I Dig Sports
TULSA, Okla. Pete Willoughby took one more look at his teams fleet of race cars, slipped across the aisle and fell into a waiting chair. Who could blame him?
This corner of the expansive pit area is always a high traffic area and Christopher Bell was roaming through the Keith Kunz Motorsports-Curb Agajanian compound. There was potential for chaos.
There was a time when Willoughby was focused on his own budding career. It is a fun fact to note that on April 7, 1984, Willoughby captured the late model feature at Indianas Brownstown Speedway becoming the first winner of a UMP-sanctioned event. He once headed his own midget team with drivers such as Jay Drake and Jason Leffler in the fold and now has been one of the key players at Keith Kunz Motorsports for years.
It is doubtful that over 40 summers ago Willoughby could have imagined a single race team bringing 16 cars to the track. It is a situation that has caused some blowback in social media circles which in turn provoked a strong response from Kunz. He has, as he rightfully points out, worked hard to get to this point in his career.
When Emerson Axsom took the checkered flag on Wednesday night it marked the 37th time that Kunz has had a winning car at the Chili Bowl Nationals.
Nonetheless, there were 16 cars and drivers that needed attention, which prompted the most basic question. How?
Well, we had 15 last year so one more did not seem like a big deal and we carry a lot more equipment down the road than most people realize, Willoughby said. Last year in California there were 17 cars out there. The issue is that after Turkey Night you have basically five weeks to get ready for the Chili Bowl, and 10 days of that you are shut down because of holidays.
The biggest hurdle the team had to cross may come as a surprise.
Its the wraps, Willoughby said. The guys doing the mechanical work will be ahead of the wrap.
When you have sponsors to satisfy, this isnt an inconsequential matter. There was a time when the team would request a wrap for a car and it might take a week to get a response and only one version was offered for consideration. However, a new supplier and designer moved the process along.
We found a guy who would send us five versions of our JBL car that you could choose from within eight hours, he said. Then we could send that to the sponsor. They were thrilled because they had choices.
From that point on it all falls in the lap of Hall of Famer Jay Drake who wraps all the cars.
Jay had the skills and didnt tell us, Willoughby said with a laugh. He kept that hidden from us. When the graphics are done, they send it to Jay and he babysits it.
Nonetheless, there are still 16 cars that need mechanical attention and care.
There are really two groups and they manage everything internally, Willoughby explained. Keith and Beau (Binder) are crew chiefs, and they have their own guys that help them do their thing. We also have four crew guys who float. It just seems like everybody knows what their job is, and they do it. If somebody needs support, they jump across and help out.
Beyond logistics and technical challenges there are always personnel concerns. Ask any racer willing to be honest and they will tell you having one teammate is difficult. There can be jealousy, feelings of favoritism, and fights over equipment. Imagine 16 motivated and competitive individuals under one tent.
Within this team, managing the rough spots has often fallen to Willougby.
I am the one who usually hears it, he said. But the drivers have really stopped coming to us with that problem. Take last night. We had two cars that didnt make the show, but one of our cars won. So really, what can they say? Everybody is getting what they need. It is the newer, younger and more inexperienced drivers who come and say Im too loose, Im too tight, the car is doing this and that.
To some degree the message to them is just learn to drive the race car, Willoughby added. Our guys can make the car do, for the most part, what you want it to do but that isnt necessarily going to make it fast. If you want to run in the middle in the slick, we cant help you.
There is a reason no one is in your lane and people are going by you on both sides. You almost have to jump them and tell them to find the race track, because if you cant find the race track we cant help you. Years ago, I heard Keith tell a driver I only know one way to set up a race car, and thats fast. The rest is up to you.
While the first two night of the Chili Bowl went reasonably well, it wasnt quite up to standard. Were used to winning. Willoughby said. So winning last night (Wednesday) put a little pep back into our step.
The team has evolved along with the sport. Given their track record and ability to develop drivers, in Willoughbys words we used to be seen as a pipeline to Charlotte, but that pipeline has really clogged up. Now our goal is to help these young drivers find a way to race for a living it that is what they choose to do.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Bass Pro Shops and Winchester announced an exciting new partnership for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, with Austin Dillons No. 3 Chevrolet being sponsored by both legendary outdoor brands.
This is a natural pairing, given the long and storied relationship between the two brands, rooted in a shared dedication to conservation efforts and promoting our outdoor heritage.
Were proud to have the Winchester team join us to salute the sportsmen and women of America on the legendary No. 3 RCR car, said noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. Were all very grateful to our longtime friends, Richard Childress and his grandson Austin Dillon, for their ongoing support of conservation and for being terrific ambassadors for our company and the traditions of hunting, fishing and conservation in America.
For more than 50 years, Bass Pro Shops has blazed a trail in the retail landscape for outdoor enthusiasts, forging a place as North Americas premier outdoor retailer, with a foundation built on conservation and giving outdoorsmen and women everything they need for their outdoor adventures.
Today, there are nearly 200 retail destinations and boat centers throughout the United States and Canada, offering unforgettable immersive shopping experiences while providing thrills to guests of all ages.
Winchester has been known for its rich history and heritage for nearly 160 years. It is known throughout the world as an industry leader in promoting conservation, shooting sports and our hunting heritage.
Winchester remains one of the most iconic brands in the world, known for innovative products and a devout legacy in supporting the shooting sports, hunting, conservation, and the primary supplier of small-caliber ammunition to the U.S. military, said Brett Flaugher, President of Winchester Ammunition. This is an exciting alignment that allows us to connect with the NASCAR audience.
Together, Bass Pro Shops and Winchester are tied by their commitment to conservation causes, protecting our natural places for future generations to enjoy, and celebrating everything about the great outdoors. This NASCAR partnership will bring that message to new audiences and spread it throughout the world.
The No. 3 Chevrolet, one of the most iconic cars in NASCAR history, carries a storied legacy from its days with the late Dale Earnhardt. Austin Dillon, the grandson of NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, has continued to honor that tradition, bringing new energy and excitement to the revered number.
Johnny Morris is not only a good friend, but one of the greatest conservationists of our lifetime, said Childress, chairman and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing. Bass Pro Shops has been a longtime supporter of RCR and Austin, and we are excited to have Winchester join the fold this season on the No. 3 car. Everyone in this great country has the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, making memories that youll never forget. Together we will continue to spread the mission of conservation to ensure future generations have that same ability.
Driving the historic No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, Dillon is a five-time winner in the Cup Series who has qualified for the NASCAR playoffs five times.
Bass Pro Shops has supported me throughout every step of my career, and to have Winchester aboard our No. 3 Chevrolet this season will be a special addition, said Dillon, driver of the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Chevrolet. I remember hunting my first deer on my grandfathers lap at the at the age of seven. Now, Im able to experience the outdoors with my family and children, and pass down the American values of hunting, fishing, and supporting conservation.
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died, his family confirmed in a statement on Friday. He was 84.
Law is widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in the club's history, remembered for his part in an infamous "United Trinity" partnership with Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best, with the trio immortalised in a statue outside Old Trafford.
United did not specify the cause of Law's death. He revealed in 2021 that he was suffering with dementia.
"It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace," Law's family said in a statement published by United.
"We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you."
Law also won 54 international caps with Scotland, scoring 31 times. He began his career at Huddersfield Town, had two spells at Manchester City and spent a season at Italian side Torino.
However, it is the 404 appearances he made for United between 1962 and 1973 for which he is most remembered. Most of those games came under Sir Matt Busby as the club rebuilt following the 1958 Munich Air Disaster.
Law was a part of the United side that won the English top flight in 1965 and 1967 as well as the European Cup in 1968 -- a first for an English club.
He also only the second British recipient of the Ballon d'Or, winning the individual award in 1964.
United said in a statement: "Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84."
"With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club's greatest and most beloved players. The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis's family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more."
Law's 46 goals in the 1963-64 season remains a single-season record for United. His 237 goals for the club is bettered only by Charlton and Wayne Rooney, though his goals-per-game ratio is higher.
His 30 goals for Scotland is matched only by Kenny Dalglish, though was achieved in just 55 games compared to Dalglish's 102.
However, a goal he scored against United is arguably his most famous. In one of the last games of his career, Law was playing for rivals City at Old Trafford in United's penultimate game of the 1973-74 season.
His late goal -- an audacious back-heel flick he insisted was "a fluke" -- meant United lost 1-0 and helped ensure relegation to the second division just six years after being crowned European champions.
Law did not celebrate his goal and was substituted with head bowed as United fans invaded the pitch before the game restarted.
A player who would become fondly referred to as "The Lawman," Law left his northern Scotland hometown of Aberdeen as a skinny 15-year-old with poor eyesight. He became a feared penalty-area predator and a pioneer in a modernising world of European football.
By the age of 22, both United and City had paid an English-record transfer fee to sign Law, and he had played one season in Italy -- an exotic change of culture at that time, though he disliked the defensive nature of Serie A.
He returned from Torino in 1962 to begin an 11-year stint at Old Trafford that helped re-establish United as an international power under manager Busby.
Law joined a club that was still rebuilding from the airplane crash at Munich four years earlier. It tragically took the lives of most of Busby's then-dominant team, which was returning from a European Cup game.
Law's prolific scoring helped United win the FA Cup in 1963 for its first trophy since the Munich disaster, and then two league titles in three seasons.
Redemption for Busby's United was becoming European champions a decade after the tragedy.
Though Best and Charlton scored in the final, a 4-1 extra-time win over Benfica, Law missed the game at London's Wembley Stadium due to a knee injury that persisted in his career.
He had his own signature Wembley moment one year earlier. He scored Scotland's first goal in a 3-2 victory to inflict England's first loss since winning the 1966 World Cup final nine months previously.
Only in one of his last games would Law finally play at the World Cup, in 1974 in West Germany.
Then a 34-year-old veteran, Law was selected for Scotland's opening match, a 2-0 win against Zaire. He was not picked for subsequent drawn games against Brazil and Yugoslavia as Scotland was eliminated.
Law retired in August 1974, by which time he had etched his name into football history. After his playing career, Law worked as a TV pundit and presenter.
Law recovered from prostate cancer in November 2003 and was later awarded a Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2016 for services to football and charity.
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Ravens WR Flowers (knee) doubtful to face Bills
OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens did not rule out Zay Flowers for Sunday's divisional playoff game at the Buffalo Bills, listing him as doubtful even though the Pro Bowl wide receiver did not practice all week.
"I think he'll have a chance," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said after Friday's practice.
Flowers hasn't practiced since injuring his right knee during Baltimore's regular-season finale on Jan. 4 against the Cleveland Browns. He was the only Ravens player who did not participate in Friday's practice.
But Flowers is making progress. He held a workout before Friday's practice where he did some running while wearing a brace. The Ravens later posted part of that workout on their social media, which is something the team doesn't typically do.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said it would be a "huge challenge" if Flowers can't play.
"He is a guy that has been with us all season long [and has] been making things happen for us," Jackson said, "What he brings to the game -- we're going to miss that. But we have guys who are locked in and are ready to step up to the plate for us."
In his second season, Flowers led Baltimore with 74 receptions and 1,059 receiving yards. With Flowers sidelined in the wild-card round, Jackson completed 16-of-21 passes (76.1%) for 175 yards passing and two touchdowns in a 28-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jackson spread the ball around, completing multiple passes to five different players.
If Flowers can't play, it will mark the first time that he will miss consecutive games.
"Hopefully, Zay will be able to go, but if not, we have a lot of really good players," Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. "We're fortunate. We have a lot of really good players, and we anticipate them playing well."
Sources: Titans to hire Chiefs' Borgonzi as GM
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans plan to hire Mike Borgonzi to be their next general manager, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Borgonzi served the previous 16 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Borgonzi has been the Chiefs assistant general manager for the past four years. He'll replace former Titans general manager Ran Carthon, who held the position for two seasons.
The Chiefs promoted Borgonzi to assistant general manager in 2021. He served three seasons as the Chiefs' director of football operations (2018-20) and one season as the director of player personnel in 2017.
Kansas City hired Borgonzi to be their college scouting administrator in 2009. He went on to be their manager of football operations in 2010, then pro personnel scout from 2011 to 2012. Borgonzi spent 2013 and 2014 as the assistant director of pro scouting before becoming co-director of player personnel from 2015 to 2016.
Before joining the Chiefs, Borgonzi was the assistant recruiting coordinator at Boston College (2007-08). Boston College played in the ACC championship twice and won the 2007 Champs Sports Bowl while Borgonzi was there.
UF asst. to coach despite sex assault allegations
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida assistant coach Taurean Green will continue working the men's basketball team despite being accused of sexual assault.
Head coach Todd Golden said Green "will be with us" when the fifth-ranked Gators host Texas on Saturday. Golden, who remains the subject of a Title IX investigation himself, also ripped into a process that is supposed to be confidential.
"I would suggest people do not rush to judgment based off a headline," Golden said Friday. "For me, I am just frustrated and disappointed that a Title IX mechanism that is created to protect both sides during a situation like this -- that confidentiality and privacy continues to be abused.
"So as frustrating and as disappointing and as hard as it is to do, I am going to do what I think I need to do and continue to respect the process, as I have."
Golden's comments came one day after ESPN reported that a formal complaint was filed with the school's Title IX office accusing Green of kissing an athletic department employee and trying to put his hand down her pants in March 2024. ESPN reviewed a copy of the complaint.
The woman, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, pulled Green's hand away, said no and left. She told ESPN she had never been alone with Green previously and had only exchanged casual greetings with him on campus.
The woman said she did not report the alleged incident at the time in part because of Green's status. Green, who won NCAA championships as a player with the Gators in 2006 and 2007, joined the basketball staff in 2022 following a professional basketball career.
The woman told ESPN she came forward after Title IX investigators working on Golden's case asked to interview her last fall about Golden's interactions with female athletes. She said that inquiry made her realize there could be concerns about a pattern of behavior.
The woman told ESPN she first reported her allegations in mid-December to Florida deputy athletics director Amy Meyers Hass.
It came while the university is still investigating a Sept. 27 Title IX complaint against Golden that includes allegations of sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking, according to copies of the complaint.
The complaint accuses Golden of sending photos and videos of his genitalia, making unwanted sexual advances on Instagram and requesting sexual favors.
Title IX is designed to protect students from discrimination, including sexual harassment. Florida outsources its Title IX investigations to Grand River Solutions, a private firm based in California.
Golden initially signed a six-year, $18 million contract to take over at Florida and agreed to a two-year extension in March 2024 that will keep him at Florida through the 2029-30 season. His contract prohibits "romantic, amorous and/or sexual relationships between any coach or other employee of the Association and any student athlete or other person subject to the supervision, control and/or authority of such coach or other employee."
The contract also says the university can take disciplinary action if the coach acts in a manner "that has an 'adverse effect' or causes an 'adverse reflection,' on the reputation, mission and/or interests" of the athletic department or the university.
Golden praised his team for "staying the course and working hard."
"Obviously, it is not ideal, but at the same time, I think we've done a pretty good job this year of staying the course and keeping winning the main thing with the way we've played and the way we've performed," he said. "I believe we will continue to do that on a day-to-day basis."
NBA Power Rankings: Kings, Pistons trend up while Warriors sink
As the 2025 NBA trade deadline approaches (Feb. 6, 3 p.m. ET), several teams across both conferences will be reevaluating their rosters over the next three weeks.
The Oklahoma City Thunder remain the dominant team in the West behind MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander but the rest of the conference continues to be a battleground that may force other contenders to pursue a superstar for their playoff hopes. Will the Golden State Warriors make a splashy move before next month to help save their season? Or will the Phoenix Suns continue their chase of disgruntled superstar Jimmy Butler?
In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics remain the contenders to beat, but last season's lowly Detroit Pistons are in the hunt for the postseason this time, losing only one game in January so far. And the return of Paolo Banchero for the Orlando Magic will put other East teams on notice for the remainder of the season.
With 22 days left until the trade deadline, this is where all 30 teams stack up in this week's power rankings.
Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel (ESPN's Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton) think teams belong this season.
Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 30 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 20 | Nov. 27 | Dec. 4 | Dec. 11 | Dec. 18 | Dec. 25 | Jan. 1 | Jan. 8
Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS
2024-25 record: 34-5
Previous ranking: 1
Next games: @ OKC (Jan. 16), @ MIN (Jan. 18), vs. PHX (Jan. 20)
Cleveland saw its 12-game winning streak snapped in unceremonious fashion, getting blown out at home against a Pacers team that outscored the Cavs 68-40 in the second half. The loss set up a challenging week for the squad, with road games at Indiana, Oklahoma City and Minnesota. The Cavaliers got revenge over the Pacers. However, the Thunder will be looking for revenge against them and the Wolves are starting to resemble their playoff form from last season. -- Dave McMenamin
2024-25 record: 33-6
Previous ranking: 2
Next games: vs. CLE (Jan. 16), @ DAL (Jan. 17), vs. BKN (Jan. 19)
As the midway point of the season nears, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP case can be built around his massive leads in two major statistical categories. He had 1,192 points entering Tuesday night, which was 161 more than any other player. His plus-minus was plus-474, which was 142 points better than any other player. Not to mention Gilgeous-Alexander has played every game for the West-leading Thunder. -- Tim MacMahon
2024-25 record: 28-11
Previous ranking: 3
Next games: @ TOR (Jan. 15), vs. ORL (Jan. 17), vs. ATL (Jan. 18), @ GS (Jan. 20)
Boston is 9-7 across its past 16 games following a 19-5 start, allowing Cleveland to break away at the top of the Eastern Conference. What's been the biggest cause for Boston's struggles? After a hot start from beyond the arc this season, their 3-point shooting percentage has slumped to 34.6 (23rd in the league) over that stretch. -- Tim Bontemps
2024-25 record: 26-12
Previous ranking: 5
Next games: @ DEN (Jan. 15), @ SAC (Jan. 16), @ POR (Jan. 18), vs. DET (Jan. 20)
Houston captured its third victory this season against the Grizzlies on Monday to become the only team this season to defeat Memphis three times. The win also marked the team's fourth in a row as Jalen Green tied a career high with 42 points. Green, 22, has tallied 25-plus points in five consecutive outings, while Amen Thompson had his second five-block game of the season in Monday's win. The Rockets are 5-3 against the top-six teams in the NBA, helping solidify their contender status at the top of the West. -- Michael Wright
2024-25 record: 26-15
Previous ranking: 4
Next games: @ PHI (Jan. 15), vs. MIN (Jan. 17), vs. ATL (Jan. 20), @ BKN (Jan. 21)
The bad news is entering Monday's matchup, at just 29.9%, no team has shot worse from three over the past 10 games than the Knicks. The good news? New York -- still the third-most efficient offense in basketball -- managed to win six of those contests. The real question, after a blowout loss to Oklahoma City at the Garden, is how the Knicks stack up against elite opponents. They have the league's toughest remaining schedule. -- Chris Herring
2024-25 record: 25-15
Previous ranking: 6
Next games: @ SA (Jan. 15), @ SA (Jan. 17), vs. MIN (Jan. 20)
Memphis has racked up 97 30-point quarters this season, while allowing 121.2 points per game throughout January. But the Grizzlies are 2-4 this month with Ja Morant missing three of those outings due to injury. The latest setback took place Monday, courtesy of the Rockets, who captured a victory despite committing 23 turnovers for 31 Grizzlies points. Memphis led by 13 points with 9:55 left but were outscored 33-20 down the stretch. The Grizzlies will look to close out their four-game road trip in San Antonio, where they'll face Victor Wembanyama and the surging Spurs twice. -- Wright
2024-25 record: 24-15
Previous ranking: 7
Next games: vs. HOU (Jan. 15), @ MIA (Jan. 17), @ ORL (Jan. 19), vs. PHI (Jan. 21)
The Nuggets weren't sure how things would go when they added Russell Westbrook to the mix in the offseason, hoping the former MVP would bring energy, pace, hustle and playmaking alongside Nikola Jokic. But through nearly 40 games, Westbrook has exceeded every expectation and appears to be getting better in his 18th season. His chemistry with Jokic is impressive, and the Nuggets are 7-3 since inserting Westbrook into the starting lineup on Dec. 27 -- the third-best record in the West during that span behind the Thunder (8-1) and Kings (7-1). In his four games entering Tuesday, Westbrook averaged 22.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.7 assists. He made two or more 3's in a game twice and had four blocks and three steals during that stretch. -- Ohm Youngmisuk
2024-25 record: 22-18
Previous ranking: 11
Next games: @ NO (Jan. 15), vs. OKC (Jan. 17), @ CHA (Jan. 20)
Third-year guard Jaden Hardy was a major bright spot for the Mavs during Kyrie Irving's five-game absence due to illness and a back injury. Hardy averaged 15.4 points in 22.6 minutes during that span, shooting 49.1% from the floor and 51.9% from 3-point range. The next step in the 22-year-old Hardy's development: "Consistency," coach Jason Kidd said. -- MacMahon
2024-25 record: 23-18
Previous ranking: 10
Next games: @ MIL (Jan. 15), @ BOS (Jan. 17), vs. DEN (Jan. 19), @ TOR (Jan. 21)
Welcome back, Paolo Banchero! The Magic's All-Star forward had 34 points Friday against the Bucks in his first game since an oblique strain sidelined him in October. Although that didn't translate into a victory, Orlando got back in the win column Sunday, beating the 76ers with 20 points from Banchero and 27 from Cole Anthony. Banchero's return couldn't have come at a better time for the Magic, who are still without Franz Wagner due to an oblique strain and have seen Jalen Suggs miss the past five games with a back strain. -- Kevin Pelton
2024-25 record: 20-17
Previous ranking: 8
Next games: vs. MIA (Jan. 15), vs. BKN (Jan. 17), @ LAC (Jan. 19), vs. WAS (Jan. 21)
The Dorian Finney-Smith trade hasn't resulted in the immediate returns L.A. hoped it would. The Lakers have gone 2-4 since acquiring the 3-and-D wing, and Monday's loss to San Antonio was Finney-Smith's worst performance of the lot, scoring 4 points on 1-for-4 shooting and managing minus-13 in 20 minutes. And obviously, the team's six-day hiatus because of the Southern California wildfires hasn't helped either. "It's been a crazy two weeks since I've been in L.A., man," Finney-Smith said. "I ain't going to lie to you." -- McMenamin
11. LA Clippers
2024-25 record: 21-17
Previous ranking: 9
Next games: vs. BKN (Jan. 15), @ POR (Jan. 16), vs. LAL (Jan. 19), vs. CHI (Jan. 21)
After losing their first four games at the Intuit Dome, the Clippers finally got comfortable in owner Steve Ballmer's technological palace, winning 13 of their past 15. Since Nov. 4, only Cleveland (17-2) and Oklahoma City (14-2) have better home records. The defense held Miami to 98 points in the team's win Monday, the 11th time holding an opponent under 100 points, tied with the Heat and Timberwolves for third most this season. Kawhi Leonard has been back for only three games and has played no more than 21 minutes in any of those contests. But once he gets stronger, the Clippers defense could really take off -- it is currently fourth in the league (108.6). -- Youngmisuk
12. Indiana Pacers
2024-25 record: 22-19
Previous ranking: 15
Next games: @ DET (Jan. 16), vs. PHI (Jan. 18)
Indiana went on a six-game winning streak to start January, including a victory over the Cavaliers on Sunday despite guard Tyrese Haliburton missing the second half with a hamstring injury. The Pacers have risen in the East standings during this hot streak to No. 5, but may have to find ways to win without its star guard. Haliburton strained the same hamstring in January 2024 and missed nine of 10 games. -- Jamal Collier
13. Milwaukee Bucks
2024-25 record: 21-17
Previous ranking: 12
Next games: vs. ORL (Jan. 15), vs. TOR (Jan. 17), vs. PHI (Jan. 19)
A blowout loss on the road against the Knicks dropped the Bucks to 0-8 against the East's top-three teams (Cleveland, Boston, New York) this season, prompting star Giannis Antetokounmpo to implore the team to "get our stuff together" after the game. Milwaukee needs to keep racking up wins to protect its place in the standings as it is set to host another East team ahead of the team in the standings, the fifth-seeded Magic, on Wednesday. -- Collier
2024-25 record: 21-18
Previous ranking: 18
Next games: vs. GS (Jan. 15), @ NYK (Jan. 17), vs. CLE (Jan. 18), @ MEM (Jan. 20)
Anthony Edwards scored 20 points in the fourth quarter in Monday's win against the Wizards, finishing with 40 and continuing an impressive hot streak. He's the third-leading scorer in the NBA since Jan. 4, averaging 33.6 points during that span. The Wolves need him to continue that run as they enter a brutal stretch, facing the Warriors, Knicks, Cavs and Grizzlies in the next week. -- Collier
15. Miami Heat
2024-25 record: 20-18
Previous ranking: 16
Next games: @ LAL (Jan. 15), vs. DEN (Jan. 17), vs. SA (Jan. 19), vs. POR (Jan. 21)
Miami wraps up its six-game road trip Wednesday night against the Lakers. All eyes, though, will be on the Heat when they return home Friday night to take on the Nuggets -- the first game Jimmy Butler is eligible to return after a seven-game suspension. The drama-filled saga will continue whether or not Butler plays, and if he does, what will that look like? -- Bontemps
16. Sacramento Kings
2024-25 record: 20-20
Previous ranking: 20
Next games: vs. HOU (Jan. 16), vs. WAS (Jan. 19)
The Kings' seven-game winning streak under interim coach Doug Christie finally ended with their first loss in 2025 on Tuesday in Milwaukee, but Sacramento remains one of the league's hottest teams despite a recent three-game absence for star guard De'Aaron Fox. DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis stepped up their play in Fox's absence for two of the Kings' best wins all season -- including a 17-point win at TD Garden over the defending champion Boston Celtics last Friday. Fox's return to the lineup didn't slow Sacramento down in Sunday's win at Chicago, already the Kings' fourth by six points or fewer under Christie -- more than they had under Brown (three). -- Pelton
17. Detroit Pistons
2024-25 record: 21-19
Previous ranking: 19
Next games: vs. IND (Jan. 16), vs. PHX (Jan. 18), @ HOU (Jan. 20)
Since the start of 2025, the Pistons can't stop winning. Their 7-1 record in January, capped by Monday's impressive victory over the Knicks, is one win away from matching their most in a month since March 2019 -- and that came last November, when Detroit was 8-9. Cade Cunningham is averaging 26.5 points on 50% shooting and 8.3 assists in January, continuing his push for a first All-Star appearance, while Malik Beasley's 15.8 PPG has helped the Pistons overcome the loss of starting guard Jaden Ivey to a fibula fracture. -- Pelton
18. Phoenix Suns
2024-25 record: 19-20
Previous ranking: 23
Next games: @ WAS (Jan. 16), @ DET (Jan. 18), @ CLE (Jan. 20)
Heading into Tuesday's game in Atlanta, Phoenix recorded a three-game winning streak, its longest since early November. While it's too early to tell if Bradley Beal coming off the bench will be a permanent fix, it's shown some sign of promise. In five games as a reserve, Beal has shot 53% (compared to 48% as a starter), and his scoring has stayed steady at 17.4 points (just a tick down from 17.8 as a starter). More importantly, Phoenix is 4-1 since the shift. -- McMenamin
2024-25 record: 19-19
Previous ranking: 14
Next games: vs. MEM (Jan. 15), vs. MEM (Jan. 17), @ MIA (Jan. 19)
Late-game collapses during a three-game skid left San Antonio seeking redemption heading into their two-game matchup against the Lakers. The Spurs arrived in Los Angeles early Thursday for their first matchup against the Lakers, but didn't play until Monday due to the wildfires in Southern California. Chris Paul said last week after a loss in Chicago that San Antonio needed to find grit late in games. The Spurs showcased just that, snapping their losing streak against the Lakers and proving the young club is gradually learning what it takes to close contests. Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell each tied for a team-high 23 points in the outing. -- Wright
20. Atlanta Hawks
2024-25 record: 20-19
Previous ranking: 17
Next games:@ CHI (Jan. 15), @ BOS (Jan. 18), @ NYK (Jan. 20)
It's been a rough go for Atlanta since stringing together four consecutive victories to close out 2024, with the Hawks dropping four games since the start of 2025. And as euphoric and heart-stopping as that one win was -- Trae Young hit a buzzer-beater from just beyond half court to defeat Utah on the road last week -- the fact that it was necessary against the worst team in the West was telling. Atlanta's been a bottom-three defense since the start of the new year, something it needs to address if it wants to avoid a fourth straight season of the play-in. -- Herring
2024-25 record: 19-20
Previous ranking: 13
Next games: @ MIN (Jan. 15), vs. WAS (Jan. 18), vs. BOS (Jan. 20)
The frustration continues to build in Golden State as the Warriors lost to the nine-win Raptors on Monday without Draymond Green (illness/back), Jonathan Kuminga (ankle), Gary Payton II (calf) and Brandin Podziemski (abdomen). Warriors coach Steve Kerr called this as frustrating a night as they have had, citing a lack of execution and discipline on both ends. He blamed himself. With just over three weeks before the trade deadline, Stephen Curry says the Warriors should not panic and make any "desperate" moves at the expense of the franchise's future. --Youngmisuk
22. Chicago Bulls
2024-25 record: 18-22
Previous ranking: 22
Next games: vs. ATL (Jan. 15), vs. CHA (Jan. 17), @ POR (Jan. 19), @ LAC (Jan. 21)
The Bulls are getting a healthy version of Zach LaVine this season and he's posting a career high in field goal (51.7) and 3-point percentage (45.0). LaVine has scored at least 30 points in six straight games, the longest streak of his career. He joins Giannis Antetokounmpo as one of two players this season with a 30-point scoring streak spanning as many games. -- Collier
2024-25 record: 15-23
Previous ranking: 21
Next games: vs. NYK (Jan. 15), @ IND (Jan. 18), @ MIL (Jan. 19), @ DEN (Jan. 21)
The next three weeks will define Philadelphia's season. The 76ers gave a strong effort against the Thunder on Tuesday night, losing a competitive game despite the team's three All-Stars (Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey) sitting out, as well as several rotation players. But with 11 of the remaining 12 games before the trade deadline being against winning teams, which includes five back-to-back sets, a struggle here for Philadelphia could spell doom for the 76ers' chances of getting even into the play-in -- let alone the playoffs. -- Bontemps
2024-25 record: 13-26
Previous ranking: 24
Next games: vs. LAC (Jan. 16), vs. HOU (Jan. 18), vs. CHI (Jan. 19), @ MIA (Jan. 21)
An uneven January continued for the Blazers, who went from having a 19-point win in New Orleans on Wednesday to blowing a 10-point lead with four and a half minutes remaining in Thursday's six-point loss to Dallas. In the opener of a five-game homestand Saturday, Portland got blown out by the short-handed Heat. One positive has been the consistent play of forward Deni Avdija. Since Dec. 21, Avdija is averaging 18.6 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting better than 50% from the field. -- Pelton
25. Brooklyn Nets
2024-25 record: 14-26
Previous ranking: 25
Next games: @ LAC (Jan. 15), @ LAL (Jan. 17), @ OKC (Jan. 19), vs. NYK (Jan. 21)
After dealing away starters Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith, the Nets -- who got out to a pleasantly surprising 9-10 start -- are starting to fall into preseason expectations. They dropped five straight before beating Portland on Tuesday. -- Herring
26. Utah Jazz
2024-25 record: 10-28
Previous ranking: 26
Next games: vs. BOS (Jan. 15), @ MIL (Jan. 17), vs. ORL (Jan. 21)
Rookie Isaiah Collier had a season-high 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, including the game-winner in the final seconds of overtime in Sunday's win over the Nets. It was only his second game scoring in double figures, but Collier has recently displayed consistent playmaking ability. He has averaged 7.8 assists as a starter in the past five games, dishing out at least six dimes in each outing. -- MacMahon
27. Toronto Raptors
2024-25 record: 9-31
Previous ranking: 27
Next games: vs. BOS (Jan. 15), @ MIL (Jan. 17), vs. ORL (Jan. 21)
The rest of this season in Toronto is going to be about getting chemistry going between Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, the team's two long-term building blocks. Although Quickley has been in Toronto for a full calendar year, because of injuries to Barnes last season and Quickley this season, they've barely played together. The Raptors are hoping that will change over the next three months. -- Bontemps
2024-25 record: 8-28
Previous ranking: 29
Next games: @ UTAH (Jan. 15), @ CHI (Jan. 17), vs. DAL (Jan. 20)
Center Mark Williams, who has battled injuries throughout the first three seasons of his NBA tenure, had perhaps the best performance of his young career Sunday, logging 24 points and 16 rebounds in a loss to the Suns. (Though the Hornets did manage to snap a 10-game skid by beating Phoenix in a previous matchup) Still, it's much easier to live with defeats -- particularly during a rebuild -- when they can pull off some promising wins. -- Herring
2024-25 record: 9-32
Previous ranking: 28
Next games: vs. DAL (Jan. 15), vs. UTAH (Jan. 17), vs. UTAH (Jan. 20)
Winners of four of their past seven, the Pelicans are off to their second-worst 40-game start in franchise history. However, Trey Murphy III remains a blossoming bright spot. The fourth-year vet produced his third 30-point game of the season in a close loss to Boston on Sunday, which also featured Zion Williamson's return from a one-game suspension. Despite Herb Jones being out indefinitely due to a right labrum tear, New Orleans appears to be trending in a positive direction on the injury report with trade candidate Brandon Ingram inching closer to a return. -- Wright
2024-25 record: 6-32
Previous ranking: 30
Next games: vs. PHX (Jan. 16), @ GS (Jan. 18), @ SAC (Jan. 19), @ LAL (Jan. 21)
The Wizards have dropped seven straight games, including a 41-point loss to the Thunder on Sunday. Washington will have to endure a six-game West Coast trip in the span of 10 days, starting Saturday, but it should be a good learning experience for the Wizards' young core. Alexandre Sarr has three double-doubles this month but will be tested against some veteran forwards on this trip, facing Draymond Green, Domantas Sabonis, Anthony Davis, Lauri Markkanen and Dereck Lively II. -- Youngmisuk
What's behind the Timberwolves' struggles to build chemistry
DAYS AFTER THE Minnesota Timberwolves made a core-altering blockbuster trade, Anthony Edwards sensed that his new co-star was concerned about stepping on toes.
It was just a training camp scrimmage, but Julius Randle looked more like a hesitant rookie than a veteran with a decade of experience and a few All-Star appearances on his résumé.
There were instantly questions about fit when the Timberwolves, coming off a Western Conference finals appearance, replaced sweet-shooting 7-foot franchise cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns in the starting lineup with a ball-dominant power forward. Edwards attempted to ease any pressure Randle felt as he adjusted to his new team, along with guard Donte DiVincenzo and the Detroit Pistons' protected first-round pick in the deal that sent Towns to the New York Knicks.
"Make us fit around you," Edwards told Randle during the scrimmage, encouraging his new teammate to play with the same level of aggressiveness he displayed while averaging 23.0 points per game during his five-year Knicks tenure. "Don't try to fit around us."
It was a pleasant thought, but the process hasn't been nearly so simple. For the second time in three seasons, the Timberwolves have struggled to form chemistry on the fly in the wake of a major trade.
"It's an adjustment, but we want to be winning games while we're figuring it out," Randle told ESPN. "We show phases of being able to do that."
Meanwhile, Towns has made a smooth adjustment in New York. He's in the midst of a career year, averaging an efficient 25.4 points and 13.9 rebounds for the 27-15 Knicks as Randle and the Timberwolves make their annual visit to Randle's old home of Madison Square Garden on Friday night. Towns, however, is questionable against his former team after suffering a bone chip and sprain in his thumb in last Monday's game.
After the 2022 offseason acquisition of Rudy Gobert, it took a full season for Minnesota to figure out the center, a dominant defensive anchor whose offensive limitations create spacing challenges.
It hasn't been any easier for the 21-19 Timberwolves to incorporate Randle, in particular, during what has been a frustrating first half of the season.
"No doubt about it, it's been definitely a work in progress," Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. "Having a chemistry with Rudy is one piece all to itself. How do we [handle] that spacing when neither of 'em have the ball, spacing when one of 'em has the ball? Now we're trying to put them in actions together a little bit more. So that's kind of going to take some time.
"We've seen that with KAT in our first year and also in [Randle] establishing a chemistry with Ant as well and how to get those guys to use each other to their best benefit. And it's not been seamless, to be honest with you. And sometimes when the three of 'em are on the floor, it's been really clunky.
"But we feel like we're getting somewhere finally."
But there have been plenty of potholes on the road.
WITH FIVE MINUTES remaining in a tied November game, Randle dribbled the ball above the arc while sizing up Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl, planning to attack a perceived mismatch. But Gobert had intentions to take advantage of his mismatch, fighting for a deep seal on 6-8 forward Scottie Barnes, pinning the smaller defender on his back under the basket and raising his right hand up high to demand the ball.
Randle tilted his head to the left in an attempt to subtly send a message for Gobert to get out of the paint. Gobert didn't budge, locking eyes with Randle, who took a couple more dribbles before using his right hand to wave off the big man.
Gobert begrudgingly accepted that Randle wouldn't be passing him the ball. He slumped his shoulders and shook his head as he slowly shuffled out of the lane. Too slowly.
As Randle began to penetrate, the whistle blew. Gobert got called for a three-second violation.
Randle and Gobert avoided eye contact as they walked to the other end of the floor. With palms raised, Edwards confronted the big man, upset that Gobert's silent protest caused a turnover on a critical possession.
Gobert then committed an obvious foul by hip-checking Barnes away from the ball, giving the Raptors two free throws and the lead for good.
It was an extraordinarily public and costly display of painfully awkward chemistry.
"No matter the reason, my reaction was not the reaction of a leader, so I apologized for that," Gobert told ESPN later. "You lose one of your top players and you bring some other very good players and things don't happen overnight. It comes with putting the work in every day and the belief in one another and the belief in who we are.
"All these things, that's called chemistry, and a lot of it you only figure it out while you're going through some mistakes."
During all these mistakes, could the fallout have forced lines of communication to finally open?
"Nah, we just move past it," Randle told ESPN. "Things happen as a team, as teammates. You talk about it, you address it and we just move past it."
Minnesota didn't move past it with much immediate grace. The loss to the Raptors started a four-game skid that culminated with the Timberwolves blowing a double-digit lead in the final seven minutes of a 115-104 home loss to the Sacramento Kings.
"Whatcha wanna know?" Edwards asked the scrum of reporters hovering around his Target Center locker on that Nov. 27 night. "Why we trash?"
After seven losses in a nine-game span, Edwards made it abundantly clear that the good vibes were long gone from last season's 56-win campaign and conference finals run, labeling the Timberwolves as "front-runners" who were "growing away from each other."
Edwards insisted the issues weren't caused solely by adding two core players, Randle and DiVincenzo, just before training camp opened. According to the face of the franchise, the accountability for the problems reached all corners of the locker room.
"Sometimes it's tough because like looking at everybody, and everybody got a different agenda," Edwards told reporters. "It's like, what the f--- am I supposed to say? I'm trying to get better in that aspect to figure out what the hell to say to get everybody on the same agenda because everybody right now is on different agendas.
It wasn't necessarily surprising that the Timberwolves sputtered offensively after trading their second-leading scorer late in the offseason. After all, Minnesota was mediocre on that end last season with Towns in the mix, finishing 17th in offensive efficiency, same as this season.
But the defensive slippage is what really bothered Edwards, which he attributed to a lack of communication and often ignoring the game plan. The Timberwolves defense was the foundation for their success last season, and this season Minnesota had been merely average on that end.
"We thought defense was our identity, and it's not looking like that," Edwards said that night, when the Timberwolves fell to 8-10. "Our identity right now, me and Mike [Conley] was talking about it, I think is we soft as hell as a team, internally.
"Not to the other team, but like internally we soft, like we can't talk to each other. Just a bunch of little kids, just like we playing with a bunch of little kids. Like everybody, like the whole team, we just can't talk to each other and we gotta figure it out, man, because we can't go down this road."
Edwards didn't express anything in the interview that the Timberwolves hadn't discussed behind closed doors.
"We've talked about this many times, but let's put words into actions," Gobert said. "Everything that he was saying was right. We knew that we were a defensive team, but we weren't having that approach consistently, especially at the start of games. So it was great to hear him say that. "
Minnesota responded by winning six of the next seven games. The Timberwolves held their opponents under triple digits in each of those victories, proving that last season's defensive blueprint still worked.
If only Minnesota could sustain it. The Timberwolves' three-week run was embarrassingly interrupted when the Knicks cruised to a 133-107 win during Towns' 32-point, 20-rebound return to Minnesota on Dec. 15, the start of a three-game losing streak.
"Sometimes we let our offense dictate our defense and we just can't do that." Edwards said later. "We are a defensive team."
"One thing we really realized is that when we move the ball and when we play within our flow, whether we make shots or not, we're more connected," Gobert said. "Then it really impacts our defense."
BALL MOVEMENT, or lack thereof, has been a frequent topic during Timberwolves film sessions.
The ball "sticking too much" was the primary concern entering the season considering the preference of both Edwards and Randle to pound the dribble while searching for opportunities to attack.
"That's something that we've definitely struggled with," said Finch, who has staggered Edwards and Randle in his substitution patterns more often recently in an effort to alleviate the problem. "That's been one of the challenges for sure. Even though they're very different players, they have very similar rhythms to their game. But they do have the ability to go somewhere with the ball and draw a crowd, and they just got to make the right play at the end of that."
The offense becoming too stagnant has been especially problematic for the Timberwolves late in close games. They're within the bottom five in the league in scoring in clutch situations, averaging 100.0 points per 100 possessions when the score is within five points in the final five minutes.
It's a strategic issue that also has psychological ramifications.
"I tell 'em all the time, you miss a wide-open guy and you take 20 dribbles in a possession, it can affect that person on the next possession," said Mike Conley, the 37-year-old point guard who has struggled this season, averaging career lows of 7.7 points per game on 35.2% shooting.
"That's the thing for us; it's more about the on-time plays as opposed to them actually making the pass. A lot of times, they'll make the pass and sometimes it might be a beat late or a couple seconds late because we kind of exhausted our dribble too much."
Finch has dedicated countless hours over the past four years teaching Edwards how to read defenses in real time and the importance of making the right play.
"He's coaching winning basketball, so I can't be mad at it," Edwards told ESPN after Minnesota's New Year's Eve loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder. "But just sometimes I feel like the right play is me.
"It is hard, I'm not going to lie. It's hard, especially for me. I can't speak [for] Ju, but for me, it's hard. Of course, I'm only 23, so I'm going to showcase my game, but sometimes I can't. I get doubled all the time. So it's hard to find that balance of when to get off of [the ball], when to keep it and try to get going. So still trying to figure it out, honestly."
Edwards expressed similar thoughts a couple of nights later, when he was held to 15 points in a home loss to the Boston Celtics. He complained again about seeing frequent double-teams and said he didn't "want to just be passing the ball all night."
"I'm wired to be scoring the ball," said Edwards, who is averaging 25.9 points per game, shooting a career-best 42.3% from 3-point range and a career-worst 44.1% inside the arc.
In the next game, Edwards scored a career-high 53 points on 16-of-31 shooting, including 10-of-15 from long range. He had two assists and six turnovers. The Timberwolves lost to the Pistons 119-105.
Despite a season-high 53 points from Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves were handed their 17th loss of the season by the Detroit Pistons.
"It's the balance of being a superstar and then also running that offense," DiVincenzo told ESPN. "It's like that balance in between, and I think that's what we're figuring out right now. That consistency of moving the ball, making it pop around, and when it comes back to those guys, the lanes are wide open now and it's opening up them more to get downhill and get to the shots that they want to get to."
Finch had familiarity with Randle, serving as an assistant coach for the New Orleans Pelicans when Randle had a breakout season in 2018-19. But their reunion with the Timberwolves has still featured a lot of trial-and-error tinkering.
Finch said they've "gotten closer to figuring out" how to best use Randle, who is averaging 19.6 points per game on his fewest shot attempts (14.1) since his early-career Los Angeles Lakers stint, as a scorer and facilitator. It's about when, where and how to get the ball in Randle's hands and who to have on the floor alongside him.
Finch resisted altering the starting lineup until recently, when he swapped DiVincenzo for Conley, citing a hope to jump-start Conley by giving him more ballhandling responsibilities off the bench.
The transition from the Knicks to Timberwolves had been difficult for DiVincenzo, who was coming off a career year (15.5 points per game, 40.1% 3-point shooting) playing with his former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart in New York. DiVincenzo shot only 31.9% on 3s in his first 25 games in a Timberwolves uniform; he's hit 44.8% since then.
"It's a mental game of just being aggressive and just going out there and being myself," said DiVincenzo, who will miss Friday's game with a toe injury. "There's no secret behind that for me. When I'm passive, I'm not my best self."
It has been a half-season of experimentation and inconsistency. The Wolves appeared to be on track with three consecutive wins, including two on the road earlier this month, then dropped another close game to the Memphis Grizzlies, in which they led by four points with under two minutes left, but failed to score for the rest of the game.
After a road win against the moribund Washington Wizards, the Wolves once again fell at home to the scuffling Golden State Warriors, trailing 13-0 in the game's first four minutes. The schedule doesn't get easier from here. Following Friday night's game in New York, they return home to host the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers, then go on the road at Memphis and Dallas, before returning home to host three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
And, as Conley noted, the competition in the West is too fierce to forgive stumbling much longer.
"At this point, we probably figured each other out," Edwards said. "I think the main thing is we just got haven't all been clicking on the same page at one time yet. ... We going to be all right."
Sources: Mets, LHP Minter reach 2-yr., $22M deal
The New York Mets and left-hander A.J. Minter have agreed on a two-year, $22 million contract Friday, sources confirmed to ESPN's Jeff Passan, giving a team starved for bullpen help one of the best relievers on the free-agent market.
The deal, which is pending a physical, includes an opt-out after the 2025 season. SNY first reported the agreement.
Minter, 31, was a key contributor during the Atlanta Braves' recent run of success, posting a 3.28 ERA across 384 relief appearances since debuting in 2017. He was a member of the 2021 World Series championship club and enjoyed his best full season the following year, pitching to a 2.06 ERA in 75 games. Hip inflammation limited Minter to 39 appearances in 2024, but he was effective when healthy with a 2.62 ERA over 34 innings in a setup role.
He joins a club that prioritized acquiring a top-flight reliever this winter to partner with closer Edwin Diaz late in games. Being a lefty checks another box for New York, which, as it currently stands, has just one other left-handed reliever (Alex Young) on their 40-man roster.
The bullpen addition comes a day after the club reached a one-year deal with veteran outfielder/designated hitter Jesse Winker, who figures to be primarily used as a DH against right-handed pitchers.
Pete Alonso, the Mets' homegrown star first baseman, remains a free agent. The two sides have attempted to negotiate a reunion, but they've recently reached an impasse over money on a three-year contract, according to a source. Without Alonso, the Mets could move third baseman Mark Vientos, a breakout star in 2024, across the diamond to first base with former top prospect Brett Baty, prospect Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuna as internal candidates to start at third base.
Jays add Straw, cash for Sasaki in Guardians deal
TORONTO -- The Blue Jays acquired $2 million in international signing bonus pool allocation from the Cleveland Guardians that could be used in their pursuit of Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki as part of a trade Friday that also brought underperforming outfielder Myles Straw to Toronto.
Cleveland will send $3.75 million to the Blue Jays, offsetting some of the $14.75 million Straw is guaranteed for the final two years of a $25 million, five-year contract. The Guardians will receive a player to be named or cash.
Toronto boosted its international signing pool to $8,261,600 and had not signed any players since the 2025 window opened Wednesday, leaving the entire amount available for Sasaki.
Also being being pursued by the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, the 23-year-old right-hander has until Thursday to reach agreement with a Major League Baseball team. He is considered an international amateur by MLB and can sign only a minor league contract subject to the same bonus pools as Latin American prospects.
Straw has salaries of $6 million this year and $7 million in 2026 and is guaranteed a $1.75 million buyout of a 2027 team option. Cleveland will send Toronto $1 million this year, $1 million in 2026 and $1.75 million at the end of 2026.
Cleveland agreed to the long-term deal in April 2022 but Straw hit just .221 with no homers, 32 RBIs and 21 stolen bases that year, then batted .238 with 1 homer, 29 RBIs and 20 steals in 2023.
He was sent outright to Triple-A Columbus in April and hit .240 with 3 homers, 47 RBIs and 30 steals. Cleveland brought him up in September, and he went 1-for-4 over seven games.
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