Bryan McWilliam

The market for Jack Flaherty is beginning to take shape.The Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox appear to be interested in the free-agent right-hander, sources told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.Baltimore views Flaherty as a fallback option if it fails to re-sign right-hander Corbin Burnes, while the Red Sox should not be ruled out even after acquiring left-hander Garrett Crochet in a trade last week, according to Rosenthal.Flaherty appeared in nine games for the Orioles in 2023, but he underperformed after coming over in a trade from the St. Louis Cardinals. Orioles officials believe he was worn down that season, Rosenthal adds.Baltimore's projected rotation without Burnes - its ace last season - consists of Grayson Rodriguez, Zach Eflin, Dean Kremer, Albert Suárez, and Trevor Rogers.Meanwhile, Boston's current rotation features Crochet, Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Richard Fitts.The 29-year-old Flaherty performed well in 2024, posting a combined 3.17 ERA and 10.8 K/9 in 28 starts for the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers. He also pitched 22 postseason innings for the Dodgers, allowing 18 earned runs and six homers in five outings.

The Toronto Blue Jays appear to be interested in bringing in some extra Canadian flavor.

Here, we look at how Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury stack up against one another ahead of Saturday's rematch for the heavyweight championship of the world in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Toronto Blue Jays are willing to trade shortstop Bo Bichette if the price is right. Executives from three rival teams told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal that the Blue Jays aren't shopping the 26-year-old infielder but are open to dealing him for a high price.Toronto recently traded for Andrés Giménez, a second baseman who also has experience at shortstop. He's signed through 2029 with a club option for 2030.Bichette has been an integral part of the Blue Jays' lineup since 2019 but is coming off the worst campaign of his career, which included a calf injury and a broken finger that required surgery. He hit .225/.277/.322 with four home runs and 31 RBIs in 81 games last season.Bichette led the Blue Jays in fWAR and recorded the most hits in the AL twice between 2019-2024.The shortstop is eligible for free agency at the end of the season and is set to earn $16.5 million in 2025.The Blue Jays are also in talks with first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. about a contract extension and appear to be involved in the sweepstakes for third baseman Alex Bregman, according to Rosenthal.

The Boston Red Sox agreed to a two-year, $18.25-million deal with left-hander Patrick Sandoval , sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan

Alex Ovechkin has been cleared to resume full contact in practice, but the 39-year-old won't return to the Washington Capitals' lineup before the holiday break begins.

The Washington Nationals are finalizing a trade with the Texas Rangers to acquire first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.More to come.

The Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a one-year deal with right-hander Joe Ross, sources told The Athletic's Matt Gelb The financials of the deal are unknown.

The Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a one-year contract with right-hander Joe Ross, the team announced Monday. The financials of the deal are unknown.

Free-agent right-hander Corbin Burnes is looking for a massive contract in free agency.