What I'm hearing about the trade market for Dylan Cease  —  In their search for another starting pitcher, the New York Yankees are not simply exploring the top remaining free agents, left-handers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery.  They also are pursuing trade possibilities …

Lakers' Darvin Ham hot seat chatter is real, but there's a simple solution: Win  —  “Trouble in Paradise.”  —  When that Lakers-related text message popped up on my cell phone screen Thursday morning, with a source close to the situation confirming what our Shams Charania and Jovan Buha …

Southwest Airlines  —  The Dallas-based carrier flies from Dallas Love Field.

Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga has lost faith in coach Steve Kerr: Sources  —  After sitting for the final 18 minutes of Thursday night's loss to the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has lost faith in coach Steve Kerr, and the 2021 lottery pick no longer believes Kerr …

D.R. judge orders Wander Franco release as investigation continues  —  A judge on Friday ordered the conditional release of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco while he is investigated for allegations he had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl and gave her mother a car and thousands …

Teoscar Hernández in?  Masataka Yoshida traded?  Red Sox weighing moves  —  Teoscar Hernández coming?  Masataka Yoshida going?  The turnover in the Red Sox's outfield might not be complete.  According to people with knowledge of their conversations, the team remains engaged …

Plenty of power left on free agent market  —  We tend to spend so much time during the winter talking about the top free agents on the market, but there are dozens of players still looking for jobs as we approach the end of the first week in January.  —  That includes some potentially impactful bats …

Trevor Bauer: Did ‘a lot of damage,’ want second shot in MLB  —  Former Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer says he would “love a second opportunity to do things better” and make a return to Major League Baseball after sexual assault allegations halted his career, leading to a long suspension and eventual release from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

MLB sets date for 2024 trade deadline  —  There are still dozens and dozens (and dozens) of free agents left.  —  But in case you wanted to set your clock for when the drop dead time will be for, say, the Mets to decide if they are dealing Pete Alonso before his free agency …

Mariners Trade Robbie Ray To Giants For Mitch Haniger, Anthony DeSclafani  —  The Giants and Mariners have completed a trade, per announcements from both clubs, that will send left-hander Robbie Ray to the Giants, with outfielder Mitch Haniger, right-hander Anthony DeSclafani and cash considerations going to the Mariners.

Where Cody Bellinger, Shota Imanaga and the Cubs stand during slow-moving offseason  —  There are too many free agents still out there for Chicago Cubs fans to start wishing for Juan Soto at Wrigley Field next year.  The New York Yankees will have a full season to make their recruiting pitch to Soto …