Professional Sports

Ranking 11 recent MLB extensions

There has been a spate of contract extensions since March, driven in part by significantly increased arbitration salaries and higher-dollar free-agent contracts. The Mets pushed to a record $765 million this winter to land Juan Soto, while the Blue Jays stretched to a whopping $500 million this week to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr. With those […]

Published

3 weeks ago

April 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

There has been a spate of contract extensions since March, driven in part by significantly increased arbitration salaries and higher-dollar free-agent contracts.

The Mets pushed to a record $765 million this winter to land Juan Soto, while the Blue Jays stretched to a whopping $500 million this week to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr. With those deals shaping and reflecting the market, teams realize they now need to lock up their young players earlier in order to control them longer, and more importantly, to save money in an industry where contracts go up year after year.

With so many deals this spring, I decided to rank 11 extensions from the club perspective — the best contracts to the riskiest ones. (Note: Every contract comes with risk and uncertainty on both sides along with its own set of variables the player and team weigh.)

1. Jackson Merrill, CF, Padres — nine years, $135 million

Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller deserves high marks for the Merrill deal, which is the most club-friendly extension signed so far this spring.

Merrill, 21, finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting last year after slashing .292/.326/.500 with 31 doubles, six triples, 24 home runs, 90 RBIs and 16 stolen bases in 19 attempts. He went on the injured list this week with a hamstring strain after a strong start to the season.

Merrill’s nine-year extension with a club option for a 10th year takes him to age 30 or 31, when he can hit the free-agent market and land another huge deal. How much Merrill makes over this contract will depend heavily on how well he performs, as the deal is loaded with incentives and escalators that could bring the final amount to more than $200 million. However, the Padres bought out four years of arbitration and at least four years of free agency, which could lead to significant savings if Merrill continues to shine.

With Guerrero receiving $500 million and impending free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker expected to get north of that in the offseason, imagine what deals could look like for elite talent in 2030? A billion dollars is not out of the realm of possibility. Therefore, conservatively speaking, this contract could save the Padres hundreds of millions if Merrill lives up to his potential. He belongs in the same conversation with Guerrero and Tucker in terms of overall talent, ability and potential.

Kristian Campbell batted .351/.457/.622 over his first 46 big-league plate appearances. (Eric Canha / Imagn Images)

2. Kristian Campbell, 2B/OF, Red Sox — eight years, $60 million

Campbell has incredible bat speed and makes consistent sweet-spot contact. Last season he slashed .330/.439/.558 with 32 doubles, 20 home runs, 77 RBIs and 24 stolen bases in 115 games across three minor-league levels. That success has continued in the majors this season as he posted a 1.079 OPS in his first 11 games.

The Red Sox wasted no time in extending Campbell just a week into his big-league career on a club-favorable eight-year contract that could ultimately cost him tens of millions of dollars or even hundreds of millions. Somehow the Red Sox were able to get two club option years — at $19 million for 2033 and $21 million for ’34. They’ve basically secured a decade of his services at far below today’s market value — let alone what the numbers will look like years from now. Campbell will be paid at or near the top of the arbitration system numbers of the current market, but he also gave up two to four years of free agency, which is significant for a player with this type of talent.

However, from the player’s perspective, how can a 22-year-old turn down $60 million in guaranteed money when they haven’t proven anything at the major-league level and can mitigate the risk of injury or underperformance? Every contract decision is personal. A chance to take care of your family financially is tough to turn down.

I love Campbell’s hit tool, power and athleticism. He has shown a special ability to learn and adjust quickly and should be a star for years to come. He left way too much money on the table, in my opinion, but the Red Sox deserve credit for getting this deal done. Now they should work on Roman Anthony and try to extend the top prospect before he plays a single big-league game.

3. Garrett Crochet, LHP, Red Sox — six years, $170 million

After Max Fried got an eight-year, $218 million contract from the Yankees and Corbin Burnes signed a six-year, $210 million deal with the Diamondbacks this past offseason, it was incredible to see the Red Sox extend Crochet with this six-year pact considering they were able to secure four of his free-agent years and team control through his age-31 season. (The deal spans the 2026-31 seasons but includes an opt-out after 2030.)

Granted, Fried and Burnes had the advantage of open-market bidding, and both had a more proven track record than Crochet, whom Boston acquired in a blockbuster trade with the White Sox in December. But in reality, when negotiating contracts, teams pay for future performance more than past results, and quite frankly, I’d take Crochet over Fried and Burnes over the next six years. Before this season, I picked Crochet to win this year’s American League Cy Young Award — that’s how much I like him.

go-deeper GO DEEPERExtension takeaways: What deals for Garrett Crochet, Cal Raleigh, others mean for the market

4. Lawrence Butler, RF, Athletics — seven years, $65.5 million

The Athletics did an excellent job in extending Butler, buying out all three of his arbitration years and securing two free-agent years as well as a club option for 2032. The deal could be worth up to $87.5 million based on incentives, escalators and the option year. But here’s what’s mind-blowing: In what would have been his free-agent years, Butler will be paid “only” $14 million (2030), $16 million (’31), and $20 million (’32). He projects to be a $30 million per year player by then — and that’s based on today’s prices.

Butler, 24, slashed .262/.317/.490 last season with 24 doubles, 22 home runs and 57 RBIs while swiping 18 bags in 18 attempts. This season, he has a 128 OPS+ entering Wednesday. He ranks in the 83rd percentile in bat speed and in the 70th percentile in barrel rate.

5. Tanner Bibee, RHP, Guardians — five years, $48 million

I never like giving pitchers who are under team control long-term extensions because of the risk of injuries or decline. These days, over any five-year period, a Tommy John surgery or another significant setback is always possible, which immediately hurts how the contract plays out for the club. But it’s worth the risk when a pitcher is young, doesn’t have a lot of innings on their arm and has a chance to be a top-of-the-rotation starter.

Bibee fits these criteria after posting 56 starts over 2023 and ’24, going 22-12 with a 3.34 ERA in that span. And the Guardians were able to secure one of his free-agent years, and potentially two with a 2030 club option, making this a club-friendly deal.

6. Brandon Pfaadt, RHP, Diamondbacks — five years, $45 million

After the Bibee extension, the Diamondbacks did the same type of deal with Pfaadt. Although there should have been more separation in value between the pitchers based on their respective early career performances, Pfaadt (4.71 ERA in 32 games last season) has similar upside to Bibee. Also, with starters Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly eligible for free agency this fall, it was important for the Diamondbacks to extend Pfaadt on an affordable contract to ensure rotation stability in the future.

Cal Raleigh hit 34 home runs with 100 RBIs last season. (Bob Kupbens / Imagn Images)

7. Cal Raleigh, C, Mariners — six years, $105 million

The Mariners have the only major-league catcher who hit at least 30 home runs in each of the past two seasons, and despite a pedestrian career slash line of .218/.297/.442, Raleigh has finished in the top 18 in AL MVP voting the past two years. So the defense, along with the power, is what the M’s were really paying for. A Gold Glove Award winner in 2024, Raleigh, 28, ranks in the 76th percentile in framing.

The six-year contract takes him to age 34 and ensures the Mariners don’t have to worry about decline after that. The signing also allows them to use their top catching prospect, Harry Ford, as trade bait at some point as they try to improve their offense.

The highest-paid catcher in baseball history was Hall of Famer Joe Mauer, who signed an eight-year, $184 million deal in 2010; the second-highest is future Hall of Famer Buster Posey, who inked a nine-year, $167 million pact in 2013. The Phillies’ J.T. Realmuto is in the final season of a five-year, $115.5 million deal, a $23.1 million average annual value that set a record for a catcher. I understand those are old deals, and this one demonstrates how the market has changed. Raleigh’s new deal, as detailed in this piece by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, covers three arbitration years and three free-agent years and includes a $20 million vesting player option that Raleigh can exercise if he appears in 100 games as a catcher in four of the six seasons. Bottom line: This is a fair market deal for both sides.

8. Alejandro Kirk, C, Blue Jays — five years, $58 million

With this extension, the Blue Jays did what you’re supposed to do in the stock market: buy low. Kirk was coming off a disappointing season in which his on-base percentage dipped for a third consecutive season and he hit just five home runs, the fewest in a full season. He was an All-Star and Silver Slugger winner in 2022, slashing .285/.372/.415 with 14 home runs and 63 RBIs, but his performance over the past two years didn’t approach that standard.

The Blue Jays believe he can regain his past form now that he’s clearly their No. 1 catcher, but they inked him to a contract that values him more in line with his past two subpar seasons rather than the All-Star year. It’s a market deal, but Kirk has shown he has more upside. I like the gamble by the Jays at this cost point.

9. Justin Martinez, RHP, Diamondbacks — five years, $18 million

At first blush, I didn’t understand why Arizona wanted to sign Martinez long term after just 74 major-league relief appearances (entering this season), despite the 23-year-old’s overpowering stuff. However, looking at this contract from a club perspective, it only guarantees $18 million and secures five years plus three team options, making it a no-brainer for Arizona. (Including options and escalators, the deal could max out at $39 million.) That’s worth the risk even though relievers can come and go in a flash. There’s a good chance this contract works out well enough for the D-Backs.

10. Ketel Marte, 2B, Diamondbacks — six years, $116.5 million

Marte was the Diamondbacks’ best player last season, batting .292/.372/.560 with 23 doubles, 36 home runs and 95 RBIs. He finished third in the NL MVP voting and won his first Silver Slugger Award. He was already under contract through 2027 with a team option for 2028, taking him through his age-34 season at club-friendly numbers. However, the new deal adds $64 million and takes him through 2031. (It includes a player option in 2031 for $11.5 million.) My question for the D-Backs is, why? You had Marte signed through his prime years and now you’ve added higher-risk years on the back end of the deal? I would have waited another year or two before considering another extension for Marte, who is currently on the IL with a hamstring strain.

11. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B, Blue Jays — 14 years, $500 million

At the end of the day, the Blue Jays had no choice but to grossly overpay to sign Guerrero, 26, to what amounts to a lifetime contract as it includes a full no-trade clause. This $500 million deal significantly changes the market for years to come.

Yes, Soto got $765 million from the Mets, but he’s a generational talent. Yes, Shohei Ohtani got a heavily deferred $700 million from the Dodgers two offseasons ago, but he’s the best overall player on the planet and the net present value of his contract is about $460 million. Guerrero’s comparables were more along the lines of players who are paid in the $300 million to $350 million range — Rafael Devers, Corey Seager, Bryce Harper, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado — and below the likes of Aaron Judge ($360 million) and Mookie Betts ($365 million). But with the Guerrero deal, the going rate for mid-to-late-20s star players now starts at $500 million, shifting that market by a stunning $150 million. One person who must be thrilled about this is Tucker, who is expected to get more than $500 million, with a chance at $600 million, when he reaches free agency at season’s end.

The Blue Jays could have signed Guerrero to an extension in the $300 million range two years ago, but decided to wait, and it cost them dearly. The good news is they managed to retain the face of their franchise and keep a big bat in the middle of their lineup for years to come. But the bad news is in doing so at $500 million, the club has taken on much more risk, and the marketplace is now changed forever.

go-deeper GO DEEPERThree takeaways from MLB’s wave of extensions: How Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reached $500 million

(Top image photos: Jackson Merrill: Orlando Ramirez / Getty Images; Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: Elsa / Getty Images)

Related Topics:20s arm athletic bad baseball big blue bottom buy deals exercise ford history images late mlb new news season speed sports sweet team track try white winter

Up Next

Above the Rim Summit helps prepare women's basketball standouts for professional sports careers

Don't Miss

Santa Monica won't host beach volleyball for 2028 Olympic Games

Click to comment

Professional Sports

Mets, Dodgers, Pitch Clock Push MLB to Best April Attendance Since 2017

Mets, Dodgers Push MLB to Best April Attendance Since 2017 Loading stock data… Privacy Manager 2

Published

4 hours ago

May 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Mets, Dodgers, Pitch Clock Push MLB to Best April Attendance Since 2017

Mets, Dodgers Push MLB to Best April Attendance Since 2017

Loading stock data…

High School Sports

Menlo Atherton basketball coach takes legal action

Menlo-Atherton boys varsity basketball coach Mike Molieri and his team in 2018. Photo by Bob Dahlberg. Mike Molieri, a Menlo-Atherton High School teacher and varsity basketball coach, has taken legal action against the Sequoia Union High School District claiming retaliation and discrimination. Since being placed on administrative leave in August 2024, Molieri has been absent […]

Published

5 hours ago

May 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Menlo Atherton basketball coach takes legal action

Menlo-Atherton boys varsity basketball coach Mike Molieri and his team in 2018. Photo by Bob Dahlberg.

Mike Molieri, a Menlo-Atherton High School teacher and varsity basketball coach, has taken legal action against the Sequoia Union High School District claiming retaliation and discrimination. Since being placed on administrative leave in August 2024, Molieri has been absent from the classroom and basketball courts while the district investigation continues.

The school district is now involved in at least five lawsuits alleging school administrators engaged in antisemetic practices, wrongful termination and discrimination.

According to the claim, Molieri believes he was “unlawfully placed on administrative leave in violation of the Whistleblower Protection Act” after bringing up his concerns about the district’s treatment of students. It also alleges that Molieri was discriminated against for his Latin heritage and his support for students of color.

Molieri worked at M-A as a special education teacher for 21 years and as the boys varsity basketball coach for 12 years. He’s led the basketball team to multiple championship games.

When his absence was noticed at the start of the school year, students and parents confronted the Board of Trustees during school board meetings asking why he was on leave and when he would return. According to some students, Molieri was known for providing youth with a safe space on campus and acted as a mentor to many students.

The last basketball season passed without the direction of Molieri who has yet to be interviewed as part of the district administration’s investigation into allegations made against him, according to the claim. Mike Molieri with Menlo-Atherton student Jalen William during the 2023 CCS championship for boys basketball. Courtesy Dan Molieri.The district alleges he violated policies including: failure to notify the district of students he believed needed changes to their special education plan; disclosure of confidential student information to non-district employees; making false statements about students to staff and administrators; and soliciting parents, students and staff to engage in professional services of his brother Dan Molieri, a private investigator for the Law Offices of John Burris. Burris is representing the case involving the arrested M-A student in 2023.

The claim states that Mike Molieri “denies all allegations and denies that any such actions violated any applicable administrative polices or procedures.” It adds that these allegations only arose after he reported his belief that the district was involved in legal violations.

Dan Molieri believes said violations were in relation to sensitive information about the arrest of the M-A student, who was one of Mike Molieri’s students. The student, referred to as K.C. in lawsuits, allegedly had his confidential student records released to the police by an undisclosed person at M-A.

The claim states that Molieri heard of “an audio tape being shared with people that contained confidential information” regarding K.C.

According to the suit, Molieri communicated to administrators about his concerns for the student, confidentiality issues and concerns that he was being targeted due to his relationship with his brother and his advocacy for disadvantaged students of color.

“It was discussed that members of the administration were sharing confidential information that was portraying a minor student in a negative manner and doing so broke the rules of confidentiality as it relates to the Independent Education Program,” said the claim.

Molieri had intended to file a complaint alleging the district had violated federal policies through this breach of privacy, it added.

Leading up to his placement on leave, Molieri was involved in other incidents that date back to 2022 involving false accusations against his colleagues and difficulties with the district administrators

“We strongly believe that this is a case of ongoing harassment, discrimination and most importantly retaliation,” said Molieri’s attorney Harry Stern.

The claim is asking for more than $70,000 for damages including loss of income, emotional distress and damage to reputation. Molieri is currently seeking treatment for anxiety and stress as a result of being placed on leave, the complaint adds.

The district was served papers on April 29 and will now have the opportunity to evaluate the claim and decide whether to reject or accept it. If rejected, attorneys will have six months to file a lawsuit against the district.

“My hope is the district will do the right thing and accept responsibility, but we are planning on moving forward with a lawsuit if that is not the case,” Stern said.

The district did not immediately respond to this news organization about Mike Molieri’s investigation.

College Sports

New Shows On Apple TV+ This Month Highlighted By A Sci

Apple TV+ has taken a quality-over-quantity approach since its inception, and May 2025 is a showcase of that philosophy in action. This month’s lineup is refreshingly diverse—blending cerebral science fiction, adrenaline-pumping adventure, poignant documentaries, charming family tales, and immersive music experiences. Whether you’re into character-driven drama or quirky animated specials, there’s something worth watching. Long […]

Published

5 hours ago

May 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

New Shows On Apple TV+ This Month Highlighted By A Sci

Long Way Home (May 9)

Genre: Travel Docuseries
Stars: Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman
The beloved duo returns for their fourth adventure, this time journeying through 17 European countries on vintage motorcycles. Starting in Scotland and wrapping in England, Long Way Home builds on the legacy of Long Way Round, Down, and Up with even more raw, scenic footage, unexpected roadblocks, and cultural encounters. For newcomers, the entire saga is available to stream on Apple TV+, making May a perfect time to binge the full journey.

Murderbot (May 16)

Apple TV+ debuts trailer for “Murderbot,” premiering May 16 - Apple TV+ Press

Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller/Comedy
Star: Alexander Skarsgård
Based on Martha Wells’ award-winning novels, Murderbot introduces a rogue security android that’s hacked its own governor module to gain autonomy—only to find itself reluctantly drawn into protecting a group of humans. Skarsgård brings both gravitas and wry humor to the role, while the show explores big questions about AI, agency, and what it means to be human—all with a side of soap opera obsession. Episodes will drop weekly on Fridays following a two-episode premiere.

Deaf President Now! (May 16)

Genre: Historical Documentary
This powerful documentary revisits the 1988 Gallaudet University protests, where students demanded the appointment of a Deaf university president. Told from a Deaf perspective, it’s not just a history lesson—it’s a stirring chronicle of activism and representation that still resonates in today’s broader push for inclusivity and equal access. Expect raw archival footage, interviews with student leaders, and a spotlight on a defining civil rights moment.

Fountain of Youth (May 23)

Genre: Action-Adventure Film
Cast: John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eiza González, Domhnall Gleeson, Stanley Tucci
Guy Ritchie directs this globetrotting adventure that follows estranged siblings as they unravel clues to the mythical Fountain of Youth. The film balances sleek action set pieces with humor and emotional beats, leaning into a Da Vinci Code-meets-National Treasure tone. With a cast this stacked and Ritchie’s kinetic visual style, it’s positioned to be one of Apple TV+’s biggest original films of the year.

Bono: Stories of Surrender (May 30)

Apple Original Films announces new documentary event “Bono: Stories of Surrender” - Apple TV+ Press

Genre: Music Documentary
Shot in immersive 180-degree video, this one-man show blends stories from Bono’s memoir with live renditions of U2’s most iconic songs. The film captures performances from his 2023 tour and gives a deeply personal look at the life, activism, and philosophy of the legendary frontman. The immersive version is also available on Apple Vision Pro, pushing the boundaries of traditional concert films.

Lulu Is a Rhinoceros (May 30)

Apple TV+ announces “Lulu Is a Rhinoceros,” an animated special premiering May 30 - Apple TV+ Press

Genre: Animated Family Special
Voice Talent: Auli’i Cravalho
Adapted from the children’s book by Jason and Allison Flom, this animated tale of identity and acceptance features Lulu, a bulldog who believes she’s a rhinoceros. Filled with vibrant animation, original songs, and a message about self-expression, it’s ideal for family movie night. Cravalho’s warm narration adds charm and sincerity to this uplifting special.

New Episodes of Ongoing Favorites

Apple TV Icon

Your Friends & Neighbors (Drama) – Continues Fridays through May 30
The Studio (Workplace Comedy) – Episodes 8–10 air on May 7, 14, and 21
Government Cheese (Surrealist Comedy) – Weekly on Wednesdays; finale on May 28
Carême (French-language Historical Drama) – New episodes every Wednesday, exploring espionage through the eyes of a culinary genius in Napoleon-era France

What’s Coming Next

Stick (June 4)

Genre: Sports Comedy
Star: Owen Wilson
Looking ahead to early June, Stick lands with Owen Wilson taking on the golf world in a comedic role that blends sports antics with midlife crisis drama. Apple TV+ is clearly betting on Wilson’s charisma and a fresh setting to deliver their next breakout comedy hit.

Key Takeaways

Apple TV+ is releasing several new shows in March 2025 including “The Studio,” “Dope Thief,” and “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
Critical favorites like “Severance” and “Mythic Quest” continue to be standout offerings on the streaming platform.
The service is expanding with diverse content ranging from sports documentaries to drama series to appeal to a broader audience.

New and Upcoming Shows on Apple TV+

May 2025 is a stellar month for Apple TV+ as it flexes its muscles across every genre—from bold sci-fi experiments to emotional documentaries and star-studded adventures. The platform continues to distinguish itself with carefully crafted content rather than content overload, giving each title room to breathe—and more importantly, room to be discovered. Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, cry, think, or escape, Apple TV+ has your next binge covered.

Apple TV+ continues to expand its catalog with exciting new series and the return of fan favorites in 2025. The streaming service is investing heavily in diverse content spanning multiple genres while bringing back some of its most acclaimed shows.

Anticipated Debuts

“Your Friends & Neighbors” is among the most anticipated new shows coming to Apple TV+ this spring. This quirky new series will premiere on April 16, offering subscribers a fresh comedy experience. Another newcomer, “Government Cheese,” follows an ex-con looking to turn over a new leaf while making history.

“The Studio” and “Carême” are also joining the lineup, bringing new storytelling perspectives to the platform. Sports fans will be particularly excited about “F1,” a series that explores the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing.

“The Gorge” and “Number One on the Call Sheet” represent Apple’s continued investment in both genre-bending content and documentaries that explore important cultural topics.

Returning Favorites

The biggest news for returning shows is that “Ted Lasso” will come back for a fourth season. This announcement from March 14, 2025, thrilled fans who thought the beloved soccer comedy had ended with season three.

“Severance,” one of Apple’s most critically acclaimed series, is also returning with new episodes that continue its mind-bending workplace drama. “Silo” fans can look forward to more dystopian storytelling in its next season.

“The Morning Show” and “For All Mankind” continue to be flagship series for the platform. “Foundation,” based on Isaac Asimov’s classic sci-fi series, is preparing another visually stunning season that expands on its complex universe.

Expanding Genres and Formats

Apple TV+ is diversifying its content with shows like “Dope Thief,” which blends crime drama with dark comedy. The platform is also branching into more limited series formats that tell complete stories in a single season.

“Bad Sisters” and “Shrinking” showcase Apple’s strength in creating shows that balance humor with deeper emotional themes. “Pachinko,” the beautiful multi-generational drama, continues to demonstrate Apple’s commitment to international storytelling and diverse perspectives.

“Mythic Quest,” the workplace comedy set in a video game company, remains a strong performer in Apple’s comedy lineup. “Slow Horses,” the spy thriller starring Gary Oldman, continues to build its fanbase with each new season.

“Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series” highlights Apple’s growing interest in sports documentaries and event coverage.

Apple TV+ Advancements and Collaborations

Apple TV+ continues to expand its influence in the streaming world through strategic partnerships and technological innovations. The platform has secured deals with major industry players while implementing new features to enhance viewer experience.

High-Profile Partnerships

Apple TV+ has forged impressive collaborations with renowned filmmakers and actors. Martin Scorsese has joined forces with the streaming service for exclusive content development, bringing his legendary storytelling expertise to the platform.

David Oyelowo is set to star in “Number One on the Call Sheet,” a documentary series exploring the challenges and triumphs of Black actors in Hollywood. This project highlights Apple’s commitment to diverse storytelling.

The platform has also secured rights to “F1,” a highly anticipated racing series that will compete directly with Netflix’s popular motorsport content. This move signals Apple’s strategy to attract sports enthusiasts.

Other upcoming shows include “The Studio,” “Government Cheese,” and “Your Friends & Neighbors,” reflecting Apple’s investment in varied content genres to broaden its subscriber base.

Innovations in Streaming

Apple TV+ has enhanced its content measurement and audience research tools to better understand viewer preferences. These improvements allow for more targeted content development based on actual watching habits.

The service has implemented advanced security measures to protect user IP addresses while still gathering essential data for personalized advertising. This balances privacy concerns with revenue generation needs.

Subscription options have become more flexible, with new tiers being introduced to compete with other streaming services. The platform now offers both ad-supported and ad-free options at different price points.

Apple’s services development team has created a more intuitive interface for browsing the growing library of Apple Original shows and movies. New releases are now organized in ways that make discovery easier for subscribers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apple TV+ has expanded its lineup with several new shows and seasons in 2025. These frequently asked questions cover the latest releases, popular series, and critically acclaimed content available on the streaming platform.

What are the latest original series released on Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ recently released “The Crossing,” a sci-fi thriller starring Emmy winner Regina King. The show explores time travel consequences in a near-future world.

“Legends of Tomorrow” debuted in February 2025, bringing a fresh historical fiction angle to the platform. Each episode features a different legendary figure reimagined for modern audiences.

“The Circuit,” a Formula 1 documentary series, launched in early March 2025 with unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to drivers and teams.

Which new shows on Apple TV+ are gaining popularity this year?

“Homestead,” a frontier drama set in Montana, has become one of Apple TV+’s most-watched new series. Its authentic portrayal of rural life has resonated with viewers seeking something different.

“The Algorithm,” a tech thriller about artificial intelligence gone wrong, has generated significant buzz on social media. The show stars Michael Fassbender and Sandra Oh.

“Culinary Masters” has gained a devoted following with its unique competition format that pairs amateur cooks with world-renowned chefs.

What are the top critically acclaimed series on Apple TV+ currently?

“Severance” Season 2 has received universal praise from critics, with many calling it even better than its groundbreaking first season. The psychological thriller continues to explore workplace dystopia.

“Pachinko” continues its critical success with its third season, maintaining a 98% rating on review aggregators. The multi-generational Korean family saga has expanded its storytelling scope.

“Slow Horses” remains a critical darling in its fifth season. The spy drama starring Gary Oldman consistently receives nominations for major television awards.

What are the new Apple TV+ shows available for streaming now?

“The Ambassador,” a political drama set in Washington DC and various global embassies, released its complete first season in January 2025. All eight episodes are available for streaming.

“Boundless,” an adventure reality competition filmed across remote locations worldwide, drops new episodes weekly on Fridays.

“Last Light,” a post-apocalyptic thriller starring Jennifer Lawrence, premiered its first three episodes on March 15, with remaining episodes releasing weekly.

Can you list the latest Apple TV+ series adaptations from books?

“The Silent Patient,” based on Alex Michaelides’ bestselling psychological thriller, premiered in February 2025. The adaptation stars Zendaya in the lead role.

“Project Hail Mary,” adapted from Andy Weir’s sci-fi novel, launched in January 2025. Ryan Gosling leads this space adventure about humanity’s last hope against extinction.

“The Lincoln Highway,” based on Amor Towles’ novel, debuted its eight-episode season in March 2025. The period drama follows four young men on a cross-country journey in 1954.

What is the current lineup of Apple TV+ shows for this season?

“Ted Lasso” is returning for a surprise fourth season in April 2025 after a two-year hiatus. The beloved comedy continues following AFC Richmond’s journey.

“Foundation” Season 3 continues the epic sci-fi saga with new episodes releasing weekly. The adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s classic series has expanded its scope.

“The Morning Show” will release its fifth and final season in May 2025. The media drama starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon will conclude its award-winning run.

Professional Sports

Georges St

Legendary MMA coach Firas Zahabi says actor Keanu Reeves copied one of his techniques for the ‘John Wick’ franchise. UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre is arguably one of the greatest fighters of all time after a legendary career inside the Octagon. But his success likely wouldn’t’ve produced the same results without his star-studded team […]

Published

15 hours ago

May 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Legendary MMA coach Firas Zahabi says actor Keanu Reeves copied one of his techniques for the ‘John Wick’ franchise.

UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre is arguably one of the greatest fighters of all time after a legendary career inside the Octagon. But his success likely wouldn’t’ve produced the same results without his star-studded team at Tristar Gym, led by top-tier coach Firas Zahabi.

St-Pierre is one of a handful of fighters to earn UFC titles in multiple weight classes during his career. After a lengthy hiatus following a close welterweight title defense against Johny Hendricks, St-Pierre returned at UFC 217, dethroning then-middleweight titleholder Michael Bisping for the 185 lb belt.

Zahabi is known for his unorthodox training methods and slew of top talent he’s helped grow inside the gym, including his younger brother Aiemann, who returns at UFC 315 later this month against Jose Aldo. But according to Zahabi, not all of his techniques have been learned and perfected solely inside the gym’s walls.

Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Firas Zahabi accuses Keanu Reeves of ‘ripping off’ one of his techniques for ‘John Wick’

Actor Keanu Reeves is one of the most successful action stars to hit the big screen, after memorable performances in ‘The Matrix’ and the ‘John Wick’ movie franchise. His movies are known to include high-octane drama and action, and he’s trained in some martial arts during his film career to pull off his own stunts.

But according to Zahabi, one of Reeves’s on-screen techniques came from Tristar.

During a recent upload to the Tristar Gym YouTube channel, Firas Zahabi accused Reeves of plagiarism.

“It was a great move, it’s called the web guard. I used to call it the web guard. I used to rush people punching and kicking and then whenever they would grab a hold of me, if they grabbed me with an underhook, I would jump web guard,” Zahabi explained. “If I grab them with an underhook, I could also do it, so it didn’t matter to me, which is what I loved. As soon as we tied up, I could get the fight to the ground.”

“I put this move out of circulation,” Zahabi continued. “But then a man by the name of Keanu Reeves, the man actually dared to rip me off. Now, I’m used to the white man stealing from me, but if he’s a fellow Lebanese, that’s the problem. Now that I know he’s a fellow Lebanese, I must insist that I collect from him. When the white man steals from me, I’m not so upset. I expect it! But a fellow Lebanese? This cannot go unpunished. He jumps web guard in the movie. Long story short, Keanu, you owe me massari.” (h/t MMA Mania)

MORE BLOODY ELBOW NEWS

Luckily, it appears Zahabi’s claims aren’t from a hostile side, and Reeves hasn’t responded to Zahabi’s remarks. Reeves has attended several high-profile UFC events, including multiple International Fight Week cards in Las Vegas.

Georges St-Pierre advised Tom Aspinall amidst the prolonged Jon Jones wait

As Zahabi prepares his brother and other gym members for their upcoming fights, St-Pierre remains sidelined from combat sports, and a fighting return is unlikely. But St-Pierre keeps a keen eye on what’s happening in MMA, including the ongoing Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall saga.

Since Jones defended the UFC heavyweight title in November, discussions of a potential super fight with Aspinall haven’t slowed down. Aspinall is the UFC’s longest-reigning interim titleholder, stemming from his knockout win over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295.

St-Pierre recently advised Aspinall not to focus on securing the Jones fight, and to open his mind to other potential options in the heavyweight division. If Jones walks away, Ciryl Gane and other top heavyweights are waiting in the wings for a shot at the belt.

High School Sports

APS welcomes David Bahr as new head girls soccer coach

APS welcomes David Bahr as new head girls soccer coach Published 2:59 pm Thursday, May 1, 2025 David Bahr Austin Public Schools has announced the hiring of David Bahr as the new head coach of the Packers girls soccer program. Bahr brings over three decades of experience, leadership, and player development to the Austin sidelines. […]

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2025

Your Sports Nation

APS welcomes David Bahr as new head girls soccer coach

Published 2:59 pm Thursday, May 1, 2025

: David Bahr

Austin Public Schools has announced the hiring of David Bahr as the new head coach of the Packers girls soccer program.

Bahr brings over three decades of experience, leadership, and player development to the Austin sidelines.

Bahr’s coaching journey spans high school, youth, and club soccer — most recently serving as the head boys soccer coach at Byron High School from 2018-2024, where he led the program to a Section 1AA Championship and State Tournament appearance in 2021.

He holds a combined high school varsity coaching record of 222-247-33 and has been recognized multiple times as section and state Coach of the Year.

“I am very excited to get back to coaching High School Girls, after spending the last 15 years coaching High School Boys,” Bahr said. “Austin provides the perfect home with great school administrators, first class facilities and a great fan base. All the ingredients to develop a top-notch program. I can’t wait to get started.”

“Coach Bahr’s experience, passion for the game, and commitment to student-athlete development stood out clearly in our search process,” said Katie Carter, AHS activities director. “He brings a rare combination of deep tactical knowledge, program-building experience, and a genuine heart for mentorship. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Austin Athletics family.”

From 2001–2009, Bahr led the Mayo High School girls’ varsity team to two conference championships and earned five National Academic Team Awards. His tenure with Kasson-Mantorville boys soccer from 2010–2015 saw the program achieve its most successful run in school history, culminating in Bahr being named Minnesota State Coach of the Year in 2015.

Outside of coaching, Bahr served in the Army National Guard as a medical corpsman and has been deeply involved in volunteer work across multiple youth sport boards and community soccer initiatives for more than 30 years.

His coaching philosophy emphasizes character, leadership, tactical intelligence, and academic excellence.

Professional Sports

'It sucks' … Cory Sandhagen addresses the one UFC legend fight that got away

UFC star Cory Sandhagen lost out on his #1 dream fight earlier this year. The highest-ranking UFC Bantamweight to not have fought the champion Merab Dvalishvili returns this weekend in what will be his ninth five-round fight in a row. In the main event of UFC Des Moines, Cory Sandhagen is set to collide with […]

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2025

Your Sports Nation

'It sucks' ... Cory Sandhagen addresses the one UFC legend fight that got away

UFC star Cory Sandhagen lost out on his #1 dream fight earlier this year.

The highest-ranking UFC Bantamweight to not have fought the champion Merab Dvalishvili returns this weekend in what will be his ninth five-round fight in a row.

In the main event of UFC Des Moines, Cory Sandhagen is set to collide with Deiveson Figueiredo, a former two-time flyweight champion.

Few fighters have a resume like Sandhagen’s, the top contender sharing the Octagon with the likes of former champions TJ Dillashaw, Aljamain Sterling, Petr Yan and Frankie Edgar—all by the age of 33.

However, there is one legend missing from the list, a fight that never took place against one of, if not the greatest bantamweight of all time.

Cory Sandhagen says the UFC was trying to match him up with Dominick Cruz

In the lead-up to UFC Des Moines this Saturday, Sandhagen was asked about a fight with Dominick Cruz, the former two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion who retired in February.

Cruz was scheduled to fight Sandhagen’s former foe Rob Font in the co-main event of UFC Seattle but an injury forced him off the card and ultimately into retirement.

“[UFC] always kinda [were] like, ‘Hey, We’re gonna try to do you and Cruz, we’re gonna try to do you and Cruz…’ And yeah, it never happened,” Sandhagen said at media day on Wednesday.

“It sucks that it never happened,” Sandhagen added, detailing how important it was to him.

MORE BLOODY ELBOW NEWS

“It’s always one that I really wanted to have. I mean, I would have loved to have that fight.

“I really looked up to Cruz growing up. Even when I watched my old fights, I’m like, damn, I look like Dominick Cruz…

“I’ve changed a lot since then, but yeah, always looked up to that guy,” Sandhagen said of the future hall of famer.

Dominick Cruz arguably has the greatest footwork in UFC history

Taking after Cruz, Sandhagen rose through the ranks of the UFC bantamweight division utilizing his footwork and striking skills to get past dangerous knockout artists such as Marlon Moraes and John Lineker in a ‘David vs. Goliath’ fight.

Cruz is world-renown for his footwork and ability to cut angles inside the Octagon, making him a tough opponent to get a read on with his unorthodox movement.

On top of that, Cruz had some of the best cardio in the UFC, defeating champions like Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson, TJ Dillashaw and Urijah Faber (twice) over the championship distance.

Cruz won the WEC title in 2010 and was later promoted to the UFC’s inaugural bantamweight champion after the premier promotion purchased WEC.

The story of Dominick Cruz’s career was riddled with injuries, three ACL tears between his two title reigns which were two years apart. In 2016, Cruz pulled off one of the greatest comeback stories ever when he dethroned Dillashaw to recapture his title after a lengthy road to recovery.

Cruz retired from MMA at the age of 39 due to a shoulder injury sustained in his final training camp.