FOOTBALL

Ducks pile up touted recruits — The Oregon Ducks began last week’s hot streak by re-securing the commitment of Mase Funa, the highest-rated linebacker recruit in program history, then made a big splash on national television, landing the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect, defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux. Adding Camden Lewis, the No. 4 kicker in the country, kept the hot streak rolling late into Saturday evening, but the Ducks still were not done. On Sunday, consensus four-star athlete/safety Avantae Williams, out of DeLand High School (DeLand, Florida), announced his commitment to Oregon over offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, UCLA and others. The 6-foot, 171-pound prospect is a significant addition to the class of 2020. Rivals lists Williams as the nation’s No. 2 athlete (No. 27 overall), while ESPN considers him the No. 1 safety in the country (No. 36 overall). He has been considered to be among America’s best talents for several years, and he initially committed to the Miami Hurricanes in February 2017. But he re-opened his recruitment this past spring. Williams gives Oregon two commitments in the class of 2020, as he joins Seth Figgins, who is considered one of the nation’s top 15 tight ends.

Baseball

Ramos reaches 2-year deal with Mets — The New York Mets addressed another one of the areas they targeted for improvement this offseason, reaching an agreement Sunday with two-time All-Star catcher Wilson Ramos. The deal is for two years with $19 million guaranteed, according to two people familiar with the negotiations who requested anonymity because the contract was pending Ramos’ medical review. In this active first winter under new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, the Mets explored several options for upgrading at catcher — notably exploring a trade for J.T. Realmuto, an All-Star for the Miami Marlins. Like many teams, the Mets loved Realmuto’s all-around ability and age (27), but they found the asking price to be too high. They also considered free agents such as Martin Maldonado, a light-hitting defensive catcher, and Yasmani Grandal, a more well-rounded player. But Grandal would cost more in dollars to sign. So over the weekend, the Mets pushed toward a deal with Ramos, 31. He comes with some injury risk — he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in 2012 and 2016. But he provides a strong throwing arm behind the plate (the Mets have struggled with opponents’ stealing bases in recent years) and a potent right-handed bat in a lineup full of left-handers. Offense is Ramos’ calling card: He is a career .273 hitter with 109 home runs. He was an All-Star with the Washington Nationals in 2016 and with the Tampa Bay Rays last year, hitting .306 with 15 home runs and 70 RBIs in 2018.

— From wire reports