#contract-extension

#contract-extension

Acquired in an out-of-nowhere deal ahead of the 2023 season when the Braves were seemingly set at catcher, Murphy's signature style of swing-out-of-his-shoes slugging and stellar saves defensively made for an awesome debut season in Atlanta, but also led to some sour grapes-esque feelings given that William Contreras had a defensive turnaround-and-breakout in Milwaukee in 2023, hit a new gear offensively in 2024, and has been hyper-productive since the trade overall.

Tight end Jeremy Ruckert agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract extension on Wednesday, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The deal can be worth a maximum of $5.5 million per year, the source said. Editor's Picks Ruckert, a 2022 third-round pick, has produced at a modest level -- only 55 receptions and one touchdown for his career -- but he's a reliable blocker and a contributor on special teams. Coach Aaron Glenn sees Ruckert as an ideal fit in the culture he's trying to build.

Shams Charania, ESPN's top NBA insider reported today that the Toronto Raptors are one of a few Eastern Conference teams who are "potential suitors" for Mavericks forward Anthony Davis. Charania also pointed to the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks as other Eastern conference teams being interested in acquiring the 10-time All Star, claiming that all three teams "represent high-level threats in the East and are having seasons that give hope that a player like Davis ... can elevate them into a viable championship-quality team."

As director of rugby, Erasmus guided the Springboks to World Cup success in both 2019 and 2023, before his title changed to head coach last year. "This was a quick and easy conversation to reach an agreement," said the former Munster chief. "I have always said that I would find it hard to coach any other international team, and I'm very happy to continue as long as the South African public wants me."

The Dodgers recently picked up the $10 million option that ensures Muncy will play a ninth season with the organization. That had long been viewed as the most likely outcome, though it was also plausible the sides would come to terms on a new contract extension. During an appearance on the "Foul Territory" show, Muncy said he would still be open to signing a contract extension with the Dodgers if the opportunity presents itself:

Raphinha has always stated that it had been a dream for him to play for Barcelona, and now that he is living it, the winger wants to continue for as long as possible. Indeed, according to SPORT, Raphinha has no plans of considering a departure from the Catalan club anytime soon, having only recently renewed his contract until 2028. Since parting ways with Deco, the Brazilian does not work with any agent, and every agency that has approached him has received the same message regarding his future.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent Alex Saratsis are having conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about the two-time NBA MVP's future -- and discussing whether his best fit is staying or a move elsewhere, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. A resolution to these talks is expected in the coming weeks, sources said, which will result in shaping if Antetokounmpo is available ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Antetokounmpo came into the season having bought into the championship roster vision of general manager Jon Horst and coach Doc Rivers.

Bayern Munich are reportedly close to sealing the contract extension of Dayot Upamecano. The cornerstone of Kompany's defensive structure, Upamecano has imbibed the playstyle and defensive acumen of his coach while adding dribbling flair and displaying great long-range passing. According to BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel_BBC), as captured by @iMiaSanMia, Upamecano can be expected to sign a contract, with positive discussions having been held with the Bayern brass:

There's a strong case to extend Bieber, especially if the Blue Jays believe he can get back to his pre-injury form. In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Bieber had a 1.63 ERA and 2.07 FIP in 77.1 innings pitched, winning the American League Cy Young. The following two seasons, Bieber produced a 2.97 ERA and 2.92 FIP in 296.2 innings pitched, with a 27.8 K% and 5.8 BB%.

Gausman, who will be 35 in January, threw a career-high 193 innings during the 2025 regular season with a 3.59 ERA (119 ERA+) and 1.062 WHIP. His strikeout rate was up compared to the previous year, while his hits-per-nine allowed and walks were down. The right-hander also pitched the best postseason baseball of his career during the Blue Jays' magical World Series run. He went at least five-and-two-thirds innings in each of his five starts while never allowing more than three runs.

Anderson, the No. 3 pick in the 2023 draft, recorded seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss as a rookie, earning him a Pro Bowl nod and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He took his play to another level in 2024 with 11.0 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, which both tied for the 10th-most in the league. He did, however, miss five games due to injury across his first two seasons, suggesting his production could have been even higher.

The Marlins and right-hander discussed an extension earlier this year, according to reporting from Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo of The Athletic. However, they didn't come close to getting something done. These talks occurred when the team approached the righty's representatives in the spring and the two sides were about $15MM apart, according to Isaac Azout of Fish on First. Both Azout and Christina De Nicola of MLB.com say that the talks are expected to continue this offseason.

The trio was dominant and showed great chemistry in the Bears' two games against the Cleveland Monsters late last week, scoring six goals combined, with all three players tallying once in each game. Protas even notched his first three-point game as a professional in Friday's contest, highlighted by a brilliant primary assist on a Trineyev goal where he put the puck through his legs before dishing on his backhand.

Mike Maignan's derby heroics are still very much in the headlines, and AC Milan are reportedly ready to make him a new renewal offer. As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, the penalty save on Hakan Calhanoglu under the Curva Nord was the snapshot of the derby win, but Maignan also made fantastic stops to deny Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez too. He was a worthy MVP, and the worthy recipient of a kiss from Strahinja Pavlovic.

"When I came back from the Euros, I just felt a little different," Fishlock told ESPN. "Something had shifted perhaps in what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go, and I think that I'm still such a competitor. That will never leave me, unfortunately, which is a gift. Even though its 14 years in the making -- golly -- I still really want to bring a championship to Seattle."

He has been Washington's most productive pass catcher, as injuries have sidelined Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown for a combined 16 games. Samuel has a team-high 53 receptions (37 more than the next receiver), 470 yards and five touchdowns. A bruised heel caused him to miss one game, but Washington lacks quality receiver depth and a return for Samuel would make sense. The question is at what cost? McLaurin will count for $18.35 million on the cap in 2026, so the Commanders could afford another year of Samuel if they wanted.

The Toronto Blue Jays' front office is notoriously firm in its valuations of players when pursuing free agents and exploring contract extensions. President Mark Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins stick to their assessments of what players are worth throughout the negotiating process, and their discipline has paid off on many occasions. However, not every negotiation can be won with pragmatism. Sometimes front offices need to be emotional and push themselves to uncomfortable places to secure the long-term services of a true difference maker.