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Wolverhampton Wanderers find themselves on the lookout for a new manager and have been alerted to the availability of a former Liverpool star.

Over the weekend, a chain events happened that could lead some to think that former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is in line for a return to management in the West Midlands.

On Saturday evening, the ex-Premier League star gave an honest verdict on why he didn’t make a return to Scotland following negotiations to take him back to Ibrox breaking down at the last minute.

Speaking on TNT Sports, he admitted that the timing of the offer came at a difficult point in his personal life, while he also made clear that instability at Rangers made him unable to commit to a return.

“I have to analyse, is it right for me? Is the timing right and are things perfect for me to be the best version of myself in that job? Unfortunately the timing, it didn’t feel right to me. I’ve got that much respect for Rangers that I wouldn’t go in there if I was 80-90% ready, but hopefully one day I’ll be more ready and more prepared for it and that chance might come again.”

Despite passing up the opportunity to return to his old club, his availability comes at a time when Wolves are searching for a permanent successor after sacking Vitor Pereira.

An out-of-work boss may well be their preference amid links to Brendan Rodgers and Xavi. Gerrard may not be keen due to Fosun and the new ownership at Rangers being mired in difficulty, but they do have an interest from one of his old teammates.

Robbie Keane applies for Wolves managerial vacancy

According to talkSPORT, Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane has applied for the Wolves managerial vacancy after leading his side to the Hungarian top-flight crown last season.

Formerly a fan favourite at Molineux due to scoring 27 times in 85 appearances during his spell at the club, the 45-year-old also won the Israeli Premier League title and Toto Cup while in charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Keane has also been considered for the Celtic job in light of their search for a permanent successor to Rodgers. His credentials to get teams on winning runs can’t be underestimated, though coming from Hungary into the Premier League would be a major ask.

Wolves are eight points adrift in the top-flight and appear to be knee-deep in a scrap for survival. Seeing a former face would provide some hope to deflated Old Gold supporters, though the Irishman’s return of 13 wins in 22 matches circa 2025/26 hasn’t lived up to the hype of last term.

Find out the latest on Wolves' managerial search

Gary O’Neil could step back into the club after leaving less than a year ago. Either way, there is sure to be plenty of anticipation at Molineux over who will replace Pereira.

Napoli identify West Ham ace as a potential alternative to Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo as the reigning Italian champions eye midfield reinforcements in the January transfer window. Antonio Conte wants a new midfield option in the upcoming window following a devastating injury to their star player, Kevin De Bruyne, which could potentially rule him out of action for the season.

Napoli target midfield signing

Conte did reinforce his midfield despite winning the Serie A title last season, as they secured the blockbuster signing of Manchester City legend De Bruyne on a free transfer. The Belgian midfielder started the season well and had adjusted to the conditions quickly; however, he suffered a terrible injury during the club's 3-1 win over Inter in October. After undergoing tests and scans, it was revealed that the midfielder had sustained a high-grade tear of the biceps femoris in his right thigh.  

The timeline for recovery stretches into late February or early March, effectively ruling the Belgian out of the rest of Napoli’s 2025-26 campaign. It’s an injury with worrying precedents as De Bruyne underwent surgery on the same muscle in 2023 and missed a large part of last season for City. The recurrence not only put his season in jeopardy but also forced Napoli to rethink their creative structure.

Amid the injury crisis, Conte wants to sign a new midfielder and has put West Ham's Soungoutou Magassa in his shortlist, alongside out-of-favour United midfielder Mainoo.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMagassa could become a cheaper option for Napoli

While Mainoo remains Napoli's primary target for the January transfer window, they have also kept Magassa in the pipeline as an alternative. According to journalist , Magassa is being eyed as a cheaper option to Mainoo as the youngster could be available for just €15million (£13m/$17m). The former Monaco star only joined the Hammers in the last transfer window and has appeared in eight Premier League matches this season, out of which he has started in only four.  

The French midfielder came to the limelight after scoring his maiden goal against Manchester United in midweek as he secured a crucial point for his side with a late equaliser.  

Mainoo desperate to leave Man Utd

After falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim, Mainoo had asked to leave the club on loan in the summer but saw his request rejected by the Red Devils. He is once again ready to seek a loan in January. earlier reported that the English midfielder is 'deeply frustrated' with the lack of opportunities Amorim has given him, only starting him in the Carabao Cup tie against Grimsby Town back in August. 

The report further claims that Mainoo would prefer a loan move abroad, with Bayern Munich and Napoli having shown interest in signing him in the past. United, however, are expected to wait until the Africa Cup of Nations is over and whether Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo or Amad Diallo sustain injuries during the tournament. 

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Getty Images SportScholes slammed Amorim for 'ruining' Mainoo

Amorim recently talked down issues related to Mainoo's situation as he told reporters: "I see him as a starter like the other players. I just have to make a choice and then in the end, it's not been Kobbie. In the future, I don't know. Again, I always think the same thing with Casemiro. (He) was not playing and then he plays. I just want to win games. I don't care who is playing." 

In response, however, United legend Paul Scholes hit back at the head coach as he responded: "Bulls***. The kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can't control a game of football. Hate seeing homegrown players leave but it's probably best for him now, enough is enough."

The Minnesota Twins fired manager Rocco Baldelli one day after the MLB 2025 season ended. The Twins' season came to an end on Sunday after going 70-92.

Minnesota's president of baseball operations Derek Falvey released a statement on the organization's decision to part ways with Baldelli after seven seasons.

"This game is ultimately measured by results, and over the past two seasons we did not reach the goals we set," Falvey said. “After discussions with ownership, we determined that this is the right moment for a change in voice and direction. This decision is not a reflection of Rocco's effort or leadership. It reflects where we are as an organization and the belief that a different voice is needed to help us move forward."

The past two seasons in particular finished with the Twins placing fourth in the AL Central. It's definitely not the outcome a team would want back-to-back.

Baldelli finishes his Twins tenure with a 527-505 overall record. Although Minnesota missed the postseason this year, he did take the team to three playoff appearances, posting a 3-8 record overall.

At age 44, Baldelli's first and only managerial role in MLB was with the Twins, so his future will now be up in the air. We'll see if another MLB team picks him up for a manager position or if he transitions to a new role on a team.

استأنف الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، تدريباته مساء اليوم الخميس على استاد الكلية الحربية، في إطار الاستعداد لمباراة كهرباء الإسماعيلية المقبلة في بطولة كأس عاصمة مصر.

ويستعد فريق الزمالك للقاء كهرباء الإسماعيلية المقرر لها يوم 9 ديسمبر الجاري في بطولة كأس عاصمة مصر. 

طالع.. مواعيد مباريات الزمالك في كأس الرابطة 2025-2026

 شهدت التدريبات غياب كل من محمد عواد ومحمود حمدي”الونش” للتواجد مع منتخب مصر المشارك في كأس العرب، والخماسي محمد صبحي و أحمد فتوح و حسام عبد المجيد و محمد إسماعيل ومحمد شحاتة للتواجد في معسكر منتخب مصر الأول استعدادًا لبطولة كأس الأمم الإفريقية.

بالإضافة إلى محمود بنتايج المتواجد مع منتخب المغرب في كأس العرب، وعدي الدباغ المنضم لمنتخب فلسطين، وسيف الجزيري المتواجد مع منتخب تونس، بجانب الأنجولي شيكو بانزا المنضم لمعسكر منتخب أنجولا استعدادًا لأمم أفريقيا.

وشارك أحمد حمدي لاعب وسط الفريق في التدريبات بصورة طبيعية رغم احتفاله بزفافه يوم الاثنين الماضي.

 وصعد الجهاز الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك بقيادة أحمد عبد الرؤوف، عدد من لاعبي قطاع الناشئين خلال مران اليوم الخميس.

وشهدت التدريبات مشاركة كل من، محمد عبد الفتاح حارس مرمى فريق مواليد 2005، وهشام فؤاد مدافع فريق مواليد 2005 ويوسف الطباخ مدافع فريق مواليد 2009 و محمد إبراهيم ظهير أيمن فريق مواليد 2005، وأنس وائل جناح هجومي فريق مواليد 2005، ويوسف وائل الفرنسي لاعب وسط فريق مواليد 2005، ومحمد حمد صانع ألعاب وجناح هجومي فريق مواليد 2008 وأحمد صفوت صانع ألعاب فريق مواليد 2009 . 

يأتي ذلك بعد عودة الفريق من الراحة السلبية التي حصل عليها اللاعبون لمدة يومين عقب العودة من جنوب أفريقيا، بعد خوض مباراة كايزر تشيفز الجنوب أفريقي في كأس الكونفدرالية الأفريقية.

وتولى نونو كوستا ريبيرو مدرب الأحمال قيادة هذه الفقرة، التي تضمنت تدريبات بدنية متنوعة، وفقرة خاصة بالكرة.    

India’s emphasis on fitness and fielding will all be put to test on Sunday with their campaign on the line

Shashank Kishore12-Oct-2024The shiny floor gleaming with vitrified tiling at Sharjah’s press conference area caused a brief stir as Harmanpreet Kaur walked in with a slight limp. But when you saw her wearing spikes that needed her to be on her toes, it all made sense.Harmanpreet’s opening act was a prelude to Sunday. India need to be on their toes too; a slip-up and New Zealand will be waiting to close in on a semi-final berth, fully knowing what their margins should be against Pakistan on Monday.It’s not ideal, because no matter what India do against Australia, there’s going to be a niggling net run-rate equation they can’t control. This is something Harmanpreet acknowledged at her pre-match press conference.”Lot of things we have to keep in mind and play,” Harmanpreet said ahead of India’s training. “Definitely going there you need a strong mindset, but at the same time we just want to play freely and enjoy our game, because end of the day when you’re enjoying, you can always get the results.”I know it’s an important game, just need to keep yourself in the present and see what is required for the team and playing accordingly, I think that’s more important.”Related

• What do New Zealand need to qualify for the semi-finals?

• October 13 at the T20 World Cup: Injury concerns for Australia ahead of blockbuster game vs India

• Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr star in vital win for New Zealand

• Nearly 24 years on, Sharjah set to rekindle love story with India

In the lead-up, India have afforded themselves a luxury no other team has had: the opportunity to train two straight days at the main venue, in this case Sharjah. With matches scheduled everyday, the main venues have been off bounds, with training restricted to the ICC Academy, comprising three floodlit grounds for teams to train and match simulate.Within minutes of Saturday’s afternoon game between New Zealand and Sri Lanka finishing, India were up and away, briskly going through their warm-up with a session of foot volley before diving straight into a range-hitting session besides the main square.Along with four net bowlers, there were several ‘net fielders’ stationed at different arcs around the boundary to retrieve balls back as Shafali Verma enjoyed a long bash, alternating with Smriti Mandhana in 10-minute intervals. Shafali regularly deposited balls onto the roof of the pavilion block, while Mandhana’s focus was on the ‘feel’ of timing, only occasionally lofting the ball.A low-arm slinger, delivering from an unusual angle, a tall six-foot something who only kept hitting the deck and a fully-fit-and-firing Pooja Vastrakar, going full tilt, in what was a sure-shot sign of her having recovered from a hamstring niggle, went hard at Mandhana.After her net, seemingly wanting some extra attention, she walked across to have a long chat with Amol Muzumdar, the head coach, before gearing up for another hit with Muzumdar chucking short balls from different angles with Mandhana seemingly trying to quickly get into position and pull in front of square. Then she went through a similar pattern of driving on the up to length balls angling away.Between Mandhana’s long stint on the sidelines, Harmanpreet’s unwavering focus was on hitting straight and long, by stepping out to spin, a variety of bowling she’ll face plenty of on Sunday with Australia having Ash Gardner, Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham all likely to be unleashed.The extra attention to detail was in trying to step out to prevent the ball from hitting the rough patches that had been naturally created from players at short cover/short midwicket scuffing up the area while fielding in the previous game.Harmanpreet – “It’s an important game, just need to keep yourself in the present and see what is required for the team”•ICC via Getty ImagesAfter Harmanpreet, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma dug in. Richa was let loose to simply swing to the hills, and she connected more often than not, while Deepti went through an entire range of sweep shots to deliveries spinning in and away from her.Much of the focus was on the batters in the main net, even as the bowlers separately went through their drills under Aavishkar Salvi’s watch. S Asha, the legspinner, and Shreyanka Patil challenged Shafali’s big-hitting with some degree of success, while the main seamers simply went through light spot drills before retreating into self-preservation mode.Quietly on the side, Radha Yadav, who is yet to get a game but has pulled off one of the catches of the tournament while substituting for Harmanpreet, went through elaborate bowling drills and target practice. It’s perhaps a sign India are looking at playing an extra bowling option in place of S Sajana, who has barely had any role to play in the two games she has featured in.Before training, Harmanpreet alluded to how the surfaces have felt a lot better than it seemed on TV, based on their first session on Friday. Saturday merely reaffirmed that notion, Harmanpreet and India wouldn’t mind Sunday to be any different, for it’ll be a test of their batting might against an opponent who’ve most often had the better of them in a knockout scenario.The hours at training, mental conditioning sessions in the backroom and their emphasis on fitness and fielding will all be put to test with India’s campaign on the line.

Hampshire have recruited Australia allrounder Amanda-Jade Wellington as one of their overseas players for the 2026 season.Wellington, 28, has previous experience of playing at the Utilita Bowl with Southern Brave in the Hundred – she is the second-highest wicket-taker across five seasons of the competition – and joins after a successful campaign with Somerset in the inaugural women’s Tier 1 season earlier this year.”I’m really excited to join Hampshire for the upcoming season,” Wellington said. “I had a great time at Utilita Bowl in my two years at Southern Brave and I look forward to catching up with familiar faces and making new memories which will hopefully result in trophies come end the end of the summer.”Related

• Osborne appointed Somerset Women head coach

• Women's county ins and outs 2025-26

An attacking legspinner and capable batter, Wellington has played 23 times for Australia across all formats, but not since 2022. She is expected to be available throughout the summer for Hampshire.Regional director of women’s cricket, Adam Carty, said: “We’re really pleased to secure Amanda-Jade for the whole of next season. She’s a friend of the club and a vastly experienced cricketer, who boasts a fine record with bat and ball in England having featured effectively in the Hundred and in Tier 1.”We look forward to welcoming her back to Utilita Bowl in 2026.”

MatériaMais Notícias

De volta ao futebol profissional do Rio de Janeiro, o Niteroiense FC recebeu proposta de R$ 1 milhão para se tornar SAF. A oferta foi feita por uma empresa esportiva privada que tem interesse em investir no clube da Região Metropolitana do Rio.

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– Recebemos essa oferta e ficamos lisonjeados, já que ela ocorreu logo depois do nosso retorno ao futebol. Após conversa com o nosso presidente em exercício, André Luiz, chegamos a uma conclusão que o momento não é o ideal. Temos metas ousadas com vendas de jogadores e patrocínios que podem superar esse valor ainda esse ano – garantiu o gestor do clube, Maicon Vilela.

Fundado em 1913, o Niteroiense conta com o meio-campista Bruno Gallo, ex-Vasco, no elenco que vai disputar a Série C, equivalente à quinta divisão do Campeonato Carioca.

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Teams play respects to Dickie Bird before play, as Stokes, Carse work on fitness ahead of Ashes

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay24-Sep-2025

Durham 322 for 7 (Bedingham 93, Raine 87*, Rhodes 50) vs Yorkshire South Africa Test batter David Bedingham hit a season’s best 93 off 195 balls to steer an impressive Durham recovery from early strife against fellow relegation candidates Yorkshire on day one of the final-round Rothesay County Championship clash at Headingley.Durham, having elected to bat, slipped to seven for two inside five overs, bringing Bedingham in. He determinedly batted through until late evening and shared in a series of crucial partnerships, chiefly 101 for the fourth wicket either side of lunch with Will Rhodes, 50.The second-bottom visitors closed on 322 for seven from 96 overs. They will be delighted with the outcome, especially considering Ben Raine’s counter-attacking 87 not out off 85 late in the day. His was also a season’s best score.Yorkshire came into this fixture seventh in the table on 146 points, Durham ninth on 140. Sandwiched in between, Hampshire on 142.The White Rose need 10 points to assure survival – they have gained two today – while it is looking likely that Durham will have to win to stay up after Hampshire started strongly at home to Surrey.Just before play, a minute’s applause in memory of the late Dickie Bird was observed.England Test captain Ben Stokes, here working on his fitness following a shoulder injury, paid his respects from the Dickie Bird Players’ Balcony alongside fellow international Brydon Carse. Both then bowled at lunch.Yorkshire made a start their former president Bird would have been proud of, reducing Durham, who elected to bat, to that aforementioned seven for two as new-ball seamers Matt Milnes and Jack White struck on a lovely late summer’s morning.Alex Lees and opening partner Emilio Gay were caught at third slip by Fin Bean, the former defending at one he could have left alone and the latter driving at one he also needn’t have gone after.Ben McKinney and Bedingham tried to steady through a 44-run stand. But George Hill broke their alliance when McKinney was caught behind pushing forwards – 51 for three in the 20th over.A couple of catches went down at first slip, including Rhodes on 17 shortly after lunch.But, by and large – against an attack who kept things tight – Bedingham and Rhodes turned the tide very impressively.During the heart of the afternoon, both reached their fifties. Bedingham’s came first off 105 balls before Rhodes got there off 96. By that stage, the visitors were in a much healthier state at 152 for three after 50 overs.However, trouble was just around the corner as Rhodes miscued the off-spin of Dom Bess to midwicket in the next over and Ollie Robinson offered no stroke to Hill in the 54th and was bowled – 155 for five.Bedingham’s contribution was clearly key to keeping Durham afloat and was a far cry from his regular aggression, surviving as Yorkshire chipped away at the wickets on what looks to be a placid, hybrid pitch.The 31-year-old is playing only his sixth Championship match of the summer, owing much to Test commitments.This, his sixth season at Durham, could yet be his last given no deal has been finalised for next season and beyond.Bedingham, particularly strong on the back foot, also added 48 for the sixth wicket with Graham Clark, who was trapped lbw for 27 playing to leg in the early stages the evening, leaving the score at 203 for six in the 72nd over.Raine hoisted Bess for a couple of sixes, the first drilled over long-off and the second slog-swept over midwicket.He shared 42 with Bedingham, who fell to a beauty of a catch from Hill running back from first slip towards third-man following a top-edged pull against White.That left Durham at 245 for seven in the 83rd over.Raine reached his fifty off 58 balls inside the day’s final 10 overs and cleared the ropes twice more amidst an unbroken 77-run stand with Matthew Potts, 23.

Cristiano Ronaldo has seen a move into management ruled out by Manchester United legend Teddy Sheringham, with it considered to be more likely that the Portuguese GOAT will emulate David Beckham by heading into club ownership. CR7 has admitted that retirement is not too far off for him, at 40 years of age, with speculation raging regarding his next move.

What will Ronaldo do once retired?

Ronaldo has committed to a new contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr that is intended to take him through to the summer of 2027. He is expected to grace next summer’s World Cup finals, while continuing to chase down 1,000 career goals.

He concedes that record-shattering boots will be hung up for the final time in the not too distant future, with it impossible for him to go on forever. Having given his all to perfecting the art of football, it would come as a major surprise if CR7 were to sever ties with the game entirely once bringing his playing days to a close.

Many have billed him as a potential manager of Portugal, given how proud he is to represent his country, but coaching would deliver stress that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner does not need. Instead, he could look to pump some of his vast personal fortune into a new franchise or an established global superpower.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALNext Beckham: Why Ronaldo will avoid coaching

Sheringham, who formed part of United’s 1999 Treble-winning squad, believes that Ronaldo is more likely to tread the same path as a fellow iconic No.7 than he is to follow the likes of Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick into management.

Ex-England striker Sheringham told : “I can’t see Cristiano Ronaldo going into management after he retires. He’s far more likely to own a club rather than manage one – like what David Beckham has done at Inter Miami.

“There are bigger and better things than being a manager for Ronaldo. He’s someone that wants to take on the world; it’s in his nature and he’s shown that on the football pitch for decades. In an ownership position, he’d have complete oversight over a club’s operations and personnel, in comparison to becoming a manager, where he’d be at the mercy of the club board.

“The world of football club management is completely different to the career of a player, and I can’t see Ronaldo entering that environment as a manager.”

Return to Man Utd? What the future could hold

Another former United star, Wes Brown, has previously said that Ronaldo could do anything that he puts his mind to once retired. He said when asked if CR7 will follow the lead of Ryan Reynolds and Tom Brady by becoming an investor: "You never know what Cristiano Ronaldo wants to do, but you can’t doubt him after everything he’s achieved. I think first of all, it depends how he’s doing in Saudi Arabia, because it’s not clear he’ll be stopping any time soon – he’s still banging them in for Al Nassr. But he could definitely move into the boardroom, he’s got the ability to swerve away from coaching and into the executive level, 100 per cent. Why not? If he’s enjoying it, it’ll be perfect for him.”

Danny Simpson, another of those to have worked with Ronaldo at Old Trafford, has told GOAL of the Portuguese potentially returning to Manchester in a directorial capacity: "I wouldn’t say no. If you look at his mentality, he obviously cares about the club. I think he would say that because he would like to come back again but in another way. I don’t think he liked the way he left so he’d like to come back and make United great again, on some kind of level making decisions.

“The business side is obviously very different, but he’s also a businessman. You can’t knock that team he’s got around him. I’d love him to because I think he’s got a lot to offer, even on that side of the game going forward. Just his mentality and everything he does, he achieves it. That’s what United need.”

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GettyTrophy bids & Cristiano Jr: Ronaldo's immediate goals

Ronaldo has revealed that he still keeps an eye on how United are faring, having taken in two spells with the Premier League giants, but has more pressing issues to contend with at present. He is chasing down more major silverware with Al-Nassr and has seen it suggested that he will play on for long enough that son Cristiano Junior becomes a club colleague.

The Red Sox have found their No. 2 starter.

On Tuesday, they acquired veteran righty Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for lefty pitching prospect Brandon Clarke and starter Richard Fitts. It is a deal that furthers Boston’s pursuit of a deeper playoff run in 2026 by providing a reinforcement behind ace lefty Garrett Crochet.

What follows are grades for each team’s return in the deal to see who came out on the better end of things.

Red Sox Acquire: Sonny Gray

Boston had been desperate to find some rotation help behind Crochet and looked like a potential landing spot if the Tigers made Tarik Skubal available. The Red Sox went a much easier route, landing the 36-year-old Gray, who is a durable three-time All-Star in his own right.

Gray was solid but not spectacular for St. Louis in 2025. He went 14-8, with a 4.28 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, and 201 strikeouts against 38 walks in 180 2/3 innings. His FIP was 3.39, which shows he was a bit unlucky. While it wasn’t Gray’s best season, he is only two years removed from finishing second in AL Cy Young voting when he went 8-8, with a 2.79 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, and a league-best 2.83 FIP for the Twins in 2023.

The Red Sox are getting a stable No. 2 for their rotation. He’s a guy with a career ERA of 3.58, and has only been over 4.00 twice in the past seven seasons. Additionally, Gray and Crochet are two of the five MLB pitchers who have struck out 200 or more batters in each of the last two seasons, making them a formidable duo. Boston is pushing to take the next step and has added a good arm near the top of its rotation.

To sweeten the deal, Boston is also receiving $20 million to help cover the $35 million Gray is owed in 2026. His contract has a mutual option for $30 million in 2027, but it only carries a $5 million buyout. It’s a manageable contract, and they didn’t surrender a top prospect in exchange.

Grade: B+

Cardinals Acquire: Brandon Clarke, Richard Fitts

St. Louis is pushing to get younger after missing the playoffs for three straight seasons. Gray’s age and contract put him on the outside of the team’s plans moving forward. In exchange, they landed two intriguing arms but didn’t get any true top prospects to add to their impressive farm system.

Fitts has made 15 appearances (14 starts) over two big league seasons and has struggled to keep the ball in the yard. In 2025, he pitched in 11 games (10 starts) and went 2-4 with a 5.00 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP, and 40 strikeouts against 16 walks in 45 innings. He allowed 11 home runs in that time. The former Yankees prospect has a fastball that sits in the mid-90s but tops out around 98, and his slider continues to improve and has some sweep to it.

The prize of the deal is Brandon Clarke. The 6’4” lefty has a fastball that can touch 100, and features an outstanding slider that can sit in the upper-80s. He also features a curveball and a changeup he hasn’t thrown for strikes consistently yet. The Red Sox selected Clarke with a fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft out of junior college, and he made his pro debut in 2025. In 14 starts at two levels of A ball, he went 0-3 with a 4.03 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and 60 strikeouts against 27 walks in 38 innings. Opposing batters only hit 1.28 against him. If he can cut down on the walks and straighten out his changeup, Clarke could race up prospect lists.

St. Louis moved off Gray’s contract but also shipped $20 million to Boston and didn’t land a top 100 prospect in the process. They weren’t able to pry either of the Red Sox’s top two pitching prospects, as Payton Tolle and Kyson Witherspoon remain part of Boston’s system. The return isn’t disappointing thanks to Clarke’s upside, but it feels a bit flat.

Grade: B-