The Chicago Cubs traded Kris Bryant to the San Francisco Giants in 2021. They received two players in return, Alexander Canario and Caleb Kilian. Kilian has now signed a minor-league deal with the Giants after becoming a free agent.
Key Facts
Kris Bryant was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the San Francisco Giants in 2021.
The Cubs received Alexander Canario and Caleb Kilian in the trade.
Alexander Canario was waived by the Cubs and played 21 games for them.
Caleb Kilian was waived early in the season and chose free agency in November.
Kilian signed a minor-league deal with the San Francisco Giants in December.
Kilian did not play in major league games last year and had a 9.22 ERA in 27 1/3 innings for the Cubs.
Kilian returns to the Giants after struggling with injuries and performance in 2023.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in trading for Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta, who is a two-time All-Star. Peralta will become a free agent after the next season, and the Brewers might trade him because he might be too expensive for them to keep. The Dodgers already have a strong pitching rotation, making their interest in Peralta unexpected.
Key Facts
The Dodgers are interested in trading for pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Peralta is a two-time All-Star and could become a free agent after next season.
This interest is surprising because the Dodgers already have a strong pitching lineup.
Peralta's current contract has a $8 million club option for next season.
The Brewers might trade Peralta as they may not afford to keep him later.
Last season, Peralta had a 2.70 ERA and 204 strikeouts.
Peralta finished fifth in the National League Cy Young Award race.
Experts think it is unlikely the Dodgers will successfully trade for Peralta, but they can't be ruled out.
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Manchester United has fired their manager, Ruben Amorim, after 14 months in the job. Darren Fletcher will temporarily manage the team in their upcoming game. The decision comes with the team currently in sixth place in the Premier League.
Key Facts
Manchester United fired Ruben Amorim after 14 months as manager.
Darren Fletcher will temporarily manage the team against Burnley.
Amorim indicated problems with club officials and support in the transfer market.
He expressed a desire to work as a manager rather than just a coach.
Manchester United is currently in sixth place in the Premier League.
The club stated the change aims to improve their league standing.
Manchester United thanked Amorim and wished him well for the future.
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At the 2026 Critics' Choice Awards, Timothée Chalamet thanked his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, while accepting the best actor award for his role in "Marty Supreme." Jessie Buckley won best actress for "Hamnet," and "Adolescence" earned multiple awards. The event, hosted by Chelsea Handler, is seen as less influential than other award ceremonies.
Key Facts
Timothée Chalamet won best actor for his role in "Marty Supreme" and expressed his love for Kylie Jenner during his speech.
Jessie Buckley received the best actress award for "Hamnet," a historical drama about William Shakespeare and his wife.
The British drama "Adolescence" won four awards.
Owen Cooper won best supporting actor in a limited series for "Adolescence."
Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty also won acting awards for their roles in "Adolescence."
The Critics' Choice Awards were held at Barker Hangar in California.
The event is deemed less influential in the film awards season compared to others like the Oscars.
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Texas Tech has signed Brendan Sorsby, a highly-ranked quarterback from the transfer portal, with the goal of boosting their chances in college football. Sorsby was reportedly given a significant financial deal to join the team. This transfer involves support from a major Texas Tech booster.
Key Facts
Brendan Sorsby was ranked as ESPN's No. 1 player in the transfer window.
The New York Yankees are interested in trading for pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers. They are considering this move because two of their pitchers, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón, will miss the start of the season. Peralta has a strong track record and could strengthen the Yankees' starting rotation.
Key Facts
The Yankees want to add another starting pitcher to their team.
Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón will not be available at the start of the season.
Freddy Peralta is considered a top pitcher and has a salary of $8 million next season.
The Milwaukee Brewers are open to trade offers for Peralta.
The Yankees are also talking to the Miami Marlins about pitcher Edward Cabrera.
Peralta had an ERA of 2.70 last season and over 200 strikeouts for three consecutive years.
If the Yankees get Peralta, he could be their third starter when Cole and Max Fried return.
The Brewers are keeping most of their key players after reaching the National League Championship Series but may trade Peralta if they get a strong offer.
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The New York Yankees are interested in Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette. This has led to talks about potential trades involving Yankees players Jazz Chisholm Jr. or Ryan McMahon. The Yankees prioritize re-signing Cody Bellinger, making it uncertain if they will pursue Bichette.
Key Facts
The Yankees are considering acquiring Bo Bichette from the Toronto Blue Jays.
There is speculation about moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. or Ryan McMahon to make room for Bichette.
Bichette is not seen as a long-term shortstop for the Yankees.
Yankees current shortstop Anthony Volpe might remain despite recent struggles.
Re-signing Cody Bellinger is a higher priority for the Yankees than acquiring Bichette.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been mentioned in trade rumors this offseason.
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There is no "Monday Night Football" game on January 5 as the NFL playoffs are about to begin. The wild-card weekend games start on January 10, with several matches scheduled over that weekend. "Monday Night Football" will return on January 12 with a game between the Texans and the Steelers.
Key Facts
There is no NFL "Monday Night Football" game on January 5.
The NFL playoffs will start soon with wild-card weekend beginning on January 10.
On January 10, the Rams will play the Panthers and the Packers will play the Bears.
On January 11, the Bills will play the Jaguars, the 49ers will play the Eagles, and the Chargers will play the Patriots.
"Monday Night Football" will resume on January 12 with the Texans playing the Steelers.
The NFL divisional round is on January 17 and 18.
The AFC and NFC championship games will be on January 25.
The Super Bowl is scheduled for February 8 at Levi's Stadium in California.
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The Toronto Blue Jays have signed Japanese player Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million contract. Despite this, the Blue Jays are still interested in adding more top players, including Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman, and Kyle Tucker, to enhance their team. The team shows a strong willingness to spend and aims for a successful season.
Key Facts
The Blue Jays signed Kazuma Okamoto for four years at $60 million.
Okamoto is a Japanese slugger expected to provide flexibility in various positions.
The Blue Jays are still interested in acquiring Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Kyle Tucker.
Bo Bichette has attracted interest from multiple teams, including the Yankees and Dodgers.
Kyle Tucker, an outfielder, visited the Blue Jays' facility in Florida.
The Blue Jays are not under strict financial constraints and want to improve their roster.
The team aims for a return to the World Series.
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Joe Root, England's top cricket run-scorer, expressed his desire to join England's next Ashes tour in Australia in 2029-30. He made his 41st Test century during the fifth Test against Australia but has never won an Ashes series in Australia. Root hopes to extend his cricket career, potentially surpassing records for most Test caps and runs.
Key Facts
Joe Root wants to participate in the Ashes tour in 2029-30 when he turns 39.
Root scored his 41st Test century in the fifth Test against Australia.
He is England's leading run-scorer in Test cricket with 13,937 runs.
Root has never won an Ashes series in Australia despite his successful career.
If he continues playing, Root could break records for most Test caps and runs.
England has struggled in Australia, historically losing series heavily.
Root experienced cramp during the test, causing him to leave the field temporarily.
England won the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, ending a losing streak.
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England's Joe Root scored 160 runs before the team was all out for 384 in their first innings of the fifth cricket Test against Australia. By the end of day two, Australia had scored 166 runs for 2 wickets, with Travis Head scoring 91 runs not out.
Key Facts
Joe Root, a player for England, scored 160 runs.
England's team total was 384 runs in their first innings.
The match is part of the fifth Test between England and Australia.
Travis Head, playing for Australia, scored 91 runs and remained not out by the end of the day.
Australia ended day two with a score of 166 for 2 wickets.
Australia is 218 runs behind England at the close of day two.
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England's cricket team struggled with their bowling performance during the fifth Ashes Test against Australia in Sydney. Despite a strong batting effort from Joe Root, England's bowlers allowed Australia to quickly score, leading to a challenging position by the end of the day.
Key Facts
The fifth Ashes Test match took place in Sydney, Australia.
Joe Root scored 160 runs, putting England in a strong position initially.
England's bowlers allowed Australia to score 166-2 in 34.1 overs by the end of the day.
Phil Tufnell, a former England player, criticized the bowling as one of the worst performances he had seen.
England's bowlers delivered 47% of their balls shorter than 8 meters, compared to Australia's 19%.
Ben Stokes took two wickets and attempted to control the game but Australia's batsmen scored quickly.
The decision for Brydon Carse to take the first over was unusual because he doesn't typically bowl first for his county team.
Injuries to Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson influenced England's bowling strategy choices.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers secured the final playoff spot by defeating the Baltimore Ravens after a missed field goal in the final seconds of the game. The victory sets up a full NFL playoff schedule, with the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks claiming the top seeds in their respective conferences. The playoffs will feature a series of games next weekend, culminating in the road to the Super Bowl.
Key Facts
The Steelers beat the Ravens to clinch the final NFL playoff spot.
Tyler Loop's missed field goal in the final seconds was crucial in the Steelers' win.
Aaron Rodgers threw a crucial touchdown pass, helping secure the win for the Steelers.
The Denver Broncos are the top seed in the AFC and will have a bye next week.
The Seattle Seahawks are the top seed in the NFC and will also have a bye next week.
The playoff lineup is now set with several matches scheduled for next weekend.
The Jacksonville Jaguars won the AFC South division.
The New England Patriots are the second seed in the AFC and will face the Chargers next week.
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The New York Yankees are looking to add a new starting pitcher for the upcoming season. They may consider trading for MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals. Gore is a talented young player with a few years left on his contract, but acquiring him could be costly in terms of trading prospects.
Key Facts
The Yankees need a new starting pitcher for the next season.
They are considering trading for MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals.
Gore is 26 years old and has not fully reached his potential yet.
He has two years of team control left, meaning he is under contract with his current team for two more years.
Acquiring Gore could be expensive, possibly costing the Yankees several top prospects.
The Yankees want to avoid paying too much for short-term players or unproven international players.
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On the second day of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, England's Joe Root scored 160 runs, helping England reach 384 runs. Australia responded with Travis Head scoring 91 runs, and Australia reached 166-2, trailing by 218 runs. England faced challenges with missed catches and concerns over Root's back injury.
Key Facts
Joe Root scored 160 runs for England in the fifth Ashes Test.
England's total score was 384 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Travis Head made 91 runs for Australia, remaining not out.
Australia ended the day at 166-2, 218 runs behind England.
England dropped key catches that helped Australia’s score.
Ben Stokes, England's captain, took two Australian wickets.
Joe Root spent time off the field due to a back injury.
Michael Neser took four wickets for Australia, helping restrict England’s score.
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WWE "Friday Night SmackDown" recently started airing in a three-hour format. There are reports that this change might not continue throughout 2026, possibly returning to a two-hour format in the year's second half due to the network's programming plans.
Key Facts
WWE "Friday Night SmackDown" is now airing for three hours on the USA Network.
Reports suggest that the show may return to a two-hour format by mid-2026.
The format change aligns with the show's schedule in 2025, which also started with three hours and shifted to two later.
The network plans to introduce a new show after SmackDown in the second half of 2026.
Bryan Alvarez noted that the first episode of 2026 effectively used the extra hour for content, including featuring NXT call-ups.
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Brendan Sorsby, a highly-regarded quarterback from the transfer portal, announced he will play for Texas Tech next season. He made this decision known through phone calls to Patrick Mahomes, a former Texas Tech player, and a key booster. Sorsby originally played for the Indiana Hoosiers and then Cincinnati Bearcats, where he gained recognition as a top player.
Key Facts
Brendan Sorsby is transferring to Texas Tech for the next football season.
He communicated his decision to Patrick Mahomes and a top Texas Tech booster.
The NCAA transfer portal was open for a short time when Sorsby made his decision.
Sorsby was previously with the Indiana Hoosiers and Cincinnati Bearcats.
While at Cincinnati, he had 2,800 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in a season.
He was considered the top player in the transfer portal.
Texas Tech's current quarterback, Behren Morton, led the team to a playoff but lost to Oregon.
Sorsby might earn more than $5 million next season at Texas Tech.
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The Baltimore Orioles are expected to sign pitcher Nick Martinez from the Cincinnati Reds for a two-year, $24 million contract. The Orioles aim to improve their pitching lineup after a less successful season, and Martinez could provide stability in their rotation or bullpen.
Key Facts
The Orioles did not enhance their pitching staff previously, contributing to a disappointing season.
They are taking action this off-season, including signing Pete Alonso.
The Orioles need to add two solid starting pitchers to compete for the American League pennant.
Ryan Finkelstein predicts Nick Martinez will join the Orioles on a two-year, $24 million deal.
Martinez was effective for the Reds both as a starter and in the bullpen.
Martinez is viewed as a reliable option for the Orioles' pitching staff but is not considered a top-tier pitcher.
The team also seeks to sign a top-level pitcher to complement Martinez's experience.
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The Los Angeles Lakers won against the Memphis Grizzlies with a score of 120-114 in an NBA game, led by Luka Doncic and LeBron James. In another game, the Phoenix Suns narrowly defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder with a last-second three-pointer by Devin Booker, ending the Thunder's winning streak. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-110, led by Cade Cunningham and Daniss Jenkins.
Key Facts
Luka Doncic scored 36 points for the Los Angeles Lakers in their victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
LeBron James contributed 26 points and 10 assists for the Lakers.
Devin Booker hit a game-winning three-pointer to help the Phoenix Suns defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-105.
The Thunder had a four-game winning streak before losing to the Suns.
The Detroit Pistons won against the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Cade Cunningham scoring 27 points.
The Indiana Pacers lost their 12th consecutive game against the Orlando Magic.
The Brooklyn Nets took advantage of Nikola Jokic's absence to beat the Denver Nuggets 127-115.
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The Atlanta Braves may let their slugger Marcell Ozuna leave to join the Washington Nationals. It is predicted that Ozuna could sign a one-year, $12 million deal with the Nationals, giving them a strong hitter in their lineup.
Key Facts
Marcell Ozuna is a player for the Atlanta Braves.
Ozuna might leave the Braves for the Washington Nationals.
A one-year, $12 million deal for Ozuna is predicted.
The Nationals are looking to strengthen their lineup with Ozuna.
Ozuna could help the Nationals in two ways: stay competitive or become a trade option.
The Nationals want to improve but might be a few years away from serious playoff contention.
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