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Outfielder Avisail Garcia and the Miami Marlins are in agreement on a four-year, $53 million contract, a source told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Sunday.
The Marlins will become Garcia's fifth team. The 30-year-old is coming off his best season, hitting 29 home runs with 86 RBIs -- both career bests -- for Milwaukee in 2021.
Garcia opted for free agency earlier this month, and the Marlins have made it clear in recent weeks that landing outfield help was a top offseason priority.
Garcia has also played in Detroit, Tampa Bay and for the Chicago White Sox, a team he represented in the 2017 All-Star Game played at what was then called Marlins Park in Miami.
In parts of 10 seasons, Garcia has batted .270 with 127 home runs and 475 RBIs. He has played almost exclusively in right field, with limited time in center and left as well.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
MLB free-agency tracker: Latest moves, grades and analysis
The 2021-22 MLB free-agency hot stove is cooking, with teams already making some major moves in an effort to win a title next season.
Below is a running list of notable transactions, along with analysis and grades for the most important ones. Remember: Trades and signings can happen at practically any hour of the day, so make sure to check back regularly.
Key links: Everything you need to know about the MLB offseason | All free-agent signings
Nov. 28
Rangers, Marcus Semien agree on seven-year deal
Shortstop Marcus Semien is the first shortstop to sign, inking a seven-year, $175 million deal with the Texas Rangers. Story »
Twins sign star Byron Buxton to incentive-laden deal
Center fielder Byron Buxton and the Minnesota Twins are in agreement on a seven-year, $100 million contract extension, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Story »
Rays add two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber on a one-year deal
The Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly agreed to a one-year, $8 million guaranteed deal with right-hander Corey Kluber, with the potential for $13 million if he pitches a full season, according to multiple reports. Story »
Grade: Rays hope to solidify rotation with Kluber. David Schoenfield (ESPN+)
Marlins add OF Avisail Garcia on a four-year deal
The Miami Marlins have agreed to a four-year, $53 million contract, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Story »
Nov. 27
Astros sign reliever Hector Neris to two-year deal
The Houston Astros have agreed to a two-year, $17 million deal with right-handed reliever Hector Neris, a source confirmed to ESPN. Story »
Mariners trade for Adam Frazier, Padres receive Raymond Kerr and Corey Rosier
The Seattle Mariners have agreed to a trade with the San Diego Padres, acquiring All-Star 2B/OF Adam Frazier for lefty reliever Raymond Kerr and outfielder Corey Rosier. Story »
Nov. 26
Mets continue upgrades, sign Starling Marte, Eduardo Escobar
The New York Mets went big on Friday night, signing Starling Marte to a four-year, $78-million deal, a source familiar with the situation told ESPN. Earlier in the night, they had agreed on a two-year, $20 million contract with free-agent infielder Eduardo Escobar, a source familiar with the situation confirmed to ESPN. Story »
Grade: Inside Mets' Black Friday binge and Starling Marte's impact Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)
Red Sox add RHP Michael Wacha
Right-hander Michael Wacha and the Boston Red Sox are finalizing a one-year contract, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Friday. Story »
Nov. 24
Mets sign OF Nick Plummer
Outfielder Nick Plummer has signed a league-minimum contract with the New York Mets. Story »
Nov. 23
Rays go all-in on SS Wander Franco
Sources confirm to ESPN that Wander Franco, 20, has agreed to a 12-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays that guarantees him around $185 million. The deal is worth a maximum of $223 million. Story »
Analysis:
• Why 20-year-old Wander Franco is worth every penny to the Rays. David Schoenfield (ESPN+)
• Franco? Rays? MLB? Why EVERYBODY wins with new megadeal. Kiley McDaniel (ESPN+)
White Sox sign RHP Kendall Graveman
Relief pitcher Kendall Graveman, 31, has agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract with the Chicago White Sox, sources confirm to ESPN. Story »
Cardinals add LHP Steven Matz
What Steven Matz's signing does for the Cards
David Schoenfield likes the Cardinals' signing of Steven Matz and has no patience for gripes from the Mets' owner.
Starting pitcher Steven Matz, a key component to a turnaround season for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021, has agreed to a four-year, $44 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, pending a physical, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Tuesday night. Story »
More: Mets owner Steve Cohen calls out Matz's agent for "unprofessional behavior." Story »
Nov. 22
Angels add LHP Aaron Loup
Aaron Loup and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract. Story »
Giants keep RHP Anthony DeSclafani
Anthony DeSclafani and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract. Story »
Nov. 21
Brewers add C Pedro Severino
Pedro Severino and the Milwaukee Brewers have reportedly agreed to a one-year, $1.9 million contract. Story »
Nov. 17
Astros bring back RHP Justin Verlander
The Houston Astros and Justin Verlander have agreed to a one-year, $25 million contract with a player option for a second season. Story »
Grade: Astros bet on more greatness from Verlander. Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)
Giants retain 1B Brandon Belt
Brandon Belt accepted a $18.4 million qualifying offer from the San Francisco Giants, the only one to accept among the 14 free agents who received the offers from their former clubs on Nov. 7. Story »
Nov. 16
Angels add RHP Noah Syndergaard
What Syndergaard's deal with Angels means for pitching landscape
Joon Lee breaks down what Noah Syndergaard's contract with the Angels means for the free-agent pitching landscape.
Right-hander Noah Syndergaard and the Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a one-year, $21 million deal, pending physical. Story »
Grade: Is Thor the hero the Angels need? Alden Gonzalez (ESPN+)
Blue Jays extend RHP Jose Berrios
Jose Berrios has reached agreement on a seven-year, $131 million extension with the Toronto Blue Jays. Story »
Nov. 15
Tigers add LHP Eduardo Rodriguez
What Eduardo Rodriguez in Detroit means for Tigers, Red Sox
Joon Lee breaks down how Eduardo Rodriguez signing with Detroit affects the Tigers and Red Sox.
Former Boston Red Sox left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a five-year deal worth $77 million. Story »
Analysis: Under-the-radar Eduardo Rodriguez brings competitive fire to the Tigers. Buster Olney (ESPN+)
Grade: Tigers add E-Rod, make offseason's first splash. Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)
Braves add C Manny Pina
Manny Pina signed with the World Series-champion Braves on a two-year, $8 million deal after hitting 13 home runs in 75 games with the Brewers in 2020. Story »
Nov. 14
Marlins add RHP Louis Head
The Miami Marlins acquired right-hander Louis Head from the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday for a player to be named later or cash. Story »
Nov. 13
Rays trade INF Mike Brosseau to Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers acquired infielder Mike Brosseau from the Tampa Bay Rays for minor league pitcher Evan Reifert on Saturday in a trade between division winners. Story »
Rockies keep RHP Jhoulys Chacin
Jhoulys Chacín is staying with the Colorado Rockies, agreeing Saturday to a guaranteed $1.25 million, one-year contract that allows him to earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses. Story »
Nov. 10
Yankees keep LHP Joely Rodriguez
Left-hander Joely Rodriguez and the New York Yankees agreed to a $2 million, one-year contract, three days after New York declined a $3 million option in favor of a $500,000 buyout. Story »
Nov. 8
Dodgers add LHP Andrew Heaney
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who entered this offseason with several holes to fill on their pitching staff, signed Andrew Heaney to a one-year contract worth $8.5 million. Story »
Cardinals keep LHP T.J. McFarland
Left-handed reliever T.J. McFarland became the first of this year's major league free agents to reach an agreement, getting a one-year, $2.5 million contract to stay with the St. Louis Cardinals. Story »
ITTF Foundation to Support Six New Projects
The 2021 round of selection was incredibly competitive, with a total of 134 applications received from over 50 countries. We would like to thank all the applicants for sharing their dreams and high-quality proposals, as well as our dedicated selection panel for making the incredibly tough final decision on the successful cohort for 2021. While not every project could be selected but we hope this only encourages applicants to continue to pursue their ideas further and come back stronger for the next round of calls.
The selection process
In the first stage, each application was critically appraised, and 13 applications were shortlisted based on the eligibility criteria, project quality and capacity to have a positive and sustainable social and economic impact. Each of the projects is committed to using table tennis as a tool to reach wider humanitarian objectives linked to one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The top UNSDGs emerged from the first stage were:
- Goal 3 on Health and Well-Being;
- Goal 4 on Quality Education;
- Goal 5 on Gender Equality;
- Goal 10 on Reduced Inequality;
- Goal 13 on Climate Action; and
- Goal 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
The shortlisted projects had the unique opportunity to pitch their projects and answer questions from the selection panel before the final vote. The selection panel consisted of highly knowledgeable figures with experience in sport for development and using table tennis as a tool for social and economic development:
- Petra Sorling (ITTF Vice President)
- Willi Lemke (Former UN Special Adviser on Sport),
- Steve Dainton (ITTF Group CEO);
- Isabel H. Cathcart, (Director of Operations, The Foundation for Global Sports Development/Sidewinder Films),
- Mathatho Manaka (Rough Diamond Founder, IOC Young Leader),
- Georg Schlachtenberger (External Advisor and founder of the IPC Agitos Foundation);
- Leandro Olvech (ITTF Foundation Director)
HERE ARE THE SIX SELECTED PROJECTS
The ITTF Foundation sends its congratulations to the 2021 TT Dream Building Fund powered by GSD recipients:
Hope Kwa Vijana Mtaani (Hope to youths in the slums), Vision Changers, Nairobi, Kenya
The three-year project aims to use table tennis as a rehabilitation tool for juvenile offenders’ rehabilitation. Reaching 1,000 reformed youths and Juveniles directly the project has been designed to integrate table tennis into youth crime prevention strategies by enabling youth to constructively make use of their time while reducing stress level, enhancing social development, and increasing employment opportunities.
Table Tennis for Mental Health, Integrated Community Development Initiative (ICODI), Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda
The two-year project which aims to use table tennis as a tool to improve mental health among 600 adolescents and youth in Nakivale Refugee Settlement and Surrounding Rural Host Communities in Isingiro District-Southwestern Uganda. The project uses the buffering hypothesis that table tennis brings to conduct Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), raise awareness, and reduce stigma related to adolescents and youth mental illnesses. The project also supports early detection of mental health issues as well as enhancing referral services for those with mental illnesses to access treatment.
Rising Stars, Spin Club, Teheran, Iran
The three-year project aims to provide a safe and inclusive space for girls to work on their personal development, train in table tennis and work towards gender equality in their community. Using role models and empowerment sessions the project targets at 80 regular girls, with a potential reach of 300 people including their families and local community. The main target audience would be women and girls, Afghan immigrants, and persons with disabilities.
Table Tennis for early-life socio-ecological responsibility, Tanjun Associate, LLP Uttarakhand state, India
The two-year project aims to use table tennis as a vehicle to raise awareness about the environment and act against deforestation in the region. The project enables the Tanjun Association to introduce table tennis in the Sport Exemplar Centre, an area comprising mostly of marginal farmers who depend on agriculture as the single source of income. The project works with children from the Paradise Academy and surrounding schools to promote table tennis as the centre sport for climate activities within the region, focuses on early age education on the prevention of deforestation, plantation activities, and efficient waste management solutions.
TT for New Life (TNL), Naulo Ghumti Nepal, Pokhara, Nepal
Targeting at 120 male and female rehabilitation centre residents, the three-year project aims to assist members of the rehabilitation center in their social re-integration along with their substance abuse recovery. The project focuses on behaviour change through growth in self-awareness, self-acceptance, responsibilities, diligence and ultimately respect of the selves, others, rules, limitations, and regulations. Table tennis may additionally support the re-integration with the families, friends, and community.
Table tennis for Education, ASA Foundation – Yayasan ASA Asia, Slums in the Northern part of Jakarta, Indonesia
Targeting 20 teachers and 2,000 male and female students, the two-year project aims to develop the core competencies of vulnerable youth and adults in the slums. With the help of a blended participatory classroom workshop and youth development methodology, the project works to bring health, life skills, gender equality and circular economy education to the target group. In addition, the project also looks to recruit, train, and employ talented adult beneficiaries to lead the programme in the future.
The new adventure now begins with the six selected projects starting with a co-design period until the end of March, and expected project start in April 2022. We are excited to support their growth over the coming months through collaborative project design, capacity building, and embedding robust monitoring and evaluation to ensure successful execution of their theories of change. It is our pleasure to accompany them in bringing the positive social change their communities need.
The San Jose Sharks have placed forward Evander Kane on waivers on Sunday and plan to send him to the AHL if he isn't claimed by another team. Kane's 21-game suspension for submitting a fake vaccination card is set to expire after the Sharks play the Blackhawks on Sunday night.
Kane has also switched agents recently. The winger now represented by Dan Milstein of Gold Star Sports, Milstein confirmed to ESPN on Sunday. According to sources, Milstein is calling other teams on Kane's behalf, trying to help facilitate a trade for his new client. Sources tell ESPN that the Sharks are willing to retain some of Kane's $7 million annual salary, but it will still be a tough market. Milstein declined to comment on any trade talks.
The Sharks say that Kane is now fully vaccinated. If Kane clears waivers, he is expected to report to the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL on Tuesday. It is uncertain when Kane will be ready to play, assistant GM Joe Will told reporters on Sunday.
Will, filling in while general manager Doug Wilson is on medical leave, said that putting Kane on waivers gives the team flexibility before determining what it wants to do with Kane going forward.
Kane, 30, is three seasons into a $49 million, seven-year contract. He's with his third organization after being drafted by and debuting with Atlanta/Winnipeg, and a stint in Buffalo. Last season, he had 22 goals and 27 assists in 56 games.
At the time of Kane's suspension, the NHL was also investigating allegations of domestic assault made by his estranged wife, Anna Kane, in a recent divorce filing. In announcing the 21-game suspension, the NHL said that "its concurrent investigation into allegations of domestic abuse made against Kane by his estranged wife, [Anna], could not be substantiated."
Kane also was accused by Anna Kane of betting on NHL games, including his own games with the Sharks, whose outcomes she claimed he intentionally sought to influence for his benefit. The NHL investigated the claims and cleared Kane, saying it found no evidence that he bet on hockey.
Amid the investigations, Kane -- even before the suspension -- was told by the Sharks not to report to training camp. Sources tell ESPN that multiple players in the Sharks locker room do not want Kane to return to the team. Kane did not practice with the team or interact with teammates at the facility during his 21-game suspension.
The Montreal Canadiens made sweeping changes to their front office on Sunday, firing general manager and executive vice president Marc Bergevin and assistant general manager Trevor Timmins, as well as senior vice president of public affairs and communications Paul Wilson.
Former New York Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton has been hired to serve as executive vice president of hockey operations. Gorton was with the Rangers from 2015 up until being replaced by Chris Drury last May.
Bergevin had been general manager in Montreal since 2012 and was in the final year of his contract with the Canadiens. Montreal had tried negotiating an extension with Bergevin last summer but never came to an agreement.
The Canadians said via press release that a process is underway to recruit "as soon as possible" a new general manager for the club. While that successful candidate will bring "significant expertise to the organization," Montreal also specified its next GM will be able to "communicate with fans in both French and English."
In a statement released by the team, Canadiens owner Geoff Molson thanked Bergevin, Timmins and Wilson for their "passion and engagement" over the years.
"We wish them all the success they deserve in the pursuit of their careers," Molson said. "I think, however, that the time has come for a leadership change within our hockey operations department that will bring a new vision and should allow our fans and partners to continue cheering for a championship team."
The Canadiens' overhaul began on Saturday night when assistant general manager Scott Mellanby announced his resignation. Mellanby started with Montreal as director of player personnel in 2012 before being promoted to assistant GM by Bergevin in 2014.
TSN reported Saturday that Mellanby had been in talks with Molson about becoming Montreal's next general manager. When told he was out of the running for that position, Mellanby opted to leave the organization.
This has been a historically bad season for Montreal all around. The Canadiens are off to their worst start in franchise history, earning only 12 points in their first 22 games and sitting at 6-15-2.
Montreal was, only months ago, a true Cinderella story. The team barely squeaked into the postseason before driving all the way to a Stanley Cup Final berth against Tampa Bay. The Canadiens ultimately fell in that series, and they've been tumbling ever since.
This season, Montreal is second in goals against (3.61 per game), 30th on the power play (12.9%) and 28th in goals for (2.35). Not only has its play on the ice been abysmal, but the Canadiens are still reeling from major losses they haven't been able to overcome.
Captain Shea Weber has been unavailable all season and remains out indefinitely (and potentially for good) due to injury. Goaltender Carey Price was absent to start this season while enrolled in the NHL/NHLPA's player assistance program to address substance abuse issues; he has since returned to the team following a 30-day treatment but is still rehabbing from offseason knee surgery and has not played a game.
The Canadiens are back in action on Monday against the last-place Vancouver Canucks, perhaps the only team currently in as much turmoil as they are.
Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick said he was leaving Stamford Bridge disappointed after his side were pegged back by Chelsea in a 1-1 draw for his first and perhaps last Premier League game in charge.
"At the moment we're feeling a little bit frustrated and disappointed really," Carrick told reporters. "Being in front and suffering from a penalty that I don't think was a penalty is disappointment."
- Insider Notebook: Why United moved for Rangnick
- Olley: Tuchel rues Chelsea letting Man United off the hook
Jadon Sancho scored a breakaway goal in the 50th minute, setting United on course for their second win in two games under Carrick, who steered them to a 2-0 Champions League win over Villarreal in midweek after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking.
But Chelsea -- who dominated the match -- drew level 19 minutes later when Jorginho, who was at fault for United's opener, converted a penalty after Aaron Wan-Bissaka was adjudged to have fouled Thiago Silva.
Carrick said he did not know if he would still be in charge on Thursday when Manchester United host Arsenal or whether Ralf Rangnick, who is due to take over as interim manager until the end of the season, will have arrived at Old Trafford by then.
"As of now I haven't got any more news for you," Carrick, a former United midfielder said. "I was purely focused on the game. I am sure I will be updated and then see what happens in the next few days."
Asked if his decision to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench was something suggested by Rangnick ahead of his arrival in Manchester, Carrick was blunt: "That's not the case."
Speaking to RMC Sport, Eric Bailly said the team were focusing on working with Carrick.
"We were told in the dressing room that a new manager was coming," he said. "We are working hard for now with Carrick and then we will see."
Phil Salt, Tom Banton show off their credentials at Abu Dhabi T10
More WBBL matches could move to primetime as viewership hits new records
Scuffling Cam benched by Panthers vs. Miami
MIAMI -- Cam Newton's storybook beginning to his second stint with the Panthers came to a crashing halt Sunday when he was benched in the fourth quarter of Carolina's 33-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Newton was replaced by P.J. Walker with just over 10 minutes remaining and the Panthers trailing by 20.
Newton completed 5 of 21 pass attempts for 92 yards with two interceptions for a passer rating of 5.8. His 23.8 completion percentage was the worst by a player with 20-plus attempts since 2004, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
Detroit's Joey Harrington completed 22.7% against Green Bay that year.
Newton's poor performance came less than three weeks after he was signed to a one-year deal that could pay him up to $10 million for the rest of the season if he meets incentives. He scored the first two times he touched the ball in relief of Walker in a win at Arizona four days after rejoining the team that made him the top pick of the 2011 draft.
He had two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown in last week's loss to Washington.
It all fell apart on Sunday after Newton scored on a 1-yard run that made it 7-7.
Riley leaving Oklahoma for USC, sources say
Lincoln Riley said he wasn't leaving Oklahoma for LSU.
He didn't say he wasn't leaving the Sooners for USC.
In a stunning move on Sunday, Riley, 38, accepted the head-coaching position at USC, according to ESPN and multiple reports. He replaces former Trojans coach Clay Helton, who was fired in September after posting a 46-24 record in seven seasons.
Riley guided the Sooners to four consecutive Big 12 titles and three College Football Playoff appearances in his first four seasons. Oklahoma was eliminated from the Big 12 championship game following a 37-33 loss at Oklahoma State on Saturday night.
Following the Bedlam loss, after there was widespread speculation that he was LSU's choice to replace the departing Ed Orgeron, Riley said, "I'm not going to be the next head coach at LSU."
It's a big blow to the Sooners, who are about to transition into the SEC. Riley had a 55-10 record in five seasons, including a 37-7 mark in the Big 12.
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