Mets Stamp Postseason Ticket Amid Classic Down in Atlanta

 They don't call them the Amazin's for nothing!

The New York Mets stamped their ticket to the postseason following one of the most improbable and incredible games in regular season franchise history. The Mets stormed back twice against the Atlanta Braves to win the opener of a double-header 8-7 to secure a spot in the 2024 playoffs.

Edwin Diaz and Francisco Alvarez celebrate. Getty Images.

 

The thrilling developments all took place in the late stages. With the Mets trailing 3-0 heading into the eighth inning, it felt like certain doom was imminent for the Mets.

Instead the Mets, and maybe even the baseball gods had other plans.

Slowly the Mets started to come back. Back to back doubles by Tyrone Taylor and Francisco Alvarez produced the Mets first run.

A single by Starling Marte, and a base hit by Francisco Lindor drove in Alvarez to make Mets fans start to believe again at 3-2.

Finally the "OMG" King himself, Jose Iglesias singled to right field, driving in Marte with the tying run, and Mark Vientos put the Amazin's in front with a sac fly. Just like that it was 4-3 New York.

Before Mets fans could catch their breath, Brandon Nimmo launched a pitch into the right field stands to make it 6-3.

Ball game, right? Wrong! 

 

Phil Maton and Edwin Diaz combined to implode in the bottom of the eighth inning as Atlanta scratched out four runs to retake the lead 7-6 thanks in big part to Ozzie Albies three-run double.

But when it mattered the most, the one man who has been the Mets most valuable player stepped up in the biggest spot of the season. In the top of the ninth inning, Francisco Lindor crushed a Pierce Johnson fastball over the right field wall to give the Mets the lead back at 8-7.

The Mets dugout exploded. Mets fans across the Tri State area were going nuts either in their houses, their offices, or where ever they were watching or listening to the game.

Diaz, despite a rising pitch count found a way out of trouble in the bottom half of the ninth, striking out ex-Met Travis d'Arnaud to seal the deal for the Amazin's. Diaz threw his glove into the ground, hugged catcher Francisco Alvarez, and soon the entire team surrounded them in jubilation.

 

Since the game concluded many have now called it one of the greatest regular season games ever played in baseball history. It's hard to argue against it. Game 161 meant everything to both the Mets and Braves, and both teams put on a clinic.

NEXT UP:

The Mets will head to Milwaukee to open the Wild Card round on Tuesday evening at 5:30. Luis Severino will get the ball for New York. The series is a best of three. The winner heads to Philadelphia for the Division series that begins this weekend.

Jets Look Unprepared in Disaster vs. Denver

There is a reason why they call them the Same old Jets. 

Aaron Rodgers can say in every media scrum that it doesn't exist. Robert Saleh can pass up on even hearing that phrase. But it's true for a reason, and on Sunday, the Same Old Jets showed up big time. 

The Jets were a touchdown favorite against a young Denver Broncos team and found a way to lose 10-9. That's right a team with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, and talent galore all over the field and couldn't even find the end zone once. 

Aaron Rodgers sacked. Getty Images. 

The offensive line was a total mess, flagged five time for false starts on a day the Jets, as a team, were flagged 13 times. 

The Jets looked unfocused, undisciplined, and ill-prepared for battle.  That is on the coaching staff. 

If Sunday's loss was a true indication who the Jets are in 2024, it's going to be a long, frustrating season. And the hot seat is only going to heat up. 

Mets Fall in Milwaukee As Injuries Stack Up

 Things are not looking good for the New York Mets. 

Not only did the Amazin's get blown out by the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday to the tune of 8-4, but with Atlanta's 3-0 win over Kansas City, the Mets are right now in a virtual three-way tie for two wild card slots with the Braves and Arizona Diamondbacks. 

Francisco Alvarez, Getty Images.

 

Not only that, the Mets look battered. Both literary and figuratively.

With Francisco Lindor already playing through a lingering back injury, catcher Francisco Alvarez appeared to sustain a back-injury of his own when he left the game in the top of the seventh inning. It was later diagnosed as back spasms. 

He sustained the injury while sliding into third base, before grabbing his lower back, and had to be helped off the field. 

If the Mets lose Alvarez for an extended period over these final three days, it could be curtains for this team and their playoff hopes. 

It's one thing to lose, but with injuries stacking up? That's nearly impossible.

Knicks Stunningly Acquire Karl Anthony Towns in Blockbuster Deal

 The New York Knicks made a huge late off-season trade on Friday night, acquiring four-time All Star Karl Anthony-Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle and a first round pick (via Detroit). 

Karl Anthony Towns, Getty Images

 

The stunning move gives the Knicks the starting center they needed after last year's playoff exit against Indiana. However it will come at a price. Towns is owned $200 million over the next four seasons. He is 28-years old. 

In many ways it's a good fit. Towns played under Knicks head coach Thom Thibodeau. So there is a strong familiarity there. 

It will be fascinating to see how Towns changes the defensive schemes for New York, and fits into the offense led by point guard Jalen Brunson. 

DiViencenzo will be missed. Another wheel of the famed Nova Knicks, he was a popular player off the bench for New York, and did an incredible job down the stretch and in the playoffs when called upon to start. 

Randle was unfortunately inconsistent in his years in New York. There were times he showed great promise, and his presence inside was missed after getting hurt last season.

Yankees Clinch AL East Crown, Now True Test Begins

 

The New York Yankees are once again champions of the American League East. The Bronx Bombers enjoyed a 10-1 victory over their AL East rivals, the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday in a game that felt more like a coronation.

The Yankees never trailed on Thursday, using a six-run sixth inning to pole vault themselves to a much-needed laugher after dropping the first two games of this series.

Aaron Judge Celebrates. Getty Images

It's been a wild year for the Yankees. They got off to a scintillating start to the season, winning 49 of their first 70 games, before cooling dramatically in June and July. There were questions about the starting rotation, the bullpen, and the potency of the lineup.

Yet through it all the Yankees still found ways to win. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto proved to be the lethal 1-2 punch that everyone expected they'd be this season. Austin Wells turned into a solid contributor offensively belting 13 homers and driving in 55, while improving as a catcher defensively.

Can the Yankees get major contributions from players not named Judge and Soto in the lineup?

Can Gerrit Cole look like the Cy Young Award winner of old?

Will Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, Marcus Stroman, and Luis Gil give Aaron Boone enough confidence and innings in the playoffs?

How will the Yankees manage their bullpen?

These are all fascinating questions. And we will begin to get answers in the coming days!

Mets Face Tough Road to Postseason after Hurricane Postponment

 The Mets are clinging to one of final wild card slots in the National League with both the Arizona Diamondbacks and Atlanta Braves circling to knock the Amazin's out.

On Wednesday with the Mets coming off a 5-1 loss to the Braves the night before, had the rest of the series postponed until next Monday due to the dangers perpetuated by Hurricane Helene. Obviously it made no sense to play the games under such conditions, but many fans are not pleased.

Carlos Mendoza. Getty Images

Some Mets fans and pundits questioned why Major League Baseball chose not to have Atlanta move the games to a neutral site that was out of danger, and play them as originally schedule. The Texas Rangers were playing on the road this week, meaning Globe Life Field was available.

Heck, even Citi Field was available.

Instead the Mets are facing a daunting finish to the season that could leave them either limping into, or totally out of the playoffs altogether.

 Consider the Amazin's had to fly out of Atlanta Thursday morning to Milwaukee for their next series. Once that series concludes, they would have to fly back to Atlanta overnight Sunday into Monday to play two games on Monday afternoon. Should they make the playoffs, the Mets would have to then fly out to San Diego for the Wild Card round that begins the next day.

 It's not easy for any team, especially one that has missed its most valuable player in Francisco Lindor the past week and a half with a back injury. Lindor reportedly was going to play had Wednesday's game in Atlanta happened.

As for Atlanta? Well, they get to stay home. They were scheduled already to host the Kansas City Royals beginning Friday.

There is an out of course. That is if, and that is a HUGE IF, Arizona stumbles in their final series with San Diego. Then both Atlanta and the Mets could end up in the wild card, rendering their double-header meaningless. 

Giants Finally Get a Win Over Equally Bad Browns

 Pop the champagne bottles, the New York Giants have themselves a victory. 

Big Blue earned a 21-15 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday behind a breakout day from rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, and a solid effort from quarterback Daniel Jones. 

Nabers, the Giants first round selection in last April's Draft showed off big time on Sunday, hauling in two touchdowns along with his eight catches for 78 yards on Sunday. 

Malik Nabers against the Browns. Getty Images.

 

He hauled in both scores on short passes from Jones in the second quarter as Big Blue built a 21-7 lead. 

As for Jones, he was solid, completing 24-of-34 for 236 yards and two scores to give Giants fans some level of confidence that this team can figure things out in a crowded NFC. 

Hey, even the Carolina Panthers won on Sunday over Las Vegas,  anyone can win any given Sunday, right? 

As for the Giants defense, they answered the bell, sacking Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson eight times, while holding the Browns to just 69-yards rushing offensively. Dexter Lawrence led the way with a pair of sacks, while four other Giants had half-sacks a piece. 

The win was also bitter sweet for Head Coach Brian Daboll. Not only was it the first win of the season for the embattled head coach, but it came on the three year anniversary of his grandmother's passing. He discussed that with reporters.  

The Giants won't have much time to soak in their first win of the year. The G-Men have to turn right around and play the struggling Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night football. Dallas lost the Baltimore 28-25 on Sunday for their second straight loss in Big D. Let's just say there is gonna be some added pressure on these two teams this week.

Aaron Rodgers and Offense Click in Jets Win over Pats

New York Jets fans got to be feeling pretty good about things now.  Fans of Gang Green got to see Aaron Rodgers play a full game this time at home, and they left feeling really good after the future Hall of Famer torched the New England Patriots for 281 yards and two touchdowns in Gang Greens' 24-3 victory. 

The Jets sit at 2-1, and are just a half game back of the Buffalo Bills for first place. The offense is clicking right now, even with Morgan Moses going down with an MCL sprain that will cost him only a couple weeks. 

The Jets host the Broncos on Sunday. Check out my reaction to the victory below! 

 

Jets Escape Teneesee Thanks to Titans Mistakes

 It was not pretty, but somehow, someway the New York Jets came away with their first win of the year, a 24-17 triumph over the Tennessee Titans to improve to 1-1 on the season. 

While it feels good to see Gang Green get back in the win column after a frustrating Week 1 loss last Monday in San Francisco, the Jets performance left a lot to be desired. 

Yes, Aaron Rodgers look solid, if not unspectacular in the win. He completed 18-of-30 for 176 yards and threw two touchdowns. He had terrific touch on the football, and his accuracy was on point. He hit Breece Hall on a beautiful fade pattern down the sideline for a 26-yard touchdown that gave the Jets a 14-10 lead in the third quarter. 

More importantly Rodgers spread the football around, and we got a glimpse of how dynamic this Jets offense can be when everything is working.

 Mike Williams made a terrific catch on a perfect pass down the sideline to move the chains. Tyler Conklin and Malachi Corley each had catches on the day. 

Still it wasn't perfect. For long stretches of this game, the Jets offense couldn't get on the field as the defense once again struggled to stop its opponent. 

Braelon Allen. Getty Images.

 

Only this time it wasn't the NFC Champion 49ers, but a young Tennessee Titans team. There were times Sunday where the Titans moved the football at will. Tony Pollard had 62-yards rushing with most of those carries coming in the first half of the ballgame, and at times, quarterback Will Levis looked dynamic for Tennessee. 

His wild 40-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley in the third quarter that tied the game at 17 was the prime example. However for each big throw Levis made, he had his moments that left Titans coach Brian Callahan scratching his head. 

For example, with Tennessee poised to score and grab a 14-0 lead, Levis inexplicably decided to toss the football laterally at the last minute. The play resulted in a fumble, recovered by Jets linebacker Quincy Williams. 

Later, Levis heaved a ball down the middle of the ballpark that was picked off by Brandon Echols. The Jets quickly cashed in when Rodgers guided the Jets on a 12-play drive culminating in a touchdown pass to Braelon Allen to tie the game up at seven. 

Late in the game with New York clinging to a 24-17 lead, the Jets defense almost blew it. Salomon Thomas had Levis in his grasp, but the quarterback worked out of a sack and scrambled up the middle to the Jets 10 yard line for anew set of downs. 

Fortunately for New York, the Jets were able to put the clamps down at this point to preserve the win, but it certainly didn't come without any heartache. 

INJURY
While the win is huge for the Jets, there was a price to pay, and that is the loss of defensive end Jermaine Johnson, who tore his Achilles in the fourth quarter. He is out for the season. That is a huge blow to a unit that was already thin in spots with corner back D.J. Reed having missed the game due to injury, and C.J. Mosely dinged up by injuries the past two weeks. 

Does the Johnson injury mean the Jets finally negotiate with defensive end Haason Reddick who remains a hold out? The Jets need help badly on defense.

Giants Play Better, But Drop to 0-2

 Well, you can't pin all the blame on Daniel Jones for this one. 

Not when Jones threw for 178 yards and two touchdowns. He gave his team a chance to win the game. 

But the Giants defense decided not to come to play at all in Washington on Sunday, as the G-Men fell to 0-2 following a 21-18 loss. Washington's rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels did whatever he wanted throwing for 226 yards on 23-of-29 passing. 

Daniel Jones sacked in Week 2 at Washington. Getty Images.

 

Meanwhile Brian Robinson Jr. gashed Big Blue for 133 yards on the ground. Overall, Washington rolled up 425 yards of offense and help the football for over 37 minutes of action. 

Sure the Giants held Washington to six field goals, but it doesn't matter when your defense can't get turnovers, and can't make a rookie quarterback look like, well, a rookie. 

So here are the Giants at 0-2 for the 10th time in the last 12 seasons. It's a familiar sick feeling Giants fans have grown accustomed to. It feels like it will be a long time before Big Blue sees the win column this season.

Aaron Judge Goes Long as Yankees Trounce Sox

 Look out everyone Aaron Judge is starting to get hot again. 

After blasting his 52nd home run of the year on Friday with a Grand Slam homer to win it for the Yankees, the AL MVP candidate crushed a two-run blast on Sunday afternoon that propelled the Yankees to a 4-0 lead en route to an impressive 5-2 win over Boston. 

That is now 53 homers for Judge who still has an outside shot in the final two weeks at tying his own career high of 62. We shall see. 

But the biggest news is the Yankees have their slugger hitting well down the stretch. He is hitting .320 over his last seven games, and the Yankees have been winning in the clutch of late. Late inning victories over Kansas City and Boston on this recent home stand should make Yankees fans feel good. 

It should also feel good that New York has now built a three-game lead over Baltimore in the AL East. In a crowded American League playoff, the Yankees could use the number 1 seed to their advantage. It will be a harder road in the AL Playoffs without it this year. 

With 13 games to go, the Yankees are in the catbird seat for playoff and division clinchers in the coming days. 

And, hey, the Yankees Double-A affiliate, the Somerset Patriots also cliched a spot in the Double-A Eastern League playoffs behind the superlative efforts of Spencer Jones and a revived pitching staff. 

Lindor to Have MRI on Back as Mets Dropped by Phillies

 Mets short stop and MVP candidate Francisco Lindor had to leave Sunday's game with back discomfort in the first inning after lining a base hit to open the contest. Lindor, who didn't play on Saturday after the back discomfort propped up on Friday night will go for an MRI on Monday in New York when the Mets return home to open a seven game home stand. 

"We're gonna do some images and see if there's anything concerning in there," Lindor said after the game. "If not, then we continue to try and get better. The goal is to be available as many times as I can in these last [13] games that we have left. And that's pretty much it."

 

Francisco Lindor rounds the bases. Getty images.

The Mets need Lindor to come through the evaluation with flying colors. He has been their best player in all facets of the game both defensively, offensively and as a clubhouse leader. 

In a year when Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo have not exactly been consistent enough in the lineup, Lindor has been the exception. He has been tremendous, and has lifted this franchise to incredible heights this year. Without him, the Mets have dropped two game in Philadelphia, including Sunday's 2-1 walk-off loss. 

It was the first time since May that the Mets lost a series to a National League opponent. 

With 13 games to go, every game matters that much more, especially with the Mets battling the Atlanta Braves for the final wild card slot. 

Should Lindor miss time, it could be a huge dent on the Mets playoff hopes. Stay tuned. 

Jets Defense a Total No Show vs. 49ers

 Well at least Aaron Rodgers completed an entire game this time. 

While all eyes were on the health and play of Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers going into their Week 1 match-up with the San Francisco 49ers, the facts are this New York's defense never came to play in a humbling 32-19 loss on Monday Night Football. 

Aaron Rodgers against San Francisco. Getty Images

Rodgers acquitted himself well on Monday. While he looked a little rusty and stiff in the pocket, when he needed to make plays he did. He showed that familiar zip with the football, completed passes in tight windows, and fooled San Fran on a beautiful fade down the field to his fellow former Packers teammate Allen Lazard for six points. 

The key here of course is: "when the Jets had the ball;" which wasn't often. The Jets held possession for only 21 minutes and 25 seconds; the lowest amount of T.O.P. in Rodgers' entire career. 

That is mainly due to the fact that the Jets defense was putrid on Monday. Gang Green was out-schemed, out-coached, and out-smarted all night. 

The Niners were without their stud running back Christian McCaffery and it didn't matter. Filling in was little know veteran Jordan Mason, who looked more like Marshawn Lynch in his prime the way he blasted through Jets defenders. Mason ran for 147 yards and a score. He would have had two touchdowns were one of them not called back for holding. 

Tip your cap to the 49ers offensive line which was spectacular against the Jets defense. They bullied the Jets all night, and New York had no answer. 

The result was 401 yards of offense on 70 plays for San Francisco. 

Even quarterback Brock Purdy was able to sit back and throw the ball all over the ballpark. 

Think the Jets miss not having John Franklin Myers (traded to Denver) or Bryce Huff (Free agency to Philly) around? How about Haason Reddick who remains a holdout? 

Maybe, just maybe General Manager Joe Douglas needs to hop on that phone and put an end to this ridiculous hold out before it is too late. The Jets need help defensively. 

Robert Saleh promised a better effort from the D moving forward. That must happen. Monday Night's result wasn't a season ender, but it certainly was a wake-up call to a team that believes it can compete with the big dogs come December and January. 

They have the quarterback to get them there, but he needs a little help too. 

Giants Fans Fed Up with Daniel Jones Amid 28-6 Opening Loss

 

If Week 1 was any indication, it is going to be a very long year for Daniel Jones and the New York Giants.

On a sun-splashed afternoon, with legends like Lawrence Taylor, Phil Simms, Eli Manning, Tom Coughlin, and Bill Parcells in the house to commemorate the franchises 100th anniversary, the Giants laid the biggest egg one could think of to start the season, losing to the Minnesota Vikings 28-6.

Right from the get go it didn't look good. The Giants offense went three-and-out on its first series. Then followed that up by sluggishly moving into field goal range after the Vikings fumbled the ball back to Big Blue on its first possession.

You knew something was not right. 

Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones. Getty Images

 

Before anyone could blink the Vikings and quarterback Sam Darnold caught fire. The former Jets first round pick was slinging the ball around MetLife Stadium like he never did before when he was wearing green & white.

He guided the Vikings on a five-play, 65-yard scoring drive late in the first quarter to take a 7-3 lead. Then he led Minnesota to another score, this one the length of the field in 11 plays. His 44-yard pass to Justin Jefferson was the key. A few plays later, Darnold found Jefferson in the end zone for the score to make it 14-3. 

 As for the Giants and quarterback Daniel Jones, they had nothing. Statistically, he was 22-of-42 for 186 yards, but he couldn't settle in. The pick six that Jones threw right into the waiting arms of Andrew Van Ginkel who skipped into the end zone for the finishing score sent Giants fans heading for the exits -- at least those that remained. 

 It was not pretty. Giants fans booed their team relentlessly. And it only got worse after the game was over. 

 

Dexter Lawrence snapped back at the fans when asked about the booing by reporters.

"Could I hear them? Get another question please. I don't respect it. I get it. They want to see their team win. It's just a rough patch," Lawrence said.

The problem is the fans aren't going away. And if Sunday's loss is any indication the Giants are in for a brutal season. The loss was errily similar to last year's 40-0 beatdown the Giants took to Dallas in Week 1. That was the start of a 6-11 campaign. What was Sunday's the start of?

How angry are Giants fans? Well on social media video surfaced of fans heckling Daniel Jones as he left. Others were burning his jersey.

Many more were asking Head Coach Brian Daboll bench Jones for either Drew Lock or Tommy DeVito.

 Is it fair? No, of course not. Daniel Jones isn't solely to blame for all of the Giants problems. Any reasonable person can see that.

Perhaps Dexter Lawrence should take understand Giants fans frustration a little better. They have seen only two winning seasons in the last 11 years, and too many days like Sunday.

 

All Eyes on Daniel Jones As Giants Begin 100th Season

 The New York Giants are busy celebrating their 100th anniversary this season. Fans packed MetLife Stadium on Friday night to celebrate with a season opening fan fest that featured former Giants legends through the years. 

But as the season kicks-off Sunday, it almost feels solemn. That's because the expectations are not high coming into the season; at least not the fans, and certainly not the media. 

Daniel Jones Getty Images.

 

The Giants are coming off a disappointing 6-11 season that was quickly followed up by a disappointing off-season highlighted by Saquon Barkley's departure for Philadelphia. If the Hard Knocks series this summer that featured an seemingly miffed John Mara over Barkley's exit, Giants fans couldn't be happy to see their former first round pick from 2018 score three times for the Eagles on Friday night in Brazil. 

So when the Giants take the field Sunday to face the Minnesota Vikings to open the season, they will do so with all eyes on quarterback Daniel Jones. 

This is the guy General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll put all their faith in prior to the 2023 season when they extended Jones to a four-year, $160 million deal, and opted not to do so with Barkley. 

Jones was miserable last season. Poor play and injuries did him in in 2023.  This off-season wasn't much better. He had to compete with Drew Lock for the starting job. And yes, last season's December hero Tommy DeVito was looking over Jones' shoulder too.  

To say that Jones is under pressure to start the 2024 season would be a major understatement. One bad game; heck, one bad quarter, and fans will be calling for Lock, DeVito, or anyone who can throw a football. 

Eli Manning and Phil Simms, throw away your cell phones. 

 Putting it all on Jones isn't fair. But this is New York. Jones' predecessor certainly felt the wrath of Giants fans in the early stages of his career before leading Big Blue to stunning glory in Super Bowl XLII back during the 2007-2008 season. 

 Can he exersise his own demons? We'll find out soon. 

At least he has some help. Malik Nabers gives the Giants a bonafide number 1 receiver. And Devin Singletary, while he is not Barkely, was a decent back with the Buffalo Bills for years. And the Giants defense led by Kayvon Thibodeau should be solid. The addition of inside linebacker Brian Burns could be a huge plus moving forward. 

To say the Giants don't stand a chance, and are starring down the barrel at 4-13 is disingenuous. This is a talented team. Maybe not as talented or at the level of Philadelphia or Dallas, but the Giants could certainly find themselves in the mix with a few breaks here and there. 

PREDICTION FOR SUNDAY: 

GIANTS 24 - VIKINGS 22

The G-Men will do enough to top Vikings who are stuck with Sam Darnold at quarterback on Sunday. As for the season, the Giants should finish around 7-10.  

 

Scorching Hot Mets Lose McNeil for the Season

 The New York Mets have been one of the hottest teams in baseball of late, winners of eight straight games to climb right back into a tie for the final wild card out of the National League, so getting any kind of injury news is bad news. 

And this one hurts. 

Second baseman Jeff McNeil will be out for the remainder of the year with a fractured right wrist. He suffered the break while taking a curveball off his hand in the bottom of the fifth inning of Friday's thrilling 6-4, 10-inning Mets victory. 

"Frustrated -- this is not how you want to kind of end the season," McNeil told reporters on Saturday. "I want to be out there with the guys." 

 

 

McNeil has had a tough 2024. He battled only .238 with 12 homers and 44 RBI, and found himself in an unofficial platoon at second with Jose Iglesias. 

 

Iglesias, who became a clubhouse and fan favorite this year with his music recording debut of "OMG!" will get the bulk of the playing time at second. Iglesias is hitting .312 with three homers and 23 RBI. He also has a very flashy glove at second. 

McNeil is signed through the 2026 season, with an option for 2027. At 32 going on 33-years old, he is due to make $15.75 million in each of the next two seasons.