The New York Mets are interested in trading for pitcher Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers. Skubal, a top pitcher, is close to becoming a free agent, and the Tigers are open to offers. Acquiring Skubal could strengthen the Mets' team and impact the National League.
Key Facts
The New York Mets are looking to improve their team, especially their pitching rotation.
Tarik Skubal is currently a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers and is a two-time Cy Young Award winner.
Skubal is close to becoming a free agent, which means his contract with the Tigers will end soon.
The Detroit Tigers are open to trading Skubal because they might not afford to keep him.
The Mets have valuable young players (prospects) that could be used in a trade for Skubal.
Experts say a trade for Skubal is not very likely, but if it happens, it could significantly impact the National League's competitiveness.
The Boston Red Sox may lose their pitcher Lucas Giolito to free agency, with predictions suggesting he could sign with the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels are seen as a likely candidate to sign mid-level players like Giolito because they cannot afford top-market superstars. Giolito is coming off a strong season and could be a valuable addition to the Angels' pitching rotation.
Key Facts
Lucas Giolito, a Boston Red Sox pitcher, might leave the team as a free agent.
It is predicted that he could sign with the Los Angeles Angels.
The Angels previously signed Yusei Kikuchi with a three-year, $63.7 million deal.
The Angels are looking for affordable, mid-level signings to strengthen their team.
Giolito had a successful season with the Red Sox, which increases his value for a new contract.
The Angels are likely to place him near the top of their pitching rotation.
The team does not have the budget to sign more expensive superstar players.
The Miami Marlins have been the subject of trade rumors involving their top pitcher, Sandy Alcántara. The New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles are interested in him, but no trade has happened. Analysts think the Marlins will likely keep Alcántara due to his recovery from surgery and the team's pitching needs.
Key Facts
Sandy Alcántara is a pitcher for the Miami Marlins.
The Yankees and Orioles are interested in trading for Alcántara to improve their starting rotations.
Despite interest, no trade deal has been made for Alcántara.
Bleacher Report predicts the Marlins will keep Alcántara this offseason.
Alcántara struggled early last season after recovering from Tommy John surgery but improved later.
The Marlins used 15 different starting pitchers last season due to injuries.
Trading Alcántara now might be risky due to his low current value.
The Detroit Tigers traded outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash. Malloy was recently removed from the Tigers' roster and will join a crowded outfield in Tampa Bay.
Key Facts
Justyn-Henry Malloy was traded from the Detroit Tigers to the Tampa Bay Rays.
The trade involved cash considerations, meaning no players were exchanged, just money.
Malloy was designated for assignment by the Tigers, which means he was removed from their main roster.
Before joining the Tigers, Malloy was a top prospect for the Atlanta Braves.
Malloy played 123 major league games but struggled to perform well.
Tampa Bay's outfield already includes experienced players like Cedric Mullins and Jake Fraley.
The Detroit Tigers are considering adding a veteran pitcher to improve their starting lineup. Sports predictions suggest that Justin Verlander may return to the Tigers in free agency to help strengthen the team's pitching staff.
Key Facts
The Detroit Tigers are looking to enhance their starting rotation for the next season.
Tarik Skubal is a key player on the Tigers' roster.
Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicts a potential reunion with veteran pitcher Justin Verlander.
Verlander had a strong performance last season and is expected to secure a good one-year contract.
The Tigers may also consider bringing in Max Scherzer for veteran experience.
Drew Anderson, recently signed, is a candidate for the Tigers' No. 5 starting pitcher position.
Verlander previously played for the Tigers and may return as they aim for a World Series title.
The New York Yankees are considering trading for pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins. Cabrera had a strong season and could be an important addition to the Yankees' rotation. However, there is a prediction that the Marlins may keep him.
Key Facts
The New York Yankees are exploring the possibility of trading for Edward Cabrera, a pitcher from the Miami Marlins.
Cabrera had more than 20 starts last season and struck out 150 batters, which was a career high for him.
He averages 10.0 strikeouts per nine innings in his career.
Cabrera is under contract with the Marlins until 2028.
Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón, key pitchers for the Yankees, are expected to start the season on the injured list.
The Yankees are looking to strengthen their rotation for the early part of the next season.
There is a prediction that the Marlins may decide to keep Cabrera instead of trading him.
The 2026 Australian Open, starting on January 18, will have a record total prize money of A$111.5 million. This amount is a 16% increase from the previous year, but some players are still unhappy with how much of the tournament's revenue goes to them. Top players have asked for a bigger share and for more benefits like healthcare and pensions.
Key Facts
The 2026 Australian Open prize pool is A$111.5 million, a 16% increase from last year.
Singles champions will earn $4.15 million, which is 19% more than last year.
All participating players will see at least a 10% rise in their earnings.
Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley says the increase supports tennis careers.
Some players are unhappy, feeling their demands for greater prize shares and benefits weren't addressed.
The Australian Open's prize money is 16% of Tennis Australia's reported revenue.
Other Grand Slams offer a similar or lower share of revenue to players.
Players want Grand Slams to raise their share to align with ATP and WTA events that offer about 22%.
Charlie Weis Jr., currently an offensive coordinator at Ole Miss, is being considered by several NFL teams for coaching positions, including the New York Giants. While busy with his college duties, including the College Football Playoff and preparing for a role at LSU, Weis Jr. indicated he plans to stay with LSU for the 2026 season despite NFL interest.
Key Facts
Charlie Weis Jr. is currently an offensive coordinator at Ole Miss.
He is involved in preparing Ole Miss for a College Football Playoff game against Miami.
For the 2026 season, he has accepted a position as the offensive coordinator at LSU.
NFL teams, including the New York Giants, are showing interest in hiring Weis Jr.
His father, Charlie Weis, previously coached with the Giants, enhancing Weis Jr.'s ties to the team.
Weis Jr. has coached Jaxson Dart, who was drafted as a first-round pick by the New York Giants in 2025.
Despite the interest from NFL teams, Weis Jr. stated he plans to remain at LSU for 2026.
The College Football Playoff semifinals feature four teams: Indiana, Oregon, Miami, and Ole Miss. The starting quarterbacks for these teams, all of whom have transferred schools, have unique backgrounds and are ranked based on their performance and potential. The quarterbacks are Carson Beck (Miami), Dante Moore (Oregon), Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss), and Fernando Mendoza (Indiana).
Key Facts
The College Football Playoff semifinals involve teams from Indiana, Oregon, Miami, and Ole Miss.
Each starting quarterback in these games has transferred schools during their college career.
Carson Beck plays for Miami and transferred after an injury during his time at Georgia.
Dante Moore from Oregon is noted for his strong passing skills and transferred from UCLA.
Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss started at Ferris State and has improved significantly.
Fernando Mendoza, from Indiana, won the Heisman Trophy and is projected as a top NFL draft pick.
Mendoza is known for his calm demeanor and ability to move both in and out of the pocket.
The semifinals will determine which teams play for the national championship on January 19.
MLB player Kyle Tucker is currently a free agent and might pursue a short-term, high-salary contract instead of a longer, massive deal. Several teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets, are interested in signing him. Experts believe Tucker will go for a shorter contract because of recent injuries and market conditions.
Key Facts
Kyle Tucker, a four-time All-Star, is a top MLB free agent.
Early contract projections for Tucker were over $400 million.
Industry experts predict Tucker may take a shorter-term, high average annual value (AAV) contract.
The Blue Jays and Mets are potential teams interested in signing Tucker.
Tucker visited the Blue Jays' spring training facility in Florida.
The Los Angeles Dodgers might also join the bidding for Tucker.
Tucker's previous performances suggest a big contract might be unlikely.
No player with his record has received a contract over $182 million.
The Michigan Wolverines hired Kyle Whittingham, a long-time coach at Utah, to lead their football program starting in 2026. Whittingham, who has mostly spent his career in Utah, will now face increased media attention and scrutiny as the head coach at Michigan. Urban Meyer expressed concern about Whittingham's limited experience outside Utah but remains confident in his coaching abilities.
Key Facts
Michigan Wolverines hired Kyle Whittingham as their football head coach starting in 2026.
Whittingham has spent most of his coaching career at Utah.
He played and started coaching at BYU in Utah before other roles within the state.
Whittingham briefly coached outside Utah at Idaho State from 1988-1993.
Urban Meyer, his former boss, noted Whittingham's experience mainly in Utah.
Meyer pointed out that Michigan's job comes with more media scrutiny.
Despite concerns, Meyer believes Whittingham can successfully lead Michigan.
Liam Rosenior has been named the new head coach of Chelsea less than two years after his time at Hull City ended. Chelsea chose Rosenior, who previously coached at their sister club Strasbourg, because of his innovative style and experience within their network. The decision aims to build on a style similar to his predecessor while addressing past difficulties.
Key Facts
Liam Rosenior was named head coach of Chelsea after building a reputation at Strasbourg, a club related to Chelsea.
Rosenior has previous connections with Chelsea's leaders from his time at Brighton and Hull.
The decision to appoint Rosenior follows some dissatisfaction from Chelsea fans about club management.
Rosenior has managed 153 senior games, in contrast to the 67 games managed by his predecessor, Enzo Maresca.
The previous coach, Maresca, had a younger average team age and wanted more experienced signings, leading to some issues.
Rosenior's coaching style focuses on possession-based play, which aligns with Chelsea's direction.
He has struggled recently at Strasbourg, having won just two out of the last ten matches.
Rosenior is known for his empathetic communication style, influenced by his mother's work as a social worker.
This article discusses Curt Cignetti's impact as head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers college football team. Under Cignetti, Indiana has reached the College Football Playoffs semifinals and received praise from notable coach Nick Saban. Cignetti's success comes from his background with Saban's Alabama staff and his ability to transform struggling teams into winners.
Key Facts
Curt Cignetti is the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers football team.
Indiana has made two College Football Playoff appearances under Cignetti.
The team reached the semifinals and will play against the Oregon Ducks.
Cignetti was previously part of Nick Saban's coaching staff at Alabama.
Indiana defeated Alabama 38-3 in a recent College Football Playoff game.
Cignetti signed an eight-year, $93 million contract extension with Indiana.
Saban praised Cignetti for turning struggling teams into successful ones.
Martin O'Neill has returned to Celtic as the manager for the rest of the season after the club dismissed the previous manager, Wilfried Nancy, due to poor performance. O'Neill plans to work on strengthening the team's roster during the January transfer window to improve their chances in the Scottish Premiership.
Key Facts
Martin O'Neill is back as Celtic's manager for the rest of the season.
He took over following Wilfried Nancy's dismissal after six losses in eight matches.
O'Neill aims to sign new players in the January transfer window to improve the team.
Celtic is currently six points behind league leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.
O'Neill previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, winning seven out of eight matches in his latest term.
The demand to win the Scottish Premiership has not been expressly stated by the club.
O'Neill will work with assistants Shaun Maloney and Stephen McManus.
He has expressed uncertainty about staying longer than this current stint at Celtic.
Ole Miss' new head coach, Pete Golding, has made significant changes to improve the football team. The team signed top-ranked player Carius Curne through the transfer portal. Curne was previously part of the LSU football team.
Key Facts
Pete Golding is the new head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels.
Coach Golding secured a key player, Carius Curne, from the transfer portal.
Carius Curne is the highest-rated interior offensive lineman in the transfer portal.
Curne previously played for LSU, a team led by Lane Kiffin.
There was tension because LSU was slow to finalize Curne's transfer paperwork.
The Rebels are preparing for an important game against the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
Ole Miss will play LSU in Oxford on September 19, 2026.
Steve Phelps, the Commissioner of NASCAR, has announced his resignation following a federal antitrust trial. His resignation comes after controversial texts he sent during revenue-sharing talks were revealed. Phelps will leave his position at the end of January after being with NASCAR for over 20 years.
Key Facts
Steve Phelps is stepping down as NASCAR Commissioner at the end of January.
His resignation follows a federal antitrust trial where his private texts were exposed.
Phelps had described a Hall of Fame team owner using offensive language in these texts.
He became the first Commissioner of NASCAR last season.
Prior to his NASCAR role, Phelps was connected with the NFL.
NASCAR settled a lawsuit with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports shortly after the trial.
Phelps plans to explore new opportunities in sports and other fields.
He expressed gratitude to the France family, NASCAR's founders, for his career opportunities.
Alabama's football team has added running back Hollywood Smothers from the transfer portal. Smothers, who played for NC State, ran over 1,000 yards last season. This addition is expected to strengthen Alabama's offense for the upcoming 2026 season.
Key Facts
Alabama's football team signed Hollywood Smothers from the transfer portal.
Smothers was a running back for NC State, gaining 1,128 yards in 2025.
He originally joined Oklahoma but transferred to NC State after his freshman year.
Smothers has a total of 1,510 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns over his two seasons at NC State.
Alabama's team sees Smothers as a key player for the 2026 season.
Wide receiver Ryan Williams shared the news of Smothers joining the team.
Williams, a top recruit, has played for Alabama since 2024.
The Boston Red Sox and New York Mets were interested in trading for Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan to boost their pitching staff. Despite trade rumors, predictions indicate that the Twins will likely keep Ryan for the upcoming season rather than trading him. The Twins might consider offering Ryan a contract extension instead.
Key Facts
The Red Sox and Mets need a top pitcher for their teams.
Joe Ryan, a pitcher from the Minnesota Twins, was a trade target.
Trading for Ryan would require giving up valuable young players.
There were early rumors about the Twins possibly trading Ryan.
Predictions suggest the Twins will keep Ryan for now.
The Twins might offer Ryan a contract extension.
The Twins had traded other star players last year.
The Dallas Cowboys fired Matt Eberflus after one season as their defensive coordinator. The team allowed a record number of points, leading to players questioning Eberflus' defensive strategies.
Key Facts
Matt Eberflus was fired as the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator after one season.
The Cowboys allowed a franchise-record 511 points in 17 games.
Dallas had the highest points allowed per game in the league, averaging 30.1.
Players, including Dante Fowler, questioned Eberflus' defensive schemes.
Former player Trevon Diggs suggested they needed more man-to-man coverage.
Eberflus preferred zone coverage over man-to-man tactics.
The Cowboys finished the season with a 7-9-1 record.
The Toronto Blue Jays have spent a lot on new players this offseason but are still interested in signing free agent Kyle Tucker. Tucker is seen as one of the best options available and has multiple teams interested in him.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays are among the top spenders in baseball this offseason.
Kyle Tucker is still available and is considered one of the top free agents.
The Blue Jays have already hosted Tucker at their Florida facility.
They signed several players recently, including Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Tyler Rogers, and Kazuma Okamoto.
ESPN's Jesse Rogers stated that the Blue Jays are still interested in Tucker.
Tucker is 28 years old and has strong hitting skills.
The Blue Jays' interest in Tucker might affect their ability to sign Bo Bichette.
