The thrill of this MLB hot stove season — and the shadow looming behind it
NY Post
After one of the most thrilling World Series in recent memory — or ever, really — and the first repeat champion in a quarter-century, get ready to savor something else you might not see for a while: a fun MLB offseason.
It began in earnest on Monday. As the Dodgers celebrated their title in Los Angeles after finishing off the Blue Jays in Toronto on Saturday, a handful of players triggered opt-out clauses to enter free agency.
Some, such as Pete Alonso, were never really in question. The Mets first baseman hits the open market for a second straight year coming off a much better season. As reported by The Post’s Mike Puma, he is said to be seeking a seven-year deal.
Other notable opt-outs that were considered likely included Cody Bellinger, who helped the Yankees win 94 games in his first season in The Bronx after his arrival in a trade from the Cubs to help offset the loss in free agency of Juan Soto.
Michael Pittman Jr. has a gut feeling.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Toumani Camara had career highs of nine 3-pointers and 35 points to help Portland beat the Brooklyn Nets 134-99 on Monday night, the Trail Blazers’ largest margin of victory this season.
The Rangers hit the mark with their on-ice ceremony honoring Mika Zibanejad ahead of his 1,000th NHL game Monday night.
PORT ST. LUCIE — For now, Craig Kimbrel is choosing Mets purgatory.
‘Freak of nature: Zion Williamson’s resurgence could pose a Knicks problem versus motivated Pelicans
Zion Williamson is slimmer and healthier for his trip to MSG.
Don’t blame Mikal Bridges for his paltry stats. Blame the role.
Almost a year to the day after a goaltender interference call against Kyle Palmieri lost the Islanders a game against the Blue Jackets that started their season’s death spiral, they were on the wrong end of another controversial call against those same Blue Jackets that might have had the same effect.
On the Queens side of town, the reno began in earnest almost as soon as Francisco Lindor grounded into the 4-6-3 double play. That ended a 4-0 loss before a rare sizable crowd at Miami’s loanDepot Park last Sept. 27, all of them there to witness the final death rattles of an epic baseball calamity.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is being paid handsomely for his breakout season.
Next comes the harder part. Mostly because it can’t get any easier.
It was Kids Day at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, but for the Rangers, it’s been All About The Kids for months.
PORT ST. LUCIE — From the moment he was told he needed surgery on his left hamate bone, Francisco Lindor fixated on the recovery time. Trainers provided the Mets shortstop a six-week pathway to return to play, and Lindor was determined to hit every marker.
Dylan Garand knew the number off the top of his head. He knew that, between the regular season and playoffs, he’d logged over 160 games with AHL Hartford, and he was right. Before the Rangers recalled him Friday, Garand had served as the Wolf Pack’s goaltender 165 times.