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Vlad Jr. reveals sub-$600M ask in Blue Jays talks
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has disclosed that the latest contract extension proposal his representatives presented to the team was significantly lower than Juan Soto's deal with the New York Mets, falling short of $600 million.
Negotiations between Guerrero and the Blue Jays to secure a contract extension before the start of spring training were unsuccessful, setting the stage for the 25-year-old to enter free agency in November.
In an interview with ESPN's Enrique Rojas and Ernesto Jerez, Guerrero clarified the details of the negotiation process and refuted claims that his salary expectations were comparable to the 15-year, $765 million contract the Mets awarded Soto during the offseason.
"It's much less than Soto. We're talking about many fewer millions than Soto, more than a hundred million less. ... It was the same number of years [as Soto's contract], but it didn't reach [$600 million]. The last number we gave them as a counteroffer didn't reach 600," Guerrero said.
"I know the business. I lowered the salary demands a bit, but I also lowered the number of years ... I'm looking for 14 [years]. I would like 14, 15, even 20 if they give them to me, but doing it the right way."
Following the breakdown in negotiations, Guerrero emphasized his commitment to focusing on the upcoming season, the final year of his current contract with the Blue Jays.
"There was an exchange [of salary figures]. The meetings lasted until the last day of the deadline but they [the Blue Jays and Guerrero's agents] couldn't reach an agreement on the numbers. But as I've always said, just because we couldn't reach an agreement, I'm not going to change the way I work. I have to keep working," he added.
In the current spring training, Guerrero is batting a .412 average with a 1.121 OPS, one home run and three RBIs in seven games.
Information from ESPN's Jeff Passan, Enrique Rojas and Juan Recio was used in this report.
Kruseman Named Director Of USACs West Coast Operations
SPEEDWAY, Ind. Cory Kruseman has been named the Director of USAC West Coast operations, taking on a pivotal role in overseeing all of the United States Auto Clubs racing endeavors throughout the western United States in addition to handling special projects.
Kruseman, a native of Ventura, Calif., brings decades of experience in the sport. As a driver, his decorated career resulted in him being a 2023 inductee into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.
As a car owner, he operates a sprint car driving school and his own team has won numerous events on the west coast.
With his wealth of experience in several facets of the sport, Kruseman is poised to bring his perspective to his new role and make a significant impact on the future of USAC on the west coast, emphasizing his desire to bridge the gap between racers, racetracks, sponsors and the sport itself.
I just want to be somebody who can help bring everyone together and figure out what its going to take to help the sport thrive into the future, Kruseman explained. Theres a lot of competition out here on the west coast, and I think this is the right time to do everything we can to keep auto racing flourishing.
Krusemans career behind the wheel includes such accolades as the 1999 Non-Wing World Sprint Car Champion, 2000 and 2004 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals victories, 2002 and 2005 USAC Indiana Sprint Week titles, the 2006 USAC CRA Sprint Car crown as well as the 2011 USAC Western States Midget championship, in addition to winning more than 100 sprint car features between SCRA, USAC CRA and USACs national series. For Kruseman, this new role feels like a natural next step.
Growing up with a dream to make a living in racing by becoming a driver, and eventually a team owner for so many years and being able to fulfill that dream, I want the next generation to have the same opportunities I had, Kruseman said.
Kruseman believes its critical to support those coming up through the ranks, especially as the economic landscape of racing continues to evolve.
When people come through the driving school, there are a lot of new ideas and marketing strategies that Ive seen and heard that I can hopefully help apply, Kruseman stated. I feel like if I dont give it my all to help the sport that allowed me to live my life as well I was able to, it might not be here in 10-15 years for the next generation of racers to follow that same career path.
Among Krusemans first priorities is to meet and connect with the people who make the sport what it is.
I want to get in and meet the promoters and racers and just kind of get back on the front line, Kruseman explained. I want to see how I can help facilitate things, and I want them all to know that Im here to help the sport.
DETROIT -- Carter Mazur's NHL debut lasted just two shifts.
The 22-year-old Detroit Red Wings forward suffered an upper-body injury in the first period against the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday night.
Mazur was called up from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins earlier in the day. The Jackson, Michigan, native was Detroit's third-round selection in the 2021 NHL draft.
He had 15 points in 20 games with the Griffins this season, including 11 in his last 11 AHL games. Mazur was sidelined from Oct. 19 to Jan. 18 with an upper-body injury.
He had a large contingent of family and friends on hand at Little Caesars Arena to cheer him on in his NHL debut, and tossed a puck over the boards to his mother prior to the contest.
Detroit waived veteran forward Christian Fischer to make room for Mazur, who skated a total of 1:10 on the fourth line with Tyler Motte and Jonatan Berggren.
"Growing up a Red Wings fan, seeing how much they've won and how the fans love the playoffs, it's something that I hope I can be part of," Mazur said after the team's morning skate. "I hope to help them get in the right direction. I know they're moving in the right direction, so it's pretty awesome to join a team in this push right now."
In situations like this, it's fun to look into the crystal ball and have an (educated) guess at those that could come into the frame. For the purpose of this exercise, here's six names who were not part of the Champions Trophy squad - so therefore doesn't include the likes of Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Tanveer Sangha and Spencer Johnson - that could be in the mix for the next generation of Australia's ODI side.
It's certainly not pulling a rabbit out of a hat to include Green's name here. He would have been part of the Champions Trophy squad had it not been for the back injury that required surgery in October. But he shapes as a pivotal figure heading into 2027 because, like with the Test side, of the balance he can bring. He may be the ideal replacement for Smith at No. 3 given he is a frontline batter who has different gears. Last season he twice batted No. 3 against West Indies and was then at No. 4 in England before his injury. With Stoinis retired and Mitchell Marsh's future uncertain, Green's pace bowling will also be important although there may be a need to manage his workload.
Given the number of absentees from the pace attack, Bartlett was unlucky not to be a replacement for the Champions Trophy. In two ODIs against West Indies last year he took eight wickets but has not played since with injury ruling him out of the England series in September then a carefully managed return through the T20Is against Pakistan. It is uncertain whether both Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will reach the next World Cup, but conditions in southern Africa could be ideal for someone who can gain sharp movement with the new ball.
Given how much Morris has been talked about over the last few years, it will be an incredible frustration to him that his international career has so far been limited to three ODIs as he nurses his way through various back problems and other injuries. When on song, no one is quicker in Australian cricket. Someone with his skillset could be a real X-factor on some of the faster South Africa pitches that may be offered up in 2027 but, with Test cricket also an ambition, it could come down to what his body will allow.
Djokovic healthy despite 'awkward' viral video
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- Novak Djokovic said ahead of the BNP Paribas Open that he is healthy and the viral video of him hobbling into the airport following last month's tournament in Doha was unrelated to the hamstring injury that forced him to retire from his Australian Open semifinal match in January.
"It was really, yeah, awkward to see that video, because I arrived to the airport and I hit myself really badly as I was walking out, because it was very early, I think, 4 or 5 a.m. I was just limping because I hit myself badly in the ankle," Djokovic, the tournament's No. 6 seed, said. "That's all. It was just a hit. It was nothing else. But then people connected it to the injury and thought it was something escalating and coming back.
"But anyway, I'm feeling good. I really look forward coming to Indian Wells and Miami this year. I'll play the Sunshine Double first time after, I think, six years."
Djokovic, 37, lost in his first-round match in Doha to Matteo Berrettini and drew concern after the airport video appeared on social media. He has not played since. Following a first-round bye, he is slated to open play in Indian Wells on Saturday against the winner of Thursday's match between Botic van de Zandschulp and Nick Kyrgios, who Djokovic defeated in the 2022 Wimbledon final.
Djokovic is a five-time champion at the BNP Paribas Open, most recently in 2016, and is in search of his 100th ATP title. He would become just the third man to do so, joining Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer. While he won Olympic gold in Paris last summer, the Serbian star has not won a tour title since 2023 and has openly struggled with motivation at times -- but said he was excited to play the Sunshine Double events in the United States this month.
"Other than Slams, [there are] few tournaments that really give me inspiration when I wake up in the morning and think about where I want to do well," Djokovic said. "Indian Wells and Miami are definitely at the top of that list."
He added he was excited to have former rival-turned-coach Andy Murray by his side for both events and said the two will speak after Miami and ensure they want to continue working together.
"I was very glad when he decided to keep going, Indian Wells, Miami, and yeah, most of the clay-court season," Djokovic said. "... I think the plan is to go all the way till the end of Roland Garros, I think, and yeah, hopefully Wimbledon, as well."
Ailing hip keeps Haliburton sidelined vs. Hawks
ATLANTA -- Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton sat out Thursday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks because of a hip injury.
Haliburton, a two-time All-Star, missed only his second game this season. He had been listed as questionable with a left hip flexor strain, and was on the bench in street clothes.
The Pacers were also without Bennedict Mathurin, who missed his fourth game in a row with a sprained right wrist.
In seven games since the All-Star break, Haliburton has averaged 23.9 points and 12.0 assists while shooting 54.5% on 3-pointers. He had 28 points and 15 assists in a 115-102 win over Houston on Tuesday night, and is averaging 18.5 points and 8.9 assists in his 59 games this season.
Coach Rick Carlisle said before the game that Haliburton has been dealing with soreness in his left leg and that the team would approach things on a game-to-game basis.
Sources: Roberts, Dodgers nearing long-term deal
Dave Roberts and the Los Angeles Dodgers are closing in on a long-term extension, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.
Roberts and the Dodgers have been in serious talks on a new deal since the start of February. Despite being far apart in some stretches along the way, the two sides are expected to lock in a new deal before the Dodgers head to Japan to open their season Wednesday.
The largest contract among managers currently belongs to Craig Counsell, who signed a five-year, $40 million deal when he left the Milwaukee Brewers for the Chicago Cubs in November 2023. Roberts' new deal has been widely expected throughout the industry to top Counsell's either in years or total value, if not both.
Roberts, 52, is heading into his 10th season with the Dodgers, which is also the final season of his contract. His deal would come on the heels of his second World Series championship in five years, including a title at the end of the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season.
During that time, Roberts had also led the Dodgers to four National League pennants, eight division titles and a .627 regular-season winning percentage, the highest ever.
The New York Post was first to report the news on Roberts' extension.
The New York Rangers bolstered their back end by acquiring veteran defenseman Carson Soucy from the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.
The Rangers sent a 2025 third-round pick to Vancouver for Soucy. New York had acquired that pick, originally belonging to the San Jose Sharks, from the Vegas Golden Knights in a trade earlier in the day for forward Reilly Smith.
At 6-foot-5, Soucy is a solid physical presence who can play either side despite being a left-shot defenseman. The trade reunites him with Rangers defenseman Will Borgen, as the two previously played in a tandem with the Seattle Kraken.
Soucy waived his no-trade clause to join the Rangers. He's in the second season of a three-year deal he signed as a free agent ($3.25 million AAV), and that additional season was another selling point for the Rangers.
A source told ESPN that the Canucks had engaged with other teams about trading Soucy earlier this season.
"Carson was a big part of our success last season, helping our group take a positive step forward in the right direction," Vancouver GM Patrik Allvin said. "He is a true professional both on and off the ice and we wish him nothing but the best in New York."
Soucy didn't fit into Vancouver's long-term plans, as the Canucks look to reshape their blue line, and that could prove to be a benefit for his new club.
He comes with some term left on his deal, one more season and a $3.25 million salary cap hit, but at 30 years old, the blueliner adds stingy size to any defensive group and can play the tough minutes in either conference.
At the 4 Nations Face-Off break this season, he had two goals and eight points for the Canucks but also had 85 blocks, bringing his total to 420 for his career.
He will likely not join a power-play unit anytime soon, but he can be used in most other situations and is probably a fit on either a second- or third-line pairing.
MLBPA, Bad Bunny firm reach deal to dismiss suit
NEW YORK -- Bad Bunny's sports representation firm and the Major League Baseball Players Association filed an agreement Thursday to dismiss the union's lawsuit over penalties imposed for making improper inducements.
The sides submitted a stipulation telling U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Rearden in Manhattan they had settled the matter.
The MLBPA disciplined Rimas Sports, the agency co-owned by Puerto Rican musical artist Bad Bunny, last April over violations of its agent regulations. It revoked the agent certification of Rimas' William Arroyo and denied certifications of executives Noah Assad and Jonathan Miranda, citing a $200,000 interest-free loan and a $19,500 gift. The union issued a $400,000 fine for misconduct.
Arbitrator Ruth M. Moscovitch last October upheld the union's five-year suspensions of Assad and Miranda and cut Arroyo's suspension to three years. The union filed a petition to confirm the 80-page decision in New York Supreme Court, and the case was shifted to federal court.
Representatives of the union and Rimas did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Hawks coach Snyder back on bench after illness
ATLANTA -- Hawks coach Quin Snyder returned to the bench for Thursday night's game against the Indiana Pacers after missing one game because of an illness.
Snyder sat out Tuesday night's 127-121 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks with flu-like symptoms. Assistant Igor Kokoskov served as acting coach.
"His level of experience makes you very comfortable in those situations," Snyder said of Kokoskov before Thursday night's game. "We have a great staff with a lot of people who are really talented. His experience, I think for an assistant in the league is very unique."
Kokoskov, a native of Serbia, has coached in the NBA for 19 years.
Kokoskov joined Snyder's staff in Atlanta in 2023 after previous stints as an assistant with Brooklyn, Dallas, Sacramento, Phoenix, Utah, Cleveland, Detroit and the Los Angeles Clippers.
When hired by the Clippers in 2000, Kokoskov became the first non-American to be hired as a full-time assistant. He spent one season as a head coach, going 19-63 with Phoenix in 2018-19 and getting fired afterward.
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