Blue Jays land Varland and France from Twins

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired right-handed pitcher Louis Varland and first baseman Ty France from the Minnesota Twins, the teams announced Thursday.

Left-handed pitcher Kendrys Rojas and outfielder Alan Roden are going to Minnesota in the trade.

Varland owns a 2.02 ERA with 47 strikeouts in 51 appearances this season. The 27-year-old is under team control through 2030.

France is slashing .251/.320/.357 with six home runs, 88 hits, and one stolen base in 2025. The 31-year-old will be a free agent after this campaign.

Astros land Correa from Twins

It's Carlos Correa time in Houston once again.

The Astros acquired their former first overall pick from the Minnesota Twins, a source told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Correa waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the move, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Minnesota will receive one prospect in return and is eating some of the remaining money on Correa's contract, a source told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. However, the Astros will pay down the majority of his deal, Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports.

Rangers land Kelly from Arizona

The Arizona Diamondbacks are trading right-hander Merrill Kellyto the Texas Rangers, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Left-handers Kohl Drake and Mitch Bratt and right-hander David Hagaman are going to Arizona in the deal, a source told The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro.

Kelly is in the midst of another solid season. The 36-year-old owned a 3.22 ERA and 3.53 FIP in 22 starts for the D-Backs before the reported swap.

The seven-year veteran will give the Rangers a formidable top three in their rotation, joining Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi.

Padres land O’Hearn from Baltimore

The San Diego Padres are acquiring All-Star slugger Ryan O'Hearn from the Baltimore Orioles, sources told Robert Murray of FanSided.

Outfielder Ramón Laureano is also going to San Diego in the deal, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Baltimore is receiving six prospects in return: left-handed pitcher Boston Bateman, right-handed relievers Tyson Neighbors and Tanner Smith, infielders Brandon Butterworth and Cobb Hightower, and first baseman/outfielder Victor Figueroa, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports. Bateman and Hightower are the Padres' No. 4 and 6 prospects respectively, per MLB.com.

Padres land Miller and Sears from Oakland

The San Diego Padres bolstered their pitching staff Thursday, acquiring reliever Mason Miller and starter JP Sears from the Athletics, the teams announced.

The A's will receive shortstop Leodalis De Vries, the No. 3 prospect in baseball, plus right-handers Braden Nett, Henry Baez, and Eduarniel Núñez.

Miller has established himself as one of the game's premier closers. He owns a 3.76 ERA this season, though his FIP is 2.86 and his FanGraphs expected ERA is 2.82. The flamethrower has fanned 59 batters in 38.1 innings with a fastball that averages 101 mph.

The 26-year-old owns a 3.16 ERA across parts of three MLB seasons. He's under team control through the 2029 season.

Yankees land Bednar from Pittsburgh

The New York Yankees are finalizing a trade to acquire closer David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Pittsburgh will receive catching prospect Rafael Flores and two other prospects, according to MLB.com's Alex Stumpf.

Bednar, a two-time All-Star, owns a 2.37 ERA with 17 saves in 38 innings for the Pirates this season.

Blue Jays land Shane Bieber from Cleveland

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired starter Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for pitching prospect Khal Stephen, the teams announced Thursday.

Bieber is recovering from Tommy John surgery he underwent in April 2024 and has yet to pitch in the majors this season, though he appears to be nearing a return to a big-league mound. He's registered a 1.59 ERA with 21 strikeouts and one walk in 11.1 innings across four minor-league rehab starts. He threw 58 pitches and topped out at 94 mph in his most recent outing.

The 30-year-old won the AL Cy Young in the shortened 2020 season, posting a league-best 1.63 ERA. Since that career year, he's managed a 3.13 ERA across 70 starts in parts of four campaigns before the elbow injury.

Gilbert Arenas arrested for illegal poker betting

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas was arrested Wednesday along with five other people, including a suspected member of an Israeli organized crime group, on suspicion of hosting illegal high-stakes poker games at a Los Angeles mansion owned by Arenas, federal prosecutors said.

All six defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and one count of operating an illegal gambling business, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office. They were all scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon.

Arenas, 43, is also charged with making false statements to federal investigators, the statement said. He is named in the indictment as "Agent Zero," a nickname from his playing days with the Washington Wizards.

Suarez heading back to Seattle

Eugenio Suárez is heading back to Seattle.

The Mariners are finalizing a trade to acquire the All-Star third baseman from the Arizona Diamondbacks, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. 

Arizona is receiving first base prospect Tyler Locklear, along with right-handed pitching prospects Hunter Cranton and Juan Burgos in return, a source told Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. All three players are ranked among the Mariners' top 30 prospects by MLB.com.

Suárez played for the Mariners from 2022-23 before being traded to Arizona for Carlos Vargas and Seby Zavala.

Raiders sign Miller

The Las Vegas Raiders signed left tackle Kolton Miller to a contract extension, the team announced Wednesday.

The deal is a three-year, $66-million pact that includes $42.5 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Miller, who was entering the last year of his contract, now ranks ninth among left tackles with a $22-million average annual salary, according to Spotrac.

Miller, the Raiders' longest-tenured player, started 17 games for Las Vegas in 2024. The 29-year-old has made 109 appearances (107 starts) since being drafted 15th overall in 2018.

Justin Verlander available for trade

The San Francisco Giants are making veteran starter Justin Verlander available for trade before Thursday's deadline, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

Verlander joined the Giants on a one-year, $15-million deal this past offseason, marking his 20th MLB season. However, the 42-year-old didn't earn a victory until his 17th start this campaign and owns a 1-8 record with a 4.53 ERA over 89 innings.

The Giants entered Wednesday's contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 54-54, five games back of a wild-card spot in the National League. 

Verlander's agreement with San Francisco includes full no-trade protection, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts.

Mets add Ryan Helsley to the bullpen

The New York Mets added another big bullpen arm for the stretch run, acquiring two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals for infield prospect Jesus Baez and right-handed pitching prospects Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt, they announced Wednesday.

The move for Helsley comes just hours after the Mets acquiredsidearm reliever Tyler Rogersfrom the San Francisco Giants and follows the rival Philadelphia Phillies' addition of hard-throwing closer Jhoan Duran from Minnesota. New York lost to the San Diego Padres 5-0 Wednesday, moving the team into a virtual tie with Philadelphia atop the NL East.

McDavid contracts to begin soon

Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is optimistic contract talks with captain Connor McDavid will ramp up in the near future. 

"(McDavid is) a huge part of everything we do here, and so I don't have a timeline update, but I do expect to have some conversations with them soon and hopefully get that wrapped up," Bowman told CHED 880's Bob Stauffer on Tuesday. 

McDavid became eligible to sign an extension on July 1. After the Oilers lost the Stanley Cup Final, the superstar centre said he wanted to take time to decompress before engaging in contract discussions.

The three-time Hart Trophy winner also noted that re-signing in Edmonton wouldn't be an issue if the team was committed to icing a contending roster for years to come.

Phillies land Duran from Twins

The Philadelphia Phillies are adding some big-time heat to the back of their bullpen.

Philadelphia acquired closer Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Mick Abel and catching prospect Eduardo Tait, the teams announced Wednesday.

Abel is ranked as the No. 92 overall prospect on MLB.com's top 100, while Tait sits at No. 56.

Duran has been one of the top closers in baseball since debuting in 2022. The 27-year-old has saved 74 games in 83 chances for the Twins while recording a 2.47 ERA during his career.

Jonathan Kuminga rejects Golden State offer

Restricted free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga rejected a two-year, $45-million contract offer from the Golden State Warriors, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater.

Kuminga reportedly passed on the new deal largely because the Warriors insisted on a team option for the second season and weren't willing to let him keep the no-trade clause that he'd be entitled to.

The former No. 7 overall pick and his agent have reportedly explored sign-and-trade scenarios, including significant negotiations with the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns for close to $90 million over four years. Phoenix made the most lucrative offer, Charania and Slater report.

Astros chasing Carlos Correa

The Houston Astros are interested in reuniting with a former core piece of their franchise ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.

Houston is showing interest in acquiring Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa, a source told MLB.com's Brian McTaggart.

The Astros would presumably use Correa at third base with Isaac Paredes sidelined with a strained hamstring. Jeremy Peña is Houston's regular starter at shortstop and is expected to return soon after missing more than a month with a fractured rib.

Cameron Brink returns from injury

Cameron Brink came off the bench for the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday night in her first WNBA game in 13 months after a left ACL injury.

She was 1-for-3 and made a pair of free throws while playing 13 minutes, with three rebounds, an assist, a steal, a block and a turnover in an 89-74 loss to the Las Vegas Aces that snapped the Sparks' five-game winning streak.

Jets avoid arbitration with Samberg

The Winnipeg Jets avoided arbitration with defenseman Dylan Samberg, agreeing to a three-year contract carrying an average annual value of $5.75 million, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Samberg, a restricted free agent who was one year away from unrestricted free agency, was scheduled to have his arbitration hearing Wednesday.

The Jets filed for $2.5 million in arbitration, while Samberg filed for $6 million. He only would've been eligible for a one-year contract in arbitration since he's a year away from being a UFA.

Stafford looks ready for season opener

The Rams have a timetable for quarterback Matthew Stafford's recovery from a sore back, but Los Angeles coach Sean McVay does not plan on making it public to avoid the perception of a possible setback.

Stafford is missing his second straight week of training camp because of an ailment that has been bothering him in recent weeks.

McVay has been steadfast in his optimism that Stafford, 37, won't miss the season opener against Houston on Sept. 7.

Acuna Jr lands on injured list

Atlanta Braves superstar outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is being placed on the 10-day injured list with right Achilles tightness, according to David O'Brien of The Athletic.

Acuña was seen in a walking boot following the Braves' 9-6 loss to the Kansas City Royals, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. He'll now return to Atlanta and undergo an MRI on Wednesday to determine the severity of his injury.

Acuña appeared to sustain the injury while chasing down a foul ball in the sixth inning of Tuesday's game at Kauffman Stadium. Later in the inning, he was seen running awkwardly while trying to catch a fly ball, leading to his removal.

Blue Jays acquire Dominguez from Orioles

The Toronto Blue Jays are acquiring reliever Seranthony Domínguez and cash from the Baltimore Orioles for pitching prospect Juaron Watts-Brown, a source told Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.

The Blue Jays and Orioles are currently playing a four-game series that ends Wednesday. Domínguez did not pitch for Baltimore in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader; it's not yet clear if he'll be available out of Toronto's bullpen in the nightcap.

Teams are chasing Steven Kwan at the deadline

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan is a popular name with Thursday's trade deadline around the corner.

Kwan is attracting "a ton" of interest, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres are believed to be among the clubs vying for the two-time All-Star, according to Rosenthal.

Springer down after hit to the head

Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer left Monday's game against the Baltimore Orioles after taking a 96-mph pitch to the head from right-hander Kade Strowd.

Springer was down for several minutes before he was able to walk off the field with trainers.

The 35-year-old is undergoing further examination, but "is doing alright," manager John Schneider told Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.

Schneider said the ball hit Springer's shoulder before deflecting into his head and added the slugger was alert the whole time after being hit. 

Springer is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career, slashing .291/.383/.506 with 18 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 12 steals in 101 games.

Bryce Harper tells off Rob Manfred

Let's be honest, when is Harper not angry?

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper told Rob Manfred to "get the f--k out of our clubhouse" if the MLB commissioner wanted to talk about a potential salary cap during a meeting with the team last week, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Harper reportedly became frustrated when Manfred talked about the business of baseball, although the commissioner never explicitly mentioned a salary cap.

The two-time NL MVP said players "are not scared to lose 162 games" if MLB attempts to implement a salary cap in the next collective bargaining agreement and stood nose to nose with Manfred at one point, sources told Passan.

Ryne Sandberg passes away at 65

Ryne Sandberg, a Hall of Fame second baseman who became one of baseball's best all-around players while starring for the Chicago Cubs, has died. He was 65.

Sandberg was surrounded by his family when he died at his home on Monday, according to the team.

Sandberg announced in January 2024 that he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. He had chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and then said in August 2024 that he was cancer-free.

But he posted on Instagram on Dec. 10 that his cancer had returned and spread to other organs. He announced this month that he was still fighting, while "looking forward to making the most of every day with my loving family and friends."

Rays trade Danny Jansen

The Tampa Bay Rays made two trades on Monday, swapping catchers in separate deals involving the Milwaukee Brewers and Miami Marlins.

The Rays traded Danny Jansen and cash to the Brewers for minor-league infielder Jadher Areinamo, the teams announced.

"Erik (Neander) has been nothing but transparent. He's been awesome about the whole process. Finding out today, it's definitely an odd thing - still being on the roster, but it's such a great group of guys here," Jansen said, following the trade, according to Rays reporter Ryan Bass.

Cleveland places Clase busted for sports betting

Major League Baseball placed Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase on non-disciplinary paid leave through Aug. 31 amid a sports betting investigation, the league announced Monday.

Clase's teammate Luis Ortiz is already on leave because of the inquiry.

"The Guardians have been notified by Major League Baseball that as part of their sports betting investigation, Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary leave per an agreement with the MLB Players Association," the team said in a statement.

Summer McIntosh adds more gold to her collection

Summer McIntosh is off to a perfect start at the swimming world championships in her attempt to win five individual gold medals, a feat only achieved by American legend Michael Phelps.

The 18-year-old Canadian took the 200-meter individual medley on Monday, clocking 2:06.69. The victory matched the gold she won Sunday in the 400 freestyle. Alex Walsh of the United States claimed the silver in 2:08.58 with bronze going to Mary-Sophie Harvey of Canada in 2:09.15.

The winning time trailed McIntosh's world record of 2:05.70. And she was not content.

Royals sign Seth Lugo

The Kansas City Royals and right-hander Seth Lugo agreed to a two-year contract extension with a 2028 vesting option, the club announced Monday.

Lugo's pact will reportedly be worth $46 million.

The 2024 AL Cy Young runner-up had a $15-million player option for 2026 before the new deal. He was thought to be one of the top potential starting pitchers available before Thursday's trade deadline.

The 35-year-old owns a 2.95 ERA with 1.09 WHIP and 99 strikeouts over 113 innings (19 starts) this season.

Braves land Erick Fedde

The Atlanta Braves picked up right-hander Erick Fedde and cash from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for a player to be named later or cash, the clubs announced Sunday.

The Braves made the trade for Fedde after transferring starter Grant Holmes to the 60-day injured list with an elbow injury. Atlanta now has all five members of its starting rotation from the Opening Day roster sidelined.

The Cardinals will cover the majority of what remains of Fedde's $7.5-million salary, a source told Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.

Fernandez wins biggest title D.C Open

Leylah Fernandez collected the biggest title of her career at the D.C. Open with her most lopsided victory of the tournament, defeating Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-2 in the final on Sunday.

The left-handed Fernandez, a 22-year-old from Canada who is ranked 36th, earned her fourth singles trophy — all have come at hard-court tournaments — and first at a WTA 500 event. She came quite close to a Grand Slam championship as a teenager at the 2021 U.S. Open, making it all the way to the final in New York before losing to Emma Raducanu.

Charges sign Slater to huge deal

The Los Angeles Chargers are signing left tackle Rashawn Slater to a four-year, $114-million contract extension, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Slater's new deal makes him the league's highest-paid offensive lineman with an annual average salary of $28.5 million, eclipsing the contract signed by Tristan Wirfs ($28.1M). The record-setting deal also includes $92 million guaranteed.

Slater has helped solidify the Chargers' offensive line since being selected 13th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Northwestern product started 16 games his rookie season, earning second-team All-Pro recognition and a Pro Bowl nod. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound blocker transitioned from being a right tackle in college to protecting the blindside of quarterback Justin Herbert since joining the Chargers.

Cowboys sign Jake Ferguson

The Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms with tight end Jake Ferguson on a four-year, $52-million contract extension, the team announced Sunday.

Ferguson's new deal includes $30 million guaranteed and a signing bonus worth $12 million.

The Wisconsin product enjoyed a breakout season in 2023 when he tallied 71 catches, 761 yards and five touchdowns to earn a Pro Bowl nod. He followed that up with 59 receptions last season for 494 yards in 14 games.

Terry McLaurin reports to camp regardless of contract status

Wide receiver Terry McLaurin reported to Washington Commanders training camp on Sunday morning following a four-day holdout, but the 2024 second-team All-Pro and the team have yet to agree on new contract terms.

The Commanders removed McLaurin from the reserve/did not report list for camp and placed Washington's leading receiver on the active/physically unable to perform list due to an ankle injury from the previous season, according to head coach Dan Quinn.

"I'm really pumped that he is here," Quinn said before Sunday's practice. The coach said he spoke directly with McLaurin on Saturday. "He is such an awesome competitor. At his core, that's who he is."

Chris Caray butchers home run call

Athletics broadcaster Chris Caray described a long foul ball off the bat of Lawrence Butler in the ninth inning of Saturday's game against the Houston Astros. The only problem was, the ball was fair and landed in the right-field seats for a three-run homer.

Caray, the great-grandson of legendary Chicago Cubs announcer Harry Caray, apologized following the 5-1 victory.

"Totally lost it in the lights," Caray wrote postgame on X. "No excuses. Unfair to Butler and our fans that I messed it up as badly as I did. This is completely and totally on me. Wish I could have it back but that's baseball. I apologize and will be better tomorrow."

Cardinals & Padres clear the benches

The benches cleared in a Cardinals-Padres game for the second straight night Saturday as St. Louis' Willson Contreras and San Diego's Manny Machado each got hit twice by pitches.

The bench-clearing incident came in the ninth inning of the Padres' 3-1 victory as Machado complained after he was hit by a pitch from Andre Granillo. Cardinals coach Jon Jay, who had been exchanging words with Machado, was ejected from the game.

Blackhawks resign Arvid Soderblom

The Chicago Blackhawks and restricted free-agent goaltender Arvid Soderblom avoided arbitration, agreeing to a two-year contract carrying an average annual value of $2.75 million, the team announced Saturday.

Soderblom's arbitration hearing was set for Monday.

The two-year pact takes Soderblom to unrestricted free agency.

The 25-year-old netminder posted an .898 save percentage in 36 appearances last season. However, Soderblom put up favorable underlying numbers, as he stopped 4.36 goals above expected, per Evolving-Hockey.

Aaron Judge on the 10 Day injured list

Aaron Judge will be placed on the 10-day injured list after it was discovered that the New York Yankees captain sustained a flexor strain in his right elbow, manager Aaron Boone revealed following his team's loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Judge's ulnar collateral ligament is still intact, Boone added, which left the manager feeling optimistic about his star's recovery.

While he wasn't able to provide a firm timetable, Boone said it's possible that the reigning AL MVP could return after the minimum 10 days. However, once he does get back, Judge will have to exclusively DH for an indefinite period.

Yankees land Rosario from Nationals

The New York Yankees added some more infield help Saturday, acquiring Amed Rosario from the Washington Nationals for pitcher Clayton Beeter and minor-league outfielder Browm Martinez, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Rosario's addition comes one day after New York added third baseman Ryan McMahon in a trade with the Colorado Rockies.

Royals land Randal Grichuk from Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks traded designated hitter/outfielder Randal Grichuk to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for minor-league reliever Andrew Hoffmann, the teams announced.

Grichuk, who can test free agency after this season, was seen giving his now-former D-Backs teammates hugs during Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Vikings sign Josh Metellus for 3 Years

The Minnesota Vikings and safety Josh Metellus agreed to a three-year extension worth $36 million, his agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The contract has a maximum value of $42 million and includes $25 million in guaranteed money, Schefter adds.

Despite seeking a new deal, Metellus continued to participate in training camp.

Nick Kurtz 4 Home Runs

Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz made baseball history Friday, becoming the first rookie ever to hit four home runs in a game.

Kurtz crushed his fourth homer off Houston Astros position player Cooper Hummel in the ninth inning.

That blast completed an incredible 6-for-6 night for Kurtz with four homers, five extra-base hits, and eight RBIs. His 19 total bases tied Shawn Green's MLB record from 2002. Green and Kurtz are the only players to record six hits and four home runs in the same game.

Kurtz is the 20th player in MLB history to hit four homers in a game, and the first Athletics hitter to do it.

Justin Jefferson hamstring injury

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson suffered a mild hamstring strain and will be held out of practice, head coach Kevin O'Connell announced Friday.

Jefferson will be re-evaluated next week.

"The best thing is we avoided anything serious," O'Connell said, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "I see no concerns in regards to (Week 1) and have no worry at all that we'll be able to get Justin ready to go for the regular season."

Yankees land Ryan McMahon

The New York Yankees acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies for pitching prospects Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz, the clubs announced Friday.

The Yankees have been looking for help at the hot corner and had reportedly been eyeing McMahon for weeks. New York was also interested in Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez, but there was a gap in trade talks, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

McMahon fills a defensive void for a New York team that's been error-prone of late, as he sits in the 91st percentile for outs above average. The left-handed hitter is slashing .217/.314/.403 with 16 home runs and 35 RBIs this season, but his 127 strikeouts are the most in the National League. The 30-year-old is also under contract through the 2027 campaign and is still owed $32 million over the final two years of his deal.