The Detroit Tigers are looking to add a new starting pitcher for their team. They are interested in free agent pitchers, including Chris Bassitt from the Toronto Blue Jays, to strengthen their rotation.
Key Facts
The Detroit Tigers want a new starting pitcher to improve their team.
They have used 15 different pitchers as starters this past season.
The Tigers are interested in mid-tier free agent pitchers.
Chris Bassitt, a 36-year-old free agent from the Toronto Blue Jays, is one of their targets.
Other potential targets include Nick Martinez, José Quintana, and Lucas Giolito.
Chris Bassitt had 27 or more starts in each of the past five seasons.
Bassitt had 166 strikeouts and a 3.96 ERA in the last season.
It is not clear if the Blue Jays will re-sign Bassitt, which might allow him to join a team like the Tigers.
The New York Mets traded for Freddy Peralta, a pitcher from the Milwaukee Brewers. Sports writers project that Peralta might sign a new contract with the Mets worth $120 million over five years. This new deal would extend his stay with the team until 2030.
Key Facts
The Mets acquired Freddy Peralta in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Peralta's current contract with the Mets ends after the 2026 season.
Writers from The Athletic predict Peralta might sign a five-year contract extension worth $120 million.
The proposed deal would keep Peralta with the Mets through the 2030 season.
The contract would pay Peralta an average of $24 million per year.
If the Mets sign Peralta to this deal, it could increase their luxury tax.
The Mets might need to adjust the contract to avoid immediate financial penalties.
Aaron Sanchez, a former top prospect for the Toronto Blue Jays, is working on a comeback to Major League Baseball after not playing for three seasons. Sanchez recently performed well in the Dominican Winter League and is attracting interest from MLB teams. He may sign a minor league deal with a chance to prove himself during spring training.
Key Facts
Aaron Sanchez was a top prospect for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Sanchez won the Dominican Winter League's Pitcher of the Year award.
He had a 1.55 ERA in 46 1/3 innings over eight starts this winter.
Sanchez last played in MLB in 2022.
He was an All-Star in 2016 with a 15-2 record and a 3.00 ERA.
Sanchez is 33 years old and looking to return to MLB.
Teams might consider Sanchez for a minor league deal with a chance to join the main team if he performs well.
Aston Villa's manager, Unai Emery, had a minor incident with player Youri Tielemans during their Europa League win against Fenerbahce. Despite the situation, Emery described the interaction as friendly, saying, "He's my son." Aston Villa's victory secured them a spot in the tournament's last 16, with Jadon Sancho scoring his first goal for the club.
Key Facts
Unai Emery is the manager of Aston Villa.
Youri Tielemans was substituted in the 92nd minute during a 1-0 win over Fenerbahce.
Emery pushed Tielemans in the chest, but called him "my son," suggesting a light-hearted interaction.
Aston Villa's win secured their place in the last 16 of the Europa League.
Jadon Sancho scored his first goal for Aston Villa in this match.
Emery has won the Europa League four times as a manager.
This match marked Emery’s 100th game managing in the Europa League.
Paddy Pimblett, a mixed martial arts fighter from Liverpool, is preparing to compete for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324. Known for his confident personality, Pimblett has evolved from a young athlete with unshakeable self-belief to a respected figure in his gym, where he also inspires and coaches others.
Key Facts
Paddy Pimblett first visited Paul Rimmer's gym in Liverpool in 2010 as a 15-year-old.
As of 2023, Pimblett is a prominent figure among fighters at the Next Generation Gym.
He is set to fight Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 in Las Vegas.
Pimblett joined the UFC in 2021 and has won all seven of his fights since then.
In his early career, Pimblett experienced notable losses that contributed to his development.
His unshakeable confidence, once seen as a weakness, is now a key strength due to improved attentiveness to coaching.
Pimblett acts as a mentor and leader at his gym, similar to Liverpool football icon Jordan Henderson.
Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one tennis player, advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open after defeating Anastasia Potapova. Despite initially leading, Sabalenka had to overcome a strong challenge from Potapova, ultimately winning with scores of 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (9-7). Sabalenka, who has been successful in recent Grand Slams, highlighted her mental strength as key to her victory.
Key Facts
Aryna Sabalenka is the current world number one in women's tennis.
She won the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024.
Sabalenka defeated Anastasia Potapova to reach the fourth round of the 2025 Australian Open.
The match ended with scores of 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (9-7) in Sabalenka's favor.
Sabalenka has won 19 Grand Slam tie-breaks in a row, a record for female players in the Open era.
She has worked on controlling her emotions with a psychologist to improve her game.
Sabalenka has reached at least the semi-finals in 13 of her last 16 Grand Slam tournaments.
She will face 19-year-old Victoria Mboko from Canada in the next round.
The third round of the 2026 Australian Open tennis tournament is taking place, featuring both well-known and up-and-coming players. Matches will be broadcast on ESPN2, and fans can watch online through Fubo with a free trial available.
Key Facts
The 2026 Australian Open's third round occurs on January 22 and January 23.
ESPN2 will air the matches starting at 3:00 AM Eastern Time.
Fubo offers a live stream option for viewers who do not have cable, with a free trial available.
Notable players include Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff.
Local interest in Australia focuses on Alex de Minaur and Maddison Inglis.
The tournament features a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents.
Matches promise intense physical exchanges and strategy.
Some regional restrictions may apply for the live stream.
A member of Bad Bunny's style team mentioned that the singer may wear a dress for his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show as a tribute to queer Puerto Rican icons. The possible costume has sparked debate and criticism online, particularly from conservative figures. The NFL and Bad Bunny have not confirmed the outfit.
Key Facts
Bad Bunny might wear a dress during his 2026 Super Bowl halftime performance.
The dress is intended to honor Puerto Rican queer icons and make a political statement.
The NFL and Bad Bunny have not confirmed the outfit.
Some conservatives and MAGA supporters have criticized the potential costume choice.
President Donald Trump and other conservatives criticized the NFL's choice to have Bad Bunny perform.
Bad Bunny's potential wardrobe choice has become a topic of heated online debate.
Bad Bunny is a successful music artist with multiple awards, including Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards.
The 2026 Super Bowl will be held on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Harry Styles announced a 2026 world tour called "Together, Together," featuring 50 dates in seven major cities worldwide. The U.S. leg includes 30 consecutive nights at Madison Square Garden in New York City from August to October. Tickets for these events will be available through various presale options in January and February.
Key Facts
Harry Styles' 2026 world tour is called "Together, Together."
The tour includes 50 dates across seven cities globally.
In the U.S., all concerts will be held at New York's Madison Square Garden.
The U.S. shows run from August 28 to October 31, 2026.
Tickets are available through American Express Presale, Artist Presale, and General On Sale.
Presale dates for ticket purchases are staggered throughout January and February 2026.
Special guest performers in New York include Jamie xx.
Styles' new single "Aperture" was released on January 22, 2026.
Alex Honnold, a climber known for scaling without safety gear, will climb Taipei 101 live without ropes. A 2016 brain scan suggested he experiences fear differently because his brain shows less activity in areas that trigger fear responses.
Key Facts
Alex Honnold is famous for free solo climbing, which means climbing without safety ropes.
He will climb Taipei 101, a skyscraper about 1,667 feet tall, without any safety equipment.
A 2016 fMRI scan showed that Honnold's amygdala, a brain part involved in fear, reacts less than that of a typical person.
The research explored how Honnold could manage fear during high-risk climbs.
The study found that when shown fear-inducing images, Honnold's brain showed little response.
Honnold mentioned that his experiences have helped him get used to fear over the years.
Scientists believe genetic factors and experience influence how the amygdala responds to fear.
The brain scan results suggest that Honnold is a high-sensation seeker, meaning he seeks out thrilling experiences.
The Golden State Warriors are considering trade options as they deal with roster changes following Jimmy Butler's injury. Discussions suggest a potential reunion with Andrew Wiggins to strengthen the team. Wiggins previously played for the Warriors and could address their current needs.
Key Facts
The Golden State Warriors are exploring trade options before the February 5 deadline.
Jimmy Butler is out for the season due to a torn ACL.
The team is considering bringing back Andrew Wiggins, who last played with them in the 2022 NBA Finals.
Wiggins currently plays for the Miami Heat and performed well recently against the Warriors.
Wiggins is averaging 15.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and shooting nearly 40% from three-point range this season.
Financial considerations include Wiggins being on an expiring contract with a $30 million option for next season.
The Warriors aim to balance immediate competitiveness with future viability in the Western Conference.
Kyrie Irving, a player for the Dallas Mavericks, is recovering from a knee injury and there is no set date for his return. The team is being cautious and won't rush his comeback, even though he wants to play. The Mavericks' current performance in the league will not affect when he returns.
Key Facts
Kyrie Irving plays for the Dallas Mavericks and has a knee injury.
He hurt his ACL, a ligament in the knee, in March 2025.
There is no specific date for his return to playing games.
Head Coach Jason Kidd says Irving is focusing on his rehab and working hard.
Irving hasn't been allowed to practice yet.
Rumors suggested he might return midseason, but the team hasn't confirmed this.
The Mavericks are currently ranked 12th in the Western Conference.
Patience is important as the team considers Irving's and the team's future.
Franz Wagner, a key player for the Orlando Magic, will not play in the upcoming game against the Charlotte Hornets due to soreness in his left ankle. This decision is part of managing his recovery after recently returning from a prolonged injury absence. The Magic aim to continue their recent success while ensuring Wagner's health.
Key Facts
Franz Wagner will miss the game against the Charlotte Hornets because of left ankle soreness.
Wagner has just returned from a long absence due to a left ankle sprain.
His recent return was during a European trip where he played two games.
The team is not calling his latest absence a setback but a cautious move.
Tristan da Silva is expected to replace Wagner in the starting lineup.
The Orlando Magic recently won consecutive games for the first time since December 1.
Another player, Jalen Suggs, will also miss the game with a knee injury.
Anthony Davis has asked to be traded from the Dallas Mavericks before the NBA trade deadline. The Mavericks must decide quickly if they want to keep Davis or trade him for better value, as he hasn't played recently due to an injury. The Toronto Raptors are one of the teams interested in possibly acquiring Davis.
Key Facts
Anthony Davis wants to be traded from the Dallas Mavericks before February 5, the NBA trade deadline.
Davis hasn't played since January 8 because of an injury to his left hand.
The Dallas Mavericks are currently ranked 12th in the Western Conference.
Davis's current contract has a $54 million salary cap, complicating trade possibilities.
He also has a player option for the 2027-28 season worth $62.8 million.
The Toronto Raptors are interested in trading for Davis and may include players like Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl, and RJ Barrett in a deal.
Dallas is deciding whether to plan for the long-term future of the team with or without Davis.
Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Joshisa “Jojo” Trader is entering the transfer portal after their national championship loss. Trader, who was a highly ranked recruit, has two more years left to play college football.
Key Facts
Joshisa “Jojo” Trader is a wide receiver for the Miami Hurricanes.
He plans to enter the transfer portal to play for a different college team.
Trader was a four-star recruit from Chaminade-Madonna High School.
247Sports ranked him as the 14th wide receiver and 70th overall prospect.
He played two seasons at Miami, with a total of 19 catches for 269 yards and two touchdowns.
Trader still has two years of college eligibility remaining.
The Miami Hurricanes have also lost other players via the transfer portal.
Danny Rohl, the head coach of Rangers, has improved the team's performance, bringing them closer to the top of the Scottish Premiership standings. Despite challenges in the Europa League, Rangers have won several games in a row, and key players like Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande are playing well. Reinforcements have been added to the team, but there are still areas, like the striker position, that need improvement.
Key Facts
Danny Rohl took over as head coach of Rangers when the team had little chance of winning the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers are now six points behind the league leaders, Hearts.
The team recently won a Europa League match against Ludogorets, marking their seventh consecutive win.
Rohl has lost five out of 21 matches as head coach, with only one loss in the Premiership.
Players Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande have shown significant improvement under Rohl's leadership.
Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski have faced questions about their ability to play as the main striker.
New players have joined the team, including Toko Chukwuani, Tuur Rommens, and Andreas Skov Olsen.
Celtic played against Bologna in the Europa League and managed to secure a draw despite facing challenges. Reo Hatate scored for Celtic but was also sent off with two yellow cards, leaving Celtic with 10 players. Despite Bologna's pressure, Celtic held on to earn a point, which helps them in the competition standings.
Key Facts
Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill praised the team for their resilience during the match.
Celtic's Reo Hatate scored a goal but was later shown two yellow cards, resulting in his dismissal.
Bologna scored twice after the red card, leveling the match at 2-2.
Kasper Schmeichel, Celtic's goalkeeper, was criticized for his performance on the Bologna goals.
Defender Auston Trusty made significant defensive contributions with 17 clearances.
Celtic is currently 24th with eight points in the Europa League standings.
The team needs to win their next match against Utrecht to secure progression in the competition.
The match ended with Celtic's defense managing to repel multiple attacks from Bologna.
Nottingham Forest lost to Braga in a Europa League match. Forest missed a penalty, scored an own goal, and had a player sent off, making it difficult for them to progress in the competition. This defeat means they are likely to face additional play-off matches to reach the next stage.
Key Facts
Nottingham Forest played against Braga in a Europa League match and lost.
Morgan Gibbs-White missed a penalty for Forest.
Ryan Yates scored an own goal shortly after the missed penalty.
Forest's Elliot Anderson was sent off, receiving a red card.
Braga won the match without having a shot on target, which is rare in Europa League history.
Sean Dyche, the Forest manager, made seven team changes for this game.
Forest's chances of automatic qualification for the last 16 are now very slim.
Forest will likely need to play extra games in a busy season to advance in the competition.
Aston Villa's manager, Unai Emery, is focused on winning the Europa League after securing a place in the last 16. Emery, who has won the Europa League four times before, sees this as a chance to qualify for the Champions League, especially if the team does not finish in the top positions in the Premier League. Jadon Sancho scored his first goal for Villa, helping the team with their strong performance in European matches.
Key Facts
Unai Emery is the manager of Aston Villa and has led them to the last 16 of the Europa League.
Villa secured a 1-0 victory against Fenerbahce in Turkey to achieve a top-eight finish in their league phase.
Emery has won the Europa League four times with other clubs and is aiming for success with Villa to qualify for the Champions League.
Villa has recently won 20 out of 25 matches, showing strong form in European games.
Jadon Sancho scored his first goal for Aston Villa, helping with their latest victory.
Emery expressed his happiness with how the team is performing in European competitions.
The team is dealing with some injuries but aims to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes.
An NFL team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, is reportedly interested in Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal as a potential new head coach. Cristobal signed a long-term contract with Miami and has not shown interest in leaving for an NFL job. The Steelers are looking for a new head coach after Mike Tomlin stepped down.
Key Facts
Mario Cristobal is the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, a college football team.
Cristobal signed a 10-year, $80 million contract with the Hurricanes in 2021.
Under Cristobal, the Miami Hurricanes recently played in the national championship.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in Cristobal for their head coach position.
The Steelers need a new head coach because Mike Tomlin stepped down.
Cristobal has never coached in the NFL before.
Cristobal is under contract with Miami through 2031, making it costly for him to leave.
The Steelers have never fired a coach in their history; coaches have always left voluntarily.
