Former Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks died on Saturday at age 79, the team confirmed. Hicks previously owned the Rangers and Dallas Stars during some of the most successful periods. The Rangers praised Hicks as a passionate, competitive owner and extended condolences to his family. Hicks owned the Rangers from 1998 to 2010, including division titles in his first two seasons. He hired executives Jon Daniels, Ron Washington, and Nolan Ryan, shaping future pennant-winning teams later. Under Hicks, the Rangers reached their first two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011. In 2000, He approved Alex Rodriguez’s record-setting 10-year, $252 million contract with the Rangers at the time. He also oversaw major off-field developments, including Riders Field and the Surprise Recreation Complex projects. The former rangers owner also owned the Dallas Stars, who won the Stanley Cup in 1999 during his ownership tenure. He is survived by his wife Cinda and their six children, the family said Sunday.

Trade buzz is growing around Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore as teams seek starting pitching upgrades. Several pitchers headline the market, though Detroit ace Tarik Skubal would command the largest trade package. ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that some clubs definitely expect Gore to be traded this offseason. More than half the league has checked on Gore, while Washington continues listening to offers. However, the Nationals’ asking price for the 26-year-old All-Star remains understandably high this winter period. Gore earned his first All-Star nod in 2025, striking out 185 hitters across nearly 160 innings. Under club control for two seasons, Gore owns a 10.1 strikeouts-per-nine rate since 2023 began.