Baseball

Former MLB GM Dan Duquette -- who was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2022 -- tells TMZ Sports if he were in the Dodgers' front office ... he would've had some reservations about signing Shohei Ohtani to a $700 million contract.

The ex-Boston exec explained that while he believes the two-way star is truly one of the most unique talents the MLB's ever seen ... the elbow surgery he recently underwent would make Duquette nervous.

"I was a little uncomfortable with the values given the injury," Duquette said.

Ohtani, of course, had the procedure back in September ... the second major one his throwing arm's undergone since 2018.

Both the player and the Dodgers don't seem too concerned about it -- they each expect him to take the mound again in 2025 ... but Duquette told us it's a risky situation he might not have wanted to be a part of if he were making decisions in LA.

"This guy is a huge player," Duquette said, referencing Ohtani's 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame. "He hit a couple of home runs, he pitched a really good game, and then he got hurt."

"I don't know that the performance at the top-end of the scale for these great big guys is sustainable. Because there's so much power and force going into a pitch, going into a swing."

However, one thing Duquette was fine with was the structure of the deal -- which will reportedly pay Ohtani $20 million for the next 10 years ... before it gives him $680 mil from 2034-2043.

Duquette told us the deferrals will benefit everyone -- from the team, to the player, to the league as a whole.

After a ton of speculation, Shohei Ohtani is finally spilling the beans on what he named his dog ... and as it turns out, it has nothing to do with his new team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

His name is Decoy!!

The 29-year-old Japanese superstar met with the media as a Dodger for the very first time just minutes ago ... where he talked all about topics like his decision to take his talents to L.A., winning aspirations and recent surgery.

But the one question everyone wanted the answer to -- what the heck is your dog's name, dude?!?!

Of course, the phenomenon started after Ohtani accepted his 2023 MVP award ... when reporters claimed Shotime's team refused to disclose any information about the four-legged friend who made an appearance with him in a video interview.

The secrecy led to a bunch of rumors -- and some even claimed it was because Ohtani chose a namesake related to his next destination.

But the two-way athlete put an end to all that talk on Thusday ... saying he decided on Decoy -- or the Japanese version, Dekopin.

As for when he knew he would be a Dodger, Shohei said he came to the decision the night before he announced his next move on Instagram.

Metro Boomin was the guest of highest honor in his St. Louis hometown on Thursday ... presented with a Key to the City for his years of giving back to single mothers.

TMZ Hip Hop got pics of Mayor Tishaura O. Jones bestowing the key to Metro on Thursday inside City Hall, surrounded by dozens of St. Louis community figures, elected officials and his 4 siblings.

This year marks Metro's 7th "Single Moms Are The Real Superheroes" campaign and we're told the annual event is now being reimagined as "Leslie Joanne Single Mothers And Caregivers Appreciate Day" to honor his late mother, who died in 2022.

Little did he know, the city also had a gift for him -- December 14 will officially be "Leland 'Metro Boomin' Wayne Day" going forward.

The Diamond-selling producer teamed up with Amazon Access and Rung for Women for this year's function ... set up to assist single mothers with career coaching, skills training, and additional needed resources.

It was an emotional day, capping off Metro's amazing year ... he helmed the "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" soundtrack, partnered with the St. Louis Cardinals and earned a Producer of the Year Grammy nomination.

Buster Posey says San Francisco's current issues with crime and drugs might very well be the reason Shohei Ohtani is currently wearing Dodger blue instead of Giants orange.

The S.F. legend -- who was part of the Giants' consortium that made its pitch to Ohtani recently to get him to sign with the Bay Area squad -- got candid with The Athletic after S.F. lost its pursuit of the two-way superstar to LA ... making it clear he thinks his former team's city truly impacted Shohei's free agency decision.

"Something I think is noteworthy," the three-time World Series champ said, "something that unfortunately keeps popping up from players and even the players' wives is there's a bit of an uneasiness with the city itself, as far as the state of the city, with crime, with drugs."

"Whether that's all completely fair or not," Posey continued, "perception is reality."

Posey added that while Ohtani himself never explicitly brought any of it up -- he said there was definitely some in the designated hitter's camp who did have "some reservation with the state of the city right now."

Ohtani is one of many big-name free agents who have passed up the chance to play in San Francisco recently -- last year, the Giants famously missed out on Aaron Judge, and in the past, they've swung and missed on guys like Bryce Harper and Seiya Suzuki too.

In his interview with The Athletic, Posey made it known the perception of S.F.'s current lifestyle might have had a big role in all of it.

"It's a frustrating cycle, I think, and not just with baseball," Posey said. "Baseball is secondary to life and the important things in life. But as far as a free-agent pursuit goes, I have seen that it does affect things."

Ohtani ultimately ended up inking a 10-year, $700 million contract with a LA -- a deal that Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said this week was nearly identical to the one S.F. had offered.

Posey said he eventually hopes the tide will end up turning ... adding, "It's been well documented that we've come up short for a number of years now."

Talk about getting lucky ... a card collector in Minnesota pulled a unique, one-of-one Topps Tom Brady Montreal Expos Superfractor card, signed by the legend himself!!!

We know what you're thinking ... the Expos were a baseball team, and well, Brady's a football player, right?

Not always!

Way back in 1995, Tom was a talented high school baseball player -- a power-hitting lefty catcher -- who was so damn good, the Montreal Expos selected him in the 18th round of the MLB draft.

Of course, TB12 opted to go to college, instead, the University of Michigan, and was ultimately picked in the 6th round of the 2000 NFL Draft.

But, this week (on 12/12, a nod to Tom's jersey number), Fanatics and Brady, along with Topps, reimagined what things might've been like if TB had stuck with baseball.

The card giant released several rare Brady/Expos cards, including the totally unique, one-of-one Superfractor.

That card was pulled Tuesday night by the collectors at Triple Diamond Sports Breaks ... and experts have said it could be worth over 6 figures!

If you were hoping to pull that card, you're out of luck ... but, there's still another card out there that's not only been signed by Brady, but also inscribed with "If baseball doesn't work out, there's always football."

In fact, there's a collector who wants that card so bad that they've placed a $500k bounty on it!

Topps also had a little fun at Tom's expense ... with some help from New York Giants Super Bowl hero David Tyree.

But, cool cards weren't the only part of the reimagining ... the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum created and shared a Brady HOF plaque (does anyone doubt he would've found a way to be one of the greats?!)

Major League Baseball, with help from Pedro Martinez, Vlad Guerrero Sr. and Larry Walker, also created a commercial about Brady the baseball player, fit for the alternative universe.

Well, that didn't take long ...

Just 3.5 days after Shohei Ohtani agreed to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, his jersey is now officially available for purchase!!

The MLB announced the threads hit the shelves at its flagship store and its website on Wednesday -- but if ya want one of the Dodger blue and white unis, it'll cost you.

According to the league's site, a replica home Ohtani jersey will run $134.99 -- while a more authentic "limited" Ohtani jersey will cost $174.99.

If jerseys -- or their price tags -- aren't necessarily your thing, the league also put some Ohtani "sherseys" on sale ... for a far more affordable $39.99.

Of course, the No. 17 jerseys all became possible when pitcher Joe Kelly revealed he'd give up his old digits to the two-way superstar in favor of No. 99.

In fact, Kelly was already seen sporting his new digits while at a charity event Wednesday, looking just fine in the Nine-Nine.

Roger Clemens' son, Kory, has been sentenced in his DWI case and will spend the next year on probation after striking a plea deal with prosecutors, TMZ Sports has learned.

According to court documents, Kory Clemens -- one of the MLB legend's four sons -- agreed to plead guilty on Tuesday to one misdemeanor count of driving while intoxicated ... and was hit with a 180-day jail sentence, which was suspended, so he'll instead be on probation for the next 12 months.

The docs show that as part of the deal, the 35-year-old Clemens must complete several requirements -- including no drugs or alcohol, three AA meetings a week, plus a DWI education class and more.

We reached out to Kory's attorney for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

Kory was initially charged in the case back in April ... after authorities alleged he struck a vehicle while drunk at 2:22 AM in the Houston, Texas area.

Cops alleged Kory was throwing up at the scene ... and officers say he reeked of booze, had bloodshot eyes and struggled to walk.

Former World Series champ Jerry Hairston says the Dodgers didn't overpay when they dropped $700 million to get Shohei Ohtani ... telling TMZ Sports, "He's worth it."

L.A. inked the two-way star to the deal over the weekend ... and with his pitching career in question due to a second Tommy John surgery on his throwing arm, many wondered if the Dodgers spent just a bit too much.

But, Hairston made it clear to us on Monday ... he believes they didn't.

As for why ... the ex-outfielder who played two seasons for the Dodgers in 2012 and 2013 said there are a multitude of reasons. No. 1, he said he's fully confident Ohtani will be able to pitch again in 2025. No. 2, he told us he believes the 29-year-old is "just entering his prime, especially with the bat."

And, perhaps more importantly for the Dodgers' bottom line, Ohtani brings in revenue like no other player in the sport.

"He brings in anywhere from $70 to $85 million in revenue alone!" Hairston said.

Hairston actually went on to praise Ohtani and the Dodgers for the contract -- noting that the deal's deferred payments will allow L.A. to surround the two-time MVP with even more talent in the next few seasons.

"He is worth the price of admission," Hairston said.

Shohei Ohtani just announced he will be a Los Angeles Dodger ... reportedly landing a massive 10-year, $700 million contract -- the richest deal in Major League Baseball and North American sports history.

The Japanese two-way superstar personally shared the news on his Instagram page just minutes ago ... apologizing for keeping the baseball world on pins and needles as he came up with his decision to leave the Los Angeles Angels.

"First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved with the Angels organization and the fans who have supported me over the past six years, as well as to everyone involved with each team that was part of this negotiation process," Ohtani said in his post. "Especially to the Angels fans who supported me through all the ups and downs, your guys’ support and cheer meant the world to me. The six years I spent with the Angels will remain etched in my heart forever."

Ohtani also pledged to give his absolute best on the field for the Dodgers fanbase ... adding, "Until the last day of my playing career, I want to continue to strive forward not only for the Dodgers but for the baseball world."

The Dodgers are getting the most entertaining player in the sport -- as Shohei is a dominant force on both sides of the ball.

He played the first six seasons of his MLB career with the crosstown rival Angels ... racking up 681 hits, 171 homers and 437 RBI ... as well as a 38-19 record with a 3.01 ERA and 608 strikeouts on the mound.

Other organizations reportedly had a chance at landing the two-time MVP -- including the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays -- but the free agency process was super secretive, per Ohtani's request.

Joe Girardi loves the Juan Soto trade for the New York Yankees ... saying this week acquiring the outfielder from the Padres "is pretty big" for his old team.

The Pinstripes officially snagged the 25-year-old on Wednesday -- sending a bevy of players to San Diego in return -- and Girardi said on Friday that Yankees fans should have zero concerns about their new star going forward.

As for why ... the former NY manager said it's simple -- "He's just really good."

Soto, of course, has only played in small markets during his career -- suiting up for Washington for 4.5 seasons before his 1.5 years in SoCal -- but Girardi, again, said he's got no qualms about the New York lights affecting the slugger's play.

"I think he'll fit great," Girardi said.

One Yankees fan who clearly has no issues about the addition is "NYPD Blue" star Nick Turturro ... who tells TMZ Sports he's "very happy" and "overjoyed" with the signing.

"The direction of the Yankees has been so lame lately," he said. "Our lineup has been pathetic. Now we have a real left-handed threat."

"He's a bonafide star, this guy," he added.

One of the brightest young stars in the MLB is on his way to wearing pinstripes in 2023 ... the Yankees are reportedly finalizing a trade for Juan Soto!!

According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi ... in addition to the Padres outfielder, New York's deal with San Diego for Soto will also include utility man Trent Grisham.

Morosi added that as part of the pact, the Yanks are planning to send the Padres five players, including pitcher Michael King.

The move will give the Yankees arguably the most talented outfield in the league -- as Soto, a 25-year-old three-time All-Star, will join Aaron Judge as well as newly acquired slugger Alex Verdugo at Yankee Stadium.

Soto was just traded to San Diego from Washington in 2022 ... and after a lackluster first year in SoCal, he bounced back this past season, piling up a .275 batting average with 35 home runs, 109 RBIs and 12 stolen bases.

In his career, Soto has played the Yankees nine total times -- and has gone off in almost every game, hitting .310 with five home runs.

Parece que Morgan Wallen está persiguiendo a Josie Canseco. La superestrella fue vista entrando a un hotel en Londres y yendo a un restaurante con la hija del ex slugger de MLB esta semana y TMZ Sports tiene las fotos.

El cantante de "Last Night" y la modelo llegaron al Chiltern Firehouse alrededor de la 1 AM la noche del martes y las fuentes dicen que se quedaron allí durante unas dos horas antes de salir en la misma camioneta Mercedes Sprinter.

Nos dicen que los dos estaban pasándola muy bien, riendo y sonriendo durante su visita.

Morgan se presentó en el lugar con una chaqueta verde, sombrero de camionero y botas de vaquero de la firma y la hijo de José Canseco se puso un conjunto totalmente negro.

No está claro si los dos están realmente "saliendo", ya que ninguno sigue al otro en Instagram, pero tal vez estaban tratando de evitar tener un rastro de papel.

Morgan tiene un hijo, Indigo Wilder, con su ex-prometida, Katie Smith y ha sido bastante discreto en el mundo de las citas después de su separación, fuera de breves relaciones con Paige Lorenze y Megan Moroney.

En cuanto a Josie, es famosa por haber salido con chicos como Mike Stud, Brody Jenner y Logan Paul, pero parece estar soltera por el momento.

It appears Morgan Wallen is chasing Josie Canseco like a shot of whiskey -- the country superstar was spotted entering a London hotel and restaurant with the ex-MLB slugger's daughter this week ... and TMZ Sports has the pics.

The "Last Night" crooner and model arrived at the Chiltern Firehouse around 1 AM Tuesday morning ... and sources say they stayed there for about two hours before leaving in the same Mercedes Sprinter van.

We're told the two were having a great time ... laughing and smiling throughout their visit.

Morgan showed up to the venue in a green jacket, trucker hat and signature cowboy boots ... and Jose Canseco's kid donned an all-black ensemble.

It's unclear whether the two are really "dating," as neither follow each other on Instagram ... but perhaps they were trying to keep from having a paper trail.

Morgan has a son, Indigo Wilder, with his ex-fiancée, Katie Smith ... and has been pretty lowkey in the dating world following their split, outside of brief relationships with Paige Lorenze and Megan Moroney.

As for Josie, she famously dated guys like Mike Stud, Brody Jenner and Logan Paul ... but appears to be single at the moment.

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes ... the Laker game!!

Fresh off exchanging "I Dos" in Mexico over the weekend, newlyweds Vanessa Hudgens and MLB player Cole Tucker decided to stop by Crypto.com Arena to catch the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns game on Tuesday ... and the married couple looked as happy as ever!!

The duo showed up to the venue in pretty casual 'fits ... with Tucker rocking a white crew neck and snapback, and Hudgens electing for a long coat and red ball cap.

As we previously reported, the actress and athlete had their closest friends in Tulum for the occasion ... with the whole crew celebrating their vows on the beach.

There were a ton of other celebrities in attendance for the Lakers' In-Season Tournament win over the Suns ... including Kim Kardashian, Flea, Druski, Rich Paul and Floyd Mayweather.

The A-listers picked a good one, as the home team won, 106-103 ... eliminating Phoenix from the tourney.

Vanessa Hudgens and Major League Baseball player Cole Tucker are officially Mr. and Mrs. after marrying in Mexico ... and the newlyweds hit the beach with family and friends to celebrate.

TMZ confirmed the news ... the former Colorado Rockies shortstop and the actress said their I Do's in Tulum, Mexico over the weekend, months after we broke the news Tucker and Hudgens got engaged.

The couple hasn't released any photos from the actual wedding ... but there is a photo floating around social media of Hudgens in a white gown.

Hudgens continued with the all-white after the nuptials as the "High School Musical" actress wore a white one-piece bathing suit on the beach with her hubby, family, and friends.

You can also see Tucker -- a longtime MLB player -- wearing a wedding ring.

Hudgens said she knew Tucker was "the one" after their first weekend together ... but was still surprised when Tucker popped the question.

"We had definitely talked about it, but I did not expect it to happen the way that it happened and the moment that it happened," Hudgens said. "It definitely caught me off guard and I was bawling my eyes out."

2:53 PM -- TMZ Sports spoke with Ike about his big pitch to Shohei Ohtani ... and while he hasn't heard from the athlete just yet, he said he's been getting a ton of positive feedback from Giants fans for his efforts.

Ike says if he really does sign with S.F., he's fully willing to change EVERY Ike's location in America in honor of the Shohei ... which he estimates would cost him around $500k, but would be totally worth it.

Ike also spoke more about Kevin Durant's current status with his chain ... and he said the Phoenix Suns hooper STILL gets free sandwiches to this day even though he no longer plays for the Warriors -- so keep that in mind, Shohei!!

San Francisco fans are desperate to get Shohei Ohtani to sign with their beloved team ... with one supporter going as far as offering the MLB superstar free sandwiches for life AND a complete rebranding of his shop if he joins the Giants in free agency!!

Ike Shehadeh -- diehard Giants fan and founder of the Ike's Love & Sandwiches chain -- laid out his terms in a social media post this week ... saying if the two-time MVP ditches the Los Angeles Angels for S.F. this offseason, he'll hook him up with unlimited grub and his own signature menu item.

Ike -- who made similar offers to guys like Kevin Durant and Aaron Judge in the past -- took it one step further for the Japanese sensation ... saying he will also change the naming rights of his establishment to "Shohei's Love & Sandwiches" if he takes his talents to the Bay Area.

The sandwich guru even started the brainstorming process on what Ohtani's own item would look like ... taking inspiration from the Giants' orange and black colors to create a tasty steak and barbeque combo.

The Giants are among the possible realistic landing spots for Ohtani ... with the Dodgers, Mets, Cubs, Rangers and pretty much any other team that can afford him expected to enter the race.

Ohtani is reportedly slated to get at least half a billion dollars with his new deal, so he may not be worried too much about the sandwich offer ... but hey, ya can't knock the dude for trying!!