Le Journal

While this move will be overshadowed by the MacKenzie Gore trade, Paul Toboni made another waiver claim. This time he picked up Gus Varland from the Diamondbacks. He is the older brother of Blue Jays reliever Louis Varland and has some similarities. To make room on the 40-man roster the Nationals DFA’d Riley Adams. The Nationals have claimed right-handed pitcher Gus Varland off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks and designated catcher Riley Adams for assignment.— Nationals Communications (@NationalsComms) January 22, 2026 While Varland did not pitch in the MLB in 2025 and had an injury riddled season, he has MLB experience. He had a really strong season in 2024, posting a 3.42 ERA in 26.1 innings with 27 strikeouts. If he can get back to that form in 2026, he can be a nice piece for the Nats bullpen. At just 29 years old, Varland still has time on his side as well. Varland has an exciting fastball/slider combination that can get big league outs. His fastball sat at 95 MPH in 2024, but it has a ton of carry at the top of the zone. The heater is comfortably his best pitch and he throws it over 55% of the time. Varland’s primary secondary pitch is a high-80’s slider, but he also mixes in a changeup. He is an interesting piece to add to a wide open mix in the Nats bullpen. With Varland and Paxton Schultz in the fold, Paul Toboni has created some more bullpen depth. The high leverage spots are a concern, but it feels like the bullpen has more capable bodies now. On the other side of the coin, the Nats DFA’d Riley Adams, who has been with the team for a while. Adams was part of a deal that sent Brad Hand to the Blue Jays. While he has not been great, getting a big leaguer for Hand is a win. In his time with the Nats, Adams posted a .640 OPS. The Nationals have claimed Gus Varland off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks and DFA’d catcher Riley Adams.Adams, acquired in the sell-off in 2021 for Brad Hand, hit .215 with a .640 OPS in five seasons with the Nationals.— Andrew Golden (@andrewcgolden) January 22, 2026 Adams has some eye-popping tools, most notably his elite bat speed. His 78.3 MPH average swing speed is one of the best marks in the sport. He also has an absolute cannon of an arm. However, he was just unable to fully put things together. Adams will turn 30 this year, so time is not really on his side anymore. He is also out of options, so it feels unlikely that he gets claimed. Given some of the tools, I would not be shocked if he got claimed though. Obviously, this move will be overshadowed by the Gore trade, but it could be a decent pickup for the bullpen. Paul Toboni is making his mark on this roster, there is no denying that.

The Seattle Seahawks are hopeful of getting a key running back back to help Sam Darnold in the game against the Rams. The Seattle Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 NFC Championship Game. Sam Darnold will try to reach the Super Bowl in the third matchup of the season against his divisional rival led by Matthew Stafford. However, the Seahawks must find a solution as soon as possible, as they have lost running back Zach Charbonnet for the rest of the playoffs due to a knee injury. That will increase the workload for Kenneth Walker. Given this scenario, the Seahawks have put a plan in motion to try to add depth at the position ahead of the crucial matchup. Every detail could be key to overcoming a contender like the Rams. Seahawks could get back RB George Holani George Holani officially returned to practice with the Seattle Seahawks in a very important update after losing Zach Charbonnet. In fact, Mike Macdonald said Thursday that he has seen very positive things since Holani recovered from a hamstring injury. “George is doing a good job. He’s doing a great job.” The importance of the running game for Sam Darnold If the Seahawks are able to establish the running game with Kenneth Walker despite Charbonnet’s absence, things will be easier for Sam Darnold against a very dangerous Rams defense. Additionally, if Holani is ready, that could provide a huge boost to the depth chart.

The Milwaukee Bucks are exploring all avenues to upgrade the roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo. There is one big move they could make.

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