Jeff Passan

Catcher Carson Kelly's deal with the Chicago Cubs Is for two years and $11.5 million, sources tell ESPN. On a big day with the addition of Kyle Tucker, the Cubs also add to their catching depth.

The highest-paid players in the 2024 pre-arbitration bonus pool: Bobby Witt Jr.: $3.08M Paul Skenes: $2.15M Gunnar Henderson: $2M William Conteras: $1.72M Cole Ragans: $1.64M Jarren Duran: $1.32M Jackson Merrill: $1.19M Luis Gil: $1.1M Colton Cowser: $979K Jackson Chourio: $971K

Hopping on with @notthefakeSVP on ESPN to talk Juan Soto’s deal with the Mets.

The new New York Mets have arrived. And they did so by landing Juan Soto with the largest contract in sports history. Column, free and unlocked, at ESPN: https://t.co/Av6La7SMUJ

Right-hander Clay Holmes and the New York Mets are in agreement on a three-year, $38 million contract with an opt-out after the second year, sources tell ESPN. Mets plan to turn Holmes, who has spent his big league career as a RP, into a starter. On the news: @Joelsherman1.

Shane Bieber's deal with the Guardians will pay him a $10 million salary in 2025. The $16 million player option includes a $4 million buyout. If Bieber returns healthy, he will hit free agency again next winter as a 30-year-old and be in line for a significant long-term contract.

Right-hander Frankie Montas and the New York Mets are in agreement on a two-year, $34 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Montas, 31, threw 150.2 innings with a 4.84 ERA with Cincinnati and Milwaukee last year. He’s the first piece in the Mets’ new rotation.

News: Tommy Edman signed a five-year, $74 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Details on the deferrals, club option and other contract particulars, free and unlocked at ESPN: https://t.co/dIBGoq9Dav

Detroit left-hander Tarik Skubal won the American League Cy Young Award, receiving all 30 first-place votes. Skubal, who turned 28 today, had a true breakout season and led Detroit to the playoffs. Kansas City’s Seth Lugo finished second and Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase third.

Atlanta left-hander Chris Sale won the National League Cy Young Award, receiving 26 of 30 first-place votes. Sale, 35, had finished second, third, fourth, fifth (twice) and sixth (twice) in past Cy Young voting. Zack Wheeler finished second and rookie Paul Skenes third.

FINAL: Dodgers 10, Mets 2 Another blowout. For the third time in four NLCS games, Los Angeles beat New York by at least eight runs. Mookie Betts went 4 for 5 with a home run and four RBIs. Shohei Ohtani hit a leadoff homer. The Dodgers can clinch a World Series berth Friday.

Max Muncy singled again. That's 12 consecutive plate appearances on base. And best of all: He continued the pattern! HR, BB, BB, BB, 1B, BB, BB, HR, BB, BB, BB, 1B.

Three of the four teams that got byes advanced to the championship series. Having a bye — and the five days off to rest and reset that accompany it — is a good thing. Don’t let anyone try to convince you otherwise.

FINAL: Guardians 7, Tigers 3 Cleveland takes the win-or-go-home Game 5 and advances to the ALCS for the first time since 2016. The Guardians will face the New York Yankees on Monday at Yankee Stadium. Detroit’s magical run ends — and in the most surprising fashion possible.

BREAKING: Miami manager Skip Schumaker told Marlins players tonight he will not return to the team in 2025, sources told ESPN. He immediately becomes the top available manager and will be a coveted free agent this winter. News, free and unlocked, at ESPN: https://t.co/HOhTzfzghC

The Kansas City Royals are going to the playoffs for the first time since they won the World Series in 2015. Bobby Witt Jr. makes his postseason debut Tuesday. They get in thanks to the complete collapse of the Minnesota Twins. On Aug. 17, Twins were 70-53. Since then: 12-25.