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Newsweek
4 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Dodgers 'Stunned' by New Shohei Ohtani Record That 'Came Out of Nowhere'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Dodgers have seen a lot of incredible things from their $700 million superstar, but apparently he can keep surprising the team. Even after forming the 50/50 club and winning his third-career Most Valuable Player Award last year, Shohei Ohtani has more left in the tank. Most recently, he set a new mark during a pitching start against the Kansas City Royals, when he set a career record with his fastball as he works his way back from a second elbow surgery. "The Dodgers were stunned when he threw a 101.7 mph fastball, the fastest pitch of his career, during a recent start in Kansas City — it essentially came out of nowhere," Ken Rosenthal wrote for The Athletic. Ohtani has been limited to two-inning starts since returning to the mound for the Dodgers and simultaneously carrying a full offensive workload as the team's designated hitter. So the fact that he's actually improving his fastball velocity is a major surprise, though major surprises are becoming routine for the Japanese star. MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 09: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after first base against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning at American Family Field on July 09, 2025 in Milwaukee,... MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 09: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after first base against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning at American Family Field on July 09, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by) More McDermott/Getty "There is no playbook for what he is doing, building up as a starter in the majors while coming off major elbow surgery and serving as an everyday DH," Rosenthal added. "With a normal pitcher, teams can anticipate fatigue based on the pitcher's workload. With Ohtani, any number of variables come into play — travel, schedule, how much he exerts offensively, whether he gets nicked up offensively." Ohtani's elite two-way production is the primary reason the Dodgers granted him the largest contract in franchise history two winters ago. But as he continues to improve that production, even his own team is surprised. More MLB: Phillies 'Scouting' Twins Star Ahead of Trade Deadline: Report
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Inside Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld's $330M deal, record-breaking film, and stunning Santa Barbara wedding photos
Photo byJosh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld turned 2024 into the kind of real-life love story and career triumph fans dream about. On May 31, they said 'I do' during a gorgeous ceremony in sunny Santa Barbara, California. But their big day was only part of an epic offseason that saw Allen rewarded with a massive $330 million Buffalo Bills contract and an MVP trophy, while Steinfeld celebrated record-breaking box office success. From popping champagne on private jets to award nominations announced in June, the newlyweds have shared just enough of their adventures to keep fans captivated—and eager for every new detail. Josh Allen's $330M contract, MVP win, and wedding day vows Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen didn't let the team's Super Bowl hopes slipping away define his year. Instead, the 29-year-old quarterback collected the AP's Most Valuable Player Award and, shortly after, signed a six-year, $330 million deal with a record-breaking $250 million guaranteed. But when asked about these milestones during a June 10 media appearance, Allen made it clear nothing mattered more than the commitment he made to Hailee Steinfeld in California, saying: 'I mean they've all been big none other than marrying my best friend. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World And she makes everything easier, so I don't really focus on the other stuff. That was the most important decision I'll make in my life, and I made the right one.' Hailee Steinfeld's wedding photos, honeymoon memories, and award nominations The couple exchanged vows in Santa Barbara on May 31, surrounded by friends and family. A few weeks later, on June 17, Allen shared a collage of honeymoon photos captioned 'Wifey ❤️,' showing the newlyweds with Hawaiian leis and celebrating on a private jet. He didn't reveal their exact destination, but fans got a glimpse of his favorite offseason hobby making an appearance as Steinfeld joined him on the golf course. Steinfeld shared her own behind-the-scenes wedding photos this week, simply captioning them 'HUSBAND!' In her Beau Society newsletter, she opened up about reliving their special day, writing: 'Over the past two weeks, random yet very specific memories have been popping back into our heads, and we've been blurting them out to each other, often through smiles, laughs, and tears.' Meanwhile, the good news didn't stop with the honeymoon. On Monday, June 30, the 2025 Astra Midseason Movie Awards announced Steinfeld as a nominee for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sinners, a film that also became the highest-grossing original horror movie in domestic box office history. Celebrating Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld's biggest wins on and off the field From their Santa Barbara wedding to award show nominations and record-setting contracts, Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld are proving they're more than just a power couple—they're each other's biggest supporters. Want to keep up with their incredible journey? Stay tuned as this love story keeps unfolding, on and off the field, and on screens everywhere. Also Read: 'Worst RB room in the league': Colin Cowherd rips Dallas Cowboys for passing on Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Newsweek
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Braves Urged to Lock Up Ronald Acuna Jr. With $300M Deal After Latest Heroics
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Atlanta Braves have a lot of work to do if they're going to turn their season around, but the return of superstar outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. has been a great start. Since coming back from an ACL injury a month ago, the former Most Valuable Player Award winner has slashed .396/.500/.713 with nine homers in 101 at-bats. Facing questions about how he might perform after his second significant knee injury, Acuna has answered them emphatically. And one writer believes it could push the Braves to revisit his contract. "The 27-year-old has not only been the Braves best player, but also the best player in baseball," Mitchell Barbee wrote for FanSided. "While Acuna Jr. still has three years remaining on his deal after the 2025 season, Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves front office need to act now if they want to keep the slugger in a Braves uniform for life." SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 07: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves looks on from the on-deck circle against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the third inning of a major... SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 07: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves looks on from the on-deck circle against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the third inning of a major league baseball game at Oracle Park on June 07, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) More Henderson/Getty Acuna signed an eight-year, $100 million extension with the Braves, and he'd likely be a steal at just $17 million per season in the remaining two years of that contract, with two more $17 million club options beyond. But as he proves he is still a franchise player after his latest return from injury, the Braves might feel they have some valuable leverage to lock him into a longer deal now. To that end, Barbee urged that the Braves can extend the outfielder by upping his contract to $300 million over 12 years. "Instead of waiting out Acuna's contract to offer him an extension, the Braves could instead offer to renegotiate the club options, as well as the final guaranteed option," he wrote. "This way, the Braves could extend their superstar for life with an average annual value (AAV) they've shown they're comfortable with." As the outfielder looks better than ever in his return, the team has a chance to sign him for life with some leverage that they might never see again. More MLB: Shohei Ohtani Makes Disappointing Playing Decision After Pitching Return
Newsweek
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Yankees' Cody Bellinger Responds to New Bench Role
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The New York Yankees suffered a second-straight shutout loss on Monday as their scoreless drought reached a surprising 20 innings. The Yankees' hitters are sure to figure things out soon as they've proven to be one of the most potent groups in all of baseball this season. But with the return of Giancarlo Stanton from injury, the team has been forced to move some star players into bench roles as at-bats prove hard to come by. "Yankees manager Aaron Boone huddled with six of his 13 position players before Monday night's homestand opener, three of them former MVPs who are not named Aaron Judge," according to Randy Miller. "They were told all six deserved to be regulars, but from this day forward until further notice (or injuries), two of them probably would be bench players each day." On Monday, that meant 2022 Most Valuable Player Award winner Paul Goldschmidt was on the bench, even though he has been one of the Yankees' best hitters so far. Soon, it will mean that 2019 MVP Cody Bellinger becomes a bench player, despite his $80 million contract. ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MAY 27: Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees looks on in the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 27, 2025... ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MAY 27: Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees looks on in the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 27, 2025 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by) More Tapia/Getty For his part, though, Bellinger is taking the new role in stride. "At the end of the day, we're all here for one goal, obviously winning the division and then getting to the World Series," Bellinger said, per Miller. "I'm sure we've all been on the opposite spectrum of who's going to play these positions, and that's a whole lot worse. So, yeah, we're all onboard with it." Bellinger's response underscored that this is a good problem for the Yankees to have. And the ever-present potential of an injury means that the logjam could clear itself in the near future. But until then, the Yankees will have some players getting accustomed to riding the bench for the first time in their storied careers. More MLB: Red Sox Predicted to Trade 7-Time All-Star to Mets After Rafael Devers Shocker
Newsweek
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Yankees GM Offers 4-Word Response on Poaching Breakout Contributor From Rival
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The New York Yankees knew their offense would be in good shape, but the pitching staff has been more of a surprise. After adding former Most Valuable Player Award winners Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger alongside superstar Aaron Judge, the team seemed to be capable of replacing Juan Soto and marching on with one of baseball's stronger batting orders. But after it lost Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil during spring training, the rotation faced some serious questions. The staff has answered those questions as it holds a top-10 ERA and the third-most strikeouts of any team in Major League Baseball. And while the likes of Max Fried, Carlos Rodon and Will Warren deserve a lot of credit, one of the most surprising reasons for the success has been Ryan Yarbrough. Despite throwing one of the slowest fastballs in the majors, Yarbrough maintained a 2.08 ERA in his first five starts for the Yankees after moving out of the bullpen. He has pitched for five different teams in the last eight seasons without any clear-cut success, but when he was pushed off the opening day roster by the division rival Toronto Blue Jays, the Yankees rushed to snatch him up. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 08: New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman speaks to the media prior to the start of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on April... NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 08: New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman speaks to the media prior to the start of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on April 08, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by) More Stobe/Getty "When Yarbrough became a free agent March 23, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman immediately contacted the pitcher's agent," Ken Rosenthal reported for The Athletic. "The next day, Yarbrough was a Yankee." Given the premium on effective starting pitchers and the questions the Yankees faced at the beginning of the season, Cashman's move has been one of the year's savviest acquisitions for the first-place club. And the general manager underscored that impact with a four-word response on acquiring Yarbrough: "He's just been exceptional," Cashman said, per Rosenthal. "We knew he was a strike thrower, knew he wasn't afraid and he could give us protection and length," Cashman added. "Obviously, what he has turned into is a helluva lot more than that." As the Yankees look to turn a hot start into another World Series run, that move for Yarbrough might keep paying dividends. More MLB: Yankees Urged to Acquire $66 Million All-Star Slugger in Blockbuster Trade
