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.
Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova will face off in the Australian Open women's singles quarterfinals. The match is set for Tuesday at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. Fans in the United States can watch the game on ESPN or stream it live on ESPN+.
Key Facts
Jessica Pegula is ranked number six, and Amanda Anisimova is ranked number four in the tournament.
The match takes place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET.
The match will be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+, with live streaming available on FuboTV.
Pegula reached the quarterfinals by beating Madison Keys in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4.
Anisimova made it to the quarterfinals after defeating Wang Xinyu, 7-6(4), 6-4.
Pegula has a career 3-0 head-to-head record against Anisimova.
This is an all-American matchup and features contrasting playing styles.
The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in acquiring Jrue Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers before the NBA trade deadline. The Knicks see Holiday as a valuable addition due to his past success with the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, and believe he could potentially attract Giannis Antetokounmpo in the future.
Key Facts
The Knicks are considering trading for Jrue Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers.
Jrue Holiday previously played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics.
The addition of Holiday could make the Knicks more appealing to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Holiday is admired for his ability to play well both offensively and defensively.
In his current season with the Trail Blazers, Holiday averages 15.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game.
The Trail Blazers' unexpected performance has opened discussions about trading Holiday.
The Knicks hope acquiring Holiday could strengthen their position in the NBA.
Galatasaray, a Turkish football club, will play against Manchester City in the Champions League. Galatasaray has been successful against English football clubs in recent matches and aims to avoid the knockout play-offs by getting a good result against Manchester City.
Key Facts
Galatasaray is facing Manchester City to avoid Champions League play-offs.
Galatasaray is unbeaten against Premier League teams in their last four meetings.
They last beat an English team in 2014, with a win against Arsenal.
Galatasaray defeated Manchester United in their Champions League group in 2023.
Galatasaray has a strong track record against English teams, also defeating Tottenham and Liverpool recently.
Assistant manager Garcia Gomez says Galatasaray plays a dynamic style similar to English football.
Manchester City needs a win to stay in the top eight in the Champions League table.
Galatasaray stands 17th in the current standings and seeks to secure a play-off spot with a draw.
Aryna Sabalenka defeated 18-year-old Iva Jovic in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, winning 6-3, 6-0. Sabalenka will now play either Coco Gauff or Elina Svitolina in the semifinals.
Key Facts
Aryna Sabalenka won against Iva Jovic in straight sets: 6-3, 6-0.
The match took place at the Australian Open.
Sabalenka aims to win her third title at Melbourne Park.
She will compete against either Coco Gauff or Elina Svitolina next.
The match happened under 38°C (100°F) temperatures at Rod Laver Arena.
Sabalenka has been on a 10-match winning streak, including winning at the Brisbane International.
Iva Jovic, the youngest player in the women's top 100, had a breakout tournament.
Sabalenka has previously won four Grand Slam titles.
The Dallas Cowboys have announced changes in their coaching staff after a disappointing season. They hired Christian Parker as the new defensive coordinator and parted ways with three defensive coaches. Parker plans to bring in new talent to improve the team's defense.
Key Facts
The Dallas Cowboys hired Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator.
Parker comes from the Philadelphia Eagles, replacing Matt Eberflus.
Defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton left the Cowboys to join the Tennessee Titans.
The Cowboys let go of three coaches: David Overstreet, Andre Curtis, and Dave Borgonzi.
These changes happened after the team had a poor defensive season.
The team aims to improve their defense by bringing in new talent and using draft resources.
Parker has a background with teams including Notre Dame, Texas A&M, the Green Bay Packers, and the Denver Broncos.
Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina are playing against each other in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open women's singles. The match takes place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 7:30 AM ET, and you can watch it on ESPN2 or live stream it on ESPN+ and FuboTV.
Key Facts
Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina compete in the Australian Open women's quarterfinals.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 7:30 AM ET.
Swiatek is ranked number two, and Rybakina is ranked number five.
Swiatek won her previous match 6-0, 6-3 against Maddison Inglis.
Rybakina defeated Elise Mertens in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals.
The match will air on ESPN2 and can be streamed on ESPN+ and FuboTV.
Swiatek and Rybakina have played each other 11 times, with Swiatek leading 6-5 in wins.
The match will take place at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
Aryna Sabalenka defeated teenage player Iva Jovic to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open. Sabalenka, aiming for her third title at this event, has won 10 matches and 20 consecutive sets at the start of 2026. She has consistently reached semi-finals in recent major tennis tournaments.
Key Facts
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Iva Jovic with scores of 6-3, 6-0 to enter the semi-finals.
Sabalenka is the world number one in women's tennis.
She has reached the semi-finals in 14 of the last 17 major tournaments.
Sabalenka aims to win her third Australian Open title in four years.
She has not lost a set in the 2026 Australian Open so far.
Sabalenka's match against Jovic was played in temperatures over 40°C, leading to the arena's roof closure.
Jovic praised Sabalenka for her ability to turn challenges into motivation.
Sabalenka has won 19 of her 22 career titles on hard courts.
Carlos Alcaraz and Alex de Minaur will face off in the Australian Open men's singles quarterfinals on Tuesday. The match will be shown live on TV in the U.S. on ESPN2 and streamed on ESPN+. Alcaraz aims for his first Australian Open title while de Minaur hopes to succeed with local fan support.
Key Facts
Carlos Alcaraz is ranked number one in the world.
Alex de Minaur is Australia's number six-ranked player.
The quarterfinal match will be held at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
Alcaraz has a winning head-to-head record of 5–0 against de Minaur.
This will be their first meeting at a Grand Slam on outdoor hard courts.
The match airs at 4:10 AM ET in the United States.
Coco Gauff and Elina Svitolina will face each other in the women's singles quarterfinals at the Australian Open on January 27, 2026. The match will take place at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne and can be watched live in the United States on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.
Key Facts
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 3:00 AM ET.
Coco Gauff is the No. 3 seed in the tournament and has been showing power and consistency.
Elina Svitolina, the No. 12 seed, reached the quarterfinals after a straight-sets win in the previous round.
Gauff and Svitolina have played against each other three times before, with Gauff winning twice.
The match will broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+ in the U.S.
The game features two strong players known for their aggressive and strategic gameplay.
Live streaming for the match is available through FuboTV with a free trial option.
Every week, football expert Troy Deeney selects his standout Premier League players and manager. This week, Deeney praised several players from different teams and noted West Ham's significant win under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Key Facts
Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa was highlighted for his strong performance against Newcastle.
Ian Maatsen from Aston Villa contributed significantly in both attack and defense.
Ola Aina from Nottingham Forest was recognized for his defensive skills and forward play in a game against Brentford.
Marc Guehi of Manchester City played a key role in achieving a clean sheet against Wolves.
Fulham's Jorge Cuenca was steady in his game against Brighton, maintaining control.
Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans was named the best player on the pitch for dictating the play and breaking up the opposition.
Ibrahim Sangare from Nottingham Forest was crucial for his defensive work and midfield presence.
Nuno Espirito Santo of West Ham was chosen as manager of the week for securing a vital win over Sunderland.
Zach Monroe, a former pitcher for the New York Yankees, passed away at the age of 94 in Peoria, Illinois. Monroe played for the Yankees during the 1958 and 1959 seasons, including a game in the 1958 World Series which the Yankees won.
Key Facts
Zach Monroe was a pitcher for the New York Yankees.
He played in 25 games for the Yankees in 1958 and 1959.
Monroe was part of the Yankees team that won the 1958 World Series.
He made one appearance in the 1958 World Series against the Milwaukee Braves.
Monroe retired with a career record of 4 wins and 2 losses.
His career stats include a 3.38 earned run average (ERA) and one save in 61.1 innings pitched.
Monroe died at the age of 94 in Peoria, Illinois, on January 18.
