There’s one deluxe option and a handful of useful bats on this year’s free agent first baseman market. So for many Major League Baseball teams, significantly upgrading the position might only be possible by scratching a massive check to New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso.

Otherwise? It will be tough to make anything more than a lateral move.

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Still, there’s some down-lineup productivity to be had even if elite production might have to be found elsewhere on the market. With that, a look at the top nine free agent first basemen: 

(Ages as of Opening Day 2025)

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1. Pete Alonso (30, 1B, Mets)

To what extent is Alonso’s fate tied to that of Juan Soto? It’s unclear if Mets owner Steve Cohen will make a drive for Soto, and even more intriguing is how badly he wants Alonso back and whether new baseball chief David Stearns is willing to bid irrationally to keep him. The price probably went up when Alonso – who hit 226 homers in six seasons – sparked an epic playoff run with a season-saving shot at Milwaukee.

2. Christian Walker (34, 1B, Diamondbacks)

As the Best First Base Option Not Named Pete Alonso, Walker will be in solid demand this year, perhaps even by the Polar Bear’s former team. He’s coming off three excellent seasons in Arizona, with home run totals between 26 and 36 and adjusted OPS marks from 121 to 125. A really good veteran fit for contenders missing a last piece.

3. Paul Goldschmidt (37, 1B, Cardinals)

There’s a first baseman on the market who hit 22 homers with a .302 OBP and a career-high tying 173 strikeouts. Does it change the impression if it turns that is indeed Goldschmidt, who just two years ago was named NL MVP? Yet in 2024, Goldschmidt slipped below league average as a hitter, though he was still worth 1.3 WAR. His market will likely reflect his reclamation project status, but the right situation – perhaps in his Houston hometown? – could unearth more production.

4. Anthony Rizzo (35, 1B, Yankees)

New York declined Rizzo’s $17 million team option, and now the sides must debate whether to renew acquaintances a third time after his 2021 trade from the Cubs. It’s complicated: Rizzo and franchise player Aaron Judge are close friends and clubhouse leaders, but Rizzo has been limited to 99 and 92 games (posting a .673 OPS) the past two seasons and the club needs roster flexibility.

5. Carlos Santana (38, 1B/DH, Twins)

As if the man wasn’t valued enough already for his elite on-base skills and veteran savvy, now Santana will take a Gold Glove with him to the market. At 38, he was a 2.5 win player who drilled 23 homers. Always room for an elite first base glove that can switch hit.

6. Josh Bell (32, 1B, Diamondbacks)

Not a great year for the 6-foot-4 slugger, whose .720 OPS was his lowest in a full season, yet Arizona still saw fit to acquire him from Miami. Nineteen homers, 23 doubles and league-average OPS will always have a home.

7.  Justin Turner (40, 1B, Mariners)

Word is J.T. is not yet ready to hang ‘em up, and the veteran can still bring value: A .354 OBP and 114 adjusted OPS for Toronto and Seattle. His 11 homers were his fewest since 2014.

8. Joey Gallo (31, 1B, Nationals)

Very much a part-time player these days, Gallo hit 10 homers for the Nationals in 76 games, eight of them against right-handers. Still young enough for someone to bite on that lefty power off the bench.

9. Donovan Solano (37, 1B, Padres)

A .343 OBP and 112 adjusted OPS for Donnie Barrels, who still makes for a decent right-handed bench bat.

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The NWSL Championship game is here, with the Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit facing off Saturday at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri in a clash between the league’s top two regular season teams.

For two teams that missed the playoffs in 2023, it wasn’t supposed to work out like this.

Orlando’s move for striker Barbra Banda got observers talking, but the Pride entered 2024 with a long history of big-name signings not panning out.

Washington, meanwhile, embraced an unusual coaching arrangement and leaned heavily on a 2024 draft class (including Rookie of the Year Croix Bethune), all while navigating injuries and incorporating summer additions.

Despite the history and obstacles, both teams thrived. The Pride didn’t lose until the 24th match in a 26-game regular season, with Banda an MVP contender and iconic playmaker Marta — at 38 years old, no less — having one of her best seasons. With Trinity Rodman taking the lead, the Spirit showed an incredible flair for the dramatic all year long, sparking new levels of enthusiasm in the District.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit ahead of the 2024 NWSL Championship game:

What time is NWSL Championship?

The NWSL Championship game between the Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit is scheduled to begin shortly after 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local).

Where is NWSL Championship?

The NWSL Championship will take place at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit will face off at the new venue, which is the home to the Kansas City Current and is the first stadium owned by an NWSL club.

How to watch NWSL Championship: TV, live stream

The 2024 NWSL Championship game between the Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit will be broadcast on CBS and can be streamed in the U.S. on Paramount+ or via Fubo, which is offering a free trial for new subscribers. For international viewers, the NWSL supplied a list of broadcasters by country that can be found here.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Time: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)
TV: CBS
Location: CPKC Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)

Watch the NWSL Championship on Fubo

How did Orlando Pride advance to NWSL Championship?

The Orlando Pride have had a dominant 2024, going unbeaten in the first 23 matches of the regular season and lifting the NWSL Shield (given to the league’s regular-season champion) after a 2-0 win over the Spirit on Oct. 6. The Pride had one of the best NWSL campaigns and entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed.

In the postseason, the Pride recovered from a slight end-of-season dip to dismantle the Chicago Red Stars in the quarterfinals. Orlando’s 4-1 win was essentially over at halftime, with Banda striking twice.

The semifinal was more difficult, with Orlando coming from behind to defeat the Kansas City Current 3-2. The Pride fell behind, but defensive midfielder Haley McCutcheon (who hadn’t scored since April 2023) notched her second goal of the playoffs just before halftime. Banda put Orlando ahead in the second half, before a Marta masterpiece seemed to put the game away.

The Current scored a very late goal, but Orlando held on to reach the final for the first time.

How did Washington Spirit advance to NWSL Championship?

The Washington Spirit have been on an odyssey to get to this point. Owner Michele Kang showcased the club’s ambitions by hiring Barcelona’s Jonatan Giráldez, but the head coach wouldn’t arrive until midseason and assistant Adrián González ran the show for the first 15 games. Injuries also have been a major story: Rookie of the Year Croix Bethune tore her meniscus throwing out the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game, while defensive midfielder Andi Sullivan tore her ACL in October.

Despite that, the Spirit kept winning. The Spirit claimed the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, and then eked out two extraordinarily tight playoff wins. Tara McKeown’s 88th-minute equalizer forced extra time, where an own goal created by Rodman clinched a 2-1 win over Bay FC. In an epic semifinal against NJ/NY Gotham FC, an even later equalizer — this time from USWNT midfielder Hal Hershfelt — sent the Spirit to extra time again.

Neither team could find a winner, setting the stage for captain Aubrey Kingsbury to save three consecutive penalties as Washington secured its third appearance in the NWSL final.

Orlando Pride key players to watch

Barbra Banda: The Zambian striker took the NWSL by storm this season, combining intelligent movement and deft technique with irresistible athleticism.
Marta: The Brazilian legend has had arguably her best NWSL season despite turning 38 in February. Marta has scored 11 goals and made big plays, plus is the unquestioned emotional leader for the Pride.
Ally Watt: The speedy winger has been dogged by inconsistency in the past, but has turned it on down the stretch. Orlando probably isn’t in this final without Watt’s three assists in the playoffs, which leads all players.
Emily Sams: The center back is the key name on a defense of less-heralded players having outstanding seasons. Sams’ defending got her onto the NWSL Best 11, but her comfort in possession is just as vital.

Washington Spirit key players to watch

Trinity Rodman: The USWNT star is a must-watch player, posting eight goals and six assists en route to a place on the Best 11. Rodman’s ability to conjure up a big moment just when you think she’s out of gas is part of her legend, Her assist in 2021 earned Washington its only previous trophy.
Rosemonde Kouassi: The Ivorian winger was something of an unknown when she arrived from FC Fleury 91 in the summer. Her devastating ability to fake defenders out of their shoes and force coaches to change their plans on the fly is making the NWSL take notice.
Casey Krueger: The USWNT defender, who earned her third Best 11 nod after joining the Spirit as a free agent in January, has been stellar locking down her side of Washington’s back four.
Hal Hershfelt: The rookie started her season as a marauding force, but with Andi Sullivan’s injury, the emerging USWNT midfielder has shined despite having to take on a more cerebral role as the team’s central anchor.

The Kansas City Chiefs are getting some help along their offensive line.

Free agent tackle D.J. Humphries is signing with the Chiefs, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal is not yet official.

Humphries’ deal is worth a max value of $4.5 million for the rest of the season.

The former Arizona Cardinals tackle has been medically cleared from an ACL injury he sustained last season.

Humphries received interest from other teams but chose the reigning Super Bowl champions.

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The 6-foot-5 tackle was originally a 2015 first-round pick by the Cardinals. He started all 98 games he played for Arizona.

How D.J. Humphries fits in Kansas City

The Chiefs are getting a perennial starter at tackle, but Humphries has battled injuries and is coming off an ACL tear.

Humphries, who turns 31 next month, was a Pro Bowler in 2021.

The Chiefs have had issues at left tackle this season. Rookie Kingsley Suamataia was the starter to begin the year but was benched after Week 2. Wanya Morris replaced Suamataia at left tackle, however, he’s had inconsistent performances as well.

Humphries could stabilize Kansas City’s left tackle position if he can regain his pre-injury form. The fact he’s medically cleared from the knee injury is a positive sign and makes this move worth the gamble.

The 9-1 Chiefs will face the 3-7 Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

The 2024 Heisman Trophy race remains close leading into Week 13 of the college football season.

With quarterbacks leading throughout the early weeks, there’s been a shift recently with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Colorado’s two-way standout Travis Hunter leading the way.

But the overall field still includes several quarterbacks who could make a case to earn a trip to New York for the award ceremony and claim the top prize as their own.

Here’s a look at the top five players in the Heisman odds and how things look for each of them entering Week 13 of the season:

Odds to win the 2024 Heisman Trophy

Odds via BetMGM as of Friday, Nov. 22:

1. WR/DB Travis Hunter, Colorado (-400)

Hunter has become the odds-on favorite as the Buffaloes travel to play Kansas this week. His ability to play on both offense and defense has bolstered his stock and kept him in the race as a Top 3 contender since September. Hunter has tallied 74 receptions for 911 yards and nine touchdowns this season. On defense, he has 23 total tackles (two for a loss), three interceptions and a forced fumble.

2. RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (+400)

Jeanty has made his case as a premier running back this season, leading the Broncos to to the top of the Mountain West conference – and possibly a spot in the College Football Playoff. He’s currently a semifinalist for the Maxwell, Doak Walker and Walter Camp awards this season. Jeanty has compiled 1,893 yards and 26 touchdowns on 256 carries. He also has 17 receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown. Jeanty and the Broncos travel to play Wyoming this week.

3. QB Cam Ward, Miami (+1500)

Ward remains in the conversation as a top-three contender after leading Miami to a 9-1 record through its first 10 games. Ward and the Hurricanes are coming off a bye week that followed a loss to Georgia Tech on Nov. 9, which may have played into his stock slightly dropping. The senior has completed 241 of 361 passes for 3,494 yards, 32 touchdowns and six interceptions. Miami hosts Wake Forest for its Senior Day Game on Saturday.

4. QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama (+3000)

The Alabama quarterback once led the race after a four-touchdown performance in the 41-34 victory over Georgia in late September. His stock slipped, but he is likely to be invited to New York with a pair of strong performances against Oklahoma this week and Auburn next week to finish out the regular season. The redshirt junior has completed 160 of 237 passes for 2,232 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s contributed to the Crimson Tide’s rushing attack with 608 yards and 17 touchdowns on 120 carries.

5. QB Kurtis Rourke, Indiana (+4000)

Rourke has slowly worked his way into the top five after leading Indiana to a surprising 10-0 start with Curt Cignetti at the helm. Rourke and the Hoosiers have a big matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday. A strong performance against a big brand team like Ohio State could do wonders for his stock. The redshirt senior has completed 171 of 238 passes for 2,410 yards for 21 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also has 17 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries.

After more than 16 months of rumors, the Cincinnati Reds traded their 2021 Rookie of the Year, Jonathan India.

The Reds sent the second baseman and outfielder Joey Wiemer to the Kansas City Royals on Friday for starting pitcher Brady Singer, addressing one of their biggest needs of the offseason and loosening up an infield logjam that more easily fits the return of Matt McLain and possibly even some playing time for Santiago Espinal.

“I feel pretty good about the staff as we are right now,” said team president Nick Krall, who said he began talking to the Royals over the past month knowing they had an interest in India and looking for a pitching fit.

“It was tough to trade Jonathan India off this team. He’s a great player. We drafted him as a college guy. He’s a really good person, good family. But we felt this was something that could really help us shore up our pitching staff.”

Singer, 28, went 9-13 with a 3.71 ERA in 32 starts (179⅔ innings) for the Royals last season. The Royals’ 18th overall pick in the 2018 draft is 36-44 with a 4.28 ERA in his career.

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The right-hander joins a rotation that already includes All-Star Hunter Greene, lefties Nick Lodolo and Andrew Abbott, returning right-hander Nick Martinez and touted prospect Rhett Lowder (1.79 ERA in a six-start debut in 2024).

Martinez returned earlier in the week when he accepted the team’s $21.05 million qualifying offer, the only one of 13 free agents to receive a QO and accept. He was the Reds’ pitcher of the year in a vote of local baseball writers after a torrid finish that included going 5-2 with a 2.42 ERA in 11 starts after joining the rotation full-time in August.

Singer is now the only one in the organization to make more than 26 big-league starts in a season.

India hit .253 with a .357 on-base percentage for the Reds in 2024 and answers the Royals’ leadoff question heading into the offseason.

A strong influence on and off the field for the Reds, India played a career-high 151 games in 2024, making all of his starts in the field at second base.

Krall said India was on vacation in Italy with his family when he reached him to let him know about the trade.

“I just thanked him for everything that he did for this organization and what he did for this clubhouse,” Krall said. “He’s a professional. He’s a tremendous individual.”

India, who was drafted 13 spots ahead of Singer in the same 2018 draft, is entering the second year of a two-year contract that pays $5 million in 2025, with a year of arbitration after that.

Singer, who made $4.85 million in 2024, is in the same service-time class, with two years of arbitration eligibility left, including a 2025 process that could produce a salary north of $8 million.

After the trade, the Reds have about $55 million committed to six players under contract before Singer’s salary is determined.

That includes the $2.4 million deal struck between the Reds and Espinal ahead of Friday’s non-tender deadline to avoid arbitration.

The Reds have about a $100 million payroll budget.

“We’re still just working through our offseason right now and just trying to improve the club however we can,” Krall said when asked about the payroll implications of the trade and how it impacts anything else he might want to do.

“We haven’t found a (free agent) deal. But we have a little bit of payroll flexibility left.”

The Reds also non-tendered reliever Ian Gibaut at Friday’s deadline, meaning he is a free agent.

The San Francisco 49ers head on the road in Week 12 to take on the current NFC No. 6-seed Green Bay Packers (7-3). At 5-5, San Francisco needs a win to keep their playoff hopes alive after a heartbreaking loss to Seattle at home last week.

Unfortunately, their starting quarterback may not suit up.

Will Brock Purdy play this week?

No. Purdy did not participate in the 49ers’ final practice Friday before flying out to Green Bay. Instead, the 49ers went with a rotation of backups Brandon Allen, Joshua Dobbs, and Tanner Mordecai on a rainy final day of practice.

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Hours later, San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed he will not play in Week 12. Instead, Allen will be the starter in Green Bay.

Purdy has not missed a start with injury since taking over in Week 14 of the 2022 NFL season. His most recent significant injury was a UCL tear in the 2023 NFC championship game that ended his day after four passes.

Who is Brandon Allen?

The 32-year-old Allen was drafted in the sixth round, 201st overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent the 2016 season with the Jaguars before being cut and signing with the Rams. He spent two seasons with Los Angeles before getting cut again in 2019.

Allen signed with the Denver Broncos for the 2019 season and made his first start, a 24-19 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 9. He spent the next three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before signing with the 49ers in 2023.

Allen has played in 16 career NFL games, including nine starts. He’s gone 2-7 as a starter and gone 149 of 263 passing for 1,611 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions with a 78.0 career passer rating.

His most recent start was Week 18 of the 2021 NFL season with the Bengals. He completed 15 of 29 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown in a 21-16 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

When was Brock Purdy injured?

Purdy took a hit to the shoulder area during last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He still completed 21 of 28 passes on the day but averaged just 5.7 yards per attempt, his lowest figure on the season.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan denied limiting downfield passing because of an injury, instead pointing to the Seahawks’ coverages as the reason for the shorter throws.

Brock Purdy stats

In 10 games this season, Purdy has completed 202 of 306 passes for 2,613 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions with a 95.9 passer rating. He’s also rushed 51 times for 267 yards and four touchdowns.

49ers QB depth chart

With Purdy potentially out, here’s how the rest of the depth chart looks at quarterback:

Brandon Allen
Joshua Dobbs

Tanner Mordecai is signed to the 49ers’ practice squad.

The NFL is flexing its newfound muscle … to flex into better prime-time matchups outside of Sunday.

Friday, for the first time, the league utilized its recently implemented ability to make changes to its Thursday night broadcast lineup – which has been a staple throughout the regular-season docket since 2012. Now, that will mean further exposure for the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Bolts, who are currently in a stretch of three night games in four weeks – including this Monday’s ‘Harbaugh Bowl’ matching coach Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers and John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens – will now also appear on Prime Video’s Thursday package on Dec. 19. They will host the AFC West-rival Denver Broncos in that Week 16 contest.

Both the Chargers (7-3) and Broncos (6-5) – each led by former University of Oregon quarterbacks Justin Herbert and rookie Bo Nix, respectively – are currently projected to be wild-card teams, though each has a chance to run down the division-leading Kansas City Chiefs (9-1).

The Chargers won 23-16 in Denver on Oct. 13, though the game wasn’t especially close in reality, given LA led 23-0 in the fourth quarter. Yet Nix has played much better since then, committing just one turnover in his past five appearances while working his way into the Offensive Rookie of the Year debate with the Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels.

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The corresponding scheduling move will push the originally slotted ‘TNF’ game – the Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – to 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 22. That pairing of two clubs likely to miss the playoffs will be carried by Fox.

The NFL adopted a scheduling resolution last year allowing for games beyond those on Sundays to be flexed. Per the league’s modified rule, ‘Thursday games can only be flexed between Weeks 13 and 17, with a four-week notice required. Only two Thursday night games can be flexed per year.’

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Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis.