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The Guardians have signed Tanner Bibee to a five-year contract extension that includes a club option for the 2030 season, according to MLB.com’s Tim Stebbins. The Athletic’s Zack Meisel (multiple links) reports that Bibee will receive at least $48M in guaranteed money. As per Meisel, the contract breaks down as a $2M signing bonus and a $3M salary this season, $4M in 2026, $7M in 2027, $10M in 2028, $21M in 2029, and then Cleveland holds a $21M club option for 2030 with a $1M buyout.
Bibee just turned 26 earlier this month, so he gets a late birthday present in the form of a life-changing contract. Bibee has exactly two years of MLB service time, and his $48M deal ranks as the third-most money ever given to a pitcher with between two years and two years and 171 days of service time. The 2025 season was Bibee’s final pre-arbitration year, so the extension covers all three of his arb-eligible years and at least one of his free agent years.
A fifth-round pick out of Cal State Fullerton in the 2021 draft, Bibee quickly became the latest quality arm to emerge from Cleveland’s pitching development factory. Bibee attracted top-100 prospect attention entering the 2023 season, and he immediately delivered on that potential by posting a 2.98 ERA in 142 innings with the Guardians. That performance earned him a second-place finish in AL Rookie of the Year voting, and subsequently a full year of service time, as per the rules of the league’s Prospect Promotion Incentive plan.
There was no sophomore slump in the follow-up, as Bibee had a 3.47 ERA in 173 2/3 frames last season, with improved strikeout and walk rates from his rookie year. Bibee also got his first turn on the postseason stage, with a 3.45 ERA in 15 2/3 innings during the Guards’ run to the ALCS. Perhaps the only minor red flag was that Bibee (an average velocity pitcher) saw his fastball drop off rather drastically in effectiveness from 2023 to 2024, but that was balanced out by his cutter becoming an even more effective pitch.
Bibee becomes the latest in a decades-long line of quality players the Cleveland organization has signed to early-career extensions. Identifying and locking up talent has been perhaps the key plank of the team’s success over the years, given how the smaller-market Guardians rarely sign their players to secondary contracts or big free agent deals. Jose Ramirez is a rare example of a Guardians player who did ink a second extension to remain in the Cleve, and Ramirez and Bibee are now the only Guards players signed to guaranteed money beyond the 2026 season. The Guardians do have some control over Emmanuel Clase and Trevor Stephan in the form of club options covering their 2027 and 2028 seasons, as per the terms of their own extensions.
If Ramirez is the cornerstone of the position-player mix, Bibee now has a similar status as the key figure of the Guardians’ rotation for the remainder of the decade. Bibee already stepped up as a pillar of stability in what was an uncharacteristically so-so year for the Cleveland rotation as a whole, and he’ll look to again be the ace of a staff that includes Ben Lively, Logan Allen, Gavin Williams and new arrival Luis Ortiz. Longtime ace Shane Bieber re-signed with the Guards in December and is expected to return around midseason once he fully recovers from Tommy John surgery.
More must-reads:
- Guardians option Juan Brito
- Braves return Rule 5 pick Christian Cairo to Guardians
- The 'Cleveland's 1997 World Series roster' quiz
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Three potential landing spots for Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger put a mediocre 2024 behind him in his only year with the New York Yankees. Acquired to protect outfielder Aaron Judge in the lineup after Juan Soto departed for the Mets, Bellinger was exactly what the Yankees needed. He posted a .272/.334/.480 batting line over 656 plate appearances, hitting 29 homers and 25 doubles. His 5.1 bWAR was his best mark since leading the National League with 8.7 bWAR during his MVP season in 2019. It was an easy decision for Bellinger to opt out of the final year of his contract and enter free agency. The 30-year-old Bellinger provides more than a solid bat in the middle of the lineup. He is capable of playing all three outfield positions and first base, typically providing above-average defense at each spot. Bellinger is the type of player who virtually every team could use in the lineup. Let's take a look at three possible teams that could sign him. Three potential landing spots for Cody Bellinger in free agency 1. New York Yankees No team may need Bellinger more than the Yankees. While Judge is a perennial MVP candidate in right, the rest of the outfield is far more uncertain. Center fielder Trent Grisham is slated for free agency, although he could accept the qualifying offer. Jasson Dominguez is penciled in as the starting left fielder, but he struggled in the second half as he lost playing time down the stretch. First base may be open as well, depending on whether or not the Yankees want Ben Rice to be their primary catcher. Even if Grisham accepts the offer and returns, the Yankees have plenty of holes. A reunion is possible. Bellinger was clear that he would be willing to return to the Yankees, the franchise his father, Clay Bellinger, won a pair of World Series titles with, saying that he had "an unbelievable time" in New York. The Yankees, likewise, want him back in pinstripes. It may just be a matter of getting the financials to work. 2. Los Angeles Angels The Angels desperately need an infusion of talent throughout the roster if they are going to even think about contending for a playoff spot. Although the Angels are focused on bolstering their pitching staff, they are also looking to improve the lineup, preferring to add a left-handed hitter to provide more balance to the lineup. While the Angels have a backlog of corner outfield/designated hitter types, center field is a distinct area of need. Jim Bowden of The Athletic listed the Angels as the best fit for Bellinger, as he would be a perfect fit for one of their biggest needs. However, it is fair to wonder if he would be willing to sign with a team that, even with his bat in the lineup, would need several more pieces to contend for the postseason. 3. Philadelphia Phillies If there is a team that needs Bellinger more than the Yankees, it may be the Phillies. Kyle Schwarber is a free agent, and although the Phillies would like to bring him back, he is best suited as a designated hitter defensively. Outfielder Nick Castellanos imploded last season and is expected to be traded or released. Fellow outfielders Harrison Bader and Max Kepler are also free agents, leaving Brandon Marsh as the only given in the Phillies outfield. Signing Bellinger could also improve the Phillies outfield at another position. Outfield prospect Justin Crawford may be ready for the majors offensively, but there are questions about his defense, especially in center. By slotting Bellinger in center, Crawford could move over to left, putting less pressure on his glove as he acclimates to the majors.
Islanders-Stars game ends with ejection, review and Patrick Roy screaming
The New York Islanders' 3-2 win over the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night ended with complete mayhem that included an ejection, Islanders coach Patrick Roy screaming and a replay review on what could have been a potential buzzer-beating game-tying goal. It is probably the most chaotic ending of the 2025-26 NHL season to date. Here's what happened. Mikko Rantanen ejected for hit that enraged Patrick Roy Things really started to pop off when Stars forward Mikko Rantanen was ejected for boarding Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov with just 27 seconds remaining. Rantanen was assessed a match penalty for the hit, resulting in Roy screaming at him between the benches. Roy is no stranger to these sorts of altercations in his head-coaching career, and he has repeatedly gotten himself into verbal — and nearly physical — altercations with opponents. His first game as an NHL head coach with the Colorado Avalanche nearly resulted in him climbing over the glass to fight then-Anaheim Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau. He has passion. But that was only the start of the crazy ending. Potential buzzer-beating game-tying goal overturned on replay review As the Islanders were attempting to cling to a one-goal lead, the Stars appeared to tie the game with a buzzer-beating goal that would have sent the game to overtime, completing a wild comeback that started with a goal just one minute earlier. The only problem: The goal was taken away when it was determined that Stars forward Jason Robertson interfered with goalie David Rittich. Robertson definitely makes contact with Rittich in the crease, and he is responsible for making every possible effort to avoid that. But it is also true that Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock gives him a pretty good hit that sends him into the crease and into Rittich. The officials and NHL clearly did not think that was the cause of the interference and overturned the goal, securing the Islanders win. Goaltending interference can be a pretty subjective call. In this case, it did not favor the Stars.
Ole Miss HC Lane Kiffin breaks silence on reported ultimatum
The Ole Miss Rebels reportedly gave head coach Lane Kiffin a deadline of Nov. 28 to decide whether he wants to stay with the school. That was news to him. On Tuesday, Kiffin joined "The Pat McAfee Show" to discuss his future. The coach is widely considered a top candidate for the head-coaching jobs with the LSU Tigers and Florida Gators. He denied that Ole Miss gave him an ultimatum, which Stewart Mandel of The Athletic first reported. Lane Kiffin calls report false "That's absolutely not true," Kiffin said. "There hasn't been anything like that at all. And so, I don't know where that came from, like a lot of stuff that comes out there." After denying the report, Kiffin reiterated how much he loves Oxford and said he's ecstatic the team is in the thick of the College Football Playoff Hunt. As of Tuesday, ESPN's Football Power Index gives the 10-1 Rebels an 89.1% chance to make the CFP, the third-best odds in the SEC behind the Georgia Bulldogs (9-1) and Texas A M Aggies (10-0). "Like I said, man, we're having a blast," he said. "It just couldn't be better. Like I said, you pray for things. Our fans prayed for this type of thing, and now we're in the middle of it. So, enjoy it." Is Lane Kiffin telling the truth? While the school may not have issued an ultimatum, ESPN's Mark Schlabach reported that Ole Miss is "pressing" Kiffin and his agent, Jimmy Sexton, to inform the school of his decision soon. Schlabach added that Rebels athletic director Keith Carter wants to know his plans by this upcoming weekend. Kiffin may be able to provide an answer soon. He has reportedly met with Florida and LSU. Kiffin may ultimately stay with Ole Miss, where he has compiled a 54-19 record in six seasons. He's already making $9M this season, and the Rebels are reportedly willing to match contract offers from LSU and Florida. Still, Kiffin should make it clear what he wants to do soon. The Rebels host the Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-6) in the Egg Bowl on Nov. 28. He doesn't want rumors about his future to distract his team, especially when it can get even closer to securing the school's first CFP berth in the upcoming rivalry game.
Commanders RB Austin Ekeler turns devistating injury into one unique opportunity for life after football
The Washington Commanders have been riddled with injuries this season, including season-ending ones to multiple starters. Veteran running back Austin Ekeler was poised to have a massive season with a critical role on offense, but all of that was cut way too short. Ekeler went down in the second game of the season with a long road to recovery. Instead of sitting back and just giving up, Ekeler does what he always does: keeps his head up and makes the most of it. While he's recovering, Ekeler has a very unique opportunity that not many players get. Austin Ekeler to be a guest on Netflix during the Commanders' Christmas Day game Just because Ekeler's season is over, that doesn't mean he can't take part in the team, just in a much different way. The Commanders are hosting the Dallas Cowboys at home for a rivalry game on Christmas Day, and Ekeler will be there. He won't be on the field, but instead he'll be working on his life after football skills as a desk analyst for the game on Netflix. Ekeler will join Kay Adams, Devin McCourty, and Michael Irvin to discuss the Commanders vs. Cowboys game, which promises to be very entertaining. We all know Ekeler has a strong screen presence, and he's known for his activity in the fantasy football community, as well as podcasts and shows when he's not on the field. This gives him a big stage to show what he can do on the media side of football whenever he decides to hang it up. We aren't sure if Ekeler will come back to keep playing after his gruesome injury, and maybe this is it for him. Austin Ekeler's injury might be the end of a magical run It's weird to see a player in the media talking about a game involving a team he's still technically part of, even if his season is over. Ekeler tore his Achilles tendon during the Week 2 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, and that's a tough injury to come back from. He will also be 31 heading into next season, so maybe this is a preview for what's to come if he decides to call it a career. Regardless, this is a big opportunity that he's going to crush, and be an enjoyable watch, which is great because we have no idea what to expect from this team anymore with a 3-8 record. This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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