Witt, Royals agree on $291-million extension

The Kansas City Royals and star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. agreed Monday to an 11-year contract worth about US$291 million guaranteed, two people familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press Monday.

The deal includes three years of team options that could drive the value to about $377 million and keep Witt in Kansas City through the 2037 season, according to the people who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the financial terms were not disclosed. Witt's guaranteed salary would make it the 16th largest deal in Major League Baseball history and the second-biggest pre-arbitration extension behind the 14-year, $340-million contract the Padres gave to Fernando Tatis Jr. last April.

The Royals planned a Tuesday news conference to discuss the longest and richest contract in club history.

The 23-year-old Witt became the first Royals player to enter the 30-30 club last year when he hit 30 homers and stole 49 bases. The only other American League shortstop to accomplish the feat by Witt's age was Alex Rodriguez in 1998.

Witt's breakthrough season, which resulted in him landing seventh in AL MVP voting, came after he hit 20 homers and stole 30 bases as a rookie. No player in big league history has hit 50 homers and stolen 79 bases through his first two seasons.

The Royals have spent more than $100 million in free agency this off-season, hoping to turn around the fortunes of a club coming off a disheartening 106-loss season.

Toronto Maple Leafs centre Auston

Matthews, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor Mcdavid and Detroit Red Wings right wing Alex Debrincat have been named the NHL'S three stars of the week.

Matthews was named most valuable player of the NHL'S all-star tournament after scoring two goals and adding two assists across two games to lead his team to victory in the four-team event.

Mcdavid had a goal and two assists in the all-star tournament and won four of the six skills competitions he participated in (fastest skater, stick handling, accuracy shooting and obstacle course).

Debrincat had six points (three goals, three assists) as a member of Matthews' all-star team.

Steve Belichick has agreed to

become the defensive co-ordinator for new coach Jedd Fisch at the University of Washington, a person with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press Monday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made. The move was first reported by 247Sports.

The son of NFL coaching great Bill Belichick will take a role in college for the first time following 12 seasons working on the staff of the New England Patriots with his dad.

Steve Belichick was the defensive play caller for the Patriots for the past five seasons.