Montez Sweat anchors Chicago’s bye-week discussion as the Bears weigh a cap-leaning path: keep the pricey edge, rework the deal, or move on and lean on a budding rotation. The crew weighs Sweat’s $98 million four-year pact, roughly $25 million against the cap, and the potential $8.1 million dead cap hit if cut. DomRob and Austin Booker are viewed as key complementary pieces, with a possible edge-rich draft on the horizon to avoid overpaying in free agency. TJ Edwards and Kyler Gordon returning could sharpen run defense, while Caleb Williams buzz seeps into fan bets and DFS talk. The weekend slate—Browns at Vikings in London and Lions at Bengals—adds betting texture as development and scheme take center stage over quick fixes.

David Sterns outlined a defense-first off-season for the Mets, stressing run prevention, improved fielding, and a proactive plan to fortify the rotation. He reiterated the value of Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz, signaling Alonso could split duties at first base and DH while Diaz remains a cornerstone closer as the bullpen is rebuilt.

Internally, Sterns flagged Jet Williams, Ronnie Mauricio, and Mark Vientos as part of the solution but warned youth alone isn’t enough to win next year. The message: balance defense with offense, stay aggressive on pitching, and move decisively to deliver a smarter, deeper roster tailored to a post-season push.

Pete Alonso's contract talks anchor winter chatter in Queens. A five-year, roughly $175 million deal seems plausible given his age (31) and power, with Olson and Freeman as benchmarks and Nimmo/Lindor looming in the payroll ladder. The panel flags the balance of offense and defense, arguing the Mets may need to preserve Alonso while exploring defensive upgrades and potential opt-outs to manage risk.

Beyond Alonso, misgivings about run prevention push discussions toward defensive alignments, possible DH time for Alonso, and a look at next year's free-agent crop—Naylor, O’Hearn, Goldschmidt—as contingencies if Alonso tests the market. The conversation maps a careful path between star retention and roster reshaping.

David Sterns owned the Mets’ collapse in a blunt closing press conference, vowing accountability and a sharper focus on run prevention through stronger pitching and defense. The Mets will evaluate the coaching staff, consider changes, and pursue external arms while keeping Mendoza. Center field and offensive balance are flagged as core fixes, not pure lineup tinkering.

Key moves center on developing internal starters, weighing a frontline arm, and rethinking roles to boost defense and run production. The core trio of Lindor, Soto, and Nimmo stays in play, with Alonso potentially taking DH duties to improve overall balance. Ownership signals urgency but insists on a thoughtful, roster-fit approach.