Happy New Year 2025

Category: Sports

Yankees’ Aaron Judge talks Mets’ Juan Soto’s playoff belief

New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge thinks the Yankees have a better chance of winning the World Series than their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets.

Judge, 32, was asked about his former teammate, Juan Soto, and Soto’s apparent conclusion that he had a better chance to win with the Mets than the Yankees.

“That’s his opinion. He can say what he wants. I definitely disagree with him. I wasn’t too surprised by it, I think that’s where he wanted to be,” Judge said to reporters on Monday during a press conference.

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New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, #99, smiles during spring training batting practice at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Dave Nelson-Imagn Images)

Soto signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets this offseason. If Soto opts out after the fifth year of his contract, the Mets can void it by making the total value of the contract $805 million.

“The Mets are a great organization and what they have done in the past couple of year showing the ability to keep winning, to keep growing a team, to try and grow a dynasty, is one of the most important things,” Soto said when asked why he chose to sign with the Mets in free agency.

Soto’s deal is the richest contract in the history of professional sports, and Judge said Monday he is happy for his former teammate.

“I think that’s where is best for him and his family. He got a pretty nice deal over there, you can’t say no that. But I’m happy for him, he got a good deal. He’s going to be in a great spot. It’s going to be great having him in town. We are going to be battling back and forth for quite a few years. I’m definitely happy for him,” Judge said.

Judge and Soto were the big leagues’ best duo last season.

Judge won the American League MVP after clubbing a league high 58 home runs and driving in the most runs in baseball (144) while maintaining a sparkling .322 batting average.

RED SOX STAR RAFAEL DEVERS CREATING DRAMA WITH NEW TEAMMATE, ALEX BREGMAN: ‘THIRD BASE IS MY POSITION’

New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto, #22, looks on after taking batting practice during a spring training workout at Clover Park. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

Soto finished third in the AL MVP race, as he had the best season of his career while hitting in front of Judge.

Soto hit a career high 41 home runs and hit .288, while getting on base at a .419 clip.

Judge knows it is impossible to replace Soto, but he likes what the Yankees have done to make up for his loss.

“Soto is one-of-a-kind man, he’s a special player. Excited for him and his new chapter with the Mets, but we added a lot of new pieces here, starting with (Cody) Bellinger and (Paul) Goldschmidt. Two guys that are former MVP’s, guys that are still wanting to improve, still want to get better,” Judge said.

WORLD SERIES CHAMPION BOBBY JENKS BATTLING STOMACH CANCER

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, #99, hits a ball during spring training batting practice at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Dave Nelson-Imagn Images)

“They are going to add such a different dynamic to this team. It really lengthens our whole lineup when you have those guys batting in the middle of your order a lot of good things are going to happen. You can’t replace a guy like Juan Soto, but you bring in guys like this that are All Star, MVP caliber players.”

The Yankees acquired Bellinger in a trade with the Chicago Cubs and signed Goldschmidt to a one-year deal in free agency.

Bellinger won the 2019 NL MVP with the Los Angeles Dodgers and has spent the last two seasons with the Cubs.

Bellinger hit .266 and hit 18 home runs with the Cubs last season, and he plays a strong centerfield.

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New York Mets left fielder Juan Soto, #22, takes batting practice during a spring training workout at Clover Park. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

Goldschmidt won the NL MVP in 2022 but struggled last season as he got off a slow start before bouncing back. He hit .245 with 22 home runs in 154 games last season.

Those two will be tasked with replacing the hole Soto left in the Yankees lineup, as they try to make it back to the World Series after losing to the Dodgers in five games.

Soto will be relied upon to anchor the Mets lineup alongside Francisco Lindor, as the Mets have World Series aspirations after a surprise run to the NLCS last season.

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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
Trump’s Daytona 500 visit draws criticism from David Hogg

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Democratic National Committee (DNC) Vice Chair David Hogg took heat on social media on Monday as he criticized President Donald Trump for his appearance at the Daytona 500.

Trump was at Daytona International Speedway for the event and became the first president to be at the race twice. He was in the presidential limousine, “The Beast,” as it led drivers on a pace lap before the green flag dropped. He also delivered a personal message to racers as well.

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President Donald Trump, center, greets drivers at the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Pool via AP)

As Trump said the spirit of NASCAR and its fans will “fuel America’s Golden Age,” Hogg claimed the president’s decision to go to the race was nothing more than a “publicity stunt.”

“Driving in circles for a multi million dollar publicity stunt while claiming you care so much about ‘efficiency’ as thousands are illegally fired from their jobs and prices continue to climb is the perfect symbolism for the Trump admin,” Hogg wrote on X.

The DNC official faced criticism for his remarks.

ELON MUSK’S 1-WORD REACTION TO TRUMP’S DAYTONA 500 LAP IN ‘THE BEAST’

Hogg took over as the DNC vice chair earlier this month. He rose to prominence as a survivor of the 2018 Parkland, Florida, school shooting and founded a political action committee in 2023, which he said aims to help young progressives get elected to Congress and state legislatures across the country.

President Donald Trump rides in the presidential limousine known as “The Beast” as he takes a pace lap ahead of the start of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Pool via AP)

Trump praised NASCAR drivers during his appearance at the race.

“They have a lot of courage doing this. I see it and I’ve been here,” the president told FOX Sports’ Jamie Little. “They have a lot of guts, as they would say.”

Trump, who was joined on the track by his granddaughter, highlighted the progress of the United States since he started his second term as president.

David Hogg, an American gun control activist, speaks during the Texas Democratic Party Convention in El Paso, Texas, at the El Paso Convention Center on Friday, June 7, 2024. (GABY VELASQUEZ/ EL PASO TIMES / USA TODAY NETWORK)

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“I think it’s fantastic. I think it’s great for the country,” he said. “The country is doing well again. We have spirit all over the world. There’s spirit again, we brought it back and it’s been less than four weeks. You’ll see what we do in a little period of time. It’s gonna only get better. But this is very exciting.”

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February 18, 2025
Caitlin Clark contract: Agent says Fever star among WNBA players who need raise

Caitlin Clark immediately became a star as soon as she stepped onto the floor in an Indiana Fever jersey last year, despite naysayers believing it would take her a while to get up to speed.

Clark’s salary became a talking point during her rookie season. Her rookie deal is worth just over $338,000 over four years with the annual average value being around $84,500, according to Spotrac. She earned around $76,000 in her first season and will earn around $78,000 for her second.

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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, #22, warms up before game one of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on Sept. 22, 2024. (Mark Smith-Imagn Images)

The Fever hold a club option on Clark’s contract for 2027, which at this point seems extremely likely they will pick up. By the 2028 offseason, she will become a restricted free agent.

As Clark continues to grow as a player and increasingly make waves in the WNBA, she will be poised to set a record with whatever contract might come to her. A sports agent told ESPN in a story on Monday that it will be quite difficult for the sharpshooter to receive what she is actually worth.

“Will Caitlin Clark ever be paid by the WNBA what she’s really worth to that league? I don’t think that’s possible,” Excel Sports Management’s Erin Kane told ESPN.

NIKE UNVEILS CAITLIN CLARK BILLBOARD IN CITY WHERE ANGEL REESE’S TEAM IS BASED, INCITING MOCKERY FROM FANS

Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark looks on during the second half of the game between the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Nov. 30, 2024. (Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)

“She’s part of a larger player body. They all need to be paid more. She should be recognized for what she has done and what she’s brought to the league from an economic standpoint. It’s as simple as that.”

A supermax contract, under the WNBA’s current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), is worth nearly $242,000 and by the time Clark gets a chance to negotiate a new deal, the landscape could be changed.

The Women’s National Basketball Players Association opted out of the current CBA last October with the possibility of work stoppage if a new deal is not reached by the end of the 2025 season.

The union sought a deal that would increase player salaries, according to ESPN.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, #22, rushes up the court during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

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The league is set to increase the number of teams in play starting with the 2025 season. The Golden State Valkyries join the fold with the Toronto Tempo and a Portland team coming in 2026. The Sports Business Journal reported that the WNBA is set to add Cleveland as the next expansion team.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
US-Canada to meet in 4 Nations final after raucous 1st game

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Canada will take on the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off final later this week in what will be a rematch of their intense matchup from over the weekend, when three fights broke out in nine seconds.

Brad Marchand and Nathan MacKinnon both expressed excitement about getting to play the U.S. again following Canada’s 5-3 win over Finland on Monday afternoon.

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Canada’s Seth Jarvis, #24, reacts to a goal by teammate Brad Marchand, not shown, against Sweden during the first period of 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action in Montreal on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP)

“We’re obviously really excited about (having) another crack at these guys. It’s going to be an intense game, for sure,” Marchand said.

“There’s no bigger rivalry in hockey than Canada-U.S., and I think it’s the matchup that everybody wanted. So it’s going to be an extremely intense game, one we’re all going to be looking forward to.”

MacKinnon said he thinks Canada can get the win in Boston.

BOSTON CROWD BOOS CANADIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM AFTER TEAM USA HEARD SAME JEERS DURING 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF

Canada forward Nathan MacKinnon, #29, celebrates his goal over Sweden with teammates during the first period of 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action in Montreal on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

“We feel like we can beat those guys and we plan on playing a little better Thursday,” he said, via The Athletic.

The Americans took a hit in their loss against Sweden to end the round-robin portion of the tournament. Brady Tkachuk left in the second period after a collision with Sweden’s Samuel Ersson in the crease. Auston Matthews and Charlie McAvoy were scratched from the lineup.

U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan said the team was looking forward to the matchup.

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United States’ Brady Tkachuk, #7, slams into the post while chasing the puck towards Sweden goaltender Samuel Ersson during the first period of a 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025 in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

“The first game was such a great hockey game. And I think it’s great for hockey that there’s an opportunity for these two teams to meet again,” Sullivan said. “Obviously, both teams have star power all around the lineup. It was a very competitive hockey game, the first game. I would anticipate the next one will be every bit as competitive, if not more.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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February 18, 2025
President Trump seen with Bills players on his golf course

Several Buffalo Bills players were seen posing with President Donald Trump on a golf course on Monday as they got their offseason started on the right foot.

Spencer Brown, Dalton Kincaid, Sam Martin, Ryan Van Demark and Tommy Doyle were all seen with the president at Trump International Golf Club Palm Beach. Brown posted the photo of his teammates with the president on his Instagram.

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President Donald Trump, center, gestures to supporters gathered for a Presidents’ Day rally as he leaves the Trump International Golf Club on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

“45-47,” he wrote.

Doyle was seen wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, which has been Trump’s tagline during his pursuits of the presidency in 2016, 2020 and 2024.

“Met the president on Presidents’ Day,” Doyle wrote on his Instagram Stories.

Trump garnered support from some NFL players during the 2024 season, including San Francisco defensive end Nick Bosa.

BENGALS EXPECTED TO FRANCHISE TAG TEE HIGGINS AGAIN, HOPING TO REACH LONG-TERM DEAL: REPORT

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid, #86, against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on Jan. 26, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

Bosa was seen wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat after a game and even did Trump’s dance as a sack celebration.

“I think you know the answer to that question,” Bosa said in November about what inspired him to do the move, via the San Francisco Chronicle. “All the guys wanted me to do it. I wasn’t even going to do it, but the boys reminded me. And it was fun.”

Trump was at Super Bowl LIX to watch the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs. He picked the Chiefs to win the game, but it was the Eagles who eventually came out on top.

President Donald Trump, center, poses with members of the New Orleans Police Department and emergency personnel before the start of Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

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The president was also at the Daytona 500 and could complete the sporting trifecta should he show up at the 4 Nations Face-Off final in Boston later this week.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
4 Nations Face-Off: Team USA falls to Sweden; set to face Canada in title game

Team USA lost its first game in the 4 Nations Face-Off on Monday night, falling to Sweden, 2-1, at the TD Garden in Boston.

However, despite the blemish on the record, they will still be playing in the championship game on Thursday night in the same arena against Canada, who they defeated, 3-1, on Saturday.

Team USA wasn’t at full strength in this matchup, as Matthew Tkachuk was absent from the bench with a lower-body injury. Auston Matthews also took the night off to battle an illness.

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Team Sweden forward Adrian Kempe (10) and Team USA defenseman Zach Werenski (8) battle for the puck in front of goalie Jake Ottinger (30) during the second in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

Also, his brother, Brady, was injured early in the first period during an attack in Sweden’s zone, which is worth monitoring heading into that title game against Canada.

Still, it was the U.S. getting on the board first thanks to Chris Kreider, the New York Rangers star, who scored his first goal of the tournament.

Kreider hadn’t played yet in the tournament, but was needed with the number of forwards out. And he wasted no time getting involved, scoring before one minute ticked off the first period clock.

BOSTON CROWD BOOS CANADIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM AFTER TEAM USA HEARD SAME JEERS DURING 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF

Zach Werenski had gotten a pass from Jack Eichel and took a shot on net that was saved by Samuel Ersson, but the deflection went right to Kreider’s stick. Kreider didn’t waste any time, one-timing the deflection to find the back of the net.

But Sweden made sure to take the lead into the locker room after the first period after Jesper Bratt sniped his first goal of the tournament with just 56 seconds left to play.

That goal gave Sweden the lead after Gustav Nyquist tied things up earlier with his first goal of the tournament as well.

The second and third periods both went scoreless, but Team USA was threatening late in the third when Jake Oettinger was called back to the bench to allow an extra U.S. attacker on the ice.

Team Sweden forward Jesper Bratt (63) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team USA at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

Multiple chances were seen with the 6-on-5, but Sweden was able to thwart any comeback from the U.S. to come away with its first win of the tournament.

Prior to this matchup, Sweden had lost to both Canada and Finland in overtime, which gave them two points total.

It may be a loss, but Team USA will be pitted against Team Canada in what’s expected to be another fiery clash after what transpired over the weekend.

Three fights broke out in nine seconds, as United States players took exception to the Montreal crowd booing during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Canada got on the scoreboard first thanks to Connor McDavid, but Team USA responded with three unanswered goals to win the rivalry game.

Team Sweden forward Leo Carlsson (91) controls the park while Team USA defenseman Brock Faber (14) defends during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

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Now, the scene will be Boston for this championship bout, and Canada, who defeated Finland, 5-3, earlier on Sunday, will be looking for some revenge and the ultimate bragging rights before the second half of the NHL season kicks off.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
France soccer star has $500K in watches stolen from home

Another professional athlete has been targeted in a home burglary, as Los Angeles Football Club star Olivier Giroud had $500,000 in watches stolen earlier this month, per TMZ.

Giroud’s wife, Jennifer, reported the burglary to authorities on Feb. 5 after noticing a shattered window at their home.

Among the property stolen from their home was 10 of Giroud’s watches, which his wife valued at around $500,000.

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LAFC forward Olivier Giroud (9) arrives before a 2024 MLS Cup western conference semifinal match against Seattle Sounders FC at BMO Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

The LAPD have currently not made any arrests related to the burglary, per TMZ, and they are still investigating.

Giroud is, unfortunately, among the likes of Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow, Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce and Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic, who all had their homes burglarized in some capacity in recent months.

For Burrow, three Chilean migrants face charges on suspicion of breaking into his home after posing for photos with some of the items that were stolen, including a jeweled necklace reading “JB9” and a diamond “9” necklace, a recently filed federal criminal complaint showed.

BENGALS REACT AFTER CHILEAN MEN INDICTED, TAKE SELFIE WITH STOLEN ITEMS IN ROBBERY OF JOE BURROW’S HOME

Burrow’s number is nine, which he wore in college at LSU and currently with Cincinnati.

Jordan Francisco Quiroga Sanchez, 22, Bastian Alejandro Orellana Morales, 23, and Sergio Andres Ortega Cabello, 38, all of Chile, were nabbed by Ohio State Patrol after authorities tracked them in multiple states following the burglary, according to court documents.

The Bengals released a statement on the matter as well.

LAFC forward Olivier Giroud (9) warms up before the match against the Vancouver Whitecaps in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match at BC Place. (Simon Fearn-Imagn Images)

“The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department and their partner agencies at the local, state and federal level did a wonderful job investigating the crime and bringing bad actors to justice. The Cincinnati Bengals would like to thank them for their efforts and extend our sincere appreciation for their good work. We recognize there was a tremendous amount of complex investigative work that led to these indictments, and the Sheriff’s Department was exemplary in this work,” the Bengals stated.

“The Bengals have worked with the Sheriff’s Department for decades on many matters, and we know them to be a real source of strength and pride for the community. The Bengals appreciate their good work and will continue to fully support their efforts as the criminal process moves forward.”

As for Giroud, he is just in his first full season with LAFA after coming overseas to join MLS midway through last season.

Giroud has played for prime European powers in soccer, including Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan.

LAFC forward Olivier Giroud (9) and teammates line up for the national anthem before the first half against Seattle Sounders FC in a 2024 MLS Cup western conference semifinal match at BMO Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

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Internationally, Giroud has been a national star, scoring four goals in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including a game-winning score against England in the quarterfinals. He also played with the 2018 World Cup team that won it all in Russia.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
4 Nations Face-Off: Canadian anthem booed by Boston crowd

The game may not have involved Team USA, but the Boston crowd for Canada-Finland remembered what their neighbors to the north did during the U.S. national anthem and returned the favor.

Canadians in Montreal were heard booing the U.S. national anthem during the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the two countries. What transpired was three fights in the first nine seconds of the game, followed by a U.S. 3-1 victory.

During the playing of Canada’s national anthem on Sunday afternoon at the TD Garden in Boston, some fans were heard booing.

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Team Canada forward Connor McDavid (97) looks on against Team Sweden in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

Hostility was felt both on the ice and off it between these two countries, especially with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying he was “damn proud of this country” after hearing boos during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Jeers have also been heard during NHL games since President Donald Trump announced tariffs on Canada, which have since been paused. The president also teased Canada becoming the “51st state.”

While some Canadian players, like Drew Doughty, doesn’t want to hear boos from fans during anthems, U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski voiced his displeasure with it.

JUSTIN TRUDEAU SAYS HE’S ‘DAMN PROUD’ OF CANADA AS FANS BOO US NATIONAL ANTHEM, FACES ONLINE RIDICULE

“We knew it was going to happen,” Werenski admitted. “It happened the last game, it’s been happening in the NHL before this, and we knew tonight was going to be the same way. We obviously don’t like it.”

The U.S. also faced boos from the crowd before demolishing Finland, 6-1, in their game before facing Canada.

“It is what it is,” Werenski added. “We kind of had an idea. We used it as motivation the best we could and found a way to get a win. But we had an idea going into it, so it wasn’t a surprise. Definitely don’t like it, though.”

Canada’s Brandon Hagel, left, fights with United States’ Matthew Tkachuk during the first period of a 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Graham Hughes//The Canadian Press via AP)

The hostility picked up even more when gloves were dropped immediately with the puck when Canada and USA were on the ice together.

It was Matthew Tkachuk going toe to toe with Brandon Hagel. Then, just two seconds later, Matthew’s brother, Brady, squared up with Sam Bennett, who is NHL teammates with Matthew on the Florida Panthers.

Finally, a scrap in the Canadian zone led J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko to drop their gloves.

Team Canada would score the first goal, as perennial NHL star Connor McDavid got his country on the board first. But the U.S. would score three unanswered to finish off the victory and automatically earn themselves a spot in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game.

Team Canada forward Connor McDavid prepares for a face off in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team United States at the Bell Centre. (Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)

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Canada’s win over Finland on Sunday guarantees the rematch everyone wanted to see for the title, which will see the puck drop on Thursday night.

Whether more boos, and more fights, will be had at the TD Garden for that matchup remains to be seen.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
NFL Free Agency: Bengals expected to tag Tee Higgins again

The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to hit Tee Higgins with the franchise tag for the second consecutive season, according to SI.com.

However, it isn’t because the Bengals don’t want to extend him.

SI adds that the Bengals intend on signing Higgins long-term after tagging him.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) catches a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. (Barry Reeger-Imagn Images)

It’s also worth noting Cincinnati intends on hitting Higgins with the non-exclusive tag, which means they would be compensated with two first-round draft picks if he were to sign elsewhere.

Higgins was expected to be among the top free agents available this offseason, but the Bengals are clearly showing they still want him to be a part of their offensive efforts.

BENGALS’ JOE BURROW SAYS HE PUT UP MVP-CALIBER SEASON DESPITE LINGERING WRIST INJURY

Last offseason was contentious, though, when Higgins was hit with the franchise tag. They had a bit of drama, as Higgins wanted his long-term deal to remain with the team, but he ultimately played on his franchise tag.

The Bengals and Higgins will now have until Feb. 18 to March 4 to negotiate a contract before they decide to officially tag him.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) walks off the field after the victory over the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium. (Katie Stratman-Imagn Images)

Higgins’ teammates have been vocal with their support of him, hoping the front office and the veteran receiver can find common ground.

“You don’t want to make a habit of letting great players get out of the building,” quarterback Joe Burrow said of Higgins following the Bengals’ rollercoaster 2024 campaign. “Tee is a great player and a guy that does everything the right way. He works really hard for it.”

Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins’ receiving counterpart, also said something to the same effect.

The 26-year-old Higgins is coming off a season where he caught 73 passes from Burrow, the NFL’s leading passer in 2024, for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. Over five seasons with Cincinnati, Higgins has 4,595 yards with 34 touchdowns on 330 catches.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

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If Higgins were to play on the franchise tag in 2025, he would be guaranteed $26.18 million for the year, as the league combines the average of the top five receiver salaries from last season.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
Red Sox’s Rafael Devers refuses to let Alex Bregman take third base position

Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers appears to have an issue with his new teammate, Alex Bregman, or rather the position he plays.

Bregman has always played third base primarily for the Houston Astros, and when he signed with the Red Sox last week, it was expected by many that would remain the case.

In turn, Devers, the Red Sox’s man in the hot corner, would move to either full-time designated hitter or to first base.

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Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros waves to fans prior to playing the Detroit Tigers in Game One of the Wild Card Series at Minute Maid Park on October 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

During an interview in Fort Myers at the team’s spring training facility, Devers made it clear that third base is still where he wants to be.

“Third base is my position. That’s what I’ve played,” Devers said through an interpreter. “I don’t know what their plans are. I know we had a conversation. I made it clear what my desires were, and yeah, whatever happens from here, I don’t know.”

Then, when asked if he would move to designated hitter, Devers responded, “I gave them the answer that I just gave, no.”

So, the Red Sox immediately face drama at spring training with their incumbent All-Star and their new stellar acquisition.

IN MASSIVE SHORT-TERM COMMITMENT TO ALEX BREGMAN, RED SOX SHOW THEY’RE SERIOUS AGAIN

Devers added that the conversation he is talking about took place Friday with Red Sox manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, who was instrumental in getting the Bregman deal done.

Bregman signed a three-year deal worth $120 million with opt outs after each season.

Boston Red Sox’s Rafael Devers celebrates in the dugout with teammates after scoring on his two-run home in the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, July 14, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

“He has a lot of pride,” Cora said of Devers, per NESN. “We know that. He feels like he’s the third baseman. He’s going to work out as the third baseman. And we’re going to make decisions accordingly. Here, it’s not about Bregman or Devers or Cora. It’s for the Boston Red Sox. Whatever decision we make is going to be for the benefit of the team.”

While Devers has played third base exclusively in his career, Bregman has spent time at shortstop (107 games) and two games at second base. However, when you break down their defensive metrics at the hot corner, Bregman takes the cake.

Just last year alone, Bregman posted six defensive runs saved with a defensive WAR of 8.1, per Fangraphs. Devers, who dealt with shoulder problems during the season, had -9 defensive runs saved and a -2.6 defensive WAR.

Bregman might be one of the big pick-ups this offseason for a new-look Red Sox team, but Devers is still the face of the franchise, having signed a 10-year, $313.5 million extension before the start of the 2024 campaign.

“It was definitely discussed when I signed that I [would] play the position for a long time,” Devers added. “I don’t know what caused the change, but I know I work really hard on defense.”

Devers says the Bregman deal “definitely surprised” him, especially considering both Cora and Breslow said this past offseason that he was their third baseman of the future.

But it’s very clear Devers won’t be giving up his position, even if Cora and Breslow ask him to do so for Bregman.

Boston Red Sox’s Rafael Devers runs the bases after hitting a two-run home in the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Sunday, July 14, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

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“It’s my decision,’’ Devers said. “My position is third base. Whatever it is they want to do is what they want to do. But my position is third base.”

Where the Red Sox go from here will be interesting to watch. Bregman could move to shortstop, but Trevor Story is currently slated to start Opening Day there. Both Bregman and Story have second base experience, and that position isn’t etched in stone.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 17, 2025