Kona Takahashi will return to Japan instead of signing with MLB team: Source  —  Right-handed pitcher Kona Takahashi, whose posting window closes on Sunday, is going back to Nippon Professional Baseball, a league source told The Athletic.  —  Takahashi is set to return to the Seibu Lions …

Brewers provide update on status of Jackson Chourio, other players in Venezuela  —  Outfielder Jackson Chourio is among the members of the Milwaukee Brewers currently in his native country of Venezuela, in the wake of the United States' capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro in an overnight strike.

What I'm hearing about the NFL coaching carousel and the changes coming in Vegas  —  The Athletic has live coverage of Panthers vs. Buccaneers and Seahawks vs. 49ers from NFL Week 18 action.  —  Sprinting the 25 feet from my front door to the car to escape the freezing air Saturday morning …

Yankees show interest in rival Bo Bichette in intriguing MLB free agency twist  —  Yankees show interest in rival in intriguing MLB free agency twist  —  Jets have one more chance to change their cruel Aaron Glenn irony  —  What's behind Rangers star's jarring Team USA snub for Winter Olympics

Where things stand with top 6 free agents  —  Tatsuya Imai became the first free agent to secure a deal in 2026, but there are some high-profile names still out there to be had.  —  With Spring Training only six weeks away, here's the latest on six available players who will have a huge impact on the 2026 season.