The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are considering a trade for C.J. Abrams, a shortstop from the Washington Nationals. Abrams has three years left on his contract before becoming a free agent, and several teams, including the Yankees, Red Sox, and Giants, have shown interest in trading for him.
Key Facts
C.J. Abrams plays shortstop for the Washington Nationals.
Abrams has three years remaining on his contract before he can become a free agent.
The San Francisco Giants previously tried to trade for Abrams, but no deal was made.
The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are interested in trading for Abrams.
The Washington Nationals might consider trading Abrams in exchange for three to five good prospects.
The Yankees need a shortstop due to injuries, while the Red Sox need a second baseman.
Abrams has been named an All-Star but has not reached four or more in bWAR (a baseball player rating).
Former WWE wrestler Braun Strowman was hospitalized due to a sudden knee infection. This is his second health issue in recent weeks, following a car accident earlier this year. Strowman's current health situation may affect his ability to participate in upcoming WWE events.
Key Facts
Braun Strowman, a former WWE star, was hospitalized with a knee infection.
The infection appeared suddenly, requiring immediate medical care.
This is the second health scare for Strowman in weeks, after a recent car accident.
Strowman shared the news on Instagram and received support from fans.
Joint infections, like those in the knee, are serious for athletes and need strong antibiotic treatment.
Strowman has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his career.
It is not clear how long his recovery will take or if it will affect upcoming WWE plans.
The Hundred cricket competition will hold its first player auction in London on March 11 and 12, 2026. Previously, teams used a draft system to choose players, but new private investments have led to an auction system similar to the Indian Premier League. The competition will have 64 matches, starting on July 21 and ending on August 16.
Key Facts
The Hundred will conduct its first player auction on March 11 and 12, 2026.
Previously, players were chosen through a draft with set salary levels.
The change to an auction system is due to new private investments.
Four teams have part-owners from the Indian Premier League.
The women's auction is on March 11, and the men's auction is on March 12.
Teams can have 16 to 18 players, with a minimum and maximum salary limit.
The men's team salary budget is now £2.05 million, a 45% increase.
The women's team salary budget is £880,000, a 100% increase.
Fixtures for 2026 include 64 matches, with the event concluding on August 16.
The Los Angeles Rams are considering their future without quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is nearing 38 and not yet decided on his return. A mock draft suggests the Rams might draft Ty Simpson as a potential replacement in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Rams hope Stafford will mentor a new quarterback before retiring.
Key Facts
The Rams lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 NFC Championship.
Matthew Stafford, the current Rams quarterback, will soon be 38 and hasn't confirmed if he will continue playing.
A mock 2026 NFL Draft suggests the Rams might draft Ty Simpson as a quarterback.
Ty Simpson played for Alabama, starting all 15 games in 2025 with a 64.5% pass completion rate.
Drafting a new quarterback would allow the Rams to have a successor ready when Stafford retires.
Stafford is a Super Bowl champion and has expressed his appreciation for his team but has not made any retirement decisions.
The Rams view the potential new quarterback as gaining from Stafford's experience and mentorship.
The New England Patriots, led by first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, reached the Super Bowl after a successful season. There are concerns about quarterback Drake Maye's shoulder injury, but Vrabel downplayed the situation and stated that no player is completely healthy at this point in the season. The Patriots will follow their usual process for reporting injuries.
Key Facts
The New England Patriots finished the season with a 14–3 record.
The team won the AFC East and the AFC title.
The Patriots will play the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.
Concerns arose about quarterback Drake Maye's shoulder after a recent game.
Head coach Mike Vrabel indicated no player is fully healthy at this stage.
Vrabel stated the team will list any injury limitations on the report.
Maye has played all season and performed well even after the alleged injury.
The Patriots could face penalties if their injury report is inaccurate.
Former FIFA head Sepp Blatter supports a fan boycott of the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Concerns about President Trump’s policies, including travel bans, have led to calls for football fans to stay away from the tournament. The World Cup is set to take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Key Facts
Sepp Blatter, ex-FIFA chief, supports a boycott of the 2026 World Cup in the US.
The boycott is in response to President Donald Trump’s policies both domestically and internationally.
The US will cohost the World Cup with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Swiss lawyer Mark Pieth has advised fans to avoid attending the World Cup in the US.
Recent travel bans by the Trump administration affect fans from countries like Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran, and Haiti.
Blatter shared his support for the boycott on social media, citing Pieth’s concerns.
Construction of the boycott relates to past political actions by FIFA and other organizations.
Rachel Duffy, the recent winner of the show "The Traitors," announced the death of her mother. Duffy, who had spoken about her mother's health challenges during the show, planned to use her prize money to create special memories with her family.
Key Facts
Rachel Duffy won the latest series of the BBC show "The Traitors."
She was the first female winner of the show.
Duffy's mother had Parkinson's Disease and dementia.
Duffy intended to use her prize money to treat her family, especially her mother.
The prize money amounted to half of the show's £95,750 prize pot.
During the show, Duffy frequently spoke about wanting to create memories with her mother.
Rachel Duffy announced her mother's death on Instagram, expressing her heartbreak.
The future of Travis Kelce, a player for the Kansas City Chiefs, is uncertain as he considers whether to keep playing. Chiefs owner Clark Hunt expressed hope that Kelce will return for another season. If Kelce decides to play, he will need to negotiate a new contract because he is becoming a free agent.
Key Facts
Travis Kelce is a veteran tight end with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kelce is 36 years old and considering if he should continue playing football.
During the last season, he had 76 catches, gained 851 yards, and scored five touchdowns.
The Kansas City Chiefs did not make the playoffs for the first time in ten years, finishing the season with six wins and eleven losses.
Chiefs owner, Clark Hunt, stated he hopes Kelce will return to the team.
If Kelce continues playing, he would need a new contract, as he will soon be an unrestricted free agent.
The Chiefs are making several roster changes during this offseason, including bringing back Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator.
The Philadelphia Eagles are searching for a new offensive coordinator after parting ways with Kevin Patullo. Former NFL player Chris Long suggests the new coach should challenge quarterback Jalen Hurts to improve his playing style. Hurts experienced a dip in rushing yards in 2025, sparking discussions about how to enhance his performance.
Key Facts
The Philadelphia Eagles need a new offensive coordinator after Kevin Patullo left the job.
Chris Long, a former NFL champion, believes the new coach should push Jalen Hurts to expand his skills.
In 2025, Jalen Hurts threw for 3,224 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Hurts' rushing dropped to 421 yards and eight touchdowns, his lowest since 2020.
The Eagles interviewed various candidates, including former head coaches, for the coordinator position.
There is a focus on finding the right fit for Jalen Hurts to establish consistency with a coach.
The Los Angeles Rams asked wide receiver Cooper Kupp to retire after releasing him in March. Instead, Kupp joined the Seattle Seahawks and helped them reach the Super Bowl. The Rams released him to free up salary space, despite Kupp's disappointment with their decision.
Key Facts
The Los Angeles Rams asked wide receiver Cooper Kupp to retire after releasing him.
Kupp was a top receiver for the Rams and won a Super Bowl MVP with the team in 2022.
The Rams released Kupp in March to create salary space to sign Devante Adams.
Reports suggest Rams officials tried to convince other teams to pay Kupp only the veteran minimum, citing age and injuries.
Despite being released, Kupp helped the Seattle Seahawks reach the Super Bowl.
Kupp played a key role in the Seahawks’ success and beat the Rams in the NFC Championship.
Injuries had impacted Kupp’s performance but he continued to contribute on the field.
Kenny Wallace, a former NASCAR driver, addressed concerns about the potential cancellation of the 2026 Cook Out Clash due to expected snowfall. He stated that the weather was not a significant issue and believed the event would proceed as planned. The Cook Out Clash is scheduled for February 1, 2026, at Bowman Gray Stadium.
Key Facts
Kenny Wallace is a former NASCAR driver and FOX reporter.
The 2026 Cook Out Clash is part of the NASCAR Cup Series.
The event is set to take place on February 1, 2026, at Bowman Gray Stadium.
Some reports raised concerns about cancellation due to expected snowfall.
Wallace believes the weather won't be a major problem.
The weather forecast predicts a cold and cloudy Saturday with a chance of snow.
The event will be broadcast on FOX, MRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
The Seattle Mariners designated second baseman Samad Taylor for assignment and moved him to their minor league team, but he chose to become a free agent instead. Taylor played mostly in the minor leagues, with notable performance in Triple-A, but had limited opportunities in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Key Facts
The Mariners designated Samad Taylor for assignment on January 15.
Taylor chose free agency after being outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma.
He played in 38 MLB games over three seasons, mostly with the Kansas City Royals.
In 2023, Taylor made his MLB debut and played 31 games with the Royals.
He played 273 games in the minor leagues and showed strong performance in Triple-A.
Taylor had a significant season in Triple-A with a .296 average, 17 home runs, and 44 stolen bases.
In 2024, he had a .732 OPS and 50 stolen bases in Triple-A.
Taylor is mainly a second baseman but also made 30 starts in center field in Triple-A.
Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been ranked as one of the best players in baseball after his strong performances in the postseason. He moved up significantly in the rankings due to his key role in helping the Dodgers win back-to-back World Series titles.
Key Facts
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He was ranked No. 13 in the top 100 baseball players for the upcoming season.
Last season, Yamamoto was ranked No. 63.
His performance in the playoffs helped the Dodgers win back-to-back World Series titles.
Yamamoto became the World Series MVP after allowing only six earned runs over 37 1/3 innings in the postseason.
He pitched two complete games and recorded 2 2/3 scoreless innings on zero days' rest in the final game.
Yamamoto had a 2.49 ERA last regular season, showing his talent and potential as a top pitcher.
DeAndre Hopkins, a prominent wide receiver, is entering free agency and may either stay with the Baltimore Ravens to continue playing with Lamar Jackson or join the Buffalo Bills to team up with Josh Allen. Hopkins has expressed interest in both teams and has made it clear that he is open to various options depending on team changes and coaching decisions.
Key Facts
DeAndre Hopkins is entering NFL free agency.
Hopkins is considering a return to the Baltimore Ravens.
He has expressed a strong connection with Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Hopkins showed interest in potentially joining the Buffalo Bills.
He described playing with Bills' quarterback Josh Allen as a promising opportunity.
Hopkins caught 22 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns in the 2025 season.
The Ravens and Bills are both experiencing staff changes that may affect team decisions.
Hopkins has played for multiple teams since 2024 and is open to new opportunities.
The Atlanta Braves claimed pitcher José Suarez off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, who had designated him for assignment just a week prior. In turn, the Braves designated pitcher George Soriano for assignment, whom they had previously claimed from the Orioles. Both players are likely vying for spots on the teams' 40-man rosters as spring training approaches.
Key Facts
The Braves claimed pitcher José Suarez from the Orioles.
The Orioles had picked Suarez off waivers from the Braves on January 15.
To make room for Suarez, the Braves designated pitcher George Soriano for assignment.
Soriano was claimed by the Braves from the Orioles on January 9.
Both players are trying to secure spots on the 40-man roster for the upcoming season.
The Orioles recently added outfielder Weston Wilson to their 40-man roster.
The St. Louis Cardinals signed outfielder Nelson Velázquez to a minor-league contract. Velázquez showed promise in 2023 with his hitting power but struggled with performance in 2024. The Cardinals hope he can improve the team's outfield if he makes it to the major league roster.
Key Facts
The St. Louis Cardinals signed Nelson Velázquez, a 27-year-old outfielder, to a minor-league deal.
Velázquez played in Triple-A for the Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024.
In 2023, Velázquez hit 17 home runs in 53 games for the Royals and Chicago Cubs.
His 2023 average exit velocity of 91.4 mph and barrel rate of 21.4% were considered strong power indicators.
In 2024, Velázquez's on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) dropped to .640 in 64 games.
Velázquez struggles with defense, which might limit him to being a fourth outfielder or a designated hitter.
The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to aim for Eugenio Suarez, a power hitter who hit 49 home runs in 2025, after failing to sign infielder Bo Bichette. The move could help the team strengthen their lineup and improve their performance in the National League.
Key Facts
The Phillies are predicted to pursue Eugenio Suarez after missing out on Bo Bichette.
Suarez hit 49 home runs in 2025, highlighting his power-hitting ability.
He played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners in 2025.
Suarez's batting stats in 2025 included an average of .228, 118 RBIs, and an .824 OPS.
The Phillies have a high payroll and recently re-signed J.T. Realmuto for $45 million over three years.
To potentially acquire Suarez, the Phillies might trade Alec Bohm, whose current value is low.
The Phillies aim to compete better in the National League by strengthening their team.
Kyler Murray, the quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, has seen a change in his trade value due to a shortage of available quarterbacks in the market. This shift occurred after Oregon quarterback Dante Moore decided not to enter the NFL Draft, leaving fewer options for teams. It is speculated that several teams may be interested in trading for Murray, but his high salary could be a barrier for some.
Key Facts
Kyler Murray is the quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals.
His trade value increased because fewer quarterbacks are available in the market.
Dante Moore, a college quarterback, chose to stay in school, reducing options in the NFL Draft.
An NFC source suggests the starting trade price for Murray could be a second-round pick.
Another source compared Murray's potential trade to Geno Smith's, who was traded for a third-round pick last year.
Teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers might be interested in Murray.
Murray has a high salary, with a cap hit of $52 million and $43 million in the next two years, which could be a challenge for teams.
There is a team option for 2028 in his contract which is likely to be declined.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) signed 18-year-old Dro Fernandez from Barcelona. The transfer surprised Barcelona's president because Fernandez was expected to stay. Fernandez will be with PSG until 2030.
Key Facts
Dro Fernandez, an 18-year-old midfielder, moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG paid 8.2 million euros, more than his 6 million euros release clause.
Barcelona's president, Joan Laporta, called the transfer "unpleasant."
Fernandez joined Barcelona's academy in 2022 and played five senior games.
PSG described the transfer as part of their focus on young talent.
Fernandez expressed pride in joining PSG, a club he has admired.
Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick, mentioned disappointment over young players leaving.
The Pittsburgh Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach. This decision is mainly about finding and developing a new quarterback for the team's future. The team is taking a long-term approach, hoping McCarthy's experience will help them succeed in upcoming seasons.
Key Facts
Mike McCarthy, the former Dallas Cowboys head coach, is now with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The primary reason for hiring McCarthy is his ability to develop a new franchise quarterback.
The Steelers want to move away from relying on veteran quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers.
McCarthy has a reputation for successfully working with top quarterbacks.
The Steelers don't have a clear long-term quarterback option for the upcoming season.
Will Howard, a former National Champion with Ohio State, is a potential candidate for the role.
Limited draft options mean the Steelers might have to wait until 2027 for a better quarterback opportunity.
The team's decision reflects a focus on long-term success rather than immediate results.
