The Toronto Blue Jays are considering various player moves this offseason, but there is uncertainty about whether they will keep Bo Bichette, a key player. The situation is complicated by the signing of other players like Kazuma Okamoto and the team's interest in outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Kazuma Okamoto, and Tyler Rogers during the offseason.
Bo Bichette is a key player for the Blue Jays but there is uncertainty about his future with the team.
Bichette is recognized for his friendship with teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and his contribution to the team’s high win count last year.
Bichette is not considered a strong defender as a shortstop but seeks a high salary.
MLB insider Jon Heyman believes it's more likely Bichette will join another team rather than stay with the Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays' new signing, Okamoto, impacts Bichette by potentially lowering the money available for his contract and affecting team roles.
Ernie Clement and Andrés Giménez could fill in Bichette's position if he leaves.
The Blue Jays are also interested in acquiring Kyle Tucker, which could further complicate retaining Bichette.
The Arizona Diamondbacks' pitcher Zac Gallen is a free agent and may sign with a new team soon. Predictions suggest he might join the Atlanta Braves, who need an experienced pitcher. Gallen's recent performance saw a decline, but his past success may lead him to seek a shorter contract to improve his market value.
Key Facts
Zac Gallen is a free agent as of now.
He was a pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Predictions indicate he might sign with the Atlanta Braves.
Gallen made 126 starts over the past four seasons.
He had career lows in ERA and strikeout rate in 2025.
Gallen was previously a top performer with consistent success.
The Braves are looking to strengthen their pitching roster.
Gallen may opt for a short-term contract to recover his market value.
The New York Yankees are considering trade offers for Jazz Chisholm Jr., but insiders say it's unlikely they will trade him. Chisholm recently had a strong season and expressed his desire to stay with the team.
Key Facts
The Yankees are open to trade offers for Jazz Chisholm Jr., who is a two-time All-Star.
Insider Jon Heyman reported that trading Chisholm is unlikely despite the Yankees listening to offers.
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman views Chisholm as part of the team's solution.
Chisholm will be a free agent in one year and could become a prominent name in the market.
Last season, Chisholm had 42 home runs, 49 stolen bases, and an .816 OPS in 176 games.
Chisholm expressed that he wants to continue playing for the Yankees.
He has adapted to team needs by changing positions to play third base when necessary.
The Boston Red Sox are considering a major trade involving outfielder Jarren Duran to the Los Angeles Dodgers. This proposed trade could bring World Series pitcher Justin Wrobleski and top prospect catcher Dalton Rushing to the Red Sox. The Dodgers might benefit from Duran's strong performance to boost their outfield.
Key Facts
The Boston Red Sox have traded for pitchers Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, and first baseman Wilson Contreras.
The Red Sox have not signed any free agents this offseason.
Analyst Griffey "G.G." Geiss suggested a trade involving Jarren Duran, sending him to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The trade proposal includes acquiring Justin Wrobleski, a pitcher who performed well in the World Series, and Dalton Rushing, a highly-ranked catcher.
Jarren Duran has had better performance stats than current Dodgers outfielders.
The Red Sox need left-handed bullpen pitchers, and the proposed trade could help fill this gap.
The Cincinnati Reds added pitcher Zack Littell last season, but they do not plan to keep him. It is predicted that Littell might sign a two-year deal worth $20 million with the Oakland Athletics to strengthen their pitching lineup.
Key Facts
The Cincinnati Reds decided to add players during the trade deadline last season to reach the postseason.
Pitcher Zack Littell was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Reds.
The Reds are not retaining Littell for the next season.
Ryan Finkelstein predicts Littell will sign a two-year, $20 million contract with the Oakland Athletics.
Littell pitched 186 2/3 innings and started 32 games last season.
The Athletics need more quality starting pitchers and are seen as a suitable team for Littell.
Littell is considered a solid, reliable pitcher, though not a major star in free agency.
The Chicago Cubs added two pitchers to their team. They traded for Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins and claimed Ryan Rolison from the Chicago White Sox. Ryan Rolison has had a busy offseason, moving through several teams.
Key Facts
The Chicago Cubs traded for pitcher Edward Cabrera and sent top prospect Owen Caissie to the Miami Marlins.
Two minor-league infielders, Edgardo De Leon and Cristian Hernandez, also went to Miami in the trade.
The Cubs claimed left-handed pitcher Ryan Rolison off waivers from the Chicago White Sox.
Ryan Rolison started with the Colorado Rockies, had a 7.02 ERA, and then moved to the Atlanta Braves before joining the Cubs.
Rolison has one remaining minor-league option, allowing the Cubs to keep him in their system even if he doesn't make the team’s main roster.
The Cubs aim to fill the final spots on their pitching staff during spring training.
The Houston Astros may consider signing veteran pitcher Justin Verlander. This comes as they might lose their current top pitcher, Framber Valdez, due to financial constraints. Verlander, who is 42 years old, is predicted to sign a one-year deal for $12 million to help the Astros remain competitive.
Key Facts
The Houston Astros ended last season on a disappointing note, losing their division lead to the Seattle Mariners.
Framber Valdez, the Astros' current top pitcher, might leave the team in free agency.
Valdez could sign for over $150 million, a price the Astros likely can't afford.
As a solution, the Astros may sign Justin Verlander for $12 million on a one-year contract.
Justin Verlander pitched 152 innings and made 29 starts last season with the San Francisco Giants.
Verlander aims to continue pitching until he is 45 years old.
The Astros hope Verlander can maintain or improve his performance as a short-term replacement for Valdez.
The New York Mets are exploring options to improve their starting pitcher lineup for the next season. They are considering signing veteran pitcher Nick Martinez, who could fit well with their new team setup. Martinez has experience both as a starting pitcher and in the bullpen.
Key Facts
The Mets need to strengthen their starting pitcher lineup as they currently lack a standout ace.
Potential deals with pitchers Ranger Suarez and Framber Valdez are under consideration.
Veteran pitcher Nick Martinez is a potential option for the Mets to save on pitching costs.
Martinez played in 26 games as a starting pitcher and 14 games as a relief pitcher last season.
He had a 4.45 ERA (Earned Run Average) and recorded 116 strikeouts last season.
Spotrac predicts Martinez could sign a two-year deal worth approximately $28.55 million.
Martinez typically allows a lot of contact, with more than eight hits per nine innings on average.
Signing Martinez would fit with the Mets' strategy of not offering long contracts to pitchers.
The New York Yankees are considering replacing Cody Bellinger, who is a free agent, with another outfielder. They have young players like Jasson Domínguez but might also look at signing a veteran like Austin Hays to strengthen their outfield.
Key Facts
Cody Bellinger is currently a free agent, meaning he can sign with any team.
The New York Yankees are thinking about whether to keep Bellinger or replace him.
Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones are two young outfielders on the Yankees' roster.
Austin Hays, a former All-Star, is a potential candidate to replace Bellinger.
Hays performed well against left-handed pitchers last season.
Hays had a batting average of .266 and hit 15 home runs in his latest season.
Signing a veteran like Hays could help the Yankees mix experience with younger players in their outfield.
The Boston Red Sox are trying to sign Alex Bregman during the offseason. However, the Chicago Cubs and other teams are also interested in Bregman. The Red Sox have focused on Bregman, while the Cubs are considering multiple options, including Bo Bichette.
Key Facts
The Boston Red Sox want to sign Alex Bregman and have placed him as a top priority.
The Chicago Cubs are also interested in Bregman to strengthen their third base position.
The Cubs are considering other players like Bo Bichette, not just Bregman.
Bo Bichette is seen as a backup option for the Red Sox.
Alex Bregman will turn 32 in March, and teams value his leadership skills.
The Cubs and Red Sox are competing to sign Bregman, but the Cubs' broader search may help the Red Sox in securing him.
The Red Sox have reportedly made an aggressive offer to Bregman.
Aryna Sabalenka, the world's top-ranked female tennis player, criticized tennis authorities for prioritizing their own interests over player health due to a busy tournament schedule. She plans to skip some events to protect her health, despite potential penalties. Sabalenka's concerns reflect broader issues in tennis regarding a hectic season that many players believe leads to injuries.
Key Facts
Aryna Sabalenka is currently ranked as the world's number one female tennis player.
She criticized tennis officials for not prioritizing player health with what she calls an overloaded tournament schedule.
Sabalenka intends to skip some tournaments this year to avoid injuries, even though this might lead to penalties from the WTA Tour.
The WTA rules require top players to compete in all four Grand Slam tournaments, ten WTA 1000 events, and six WTA 500 events.
Sabalenka states that participating in every required event last season left her frequently exhausted or sick.
Concerns about the long tennis season, which lasts 11 months and includes an extensive calendar of events, are shared by other top players like Carlos Alcaraz.
The "Asian swing" of the tennis season is noted for increased player injuries due to tight scheduling.
Sabalenka and other players believe that mandatory event rules need to be reconsidered for better player health.
The Boston Red Sox are looking to strengthen their bullpen by adding a left-handed reliever. They are interested in Tim Mayza, a 33-year-old pitcher who recently played for the Philadelphia Phillies. Tim Mayza has prior experience in the American League East and could be a valuable addition as the Red Sox aim for a playoff spot next season.
Key Facts
The Boston Red Sox are seeking additional bullpen depth.
Tim Mayza, a 33-year-old left-handed reliever, is among their targets.
Mayza played for the Philadelphia Phillies recently and has experience in the AL East.
The Red Sox have not made a significant free agency signing yet this offseason.
They traded for pitchers Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo to boost their starting rotation.
The team remains in contact with multiple veteran left-handed pitchers.
The Red Sox are targeting a return to the playoffs next season.
The Toronto Blue Jays are interested in signing baseball player Kyle Tucker, who remains unsigned in free agency. The Blue Jays are competing with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets to sign Tucker. Some experts believe a surprise team could still enter the race for Tucker.
Key Facts
Kyle Tucker is a baseball player currently unsigned in free agency.
The Toronto Blue Jays are actively pursuing Tucker and have already hosted him for a visit.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are also interested in signing him.
There are about five weeks left before the baseball season starts.
Some players have signed contracts late in the off-season, even in late February.
ESPN's Buster Olney suggests that the Blue Jays are the best option for a long-term deal with a high total value.
The Dodgers might be a good option for a shorter deal with a high annual salary.
Surprise teams could potentially enter the race to sign Tucker, although it may be difficult late in the process.
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed 27-year-old outfielder Ismael Munguia to a minor-league contract. Munguia played for the New York Yankees' Triple-A team last year and is seen as a backup player for the Blue Jays. He is originally from Nicaragua and aims to make it to the major leagues.
Key Facts
The Blue Jays signed Ismael Munguia to a minor-league deal on December 22.
Munguia previously played in Triple-A for the New York Yankees' organization.
In his last Triple-A season, he hit .246, with 4 home runs and 23 stolen bases.
He became a free agent because the Yankees had many outfielders.
Munguia was initially signed from Nicaragua in 2015.
If he makes it to the majors, he will be the 17th player from Nicaragua to do so.
Munguia is considered a player who adds depth to the Blue Jays’ roster.
The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to let veteran pitcher Max Scherzer leave the team. A sports analyst predicts that Scherzer might sign a one-year contract worth $10 million with the Detroit Tigers.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays recently lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series semifinals.
They have signed pitcher Dylan Cease to their roster.
The team is likely to let go of Max Scherzer, a 41-year-old veteran pitcher.
It is predicted Scherzer might join the Detroit Tigers for a one-year contract worth $10 million.
The Detroit Tigers need more pitchers and are considered a good fit for Scherzer.
Despite injuries, Scherzer is still seen as valuable for his ability to perform in important games.
Scherzer previously won a Cy Young award while playing for the Tigers.
The New York Yankees are considering signing Cody Bellinger to improve their outfield lineup, but financial challenges may complicate the deal. A recent decision to offer Trent Grisham a $22 million contract has drawn criticism from Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay, who believes it might hinder the team's budget flexibility.
Key Facts
The Yankees are looking to strengthen their outfield ahead of spring training.
Cody Bellinger is a top option for the Yankees during this offseason.
Trent Grisham accepted a $22 million offer from the Yankees, creating financial constraints.
Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay criticized the $22 million offer to Grisham, implying it might not match his market value.
The team's payroll aim is to stay under $304 million, complicating potential signings.
Yankees management, including Brian Cashman, needs to strategize to fit Bellinger into the budget.
As of the latest update, no finalized deal with Bellinger has been reached.
The Toronto Blue Jays have not re-signed Bo Bichette, increasing the likelihood that he may join the Los Angeles Dodgers. Reports suggest the Dodgers are interested in signing Bichette to a short-term, high-value contract.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays have not yet signed Bo Bichette to a new contract.
The Blue Jays recently committed $60 million to Kazuma Okamoto.
The team is also potentially interested in signing Kyle Tucker.
The Los Angeles Dodgers might sign Bichette if he becomes available on a short-term deal.
The Dodgers are reportedly waiting for Bichette to become a free agent and sign a shorter contract with a high annual payment.
Bichette is known as a strong hitter but is considered one of the weaker defensive shortstops.
It is predicted that the Dodgers could offer Bichette a four-year contract worth $120 million with an option to leave (opt-out) after 2027.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and pitcher Brusdar Graterol agreed to a $2.8 million salary for the 2026 season. This move helps avoid arbitration just before the team's deadline. Graterol is expected to be healthy for spring training and plays a key role in the Dodgers' bullpen.
Key Facts
Brusdar Graterol is a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Graterol agreed to a $2.8 million salary for the upcoming season.
This agreement helps the Dodgers avoid arbitration with Graterol.
Graterol missed the last season due to labrum surgery.
He is expected to be fully healthy for spring training.
Graterol has a regular season ERA of 2.69 and a postseason ERA of 1.93.
He will become a free agent at the end of the upcoming season.
The Dodgers’ bullpen faced challenges last season, and Graterol is seen as crucial for improving it.
There is no "Thursday Night Football" on January 8. The NFL's playoffs begin with wild-card games on January 10 and 11. The divisional games, championship games, and the Super Bowl will follow in the upcoming weeks.
Key Facts
There is no "Thursday Night Football" on January 8.
The NFL playoffs start with wild-card games on January 10.
The first wild-card game is between the Los Angeles Rams and the Carolina Panthers.
Other wild-card games include the Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears and the Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars.
The divisional playoffs are scheduled for January 17 and 18.
The AFC and NFC championship games will take place on January 25.
Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Last season, the Super Bowl had 127.7 million U.S. viewers.
Terry Yorath, former Wales footballer and manager, passed away at 75. He was a key figure in Welsh football both as a player and a manager. Yorath was affected by personal tragedies, including the loss of his young son to a heart condition and his involvement in the 1985 Bradford City stadium fire.
Key Facts
Terry Yorath was the first Welshman to play in a European Cup final.
He captained Wales in 42 of his 59 international matches and managed teams like Swansea City and Cardiff City.
Yorath's Wales team narrowly missed qualifying for the 1994 World Cup.
He experienced personal loss when his son Daniel died at 15 from a heart condition.
Yorath was player-coach of Bradford City during the 1985 stadium fire that resulted in 56 deaths.
He was inducted into the Welsh Sport Hall of Fame in 2017.
Yorath's career spanned over 40 years, and he played for clubs including Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur.
He died at the age of 75 and is survived by three children.
