112 hits and 75 runs scored last season. He also produced the third 30-30 season in Yankees history.

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 18: New York Yankees Infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) goes thru drills during the spring training workout on February 18, 2026 at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, FL.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34543067/related

Chisholm believes he's capable of 10-WAR season, 50-50 campaign

Warning: Video contains coarse language  San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado isn't bothe...

Warning: Video contains coarse languageSan Diego Padres third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2577" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2577">Manny Machado</a> isn't bothered by how much money the Los Angeles Dodgers spend to make their team the best in baseball. If anything, he's envious."I f-----g love it. I love it," Machado told reporters Sunday. "I mean, honestly, I think every team should be doing it. They've figured out a way to do it. Shit is f-----g great for the game."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Manny Machado absolutely loves what the Dodgers are doing. <a href="https://t.co/khoexo016z">pic.twitter.com/khoexo016z</a>— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) <a href="https://twitter.com/MartyCaswell/status/2023074308319551554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Machado, who played half a season for the Dodgers in 2018 before signing a lucrative long-term deal with the Padres the following winter, would like to see more teams follow a similar model to San Diego's division rival."I think every team has the ability to do it, so I hope all 30 teams could learn from that," he said.The Dodgers ended last season with a payroll close to $350 million, and their projected 2026 payroll is near $480 million when factoring in salaries and the competitive balance tax they'll face.Meanwhile, the Padres are expected to have an Opening Day payroll of around $217 million.When asked if a salary cap would be beneficial for baseball, Machado said he's opposed to the idea."I think there should not be a cap. I think our game is very good at what we're doing," Machado said, according to <a href="https://x.com/annieheilbrunn/status/2023095947627237431">Annie Heilbrunn of The San Diego Union-Tribune</a>. "There's a lot of money being made. Look what's going on with the game the last five years. It's been great."San Diego has finished second to Los Angeles in the NL West each of the last two seasons.

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 11: San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) walks back to the dugout after striking out during game five of the National League Division Series game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 11, 2024 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34513076/related

Machado wishes more teams spent like Dodgers: 'I f-----g love it'

Boston Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy believes if Alex Bregman really wanted to stay with ...

Boston Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy believes if <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> really wanted to stay with the franchise, he would have made it work this offseason."If Alex Bregman wanted to be here, ultimately he'd be here," Kennedy said Sunday when asked if providing a no-trade clause would've been a difference-maker in Bregman choosing the Red Sox over the Chicago Cubs.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sam Kennedy says if Alex Bregman wanted to be with the Red Sox, he’d still be here. <a href="https://t.co/P7KhzwhMxZ">pic.twitter.com/P7KhzwhMxZ</a>— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) <a href="https://twitter.com/tylermilliken_/status/2023060173687042139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Following a solid 2025 campaign, Bregman opted out of the final two years of his three-year, $120-million deal with the Red Sox to enter free agency this offseason. The Cubs signed him to a five-year, $175-million contract with $70 million in deferred money. While his new deal doesn't include any opt-outs, it does contain a full no-trade clause.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Red Sox reportedly offered Bregman a five-year, $165-million deal with significant deferrals but refused to provide him with a no-trade clause."We try not to talk about organizational policies and the finer points of negotiations because it just doesn't serve you well if you do that," Kennedy said when asked if it's standard practice for the club not to provide no-trade clauses to players.Bregman, who was well-liked and considered a solid clubhouse presence for the Red Sox last season, is a two-time World Series champion from his tenure with the Houston Astros. He posted an .821 OPS with 18 homers and 62 RBIs in 114 games during his lone campaign in Boston.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 15: Newly acquired Chicago Cubs player Alex Bregman poses for a picture with agent Scott Boras (left) and Chicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer (right) after a press conference at Wrigley Field on January 15, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34512783/related

Red Sox exec Kennedy: If 'Bregman wanted to be here, ultimately he'd be here'

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/bryan-mcwilliam/content_cards

Bryan Mcwilliam

News Editor

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/tom-ruminski/content_cards