Justin Verlander, a veteran pitcher, had a solid season with the San Francisco Giants and is now a free agent. ESPN's Eric Karabell predicts Verlander might sign with the Detroit Tigers, the team that originally drafted him. The Tigers are looking for experienced pitchers to improve their chances in the playoffs.
Key Facts
Justin Verlander played for the San Francisco Giants last season.
He is entering free agency again, looking for a one-year deal.
ESPN's Eric Karabell suggested the Detroit Tigers are likely to sign Verlander.
Verlander was drafted by the Tigers in 2004 and won 183 games over 13 years with them.
The Tigers need experienced pitchers as they aim for their third straight playoff appearance.
Verlander adds veteran leadership to any team he joins, despite not being at his best now.
The Houston Rockets are set to face the Detroit Pistons, with Cade Cunningham now probable to play after being previously listed as questionable due to a hip injury and illness. The Pistons, who are leading the Eastern Conference, won their last matchup against the Rockets in October.
Key Facts
The Rockets played a tough game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday and face the Pistons on Friday.
Cade Cunningham was added to the Pistons' injured list as questionable but has been upgraded to probable for the game against the Rockets.
Cunningham was seen practicing on Friday morning, indicating he might play.
The Pistons previously defeated the Rockets 115-111 in October.
In the October game, Cade Cunningham scored 21 points, with nine assists and seven rebounds.
The Pistons are currently the top team in the Eastern Conference with a 31-10 record.
The Rockets have the fourth position in the Western Conference.
Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills' quarterback, will help choose the team's new head coach after the firing of Sean McDermott. Allen will participate in interviews with prospective coaches, signaling his desire to have a big role in the decision. The move comes as Allen seeks to build a championship-winning team.
Key Facts
Josh Allen is the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills.
The team's head coach, Sean McDermott, was recently fired.
Allen did not have any warning or input on McDermott's firing.
Allen will now help in the search for a new head coach by sitting in on interviews.
The decision will impact who leads the team in the 2026 season.
Allen's involvement shows his strong interest in winning a championship.
Buffalo has set up meetings with potential coaches, including Mike McDaniel, Grant Udinski, Anthony Lynn, and Anthony Weaver.
WWE fans are speculating about a possible return of Saraya, formerly known as Paige, at the Royal Rumble event. Her name was removed from a convention lineup due to date changes, leading to rumors that she might appear at the wrestling event in Saudi Arabia. No official confirmation has been given, but fans are excited about the possibility.
Key Facts
Saraya, previously known as Paige, is rumored to return to WWE at the Royal Rumble.
A change in her schedule at a convention in Nashville has led to speculation.
The convention was rescheduled, but Saraya's name was not listed for the new dates.
Fans are linking Saraya's absence to a potential WWE appearance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
A fan shared a video of Saraya training, which increased the rumors.
Saraya is a free agent after leaving AEW last year.
The Royal Rumble event is known for surprise wrestler returns.
WWE has upcoming events in Montreal and Riyadh prior to the Royal Rumble.
The Chicago White Sox signed pitcher Seranthony Domínguez to a two-year, $20 million contract. This move is part of several changes the White Sox made during the offseason, aiming to strengthen their team after a challenging past season.
Key Facts
The White Sox signed Seranthony Domínguez for two years, valued at $20 million.
Domínguez played for the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays last season.
He is expected to be the closer for the White Sox.
The White Sox traded outfielder Luis Robert to the New York Mets earlier in the week.
The team added other new players, such as Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami.
They traded Garrett Crochet to Boston and received young talents like Kyle Teel.
The White Sox had a difficult season last year, winning only 60 games.
The Seattle Mariners have lost Samad Taylor to free agency. Taylor, a versatile defensive player but less effective hitter, decided to leave the Mariners after playing 38 major league games.
Key Facts
Samad Taylor, 27 years old, left the Seattle Mariners to become a free agent.
He can play multiple positions on defense, which is valuable to teams.
Taylor has difficulty with hitting, limiting his appeal for major league teams.
He played in 38 major league games before his free agency decision.
The Mariners have made other significant roster moves this offseason.
Taylor might sign a minor league deal, allowing him to return to the majors if he performs well.
The Philadelphia Phillies are still trying to trade player Nick Castellanos, who had a lower performance last season. ESPN suggested he might be traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the Phillies covering most of his salary.
Key Facts
The Philadelphia Phillies are attempting to trade Nick Castellanos, who is a baseball player.
Castellanos is due $20 million and had a .694 OPS (on-base plus slugging) last season, which indicates his hitting performance.
He hit 17 home runs last season and had less playing time towards the season's end.
ESPN's Jesse Rogers predicted a trade to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The suggested trade involves the Phillies paying $15 million of Castellanos's salary.
Castellanos has previously played 42 games at the Pirates' home stadium, PNC Park, with a .279 batting average there.
The trade would not require the Pirates to send a player back to the Phillies.
Cam Newton, a former NFL player, expressed his opinion on a sports show that Notre Dame's football team is not currently relevant. His remarks caused a strong reaction, especially from the team’s fans who pointed out that the team recently played in a national championship game.
Key Facts
Cam Newton commented on ESPN's "First Take" about Notre Dame's football team.
He claimed Notre Dame hasn't been relevant for several years.
This discussion was part of a conversation about the College Football Playoff system.
Notre Dame was one of the last teams left out of the current year's tournament.
Newton stated that Notre Dame receives special treatment in the playoffs.
Fans and others defended Notre Dame, noting their recent achievements, including a national championship game appearance.
LeBron James, a player for the Los Angeles Lakers, responded vaguely when asked if he wants to stay with the team for the rest of the season. There are reports about tensions between James and Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, but James said he isn't paying much attention to those stories.
Key Facts
LeBron James was questioned about his desire to remain with the Lakers after a recent game.
He gave a brief answer, saying, "I'm good," to the question about finishing the season with the Lakers.
Reports suggest there might be issues between James and the Lakers' owner, Jeanie Buss.
James downplayed these reports and stated he does not pay much attention to media stories.
James talked about his commitment to the Lakers, mentioning he has played for the team longer than for other teams except Cleveland.
The Lakers have recently lost six out of their last nine games, adding pressure on the team.
In the current season, James is averaging 22.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game.
The Toronto Blue Jays will have a new bullpen setup after losing Seranthony Dominguez. Dominguez signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Chicago White Sox.
Key Facts
Seranthony Dominguez was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025 from the Baltimore Orioles.
He had a 3.00 ERA in 24 regular-season games with the Blue Jays.
Dominguez signed a two-year contract worth $20 million with the Chicago White Sox.
The contract includes a mutual option for the 2028 season but no opt-out clause.
Dominguez had a 23-23 win-loss record and a 3.50 ERA in his MLB career.
The Blue Jays are planning to adjust their bullpen with options like Jeff Hoffman as closer and several veteran pitchers in support roles.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced he is stepping down after 19 years with the team. He has not yet decided on his future plans, but an NFL insider suggests he may not return to coaching. There is speculation that Tomlin might join ESPN as a broadcaster.
Key Facts
Mike Tomlin has been the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers for 19 years.
He led the team to one Super Bowl victory and 13 playoff appearances.
Tomlin did not have a single losing season during his time with the Steelers.
Tomlin thanked the organization, the Rooney family, and the players in his announcement.
NFL insider Jay Glazer believes Tomlin may not return to coaching.
There are rumors that Tomlin might work as a broadcaster for ESPN.
The New York Giants are considering Rex Ryan for a role, which might create a broadcasting spot for Tomlin at ESPN.
The article is about a promotional offer from Betr for new customers interested in NBA and NFL games. The promotion includes a $10 bonus for signing up and a 50% deposit match up to $200 for a new account. The offer is aimed at people looking to bet on games like the Milwaukee Bucks vs. Denver Nuggets and other sports events.
Key Facts
New Betr users get a $10 bonus for signing up.
Betr offers a 50% deposit match bonus up to $200.
To get the full $200 bonus, a $400 deposit is required.
The offer is for new Betr customers only.
Customers must be 18 years or older, with different age requirements in specific states (19+ in Alabama/Nebraska, 21+ in Massachusetts/Arizona).
The Milwaukee Bucks are playing against the Denver Nuggets on January 23, 2026.
The promotion includes tips on player performance projections for the Bucks vs. Nuggets game.
The promo code NEWSWEEK must be used during registration to qualify for the bonuses.
The Memphis Grizzlies will play against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, but Ja Morant will not participate due to an injury in his left elbow. This game will be the 23rd missed by Morant this season, as he deals with various injuries. Despite rumors of trade possibilities for Morant, there have been no recent updates on his status.
Key Facts
The Grizzlies will face the Pelicans on Friday night.
Ja Morant, a key player for the Grizzlies, will miss the game due to a sprain in his left elbow.
This is the 23rd game Morant will miss this season.
Earlier this month, Morant missed games because of a calf injury.
Morant averages 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game this season.
Last season, Morant averaged 23.2 points per game.
There are trade rumors involving Morant, with the trade deadline on February 5.
Trinity Rodman signed a three-year deal with the Washington Spirit, making it the highest salary for a female soccer player. The deal sparked debate due to salary cap issues in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The league introduced a new rule to work around the salary cap to keep top players.
Key Facts
Trinity Rodman signed a new three-year contract with the Washington Spirit.
This contract gives Rodman the highest salary for a female soccer player, understood to be more than $2 million per year.
The deal faced controversy because it bypassed the NWSL salary cap.
The NWSL salary cap is $3.5 million per team for the 2026 season, reaching $5.1 million by 2030.
The league created a "High Impact Player" rule, allowing teams to exceed the salary cap by $1 million for certain qualified players.
This rule was challenged by the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) for potentially violating the collective bargaining agreement.
The NWSLPA also claimed that the new rule violated federal labor law because player pay should be negotiated, not dictated.
Rodman’s keeping in the league was significant as many US stars opted to play in Europe, where there are no salary caps.
Mike McDaniel has agreed to become the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers but has not signed a deal yet. He is also being considered for head coaching jobs with the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders. McDaniel, the former Miami Dolphins coach, withdrew from consideration for the Cleveland Browns head coaching position.
Key Facts
Mike McDaniel agreed to be the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive coordinator.
He hasn't signed the contract with the Chargers yet.
McDaniel is being considered for head coaching jobs with the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders.
He withdrew from the Cleveland Browns' head coaching search.
The Baltimore Ravens hired Jesse Minter as their new head coach, changing McDaniel's prospects.
McDaniel worked as the Miami Dolphins head coach for four years.
WWE is reportedly considering a new appearance for "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Discussions are ongoing about the role he might play as WrestleMania season begins. Options include a final match, serving as a special guest referee, or making a non-wrestling appearance with a promo segment.
Key Facts
WWE is discussing a potential return for "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
His return could coincide with the start of the "Road to WrestleMania."
There is speculation about the nature of his involvement, but no specific plans have been disclosed.
Austin has a good relationship with WWE and is open to creative ideas.
He has not ruled out another wrestling match since his last one in 2022.
Austin declined a role at WrestleMania XL due to other commitments.
Potential roles include wrestling in a match, being a special guest referee, or making a non-wrestling appearance.
The Denver Broncos announced that John Elway, a legendary figure in the franchise, will be the honorary captain for the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots. The game will be held at Mile High Stadium, but the Broncos will play without their starting quarterback, Bo Nix, who is injured.
Key Facts
The Denver Broncos will play the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game.
John Elway, a former Broncos quarterback and executive, will be the team's honorary captain for the game.
The game will take place at Mile High Stadium.
The Broncos have not been in the AFC Championship since their Super Bowl appearance in 2016.
Bo Nix, the Broncos' star quarterback, is out with an ankle injury, and Jarrett Stidham will start in his place.
Adam Vinatieri will serve as the honorary captain for the Patriots.
BetMGM is offering a promotional bonus for new users to bet on sports events like the NBA, UFC, and NFL. Customers in certain U.S. states can receive bonus bets if their initial wager wins, while others can get a first-bet offer. The promotion highlights the upcoming NBA game between the Detroit Pistons and the Houston Rockets.
Key Facts
BetMGM offers a bonus code WEEK1550 for new users to receive bonus bets.
In New Jersey, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, a $10 bet that wins earns $150 in bonus bets.
In other states where BetMGM operates, new users can get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their first bet loses, plus $50 in BetMGM Rewards.
The Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets are playing on January 23, 2026.
The game will be nationally broadcasted on Amazon Prime Video.
The Pistons are currently leading the Eastern Conference with a 32-10 record.
The Rockets are in fourth place in the Western Conference with a 26-16 record.
The Pistons have performed well in past games against the Rockets, especially at home.
The St. Louis Cardinals might trade veteran infielder Brendan Donovan as part of their rebuilding efforts. The San Francisco Giants are considered a potential team to acquire Donovan, who could add depth due to his versatility in the infield and outfield. Donovan's trade could benefit both the Cardinals and Giants as they address team needs.
Key Facts
The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to trade infielder Brendan Donovan.
Brendan Donovan is a veteran player considered valuable in trades.
The San Francisco Giants are a potential team interested in acquiring Donovan.
ESPN's Bradford Doolittle predicted Donovan might be traded to the Giants.
The Giants need a second baseman, and Donovan's versatility makes him a good candidate.
Donovan can play multiple positions, including infield and corner outfield.
Trading Donovan would allow the Cardinals to gain value before his free agency.
The trade might involve the Giants giving up a significant number of prospects.
The Atlanta Braves used many different pitchers last season and are now seeing some leave, including Dane Dunning. Dunning, a former World Series champion, has signed a minor-league deal with the Seattle Mariners. He will compete for a spot on the team in spring training.
Key Facts
The Atlanta Braves used 46 pitchers last season, tying a major league record.
Dane Dunning, who was on the Braves, is a former World Series champion with the Texas Rangers.
Dunning signed a minor-league deal with the Seattle Mariners.
He will have a chance to earn a spot on the Mariners' team during spring training.
Last season, Dunning was moved between the minor leagues and majors, playing for both Texas and Atlanta.
He pitched 20 2/3 innings last season with a 6.97 ERA, which measures his earned runs allowed per game.
The Braves are still looking for a complete pitching rotation.
